Spend A Little, Get A Lot: 40 Home Upgrades That Won't Break Your Budget

BuzzFeed-Shopping·2025-06-28 15:03

1. A plug-in wall sconce that's powered by an electrical outlet, because not all of us can or want to hire an electrician to install a more permanent light fixture. It's also got a dimmer.

Promising review: "These lamps are perfect for over the bed. They have two switches. One is on the base to dim them, and then a lower switch is needed for when you are tired and don't want to reach that high! Perfect!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in black or gold, and in packs of one or two).

2. Or a plug-in wall sconce with a fabric lampshade if you're looking for something with a softer aesthetic.

amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising review: "We wanted to get rid of the large lamps we were using because the bedroom is small, and we didn't want to spend a lot of money. These are very easy to install and the price is great. Everything arrived in perfect shape and we love that the switch is on the base and not on the cord, that way we can use decorative cord covers. The swivel makes it nice to move into the perfect position. I might purchase another set for our guest room." —VWBugGeek

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $49.99 (available in three colors).

3. 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.

www.amazon.com

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. Used White Lightning Speed Grip to adhere the panels. 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 15 sizes).

4. An automatic soap dispenser that also tells you the temperature. This is a game-changer if you're short on countertop space because it mounts to the wall and it keeps soap dispensing tidy.

amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising review: "I purchased this automatic hand soap machine based off some TikTok videos. I love this and will not go back to a manual soap bottle. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!" —SGT O

Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in six colors and two styles).

5. 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.

Amazon

Promising review: "Feels quality, not flimsy. Installed in a bathroom and adds a nice classy 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 (also available in a switch plate cover design and a combo design).

1. A plug-in wall sconce that's powered by an electrical outlet, because not all of us can or want to hire an electrician to install a more permanent light fixture. It's also got a dimmer.

2. Or a plug-in wall sconce with a fabric lampshade if you're looking for something with a softer aesthetic.

3. 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.

4. An automatic soap dispenser that also tells you the temperature. This is a game-changer if you're short on countertop space because it mounts to the wall *and* it keeps soap dispensing tidy.

5. 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.

6. Some antique-style brass cabinet pulls to make your existing cabinetry look new. One of the most dramatic ways to change the look of drawers and cabinets is to swap out the hardware, and it's soooo easy.

7. 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.

8. Some rechargeable motion sensor under-cabinet lights to perfectly illuminate your kitchen and bathroom. After a full charge, the these can last for about three hours if left on, or up to four weeks if they're on motion sensor mode and activated up to 10 times per day.

9. Or these stick-on track lights if you want a continuous glow, not a spotted one. They're remote-controlled and dimmable, and you can set a timer so they shut off automatically. They plug into a power outlet, so you never need to worry about the battery dying.

10. A roll of peel-and-stick floral wallpaper for upcycling an existing piece of furniture. If you have a cabinet that's looking a little tired, consider putting something pretty on the inside to jazz it up a bit.

11. A roll of peel-and-stick wallpaper in a subtle black-and-white pattern that will add a bit of modern drama to wherever you install it. An easy DIY win that will instantly upgrade your space.

12. 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.

13. A set of Beckham Hotel Collection pillows to replace your old pillows. These are big, fluffy, and soft, and everyone says it feels like you're sleeping at a fancy hotel when you use them. Yes, please!

14. A satin pillowcase so smooth, it makes friction between your hair and pillow a thing of the past. Its luxurious feel not only pampers you to sleep but also helps keep bedhead and sleep creases at bay. And it looks so beautiful!

15. An entryway storage bench if you lack a proper foyer with storage but still need a place to stash all your outside stuff. This has nine movable hooks, shoe storage (including tall boots), and a bench with a max weight capacity of 330 pounds.

16. A hidden storage box disguised as a beautiful collection of books. Now, instead of having your electronics and all their cords on display, they'll be covered up by what looks like a top-tier curation of books.

17. Or a rustic wall-mounted entry organizer if you just need a place to stash your keys and mail. There's also a little shelf if you want to keep your wallet or other essentials there too.

18. An aesthetically pleasing wall-mounted hair dryer holder to give your hair dryer a home of its own (and free up drawer and cabinet space, while you're at it). It comes in gold, black, or silver, so it's sure to match any metal finish you have in your bathroom.

19. A set of extra soft cooling bed sheets to give your bed an instant makeover. Nights spent under the covers will be so much nicer now thanks to this beloved bedding set (it has over 250,000 5-star ratings on Amazon).

20. A pack of 16 solar-powered outdoor lights that clip right onto your balcony's ledge. Nighttime on your balcony will be so much nicer when you have proper mood lighting.

21. A waffle weave blanket to give yourself a resort-like sleeping experience. Made from a 50/50 combination of cotton and bamboo fibers, it's super great for hot sleepers because it's breathable and absorbs moisture like no other. Plus, it looks great — so much texture!

22. Or a two-pack of solar-powered outdoor lantern lights that require little to no maintenance on your part. Because they don't require electricity, you can hang 'em and then forget about 'em.

23. A stick of Erase-A-Hole putty to cover up the holes in your wall caused by nails. It also works on wood and plaster!

24. A neutral rug with just a smidge of color if you have unsightly carpet and want to cover it up with something pretty. This is also a great hack if your existing furniture majorly clashes with the color of your carpet.

25. A textured, shaggy rug with Moroccan vibes if you want a rug that's really plush.

26. A pack of artificial ivy leaves so you can bring the outdoors in, minus the bugs and dirt. Hang these on your walls for a backdrop or use them as window treatments for extra privacy.

27. Or a pack of faux-cherry blossom flower vines to drape over mirrors, furniture, and really anything else you want to add some flair to.

28. Some peel-and-stick floor tiles if you're unhappy with the way your current bathroom or kitchen floors look. These are half an inch thick and made of vinyl, so they can withstand a lot of foot traffic. They're also water-resistant and washable.

30. A privacy window film to turn any window into a rainbow factory. When the light hits it, your space will be covered in rainbows. And when the light isn't hitting it, it looks like ornate stained glass.

31. A mold-resistant white grout pen to cover grout stains with a fresh coat of waterproof white paint. Each pen can cover up to 150 feet of grout.

32. Some velvet curtains if you need to filter light but don't want to sacrifice style. These are very good at providing privacy and darkening the space.

33. Some floating shelves to install in your bathroom to give your pretty things a place to shine. Most bathrooms just have a few towel rods, so installing these will give you plenty of opportunities to show off your gorgeous candles, ceramics, and hand towels.

35. Some shelf dividers if you stack clothing and linens to the ceiling in your closet. Not only will it help keep the stacks upright, but now everything from towels to linens will have their own spot.

36. A fog-resistant, wall-mounted shower mirror to get that perfect shave every time. It has three different light settings, adjustable brightness, a little shelf to hold and hooks your razors, and a squeegee just in case it does fog up.

37. A set of removable tile decals that are specifically designed for stairs. They come in a roll just like tape, so you slap them on your risers and — boom! — you're done.

38. 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.

39. Some beautiful wall-mounted amber bottles that come with matching labels to decant your shampoo, conditioner, and body wash into. Pro tip: Use a leveler to make sure yours are evenly aligned.

40. And an under-cabinet lid opener so you never struggle to open a jar again. And because it mounts to the underside of your cabinet, it will be out of sight and out of mind when you don't need it.

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4. An automatic soap dispenser that also tells you the temperature. This is a game-changer if you're short on countertop space because it mounts to the wall and it keeps soap dispensing tidy.