48 Dope Home Upgrades That Seem Expensive But Are Cheap AF

A few tweaks to your home lighting can work wonders to upgrade the atmosphere, and this under-cabinet lighting kit is a great way to do it. Perfect for kitchen cabinets, closets, and bookshelves, it installs with the adhesive backing and comes with a remote control, so you can adjust brightness and set timers.

If good outdoor lighting feels like a distant (and expensive) dream, well, you’re wrong (no offense). These solar path lights are a great bargain and a breeze to install — just stick the stakes directly into the ground. Since they’re solar-powered, there’s no complicated wiring involved, and they won’t add a nickel to your electrical bill.

Life just got a lot easier, thanks to this smart plug that gives you the power to voice control anything that’s plugged in — lamps, fans, coffee makers, humidifiers — you name it. You can also set schedules and scenes, so your home is customized to your exact liking. And while it’s Alexa-compatible, you don’t need an Alexa device to operate it — just download the app to your phone for remote use.

If your cupboards and drawers are jam-packed, these under-cabinet hooks can give you some precious space back. They install easily to the underside of any shelf, giving you easy access to mugs, cooking utensils, and oven mitts. The set comes with three racks for hanging a grand total of 12 items.

Got a bunch of bath products loitering around your shower floor? Give them a permanent place to hang out with this wall-mounted shower caddy. The industrial-chic caddy is made from rust-resistant stainless steel and is generously sized for shampoo, conditioner, and a whole lot more (there are even hooks for razors and loofahs). Choose from two finishes: black and silver.

Not only does this motion-activated under-bed lighting make your bedroom looks pretty magical, but it also guides your way when you get up for a midnight snack. It installs with 3M adhesive and is totally customizable: You can trim it to size, set the motion sensor on a timer, and adjust the brightness to ensure that no one else wakes up when it’s activated.

I’m all about clever storage solutions, and this outlet shelf is one of the best. It’s sized for smart home assistants, and keeps them safely out of the way in the kitchen (or any other room). It can withstand up to 10 pounds and has a cutout in back, so you can thread through a charging cable.

Nothing makes an evening in the backyard more merry than outdoor string lights. These weatherproof lights feature vintage-style Edison bulbs to provide a cozy glow that feels just like being at an outdoor café, and they’re available in warm, soft, and neutral white.

Bring the feel of a European hotel straight to your home bathroom with this bidet. It operates on two modes and features dual nozzles that retract when you’re not using them. The bidet has a slim profile that won’t look obvious on your toilet, and reviewers say it’s surprisingly easy to install (which means you won’t have to bother with a plumber).

For a true night-at-the-cinema feel, attach these backlights to your TV. Beyond adding some movie magic to your night, they also help prevent eyestrain during TV marathons. They’re color- and brightness-adjustable, and get this — you can even set them to sync with the beat of music… perfect for your next living room dance party.

If you feel like your space is missing a little something-something, there’s a good chance that something-something is an area rug. A simple way to add texture and color, this rug has a muted palette that gives it a perfectly worn-in look. That being said, you can also opt for bolder prints and patterns, all in an array of shapes and sizes.

• Available colors and styles: 13
• Available shapes and sizes: 38

Framing photos and prints gets pricey fast, but this magnetic hanging frame is an affordable way to go about it. The minimalist, glass-free frame features teak clips on each end that are outfitted with magnets — simply place your print between them, and voilà, you’ve framed your art in the most chic (and cheap) way possible.

One of the best things about these velvet throw pillow covers is that they come in 33 colors and nine sizes, so can afford to be picky about the exact shade you choose (perfect for any design perfectionists out there). The second best thing is that they’re an affordable way to update your existing throw pillows, since you can slip them right on. (No throw pillows yet? Pick up a couple budget-friendly inserts.)

A bed skirt can make your bed look a lot more finished, but it’s also a great way to conceal whatever storage you may have going on under there. This corner-pleated bed skirt is made from wrinkle-resistant microfiber and has a tailored look for some dressed-up style in your bedroom.

• Available sizes: twin, full, queen, king
• Available colors: 16

Get twice as much storage under your sink with this under-sink organizer. The two-tier shelf features an expandable rail and four height levels, so you can adjust everything to maximize space. Plus (and this is key), you can rearrange the platforms so none of them get in the way of any pipes.

Get more hanging space for washcloths and loofahs with these shower door hooks. Compatible with frameless glass shower doors, the two hooks can hold up to four items, and come in four elegant finishes: copper, black, gold, and silver.

Casual and chic, this Turkish towel is a design-savvy alternative to your standard terrycloth towel. Boasting an intricate diamond pattern and fringe, it’s lightweightsuper absorbent, and quick-drying. The best part, though, is the fact that gets softer with each and every wash.

These magnetic shelves attach to your fridge, giving you space to store spices, condiments, and everything in between. Each of the two shelves can hold up to 6 pounds, and there’s even a rod for a roll of paper towels. Go for colors that’ll blend in with your fridge, like gray, white, and black, or add a cheerful pop of color with red.

Replacing your plastic soap and lotion bottles with these amber glass dispensers is a cheap and easy way to make your kitchen or bathroom look, well, expensive. Each dispenser holds 16 ounces, and the stainless steel pump comes in several finishes, like copper, black, and oil-rubbed bronze.

Line your hallway with these stick-on night lights, and you’ll always have some illumination to guide you in the dark. Powered by AAA batteries, they stick onto any flat surface with the adhesive backing and feature a push button that makes it easy to turn them on and off. They’re also great for closets (so you can find that one black shirt that’s always squeezed in with the others).

These smart light bulbs are Wi-Fi-enabled, which means you can use the accompanying app to control them remotely, or use your Alexa to give voice commands. With these bulbs, you can set timers, toggle between 16 million, and opt for specific “scenes,” like a reading mode that offers the perfect illumination while you dive into a novel.

There’s nothing too glamorous about wiping down the shower, but this gold-colored squeegee actually manages to make the task feel sophisticated. Made from rust-resistant stainless steel, it has a 10-inch rubber blade, and comes with an adhesive storage hook you can attach to the shower wall. Choose from other colors, too: black, silver, and bronze.

Who says tech gadgets have to look utilitarian? This Echo Dot holder amplifies sound while neatly concealing the device, and comes with a faux succulent that turns the whole thing into a planter. Plus, you can remove the succulent (if you like) and use the cup to store jewelry, coins, or other small items.

Reviewers report that these bamboo sheets are “so super soft,” and “like sleeping on a cloud.” As if that weren’t enough, they’re also naturally temperature-regulating, making them a perfect choice for hot sleepers. Each set comes with a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases.

• Available sizes: twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
• Available colors: 12

If you’re working with hard, utilitarian concrete on your back patio, this outdoor rug will warm the space right up. The durable machine-woven fibers are weather-, stain-, and UV-resistant, so you can enjoy the outdoors without worrying about wearing out your decor. Choose from colors like gray, terracotta, or the nautical navy pictured here.

• Available sizes: 23
• Available colors: 8

If you’re anything like me, your closet shelves can quickly become home to messy piles of half-folded sweaters and out-of-season clothes toppling all over each other. Get these (pretty much life-changing) closet shelf dividers. They hook right on and keep everything neatly stacked and in order.

Add some life to bare white with this set of six art prints. The 8-by-10-inch prints feature minimalist designs in earthy prints that are reminiscent of the best of the ‘70s. Create a gallery wall by grouping them together, or scatter them around for art in every room.

This comforter is proof that it’s possible to get luxe bedding without using up half your paycheck. Boasting a sky-high 4.7-star overall rating after more than 60,000 reviews, the comforter features piping along the edges and box-stitching to keep the filling in place. You can add a duvet cover, thanks to the four corner loops, but the comforter also looks just as good on its own.

• Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
• Available colors: 9

Perhaps one of the most versatile pieces on the list, this rolling storage cart can be used to store just about anything: toiletries in the bathroom, desk supplies in your home office, detergent in the laundry room, or cooking supplies in the kitchen. And at just 9 inches wide, it’s easy to sneak it into small space where other storage units just won’t fit.

This floating corner shelf is a design piece in itself, and it’s just right for displaying books, photos, and mementos. The zig-zag shelf mounts to the wall with the included hardware and can hold up to 30 pounds. Choose from white, black, gray, and natural dark wood.

Storage solutions tend to have a utilitarian vibe, but this woven jute basket is so pretty, you’ll want to keep it right there in the open. The two-tone basket has built-in handles and can be used to store towels, throw blankets, pet supplies, or toys.

Give your living room some laid-back style with this hanging shelf. The three-tier shelf is made with torched pine planks suspended from macramé ropes, and the metal loops make it easy to hang it on the wall.

Laundry day is a drag, but this rolling hamper streamlines the chore. The three divided compartments let you separate your lights from your darks from your delicates, and each one lifts out, so you can throw the load into the wash. Plus, the wheels let you roll the hamper from your bedroom to the washing machine — no heavy lifting required.

This wheat straw dinnerware set is the best of all worlds: It offers the unbreakable durability of plastic, but it’s eco-friendly and looks a lot like ceramic. Available in pink, blue, and multicolored options, the 12-piece set comes with dinner plates, dessert plates, and bowls, and everything is dishwasher- and freezer-safe.

A cloth shower curtain is an easy way to upgrade your bathroom, and this highly rated one is made from machine-washable polyester with rust-resistant metal grommets. It comes at a great price, and you can choose from designs like ombré orange chevron, classic white, or the beige and white stripes pictured here.

• Available colors and patterns: 22

These bamboo drawer dividers extend from 17 to 22.5 inches, and since they’re all separate from each other, you can make each individual storage space as wide or as narrow as you like. Use them in kitchen, dresser, bathroom, or desk drawers.

You might not believe that a simple outlet extender could gain a cult following, but this one has, boasting more than 25,000 five-star ratings. It increases plug-in space from two outlets to six, and has two USB ports for electronics. There’s also a night light with a dusk-to-dawn sensor, so you can plug in when it’s dark.

This dual showerhead features a handheld attachment and a 7-inch rainfall head with six relaxing spray options: power rain, pulsating massage, power mist, rain/massage, rain/mist, and a water-saving pause mode. It’s got design cred too — the showerhead comes in chrome, brushed nickel, and oil-rubbed bronze.

This spice spinner has two tiers to maximize vertical storage space, and since it rotates, you always be able to find (and reach) the cloves, allspice, and red pepper flakes. This genius little invention also has a center section that’s ideal for storing larger items like olive oil and cooking spray. Put it in your cabinet or keep it on the counter.

The fuzzy texture of these velvet hangers grips firmly to clothes, so you never have to deal with your favorite silk shirt falling to the bottom of your closet. The hangers are also ultra-thin, which means you’ll be saving space on your closet rod, and the rose gold hardware makes everything feel just a little more fancy (even if you’re just hanging T-shirts).

Let your greenery shine in this planter elevated on a wooden stand. Available in two sizes, the white ceramic planter has a textured design and features a drain hole at the bottom. Place it on your coffee table, nightstand, or kitchen counter.

This cutting board has an ingenious design hack that streamlines your cooking routine — after you’re done chopping, squeeze the handle to create a funnel that makes it easy to transfer food into the pan. It comes in three sizes, and it doesn’t hurt that you can choose from colors like black, dove gray, and avocado green.

These storage bins have plenty of space to tuck away clutter, and they look so much better on your shelves (or out in the open) than plastic versions. Made from durable fabric with faux leather handles, the three-pack comes in a variety of sizes and colors.

A good knife sharpener makes a world of difference when it comes to food prep (no, you don’t have to struggle so hard to cut up that onion), and this one rings up at a super affordable price. The sharpener works in two stages: Use the coarse slot to repair dull, damaged knives, then use the fine slot to polish and finish already-sharp blades.

This towel rack is a pretty much guaranteed to impress overnight guests, but it’s an even better way to get some space back in your linen closet. The wall-mounted rack has space for up to six bath towels and hand towels, and the satin finish gives it a nice touch. Hot tip: Pick up a second rack and use it to store wine bottles in the kitchen.

An instant pick-me-up for your space, this scented candle comes in 30 fragrance options, including jasmine and lily, black tea and sage, and ocean breeze. They handcrafted candles are made with eco-friendly soy wax with cotton wicks that burn slow.

This wine rack is a nice way to display your favorite bottles, but it’s functional too; storing wine horizontally keeps the cork damp, which can help prevent drying out and premature aging. Made from solid wood, the rack has room for up to 10 bottles.

Turn your caesar into a work of art by serving it in this solid bamboo bowl. With a beautiful light wood grain, the wave-shaped bowl is generously sized and can also be used for fruit, pasta, bread, or popcorn.