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Experts Recommend These 60 Home Upgrades You Can Make Under $40
Looking to enhance your living space without spending a fortune? There are plenty of practical and stylish home upgrades you can make for under $40. In this article, we’ve gathered 60 expert-recommended improvements that offer a great balance of affordability and impact. Whether you're aiming to refresh your decor or add some functional touches, these budget-friendly ideas will help you make meaningful changes to your home. Explore these simple yet effective upgrades to transform your space without overspending.
1Laundry Hamper
Add natural charm to your home with this stylish cotton rope laundry basket. Its elegant design makes it a standout decorative piece, suitable for any room. Crafted from premium handwoven cotton rope, it offers durability and breathability, preventing dampness and odors. This multi-purpose basket can store laundry, toys, blankets, and more, helping keep your space organized.
2Magnetic Spice Racks
These magnetic spice storage racks are a simple way to organize your kitchen, especially if you have limited counter or cabinet space. With a strong, rustproof design, they attach securely to the side of your refrigerator or oven, keeping your spices within easy reach. The racks are easy to adjust and move as needed, making them a practical solution for small kitchens.
3Plug in Night Light with Motion Sensor
This set of four plug-in night lights offers energy-efficient and versatile illumination for various indoor spaces. Equipped with both a dusk-to-dawn sensor and a motion sensor, these lights automatically adjust based on ambient lighting and movement. They feature adjustable brightness from 1 to 50 lumens, ensuring optimal visibility while minimizing eye strain. The motion sensor activates the light when movement is detected in low-light conditions and turns it off after 60 seconds of inactivity, conserving energy. Alternatively, the night mode uses the light sensor to activate the light only in dark environments.
4Adjustable Cabinet Shelf
These cabinet organizer shelves provide a practical and flexible solution for keeping your kitchen essentials in order. Made from sturdy engineered wood and metal, each shelf can hold up to 33 lbs, making them perfect for storing spices, containers, or even small appliances. The adjustable design allows you to stack, nest, or arrange them in various configurations to suit your space.
5Hanging Plant Pots
This set of two 10-inch hanging planters combines style and functionality for both indoor and outdoor spaces. Crafted from durable recycled plastic and natural stone powder, these lightweight planters feature a marble pattern and contemporary industrial design. They come with adjustable heavy-duty triple rope hangers and pre-drilled drainage holes to prevent overwatering.
6Bathroom Shelf
Upgrade your bathroom storage with these farmhouse-style floating shelves. The set of three 16-inch shelves offers ample space for organizing toilet paper, bath towels, and other essentials. Crafted from durable medium-density fiberboard, they withstand damp environments and provide reliable support with a 6.7-inch depth for various items.
7Floor Mats
These all-weather floor mats offer robust protection for your vehicle's interior from snow, rain, and mud. Designed to fit most cars, trucks, and SUVs, they come in a full set with front mats measuring 27"x20" and rear mats 51"x14". Made from durable rubber, the mats are flexible and resistant to deformation or cracking. Their trim-to-fit design allows for customization to your vehicle’s specific shape.
8Decorative Wall Art
This green canvas wall art set offers a stylish and vibrant touch to any space. The three-piece set, each measuring 16" x 12", features high-definition prints on premium, waterproof canvas that is resistant to UV and fading. The artwork is pre-stretched on sturdy wooden frames and comes ready to hang, with gallery-wrapped edges that enhance its decorative appeal.
9Wall-Mounted Key Holder
Elevate your home organization with this stylish wall-mounted mail and key holder. Crafted from stainless steel with a matte black finish, this sleek rack is designed to complement any farmhouse decor while keeping your essentials neatly arranged. Featuring six stainless steel hooks, it’s perfect for holding keys, sunglasses, wallets, and more. The practical tray provides additional storage for mail and small accessories.
10Fridge Organizers
This set of 8 Vtopmart fridge organizers offers multi-purpose storage solutions for your kitchen. It includes 6 wide bins for fruits and vegetables, a drink organizer for cans, and an egg organizer. Made from BPA-free, food-grade plastic, these clear bins feature built-in handles for easy access and transport.
11Smart Plugs
This smart plug lets you control your devices with voice commands using Alexa or Google Assistant. Just plug it in, connect to your Wi-Fi, and use the Kasa app to manage your electronics or set schedules from anywhere. It’s compact and fits easily into any outlet, making it a convenient way to automate everyday items like lamps and fans.
12LED Light Bulbs
This LED light bulb offers a soft white glow and is an energy-efficient alternative to traditional 60-watt incandescent bulbs. Consuming only 9 watts, it provides 750 lumens of brightness while significantly reducing energy usage. Designed to last up to 7 years, it minimizes the hassle of frequent bulb changes, making it a practical choice for long-term use.
13Door Draft Stopper
This draft stopper is designed to help keep your home comfortable by blocking cold air, reducing noise, and even preventing light and odors from entering under the door. With foam that’s larger than most, it effectively covers gaps from 0.5 to 1.7 inches, making it ideal for use in bedrooms or apartments. It easily moves with the door and doesn’t require constant adjustment, unlike some stick-on alternatives. Adjustable to fit doors up to 36 inches, it’s simple to install and won’t damage your door.
14Under-Cabinet Lighting
These wireless under-cabinet lights are designed to make your space brighter and more convenient. With motion-sensing technology, they automatically turn on when they detect movement within a 10-foot range and switch off after 20 seconds of inactivity to save energy. The gradual brightening feature ensures a gentle glow, preventing harsh glares. Featuring 36 LEDs, they provide strong, efficient lighting, and the rechargeable battery can last up to 60 days in sensor mode. You can choose between four lighting modes and easily adjust the brightness to suit your needs.
15Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
This cordless vacuum is designed with Clean Sense IQ technology, automatically adjusting its power to optimize dirt pickup. The dual-function brushroll combines soft microfibers for dust and PowerFins to dig deep into carpets. Its MultiFLEX technology allows easy access under furniture, while powerful suction ensures top performance. Equipped with a self-cleaning brushroll to handle pet hair, this vacuum offers a hassle-free experience. The LED display helps monitor settings and battery life, and with up to 40 minutes of runtime, it delivers reliable cleaning throughout the home.
16Showerhead Filter
This shower filter is designed to improve the condition of your skin, hair, and nails from the moment you start using it. Its multi-stage filtration system includes redox media, calcium sulfite, activated carbon, and ceramic beads to remove chlorine, pesticides, dirt, and odors while reducing scale buildup. It neutralizes harmful chemicals, balances pH levels, and infuses beneficial minerals, leading to healthier skin and shinier hair.
17Cable Management Clips
This pack of 16 black self-adhesive cable clips is designed to keep your cables organized and tangle-free. Ideal for use on desks, nightstands, and various surfaces, these clips help manage cords for phones, computers, and other devices. The clips come in various sizes to accommodate different types of cables.
18Wall-Mounted Bottle Opener
This wall-mount bottle opener features a classic 1929 Coca-Cola design and is crafted from durable die-cast chrome-plated metal. Its glossy silver finish with raised red lettering adds a touch of retro style to any space. Easy to install, it provides a practical and stylish solution for opening bottles.
19Reusable Silicone Food Bags
These reusable silicone bags come in a convenient 10-pack assortment, including 3 gallon-sized bags, 4 sandwich bags, and 3 snack bags. Made from food-grade PEVA, these bags are dishwasher safe, freezer safe, and BPA-free, ensuring safe storage for a variety of foods. They are leakproof and airtight, perfect for storing liquids and keeping food fresh.
20Drawer Organizers
This silverware drawer organizer features a large, expandable design that adapts to various drawer sizes, with dimensions adjustable from 13 to 22.4 inches wide. It includes 8 compartments of different sizes for sorting cutlery, utensils, and kitchen tools. Made from durable, BPA-free polypropylene, this organizer ensures long-lasting use and is easy to clean.
21Self-Adhesive Wallpaper
This self-adhesive wallpaper, measuring 17.3'' × 78.8'', features a green and white geometric design. Made from durable PVC, it is waterproof, oil-resistant, and easy to clean. The wallpaper is simple to apply—just cut to size, peel off the backing, and stick. It can be used on various surfaces such as kitchen counters, furniture, and walls.
22Decorative Throw Pillows
These throw pillows come in a set of four, each measuring 18 x 18 inches. The pillows feature a white color and are filled with polyester fiber, offering a plush and soft feel. They are expertly sewn for durability and retain their shape over time.
23Magnetic Knife Strip
This 16-inch magnetic knife bar combines functionality and style. Made from high-grade stainless steel, it features a powerful magnet to securely hold knives, scissors, tools, and more. Its sleek design complements any kitchen decor while offering versatile storage solutions.
24Smart Light Bulb
The Amazon Basics Smart Light Bulb offers a convenient and energy-efficient upgrade for your lighting needs. This LED bulb (A19, 9W, 60W Equivalent) delivers 800 lumens of brightness and connects via 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, exclusively working with Alexa. You can effortlessly control the bulb through voice commands or the Alexa app, allowing you to create custom routines, schedule automatic lighting changes, and select from 16 different colors and various brightness levels to match any occasion.
25Door Stopper
These premium rubber door stoppers are perfect for keeping doors securely in place. Each wedge measures 4.85" x 2.2" x 1.2" and fits doors with a clearance of up to 1.2". Made from durable, flexible rubber, they work well on various surfaces, including tile, concrete, and wood. The stackable design allows for doubling them back-to-back for additional support, preventing doors from closing on their own.
26Over-the-Door Hooks
These over-the-door hooks, sold in a set of four, offer a convenient solution for hanging items on doors up to 1 3/4" thick. Measuring 7.5" in length, each hook features a plastic coating that prevents snagging and protects door surfaces from scratches. The hooks are sturdy enough for heavy items like ironing boards, robes, and bags, while their thin design ensures that doors close easily without obstruction.
27Potted Plants
This set of four mini artificial eucalyptus plants, each housed in a sleek black pot, brings a touch of greenery to any indoor space. Measuring 5"D x 5"W x 7"H, these faux plants are designed to add a fresh, modern aesthetic to desktops, home interiors, or office settings. Made from high-quality, environmentally friendly materials, they require no sunlight, water, or maintenance, making them ideal for busy individuals.
28Towel Hooks
These transparent adhesive hooks are a practical and stylish solution for organizing various spaces in your home. Each pack includes 12 heavy-duty hooks that adhere to smooth surfaces like wood, tile, ceramic, metal, and plastic. Made from durable stainless steel and PVC, these hooks are designed to be rustproof and long-lasting. They can hold a range of items, from towels and coats to keys and gardening tools. They are also removable and reusable after cleaning, leaving no damage to surfaces.
29Vacuum Storage Bags
This 16-pack of vacuum storage bags features a variety of sizes: 4 jumbo, 4 large, 4 medium, and 4 small, offering flexible storage solutions. Designed to save up to 80% of space, these bags are perfect for compressing items like clothing, blankets, and comforters. Made from thick, durable plastic with a double-zipper closure and triple-seal valve, they ensure long-lasting compression and protection. The set includes a hand pump for easy air removal.
30Rug Gripper
Keep your rugs securely in place with these double-sided reusable grippers. Designed to prevent sliding or curling, these grippers offer a strong adhesive on both sides—one for your rug and one for your floor. The square design maximizes contact for enhanced grip while remaining thin and discreet. Suitable for a variety of floor types including hardwood, tile, laminate, and marble, and can be cut to fit any rug shape.
31Refrigerator Thermometer
Ensure your food stays at the right temperature with this classic refrigerator thermometer. Featuring a large dial with clear blue and red indicators, it’s easy to read temperatures ranging from -20 to 80°F (-30 to 30°C). Designed for use in refrigerators, freezers, and insulated boxes, the thermometer can be hung or placed in various positions thanks to its hook-type panel.
32Compact Air Purifier
Enhance your indoor air quality with this compact desktop air purifier, designed for spaces up to 215 sq. ft. It features a 360-degree air intake system and a multi-layer filtration setup including a pre-filter, HEPA filter, and activated carbon filter to capture 99.97% of allergens, dust, and odors. The unit operates quietly at just 20dB, making it perfect for bedrooms, offices, and nurseries.
33Magnetic Curtain Tiebacks
Enhance your curtain decor with these elegant magnetic tiebacks. Made with high-end nickel-plated magnets and thickened polyester yarn, they offer strong magnetic hold and durability. These tiebacks are easy to use and can be styled in various ways to suit any room, including living rooms, bedrooms, and offices.
34Scented Candle
Create a calming atmosphere with this medium jar candle featuring a soothing blend of lavender and thyme. Enjoy approximately 50 hours of burn time from its natural soy wax blend, which ensures a clean and consistent flame. The frosted jar design enhances the candlelight, making it a charming addition to any room.
35Adjustable Furniture Feet
Ensure your furniture stays stable and level with these adjustable leveling feet. Each metal leg can support up to 330 lbs, with a total capacity of 1,320 lbs for the set. The versatile design fits various furniture types including tables, chairs, and cabinets, and is compatible with all floor surfaces. Features include a 1.75” steel insert with a 3/8-16” thread for easy height adjustment from 3/4” to 1-3/4”. The included felt pads protect floors from scratches and noise.
36Smart Thermometer
Monitor your family's health with the Kinsa QuickScan Smart Thermometer. This no-touch, contactless forehead thermometer delivers instant and accurate readings in both Fahrenheit and Celsius. Its hygienic design is perfect for use on multiple family members, including babies and seniors. The thermometer features a simple one-button operation and a large, lighted display for easy reading. For enhanced functionality, connect it to the free Kinsa app (available on iOS and Android) to track symptoms, medication, and receive personalized care advice.
37Hanging Shoe Organizer
Maximize your storage with the Gorilla Grip Shoe Organizer, designed for efficiency and durability. This over-the-door organizer features 24 spacious pockets, each made from breathable mesh to keep items fresh and accessible. With a capacity to hold up to 40 pounds, it's perfect for shoes, sneakers, and more.
38Under-Sink Organizer
Optimize your storage with Delamu's versatile 2-tier organizers. Each set includes two stackable units, designed for efficient use of space in bathrooms, kitchens, or pantries. The organizers feature pull-out drawers and eight movable dividers, allowing customizable storage for items like cosmetics, toiletries, or pantry goods. Made from high-quality clear acrylic with rust-proof aluminum rods, they offer a sleek and durable solution.
39Wall-Mounted Shelves
Enhance your space with a set of four floating shelves crafted from light carbonized brown paulownia wood. This multi-purpose set includes various sizes, allowing you to arrange them creatively for customized display and storage. The matte surface metal triangular brackets can be installed in different orientations, offering multiple arrangement options.
40Portable Battery Charger
This slim 10,000mAh power bank is designed for convenient, high-speed charging. At just 0.5 inches thick, it fits easily in pockets or bags, offering enough power for multiple device charges—up to 3.6 times for an iPhone 8 or 1.8 times for a Samsung S22. It features both USB-C in and out, along with USB-A ports, providing flexible charging options. With 3A fast charging, it efficiently powers devices, and its 15-layer safety system helps protect against overheating and damage.
41Kitchen Sink Strainer
These sink strainers are crafted from durable stainless steel, ensuring longevity and resistance to rust. The double-layer design enhances safety by preventing hand cuts, while the 3-inch inner diameter allows for effective capture of food particles. Equipped with 2 mm holes, they ensure smooth drainage while filtering out debris. With a 4.5-inch outer diameter, these strainers fit most kitchen sinks.
42Magnetic Fridge Calendar
This clear acrylic calendar is designed to keep you organized with ease. Measuring 15"x11", it attaches securely to metal surfaces using six strong magnets, ensuring it stays in place. It includes eight vibrant dry erase markers in different colors for clear, smudge-free writing. The stain-resistant surface wipes clean easily, allowing for repeated use without ghosting.
43Window Film
This decorative window film adds a vibrant touch to any room with its 3D stained glass effect, creating a captivating rainbow display when sunlight shines through. Measuring 17.5"x78.74", it offers a beautiful and cost-effective alternative to textured glass. The static cling design makes installation simple and residue-free, perfect for renters. It provides privacy while letting in soft light and blocks up to 96% of UV rays, reducing glare and protecting interiors.
44Adjustable Desk Lamp
This versatile desk lamp features an adjustable gooseneck and a swing arm that extends up to 18 inches, allowing for flexible lighting. It can be used as a standalone lamp or clamped onto surfaces up to 2 inches wide. The lamp’s sturdy metal construction and weighted base ensure stability. Its sleek black finish and UL-listed power plug add to its durability and safety. Suitable for E26 and E27 base bulbs up to 40W. Includes a 55-inch power cable and an easy-to-use rocker switch.
45Kitchen Utensil Holder
This set includes two ceramic utensil holders in a crisp white finish, perfect for organizing your kitchen. The larger holder (7.3" tall x 6" diameter) accommodates up to 15 utensils, while the smaller one (5.4" tall x 3.8" diameter) can store up to 10 flatware pieces. These holders can also be used as vases or for organizing bar accessories.
46Drawer Liner
This durable, non-adhesive liner offers a strong grip to prevent slipping and bunching. Made from high-quality, tear-resistant materials, it keeps items securely in place and protects surfaces from dirt and scratches. Measuring 12" x 20', it can be used in various areas such as kitchen cabinets, bathroom drawers, and office shelves.
47Battery-Operated Candles
Enhance your décor with these battery-operated LED tea lights, featuring a realistic flickering warm glow and melting edge design. With a 200+ hour battery life, they outlast traditional wax candles and offer a safer alternative, eliminating fire hazards and wax mess. Each pack includes 12 tea lights in a warm white glow, and fit most holders and sconces.
48Fabric Storage Bins
Organize your space with these multi-purpose storage cubes. Each pack includes six beige fabric bins, measuring 10.5"x10.5"x11", perfect for decluttering. Made from durable, lightweight fabric, these cubes feature two handles for easy portability and can be used as open-top bins or drawers in a storage organizer.
49Refrigerator Deodorizer
Keep your fridge fresh and odor-free with the Purriko Refrigerator Deodorizer. Using advanced catalytic decomposition technology, it eliminates odors at the source and keeps your food fresh longer. This high-efficiency deodorizer lasts up to 10 years without needing replacement, making it more effective and eco-friendly than baking soda or activated carbon.
50Reusable Cleaning Cloths
These microfiber cleaning cloths are ideal for a variety of cleaning tasks. Measuring 11.5" x 11.5", they are effective for cleaning worktops, windows, and delicate surfaces, providing streak-free results with just water or cleaner. Made from 87% polyester and 13% polyamide, they are soft, lint-free, and scratch-resistant.
51Key Finder
This key finder helps you locate lost items effortlessly. With four receivers and one RF transmitter, you can easily find keys, wallets, phones, or even pets by pressing color-coded buttons. It features an 80dB+ beep and an LED flashlight for visibility in the dark, covering a range of up to 131 feet. The device comes with long-lasting batteries—four CR2032 for the receivers and two AAA for the transmitter—ensuring extended use without frequent replacements.
52Portable Mini Fan
This compact fan is a versatile 3-in-1 device featuring a fan, flashlight, and power bank. The battery can last from 12 to 19 hours on a single charge. It doubles as a backup power bank to charge your devices and includes a flashlight for added convenience. The fan’s compact design makes it easy to carry in a pocket or bag. It offers three adjustable modes for various uses, whether as a handheld fan or a desktop fan.
53Towel Bars
This 5-piece matte black bathroom hardware set is designed for both functionality and style. It includes a 16-inch towel bar, towel ring, toilet paper holder, and two towel hooks, all made from high-quality SUS304 stainless steel. This material ensures long-lasting durability and resistance to rust and corrosion, making it ideal for a bathroom environment.
54Doorbell Camera
This video doorbell offers a range of features designed for convenience and security. With 1080p HD video quality, it allows you to see and speak with visitors from your smartphone using two-way audio. It provides both day and night visibility with infrared capabilities. You can choose between wired or wire-free installation, making it adaptable to your home setup. It connects to existing doorbell wiring or works with a Sync Module (sold separately) for additional features such as live view and cloud storage. The device supports integration with Alexa, enabling you to receive alerts and interact with visitors through voice commands.
55Fabric Freshener Spray
Remove stubborn fabric odors with this powerful refresher. It neutralizes unpleasant smells rather than just masking them, making it ideal for hard-to-wash fabrics such as pillows, stuffed animals, and gym bags. Simply spray until the fabric is damp, let it dry, and enjoy a fresh-smelling home.
56Foam Door Seal
This spray foam sealant effectively fills, seals, and insulates gaps and cracks up to 1 inch in size. Its polymer-based foam expands to provide durable, high-density insulation with a uniform cell structure, ideal for various remodeling projects. Designed to withstand harsh UV rays and building movement, it maintains its seal and flexibility over time. It adheres strongly to most building materials, including wood, concrete, brick, stone, metal, and PVC.
57Cable Sleeves
This 10-foot cable protector is designed to shield and organize your wires, featuring a split design for easy loading. With a diameter of 1/2 inch, it effectively wraps around cables to prevent damage and deter pets from chewing. Made from durable polyethylene, it operates within a temperature range of -103°F to 257°F and has a melt temperature of 446°F.
58Magnetic Levitating Plant Pot
This magnetic levitating flower pot combines innovative technology with stylish design to enhance your home or office decor. Utilizing magnetic levitation, the pot floats and rotates freely, allowing for a 360-degree view of your plants and ensuring they receive ample sunlight. Crafted from lightweight resin, it supports plants up to 300 grams, making it ideal for small indoor plants, succulents, or herbs.
59Glow-in-the-Dark Wall Decals
Transform any room into a celestial wonderland with this set of glow-in-the-dark stars and moon. This collection includes a sky-blue glowing moon and a variety of stars and dots, allowing you to craft your own night sky design. Simply expose the stickers to light for 20 minutes to activate their glow, and they will shine brightly for hours.
60USB-Powered Desk Aquarium
Add a touch of nature to your desk or living space with this USB desktop aquarium. It features a running water pump and filter sponge for easy upkeep, along with a vibrant LED light on an adjustable arm to enhance the aquarium's beauty. Equipped with an LCD clock, alarm, nature sounds, and a snooze function, it also displays the calendar and temperature.
These simple and cost-effective upgrades can make a significant difference in your home without stretching your budget. By focusing on practical improvements, you can enhance both the look and functionality of your space. With these affordable options, it's easy to make your home feel more comfortable and organized.