29 Items To Help You Create The Home Of Your Dreams, Even If You’re On A Tight Budget

Promising review: "This brought color to a new space. It’s so soft and just cheered up an otherwise bland space. It brought just the right amount of warmth and color to our work-in-progress living room. It’s not too intrusive and thick, it’s just right. The quality is so good. Soooooo soft." —Rachel McGowan

Get it from Amazon for $19.95+ (available in 10 sizes and 11 patterns).

3. A can of eco-friendly chalk-like paint to transform a piece of furniture or cabinetry into something dazzling. It doesn't require a primer or a top coat, so you can get the job done quickly and easily. (It dries in 30 minutes flat!)

This paint contains no harsh chemicals such as phthalates, formaldehyde, heavy metals, or solvents.

Promising review: "First time painting anything in my life, and it was great. No sanding or priming is needed. Beautiful colors; description and pictures are so accurate. Easy to paint and quick to dry. Time-saving! I will always be using this paint." —Samah Safi

Get it from Amazon for $14.95+ (available in four sizes and over 50 colors).

4. A roll of peel-and-stick subway tile backsplash if your kitchen's walls are blank and you want to give them an upgrade. These are extra great if you're a renter — they don't damage the wall at all if you ever need to remove them.

Promising review: "I’ve been wanting to try peel-and-stick tiles for a long time, and I’m so glad I found these for our kitchen facelift! They are so easy to apply and look amazing! I love that they are actual-size subway tiles as well! They’ve given our kitchen the last very important piece that it needed!" —April Grill

Get it from Amazon for $31.99+ (available in 18 colors; be sure to clip the $10 off coupon when applicable).

5. An under-cabinet lighting kit to give any space — kitchen, closet, bookshelf, you name it — a warm, ambient glow that instantly elevates the whole room. It's peel-and-stick, comes with a remote, and makes everything look a little more pulled together.

amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising review: "I have five different sets in the kitchen and the adjacent living room. These are extremely easy to install, and you can adjust the warmth from very yellow to bright white. The quality is excellent, and there are no problems after months of use. I only use one remote control for all sets, but I could program each remote to control each set independently if I wanted to. Great value for the price." —John Trivester

Get 20 feet from Amazon for $17.99+ (also available in color).

6. A roll of window film that can let light in and keeps prying eyes out. It gives your glass doors and windows a frosted look that adds privacy without blocking the sun, so you can go about your day without feeling like you're on display. Peel, stick, and enjoy the magic of being visible only when you want to be.

Promising review: "It’s been keeping us from staring at the siding of our neighbor's house while still letting in the light into our dining room for more than a year and still going strong! Bonus is that it keeps the dog from barking because the neighbor kids no longer put their faces to the window and taunt the dog. Easy to put up, stayed in place. Would buy again!" —Pet Lover 0306

Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in five styles and 15 sizes).

7. Some light filtering curtains with a retro pattern if you want to create a focal point with window treatments. The pattern is bold, but the colors are neutrals, so they'll work with whatever existing color scheme you've got.

Promising review: "I love these curtains. They add a sophisticated, funky touch of color and movement to your room without being overwhelming or purely retro. Very modern and active. I have a lot of muted tones and solid colors in my decor, and needed something to bring the room to life. These curtains were the perfect choice. Great fabric visual texture, which is silky and soft but not shiny. I love them." —Mark Burleson

Get it from Amazon for $29.77+ (available in seven colors and four sizes).

8. A pack of cabinet pulls to give your kitchen or bathroom cabinetry a mini makeover that won't break the bank. This is an easy way to make a big visual impact, especially if you're a renter (just store the old pulls in a shoebox under the sink and then put them back on when it's time to move out).

Promising review: "The handles are made with high-quality heavy metal so they will stand up to everyday usage. I am very happy with how they look and showcase my kitchen cabinets. They will make your cabinets look like a high-end, very expensive item...a 10 out of 10 for sure." —Amazon Customer

Get a pack of 2 from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in six styles and 11 finishes).

9. A 13-piece wood scratch repair kit that'll right the wrongs that have happened on every scuffed-up table, nicked chair leg, and mystery gouge on your hardwood floors. It comes with markers, crayons, and a sharpener so you can easily and quickly color in the damage and move on with your life.

I originally bought this kit to fix up a vintage wooden chair I picked up at a flea market — and it worked so well, I ended up tackling all the other scratched-up furniture projects I'd been ignoring for years. It's super easy to use: just find the closest matching color, fill in the scratch, and you're done. The markers work best for surface-level damage, and the crayons are great for deeper dings. The kit includes six shades that cover the most common wood finishes, and I've yet to find a piece this couldn't blend into. I relied on it so much that I even brought it when we moved across the country. Whether you're fixing up cabinetry or refreshing one well-loved table, it's a good little kit to have on hand.

Get it from Amazon for $12.99.

10. Some velvet slipcovers if you have a sofa that has seen better days but is still really comfortable. Instead of splurging on a new piece of furniture, give it a facelift that will have it looking like it's brand new.

Promising review: "I have never been so excited about a slipcover. Total transformation of our couch and loveseat. I was worried about it not working on our leather couch, but it stays on really well due to the straps and the separate cushion covers. LOVE." —Brian/Liz

Get it from Amazon for $32.49+ (available in five sizes and 15 colors).

11. A set of that'll trick everyone into thinking you got a fancy new carriage-style door. They're magnetic, so there's no drilling or commitment involved. Just snap them on and enjoy the instant boost in curb appeal.

Amazon, www.amazon.com

And you can easily take them off if you move!

Promising review: "These faux windows are an ingenious upgrade product that added value and style to my home without breaking the bank! With an installation that takes about 30–50 seconds, I instantly improved my home's curb appeal without having to spend thousands on new garage doors. I did not cut any of the panels, but the templates included for cutting custom shapes were easy to use and understand. So far, through two harsh Minnesota winters, they have stayed right in place. I'm very happy with my purchase and would recommend these to anybody looking for a facelift for their property." —martymar

Get a set of six magnets from Amazon for $14.69+ (available in five styles).

12. A pair of LED stained glass bulbs if you want your ceiling and walls to erupt with rainbows every time you turn on the light. If you don't have the option to paint your walls but love color, this is the product for you.

Promising review: "I love these bulbs. They make any room all warm and cozy. Also a fantastic night-light for the little ones. :) Get you some!" —Amazon Customer

Get them from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in three styles).

13. A beautiful framed canvas painting that looks like an original work of art but comes at a fraction of the cost. There are over 40 different paintings to choose from, so there's something for every type of interior, from traditional to modern to bohemian.

Promising review: "Beautiful. This is great quality and it looks like a real painting. 💗" —Yana Cucias

Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in four sizes and 41 styles).

14. A very fancy 12-inch showerhead because nothing feels better than a hot, luxurious shower after a long day. If you're looking for something that can go from a gentle rain to a monsoon with the turn of a dial, you definitely need this upgrade.

Promising review: "Wished I upgraded my shower head sooner. Installation was very simple, and it even came with a guide if needed. It comes with an extension arm that connects to your existing water pipe. No leaks whatsoever, and I did not need any other tools. Took less than five minutes to install. It feels really nice standing right under the showerhead, and it covers your whole body with nice pressure and looks nice! Definitely recommend it to those looking for an upgrade!" —Vincent Horng

Get it from Amazon for $40.99+ (available in two sizes and four finishes).

15. A tree bookshelf with a storage cabinet so you have a gorgeous way to show off your TBR pile. The angled branches (aka shelves) turn your collection into a full-on design moment, and the open space below is great for trinkets, baskets, or anything else you want to keep close and cute.

Amazon

Promising review: "The shelf is a perfect addition to my library/house! It's pretty sturdy, easy to assemble, and it's a unique twist on the usual bookshelf. I currently have 55 books on it! It comes with something to secure it to the wall if you're worried about overloading it." —Michelle's Minions

Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in five colors).

16. Some glue-on foam ceiling tiles that'll transform your room in the most major way. If you have a home that's lacking in architectural details, this is a great way to incorporate some pizzazz into your space without doing any actual carpentry or remodeling.

Amazon, amazon.com

Promising review: "If you’re even considering doing it JUST DO IT!! I can’t even begin to tell you how easy this was, and the end result is mind-blowing! When people come over (we’re remodeling our newly purchased home, built in 1865), their jaws drop. When you actually get them on the ceiling and look at your finished product, you’d never guess it’s Styrofoam. My advice (from watching hours of YouTube videos and doing research) is to find the center of the ceiling and work your way out. It took us two hours to do a fairly large space. We definitely overestimated how many it would take, but I’m glad we had extra on hand in case we messed one up. Also — make sure your blade is SHARP!" —Steven

Get it from Amazon for $22.96+ (available in packs of 8, 48, 96, 144 and in eight colors).

17. A roll of wood grain tape if you have one of those big frameless mirrors in your bathroom and want to take it up a notch. Instead of ripping it out and replacing it with something expensive, use this tape to frame it.

Promising review: "Where do I start? I absolutely LOVE this product. I wanted to replace our bathroom mirror, but due to the size, it would have cost a lot! I came across this on Amazon and decided to give it a try. The application process was super easy and applied without bubbles as long as you go slow and rub it down as you go. I kid you not. It looks like wood and feels like it, too! You can feel and see the 'wood grain.' It’s absolutely stunning and looks like I bought a whole new mirror." —Taylor

Get it from Amazon for $7.68.

18. Some pre-made wall panels to elevate your walls to the next level. The only things you need are a nail gun and glue (or Command strips if you're a renter) to get the look.

Reviewers attached these in different ways, with some just using mounting tape in apartments for no damage to walls. Others installed them on doors and kitchen islands!

Promising review: "Moldings came in well-packed and quickly. It was super easy to install. These panels gave a high-end look to an otherwise drab wall and peninsula. So classic and affordable and it will never go out of style!" —JM

Get a single panel from Amazon for $12.15+ (available in sets and 17 sizes).

19. Satin nickel switch plates because good design is in the details. Walls can be so drab, and this is basically a snazzy accessory to jazz yours up.

Promising review: "Feels quality, not flimsy. Installed in a bathroom and adds a nice vintage touch to my switch. The metal is not highly reflective, closer to a brushed look. Great for disguising fingerprints and blends in with other non-reflective metal hardware. When the light switch is frequently the first thing someone looks at and reaches for in a room, having a quality cover like this gets noticed and enhances a room very easily. I can't believe I'm still writing about how much I enjoy a light switch cover." —Tom Generic Dude

Get it from Amazon for $6.75 (also available in a switch plate cover design and a combo design).

20. A highback chair with a matching ottoman to make you feel like you're sitting in the lap of luxury, even though you paid less than $80 for it. The boucle fabric and gold legs will have you looking and feeling amazing every time you sit down.

Promising review: "I was pleasantly surprised by this chair and ottoman. I ordered it for my media room, where I will listen to music, read, and just relax after work. The chair is just 'funky' enough to go with my decor and is comfortable as it is stylish." —Green Eyed Lady

Get it from Amazon for $79.98+ (available in three colors).

21. A pack of 3D wall panels for creating an accent wall that looks like something you'd see in a high-end hotel. This is an easy peasy way to make a big visual impact.

It's recommended that you use a strong adhesive like Liquid Nails to apply these to your walls.

Promising review: "These panels make a huge difference in our space. I get lots of compliments. It's plastic, but from a distance you can't tell. The hard plastic is of very good quality. Pops off the like 3D. It's beautiful. I'm a little obsessed and want to add different styles and colors to other rooms. It's extremely easy to put up. In my opinion, it's better than wallpaper. The only difficulty is cutting around the outlets. Worth the money and effort." —Marilyn

Get it from Amazon for $49.52+ (available in two sizes and 28 styles).

22. A wireless library light to perfectly illuminate your wall art. Just mount it above a frame, click it on (via remote!), and suddenly your wall looks like it belongs in a gallery. It's battery-powered, renter-friendly, and gives "I collect things" energy even if you just printed that piece from Etsy.

This uses three AAA batteries and includes a remote that lets you set the light to different brightnesses and schedule a timer for 15, 30, 60, or 120 minutes.

Promising review: "For the price, you can’t beat it. Super easy to install and lightweight. The gold had a slight orange tint to it, so be mindful of that. I actually just taped over the light and spray-painted ours with gold spray paint I had left over and then they were absolutely perfect." —Paris Seder

Get it from Amazon for $28.99 (available in 10 colors).

23. A jungle mural that looks like it's hand-painted and belongs in an old Italian villa, when it's actually less than $100 and is peel-and-stick. What an easy win.

Promising review: "The mural came sooner than expected. My daughter and I cut the strips and laid them under a carpet to straighten them out. It went up well. It did not take long at all and it came out awesome." —Paula Harris

Get it from Amazon for $77.99+ (available in 20 styles).

24. A set of peel-and-stick floor tiles to change up your floors without needing to tear out the existing ones and hire a contractor to install new ones. This is a must-have if you're a renter with the landlord special (aka sad beige tile) that so many apartments have these days.

The tiles are water-resistant and washable. To apply, just peel the backing and stick to a clean floor. You don't need any special tools or even grout.

Promising review: "We were looking to refresh our bathroom without completely renovating it. After doing the painting and decorations, the only thing left that I hated was the very dated beige tile. I came across these and wanted to give them a try because, for the price, why not? Did exactly what we needed it to and everyone compliments them!" —Alyssa Smart

Get a 10-pack from Amazon for $13.90.

25. A handwoven ottoman that instantly makes your space look more put-together without blowing your budget. It adds texture, warmth, and a handy little perch or footrest whenever you need one. Bonus: it's lightweight, so you can scoot it around when need be.

amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising review: "Great for in front of your couch; ours is a very large piece of furniture. They work perfectly for our feet to stretch out or hold a dish to eat or for papers, etc. These are well constructed; you can even sit on them without it collapsing." —DV

Get it from Amazon for $39.49+ (available in 15 colors).

26. Some motion-activated, battery-powered nightlights to illuminate dark areas in your home like closets, deep cabinets, and bathrooms. These are great gets when it's late at night and you're wandering around your house like a Victorian ghost, but don't want to turn on all the lights.

Sally Elshorafa / BuzzFeed

Promising review: "Since I am pregnant, I am constantly going to the bathroom at night. I keep tripping over and over since I refuse to turn on the light so I won't wake up my husband. Last night was the first time I did not trip. Best ever! I am going to buy more." —Luiana

Get a pack of three from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in five different colors).

27. A ceiling medallion that you slap onto your ceiling for that quintessential Victorian home look, even if your apartment was built in the early aughts and is devoid of any architectural charm.