1. For a dramatic touch or to block out daylight effectively, hang floor-to-ceiling velvet blackout curtains. They're perfect for creating a statement or ensuring total darkness for nap times or late weekend mornings.

When hung high and wide, these curtains make windows appear larger.
Promising reviews: "The quality and weight of these curtains exceeded my expectations. I bought them in dark slate for my son's nursery to help with nap time and I'm very pleased. They block out light and heat effectively. Would buy again." —Tate J
"These curtains look fantastic. We have the beige ones, and they hung beautifully. Bonus: After an unexpected heatwave, they kept our home much cooler!" —Sasha
Available on Amazon for $36.99+ per 84" panel (multiple lengths and colors to choose from).
2. Spend a weekend revamping your kitchen with peel-and-stick tile backsplash. It’s an easy DIY project — just grab some stickers and a ruler to get started!

3. Transform any wall into a stunning gallery with minimal effort by using a ready-to-hang frame set. It includes simple full-size templates with various layout options, making it easy to place the frames perfectly.

4. For instant custom shelving, try an easy-to-install ledge shelf (thanks to Command Strips!). Whether you're adding to a gallery wall, organizing kids’ books, or finding a place for your spices, skincare products, or collectibles, it's a simple solution.


Promising review: "Super easy to install. It looks like wood, but it's actually plastic! I wasn’t expecting it to be this thin, but it still works perfectly! It’s holding up well. I would definitely buy again." —RayRay
Available at Amazon, Target, or Walmart for $16.49+ (offered in white or slate).
5. Give that hand-me-down sofa from your roommate a fresh look with some plush velvet slipcovers to make it feel brand new (and a little bit luxurious!) without spending a fortune.


6. Alternatively, throw a playful, pom-pom-trimmed bright throw blanket over that couch or chair you've grown tired of to give it a fresh, lively touch.

7. If you lean towards a glamorous or whimsical style, try a faux-sheepskin rug — whether it’s tossed over your sofa arm, placed by your bed, or used in another way, you’ll enjoy its cozy charm every day.

8. Refresh those old throw pillows you no longer adore with soft velvet shams, which are a more budget-friendly option compared to purchasing entirely new cushions.

9. Give your garage door a quick facelift with carriage-style magnets — yes, magnets — creating an eye-catching focal point that will draw attention away from any other less-than-perfect details. Your neighbors will immediately be impressed and want to know where you found them.


Promising review: "For instant curb appeal with minimal effort, these are a must-have. They’ve stayed in place through heavy rainstorms and strong winds, and they’re likely to outlast the more expensive drilled models my neighbors have, since they don’t have exposed screws or hardware." —SG
(These magnets won’t rust because they’re made from a durable, UV- and weather-resistant plastic.)
Find the set on Amazon for $10.99+ (available in 4 styles).
10. Arrange your small decorative items — whether on your coffee table, bookshelves, or entryway table — using the 1-3-5 rule. This means grouping objects in sets of one, three, or five for an aesthetically pleasing display.

The tray here brings together all the smaller items as one cohesive visual element, while the book stack + accessory also function as a single unit. Therefore, the table has three main pieces, which mostly adhere to the rule of threes within those items themselves. From the now-defunct blog The School of Decorating.
11. If you have an étagère, this is a great spot to display all those beautiful small objects — frames, vases, books, and cherished vacation souvenirs. By giving them a dedicated space, they'll truly shine. And don’t forget to use the 1-3-5 rule for styling this shelf too!

12. Transform your beloved novels and cookbooks into visual masterpieces by displaying them on a set of three floating bookshelves that you can admire every day.

Promising review: "These are incredibly fun! We bought the small size, which fits standard hardcover books (about five to seven hardbacks in my experience). They're a great way to add extra storage to our tiny home, and we placed them in the hallway where people constantly ask us about them. I highly recommend them!" —LaBuenaVidaMere
Get the three on Amazon for $25.50+ (available in small and large sizes).
13. Replace your worn, cracked, or outdated switch- and outlet-plates with stylish architectural covers that can instantly transform any room with minimal effort.

14. Get a super versatile velvet statement chair to create a stylish yet comfortable spot wherever you need one! A glam piece like this can elevate your space as a striking accent in the dining area, WFH desk, makeup vanity, or even your living room.

15. If you prefer a French chic aesthetic, opt for a pair of Louis XVI-style dining chairs. Just a heads up, chairs like these usually come with a hefty price tag, often over a thousand dollars more!


16. Transform your entryway into a welcoming space, whether you prefer a cheerful brightness or a more dramatic, moody feel, with some specially formulated front door paint. No sanding needed, and it dries quickly, making it a perfect project for a single morning or afternoon!


17. Eliminate stubborn stains from your carpets and furniture upholstery that you've been putting off with a spray cleaner that’s sure to leave you stunned by the remarkable results once you see the transformation.


18. Transfer your soaps and conditioners into charming glass dispensers to elevate your shower from a drugstore aisle filled with brand names to a peaceful, customized spa retreat.

19. Bring a cozy, visually striking glow to your yard or patio by installing waterproof globe string lights. These will create a soft and inviting light without being harsh. You can hang them from your roofline, drape them on a pergola or fence, or string them between your front door and patio umbrella.


20. Elevate the look of your hallway or the space in front of your closet with a budget-friendly but luxury-looking runner, which costs much less than a large area rug yet makes a dramatic visual impact.

21. Transfer your lower-shelf whiskey into a glass decanter so no one will ever guess where you bought it from.

22. Cover up that unsightly buzzer or fuse box with a chic macramé hanging that can be easily moved when you need quick access.

Promising review: "These are perfect for the price! I used a hair straightener to smooth them out, but will likely steam them for a cleaner look. I opted for the medium size since the small was too tiny, but overall I'm happy with them." —Spencer
Get a set of two on Amazon for $14.99+ (available in three sizes).
23. Hide the box behind your favorite tea towel with a magnetic wood frame. This way, you can solve the problem *and* effortlessly change it with the seasons, or just to match your current vibe.

From the experts at Apartment Therapy.
Find a similar wood wall hanger from Hanger Frames on Etsy — a small business in Salt Lake City, Utah — starting at $18+ for an 11-inch frame (also available in sizes starting at 6 inches, and with six different finishes).
Promising review (for Hanger Frames): "I couldn’t be happier with this product! I searched for a traditional frame for my art, but had no luck. I'm so glad I chose this unique frame instead. It arrived quickly, in great condition, and they even included twine and a nail (which I didn’t expect). Love it!" —Emily
24. Use artificial plants, like this faux olive tree, to add a touch of greenery to rooms too dark for real plants to thrive...or if you're just not into the hassle of plant care! Life's already busy enough, I get it.

25. Hide utility boxes, trash cans, or anything else you’d prefer to keep out of sight but still need regular access to with a straightforward privacy screen.

26. Give your outdated 1990s appliances a fresh look for less than a dinner for two by simply wrapping them in stainless-steel-effect contact paper.


27. Give your stainless-steel appliances a fresh shine with this highly-rated stainless steel cleaner and polish spray (which comes with a microfiber cloth). It will make them gleam once more. My mom tried five different cleaners before finding this one — it was the only one that worked on the first spray and wipe, leaving no streaks, just a perfect shine.


28. Replace the branded hand soap pump you've been refilling for who knows how long with stylish foaming dispensers. These use less soap per pump than regular bottles, meaning you’ll save money on refills as well.

Additionally, you can easily use your regular liquid soap refill with these dispensers! Just mix one part liquid soap with five parts water.
Promising review: "These dispensers are actually larger and nicer than I anticipated (even with the measurements, it's sometimes tricky to visualize size). The glass is heavy and sturdy; the 'chrome' part is not actual metal, but it’s incredibly hard to distinguish. It looks and feels like chrome. I've had metal ones corrode before, so plastic works better for me. I'm thoroughly pleased, would recommend them, and would buy again." —RDP9201
Get a set of two dispensers on Amazon for $20.49+ (available in five color/finish options).
29. Revitalize worn-out or water-damaged furniture and wooden pieces with a wipe-on finish restorer. You’ll have that tired bedside table shining like new in less than an hour!

30. Conceal scratches, chips, and scuffs on that old chest of drawers by using furniture decals that turn it into a personalized masterpiece. Just apply them with a wooden stick — the ideal easy project for a laid-back Sunday afternoon.

These decals are perfect for use on walls, furniture, wood, doors, and many other surfaces! Maika Daughters, an Austin, Texas-based small business, specializes in materials designed for upcycling projects. If these furniture decals aren't exactly what you're looking for, they offer a variety of other designs to suit your style.
Promising review: "I absolutely love this transfer! It's gorgeous and so easy to apply. I will definitely be purchasing more!" —Sarah
Grab three sheets of these decals from MaikaDaughters on Etsy for $15.99+ (available in three additional sizes).
31. Revitalize any worn-out or scratched leather using a leather recoloring balm, so you can enjoy your favorite chair for many more years without settling for furniture that looks like it’s past its prime.



32. Enhance the look of a drab patio or porch — or safeguard a frequently used area from wear and tear — by adding an indoor/outdoor rug that looks as if it's there purely for aesthetic reasons.

33. It's the same idea for any unremarkable spots indoors: a bold print rug can instantly transform a dull area and give it the attention it deserves.

Promising review: "Bought this for a nursery (space theme!), and the color and print are exactly like the photos. I absolutely love it! It’s also incredibly soft (perfect for a baby to play on) and seems to be very durable. Very happy with this rug!" —Kat D.
Find it on Amazon for $29.98+ (available in five colors and 13 sizes, or explore more rug designs on the Safavieh store page).
34. Cover up an unsightly view with a vibrant self-adhesive window film that not only looks absolutely stunning but also adds a touch of privacy.

Promising review: "My kitchen window faces the sidewalk near the community mailboxes, with pedestrians constantly passing by. I can't stand mini blinds because they trap dust and grease, especially since the stove is next to the window. Curtains are an improvement, but they still absorb cooking smells and grease. I installed this film in about ten minutes. It lets in plenty of light but keeps me hidden from prying eyes." —Gayle Smith
Get a 17.5"x78" roll on Amazon for $6.99+ (11 roll sizes available).
35. Install some stick-on, plug-in, dimmable, remote-controlled lights underneath — and perhaps above — your cabinets to brighten up your kitchen prep area with stylish extra light, adding a touch of luxury. It should only take about an hour to install!

36. Keep your living room looking polished by hiding the mess of your TV's cords inside a cable raceway — there's no reason for your sophisticated space to evoke memories of your college dorm.

For a seamless finish, paint the cable cover to match your wall color!
Promising review: "This product was perfect for tidying up the mess of cables and power cords behind my wall-mounted TV. The plastic is strong but easy to cut to size. I did use a 'T' type expandable wall anchor since I attached it to an exterior stucco wall. The channels are spacious enough to fit multiple cords, and the covers snap securely into place." —TheoLogic1
Get the kit with six cable covers totaling 150 inches, self-adhesive tape, and 12 connectors on Amazon for $18.96+ (available in two lengths).
37. If you're tired of the ones you currently have, replace your cabinet and drawer pull handles. Look for new ones that match the size and hole placement of your existing handles so you can easily swap them out with no need for drilling.


38. If you're proficient with a drill, consider adding cabinet knobs and pulls using a reusable template (which even includes the required drill bit!) to ensure the holes are spaced evenly and aligned perfectly every time.


39. Choose lidded baskets for your bathroom to neatly store sanitary items, hair accessories, makeup palettes, and more, achieving a stylish, organized look rather than a cluttered one.


40. Give your dreary brick garage a makeover by applying a coat of simple primer in just one leisurely Sunday afternoon.

Check out the full guide on Hawthorne and Main for more details.
Get a gallon of white primer on Amazon for $57.19.
41. Hang a roll of faux ivy to address multiple issues at once: mask an unsightly railing or wire fence, add a touch of privacy, and block an unwanted view.

Promising review: "These worked wonderfully to give some privacy to my backyard without blocking everything out. They've been up for a year now and have withstood various weather conditions (snow, rain, freeze, heat). The color has stayed vibrant. No issues with hanging them. I used green zip ties (purchased separately). They are easy to cut and adjust. Highly recommended." —Kimi Cee
Get a 94"x39" roll on Amazon for $39.99+ (available in 3 sizes).
42. Hide a router and other electronic clutter behind a row of cut-up books for a clever disguise that won’t interfere with your Wi-Fi signal—and looks adorable, too!

43. Free up an entire drawer by using an under-cabinet organizer that allows hot tools to cool down safely. Repurpose that drawer to store the skincare products that have been slowly taking over your counter—leaving room for actual decor!

44. If you don’t have a mudroom, this shoe cabinet could be your solution—it's definitely better than the ever-growing pile of shoes that threatens to trip you every time you walk past the back door.


Promising review: "This little shoe storage system is fantastic. It holds six or more pairs of shoes, and its 6" depth makes it perfect for tight spots or behind doors. It truly helped me declutter and tidy up my front landing area in my townhouse. It arrived fully assembled and included all necessary hardware." —Lauren "Lala" Peacock
Get it on Amazon for $139.95+ (available in 2 sizes).
45. Give your cabinets a fresh look by painting them. If you're not keen on doing it yourself, hiring a professional is always an option. But if you’re on a budget, a cabinet paint set is a great, cost-effective alternative, and many reviewers say the job can be completed in just one day!


46. Apply peel-and-stick vinyl flooring in your bathroom or any small room for an instant transformation, without the need for grout.

47.If you're after the chic look of cement tiles, try peel-and-stick vinyl tiles for a budget-friendly, time-saving, and effort-saving option that still gives you the trendy appearance you desire.

48.Give your metal fixtures a fresh look — whether it's knobs, hinges, outdated overhead lights, or vent covers — with metal-look spray paint. This quick fix can make everything look brand new in just an hour or two.


One reviewer shares that primer isn't needed for it to adhere to shiny metal, and it holds up really well!
Since it's spray paint, the easiest way to use it is on items you can remove from the wall and paint outside. For fixtures like light or faucets, be sure to mask everything else carefully with masking tape and newspaper or cardboard, just like this reviewer demonstrates.
Promising review: "Incredible product! It sticks wonderfully to almost any surface you want to paint. The coverage is even and the finish looks amazing. I used it on bathroom fixtures and was shocked at how well it adhered and how fantastic it turned out. It saved me from buying new hardware." —Sabine M.
Get a six-pack on Amazon for $58.17 (around $9.70 per can; available in 16 colors).
49.Give your brass fireplace a makeover by using a couple of coats of high-heat spray paint to update its look from the 1980s.

50.Add some instant style with pre-made wainscot wall panels. These are a quick fix, taking just an afternoon to install with glue or nails — or for those renting or not wanting a permanent change, use Command Strips! They’ll bring a touch of architectural elegance to any dull wall, door, kitchen island, or hallway.


51. If the look of your patio or balcony doesn't quite match your taste, try covering it with interlocking teak tiles — they don't require any tools and are incredibly easy to assemble.


Stencil a unique pattern you love to transform your wall into a stunning accent piece. It’s more affordable than hiring someone for wallpaper installation and can be completed over a weekend, as long as your wall isn't too big.

If you dream of a statement accent wall, peel-and-stick removable wallpaper is a fantastic option that will impress everyone who sees it. The beauty and pride of having done it yourself will be a daily source of joy.


Effortlessly add overhead lighting with a pendant lamp. It’s as simple as hanging it up and plugging it into any standard outlet to create a warm, inviting bedside glow.


Give a fresh new life to your hand-me-downs, thrift store finds, or budget-friendly furniture (or even your kitchen and bathroom counters) by covering them with peel-and-stick wallpaper or marble contact paper. It’ll instantly become the centerpiece of any room!


Replace your plain, uninspiring house number next to the front door with a sleek, modern design to instantly enhance your home’s curb appeal.

