Any Of These Cheap Things Could Make Your Home So Much Better

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Easy ways to achieve a nicer, more efficient home.

Amazon is a treasure trove for day-to-day essentials, international beauty products, and — as any thrifty interior designer will tell you — home upgrades that will massively improve the way your home looks and functions. Whether you’re working with a budget on your latest renovation or you simply can’t resist a great deal, the site is absolutely brimming with clever home products — many of which have been hailed as “life changing” — that would cost a pretty penny elsewhere.

From chic decorative accents that only look expensive to clever organizing products that will make day-to-day life seem a little less chaotic, any of these cheap things could make your home so much better.

Keep scrolling to discover them all.

For just over $20, you’re getting so much extra storage and organizational space with this set of two wall-mounted jewelry organizers: Between the two, you’ll get two bars for hanging bracelets, necklaces, and hoop earrings, two bars for stud earrings, and two shelves to hold miscellaneous things like perfume bottles, small objects, or even a bud vase. The rustic-chic wood shelves look much more stylish than your run-of-the-mill hanging shelves, too.

There’s nothing quite like a fresh set of sheets to instantly make your bedroom look better, especially if you haven’t changed yours out in a few years. Though Amazon has countless sheets sets to choose from, this microfiber sheets set is a foolproof choice: It costs less than $30 for two pillowcases, one flat sheet, and one fitted sheet, and it’s earned well over 60,000 five-star ratings and reviews from customers who rave about the softness and quality. Choose from 13 chic colors, like cream, taupe, and snow white.

You may not have known it, but you can snag some well-priced items from classic home brands right on Amazon. Case in point: This gorgeous, high-quality area rug from Safavieh, which rings up at under $30 in this small, 3-foot size. It’s available in 11 colorways and a few more sizes and shapes, all in this traditional medallion pattern that’s pre-distressed, so it’ll look like an expensive antique rug.

Another best-seller on Amazon, this paper towel holder is designed to hang either underneath a cabinet or right to a wall, via an ultra-strong adhesive or screws, to save you much-needed counter space. The horizontal design also simply makes it easier to rip off a paper towel with a single hand — which may seem like a tiny bonus, but when it comes to streamlining your day-to-day routines, it’s often the smallest things that make the biggest difference. Plus, reviewers love how sleek and “high-end” the stainless steel construction looks — even though it costs just about $10.

Awarding them over 35,000 five-star ratings, Amazon shoppers swear that these Swedish dish cloths are better than paper towels, sponges, and regular dish cloths for absorbing liquids and cleaning off surfaces. Plus, they’re reusable (just throw them in the washing machine or dishwasher to clean them), so you’ll wind up saving a lot of money on repurchasing paper towels — not to mention product waste. This set of 10 dish cloths for less than $15 will last you ages.

Equipped with several trays in varying sizes, this under-$20 makeup organizer rotates 360 degrees so you can easily access your most-used makeup and skin care products. Plus, the open design lets you see exactly what’s in your collection, so you may wind up with fewer unnecessary re-purchases than you would if your makeup was squirreled away in a drawer or cabinet. It looks pretty chic sitting on your vanity or bathroom counter, too.

Clunky cords and cables create an eyesore around the home, making this outlet and cord concealer kit a must for a harmonious space. They’ll also help any plugged-in device lie flush to the wall, and make them easier to access. “No more struggling to get my arm or body behind or under my bed to reach an outlet that seems to move further away when I’m trying to plug a cord in to it!” one shopper raved. “This thing is perfect!” It’s another highly rated home product on Amazon, boasting a near-perfect 4.7-star rating.

If you’re a pet owner with a dog or cat that sheds, the ChomChom roller is here to make all your upholstered furniture, bed, and even your clothes look so much better. It works so much better than your typical lint roller — or even vacuum — as over 100,000 shoppers who gave it a five-star rating or review can attest. “This thing is an unbelievable device. It does not look or feel like it should do what it does but I am still amazed every time I use it,” one reviewer raved, continuing, “This will take the hair off of anything clothes furniture bedspreads it feels like a superpower!!”

Keep your drawers tidy and organized with these expandable bamboo dividers — handy for utensil drawers, clothing drawers, dishcloth drawers, and more. Sold in white, gray, or natural wood, they expand to fit most drawers and “sit really tight when placed in there,” reported one Amazon shopper. Thousands of others have awarded them a five-star rating or review.

There’s no shortage of ways you can use these wicker storage baskets, available in a set of three in varying sizes; as just a few ideas, you can use them for extra TP rolls in the bathroom, magazines and remotes on your coffee table, or even for small toys in a kid’s room. Handcrafted of Vietnamese water hyacinths, these baskets are pretty enough to keep on display, which makes their under-$30 price tag all the more impressive. They’re the rare Amazon product to earn a basically perfect 4.9-star rating, too.

With their mod square shape and minimalist gold lids, this pair of apothecary jars looks like something you’d get from an upscale boutique — definitely not off Amazon for about $15. The most stylish way to store odds and ends like cotton balls, paperclips, makeup sponges, or even salt and sugar, you’ll find infinite uses for them around your home. Go ahead and add a few to your cart.

This genius dish drying rack is designed to fit right over your sink, saving space on your counter while you’re prepping or cooking — and when you’re done, it rolls up tightly for easy storage. The whole thing is adjustable to fit over any-sized sink. You’ll be amazed by how much this $20 product changes your daily cooking and cleaning routines.

Perfect for keeping on your nightstand, foyer table, or desk, this wireless charging station lets you charge up all of your devices in one fell swoop. The sleek design includes one station for your phone, one for a smart watch, and one for wireless headphones; and it folds up into one slim piece for easy storage when it’s not in use (though you’ll be using this a lot). Hard to believe this popular tech accessory only costs about $30.

Ringing up at less than $35, these two caddy shelves install using a sturdy adhesive that supports up to 15 pounds, so they’re a great way to add additional storage in your bathroom — without breaking out the drill or damaging your tile. The stainless steel construction resists rust and fading. Since their hooks are also great for dish towels and their raised edges support spices and jars, they work just as well in your kitchen, too.

If you’re serious about your bath and body products (i.e., you can’t stop buying them), you’d do well to pick up this pair of shower caddies. They mount to the wall with extra-strong adhesive, and each shelf can hold up to 1.5 pounds of weight — plenty for your product collection — and the waterproof, rust-proof stainless steel construction will always look good. They even have four hooks for hanging loofahs and brushes. Plus, they just look chicer than your typical plastic shower caddies.

In the market for some new knives? This Wanbasion professional chef's set is as pretty as it is functional. It comes with six knives (a chef, a Santoku, a carving, a bread, a utility, and a paring knife), all made from stainless steel with a corrosion-resistant titanium coating in your choice of four bold colors. “I bought these because I [work] in a sushi restaurant and they have been amazing,” one reviewer wrote. “Very sharp and easy to handle.”

Earning a 4.4-star rating out of over 20,000 ratings to date, these motion-sensing lights are a fan favorite on Amazon. They’re a truly low-budget, high-impact way to make your daily routines so much easier, whether you install them under your kitchen cabinets, inside closets, along your stairs, or pretty much anywhere else around the house that could use some extra light. As one shopper shared, “Ridiculously easy to install (truly intuitive), the right brightness, easily recharged. I put both over my breakfast prep area in motion sensor mode. Makes dealing with coffee and toast in the morning actually possible and easy without having to turn on the overheads. Rarely have I liked a product so much.”

Reviewers have called this cold brew coffee maker “deliciously easy” — but they also wrote that it makes the “best iced tea” they’ve ever had. Just put your grounds or leaves inside the ultra-fine mesh filter and fill the Borosilicate glass pitcher with boiling water. Then put the whole thing in the refrigerator, and by morning, you’ll have 47 ounces of your favorite caffeinated drink, ready for pouring.

Made from bamboo, these Farberware cutting boards are thick and durable to protect your countertops, yet still easy on knife blades. Thanks to their reversible design and gorgeous woodgrain, they can also be used for serving as charcuterie or cheese boards. The three different sizes offer the right dimensions for every job. In terms of quality, one reviewer wrote, “I’ve been using these for years and they look the same from the first day.”

Corral your bag (or towel) collection into order with this purse organizer. It has six clear pockets so you can see exactly what’s inside, and since it hangs over the door, it won’t take up any of your precious closet space. It’s also a better way to take care of your purses than, say, dropping them right on the floor. One organizer won’t even set you back $15, or you can get two for a few bucks more.

Contrary to popular belief, new light fixtures don’t have to be expensive — and you don’t have to call in an electrician in order to install them, either. Despite the under-$30 price tag, this bathroom vanity light is chic and industrial with its matte black caging. Just disconnect the electricity, connect the wires, mount it to the wall, and put in some bulbs (not included). Currently, it has an average 4.8-star rating from over 1,000 reviewers.

You know your surfaces look better without water rings on them — just one way these coasters will improve your interiors — but the beachy-chic woven construction, handmade of cotton and linen, will also look so pretty sitting on your coffee or dining table. Cooler still, they’re dishwasher-safe, so no matter how much you use them they’ll always look brand new.

Due to its self-draining PVC material, this bath mat resists mold, moisture, soap scum, and slipping. As a result, it adds grip to your shower without suction cups or damaging stickers. You can also use it outside of the bath or shower to catch drips, especially since the non-slip bottom stays put on tiled floors. “A friend recommended this mat,” one reviewer wrote. “It’s the best thing I ever purchased. It gives me a secure feeling standing in the tub.”

Pots and pans can be some of the most difficult, clunkiest kitchen items to store properly — a problem that this clever organizer solves for just about $25. It comprises one super-stable, durable rack and eight adjustable dividers (each of which can hold up to 20 pounds) that can be arranged in three ways to best suit your storage space. It’s a best-seller on Amazon, where one shopper raved, “This rack was just what I needed to be able to store all of my pots and pans in one cabinet without stacking one inside another and ruining the nonstick finish,” continuing to write that it’s easy to put together.

This rotating tray has so many potential uses, but it’s particularly great for storing (and serving) condiments, snacks, spices, and other small fridge or pantry items. Unlike other rotating trays, this one has two adjustable dividers, so you can keep the well open, or create two or four compartments for even more organizational benefits.

Take your showers to the next level with this waterproof speaker that can be totally submerged in (or exposed to) water for up to 30 minutes. You can either hang it up on a door handle or use the suction cup to stick it on your shower walls, and enjoy clear sound (or even take calls) while you wash. Also a must for beach trips and pool days, this small-but-mighty speaker boats over 18,000 perfect five-star ratings on Amazon. Take your pick from six colors.

Your outdoor space will look positively magical when you string up these gorgeous string lights, outfitted with globe-like light bulbs reminiscent of a cozy outdoor café. “I have fallen in love with these lights! They are the perfect size for my back porch,” wrote one of thousands of reviewers, continuing, “They were easy to hang as they have two hook possibilities. And another best thing? They give the warmest ‘comfy cozy’ glow!” For just about $12 for 25 feet of lights, this is the definition of a low-stakes, high-impact product.

These automatic salt and pepper grinders are a number-one best-seller with over 20,000 reviews on Amazon. They’re battery-powered and use a ceramic rotor that automatically grinds the salt or pepper to your desired coarseness as soon as you turn the unit upside-down. They also have a cool blue LED light that allows you to see how much is coming out, as well as a clear plastic window so you know when it’s time for a refill.

If you’re looking to upgrade your bed without actually splurging on a new mattress, opt for this best-selling mattress topper instead. Sold in nine sizes and two thicknesses, it’s made of memory foam that molds to your body and is infused with a cooling gel to keep you comfortable in hot temps. This mattress topper is massively popular with Amazon shoppers, having been awarded over 75,000 five-star ratings thus far.

If you’re without an idea of how to neatly store your mops, brooms, and other cleaning accessories, you’re not alone. Luckily, this wall-mounted organizer offers the solution. Also ideal for gardening tools, it has five large slots for things like rakes and brooms, and six hooks for gloves, dustpans, brushes, and more. Whether you put it in a closet, basement, or garage, this organizer isn’t just a functional upgrade, but it’ll make your space more aesthetically pleasing, too.

Reviewers rave that their “skin and hair have never felt better” and that their bed feels “wonderfully soft and cool” thanks to these satin pillowcases. In fact, they’ve earned an overall 4.5-star rating from more than 280,000 reviews on Amazon, which is extremely impressive granted they cost just a few dollars each. The polyester satin is made to mimic real silk without the cost or hassle, and the set is available in tons of sizes and colors to suit your bed.

This may seem like a simple contraption, but once you own it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it — especially if you’re someone who cooks a lot. Ideal for holding cookbooks and tablets in the kitchen, you can also use this bamboo stand to watch videos and shows while you cook. One Amazon reviewer commented, “I love this cookbook stand. It is so minimal and beautiful. The little clips on the front are cute and function well. It is well made and folds flat for storage, though, I have yet to actually store it because it looks so pretty on the counter top with my favorite cookbook displayed on it. And it's only $10, a total steal!”

The uses for these clear organizers are practically endless — though they’re ideal for organizing your drawers, they also stack on top of one another, so you can use them on your desk as seen in the picture above. You’ll get 10 organizers with this order, and the set boasts a rare, 4.8-star overall rating on Amazon.

Randomly enough, this mini waffle maker is one of the most popular cooking gadgets on Amazon (impressively, it’s achieved over 180,000 five-star ratings and over 20,000 five-star reviews to date). But perhaps it’s not so random after all — the clever little gadget costs just $13, makes breakfast super easy, and is also an excellent gift. From having guests over to cooking up weekend feasts for the whole family, it’ll make the experience so much better (and easier).

When something spills in the back of the refrigerator, removing the shelves to clean it up is a big task. These refrigerator shelf liners, on the other hand, are made from a food-safe, stain-resistant EVA material. As a result, they’re easy to remove for washing or you can wipe them down with a damp cloth. Trim them to size for a custom-like fit in your fridge.

According to thousands of five-star reviews, these refrigerator door handle covers are absorbent to prevent water droplets, effective when it comes to minimizing fingerprints on stainless steel, and comfortable to hold. Since they attach with velcro, they’re also versatile enough that you can use them on your dishwasher, microwave, or oven handles, too. Finally, you can remove them and throw them in the washing machine when they start to get dirty.

The YouCopia StoraLid has five adjustable dividers that you can position depending on your food storage container collection. It then holds your lids or silicone baggies upright and horizontally, so you can see exactly what you have and grab the one you need in seconds — without upsetting the rest of them. The organizer even has handles for easy repositioning.

If you don’t already own velvet hangers, consider this your reminder to get on that stat. Unlike wood and plastic hangers, the velvet material prevents your clothes from slipping off and winding up on the floor. These particular velvet hangers are best sellers on Amazon, with over 130,000 five-star ratings to date.

Who knew a toilet paper holder could be chic? That’s what makes this one from mDesign such a best-seller (over 10,000 Amazon shoppers have given it a perfect five-star rating). Large enough to store three rolls of TP (including jumbo-size rolls), it’s sold in seven colors and has raised feet to prevent your TP from touching the floor. Simple, practical, and a nice addition to any bathroom.

Use this cable management box as a way to hide all of your television wires, a charging station with a power strip inside, or as a means of protecting your electronics from pets and children. Either way, it minimizes clutter and gives the area a sleek, neat appearance thanks to its woodgrain lid and white base. “I originally ordered one of these to manage the cables by the tv in our bedroom but I ended up ordering two more!” one reviewer wrote. “They get the job done and are very sturdy!”

Satin pillowcases are a luxurious upgrade for any bedroom, and luckily, this set will only set you back $10 — so you can buy a pair for every room in your home. Not only do they look chic, but they’re also gentler on your skin and hair, so they offer beauty benefits, too.

Give your fridge a Marie Kondo touch with these clear organizer bins that will keep everything neat and accessible. Sold in a set of six, it comes with one tray for canned drinks, two narrow trays (for things like condiments and juice packs), two wide trays (for everything else imaginable), and a container for eggs. Of course, these aren’t limited to being useful for your fridge — you can use them to organzie your closet or bathroom, too.

Baskets in home decor stores are typically pretty expensive, and the larger the dimensions, the larger the price tag. This woven storage basket has a 15.8-inch diameter and is made from cotton rope, so it’s great for laundry, toy organization, or bedding. It also has built-in handles and comes in several different color options — but most of them cost around $25 for a deal that reviewers have called “amazing.”

You might already have a utensil container next to your stove, but this utensil crock is worth the investment for several reasons: For one, it rotates 360 degrees around so you can see your collection and grab the one you need with ease. For another, its weighted base, food-grade steel construction, and 7-inch diameter hold plenty of utensils without tipping over. Finally, it comes with a removable divider for improved organization.

Safely and neatly organize your collection of knives with this in-drawer knife block, which has space for 16 knives (and one knife sharpener). It’s capable of fitting knives of varying sizes and is slim enough to fit into most drawers while still leaving space for other utensils and cooking tools. “Very well made, sturdy and fits different styles of knives. Worth the money!” raved one of thousands of satisfied Amazon shoppers. Another wrote, “This is perfect. I don’t like clutter on my counters and this fits easily into a drawer and keeps my knives safe and organized.”

If you have a rug that’s always curling, slipping, or shifting, these rug corner grippers have changed the game for countless customers. Using a weatherproof adhesive on one side and a non-slip rubber material on the other, they stick to the corners of your rugs and keep them securely in place — without damaging your floors. “It has lasted and stayed in place through a big dog, a rolling baby, an over-tired and clumsy momma, a dad that shuffles his feet, and a toddler and all his ride-on toys,” one reviewer wrote.

Any type of organizer is always going to make your home look and function better. But these closet organizers stand out from the rest thanks to their clever design — raised sides and a low, fold-down front — that allow for easy access without rummaging around. There’s also a slot in the front for a label so you can make clear what’s being held inside.

Throw out those warped, discolored baking pans and start cooking like a pro. These Nordic Ware commercial baker’s half sheets are made from aluminum, which has incredible heat conductivity but still resists rust and cleans up easily. They’re compatible with parchment paper or silicone baking mats (a good idea when working with acidic ingredients), but even a “cook of 25 years” who’s “picky” about their tools says these are “professional quality.”

When it comes to improving your home — and the way you function in your home — air fryers will absolutely revolutionize the way you cook. Most air fryers don’t come cheap, but this one from Instant Pot is an amazing option for less than $50. Not only does it air fry (aka, a method of frying food that uses less fat), but it also roasts, broils, and reheats — basically, it’s like a countertop oven and fryer combined. Multiple Amazon reviewers have called it “life changing” and report that it “makes life so much easier.”

The designer of these stainless steel mixing bowls seemingly thought of everything. The silicone bottoms prevent slipping while the stainless steel construction resists dents, rust, and the transfer of unwanted tastes. They’re also mixer-safe with measurement lines inside and the five different sizes nest one inside the other for easy storage — plus they’re dishwasher-safe for easy clean-up.

This article was originally published on May 12, 2023