The Easiest, Most Impactful Home Upgrades Under $35, According To Designers

This cord concealer tidies up cords and wires while also offering up extra charging spots (providing three outlets instead of two). Jaclyn King, a professional organizer and content creator, says, “[It’s] essentially an extension cord that streamlines the entire outlet, creating way less visual clutter.” The thin socket concealer plugs into existing outlets to make it blend into the wall. It features a 3-foot cord that can be neatly tucked behind furniture. The kit also comes with clips and adhesive so you can neatly secure the cord to the wall. A bonus? King says, “It’s also super helpful if you have little ones who are a bit too interested in plugs at the moment!”

“When it comes to quick and affordable ways to organize, the number one strategy is to get things off the floor,” says King. “A super easy way to do that is with Command Hooks.” These specialized Command Hooks are made to neatly organize the handles of mops and brooms. Each gripper can hold up to 4 pounds and accommodates handle widths up to 1 inch in diameter. The adhesive grippers work on almost any smooth surface and can removed without causing damage.

King also loves that Command hooks have a removable adhesive that “makes them ideal for changeable solutions and is renter friendly.” Specialized Command Hooks can even come in handy when hanging curtains, like with these sleek curtain rod holders. They fit multiple curtain rod sizes, and you can install them without any tools, hardware, or drilling. And when you’re ready to remove, the adhesive comes off without damaging the wall.

Kasandra Rafter from Canyon Creative, a Los Angeles-based interior design firm, says, “For a touch of elegance, a battery-operated art light can beautifully highlight framed wall art.” This wall light, for example, and it can even be installed without wiring. Instead, it features a rechargeable battery that’s simple to power up. The light’s temperature and brightness can be adjusted based on your preferences, and the included remote control makes it easy to change settings from across the room.

Rafter says, "A sleek plug-in or battery-operated sconce can instantly bring warmth and sophistication to any room.” She likes this budget-friendly dimmable sconce that features a long-lasting LED bulb, adjustable light angle, and a user-friendly plug-in design (no hardwiring required). This chic sconce comes with all the required mounting hardware, a dimmable LED bulb, as well as a 6-foot cord for easy installation.

“One of the simplest yet most transformative ways to elevate a space is through thoughtfully curated ambient lighting,” says Rafter. And these stick-on LED puck lights are an easy way to illuminate dark spots. The lights cast a warm-white glow and feature a slim design that can go virtually anywhere. These breezy little lights just need three AA batteries (not included) and can run for 100 hours before needing replacements.

This unique Edison bulb-inspired night-light is another chic way to add that ambient lighting that Rafter recommends. The bulb emits a warm-white glow and automatically comes on at dusk and turns on at dawn. Once the light is plugged in, you can switch between high or low brightness, and it can be installed in a number of ways, including keeping one of the receptacles open for other things.

Amber Shay, national VP of Design Centers at Meritage Homes, says, "Fun trim elements can be easily and inexpensively added to cabinets to create more style.” This peel-and-stick molding is a budget-friendly option and works well on any walls that need a little extra detail. Installing the adhesive material is super easy and no special tools are necessary. Plus, the molding comes in a variety of thicknesses and the white surface is paintable, so you can match it to your decor.

Shay is overall a big fan of creating a custom look, whether it’s through crown molding, light shield molding, or adding to a baseboard. This peel-and-stick baseboard trim couldn’t be easier to use, and it comes in a bunch of sizes and colors so you can get the look you want. The vinyl material is flexible enough to use around corners, and it’s designed to resist dust and stains.

“Add(ing) drapery can completely transform a room,” says Shay. “Just make sure they are long enough and mounted close to the ceiling in most cases and can be mounted on the walls outside a window to make the window appear larger.” These best-selling linen curtains are available in over 10 colors and over 10 sizes to mount them at the perfect length. Meanwhile, the fabric is designed to filter light and add privacy. Plus, you can hang them three different ways, and they’re machine washable, so they’re easy to maintain.

Shay also says, “Decorative pillows always make a big impact and can typically be an inexpensive addition. They can bring your whole space together by incorporating different colors and or add a real eye-catching pop of color or pattern." These textured pillow covers have a striped pattern and are made of a soft and durable corduroy fabric that can be machine washed on gentle. The covers also have an invisible zipper and come in a bunch of sizes and minimalist color options, so there’s something for every space.

These scalloped throw pillow covers offer another option for updating your space. The covers are made from OEKO Tex-certified 100% cotton and feature a concealed zipper that makes it easy to remove and refill the inserts. Plus, they come in over a dozen fun colors — all with a scalloped edge in a contrasting hue.

These magnetic blackout blinds are a genius way to reduce light for a better night of sleep (and they’re easy to hide behind your stylish curtains). They’re made of a thick polyester material that blocks 100% of sunlight, and the fabric can be cut to hide in your unique window size. It also comes with strong adhesive magnets that attach to the window frame, so they’re easy to take on and off.

Jove Meyer, owner and creative director of his own design company, says, “Lighting plays a big role in home design, especially mood lighting, so buying a light switch dimmer will be a fabulous upgrade that makes all the difference!" A dimmer like this one makes it super easy to add custom ambiance to your space with a simple tap. Simply plug it into an outlet, plug a lamp into it, and you have a sleek little button to dim your lighting. You can customize three brightness settings, and it has a nonslip bottom that keeps it from sliding around.

Another way to make your lighting work better for you is with this remote control light socket that’s complete with dimmer options. If you have a hard-to-reach pull chain light or a blocked switch, this remote control socket makes things much more accessible. It’s also a breeze to install — just screw the bulb into the socket and mount the switch on the wall.

This smart LED bulb also has plenty of dimming capabilities — simply use the associated app to customize lighting colors and brightness. You can also use the app to turn lights on and off and create schedules. And if you’re headed on vacation, you can even set a lighting schedule to make it look like someone is home.

For a near-instant update, consider swapping out cabinet hardware with these stylized cabinet pulls that Meyer loves. “These cabinet handles feel like art, they elevate the kitchen with a light and affordable lift," he says. These durable golden handles come in multiple sizes and can be used on cabinets anywhere in the house. Each pack includes four curved handles, and they come with all the necessary mounting hardware for a quick installation. Plus, they also come in black or silver to easily fit in your space.

Meyer says that he’s “also a big fan of wall sconces,” specifically those that feature a dimmer. A cordless sconce option like this one is an easy way to add lighting to areas without outlets nearby. The light features a rechargeable battery and has multiple brightness and color settings. It simply sticks on the wall with 3M adhesive, and you can pull off the magnetic sconce to use it as a flashlight.

When it comes to styling scones, Meyer suggests placing them “near an entryway, by your bedside, or in a hallway,” in order to add easy ambiance. This trending bamboo sconce casts interesting light patterns while adding a cozy glow to your space. The sconce plugs into an outlet, so no hardwiring is necessary, and it accommodates a bunch of types of bulbs. And although it’s made of wood, the lamp is resistant to high temperatures, so it’s durable enough for frequent use.

“Scent is a great and affordable way to upgrade your home,” Meyer also says. Once you find a candle you love as a signature scent for your space, pop it underneath this chic candle warmer lamp. Its dimmable bulb ensures your space will be filled with the scent of your candle (without any smoke or soot on your furniture). It also comes with three timer settings, so you can turn on your soothing fragrance and forget about it.

Ilaria Barion, owner and CEO at Barion Design, says, “One reliable and budget-friendly option I recommend are decorator covers. These matching covers can instantly revamp old electrical outlets without needing an electrician.” She specifically recommends this minimalist plate that’s easy to install and can upgrade old or discolored outlet covers anywhere in the house. The budget-friendly covers are made from durable polycarbonate, so they’re sturdy enough for everyday use, and they can be installed without re-wiring the whole outlet.

Kathy Kuo, founder and CEO of Kathy Kuo Home, says “I love the idea of simply adding a decorative tray to your entryway console — use it as a catchall for keys and mail, as well as for styling items like scented candles, framed photos, and decorative objects.” This scalloped option is made from a combination of woven water hyacinth grass and a durable iron frame to make it stylish and durable. It features cutout handles, so you can move it around, and it’s compact enough to work as a centerpiece or as a practical way to contain clutter.

Kuo says, “One way to instantly elevate the look of your home is to spend some time styling and designing your entryway; treat it like you would any other space in your home.” These switch plate magnets are an easy way to make your entryway as tidy as the rest of your space. They give you a discreet and dedicated place to store your keys, keeping them from cluttering up other spaces. They’re easy to install — just remove the screws from a standard switch plate and replace them with the magnets. And the magnets are safe for electronic items like key fobs and wireless starters.

Kuo also advises that “your entryway is the first impression your home makes, so taking care with wall art, rugs, and console table styling really goes a long way in making a big impact in a small area.” These jute baskets are a stylish and practical solution for stashing items like mail, gloves, hats, or other small accessories. They feature a functional leather handle that’s perfect for hanging on a hook, and the baskets return to their original shape after being folded down.

If you’re looking to add wall hooks to your entryway, this pack is sure to fit because they’re compact and fold up flat when not in use. They come in four different finishes, and they can hold up to 55 pounds each. Installation is also simple — decide on placement and then insert screws into the hook’s predrilled holes.

These easy-to-stack shoe organizers are a customizable find to keep your entryway free from visual clutter. They’re a breeze to set up without tools, and the height is adjustable, so they can fit everything from flat slippers to high heels. Each rack can hold three to five pairs of shoes, depending on size.

Kristin Hintlian, co-owner of Bonsai Builders, says, “For under $50, you can find stylish storage solutions to corral entryway items, living room accessories, or bedroom necessities. The key is keeping styling minimal but cohesive.” Natural fiber bins like these are a chic and budget-friendly way to create thoughtfully designed storage. They come in 10 fabric colors and feature durable fabric and a metal frame. They also have sturdy handles and can be collapsed down to save space when not in use.

This bamboo and linen storage basket is perfect for stowing extra rolls of toilet paper — it keeps the accessible but out of sight in the bathroom. The lightweight fabric design is easy to assemble and can be folded down when not in use. Each basket can hold up to 12 rolls of toilet paper, and they can be stacked for even more storage.

Hintlian says, “Floating shelves or storage ottomans declutter a room and provide organization. Group items by category on matching shelves or in matching baskets.” These wire baskets can be wall-mounted or stored on the counter and are perfect for holding toiletries, produce, and more. You can even add hooks to organize items like bananas or mugs. The baskets are made from a combination of steel wire and wood and come with labels so you can identify exactly what’s inside.

This vanity stool is a good storage ottoman like Hintlian recommends because it features a lid that opens up to reveal a spot for your stuff. The stool combines golden legs and pleated velvet fabric for a stylish mid-century modern design. It can hold up to 220 pounds and comes with nonslip foot pads to keep things stable.

Courtney Cummings, owner of The Stylish Organizer, says “Nothing creates an instant upgrade faster than beautiful lighting!” And these under-cabinet lights are a quick way to add impressive under-cabinet or -shelf lighting to anywhere that’s a bit dim. When set to motion sensor mode, the lights turn on and off automatically, so they’re energy-saving and look expensive. The lights are rechargeable via a USB-C cord and come with multiple installation options.

Cummings also says, "For an easy, instant closet upgrade, swap your mismatched hangers for these slim velvet hangers.” These smooth, velvet hangers are nonslip, so they keep clothes in place, and the 360-degree swivel hook makes it easy to access items. They feature a horizontal bar for pants and accessories and have an impressive 10-pound weight capacity. When it comes to quantity, Cummings says, “Always buy more hangers than you think you need. An average size closet will easily use 75-100 hangers, with larger walk-in closets needing closer to 150 or more."

Cummings says, “Turning a cluttered, messy drawer into a beautifully organized space is as simple as using these bamboo drawer dividers.” These dividers expand to fit into almost any standard-sized drawer, and they can be placed vertically or horizontally for maximum versatility. The water-resistant bamboo material is a breeze to wipe clean, and each divider features a tension spring that keeps it firmly in place.

Cummings says, “Natural, textured baskets bring warmth to any space. I love using materials like rattan and water hyacinth to elevate the style in a pantry, but to also bring function as well.” Cummings likes woven baskets such as this budget-friendly pack that comes with blackboard tags so you can label what’s inside. This pack also comes with also have generous handles, making it easy to move them from place to place and pull out your ingredients.

Cummings also really likes this self-pushing soda can dispenser. She says, “If you want your fridge to feel like a high-end grocery store, pick up one (or more) of these self-pushing soda can organizers.” This dispenser features a spring-loaded design that pushes cans and bottles smoothly forward. It also has a large capacity that can accommodate bottles and cans of different sizes, made easier thanks to the adjustable partition plates. And the material is durable and food-grade, so it’s ideal for everyday fridge use.

When you want to add a gentle glow to your space, these battery-operated candles are a low-lift way to do it. JJ Hornig, founder of Roxy Rentals, says, "These flameless LED candles offer the perfect ambiance without the hassle of real flames.” These chic glass candles are made with real wax and emit a warm, flickering light that looks like a real flame (minus the fire). Meanwhile, the remote control allows you to easily set timers and adjust brightness from anywhere in the room.

“Nothing says instant coziness like a chunky knit throw,” Hornig says. “The Maetoow Chenille Chunky Knit Blanket not only adds warmth to your space but also serves as a stylish accent piece.” This blanket is made from 100% chenille, and it won’t shed or unravel, so it’s great for everyday use. The chenille is super soft and cozy, and each blanket is hand-knitted for a custom feel. The blankets come in 18 colors, so whether you want classic white or a fun pink hue, you have options.

Hornig says, "Refreshing your walls with new artwork is a quick way to revitalize any room.” She likes this particular brand, saying, “These vintage-inspired framed canvas pieces from InSimSea are an affordable way to give your space a fresh, modern vibe.” These canvas pieces have the look of a classical oil painting and feature a level of detail that gives it a high-end look. The framed canvas art comes with user-friendly invisible nail hardware, so you can have it hanging in minutes. Plus, you can grab it in 33 designs and multiple sizes, so you can grab a few for all over the house.

This machine-washable runner rug adds personality and coziness to a space, and it couldn’t be easier to clean. Hornig says, "Adding a runner rug can completely transform your entryway or hallway, and this Moroccan-style runner does just that. Not only is it stylish, but it's also washable, making it as practical as it is beautiful — perfect for high-traffic areas.” The indoor rug comes in a variety of colors and has a low-pile design that is comfy and easy to vacuum. Plus, it has a nonslip backing that keeps it in place on most flooring, including hardwood, tile, and marble.

Amy Courtney, founder of Amy Courtney Design, says, “Framing art prints is a budget-friendly way to instantly elevate any home. Whether it's a vintage heirloom, a favorite piece of artwork, poster or even a unique item, it can add a touch of personality to any room.” She specifically likes this timeless oak wood frame features a natural grain, tempered glass, and rounded corners for a budget-friendly option. It comes in a variety of sizes, and you can choose from a matted or non-matted design. Plus, each frame comes with its own easy-to-use hanging hardware. Of course, it also comes in a darker walnut option.

Jennifer Guerin, interior designer, certified color consultant, and creative force behind JG Color Studios, says, “For your kitchen or bath, these hand towels are great quality and add a touch of texture to either room.” They’re made from premium organic cotton and come in a bunch of colors and designs. The 100% cotton construction makes them extremely soft and absorbent and they’re versatile enough to use in the bathroom, kitchen, or as a gym towel. The towels are also machine washable, so maintenance is simple.

Briana Gershenzon, partner and chief of design at Renovation Sells, says, “If you’re looking for a new lighting option that won’t break the bank, look no further than rechargeable lamps.” This matte black metal option charges via a USB-C cord and can operate up to 40 hours on a full battery. There are several light color settings to choose from, and these sleek little lamps are also dimmable. They also come in 10 finishes to fit your space. For a fun decorating twist, Gershenzon advises, “When entertaining outdoors in the summer or fall, try bringing a few outside to finish off your backyard tablescape and keep the party going as the sun sets.”

Gershenzon says, “Re-organizing your pantry with the right organization tools is a total game changer. Clear bins are our go-to for neatly grouping items together to easily see all your stock at a quick glance.” These transparent, stackable bins are convenient to use and fit Gershenzon’s requirements. They’re budget-friendly and slim enough to fit in the fridge, pantry, laundry room, or anywhere you need to corral stuff. Their shatterproof design also has wide handles that make them easy to arrange and move from room to room.

Gershenzon gravitates toward cans and clear canisters with lids for storing grains, cereals, and flours. She says, “Not only will your space look more appealing, but you have upped the functionality to a whole new level!” These canisters feature universal lids with a tight rubber seal and since the containers are airtight, food stays fresher, longer. They also come with chalkboard labels so you can stay even more organized.

Katheryn Keller, organizational and efficiency expert and the owner of Life Reorganized, is obsessed with this three-tiered under-sink organizer. Its slim design is perfect for stashing beneath the sink and can increase storage space while keeping items tidy. The pull-out drawers are easy to assemble and made from durable metal. And the bottom feet come with nonslip pads that prevent sliding and scratches.

Keller says that these transparent bins are especially “good for smaller items in offices, kitchens, bathrooms, closets, etc.” Their stackable design comes with matching lids, and since everything is clear, you can easily keep track of what’s inside. The bins are crafted from a durable, BPA-free material that’s temperature resistant (ideal for the fridge), and everything wipes down clean with water and soap.

Keller loves Command Hooks because “they are almost limitless in application while not damaging walls.” She specifically loves this clever Command Hook option that’s designed to hold hand towels and paper towel rolls. The adhesive towel bar can be installed without drilling or hardware and can attach to almost any smooth surface. It can hold up to 10 pounds, and when it’s time to remove, you can do so without damaging the wall.

Keep your closet organized with these budget-friendly hanging dividers. Keller says that these dividers can “make it easier on your brain to locate differentiated clothes hanging in your closet.” Their simple design is perfect for keeping items like shirts, pants, or even seasonal clothing tidy and accessible. The dividers feature a slit that makes it a breeze to hang them on a closet bar and a clean white surface so you can add your own labeling.

These dry-erase sheets are a quick way to visually organize your thoughts and to-do lists. Keller says, “I keep one out of sight in a kitchen cabinet so that when something is running low, I can immediately add it to my shopping list, versus stopping what I'm doing to find my phone and add it to a virtual list.” The dry-erase surface is resistant to stains and wipes down quickly. The sheet features an adhesive backing that you can pop them inside your kitchen cabinets, on your fridge, and more. You can even cut the design to best fit your space.

Keller likes to keep the sink area organized because “kitchens are full, busy areas — the clearer surfaces are, the better.” This chic steel sink caddy keeps all of your favorite dishwashing supplies off of the counter. It has a rustproof construction and two different tool-free installation options: suction cups and adhesive hooks. The caddy’s wire design allows for quick drainage and its large capacity can hold multiple sponges and brushes at once.