Shopping
55 Weird, Cheap Things On Amazon That Make Your Home Way Better
55 Weird, Cheap Things On Amazon That Make Your Home Way Better

Odd things that upgrade your space.

by Jessica Booth
Amazon
We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

It’s always nice when home upgrades are functional but also fun, and it’s a definite bonus when they don’t drain your bank account. Amazon is home to a wide array of cheap products that may seem odd at first glance, but ultimately help to improve your life and your home, and I sifted through hundreds of items to find the best ones out there. Even better? A lot of these are particularly ideal for small, shared spaces, like apartments with roomies or dorm rooms. Take a look and start adding to your cart.

01An LED Wall Clock That’s Helpful While Looking Cool

Who needs a traditional clock when you can have this LED clock on your wall? You can choose to only display the time, or have it rotate between the time, the date, and the temperature. It’s functional, offers three levels of brightness, and comes with a convenient remote control.

02A Funky Fairy Garden Home With Solar-Powered Lights

Add a whimsical touch to your yard with this mushroom fairy house solar light. The flickering LED light makes it perfect for a comforting glow on your patio or deck, and since it runs on solar power, it’s low-maintenance and something you don’t really have to think about. It’s especially perfect to place in a garden to add some magical vibes.

03This Pillow With An Ear Pocket For Your Most Comfortable Sleep

If sleeping on your side or with earbuds in leaves your ear feeling squished, this memory foam pillow is a lifesaver. Its built-in pocket takes the pressure off your ear, also leaving room for earbuds or piercings. Made from gel-infused memory foam, the pillow also helps keep you cool throughout the night.

04A Color Changing Night-Light That Feels Like A Whole Vibe

There’s something to be said for a brightly colored night-light like this one, which can wash your room in the glow of your favorite hue. It easily plugs into an outlet, has a sensor so it turns on by itself when it gets dark, and can cycle through different colors or stay on just one. It also has a sleek design that doesn’t take up your whole outlet.

05This Decorative Window Film That Offers Privacy Without Blocking Light

You don’t need to totally cover your windows to keep anyone outside from looking in. This privacy film clings easily to your window, obscuring the view while allowing plenty of sunlight to shine through. It also blocks UVA and UVB rays to protect your furniture from direct sunlight. The pretty pattern adds a decorative touch, and removing the window film is hassle-free.

06An Herb Saver That Keeps Them Fresh For Weeks

Fresh herbs can add a burst of flavor to your dishes, but they can quickly turn into a slimy mess when not stored properly. This herb keeper helps them stay fresh for much longer than they would in those plastic produce bags. “I bought 2 and [they] make my herbs last a couple of weeks,” one reviewer said.

07This Hidden Safe For Stowing Tiny Valuables

Stash your most valuable small items in a spot no one will think to look: behind a fake outlet. This hidden wall safe is easy to install and features a magnetic faux outlet cover that looks like the real thing. Use it to hide passports, cash, jewelry, and other small valuables — guests will be none the wiser.

08A Soft Night-Light That Looks Like A Little Duck

This duck-shaped night-light is a piece of adorably funky decor that provides just enough light for your space at night. It offers a range of colorful light settings, has adjustable dimming, and is easy to turn on with a one-button push. The soft silicone material also makes it super portable.

09The Cutest Door Stopper That Will Make You Smile Every Time

Dog lovers, you need this dog door stopper, which is just as functional as it is fun. The rotating head, heart-shaped nose, and big eyes make this extremely cute, and you can place it underneath a door to prevent it from swinging shut when you want it open. The foam strip underneath helps keep the stopper in place on the floor.

10A Hair Catcher That Prevents Shower Drain Clogs

Washing your hair in the shower inevitably means dealing with loose strands that fall out. As tempting as it may be to stick the strands to the shower wall (everyone does it, let’s be real), they will eventually end up clogging the drain. This self-adhesive hair collector is a better option: it goes on the shower wall and gives you a place to stick stray strands, holding them there until you can toss them in the garbage.

11A Toilet Light That Makes It So Much Easier To Use The Bathroom At Night

When you’re using the bathroom in the middle of the night, turning on the light can be uncomfortable for your tired eyes. This motion sensor toilet light is the solution. It detects body heat, lighting up when you enter and shutting off when you leave. The light offers a soft glow in a rainbow of colors, the brightness can be adjusted, and it securely fits around any toilet bowl.

12These Bee Lights That Make Your Garden Feel More Magical

Light up your garden or any potted plant with these solar string lights, which come in the shape of little bees. The solar panels mean they charge up during the day and go on at night, and they offer just a little bit of light for a whimsical vibe. They’re perfect for a garden, but can really be used anywhere on your lawn.

13A Light Sensor That Makes Your Life More Convenient

Give yourself one less thing to try and remember each day when you install these light sensor sockets. They screw into most lamp sockets and have a dusk-to-dawn sensor, turning your lights on and off automatically. Suitable for porch lights and indoor lights, the socket adapters require no wiring and offer hassle-free installation.

14This Cat-Shaped Jar Scraper That Prevents Food Waste

Certain jars and containers make it extra hard to scrape out every last drop of food — this jar scraper makes it easy. It’s essentially a tiny spatula, with a curved end that promises to empty your jars completely. Made of soft silicone, it’s fairly flexible and is also easy to clean. Plus, it looks like a cat, so it doesn’t get much better than that.

15A Set Of Straps For Storing & Organizing Cords

It’s hard to keep track of the endless amount of cords that somehow continue to end up in a tangled pile in your junk drawer. These reusable cinch straps are made for cord management. Use them to wrap up cables neatly, making them easier to store. They also have labels on them so you know exactly what each one is for, meaning you’ll never lose track of the one you need again.

16A Space-Saving Pod Holder For Keeping Coffee In Easy Reach

Keurig machines offer a convenient and inexpensive way to make coffee at home, but storing the coffee pods is not as simple. These coffee pod holders have adhesive pads so they can stick onto the side of your coffee machine, offering sleek, easy storage right at the source. They’re expandable, easy to apply and move, and save on counter and cabinet space.

17This Outlet Cover That Keeps Messy Cords Out Of Sight

Nothing ruins your carefully planned, aesthetically pleasing decor like a collection of jumbled cords. If you’re struggling to hide some, this sleek outlet concealer is a lifesaver. It plugs into the outlet, covering it up completely, and comes with an extension cord to stow away somewhere else, keeping cords out of sight and even adding one extra outlet. I have this for my kitchen and I love how thin the cover is — it looks so much better and I plan on purchasing a few more for other spots in my home.

18These Spooky Molds That Make Homemade Ice Pops A Lot More Appealing

Making your own ice pops is surprisingly easy and makes you feel weirdly accomplished, and these zombie molds only add to the experience. This set of four allows you to make ice pops that look like creepy zombies, and they’re perfect for guests, parties, or an everyday thrill. If zombies aren’t your thing, they’re available in other shapes like mermaids or penguins. “Peeled off amazingly easily,” one reviewer said, while another added that the silicone is “easy to clean.”

19These Magnetic Air Vent Covers That Give You More Temperature Control

Air vents in unused areas of the house can be a waste of heating and cooling. That’s why these magnetic vent covers are a must. They’re super simple to apply, can be cut to size, and block all air circulation to prevent leaks. Thousands of positive reviews and ratings back them up, with one shopper saying they’re “strong,” and adding, “wasn't expecting much but this vent cover does the trick just fine.”

20These Colorful Bottle Lights That Give Off A Comforting Glow

These bottle lights are perfect for upcycling empty wine or liquor bottles, turning them into glowing night-lights that give off a relaxed vibe. They’re attached to a cork that goes into the bottle and feature a simple on/off switch. With rainbow colors, these lights are fun for parties, get-togethers, or just adding a soft glow to a room.

21A Sleek Glass Bowl That Elevates Food Storage Instantly

Update your food containers with this glass lunch bowl. The bowl shape makes it ideal for soups or snacks, and it’s great for keeping food fresh in the refrigerator or using it for meals on the go. The glass makes it durable, while a colorful silicone cover protects it from breaking. This is one of my personal favorite containers because it looks sleek and modern and the airtight lid really keeps food fresh and doesn’t leak.

22 A Rack With Retractable Hooks That Fits In Small Spaces

This retractable coat rack is a versatile piece you can use in almost any room. It’s compact enough for smaller spaces, and the hooks can be tucked back in when not in use to offer even more room around it. Ideal for hanging keys, coats, towels, and lightweight bags, this modern coat rack works with any decor.

23These Arm Pads That Make Sitting In An Office Chair More Comfortable

Spending hours in an office chair is less than ideal for many reasons, including the potential discomfort. These cushioned arm pads are one way to make things comfier. They’re made of memory foam and a cooling gel pad and are meant to raise your arms a bit to promote better posture. Double-sided fasteners make them easy to adjust onto any chair and they can easily be removed if needed.

24A Narrow Cabinet & Toilet Paper Holder Ideal For Tiny Bathrooms

Add extra storage space to your small bathroom with this narrow cabinet. It acts as a toilet paper dispenser, has two compartments inside for stashing extra toilet paper, cleaners, and more, and a tiny shelf up top for other necessities (or to act as a convenient area to place your phone). It’s inexpensive and made of a waterproof material for easy cleaning.

25This Adhesive Molding Trim For An Easy Upgrade

Decorative molding is the kind of detail that can really elevate a space. This flexible molding trim makes it a breeze to add to any spot you feel needs something extra, whether that’s on the perimeters of the ceiling or around wall art as a frame. Easy to cut to size, it has a strong adhesive backing and a design that reviewers call “elegant” and “very pretty.”

26An All-In-One Shaker For Making The Perfect Cocktail

Become your own bartender with this cocktail shaker set offering five tools in one. It includes a built-in strainer, juicer, jigger, and bottle opener, and the strainer cap can be flipped upside down so you can juice directly into the shaker. Measurements on both the shaker and jigger make it easy to follow recipes precisely.

27A Mini Drying Rack For Stowing Sink Essentials Within Reach

Clean up the clutter around your sink by placing this small, triangle dish drying rack in the corner. It’s the perfect spot for a sponge, cleaning brush, bottle of dish soap, and a small hand towel, freeing up extra space elsewhere. Since it’s sitting over the sink, you don’t need to worry about water pooling on the countertop — plus, you can cut the silicone tips to size if needed.

28A Cleaning Brush That Removes Gunk From The Garbage Disposal

If you have a garbage disposal, this universal cleaning brush is a must. Covered in stiff cleaning bristles, it helps break up any residual food waste and debris that builds up. The 11-inch brush fits in any garbage disposal, and the sturdy handle makes it easy to grip and rotate. One reviewer noted that it leaves the disposal “squeaky clean,” writing, “My disposal always had a weird smell but after using this, the smell is gone!”

29These Tablets That Give Your Washing Machine The Deep Clean It Needs

It’s easy to forget that your washing machine needs to be cleaned fairly regularly. These deep-cleaning descaling tablets make it easy to do so. Throw one into an empty machine and run a normal cycle — the tablet will get rid of built-up gunk, soap residue, and odors. Not only does this leave the inside sparkling clean, but it also helps maintain proper performance.

30These Space-Saving Bags That Give You More Room In Your Closet

Bulky coats and sweatshirts can take up a lot of space in your closet, so when you don’t need them for a while (like in the summer), stash them in these vacuum-sealed storage bags. You can store several items in one bag, and once sealed, they become nearly flat, leaving plenty of space in your closet. These are great for any clothing, and the rotating hangers and clear material make it easy to see what’s inside.

31This Floral Liner That Protects Cabinets & Looks Great

There’s no rule that says that cabinet liners have to be boring, and yet most of them are. This floral liner features a pretty pattern of white daisies and leaves, giving your cabinets a decorative touch. It’s easy to cut to the size you need and comes with double-sided tape if needed. Made from nonslip material, the liner is waterproof and durable.

32A Shelf That Attaches To Your Bed & Holds The Essentials

This bedside shelf is a great option for bunk beds or small shared spaces where a bedside table isn’t possible. It’s made of super sturdy steel and can easily be clamped to almost any bed. There’s enough space for small items like a book or your phone, and hooks around the sides allow you to hang other items. There’s even a cup holder for your water bottle.

33These Funny Dog Oven Mitts That Wrap Around Hot Dishes

Add some fun to your kitchen space with these slightly ridiculous (but also kind of adorable) dog oven mitts. The large oven mitt fits over both hands and wraps around hot dishes to provide more coverage. It’s heat resistant up to 482 degrees Fahrenheit, can be thrown in the washing machine to be cleaned, and is just as functional as it is cute.

34These Door Handle Covers That Keep Your Fridge Looking Clean

If you have a stainless steel refrigerator, you know the struggle of keeping fingerprints off the door handles. These door handle covers are a genius way to prevent smudges and keep your fridge looking nice and clean. The hook and loop closure makes them easy to adjust and they can be thrown in the laundry for easy cleaning.

35These Under-Cabinet Lights That Add Some Ambiance

Under-cabinet lights like these are an easy way to add a little ambiance and functionality to your home. They have an adhesive backing that makes them easy to install, and even better, they work with a remote control so you can easily turn them on and off or adjust the brightness. Thousands of positive ratings and reviews back them up, with shoppers saying they appreciate the slim profile and simple installation.

36A Set Of Sustainable Dishcloths That Can Replace Paper Towels

This set of Swedish dishcloths will help you save money on that seemingly endless stream of paper towels you keep having to buy. Super soft and absorbent, one dishcloth can replace up to 25 rolls of paper towels. They’re ideal for wiping down countertops and appliances, cleaning spills, and washing dishes, but you can also use them for cleaning just about anywhere. They dry quickly and are a more eco-friendly option than single-use paper towels — and it doesn’t hurt that the prints are nice to look at.

37An Easy-To-Use Door Stopper That Keeps Out Drafts & Bugs

Even the tiniest gaps under your door can let heating, air conditioning, and bugs pass through. Solve the problem with this door draft stopper that is adjustable with foam strips you cut to size, sliding underneath your door to keep everything out. It offers a little extra insulation and can also soundproof, so it’s great for shared spaces.

38A Toilet Paper Holder That Doubles As A Phone Stand

When your phone makes it into the bathroom with you, you’ll eventually need a safe place to put it down. This toilet paper holder is exactly that thanks to a shelf on top that offers just enough room for your cell phone. It’s made of sturdy, rustproof aluminum and comes in a matte black finish that will look sleek in any bathroom.

39This Highly Rated Umbrella Light For Your Dark Patio

Illuminate your outdoor seating area with this easy-to-install umbrella light. It clamps easily onto your umbrella stand and offers three different brightness modes. With over 40,000 positive ratings, this is a customer favorite. “Very bright when you use both settings, nice gentle lighting when only using the lowest,” one reviewer said. “Great quality, great price!”

40A Super Bright & Versatile Book Light You Can Use Anywhere

If you sleep next to a partner or live in a shared space, a book light like this one will definitely come in handy. Three heads offer plenty of bright light so you can read or work in dim lighting, and the adjustable brightness and flexible side lights mean you don’t need to disturb anyone else. You can set this on a surface or clip it onto a book, and it’s compact enough to be convenient for traveling or commuting.

41This Shower Curtain With Pockets For Your Devices

Sometimes you want (or need) access to your electronic devices in the shower or bath. Maybe you want to watch a TV show, be able to check emails quickly, or just text friends while getting ready — whatever the case, this clear shower curtain liner is a game changer. It has eight pockets placed throughout the liner that hold your phone or tablet, allowing you to use your devices without the threat of water damage.

42A Convenient, Space-Saving Measuring Cup & Spoon Set

This set of stackable measuring cups and spoons is a necessity if you spend a lot of time cooking and baking — especially if you’re doing so in a small kitchen. It includes a 4-cup liquid measuring cup, four basic measuring cups, two measuring spoons, a funnel, and a leveler. Everything fits neatly together for convenient storage and the whole set is a great price point at less than $15.

43This Propagation Station You Can Hang In Your Window

Plan on propagating some plants? Turn it into a piece of decor with this hanging garden wall propagation station, which looks beautiful in a large window space. It can hold up to 15 plant cuttings in slim glass containers that give plenty of room for the roots to grow. Plus, the station comes with DIY labels so you can easily name your plants and keep track of everything. There’s even a tiny cleaning brush included.

44A Touchless Soap Dispenser That Won’t Leave A Mess Behind

Designed to be drip-free, this automatic soap dispenser makes washing your hands less messy and more hygienic. It features five adjustable output levels for precise soap control whether you’re washing your hands or dishes (AKA no soap is wasted). Happy customers swear it actually works, with one saying, “Delivers consistently the same exact sized payload!”

45A Super Sturdy Door Lock For Added Protection

This safety door lock is a simple way to add an extra level of protection to your home, and at under $10, it’s definitely worth it. It’s made of sturdy and durable aluminum alloy and can withstand 800 pounds of force. Unlocking and locking it is a breeze and can be done in seconds, and it doesn’t look too bulky on your door. “This product is hands-down one of the best products I ever brought,” one reviewer raved.

46These Multifunctional Silicone Hooks Perfect For Small Bathrooms

When space is extra limited in your bathroom, these silicone holders will definitely come in handy. The four little prongs can hold small bathroom essentials like a toothbrush, razor, or hand towel, and the strong adhesive backing can be used on a wall or in a shower. They’re waterproof and rustproof, making them ideal for bathrooms, but they’re also great for holding keys or keeping cords in place around the house.

47This Sunset Lamp That Makes Every Hour Golden Hour

It’s basically a fact that golden hour (you know, the last hour before sunset) is some of the best lighting of the day. You can get that lighting in your home whenever you want with this sunset projection lamp. It emits a beautiful orange/red/pink glow that mimics a sunset and offers a calm, romantic environment. It’s easy to set up and small enough to fit on a tabletop.

48These Elastic Bands That Keep Your Garbage Bags In Place

Even when they’re the right size, plastic garbage bags tend to wrinkle or slip off the lip of the can, leading to a potential mess. These reusable elastic bands fit on 10 to 33-gallon trash cans, holding the garbage bag securely in place. They can also be used for other things, like keeping boxes together or tightly wrapping rolled objects, like rugs or wallpaper.

49A Paper Towel Holder With A Spray Bottle In The Center

This isn’t your ordinary paper towel holder — it also comes with a spray bottle in the center, turning it into a mini cleaning station that you can easily move around your home as needed. The spray bottle can be filled with your cleaner of choice, and keeping everything together is a convenient space saver. The holder is available in several colors, from matte black to bamboo and more.

50A Lightweight Stand That Keeps All Your Hair Ties In One Spot

This clear scrunchie stand means you’ll (probably) never lose track of your favorite hair tie again. The vertical design helps you save on space while also offering enough room to store multiple scrunchies or even bracelets. It’s easy to grab what you need and the stand has an open top so you can store additional hair ties in the cylinder.

51This Flexible Brush To Keep Your Dryer Super Clean

An accumulation of lint and dust in your dryer isn’t just messy to look at, it can also affect your machine’s performance and potentially cause a fire. Keep your dryer working properly with this vent cleaner kit, which has nearly 30,000 positive ratings. It comes with two long, flexible brushes for clearing out the vents, with wooden handles that offer a good grip and sturdy bristles that grab onto debris.

52The Versatile Dish Squeegee You Didn’t Know Your Kitchen Needed

This flexible dish squeegee conforms to fit into bowls and can be used on countertops or in the sink, gently scraping away food scraps and debris. The handle offers a sturdy grip and the squeegee has a hanging hole for convenient storage. “Don’t know how I managed living without this little gadget,” one reviewer wrote.

53A Budget-Friendly Security Camera That Looks Like A Light Bulb

If you want to keep an eye on what’s going on outside your home, this bulb security camera is a great option. It’s easy to install and has plenty of great features, like motion detection, tracking alerts, an alarm siren, two-way audio, night vision, and a panoramic viewing angle that promises zero blind spots. You can use it with an app on your phone or an Alexa device, and the waterproof construction means you don’t need to stress over it.

54A Portable & Soft Caddy To Keep Essential Items In Place

Tuck this organizational caddy between your mattress and bed frame, near your desk, or into a couch to stow small essential items you don’t want to lose. Since it’s easy to move around as needed, it’s great for shared spaces. Four mesh pockets and two cloth pockets provide storage for remotes, your phone, eyeglasses, and more.

55A Motion Sensor Light Perfect For Dark Entryways

This keyhole light has four LED bulbs that are great for illuminating small areas. The motion sensor technology means it goes on and off as it senses someone nearby, making it particularly great for dark front doors or entryways. It sticks on the door, making it an excellent option if you’re unable to install a light in your entryway.