Cheap Things From Amazon That Look Effing Amazing In My Home

“I've had a stainless steel rotating utensil holder for years, and it really makes my life so much easier and changes the look of my kitchen,” says Bustle editor, Amy Biggart. This budget-friendly utensil holder has a sleek stainless steel design that looks expensive. Load its three compartments (FYI, the divider is removable) with whisks, spatulas, and spoons to keep them organized. Once filled, you can quickly rotate the base to grab the tool you need.

“I could sing the praises of the Sleek Socket forever,” says Biggart, “but it really is as good as advertised and streamlines unsightly cords in my house.” It works by plugging into a standard duplex outlet, concealing the plugs, and giving your space a streamlined design. The 3-foot white extension cable adheres to your baseboard, blending in with your wall. Meanwhile, you can move your plugs into the extension end and conceal them behind furniture to eliminate cord clutter.

“This is just so cool,” says Biggart. “This [book vase] was given to me as a gift, but I love having it out on my counter.” Its design resembles a decorative hardcover copy of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel Little Women. Display it on your desk, shelf, or counter for a nod to your love of literature and add a bouquet of fresh or faux flowers to its spacious interior. Its cover art includes decorative elements inspired by the book.

Biggart likes storage baskets like this one to keep blankets organized, accessible, and put away. “A blanket basket is such a chic way to keep blankets organized in my space, and I have a lot of blankets at this point,” says Biggart. Woven with a durable cotton and polyester rope, it’s soft, flexible, and sturdy enough to hold heavy blankets, toys, or books. Its roomy interior can hold more than one throw blanket, and its chic handles make it a cinch to carry across your room. Choose from five stylish colors to match your decor.

“This lid organizer worked out a lot better than I hoped,” says Bustle editor, Karen Belz. “[It] does its job without serving as an eyesore. It's clever, adjustable, and an incredible time-saver.” Place the organizer in a kitchen cabinet to organize all your plastic storage lids (and get them out of your messy drawer). With five adjustable dividers for various lid sizes, it keeps lids upright, sorted, and easy to grab. It also has integrated handles, so you can easily pull it out when needed.

“A chunky knit blanket looks so great draped over your couch or on your bed; I really love them,” Biggart raves. This knit throw has a tightly woven large knit in a soft chenille that looks and feels luxe. Its tighter weave keeps you warm while remaining breathable. Even better, it’s fade- and wrinkle-resistant and machine-washable on the gentle cycle. You have options, too — grab one of three sizes and eight sophisticated colors.

“These are so fun,” says Biggart of these rhinestone shower curtain hooks. “They add a bit of whimsy to an otherwise standard bathroom setup.” Thread the hooks through your shower curtain loops, and they’ll add glam sparkle to your bathroom. Their shimmery crystal surface features durable resin and rhinestones, which are water-resistant. Meanwhile, their hooks are rust-resistant, smooth-gliding stainless steel. Choose from six colors to match your vibe, including orange, purple, red, teal, pink, and clear.

“The bottom rack of my toaster oven was in shambles to the point where I literally thought about just throwing it out,” says Belz. “But, along came this genius scrubber that took care of the issue in seconds. It looks cool, feels cool, and should be essential in all kitchen spaces for those heavy-duty jobs.” Made of stainless steel chain mail, its clever construction is tough enough to remove stuck-on food and grime without damaging surfaces. Use it to clean cast iron, stainless steel, and anodized aluminum pots and pans, and it will banish hard-to-remove messes without tiring you out.

“I have this tucked between my fridge and the wall, and it’s cleared up so much counter clutter,” says Bustle editor, Anna Anderson. As a compact storage cart, its sleek design is perfect for stashing between your fridge and counter. Its rolling wheels make it easy to access items you need on its four tiers, which are spacious enough to fit containers up to 12.6 inches tall. It also features helpful handles, lockable wheels, and removable storage hooks.

“The easiest home decor project ever, these ginko drawer pulls make my secondhand IKEA nightstands look far nicer than they actually are,” says Bustle editor, Scarlett James. Despite their low price, they feature a luxe, sophisticated ginko leaf design that’s eye-catching and suitable for multiple decor styles, including modern, eclectic, and glam. Install them on drawers or cabinets with the included hardware to upgrade the look of your furniture. Their zinc alloy is lightweight yet durable.

Cassandra Seale, Bustle editor, calls this highly rated monitor stand “sleek and practical.” Designed by an Italian designer, it features a sleek, mid-century modern look that will look incredible on your desk and give you a more ergonomic setup. Use its compartments and drawer to store office essentials (and curb clutter), then place your keyboard and mouse underneath the stand. The top easily supports heavy monitors without teetering.

Biggart also loves hanging these wooden hangers in her closets. “They’re more expensive than velvet or plastic hangers, but I love the look of wood hangers, and they look great in my home,” she says. They feature a smooth, elegant, varnished finish, 360-degree rotating hooks, and contoured shoulders. They also have convenient pants bars for hanging slacks and side notches to keep thin straps from slipping. Their durable wood can support even your heaviest coats (up to 15 pounds) and won’t snag or damage your clothing.

Kate Miller, Bustle editor, says of this budget-friendly cutlery organizer: “It makes my utensil drawer look so much more organized, and it holds a ton.” It saves space by stacking up to 24 utensils in a smaller area with a width of just over 4 inches. Its compartments are clearly labeled for spoons, knives, and forks, so you can easily find what you need. And because it frees up space, your drawer will also have room for larger utensils.

Biggart is also a fan of this expandable shoe rack, which she says “brings so much order” to her entryway closet. It has three tiers and stretches up to nearly 3 feet, providing enough space to store up to 12 pairs of shoes, including taller options like boots and heels. Its sturdy metal can also handle heavier shoes without bending or bowing. Plus, it assembles in under five minutes.

“My sister just complimented my rattan tray, and I remembered how useful it is,” Biggart explains. “It used to be on my coffee table but has been living on my island for a bit. It’s really nice for corralling things.” This handwoven round rattan tray brings some earthy vibes to your space while being super useful for displaying coffee table books, decor, toiletries, or kitchen items. Its sturdy, durable build can support daily essentials and also features handles for using it as a serving tray.

Anderson says this bread box is “another countertop clearer.” While meant for storing bread, you can also think outside the box. “I got this for my supplements, coffee filters, etc., and it’s made the biggest difference.” Its two spacious shelves are large enough to hold multiple bottles, bread loaves, or baked goods. Crafted from chic, durable bamboo that will look amazing on your countertop, it hides what’s inside behind two acrylic, wavy windows. Its classic, pull-down lids will also help keep items from getting dusty.

Biggart gives advice on a much-needed kitchen item. “An over-the-sink colander looks great when I leave it out, but it also makes it easier to strain things without straining myself,” she says. This oval colander features a fine stainless steel mesh that catches the tiniest bits of food so they don’t end up in your sink. Its large capacity (6 quarts) makes washing everything from lettuce to veggies to dry legumes convenient. Its nonslip arms also expand for a custom fit over your sink.

Kitchen upgrades can also make a huge difference in your home. “Life is just easier with these stovetop gap covers, and now I don't have to worry about crumbs or grime building up between the sides of my stove and my counter,” says Biggart. Their matte black silicone will blend seamlessly with your stovetop while blocking the gaps. Insert them into the gaps, and they’ll catch messy drips, spills, and crumbs, so you can wipe them away instead of cleaning between your stovetop gaps. Their heat-resistant material is also trim-able to fit, and they’re top-rack dishwasher-safe for stress-free cleanup.

Biggart also raves about this cable management box: “Finally, a solution for all of the cords around my desk area.” It offers a sleek and safe way to hide your cord clutter. Made from electrically-safe, durable plastic, it features a spacious interior that fits a 10.5-inch or smaller extension cord inside, including the cables you have plugged into it. Run the cord through one of the back slots, then top it off with the lid to hide your cords and plugs.

“I have these under-cabinet lights in my kitchen,” says Biggart, “and they really add to the ambiance of the room and make it easier to see my cooking tasks.” They come with two options for mounting (adhesive and screws) and are completely wireless. Add batteries, then use the included remote control to adjust the brightness and set a timer for up to 2 hours. Their long-lasting battery life will give you up to 72 hours of light to see better while prepping and cooking.

Seale also loves this shower caddy set, hailing its easy installation and design as “easy on the eyes.” Designed to fit in the tight corners of your shower, they have a sleek, rust-resistant stainless steel build. Instead of adhesive, their built-in suction cups cling to your shower walls, so installation takes just a few minutes. After installation, each shelf can hold up to 22 pounds, aesthetically organizing your products and decluttering your shower.

“I actually use these to keep walls and tabletops from getting scratched up from decor,” says Anderson of these cabinet door bumpers. They adhere to the back of wooden cabinets, decor, glass vases, and more. Just peel them off and stick them where you want them. Once applied, they’ll protect cabinets from slamming or cushion surfaces from decor items that could leave scratches or dents. Even better, their small, translucent design is nearly invisible.

For a kitchen upgrade, Biggart says an in-drawer knife organizer is a small-cost upgrade that makes a big difference. “I really can’t explain how much I love [it]. Plus, it keeps everything safer,” she adds. This one is under 2 inches tall, so it easily fits in most kitchen drawers. Crafted from scratch-resistant bamboo, it has 16 secure slots for knives of various sizes (including large chef knives) and a slot for a knife sharpener. It protects and organizes your knives while preventing you from accidentally grabbing sharp blades.

“Closets are hard to organize, but this tiered storage organizer makes it easy, and the fabric sides look really nice hanging in my closet,” says Biggart. It hangs easily in your closet, provides five shelves for storing everything from accessories to blouses to leggings, and its sturdy frame supports up to 15 pounds. Its breathable fabric will keep your clothing fresh, while six mesh pockets on the sides also provide space for socks, undergarments, and other small items.

James says this classic Greek statue “lends gravitas to console tables and bookshelves alike, [and] implies you collect antiquities.” James adds that she’s used it to store a necklace. Designed to look like a classic Renaissance statue of Apollo, its lightweight resin costs much less than a real sculpture but still looks impressive. Display it on a side table, bookshelf, or vanity for a cheap and easy touch of elegance. You can also choose from other statue styles, including David, Anna, and Venus.

“A cohesive set of bathroom storage containers goes a long way towards making such a small space look nicer,” says James. “I love these, which are gorgeously faceted with chic gold accents.” Featuring elegant sage green glass with crystal cuts, these bathroom containers will elevate the look of your bathroom for a low price. The five versatile pieces include a soap dispenser, a toothbrush holder, a soap dish, a cotton swab jar, and a tumbler, topped with luxe gold accents. Each piece is also super easy to clean.

“This [glass jar] is such a pretty way to store coffee beans, crackers, or whatever else you want to keep fresh,” says Anderson. Its glass interior holds 27 ounces of dry goods like pasta, beans, or cereals, while the airtight lid locks out moisture to protect what’s inside. Because it has a wide mouth, it’s easy to fit a food scoop inside without tipping over the jar. Display it on your countertop or use it to stylishly organize your pantry.

“I used this [faux sheepskin rug] on the lower level of [my] glass coffee table to soften things up, and it looks fab,” admits Seale. It delivers seriously cozy vibes for an ultra-low price and comes in 12 sizes and 20 colors to suit your decor. Featuring an extra-thick pile for an authentic-looking shag, it feels sumptuously comfortable on your feet and will add a luxe touch to any space. Even better: it’s machine-washable.

“Everyone who uses your bathroom is going to see your bath mat, so you might as well find one that looks nice,” says Biggart. “This [bath mat] is absorbent and looks great in my bathroom.” It comes in 21 colors and six sizes to match your bathroom’s decor style and features a sleek, absorbent microfiber over comfortable memory foam. Its durable, machine-washable construction quickly absorbs water without getting soggy. It also has a nonslip backing so that it won’t slide underfoot.

Another favorite of Anderson’s? These drywall picture hangers. “It's so much easier to hang art with these claw hangers, and they don't make big holes the way nails do,” says Anderson. They take the stress out of hanging heavy-duty art with zero need for nails, a stud finder, or a hammer. Just mark where you want to hang your picture and push a hanger into the wall. Its durable, hardened steel will securely hold frames up to 15 pounds.

“I am a white towel loyalist,” confesses Biggart, “and these [bath towels] are super soft and have enough in the set that you’ll have towels for guests.” Its eight-piece hotel-style set includes two bath towels, two hand towels, and four washcloths in plush, absorbent cotton. Their OEKO-TEX-certified material is lightweight, so they’re comfortable enough to wrap up in while you get ready. Each towel also includes a convenient hanging hook for bathroom towel hooks.

For your bedding, Biggart suggests this inexpensive duvet cover that’s soft, comfortable, and stylish. “This is my go-to duvet cover, and I like how affordable it is. I can buy a few colors and mix up my bedding frequently,” she says. “For the price, the quality is great and super soft.” Made from a soft, pre-washed polyester that’s lightweight, soft, and cozy, it’s perfect for year-round use. It secures over your duvet with a convenient zipper and eight corner ties to keep your comforter from bunching up. It’s also easy to clean in your washing machine and comes in 29 gorgeous colors and several sizes.

Biggart says adding a mirror is an easy way to make your home look nicer. “A round mirror is a must in my home, and this one looks so nice. It really changes the energy in my entryway,” she says. It has a stylish aluminum alloy frame available in black, gold, silver, and white, as well as explosion-proof glass. Its aesthetic, minimalist design is perfect for an entryway, bathroom, or living room, reflecting light and making your space look larger. Its high-definition glass is also great for checking your hair and makeup.

“I really love how realistic these are,” Biggart says of these flameless candles. “It’s a bonus that they’re safer than regular candles.” Their realism comes from their real wax, expensive-looking glass holders, and flameless wicks that mimic flickering candle flames. Add batteries, and you can use their remote control to lessen or increase their brightness or set an auto-off timer for four or eight hours. When on, they’ll give off a golden glow like real candles.

Bustle editor, Danielle Kraese says this budget-friendly floor cushion is excellent “for extra seating.” She adds, “The quality is so much better than I was expecting — I love that it has a grippy bottom and that the fabric looks nice enough to blend in with my couch and other furniture.” It has a dual-layer design with 2 inches of shredded memory foam on top and 3 inches of high-density foam underneath for a comfortable, supportive sitting experience. Its textured, tufted fabric is soft, durable (it’s fade- and pill-resistant), and machine-washable. If blue isn’t your color, it’s also available in light gray.

“It seems like such a small upgrade, but my sink looks and functions so much better since I swapped in this [sink strainer],” says Kraese. “The stainless steel rim makes it blend in seamlessly with my stainless steel sink, and it’s dishwasher safe, so it’s easy to keep it from getting skeevy.” Slip it into your sink, and the silicone strainer will catch food particles without preventing water flow. When it’s time to pull it out, the long handle makes it easy to grasp, and you can easily invert the silicone to dispose of debris. Its underside is also silicone, so it won’t scratch your sink basin.

“Since pet food and water are always left out, I wanted something aesthetic for the task,” says James. “These ceramic bowls are nice to look at and easy to clean, and the bamboo stand keeps the rascals from overturning their water dish.” Pet parents will love the sleek look of the set, which features pet-safe white ceramic food and water bowls that hold 13.5 ounces. The bamboo stand not only keeps things neat but may promote better posture for your pet. It’s the perfect size for pets under 25 pounds.

“One of my favorite evening routines is having these flickering LED candles automatically turn on,” admits James. “It creates such a cozy atmosphere that requires zero work from me.” They deliver the iconic cozy glow of real candles without smoking wicks, melting wax, or dangerous accidents. Each candle has a varying height (so you can stagger them for an aesthetic look) and a realistic flickering LED light that makes the candle glow. You can also customize their brightness and flickering modes with the remote control.

“I waited way too long to try these drawer liners, but now I’m never looking back,” says Kraese. “My kitchen drawers look so much more organized, and things don’t shift around every time I open or close them now.” The liners come in a 10-foot, trim-able roll, so you can measure and trim them to fit your drawers and shelves. Its PowerGrip technology easily grips surfaces without adhesive, giving you a nonslip surface for utensils, dishes, and other kitchen items. They also protect your drawers and shelves from unsightly scratches.

Seale also recommends this bamboo bath mat, which she says not only matches a bamboo bath tray but also “gives the bathroom a spa-like feel.” Although it looks like it belongs in a spa, it’s also super practical. When you step out of the tub, its slats allow water to drain quickly without the mat getting soggy (like fabric options). It also has nonslip feet, so it won’t ever slip or slide underfoot.

Miller says, “These long-burn tapered candles seem like they’d cost way more than they do. They come in elegant packaging that’s nice for gifting, too.” The candles contain 30% more wax than standard tapers, thanks to their straight sides, so you’ll get a longer-lasting burn (and more bang for your buck). They’re also fragrance-free, smokeless, and have rich colors that run all the way through. Choose from six elegant color schemes, including blues, yellows, greens, pinks, and creams.

Miller also loves this silicone pet food mat for its practicality. “[It] makes my kitty’s food area look tidy and protects the floors. I love that it’s dishwasher safe for easy maintenance, too,” says Miller. It saves your floors by catching any crumbs, spills, or splashes, with clever, raised edges that prevent food and water from spilling out. Its nonslip silicone prevents it from moving (even if your pet knocks it). Wipe it with a cloth for quick maintenance or put it on the top-rack dishwasher-safe for a thorough clean.

“I love these ceramic bowls because they have an organic, wavy rim that makes them look elevated — whether in use or just stacked on an exposed shelf,” says Miller. In addition to an elevated, wavy rim, each bowl holds up to 28 ounces of food and has a high-quality glazed ceramic that’s lead-free and durable. In fact, they’re microwave-, oven-, and dishwasher-safe. Choose from sleek, matte white, or opt for matte or speckled black or deep green.

“These sturdy boxes are perfect for storing off-season clothes and accessories,” raves Miller. “I love the tight-sealing lids to keep items protected.” Designed with a chic striped fabric, they look great whether they’re on exposed shelves or in a closet. Use them to store clothing, linens, and more (they fit up to five bath towels or three queen-sized throw blankets each). Their durable handles also make them easy to move when you need to.

“I always get compliments from guests on these thin-stemmed wine glasses that have a sophisticated square shape,” says Miller. “They feel delicate in hand while still being dishwasher safe.” Crafted from lead-free crystal from the Czech Republic, their cylindrical design allows white wines to breathe so you can get the most out of their flavors. They hold over 11 ounces of wine, and their thin, long stems make them easy to hold while you sip. Reviewers rank them high on value for the money.

“I have recently started adding more plants to my space, and a natural-looking planter is my absolute fave,” says Biggart. Crafted from seagrass, this trio of woven planters will add pretty texture to your space and look great with any decor style. Each planter comes lined with plastic to prevent leaks and has a different size for various houseplants. And they’re perfect for either fresh or faux plants.

“You spill coffee or coffee grounds one too many times, and suddenly, this coffee mat feels like a kitchen essential. It adds a lot to my coffee setup,” explains Biggart. Made from ultra-absorbent diatomite that sucks up spills in 10 seconds, its upper PU material hides stains like a pro. Put it underneath your coffee brewer, and its leakproof backing will protect your counters from stains. When it needs a refresh, simply wipe or rinse it clean.

“All of my rugs look better when they stay in the place I want them to be,” says Biggart, who likes this rug pad. “It’s the best one I’ve ever used and miles cheaper than the more expensive ones I’ve tried.” Made from an anti-slip felt, it grips your floor (especially tile and hardwood) like a pro to stop your rug from sliding around. It also prevents your rugs from bunching or curling at the corners. As a bonus, it adds comfortable cushioning and may help protect the longevity of rug fibers.

Seale says this foldable bathtub tray “seriously levels up bathtime” while being “nice-looking enough to keep out.” Its spa-like, aesthetically pleasing bamboo can fold up for storage or expand to fit over your tub, with nonslip feet that lock it into place. The tray features slots for bathtub go-tos (like a glass of wine, a candle, and bath salts) and a fold-up stand to hold your phone, tablet, laptop, or book.

“Great for anyone with a smaller kitchen space (like me), this rack comes in quite handy when it’s time to bake,” says Belz. “It also looks cool — when it’s up, it turns everyday cookie projects into a real work of art. When it’s not in use, it also saves space by being collapsible.” If you don’t have a lot of space, this will easily fit on your countertop and give you four tiers of racks to cool cookies, pastries, and other baked goods. Its racks are nonstick carbon steel and roomy enough for full-sized cakes. You can even adjust the tiers to three heights to meet your needs.

“These pillowcases are so silky, smooth, and cooling, I have to bring them with me everywhere (even if I don't bring my own pillow),” confesses Seale. “I also think the subtle sheen adds a nice texture to my bedding set.” Made from 100% polyester with a silk-like feel (that’s also easier to wash than real silk), these feature a luxe appearance that’s also practical. The fabric is gentler on your hair and skin than other options and feels cooler to sleep on than cotton. A sleek envelope closure completes their sleek look.

“I use these [organizer bins] everywhere. In my fridge, pantry, entryway, office. They give a home to otherwise random, loose items,” says Seale. This set of four bins is convenient for office supplies or small pantry items because they’re clear (so you can see what’s inside) and stackable. Thanks to their raised feet, they’ll stay put wherever you put them and are easy to move via the handles. They’re also BPA-free and food-safe.

“I have a hodgepodge of knives, so the flexible bristles in this knife block allow me to put them all wherever,” says Seale. “The wood also blends nicely into my kitchen.” It has a stylish acacia wood build, a nonslip base, and two tiers with tightly packed plastic bristles that won’t dull your blades. The bristles allow you to arrange your blades however you’d like while keeping them separated. And it fits knives up to 8.5 inches long.

“I really like the mid-century aesthetic of this shower curtain; it reminds me of the future that never was that you see in Tomorrowland at Walt Disney World,” says Seale. “The colors also pop without overwhelming my small bathroom.” Made from soft, quick-drying polyester, the curtain has a vibrant, fade-resistant print featuring green and blue diamonds and mid-century starbursts. Aside from looking great, it features a practical addition — a weighted hem to keep the curtain stable and water from spraying out of your shower. It also comes with 12 easy-glide hanging hooks.

“Stainless steel for the win,” says Biggart, who recommends this stainless steel kettle. “I like that you can see how much water is in the kettle on the side, too.” With a durable stainless steel build and a 1.7-liter capacity, boiling water has never been easier. Choose from six temperature presets for specific brews like oolong tea, green tea, and French press coffee, and turn it on (the side panel shows you your water level). There’s even an option to keep water warm for 30 minutes.