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    If You’re Not Looking To Spend Your Entire Paycheck On Your Home, Here Are 29 Inexpensive Alternatives To Make Quick And Easy Upgrades

    Small improvements for both the inside and outside of your abode that'll lead to a high payoff.

    1. An all-in-one spackle kit that even a not-so-handy person can use to fix holes which have resulted from decorating — and redecorating. Think: a renter's dream kit to fill, smooth, and repair dents from a wall hanging that once looked great above the couch, but now looks like it belongs in the year 2015.

    Reviewer showing a huge dent in the wall
    Same reviewer with completely filled in wall

    This kit contains spackle, primer, a putty knife, and a sanding pad! And reviewers mention that if you add a lick of paint after using this, your walls will look as good as new.

    Promising review: "I slipped in the shower the other day and grabbed my towel bar outside of it so as not to die. Doing so, I ripped the bar off the wall, including the screws and anchors, so I had four small but kind of nasty holes in my wall. I've never done any sort of drywall repair/spackling etc. and I figured this would do the job. I applied the spackle, smoothed it with the flat end of the tube, and allowed it to dry. I was able to sand it smooth and then paint over the spackle. It looks fine now. I give it 5 stars for convenience." —John C

    Get it from Amazon for $11.98.

    2. A magnificent stone-effect spray paint featuring a unique textured formula that'll give your countertops a fancy ~European stone~ aesthetic — sans the triple-dollar-sign price tag.

    reviewer pic of green bathroom vanity top
    reviewer pic of transformed bathroom vanity with the help of the spray paint

    Promising review: "For a fraction of the cost and the amazing results, I would recommend this. It was a quick fix to our ugly, really ugly laminate (boring) bathroom counter-top. I would recommend buying double (whatever you think you might need) for coverage. Our, at least 40-year-old, handmade, bathroom counter was approximately 3' by 6'. So we purchased five cans. I wanted one extra because I taped around the faucet too loosely for touch-ups. We used all five cans. If you live in a high humidity area, like us, give it plenty of time to cure. It took three days for second coats, then I added a third coat, so add on two more days and a fourth to give it that extra oomph. We are selling our home, so plan carefully, depending on your climate, it might take longer than you think." —Ama Zon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $10.53+ (available in seven colors and multipacks).

    3. A hard-water stain remover that'll do all the hard work for you to rid your surfaces clear of cloudy droplets. Think: stained toilets, murky shower heads, and yucky tubs so clear and shiny, you might actually be able to see your reflection in them.

    Reviewer image of orange stained tub and shower walls
    same shower after completely clean

    It even has a minty scent, so you don't have to worry about that harsh chemical smell most cleaning products usually emit.

    Promising review: "I have tried for weeks to get rid of some very tough hard-water stains on my glass shower panel. They had been there for three years while my apartment was rented and never cleaned. I have tried just about everything from toothpaste to vinegar to different types of chemical products. Then I found this product...PURE MAGIC!!! The nontoxicity of the product is definitely a plus, it doesn't smell bad and doesn't sting your lungs like some hard chemicals do. Its biodegradability is a plus! I feel better knowing I'm not dumping some more toxic chemicals down the drain. Most importantly, it works!!! After 10 minutes of work it has removed 90% of the hard-water stains that simply would not come off in the past!!" —O.R

    Get it from Amazon for $19.99.

    4. A set of weather-resistant accent magnets to enhance the dimension and depth of your otherwise boring-looking garage door. Upping your home's curb appeal has never been easier since these'll add a touch of rustic elegance faster than you can say, "Where's the clicker to open the dang garage?!"

    This set includes four magnetic carriage-style gate hinges, and two magnetic handles. And if you'd like to add faux magnetic windows to your garage door, here is a decorating kit to help you out. 

    Promising review: "The photos are before and after. These took about five minutes to install. They look amazing. Neighbors thought we purchased new garage doors." —Shanna

    Get the set from Amazon for $17.99.

    5. A foaming garbage disposal cleaner you can trust to take care of your garbage disposal if it really hasn't been tended to, like, ever. These foam with a lemony scent and do the trick to deeply cleanse the underside of the splash guard and the interior side walls — without the need to call in the professionals.

    the blue foam rising out of a reviewer's sink
    the after of the foam going back down the sink drain

    Promising review: "I had a disgusting disposal and this thing is a miracle worker. After using all the pouches, I have noticed that the smell has greatly improved in my kitchen. Very easy to use as well!" —F. Zschiegner-Bleich

    Get a four-pack from Amazon for $3.78.

    6. Some dimmable stick-on under-cabinet lights super convenient for all your kitchen needs, so you can say "so long!" to the dark days of tinkering with ingredients under a dull light. Also great if you're not a fan of overhead lights but still want some visibility for your midnight snack runs.

    small kitchen with lights under the cabinet for a larger, brighter look
    reviewer showing what the lights looks like on the underside of the cabinet

    Promising review: "I've been complaining for two years about the crappy lighting we have in the kitchen. I saw these on TikTok and knew I had to have them. They're SUPER bright, which is exactly what I wanted. So easy to install. Just cleaned under the cabinets really quick, peel, and stick!" —Tehryn & Alex VanSickle

    Get a 10-foot strand with 60 lights from Amazon for $19.80.

    7. A container of touch-up paint to give chipped furniture and walls a second chance with a satin finish formula that covers up annoying marks that have gone untouched for far too many years to count. Plus, it works for both indoor and outdoor blemishes!

    A customer review before and after photo of their dresser with a chip in the paint and then without it
    the small bottle paint

    Promising review: "Rather than ditching furniture into a landfill, which is bad for the environment and one's pocketbook, this product allows you to give new life to existing furniture. Between the Soto touchup and new handles, my entertainment center looks like new....for less than $35. If you can use liquid paper, you can use this. I just ordered another bottle for porcelain. This is a fantastic product. You will love it!" —LexiNYC

    Get it from Amazon for $18.95 (available in 24 colors and in sample sets).

    8. A jar of the internet-beloved Pink Stuff that'll magically clean practically anything and everything in your home — and even on your home's exterior! This potion-in-a-paste reverses wall markings, door scum, scratched-up outdoor furniture, and whatever else that could use a little abracadabra alakazam.

    Reviewer using it to clear up hard water stains in tub
    A customer review before and after photo showing the results of using The Pink Stuff on their stovetop

    A lot of people compare it to the Magic Eraser in paste form, so even your weirdest, most stubborn stains will meet their match.

    Promising reviews: "This product is a household necessity, can be versatile for cleaning kitchens, bathrooms and outdoor items. I use on stubborn items and let it sit for 20 minutes and it leaves everything brand-new." —Paola

    "Found this product on TikTok. I don’t think I’ve ever seen value like I do this product! Literally use it on EVERYTHING!! Kids and teens have dirt, grime, and grease on their walls? This will make it look like a new paint job. Baseboards need some love? A pea-size amount of this makes them look brand-new. Need a shoe cleaner? PERFECT for sneakers. I could name a million more uses, but I can ASSURE you this is worth every penny. What’s more? You need so LITTLE of this product, it will last a VERY long time. Thank you, TikTok!!!" —Rachel in CLT

    Get it from Amazon for $5.97.

    9. A set of sleek bar handle pulls (10, to be precise) so you can wave ta-ta to the previous tenants' taste and make your home feel like your own.

    the copper T-knobs
    the stainless steel bar handles

    Promising Review: "I really like these pulls. I've looked elsewhere and the price was 5–10 times this price. I was a bit nervous reading the reviews of other buyers, but, I needed 43 and ordered 50, figuring that there may be some that didn't work out. Out of 50 we were able to use 49 (only one defective). I had six more drawers that could use an update as well as my kitchen and bathroom cabinets. They look great, they're sturdy and did I mention a great value? I cannot believe how much these improved the look of wherever these were installed. Recommend you buy as you're not going to get a better deal elsewhere!" —Southern New Hampshire Resident

    Get a 10-pack from Amazon for $15.97+ (available in three pack sizes and six finishes).

    10. lawn repair formula invented to restore patches that have been subjected to your resident digger, your pup. This'll magically regrow your green, green grass so you can have a lush backyard once again.

    This formula features a protectant to prevent future damage *and* a salt neutralizer that repairs areas that have been scorched by pet urine.

    Promising review: "I have lacrosse players and dogs, and this stuff is amazing. My yard looked like an abandoned lot before this, and it literally 'grew anywhere' just like it said. The bag I planted last year actually came back strong this year, so I put more down, and it is working like a dream!" —chchmom

    Get it from Amazon for $12.95+ (available in five sizes and multipacks).

    11. A set of airy curtains that filter the perfect amount of light while still offering privacy — and all without darkening the space. They also have a delightful texture that'll add depth to your blank white walls. Ergo, these bubs are a win-win.

    a buzzfeed editor's bedroom with the white curtains
    A reviewer's living room with the blue curtains behind a couch
    Chelsea Stuart / BuzzFeed, www.amazon.com

    BuzzFeed Shopping editor Chelsea Stuart says, "I have these in white and I just adore them. They let in SO much light (but still offer privacy) and I love that they have visible texture. I was originally searching for real linen curtains but didn't want to shell out the $$$. When I found these, I wasn't really expecting much but thought I'd give them a shot and wow — the quality is pretty incredible given the price. They're also rather lightweight." 

    Promising review: "These are beautiful curtains. Sheer enough to let the light in, but full enough so you can’t see in the house — even at night. They do have a bit of a hash texture I wasn’t expecting, but I think it’s nice." —MRC

    Get a set from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in seven sizes and 11 colors). 

    12. An adorable mod-style table lamp with a gorgeous pleated shade and colorful base that any room in your house could benefit from. These will emit a soft, warm glow and look just dandy placed on top a side table or desk. Snag a pair for either side of your bed, or plonk one in your go-to reading nook — either way, you'll squeal with joy the moment you flip the switch.

    the lit-up orange and green lamps
    Honey & Ivy / Etsy

    Just note that bulbs are not included, and that the seller specifies using an LED lightbulb so as not to melt the material. 

    Based in Portland, Oregon, Honey & Ivy makes 3D-printed home accessories with sustainability in mind.

    Promising review: "I just got my lamps yesterday for my bedroom nightstands and they're absolutely perfect. The lightbulbs that were also recommended are the perfect lighting at night to read my books. Thanks so much!" —Becky Wildenberg

    Get it from Honey & Ivy on Etsy for $34.99 (available in 10 colors). 

    13. A set of shelf bins to transform your chaotic mess of groceries into a fridge worthy of making an appearance on MTV's Cribs. Now you'll actually be able to see what you're stocked up on, so you don't end up wasting cash on piling in doubles of the things you already bought last week.

    reviewer's fridge before using the shelves
    same fridge with organized groceries

    The set includes: five drawers and one egg holder.

    Promising review: "I’m in love! I don’t know if it's my obsession with being organized but it’s a game changer! No longer trying to reach for stuff in the back of the fridge and knock over a bunch of stuff in the process. I just slide it out grab what I want and slide it back!" —Libbey Durkee

    Get a six-pack from Amazon for $16.49+ (available in four colors and a 12-pack).

    14. And some fridge organization labels that'll take your organization to a whole new HGTV level. These babies will give your food storage a glamorous (and totally easy to achieve) makeover. Just pick from a plethora of fonts, sizes, and color options that'll make you gasp with joy every time you reach for the milk.

    Photo of the inside of a fridge with storage labels
    Photo of the inside of a fridge door with organization labels
    Organise Life / Etsy

    Organise Life is a small business in Australia that focuses on pantry and home labels.

    Promising review: "My fridge looks so organized. The words are clear and easy to read, and they look fantastic." —Etsy Customer

    Get it from Organise Life on Etsy for $1.40+ (available in small, medium, and large with multiple labels and font size plus color options).

    15. A customizable ivy garland if you've ever wanted the exterior of your home to look like an enchanting fairyland — but don't have the weather to grow such a thing naturally. These will instantly add some magic to any wall or wooden trellis. Plus, they're also a creative way to fashion a privacy screen for balconies and fences!

    reviewer using the ivy on their balcony as a privacy divider
    reviewer using the ivy across their outdoor awning

    There are 24 pieces in this pack!

    Promising review: "These vines were in great condition and had a lot of value for the money spent. There were enough to cover a small bedroom, or if you spread them out, possibly two. I used these for decoration, and making my room have a natural aesthetic. It works very well with blues and greens (paint color for the room), but really, it could work with any wall color. I've purchased clear command hooks to hang them, and they work very nicely with the vines. I've had these for over half a year, and still, they work very well, and none have broken to the point where they are no longer usable. A few leaves here and there have fallen off, but nothing substantial. Overall, a great buy, and would highly recommend." —Aaron

    Get the 24-piece pack from Amazon for $15.99 (available in four pack sizes).

    16. A sweet velvet pillow cover (or two) to throw on your couch or bed. The available colors and textures are guaranteed to cheer up any seating (or snoozing) area in an *instant*.

    And snag some pillow inserts while you're at it!

    Promising review: "To start, I used to manage Pottery Barn and they have stunning velvet pillowcases. I was wondering what these would be like in comparison and honestly I like these better! I purchased both the mauve pink and the golden khaki color. I’m about to purchase seven more now that I know how beautiful they are. The colors are spot-on and are a tad shiny but velvet should be unless stated otherwise. The brighter colors will be great for spring and summer. The price point is FANTASTIC!! If there are any negative reviews, I’m unsure what they could possibly be." —MBATLANTA

    Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in 31 colors and seven sizes).

    17. An under-cabinet wineglass rack — you'll find yourself giving your guests a house tour just so you can show off your new ingenious (and attractive!) space-saving solution. Extra perfect for those tall glasses that are too finicky or fragile to fit inside the cabinets.

    Promising review: "I really like this wine rack! I needed a nice, space-saving solution for wineglasses that are too tall to go in my glass cabinet, and this rack fits the bill. It was simple to install and looks great. Good buy!" —Cycle Mom

    Get it from Amazon for $21.93+ (available in two styles, multipacks, and four finishes).

    18. A chic stair decal to turn your steps into a stairway from interior design heaven. They're easy peasy to use since they're essentially like stickers for your risers...just peel and position. *And* don't worry if you make a mistake, because these can be removed and adjusted, no probs.

    the white and black chevron patterned riser
    WunderwallMural/Etsy

    These are sold as individual decals precut to 48"W x 8"H to make it easier to install on your riser!

    WunderwallMural is a brand that specializes in premium peel-and-stick removable vinyl.

    Promising review: "Item arrived as expected. Great quality, thick material. Easy to apply/readjust as needed. Completed the staircase in one day. Glad I decided to do this. Really vamped up the look of my staircase." —Etsy Customer

    Get it from WunderwallMural on Etsy for $11.99.

    19. An instant stain remover spray destined to give your caked-over patio furniture a new life. This powerful, fast-acting formula tackles stubborn mold and mildew stains from decks, wood, concrete floors. And! There's no scrubbing needed — reviewers mention how wildly effective it is at removing dirt right before their eyes.

    Reviewer's mold-covered white patio chair before using the stain remover spray
    Reviewer's same patio chair free from mold stains after using the instant mold and mildew stain remover spray

    Promising review: "I have a small three-tier water fountain in my patio, naturally the birds in the community have come to rely upon it for drinking and bathing. I literally sprayed this product and walked away, I actually left it on overnight, I got busy with other tasks. When I checked back all of the mold was gone, everything, with no damage to the painted stucco wall or cement and no scrubbing. Literally spray and leave." —Mark

    Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in three sizes and multipacks).

    20. A set of five glass storage canisters because hosting pasta, beans, and cookies can actually look pretty darn stylish with the right organization tools. These sleek gems feature airtight bamboo lids that not only make your dried goods look Insta-worthy but will actually keep 'em tasting fresh, too!

    a set of five various sized canisters fill with snacks
    Amazon

    This set includes 11.8", 8", 6.6", 5", and 4" canisters. 

    Promising reviews: "These canisters look great so they're perfect if you want to leave them on your counter. I keep them out with nuts and candy in them and the food stays fresh....Definitely worth the price." —reader girl

    "These canisters are beautiful and fit our needs perfectly. The seal on the lids works great and the glass isn't too thin, which is what I worried about when researching containers. I love the variety of container sizes in this set. We will definitely be purchasing these again. They are an organizer's dream!" —Kathy C

    Get the five-pack variety set from Amazon for $29.99 (also available in a three-pack). 

    21. A mold and mildew removal gel to banish grout grime and any dark spots that fester along silicone caulk. And before you say anything — nope, no tools, scrubbing, or extra expense needed.

    moldy corner of a bathroom floor
    same corner completely clear

    Promising review: "It’s a little hard to squeeze but that totally makes up for the AMAZING results. I was embarrassed about our tubs because the people we bought our house from didn’t caulk or seal them properly and this resulted in mildew buildup. I tried EVERYTHING til I saw this on TikTok — MIRACLE FREAKING WORKER. I will be buying more." —Brooklyn Nguyen

    Get it from Amazon for $14.99.

    22. A bundle of faux jasmine flower branches that I, for one, could use in my home. Because continuously spending money on bunches of cute lil' flowers that inevitably croak after two weeks is neither fun nor cost-effective. Opt for these neutral-toned gems that'll leave a lasting impression on your space.

    A bundle of the faux Jasmine flowers in white
    Amazon

    Promising review: "Love these flowers and how they look. It has a natural flow to it and can be shaped easily. Looks great with large white matte vases. Such a great addition to my living room." —A. S. Yilmaz

    Get a 10-piece bundle from Amazon for $17.99.

    23. Edison bulbs to switch up your living room lighting from stark white to ambient as heck. These beauties are dimmable and illuminate with a warm ~vintage glow~ for the definition of a low-effort, high-impact upgrade.

    Promising review: "Well, I've only just received them but I'll tell you, I'm already in love! I paired it with this industrial/steampunk type lamp to improve my working-from-home conditions and it illuminates my keyboard just enough. It's just the glow I was looking for and perfect for the look I had in mind. I've never reviewed anything before, but I felt compelled. I'm pretty new to ordering things online and so I'm still kind of hesitant, especially when considering ordering something as fragile as light bulbs : ). However, they were carefully packaged and in perfect condition. I will definitely be ordering more!" —jshort

    Get a four-pack from Amazon for $15.99+ (also available in a six-pack and in four colors).

    24. Some unique, high-end-looking iron vases created with negative space that'll make your minimalistic eye for design double take, because, yes, they really do function as vases for real or fake plants. Place them against a plain white wall for a super artistic, ~line-drawing aesthetic~ effect.

    one vase with tulips
    different shaped vases being used for a feather pampas piece and candle holder

    The set comes with three iron vases and three glasses.

    Promising review: "Really loved this set. When you put it against a plain wall it elevates the room. You can leave the little vases empty or add real or dry flowers to them. They look like expensive designer decor pieces. Would definitely recommend!" —Greta Quintini

    Get a set of three from Amazon for $21.96 (also available in sets of four or five).

    25. Some pre-made wall panels to give your rather boring-looking doors and walls some ~main character~ energy. This DIY molding only looks dramatic — but the process couldn't be easier: simply plonk 'em on with some strong adhesive.

    plain door
    door with rectangular faux molding

    Psst! Reviewers attached these in many different ways, for example: mounting tape for a damage-free look in rentals or some strong glue for kitchen islands!

    Promising review: "Definitely worth it! I'd seen some prefab products in Lowe's and Home Depot, and they looked so cheap (and cost way too much). I honestly didn't have a great deal of hope for these, but was I in for a surprise. They look so nice I didn't even need to repaint them, and installation was breeze. I couldn't be happier!" —Heather L

    Get a single panel from Amazon for $9.33+ (available in sets and tons of sizes).

    26. Some restorative wipes for fixing up murky and cloudy doors, shutters, and furniture that have been weathered by...well, bad weather. Each wipe is saturated with a formula that reverses oxidation and sun damage to restore plastic, stone, and metal surfaces back to their OG state.

    before photo of a reviewer's reddish-brown door, which looks cloudy and dirty
    the same door after it was wiped clean and it looks like a rich mahogany color

    Promising review: "My metal barstools were left on the balcony all winter because of a surprise three-day blizzard. After being buried in snow all winter I thought for sure I would have to throw them out when I saw them in the spring. Looking at them now after using the product, no one would suspect that they weren’t new ones!" —Mom@home

    Get five wipes from Amazon for $15.99.

    27. A farmhouse-inspired set of amber glass pump dispensers to *poof* instantly streamline the look of your bulk-bought hand and dish soap. Also great for your bathroom as a lotion dispenser, because lord knows your puppies could use some hydration after all that hand-washing.

    Promising review: "These are amazing soap dispensers. The amber glass is sturdy and strong, and the pump works great. They're easy to fill and they look so good on your bathroom or kitchen countertop. Highly recommend!" —Emily

    Get a two-pack from Amazon for $15.99 (available in three pump colors).

    28. A jar of 10 toilet bowl bombs with tantalizing fragrances, like the seasonal scent of blood orange. Because we believe that you should work smarter *not* harder to keep your home in tip-top shape, and these'll alleviate the need to arduously give your porcelain throne a daily scrub down. This blend specifically cuts through grime to brighten surfaces. Bonus: You can use 'em to clean bathtubs and sinks, too!

    the writer holding up the jar of toilet bombs
    the writer throwing the bomb in the toilet
    Amanda Davis / BuzzFeed

    BuzzFeed Shopping editor Amanda Davis tells us why she's a fan: "I've been using the blood orange scented bowl bombs for a couple of months now, and OMG they smell amazing! Like, right when I opened the package. After during a thorough cleaning of my bathroom I always pop of these babies in the toilet as a last step to clean and make the room smell a little better (I have a teeny tiny bathroom so this little guy does the trick). And in terms of cleaning the porcelain throne, they absolutely work. My toilet bowl always shines brighter after using one. It's also helpful that the packaging is plain ole adorable and I don't have to hide or store it anywhere!"

    Viren Apothecary is a woman-owned business based in Wisconsin that sells eco-friendly cleaning essentials.

    Promising reviews: "Literally can’t tell you how worth the wait these toilet bombs are! They smell absolutely incredible but not artificial, and they WORK. I have a new baby and two other kids, and my house is basically a biohazard because I’m short on time and energy. I just plop one of these puppies into the toilet, come back shortly and scrub, and they glisten. Even my husband, who has never voluntarily cleaned anything in his life, will clean toilets because the fizzers are fun. I was part of the BuzzFeed order rush, and so there were significant delays, but the communication was awesome and so friendly! Even though I had the long wait, it was absolutely worth it, and they have a customer for life. I’m so excited to try their other products!!" —Teresa Cambria

    Get it from Viren Apothecary on Etsy for $9.50+ (available in blood orangeeucalyptus, or unscented).

    29. Kaleidoscopic window film to provide a smile-inducing effect that's guaranteed to transport your WFH setup to another realm. Because when that springtime sun hits — you might just end up whispering to yourself, "this was worth every penny" as you suddenly feel yourself coming out of your afternoon slump.

    A reviewer's photo of the film applied to their window
    A reviewer's photo of the kaleidoscopic colors the film creates

    Each tile you buy is peel-and-stick, so it's super easy to use!

    Promising review: "Not only is this functional, it is SO pretty. It gives my bathroom a totally serene feel. It's easy to install — there IS a film on the back that must be removed. On a corner, use a piece of tape on the front and one on the back, and pull apart until the film comes off. Note: The film is clear; the rainbow effect comes from light being refracted by the film." —Stephanie Graham

    Get it from Amazon for $9.98+ (available in 11 sizes).

    To learn more about this, check out our full privacy film write-up.

    Reviews have been edited for length and clarity.