What's A Cheap, Easy Thing That Made Your Home Nicer? Here Are Some Of Our Fave Answers

Amy Biggart, Bustle editor, calls this couch cup holder “so cool.” She says, “Importantly, it keeps me from balancing drinks on my couch. No more accidental spills.” It's made from nonslip, food-grade silicone to grip your couch arm securely and features two spacious trays. The drink tray holds mugs up to 3.5 inches wide, while the larger tray will fit your phone, small snacks, and TV remotes. Slip it onto an armrest, and kick back with a sip without worrying about spills.

“This has been incredible for my kitchen organization,” Biggart says of this in-drawer knife block set. “I love it so much, and it is safer too.” Designed to fit inside a kitchen drawer, it keeps your knives organized while preventing you from accidentally grabbing a knife by the blade. Store up to 16 knives in its various slots (including larger ones) and a knife sharpener in its center slot. You can also take apart the slots individually when cleaning the block.

“My bed blocks one of my outlets, so I picked up the Sleek Socket and know I can actually use my outlet again,” says Biggart. “It’s super cool — I might also get one for my kitchen to streamline some of my appliance cords.” It plugs into a standard duplex outlet, concealing the sockets with a slim white plate. Then, the white cord adheres to your baseboard to seamlessly blend in. At the end of the 3-foot cord is an extension with three AC plugs, easily extending outlet access where needed or helping you conceal cord clutter behind furniture.

“This tabletop fire pit is so fun, and it’s indoor and outdoor, which I love,” Biggart says. Put this on your outdoor table, or bring it inside for a cozy ambiance. Its portable, polished concrete body will safely and cleanly burn store-bought isopropyl or ethyl alcohol with zero smoke or smell. Once lit, you’ll get over an hour of burn time. It also doubles as a s’mores roaster.

Bustle editor, Lauren Beach says this square tissue box is surprisingly nice in person and helps her keep track of her remotes. Made with chic faux leather or woven fabric (depending on your chosen color), it’s an organizer that actually looks nice on a coffee table. Insert a box of tissues by lifting the magnetic lid, then place your remotes, pens, and other essentials in the storage compartment.

“I recently started placing round lamps around my house instead of using the big light,” says Biggart. “It's changed the entire vibe of my apartment.” This round table lamp will give you stylish ambient lighting and various color options to set the vibe of your space. It features easy touch controls and voice control with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, customizable brightness, and lighting effects conveniently integrated into the compatible app.

“My couch and armchair looked so much better after using this,” admits Beach. “It has a light, fresh scent and protects furniture from scratches, too.” As a leather conditioner, its three-in-one formula will clean, condition, and protect leather surfaces like couches, purses, shoes, and car seats. Spray it, wipe it with the included microfiber towel, and buff the surface. Once applied, your leather will look clean and have a layer of UV protection to prevent cracking and fading.

If you’re looking for ways to save energy costs and make your home look better, one Redditor recommends blackout curtains. “[Use] blackout shades on sunny days in rooms you may not use all the time. Yes, the rooms will be dark all day... but it’ll help save on energy costs,” says TheTimeIsChow on Reddit. These blackout curtains are cheap per panel but have a sleek, modern look. Made of 100% polyester, each panel blocks up to 99.9% of sunlight and heat-causing UV rays. Choose from four sizes and 25 colors to match your room.

“Fresh, clean caulk,” says kurmiau on Reddit when asked what inexpensive item made their home feel more luxurious. “When there are no cracks/gaps and the corners are clean, the house feels well built,” they write. This best-selling waterproof caulk tape is easy to apply without a caulking gun and will give your home a new life. It easily adheres to surfaces like toilets, showers, windows, and sinks. Trim it to size and use it on nearly every surface, from tile to wood to plastic.

Another Redditor-approved home upgrade is a simple bidet attachment for your toilet. “Get a bidet. There is no going back,” says shieldguardian. This bidet attachment is a cheap upgrade, and it’s super easy to install in minutes sans any power tools. It features dual front- and back-spray nozzles with adjustable water pressure to customize your experience. Its nozzles retract back into the base when not in use, and they’re totally self-cleaning, too.

“This isn’t too fancy, but having a phone/computer charger in my bedroom and the living room feels like a gift to myself every day because I don’t have to get up when they need to be charged,” says Samarazipan26 on Reddit. These lightning cables come in a pack of three, and each cable is 6 feet long, perfect for using behind furniture or stretching to your favorite seating area. Even better, they feature a nylon braided exterior that lasts over 8,000 bends and won’t tangle. They’re also fast-charge compatible and work with nearly any Apple device.

Another item Beach loves is this set of throw pillow covers. “The velvet material is so silky and soft, and they feel high-quality,” adds Beach. Their high-quality fabric doesn’t equal a high price; a pack of four is quite economical per cover. Each pillow cover has expensive-looking contrast-edge piping, hidden zippers, and rich colors like blue and beige. You can also grab a pack with a sophisticated color palette like orange and teal, purple and green, and pink and blue, and choose from eight common pillow sizes.

Beach calls this draw organizer set a game-changer, specifically for desks. “The custom nature of them let me perfectly outfit my weirdly shaped drawers with sections for all my stuff,” explains Beach. With 20 pieces in four sizes (large, long, medium, and small), you can easily arrange them to fit inside desk or bathroom drawers. Once inside, use their durable plastic to house everything from pens and paperclips to toothbrushes and makeup. They’re also stackable.

Jessica Wright, house flipper and owner of Buy My Home Chattanooga, says changing your cabinet hardware can really upgrade the look of your kitchen. “Matte black or brushed gold will completely transform a room. With this simple change, I was able to completely revamp entire kitchens for less than $40,” says Wright. These brushed brass cabinet handles are modern yet still have a classic feel. Made from durable zinc alloy in a brushed brass finish, they’re made to last and will look great in any kitchen, bathroom, or closet. Use them vertically on cabinets or horizontally on drawers for a sleek look.

“The cable setup in my TV stand was not great,” admits Biggart, “so I bought one of these cable management boxes, and suddenly everything looked so much nicer.” If you have cord clutter, this cable management box will hide the clutter and make your space look cleaner. Made from high-quality, electrically safe ABS plastic, its brilliant design fits up to 10.5-inch power strips and locks plugs in with a lid. The box has three slots for running cables through that double as ventilation.

“[This doormat] looks super chic at my front door but also keeps dirt from spreading through my apartment, which makes the whole place feel cleaner and nicer,” says Biggart. Its chic geometric print looks great with modern, retro, or eclectic decor (and it also comes in eight other patterns). Made with durable knit fleece, it traps dirt, moisture, and grime, so your floors stay cleaner. It’s also nonslip — so it won’t bunch up in front of your door — and surprisingly cheap.

“Biiiig towels,” says HoneyFlea on Reddit. “Nothing is worse than a small towel.” These bath sheets are extra-large (35 inches by 70 inches), so you can truly wrap up after a bath or shower. Crafted from highly absorbent cotton terry cloth, they quickly dry you. They’re also lightweight enough to wear for a longer period if you’re enjoying an at-home spa night or wrapping up after a swim.

One great home upgrade? “Wicker baskets for under the sink,” wrote invaderpixel on Reddit. “Pull[ing] out that wicker basket of restocked toiletry items I got on sale just feels amazing. And when guests try to change out a toilet paper after using the last of the roll, they think I have my act together.” This set of wicker baskets is super inexpensive per basket. A set of three features a small, medium, and large basket made from woven water hyacinth for a gorgeous textured look. Use the large basket for towels, store spare rolls in the medium basket, and use the small basket for extra toiletries.

“Everything in my house looks better since I started using a really good makeup remover,” says Biggart. “Finally, everything comes off before I get in my bed and stain any sheets or bath towels.” These makeup eraser cloths are budget-friendly (they come in a pack of seven) and effortlessly wipe away everything, including waterproof mascara and eyeliner. Use a cloth with water; its ultra-soft microfiber will gently remove makeup, while the exfoliating side will buff your skin. The best part is that they’re reusable and machine-washable.

“It’s not the cheapest thing in the world, but I bought a silk pillowcase and now feel like a princess every night when I go to sleep. And it’s better for your hair,” raved unimeg07 on Reddit. This silk pillowcase will feel luxuriously soft, thanks to its high-quality mulberry silk fabric. Grab one in one of three sizes and 16 luxe colors.

Another cheap but useful find: these magnetic soap bar holders. SanhoTree on X says they “keep those fancy soaps from melting away!” Attach them to your wall with the included adhesive, then insert the metal disks into your soap bars. The strong magnets will grip the metal in your soap bars, holding each bar suspended in the air. This prevents soap from degrading in a pool of water and will keep each bar fresh and dry.

Jonathan Faccone, managing member and the founder of house flipping company, Halo Homebuyers, says, “Solar-powered lights along pathways or in gardens add an elegant touch and improve curb appeal without any wiring required.” These solar garden lights are windproof, waterproof, and straight-up magical. Designed to resemble fireflies in flight, each bundle of eight lights features flexible wires that sway in the wind. Simply place the stakes in your garden, and at night, you’ll have pretty lights that emit a golden glow for up to 12 hours.

On a Reddit post asking about “best quality-of-life purchases,” Passion_saucisson said, “A good showerhead!” This rainfall shower head is an inexpensive upgrade that will pay off. It has over 90 anti-clog silicone nozzles that deliver a high-pressure spray that will feel like a spa shower. It also features a water filtration system that reduces harsh, hard water. Plus, its luxe gold finish will look incredible in your shower.

“Under-cabinet lighting,” says lolwhatusername69 on Reddit. “I found an LED bar kit on Amazon, and it’s really amped up the feel of my kitchen at night.” This LED light bar is the perfect solution for under-cabinet lighting. It delivers a warm-white glow, offering plenty of light without feeling harsh. Mount it with the included adhesive or screws, and its battery-powered LEDs will last over 100 hours. You can also dim it or set a timer with the compatible remote control.

According to Bustle editor, Danielle Kraese, a simple sink swap makes a huge impact. “I swapped the strainer in my kitchen sink for this one, and now it both looks and functions so much better! It has a deep basin, which means it can collect more food debris without causing the water to drain slowly. And I love that I can throw it in the dishwasher to keep it from getting gross.” When you place it in your sink, the deep silicone basin will collect food scraps. Once it’s full, it’s easy to empty out by inverting the silicone, dumping the scraps, and rinsing the basin. Plus, its stainless steel won’t rust or scratch your sink.

“One of my organization pet peeves is when everything in a drawer slides around every time I open or close it,” admits Kraese. “I recently added this grippy liner to my kitchen drawers and it has been such a game changer — I wish I did this sooner!” The liner comes in a 10-foot roll, so you can easily measure and trim it to fit your drawers and shelves. Once you place a liner, its high-grip surface will keep all your items in place, preventing them from sliding around the drawer. Its material is also tear-resistant and easy to clean with soap and water.

“I used to have a flimsy plastic splash block for my downspout, and it would constantly get blown away, which defeated the purpose,” says Kraese. “Swapping it for a heavy-duty option, like this one made of rubber, was such an easy solution. Plus, this one has an attractive look that blends well with the exterior of just about any home.” Crafted from durable, long-lasting rubber, each splash block will stay looking great (and doing its job) for years. Designed to look like stone, they easily blend in with your home’s facade without distracting from your landscaping. This inexpensive pack of two comes in five colors, including gray, red, green, brown, and black.

“The old weather stripping for my back door was damaged, not staying in place, and covered in peeling paint — then I realized how cheap and easy it would be to replace it myself,” Kraese explains. “It seriously took all of five minutes. This particular [weather stripping] comes in so many colors and lengths, so it’s easy to match it to what you need.” Use it to protect your home from the elements and maximize your home’s energy efficiency. Featuring a foam core wrapped in a tear-resistant cover, it blocks light, drafts, noise, and more. To install it on a door, just measure, trim it to size, and insert the PVC flange into your door jamb groove.

“Set these [furniture pads] up once, and you’ll never again have to deal with your couch or other big furniture shifting around,” Kraese says. “If you have a sectional couch in particular (and the sections always want to do their own thing), these are a must!” The set comes with four grippers (enough for a couch) that not only help your furniture stay put but also protect your floors from scratches and scuffs. They’re adhesive-free and easy to install — you only need to place them under your furniture legs, and you’re good to go.

X user, theillustrious says this jar opener “opens lids of any size,” making it a solid purchase for your kitchen. It easily mounts underneath your kitchen cabinet with screws. Once it’s up, you can use its metal teeth to grip jar or bottle lids up to 5 inches in size. Twist the jar one-handed, and the opener will do the hard work for you, unscrewing the lid without a struggle.

“This oil dispenser was a game changer for us cooking at home,” says JayBeDreamin on X. “Super convenient, and it’s great for olive oil, vinegar, garlic butter, sauces, etc.” Designed for anyone who’s accidentally used too much oil, it features an easy dispensing brush head for total control. Fill the glass holder with oil, then give the brush a squeeze to fill it. Use the silicone brush to dispense drops or brush oil onto foods. It’s perfect for greasing pans, brushing veggies or meat, and drizzling oil onto salads.

“I have such a deep corner to my countertop, and this [corner shelf] helps organize the area so it’s not dead space,” raves Biggart. It features a rustic design with three wooden shelves and black metal legs that you can arrange to fit in a countertop corner or use straight. It adds three organizing tiers for spices, cooking oils, herbs, and other kitchen accoutrements. Plus, it keeps the counter space open for additional storage.

“My life changed so much when I got a sunrise alarm clock,” says Biggart. “My bedroom had one small window that rarely got enough light, so this made it feel so much nicer.” This inexpensive option will wake you up gently as its light gradually mimics a sunrise. You can set the sunrise feature to last for 10 to 60 minutes, select a calming wakeup sound, and customize your snooze. The clock also features 25 white noise and sleep sounds, 17 colorful light options, and Bluetooth compatibility.

BuddyNoLove on X recommends this bamboo cutting board for a worthwhile kitchen upgrade. It includes six nonslip cutting board mats stored inside the bamboo board, so you can keep track of what you’re prepping and prevent cross-contamination. Choose a mat and use it on top of the chopping board. Each mat has a label for fruits, meats, breads, or produce. The plastic mats are also dishwasher-safe and antibacterial.

Another favorite find of Biggart’s is this faux fur blanket, which she says is “some of the best value” she’s ever gotten from purchasing a blanket on Amazon. “[I’m] absolutely wowed by how comfortable this blanket is,” she raves. Crafted from a soft polyester that mimics the look and feel of rabbit fur, it has a chic, wavy texture. It’s thick enough to keep you super cozy but lightweight enough to use year-round. Use it as a throw on your couch, chair, or bed. It’s available in rich colors, including jewel tones and neutrals.

“I really love these flameless candles — as someone who can never remember if she’s blown out her candles, these are a game-changer,” Biggart says. The set features a trio of flameless candles you can arrange together or use separately. Each candle has a smokey gray glass holder, real wax, and realistic faux wicks. Turn the candles on, and the wicks will flicker like real flames. Use the remote control to set auto-off timers or adjust their brightness.

Crooks-n-Nannies on Reddit recommends soft-close toilet seats as an inexpensive home upgrade. This slow-close toilet seat has a specially designed hinge that prevents loud slamming. Install it with the included mounting hardware, and its elongated look and smooth, glossy surface will elevate your bathroom. It fits most elongated toilet bowls and features easy-to-clean, durable materials that will last.

“This [kitchen utensil holder] is just useful,” gushes Biggart. “Being able to rotate my utensils around in the kitchen made it easier for me to find what I was looking for. And the stainless steel design looks so nice out on my counter.” With a sleek (and fingerprint-proof) brushed stainless steel finish and a removable divider, it will stylishly organize your utensils. The divider gives you three slots for separating whisks, spatulas, and other tools, while the holder’s rotating base makes it easy to grab what you need. Its impressive 4.8-star rating comes after over 10,000 reviews.

“It was a complete game-changer to put down a rug pad under my rugs,” Biggart says. “Suddenly, they weren't slipping around!” This nonslip rug pad has a durable, thick material that will grip your rug and floor to prevent the rug from moving — no more sliding or bunching up. It comes in 18 sizes for rectangular and round rugs, and the material is trim-able for the perfect fit.

“These placemats are really well made, and I love that they come with a container to keep track of them between uses,” raves Beach. Made from durable woven cotton, they’ll instantly elevate your table with their sleek design. A set of four comes with a stylish woven holder for storage, and each placemat is heat-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about setting down hot plates. Choose from 21 pretty colors, including two-tone options.

Another winner on Beach’s list is this doormat, which has pet owners in mind. Beach calls it “wildly absorbent” and praises its dirt-gripping power for both people and pets. Crafted from absorbent chenille, it features a thick shag that easily grabs dirt, debris, mud, and water so you and your pets don’t track it inside. Set it in front of a high-traffic doorway, and its nonslip rubber backing will keep it securely in place. P.S. — It’s machine-washable.

“So, so soft and cozy,” Beach says of this down alternative comforter. “The cover is silky, and the warmth level is just right for all-year use. It looks and feels at least three times more expensive than it is.” Filled with synthetic goose feathers for a luxe feel, it features a quilted pattern that keeps filling in place for an even distribution of warmth. The outside is a soft, fade- and stain-resistant microfiber, and the entire comforter is machine-washable. This budget-worthy option is available in two sizes and also comes in sky blue.

“This [organizer] would work well on a counter, but I use it under a sink to rein in the chaos,” says Beach. “Now all our medications are easy to find.” Made of durable metal in a modern matte black color, it features two tiers for storing toiletries, medications, serums, and more. Its compact size makes it perfect for under-sink or countertop storage, but it’s still spacious enough to house many product bottles. It’s also waterproof and rust-resistant, so you can even use it in the shower.

According to TheTimeIsChow on Reddit, a clip-on strainer can also make a big difference in your home. “We gift these to friends/relatives every single year, and everyone loves them. It essentially replaces a colander in 99% of situations but can be stored in a drawer and cleaned in the dishwasher, taking up no room,” they write. This clip-on strainer has a flexible silicone body and snaps onto most pots, bowls, and pans. Use it to strain everything from pasta to veggies to legumes. It’s compact (and totally fits in a drawer), top-rack dishwasher-safe, and its silicone is heat-resistant up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

“Lamps,” says ellieelaine in a Reddit post about everyday luxuries. “I love cozy evening lighting and not having to turn the overhead lights on. Interesting lamps can really punch up the room's personality.” This modern bedside lamp has a chic goblet-style glass shade that will add personality to your room and a few conveniences that will make a huge difference. First, it features touch control with three brightness levels. Second, it includes two charging ports (USB-A and USB-C) for charging your devices while you relax or sleep.

“A good coffee maker is a total way to feel luxurious,” says BourbonPecan314 on Reddit. This stainless steel French press will help you brew your favorite coffee like a pro (and it’ll look great in your kitchen). It features a four-level filtration system (including two fine-mesh filters) to press down coffee grounds and keep them out of your brew. It delivers a smooth, rich flavor in just a few minutes.

“If you have a small kitchen, [this is] worth it,” says jazmyne_17 on X. As an over-the-sink dish drying rack, it saves space by maximizing the unused space above the sink. Its stainless steel build expands up to 41.5 inches to suit your sink area and includes separate compartments for dishes, bowls, sponges, knives, utensils, and cutting boards. It also features five hanging hooks for large cooking utensils.

WarrenGHardon says this cleanser is “basically magic,” on X. They recommend it for “stainless steel pans, ceramic baking dishes, glass cooktops,” and more, writing, “I cook a ton, and no matter how badly I scorch something on, a little BKF, a splash of water, and a rough sponge takes it right off with minimal scrubbing and doesn’t leave scratches.” It tackles grease, grime, rust, and hard water stains like a pro. Its bleach-free formula offers a deep clean without damaging surfaces and is safe on porcelain, stainless steel, glass, cookware, and more. You can also use it to degrease ovens and grills or clean metals like brass and aluminum.

X user, kaylanoragal calls this vegetable chopper a “legit GAME CHANGER.” Viral on TikTok, this food prep companion offers mess-free dicing, spiraling, and ribboning on the cheap. Select one of its four interchangeable blades (small dice, large dice, spiral, or ribbon), and put your produce in place. Food goes straight into the 5-cup catch tray. Cleaning up is a breeze — the whole system is top-rack dishwasher-safe.

“I'd recommend this [electric grill] to anyone,” writes jiggyindividual on X. “Completely changed my way of cooking.” Over 22,000 shoppers back it with rave reviews. Compact enough to fit on your countertop, it doesn’t require propane or charcoal. Just plug it in to sear meats, veggie skewers, and more. It features simple controls and adjustable temperature (200 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit), as well as a nonstick, dishwasher-safe grilling plate for easy cleanup.

“As long as you have a power drill, this will change your life,” says X user, srcasticANOMALY, of this set of power scrubber brushes. “They have different attachments for bathrooms, grills/ovens, cars, and more! Makes cleaning 10x easier and much less tiring.” Use the set to scrub everything from bathtubs and showers to car rims. The set includes a large flat brush for large surfaces, a rounded brush, two corner gap cleaning brushes for tight spaces, a small cone brush, and a small flat brush. Each scrubber attaches to your drill with a 0.25-inch bit.

Bustle editor, Karen Belz raves about this pet hair roller: “It’s amazing how much pet hair the ChomChom picks up with such little effort on my part. It really puts adhesive lint rollers to shame. It’s a great way to refresh couches and sofas before guests arrive.” It’s simple to use — just roll it back and forth over a couch, bed, or clothing, and it will trap hair inside. When it’s ready to empty, open the compartment and pull the hair out of the trap. It’s reusable again and again, so it will save you money on disposable hair rollers.

“This griddle has been an unexpected life upgrade — breakfast for dinner has literally never been easier,” says Belz. “I love its ‘keep warm’ drawer for pancakes and how easy it is to clean.” It has a nonstick cooking surface large enough to make pancakes and eggs simultaneously or several sausage links and slices of bacon. Easily adjust its temperature (up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit) with the cooking dial. A removable drip tray catches grease, while the warming tray will keep pancakes warm while you cook.

According to one Amazon reviewer, this lighter is much better than traditional options. “I love this lighter,” wrote Daisydog on Amazon. “It lasts a long time before you need to charge it. Much nicer than having to keep buying replaceable lighters or even refillable lighters.” Use it to light everything from bonfires to candles — its flexible gooseneck will easily reach hard-to-access wicks. Since it’s electric, it’s both windproof and splashproof, so you can light things in almost any weather. Plus, it gives you up to 600 uses per charge and has a convenient battery life display.

“[Get an] air purifier,” wrote linkhandford on Reddit. “The air just feels better when you breathe in.” Place this air purifier in your bedroom, and its two-stage filtration system (which covers 360 degrees) will remove up to 99.7% of dust, allergens, and particles from the air. It features top controls for setting timers and switching between three speeds. It’s compact enough for your nightstand, while its whisper-quiet motor won’t disrupt your sleep.