1. A sleek and discreet shoe-storage cabinet for the pile of shoes quickly becoming a hazard in your entryway. Not to mention, you can even put a catchall tray or mail folder for an additional surface! And sure, it's designed for shoes, but some reviewers even use it as a media console for games and other electronics! Promising reviews: "I love this piece.
Before, everyone in the family would come in and throw their shoes off and the area was a mess. Now everyone takes time to put their shoes in this and the area looks so nice. I’ve had many compliments on it.
" — Vicki Davis "I’ve had open shoe racks and the shoes were always falling out. Now all my shoes are contained and organized and hidden in a nice cabinet that’s low profile ." — Kirsten Soquel Get it from Amazon for $139.
99 (be sure to clip the $20 off coupon for this price) 2. A faux book display that'll ingeniously hide all your cords and electronics to make your media console, desk, or bookshelf look waaaayyyy tidier and organized! Promising review : "We absolutely love our CovoBox. It fits perfectly into our cabinet, and the cable modem/router, AppleTV, and external hard drive, and their various cables are now cleverly disguised as Harry Potter books 1–7.
Great customer service, quick delivery, and a fabulous product. Two thumbs way, way up!" — John Grace Get it from Covogoods on Etsy for $12+ (originally $24+; available in various customizations and sizes) OR from Amazon Handmade for $29+ (you'll choose customizations before adding to your cart). Covogoods is a woman-founded small business based in Utah creating unique storage products from up-cycled books.
3. A large woven storage basket that's a perfect option for storing all those extra throw blankets until guests come over to cozy up for a movie or Netflix marathon. It takes organization to the next level with a minimalist knit design that effortlessly blends in with your living space.
Promising review : "This organizing basket is just what I was looking for to store our warm winter throws in our family room. It’s absolutely beautiful! The two-tone colors match my space perfectly! The basket material is very thick and sturdy. It easily holds its shape, even when empty.
I am so pleased with the quality and the craftsmanship. I will definitely look into other sizes and styles." — Sky Get it from Amazon for $24.
99+ (available in three sizes and two styles/colors). 4. Some brick whitewash paint to transform your current fireplace into one that looks like it'd be the focal point in a home on Apartment Therapy.
Plus, it'll brighten up your room! Promising review: "This is amazing!!!!! It looks like a different fireplace. I have been looking at a horrible grout repair that the previous owners did for 20 years. I did this in about two hours!!!!!! This product is fast, it's easy to use, easy to clean up, and inexpensive .
" — Denise Get a pint from Amazon for $29.95 . 5.
A ventilated cable management box , so you can put all those tangled cords out of sight without having to rearrange all your electronics. Trust, your household will be so grateful to not be tripping over cords every time they walk into your WFH office or living space. And grab a sleek cable sleeve (aka a wire cover) while you're at it! Promising review : "My cords look so much neater now.
I also used a cord protector to bind up my cords. My surge protector fit nicely in the box. Very happy with my purchase.
" — Amazon Customer Get a two-pack from Amazon for $36.99+ (available in four colors). 6.
Orrr an under-desk cable management tray in case your desk is a cluster of dangling cords and you want to keep them and the surge protector they're plugged into organized and concealed. Zero tools are required, and it's designed with a two-way clamp for both horizontal and vertical surfaces. It can be used on desks up to 3.
1 inches thick. Promising review: "First impression of the CarryUp, the build of it is solid and felt heavy. The weight of it made me confident it will hold up well and last me a long time.
Overall, setup was a breeze. No tools needed at all. One sentence that sums up this product for me.
..Simple and effective!!!!! If you have messy cords underneath your desk then don't think, just buy this product.
" — Eddie Sadiwa Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (also available in cream). BadShelfie is a POC-owned small business creating space-saving storage and organization solutions.
7. A bathroom storage tower with a slim design, so you can make use of that awkward space between your toilet and sink or wall. It's also designed with a toilet paper dispenser, a small shelf, and a storage door if you want to hide your plunger, toilet brush, and cleaner! Promising review: "So easy to put together I could put it together with my eyes closed.
Fit amazingly perfectly between the tub and the toilet and it has created so much more space, and my bathroom is no longer cluttered because of this product." — COS45B Get it from Amazon for $35.68+ (available in three colors and checkout the storefront for more size options).
8. Some concrete paint in case you've been wanting to redo your floors, garage, pool deck, or get creative with a DIY project. If you love to paint and have the time for a moderately difficult home upgrade, get ready to show off those before and after photos to everyone (even if they've never stepped foot in your home)! It dries with a satin finish! Promising review: "Works great.
Used it in the basement for a quick, simple, inexpensive upgrade to brighten up the floor a bit and give the cement a clean look. Did a fairly good job filling in some of the hairline cracks as well." — T Get a gallon from Amazon for $35+ (available in two colors).
9. A litter box enclosure , so you can hide the much-needed litter box from being the focal point of your living space whenever your adorable feline traipses over. It looks decorative and can even be used as surface for potted plants, pictures, and more, so no one has to know it's specifically for your kitty's business.
Promising reviews: "I absolutely, LOVE this litter box cabinet. I used to keep it in my closet until noticing my clothes would have a chalky film on them. This is perfect! ! Not only does it hide the box itself, but it helps contain any smells that are beginning to emanate from the box.
I clean it out every other day and have never noticed any odors. I also took out the divider, because my box was a few inches too long. All changing supplies are kept inside, so it works out great! I HIGHLY recommend this litter box cabinet!!" — Angie "This is the perfect way to conceal a litter box as well as the odors and dust that come with them.
I have noticed a significant difference in the air quality in my home, it is as if I don't even have a litter box." — Annie Get it from Wayfair for $74.99+ (available in three colors).
10. A finish restorer to wipe on your faded, worn furniture or floors to bring them back to their newly installed glory! If you're sick of staring at antique furniture that simply needs a refresh, you won't regret this. You won't completely be restoring a piece, but this is a quick way to make your furniture, floors , front doors , and kitchen cabinets look brand-spankin' new for less.
Promising review: "Very easy to get results. I applied to eight dining room chairs that had scrapes, scuffs, and white paint marks. An amazing transformation so quickly.
I finished eight chairs in 90 minutes without rushing. I bought two pints, but only one was necessary. I used a cotton cloth for most of the application but also used 0000 steel wool for the scrapes and paint removal.
" — Grumpy Neanderthal Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in nine wood finish colors; also available in larger sizes ). Many reviewers follow up with the same brand's wood polish and conditioner (they're meant to be used together!), which you can get for $9.
98 from Amazon. 11. Or a set of wood repair markers for those smaller scratches and scuffs that don't require a full replacement or refinish — seriously, it'll take only a few minutes to make your furniture or floor look like new! Former BuzzFeed Shopping editor Abby Kass says: "I used a similar kit on my TV stand after moving it into my current apartment, and it worked great! It was super easy to use — you just color in the scratch.
And you can't tell the difference. It's amazing! And next time I move, I'm def hiring movers." Promising reviews: "I can’t believe how well these work! Much better than I was expecting.
I just had my home interior painted, and the painters damaged a fiberboard medicine cabinet when they removed the masking tape. It ripped off the fake-wood veneer. These markers completely filled in the ugly spots, and the colors blended well.
I love that it appears to have some clear coat in it, too, as it dries with a slight shine that makes it look more like wood stain rather than marker. I also used them to stain wood filler in two spots in my maple kitchen cabinets where a previous homeowner had hung a paper towel holder, and I really struggle to see the hole! It looks fantastic. I highly recommend this set.
It’s a good value and works very well." — Shane "These are great. I have several finishes on different pieces of furniture, and after several years, they were showing lots of scratches.
Not anymore. Super easy to use and covered everything. Wasn't sure after paying such a minimal price that they'd work, but they really do.
" — Kindle Customer Get a set of 13 markers from Amazon for $9.99 . 12.
A roll of faux ivy , which adds a certain je ne sais quoi to your boring fence, railing or trellis. It's giving, "you no longer have the privilege to view me and my bougie lifestyle" and your neighbors better respect it. Promising review: "This was exactly what we needed for the backyard.
It definitely provides enough privacy, and it gives the backyard a very nice ambiance! The leaves completely blend in with the other trees and plants we have in the backyard, and it looks like we made a huge upgrade in our gardening game. I'm now just hoping it can withstand the AZ summer and not fade with the sun (product description does state fade-resistant). Don't be hesitant with purchasing; it's totally worth it!!" — Amazon Customer Get a roll from Amazon for $44.
99+ (available in three sizes). You'll need some green zip ties to secure them, too. 13.
A set of under-bed storage bags for anyone who needs a place to put those off-season clothes or extra towels and bedding when not in use. Just pack them up and slide them out of sight! Promising review: " These storage bags are fantastic. I live in a small apartment where storage space is at a premium.
I use these to store my Costco toilet paper and paper towels so I don't need to make as many trips to the store. It keeps them in pristine condition and out of sight. The handles make them easy to pull in and out, and they fold up nicely when not in use.
I'm thinking about getting two more since four will fit under my queen bed." — Kimberly Dorn Get a two-pack from Amazon for $13.97+ (available in three colors and in packs of four).
14. A pleated bed skirt , which will hide whatever is under your bed, be it storage, a snoozing pet and their horde of toys, shoes, or nothing at all. Promising review: "Looks great — really ‘finishes’ off the look.
Ironed very easily and looks really nice. Material is very soft and holds the pleat." — AM Get it from Target for $23.
99+ (originally $28.99+ available in seven sizes and 13 colors). 15.
A TV cord cover in case you decided to mount your TV and hate the way the cords look hanging down the wall — with this, you can keep things neat, tidy, and matching your room aesthetic, and no one will even notice! (Seriously, can you see it below?) Promising review : "These look great and are super easy to apply. This is the perfect solution for hiding a cord! It looks like it is just a part of the baseboard. Mine is covering a cable wire only, but I think they are big enough to hide more than one cord if needed.
I didn’t cut mine, and I bought two. You can tell where the two meet if you look closely. However, I do not think anyone would notice.
I can’t believe I let our cable cord sit across the floor for this long. I wish I would have found these sooner! " — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in three sizes, five colors, and in multipacks).
16. A miniature bottle of touch-up paint to help you disappear those scuffs, scratches, and stains that cleaning doesn't seem to get rid of. It's so renter-friendly, you can use it on your furniture, walls, and floors without your landlord getting wise.
Promising review: "I usually don't leave reviews, but I have to with this touchup paint. I had cheap Command hooks on my wall to hang up my curtains in my apartment, and they ended up falling off and damaging the wall. I brought this to cover it up since it was an eyesore, and this worked perfectly! Thankfully, I matched the right shade, and you can't even tell.
It's easy to use and not messy at all. Once it dries, it instantly blends in. I'm glad it worked so well because now I can put more stuff on my walls and fix it with the paint so it won't affect my security deposit, LOL.
" — N.D. Get it from Amazon for $18.
95 (available in three sizes, 24 colors, and in sets of three). 17. Some splurge-worthy self-priming paint so you can make your room the one of your dreams with these bold, beautiful colors.
Plus, it's created without any toxic solvents, meaning you don't have to air out the room overnight afterward! The paint is low-odor, washable, scrubbable, and self-priming! See their entire selection of interior paints here . And if you're not sure what colors to go with, take Clare's Color Genius Quiz ! Get a gallon from Clare for $74+ (also available as a quart for $28, a sample for $3, and with or without the seven-piece paint kit). Clare is a Black and woman-owned paint company founded by interior designer Nicole Gibbons.
They offer a wide assortment of colors to make paint shopping an effortless experience. Plus, their swatches are peel-and-stick, which is perfect for renters! 18. An electrical cord cover that'll hide the not-so-cute chain keeping your chandelier or pendant light in place without detracting from the vibes of the room.
Promising review: "This is a great product. [It] serves the purpose of covering ugly cords and looks beautiful. Also easy to install.
Got lucky and the color I chose from the chart offered matched exactly to our wall color!" — Deborah Smith Get it from Amazon for $20.13+ (available in 14 colors and as a two-pack). 19.
An electric pressure washer because the exterior of your home has to make a good first impression, too! Restore your stone, brick, wood, and concrete surfaces to their original glory with this washer that generates up to 2,030 psi, getting rid of dirt, grime, and more. Promising review: "Power washer was delivered Monda. It’s Wednesday and I have washed two cars, cleaned the driveway and sidewalks, cleaned back fence, and the work keeps piling up.
Everything I see now needs to be cleaned! This little dude does not back down, plenty of power and it's surprisingly not too loud. Soap dispensers work great, and the tips are easy to change." — MAR Get it from Amazon for $199 .
20. A semi-transparent deck and stain sealer , which keeps your patio, deck, and other outdoor wood surfaces looking good as new while preventing further damage from the elements. Promising review: "This was recommended to me by a guy who sold us redwood boards from his mill.
It went on easily and it looks gorgeous! I stained a fence and two decks in the last three years, and this product is far superior right off the bat. Love the richness of the color and the wood is soaking it up consistently." — I Know Jack Get a 1-gallon can from Amazon for $32.
99 (available in four stain colors). 21. A flat outlet plug , so you can hide cluttered cords while still making sure all your electronics are getting the juice they need.
Plus, it's perfect if you have furniture against the wall blocking access to a much-needed outlet. Promising review: "This was very easy to install to hide all the messy wires. This is life-changing to create a nice, sleek space.
" — Martha Ashley Get it from Amazon for $23.95+ (available in eight different lengths/configurations). 22.
A pendant light if you've been thinking about upgrading the lighting in your living room, bedroom, kitchen, or home office. These offer a modernized look to your space that'll you probably become obsessed with and start doing more to add to the aesthetic! The adjustable cord measures 5.5 feet.
Bulbs aren't included, but you can get a set of compatible Edison bulbs here . Promising review: "Love these green pendants above our island. The color is a perfect muted olive green and the wood accent just elevates the look.
For reference, our island is 8-feet long and three of these lights fit perfectly." — Jay Stanford Get it from Amazon for $59.95+ (available in four colors).
23. Orrr a recessed light conversion kit in case the tenants before you decided canned lighting was the move — it's no longer 2006, so time to upgrade to a more luxe look with chic pendant lights, a ceiling lamp, or even a chandelier! Promising reviews: "Bought a house with canned lights everywhere. I wanted a few semi-flush pendants and chandeliers so I tried this product.
Very easy to install and works like a charm. " — PJG123 "It may take a bit of finessing and maybe an extra hole drilled here or there but it will eventually do what it is supposed to do. I now have a surface-mounted light on my front porch instead of the can light the builder supplied.
We turned a dark, ugly space into a wonderfully lit beautiful space. We are amazed at the transformation this lighting change made to our home. Would do this again in a second.
" — TDC Get it from Amazon for $24.93 . 24.
A set of metal furniture leg replacements just perfect for upgrading the wobbly, wooden legs on your current furniture, so you don't have to break the bank on replacing it entirely! As someone whose dog chewed up the wooden legs of my couch...
this is going into my cart, ASAP. Promising review: "Quality is very good. Easy to attach with provided screws.
We replaced wooden legs that were not strong with these beautiful gold metal legs and really complemented the piece." — sherry case Get a set of four from Alfa Modern Furnishing on Etsy for $47.95+ (available in brushed gold or black).
Alfa Modern Furnishing is an LA-based small business creating unique, modernized home and furniture accents. 25. A 35-quart slide-out trash can , which is *super* stealthy and conceals the horrible, smelly eyesore that is the kitchen garbage.
It even includes all the necessary mounting hardware! Promising review: "I hesitated to trade existing storage space for a trashcan but I am so glad I did. The Rev-A-Shelf was easy to install and worked exactly as I expected. The instructions were a bit lacking but a quick check on YouTube is all you need.
Just four easily placed screws to your cupboard bottom and project complete. The fact that the kitchen trash is not the first thing guests see when they enter my house is awesome. I should have done this upgrade years ago! You won't be sorry if you purchase this unit.
I love it!" — daisy Get it from Amazon for $61.99+ (available in seven colors, or check out other options/sizes for the Rev-A-Shelf trashcan storage ). 26.
A roll of self-adhesive toilet sealant tape because are you really going to caulk your toilet or has it been on your to-do list for weeks, if not months? Finally, cross it off the list and enjoy how tidy your "throne room" looks! Promising reviews: "Boy does this tape pretty up an otherwise boring toilet. Way better than a bead of caulk. Clean.
..clean.
..clean before installation.
Also helps to warm the product. Can be stretched during installation to better fit around tight bends. Been in place for a few weeks; still holding fine.
" — Selaretus "Went on easily around the toilet, [it] looks so much better. Covered discoloration around the base, highly recommend." — Jerry Get it from Amazon for $9.
99 (available in four sizes/styles). 27. A vinyl transition floor strip in case someone didn't finish the job on your floors and there's an awkward, unappealing threshold between two rooms.
Literally cover up the gap and make that transition on your floor or wall look seamless! Promising review: "I have a weirdly tall transition to my bathrooms and struggled with getting a normal threshold to stay in the entrance to my other bathroom after laying vinyl tile, so I hesitated on doing the hall bath until I found this product. Problem solved! Looks great and doesn’t budge! And affordable! I will definitely be ordering more for the long gap between my laminate and marble flooring in another area that I have hated for years."— m.
white Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in two sizes and six colors). 28.
An oil stain remover because even thinking about replacing the driveway will be a headache! This no-scrub remover deeply penetrates any petroleum-based stain and removes it so well you'll forget it was ever there! Promising review: "Changed the oil on my girlfriend's car and some oil spilled on my NEW driveway...
which I didn't notice 'til four days later. Four spots all about the size of a dollar bill baking in the Arizona sun for four days. Put the stuff on (sits on the stain like pancake batter — don't be afraid to pour liberally) and let it sit from 6 p.
m. 'til about 9 a.m.
the next day. It dried and the instructions said to just sweep the stuff up. It broke apart with the broom and the stains were gone, just swept up the powder pieces — took about a minute.
I WAS SHOCKED! Something that actually works on oil and it's easy. Absolutely NO sign of anything that was there. My driveway is smooth concrete so I can't vouch for what would happen with a rougher surface but whoever makes this stuff is a genius.
If they tried to take on World Peace, Earth would be a better place." — AmazonBob Get it from Amazon for $17.97 (also available in a larger size) 29.
A unique switch plate cover to transform your current, boring beige switch plates and truly make your home your own (even if you're renting). Promising review: "These plates are very beautiful. They match perfectly with the decor of my house.
Very happy with this purchase." — Ingrid Hogan Get it from Farmhouse Iron Co. on Etsy for $13+ (available in five styles).
Farmhouse Iron Co. is a California-based small business creating unique home decor. 30.
A ceiling-mount shelf just perfect for decluttering your garage and making use of all that ✨ vertical space! ✨ Not to mention, they'll barely be noticeable once installed. These shelves measure 45" x 45" and can hold up to 250 lbs of evenly distributed weight. Promising review: "These are a great way to open up more storage potential in the garage.
This is actually my third home when I've used these in my garage. If you have lots of room between your garage door and your ceiling, these can be used up there to allow you to store stuff in a space you would otherwise not be able to use. They're great for being able to store stuff way up high and not take up any floor space .
We store all of our Christmas lights and other holiday decorations on them. They hold up the weight of four or five big bins full of Christmas light strings, no problem." — Buster Get it from Amazon for $91.
98+ (available in two colors/styles). 31. A macramé tapestry , which makes the perfect decorative cover for an electric panel or random pre-war house fixture that doesn't even work.
It's an artsy and chic conversation-starter, so no one will even know what's hiding underneath. This tapestry measures 18" x 40" so make sure it'll be a good fit to cover your electrical panel! Promising review: "I bought this to cover the electric panel in our mudroom. It covers it perfectly so now it's not the first thing you see when you walk in.
Had to brush out the tassels a little bit but it is good quality!" — J. Underwood Get it from Amazon for $45.99 .
32. Some metallic spray paint to update your favorite metal fixtures, furniture, or accessories instead of buying brand new ones. Doorknobs, faucets, mirrors, lights — new home, who this? Promising review: "Best-looking metal spray paint I have seen.
It took me 90 minutes to prepare, mask, and paint my bathroom faucet. I used about 1/2 a can of this paint." — OC-Adam Get it from Amazon for $14.
79+ (available in eight metallic finish colors). 33. A must-have privacy screen for hiding that bulky AC in the backyard, trash cans, pool equipment, or whatever else in your yard is messing up your lawn aesthetic.
Promising review: "Super easy to install and took less than 30 minutes to put together, level out, and hammer in the stakes. My HOA doesn’t allow the trash bins to be visible from the street, so this fixed that issue, plus it matches my house trim." — Joseph and Anne Sawyer Get it from Amazon for $145.
15 . 34. A create-your-own countertop paint kit that'll get you one step closer to your dream kitchen within a single weekend without having to pay for a contractor or stonemason.
This kit has everything you need to transform your current laminate, tile, or butcher block countertop into a luxe-looking granite finish — you just need to block out the time to DIY! Each kit includes a can of primer, three cans of mineral paints, a can of acrylic topcoat, a roller arm and two pads, a paint sponge, and a foam brush. Promising review: "Easy to put on. You just have to let the base coat dry and then start sponging the colors on.
I am not crafty at all and I still can't believe what my countertop looks like. I am glad I gave it a try. So far it seems very durable.
I do not cut on my counters or place hot pots or pans on there — I always use pot holders. I LOVE MY NEW COUNTERS. It was much cheaper and easier than replacing them .
" — Sharon Get it from Amazon for $99.95 (available in five finishes and in a marble version ). 35.
A decorative air vent cover to add a chic flair to your home, unlike those regular-degular registers currently catching your eye whenever you walk into the room. Promising review: "I bought these to replace the ugly, plain registers that were on my ceiling. Installed in less than 10 minutes and they look beautiful.
I ordered white and spray painted them nickel to match my ceiling fan. Couldn't be happier." — AsMeow Get one from Amazon for $16.
12+ (available in two sizes and four finishes). 36. Some flexible baseboard trim that you can simply trim, peel, and stick to update the molding in *any* room with a clean, looks-like-new finish.
This roll of self-adhesive trim measures 4 inches by 20 feet. Promising review: "This was very easy to apply and make sure you have it where you want it before sticking because it REALLY sticks to the wall. I laid out the roll and let it relax for a day before cutting and applying.
Love the easy-to-clean material. Made trimming out my bathroom/ laundry room quick and easy." — Cassie Get it from Amazon for $28.
99+ (available in nine sizes and three colors). 37. A 30-gallon deck storage box designed with a waterproof exterior to keep your cushions, gardening supplies, and other outdoor must-haves safe from the elements without having to tote them back and forth inside.
Promising review : "Put together in less than five minutes by myself and no tools needed. This is a nice little box, holds the lumbar pillows along with other things I need for my backyard on a regular basis . The box fits nicely on my small patio.
" — ALM329 Get it from Amazon for $35.99+ (available in two sizes and four colors). Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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