Just 31 Products To Instantly Upgrade Your Home This Summer

Just 31 Products To Instantly Upgrade Your Home This Summer

BuzzFeed-Shopping·2025-06-16 05:04

1. An Amazon smart thermostat so you can control the temperature without ever leaving your bed, which is the level of convenience you truly deserve. It connects to the Alexa app so you can change the temp and track your HVAC energy use on your phone, even when you're not at home.

www.amazon.com, Amazon

The Alexa app lets you track and manage HVAC energy use. It can also do the programming for you, updating the temperature to keep you comfortable. After purchase, Amazon will even send you an email with details about rebates that may be available from energy providers in your area.

Promising review: "It has helped tremendously in saving us money! Now I can schedule it to turn off when it senses that no one is home, and I can turn it back on from my phone on my way home so that it feels nice and warm (for winter) or nice and cool (for summer) when I get home! So far, no issues with it going out. I will say that you need to make sure your current thermostat is not on batteries. If it is, then it means you need to run power from your HVAC unit to the thermostat. Luckily, in my situation, they had the power wire there already. I just had to open up my HVAC and plug that side in, and I was good to go!" —Alex

Get it from Amazon for $62.99.

2. A free-standing hammock with a steel stand that's strong and spacious enough to hold two people, so you and your summer love can soak up some sun. It's also designed to be put together in 10 minutes with ZERO tools, so you won't have to waste any precious daylight fumbling around with a screwdriver.

Amazon

Promising review: "I absolutely love this double hammock and stand! The stand is strong and sturdy, and the hammock itself is well-made and comfortable. Setup was a breeze, and the added bonus is the portable carrying bag — I can easily take it anywhere! It’s such a great value for the quality and convenience. Highly recommend for anyone looking to relax in the yard, garden, or on the go! Great price for a great product!" —Mellie

Get it from Amazon for $75.99+ (available in 16 colors).

3. A window cling that'll add a bit of extra privacy and, more importantly, fill your room with colorful rainbows! Thousands of reviewers love it, saying that it lets just enough light in while still providing similar privacy to blinds or curtains. Best of all, it's easily removable, so you won't risk damaging your window.

www.amazon.com

Read more about this dazzling rainbow window film.

Promising review: "This was great for privacy! I purchased it because I live on the bottom floor of a dorm next to a high-traffic walkway. It works great at letting light in during the day while keeping my space private day and night."—Erica J.

Get it from Amazon for $5.80+ (available in 14 sizes and four colors).

4. Game-changing ceiling fan pulls to help you finally remember which cord is for the light and which one is for the actual fan — because pulling the wrong one is enough to put you in a horrible mood when you're already having a bad day. Honestly, these deserve a spot in the Genius Products Hall of Fame.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This is the definition of 'product you didn't know you needed because you didn't know it existed.' I was FOREVER pulling the wrong chain on our bedroom ceiling fan. (Want the light off? Oh no... now the fan's on high. Need to change the fan speed? Eek... now you're in the dark.) They're of a much better quality than I expected. They're actually quite heavy-duty pull chains, and they add a bit of fun to the decor (when you notice them — most of the time, who even thinks about a ceiling fan pull chain?). As an added bonus, my infant daughter loves staring at them while I change her diaper or jammies. I tap them to make the chains swing, and it's instant fascination, which helps make my job easier!" —LHD

Get them from Amazon for $5.88+ (available in three colors and two lengths).

5. A set of four tiki torches if you're looking for a super decorative way to light up your dark backyard — and keep the bugs away! You can fill this with citronella oil and get up to six hours of mosquito-repelling ambiance. It's honestly a total vibe, so only purchase this if you want your backyard to become everyone's new favorite hangout spot.

Amazon

Promising review: "We got these for an event we were hosting in our backyard. I didn't want the stereotypical wicker torches, so I found these instead. The photos don't do them justice; they're a beautiful oiled bronze color and look much more expensive than they are. They were easy to assemble and easy to install (and move, even while lit)." —Ashley

Get a set of four from Amazon for $44.99 (available in five colors).

6. A magnetic screen door that is super easy to install and will let you circulate some fresh air without letting any pesky bugs in. The magnet closures help it to open easily, but close securely and quickly — so it's also perfect for letting your dogs run in and out by themselves.

Amazon

Promising review: "Works PERFECTLY! We purchased this item so that our dogs would be able to go in and out freely without there just being a wide opening into our house for bugs to just fly in, must say it was well worth the money! Our dogs run right in and out, and it magnetizes perfectly back together each time! Definitely would recommend." —Taylor L.

Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in polyester and fiberglass styles).

7. A set of adhesive strips to close the gap under your door and stop any annoying drafts. It'll make it much easier to cool down your home in the summer while keeping the hot air inside during the winter. And it'll also keep bugs, dirt, and leaves outside where they belong!

Amazon

Promising review: "I got this because the front door is uneven and very drafty. I didn’t want to spend a lot since we rent it, but the amount of bugs coming from underneath was annoying. The material is very flexible and pliable, which is great. A lot of these that I’ve used at big box stores tend to be somewhat rigid and want to fall off the minute you open the door. For my application, the door itself is raised up about 2 inches from the floor, so I didn’t have to worry about it dragging. However, the door is 90 years old, so it’s seen a lot of wear and tear, but this thing works perfectly. So impressed with how easy it was to apply; you can guide it along as you need to, since it’s so flexible. I never thought I’d get excited about a door draft stopper, but this is that moment." —rezzim

Get a set of two from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in four colors).

8. A super-fun twisty sprinkler that's perfect for doggos and kiddos — or full-grown adultos just looking to cool off. Connect it to a standard garden hose and you'll be instantly transported to your days of splashing and splashing in the water park.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Bought this water toy mainly for my German shepherd. She's obsessed with water. We finally got a nice hot day with no rain, so I got it out of the box and set it up for her. She absolutely loves it." —ZoomT12

Get it from Amazon for $24.99.

9. Globe string lights to turn your backyard into the ultimate hangout spot, because let's face it, string lights can transform any space into an Instagram-worthy moment. They're waterproof, windproof, AND shatterproof, so you won't have to worry about a broken bulb ruining the party.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Absolutely love the dim feature! These bulbs are more round than oval like others, but I love them. When they are off, there’s a cool yellow in them that offers a lovely aesthetic when not in use. Our pergola is wired for lights, so we mounted them on and almost always dim them because the white pergola reflects the light. These lights have made our patio my new favorite spot in the house. My husband and I find the evenings so relaxing, we’ve literally grown closer together from spending time out under the lights in our new favorite place." —fishurmo

Get them from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in eight lengths and two colors).

10. Or! A pack of solar-powered waterproof deck lights you'll be so thankful to have when reading in the sunshine turns into sipping on pinot grigio and watching the sunset. You can place them along any stairs, balconies, railings, pathways, or anywhere else you need some extra light. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "These lights were easy to install and look great on our deck. We just had a pool built and needed some light on the steps of the deck so we could see walking up the steps at night. They're beautiful without too much light." —BJ

Get 16 from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in two colors and a pack of 20 or 24).

11. An oscillating tower fan for anyone who is determined not to touch the AC until absolutely necessary. Reviewers say it's super quiet, so your partner or roommate won't give you the side-eye every time you turn it on. There's also a special nighttime setting that slowly decreases the fan speed while you sleep, which your body temperature will greatly appreciate.

www.amazon.com

It also includes a remote control and has a timer function!

Promising reviews: "I bought this for my dorm room and it is hands down one of the best purchases I made. The assembly portion was super easy, and I needed no assistance. The fan is pretty strong, and the noise level is not too high!" —Sharon

"I live in Louisiana. Not only is the temperature around what the fiery pits of Hell must be like, but there is also humidity to add even more fun to it. I come home to a house that is roughly around 84 degrees at 5:30 in the evening, so I needed a little help with cooling off. Within five minutes of turning this thing on, it was like an angel had come down from heaven and began to personally blow cool air on my face. I was genuinely close to tears. If this thing only lasts a month, it will have been worth the money." —Lori

Get it from Amazon for $76.49 (available in two colors).

12. A wonderfully elegant patio set featuring two sturdy chairs (with cushions!) and a compact side table that's perfect for kicking back and enjoying some bevs with your bestie. The spacious table features a durable glass topper that makes it easy to clean, and reviewers say the cushioned seats are surprisingly comfy for the low price point.

Amazon

Promising review: "Great set for the price! I needed a smaller chair and table set for my front porch, as it is not very wide, and this was perfect! Sturdy build and comfortable. Not hard to put together: All pieces were included, and the instructions were easy." —Debbie J.

Get it from Amazon for $89.98+ (available in five colors).

13. Or a more compact and colorful three-piece patio set that'll make you the envy of all your neighbors. "Did a new Parisian café just open next door?!" Not quite, but your front porch will become everyone's new favorite hangout spot thanks to the surprisingly spacious table and comfy chairs that don't take up tons of space. Stock up on croissants and espresso — your friends will be stopping by more often.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Perfect size for our quaint balcony space in our condo building. The vibrant chartreuse color couples perfectly with our retro robin egg door. Lightweight, already assembled, and super easy to clean. The price makes this set a no-brainer. (It's cheaper than Target and CB2, but it is equal in quality.) Awesome summer buy." —Nouvelle Mere

Get the set from Amazon for $104.99+ (available in six colors).

14. A portable grill so you can keep the festive barbecues going all season long, even if you don't have tons of space for a full-size grill. It has a quick-fold design so you can fold it, roll it, and store it once you're done whipping up some burgers.

Amazon

Promising review: "This grill is great! It has three burners, so the things that you are grilling do not cook unevenly. I purchased a 20-pound to 1-pound propane adapter and hooked up my 20-pound propane to it. It is easy to assemble. I usually prefer a charcoal grill over propane, but this grill came close to giving me the charcoal grill taste; it did not disappoint me. Awesome product!" —Jyno

Get it from Amazon for $319.99+ (available in five colors).

15. A cooling memory foam mattress topper that'll instantly upgrade your bed and have you feeling like you checked into The White Lotus for summer break... without the murder, of course. It's perfect for adding a soft layer on top of a too-firm mattress, and hundreds of reviewers have even compared it to sleeping on a cloud. ☁️

Amazon

Promising review: "After a week, my back pain was virtually gone. I didn't want to jump to conclusions, though, so I decided to give it more time. It's now been over a month and the topper has held up perfectly, the back pain is still virtually nonexistent, and, even better, I'm not waking up as sweaty, so I guess the gel in the topper is doing the trick as waking up in a sweat had been part of my issue. Simply put, I'm now sleeping through the night better and waking up feeling better, so I'd say this is definitely worth looking at if you're having back issues with your mattress." —David T.

Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in sizes twin–California king, two thickness levels, and with or without a cover).

16. A wildly popular 400-thread count cotton sateen sheet set so soft and cooling, you'll never throw them off you in the middle of the night when you suddenly get overheated. Bonus — reviewers say these hold up super well after repeated washings with very few wrinkles and no shrinkage!

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Each set comes with one fitted sheet and one flat sheet. The twin and twin-XL sets come with one pillowcase, while all other sizes come with two.

Promising review: "Bought these strictly because of the color and cost to use in a guest room. A week after we put these in the guest bedroom, we needed to utilize that bed because we were painting our primary. We slept on these and were amazed by the quality for such a low cost. We have always slept on expensive bedding. This set felt just as good. Time will tell how they age, but we have bought another set to use as a spare. Also, I want to mention the cooling effect of these sheets. Both my wife and I love to be cooler rather than warmer when we sleep." —The Dude 

Get it from Amazon for $39.94+ (available in sizes Twin–California King, two packs, and 38 colors).

17. A set of incredibly popular water-resistant zero-gravity chairs that'll have you feeling like you're floating on a cloud instead of lounging outside in the summer heat. The elastic cords and reclining design help provide that ~weightless~ sensation, and there's even a snap-on side table with spots for your phone, drink, and current poolside read.

Amazon

Promising review: "These chairs are quite literally the most comfortable lounge chairs I’ve ever purchased. There is ZERO assembly. You take them right out of the box and they are ready to use — just clip the tray to the side of the chair — that’s it! The mesh netting is comfortable. They are lightweight and fold up easily. They are also super sturdy... I’m currently writing this review as I comfortably bask in the glorious sun from this chair. Purchase these bad boys. You won’t be disappointed!" —Sturgeonson

Get a set of two from Amazon for $99.99+ (available in 28 colors).

18. A Levoit air-purifier with a three-stage filtration system to capture the pesky allergens floating around your home that are in a full-on war with your sinuses. This will even help capture pet hair if the change of weather is causing your fluffy friend to shed more fur than you even knew was on its little body. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This air purifier is great! I bought it because there was a lot of pollen and cat dander in my house, which was making my asthma flare up. Since I’ve got this air purifier, the cat odor has decreased, and I don’t need to use my inhaler as much. The noise is very quiet and not interruptive for me. Overall, I love this item and totally recommend it." —Dana

Get it from Amazon for $89.99 (available in two colors).

19. A compact dehumidifier so your AC doesn't have to fight against the diabolical humidity that's making it impossible to relax. This basically works by sucking in damp air, trapping the moisture in the water tank, and then blowing out dry air. It works best in small spaces up to 280 square feet, so prepare for this to be your new fave bedroom appliance.

www.amazon.com

The tank can hold up to 35 ounces of water, and once it's almost full, it'll automatically shut off for your safety! 

Promising review: "I bought this dehumidifier for our bedroom since I noticed some mold, and it feels stuffy during summer nights. We leave it on all night, and it really absorbs a lot of moisture. The noise is fine; it kinda makes our kids sleep since it sounds like white noise, so that doesn't bother us. We like our room with total darkness when sleeping, and there's an option to turn off the light, which is nice." —Roselle Cacap

Get it on Amazon for $39.99+ (available in two colors).

20. A bundle of fresh eucalyptus that'll fill your bathroom with relaxing fragrance so you'll basically be transported to a fancy spa every time you take a shower. It comes with an adhesive hook, so all you have to do is hang it upside down and keep the stems away from the direct flow of water. Pair it with a towel warmer, and you might never feel the need to go to a spa again. Well, except for when you're craving a glass of fresh cucumber water — it never tastes the same at home.

Luxury Lavender/Etsy

Each bundle lasts for one to two weeks before completely drying out. The brand notes that the small bundles won't provide much fragrance and are more for decorative purposes.

Promising review: "The eucalyptus came in great condition and smells heavenly - my husband loves it!" —Niki R.

Luxury Lavender is a small Etsy shop based in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Get it from Luxury Lavender on Etsy for $12+ (originally $15+; available in four sizes).

21. A set of blackout curtains — trust me, you'll want these on those early summer mornings when the sun feels like it burst through your window like the Kool-Aid Man to personally wake you up. Oh, and they also help reduce ambient noise by up to 30%, so they'll drown out the garbage truck when it barrels through at 6:2tooearly in the morning.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "These are the best blackout curtains ever! Heavy, quality material hangs beautifully, blocks all light, and keeps cold and sun out to help the room temperature. Throw them in the dryer with a damp washcloth, and that removes most wrinkles. I am replacing all other curtains in my home with these. Buy them, you won’t regret it!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in various sizes and colors).

22. A portable 100-inch movie screen so you can watch your annual viewing of 500 Days of Summer in a suitably extra fashion. It's designed to be easily set up in just 10 minutes by one person — just don't forget the projector! Reviewers say it's super lightweight and that the screen quality is excellent. I personally will be buying this to host a 20th anniversary screening of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I love the size and the fact that it takes five minutes to set up and five minutes to take down. Very portable and lightweight to carry. Very sturdy. I would highly recommend." —Kathi

Get it from Amazon for $88.95+ (also available in 120-inch size).

23. A cooling blanket for all my fellow hot sleepers who still like the feeling of curling up under sheets. It's made with "Arc-Chill" cooling fibers that absorb body heat and transfer moisture from the skin, so you won't wake up covered in sweat.

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Let me start by saying I get extremely overheated when I sleep, but also enjoy the weight of a blanket on me. This blanket is the perfect solution for that. It is large enough to cover my entire queen-sized bed and just heavy enough to provide some weight while I sleep. It is definitely cold, but not overwhelmingly cold at all. It’s like flipping your pillow over the cold side, except it’s an entire blanket! I love this thing, but I may have to get another one since my husky-mix loves it just as much as me!" —Madison P.

Get it from Amazon for $45.99+ (available in five sizes and 13 colors).

24. A fruit fly trap so you can finally leave your produce out on the counter without attracting any unwanted flying guests. The liquid lure lasts for 45 days, and there's also a window so you can see that it's actually working. It even looks like an apple, so it'll blend in perfectly in your fruit bowl. ~Don't be suspicious, don't be suspicious!~

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "These are incredible. Solved my fruit fly issue within a few days and have continued to keep them away. So happy." —Melissa K.

"Holy cow. Usually don't review products, but had to tell you this product works!! I'm watching my daughter's hamster, and placing her food out made our house fill with fruit flies! Kitchen, bathroom, all around the sinks, fruit, and her cage. For a week, I've been using a homemade fruit fly catcher, still overrun. Purchased this item, set them up in the evening... NOT ONE FRUIT FLY THIS MORNING! I'm amazed and grateful. Good, no, great product!! About time something works well." —Laurie S.

Get a two-pack (two traps per box for a total of four) from Amazon for$12.99+ (also available in packs of six and 12).

25. A set of metal hanging flower pots to add a dash of rainbow whimsy to your drab fence or balcony railing. You can also use them indoors as ridiculously adorable storage containers for arts and crafts supplies, faux flowers, or even snacks.

www.amazon.com

Each pot has a drain hole and a detachable hook.

Promising review: "Lovely colorful flower pots. Perfect size to hold a single flower, and they add such a nice pop of color to my yard. Very easy to hang up, no hardware required! I’m getting a lot of compliments on them. I bought several sets and planted bright flowers in them. I have them lining the inside of my yard and on the front of the house. They add a lot of cheer and homeyness for a simple and cheap project." —Maegan

Get a 10-pack from Amazon for $18.59+ (available in multicolor, black, or white). 

26. A seriously chic side table that's hiding a seriously cool secret — it's actually a cooler! Just pop the top to grab an ice-cold drink and then use the elevated portion as a handy table for the official snack of summer: chips and guac.

Amazon

Promising review: "The cooler kept drinks cold for quite a while, especially considering we didn't put much ice in it. The standing feature is nice, too. Just lock the table in the open position, and you can use it for a tall drink stand, which works well. If you're looking for a little table for a patio set OR for a little patio cooler, this product can take care of both needs." —Phenom13

Get it from Amazon for $88.99+ (available in two colors).

27. A soft-serve maker to turn frozen fruit into an ice cream-like dessert without all the hassle of making actual homemade ice cream. Just add the frozen fruit of your choice to the chute, push down with the plunger, and watch as a creamy, soft-serve-like concoction makes its way into your bowl.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I saw one of these in action at a friend's house like five years ago and thought it was just a made-up memory because making ice cream out of solely frozen fruit seems wild. But when I saw a TikTok about it, I immediately went to Amazon and bought it. Literally, this was the BEST decision of my life. I cannot believe how amazing this thing is! It makes the creamiest, best-tasting fruit ice cream ever. It’s easy to take apart and clean, and super easy to use." —DMCKAY

Get it from Amazon for $41.99+ (available in four colors).

28. A desk-friendly HappyLight sunlamp that'll add a bright glow to any room that doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight — so it can basically be summer all year as far as your bedroom is concerned. It's meant to help improve your mood and energy levels, meaning you can spend the day getting stuff done instead of counting down the minutes until your daily hot girl walk.

Amazon

Read more about sunlamps and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) at Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic

Promising review: "I work from home at night. I never see the light of day during the winter. This light has been a joy to have and gives great light at my desk to work with, with the benefit of mimicking sun exposure. It’s very easy to use and to replace bulbs." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $49.99 (clip the $10 off coupon on the product page for this price). 

29. A super absorbent Muddy Mat to stop dirty paw prints in their tracks! It may look like a simple doormat, but pet owners say this one actually traps dirt and water from their pup's paws when coming back inside after getting out all their zoomies. Oh, and it also works on kids/spouses/roomies/etc. who simply can't be bothered to wipe their feet off. Just take deep breaths, the Muddy Mat has you covered.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "These mats work great. I have one out on my covered patio, and I bought one more to put in front of my front door. I have two dogs, and so far, even when it rains, they don't track in any water or stuff from the yard — definitely would buy another one if I needed it. So far, they are easy to clean. All I do is go outside and shake it, and all the stuff comes off it." —Deborah

Get it from Amazon for $19.95+ (available in 11 sizes and 20 colors).

30. A screen-cleaning brush, because what good is all this sunshine if you can't even look out of the window and enjoy it?! If your window screens need a good deep cleaning, you can wet this with soap and water to break down stubborn grime. Then use it dry once you see any dirt start to accumulate.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Our screens are on a second-floor balcony. There really isn't any good way to clean the outside of the screens. Luckily, the fibers on this screen cleaner are small enough that they seem to fit through the screen and clean both sides. I'm sure it doesn't clean the outside as well as it does the inside, but any help is always appreciated. I was actually shocked at how much dirt came off the screens with this very simple tool. I used it wet with a small amount of dish soap, and it worked really well. I also appreciated that after I was finished, I was just easily able to rinse and dry the screen cleaner for future use. A simple tool at an excellent price." —BonjourBeautyByAmy

Get it from Amazon for $18.99.

31. A cordless portable bath jet spa — it'll basically give you the bubbling jetted tub of your dreams without having to drop Jacuzzi money. Just attach this under the spout in your bathtub and then choose between "jet mode" or "bubble mode." Of course, you'll then need to choose between "read-with-a-glass-of-wine mode" or "zone-out-and-listen-to-SZA mode."

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This lil' thing rocks! I didn't think it would be as powerful as it is, but my tub time now is sooo relaxing. It makes bubbles as well as soothes you with that jet stream. If you like to soak for your health. I highly recommend this little powerhouse. Worth every penny." —TabbiJCMA

Get it from Amazon for $73.99+ (available in five colors). 

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The reviews used in this post have been edited for length and clarity.

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