45 common mistakes you don't realize make your home look cheap
They’re easy to fix, though.
No matter how beautifully you’ve decorated, there are certain little things that can leave even the nicest homes looking cheap. With that in mind, I’ve put together this list of the 45 most common mistakes that are making your home look crummy, as well as easy ways to fix them. From hiding cable clutter to maximizing storage space, you’re sure to find more than a few helpful pieces of advice in here. And if you want to get every inch your home looking good as can be, you’ll just have to keep scrolling.
01
Mistake: Your baseboards are dirty
Solution: This tool that lets you clean them without getting down on the groundGetting down on your hands and knees to scrub dirty baseboards is no one’s idea of a good time — try this tool instead. Each order comes with three reusable cleaning pads that latch onto dirt, trapping it within their fibers until you toss them into the wash. The head also swivels 360 degrees so that it’s easy to reach into every baseboard nook and cranny — all while an extra-long handle saves your knees from having to get down on the ground.
02
Mistake: There are chips & scratches in the wall paint
Solution: Doing easy touchups with these paint pensYou don’t have to break out a giant bucket of paint to fix the chips in your drywall — just use these paint pens. Their airtight chambers can keep paint fresh for years, so there’s no need to empty them out after every use. Plus, the brush tip applicator makes quick touchups a total breeze.
03
Mistake: You never vacuum
Solution: This lightweight 3-in-1 vac that’s easy to maneuverMy vacuum cleaner is so bulky that I genuinely avoid using it at all — which is why I just added this lightweight alternative to my cart. Each order includes a crevice tool to help you clean deep into awkward nooks and crannies. And unlike some vacuums, this one can be modified and used as a stick or handheld vacuum depending on your needs.
04
Mistake: The couch cushions are saggy
Solution: An easy-to-install support that bolsters limp cushionsYou don’t have to spend an arm and a leg replacing your couch cushions once they start to sag — just grab this handy support. It unfolds to fit underneath cushions both large and small, making it suitable for nearly any couch. Plus, the grippy exterior helps keep it from shifting out of place.
05
Mistake: Your chair legs are scratching up the floors
Solution: These leg protectors that install without any toolsUnlike some protectors that require you to nail them into your furniture legs, these ones are made from flexible silicone, allowing you to instead stretch them overtop the legs — no tools necessary. On top of that, they also come in three colors for an extra-subtle look: transparent, black, or brown.
06
Mistake: The bed-scape is looking less than fresh
Solution: Refreshing things with this duvet cover & sham setA quality bedding set is an essential part of any cozy bedroom — which is only part of the reason why this duvet set is worth a look. Both the duvet and the two shams are made from plush microfiber that’s just as soft as it is breathable. Plus, eight corner tabs on the inside of the duvet help keep it from shifting out of place whenever you move around at night.
07
Mistake: Your dining table is bare (or full of scratches)
Solution: Putting down placemats to add an elegant touchIf your dining room is on the monochromatic side, consider the easy enhancement of adding placemats. These come in more than 15 colors, ranging from light blue to deep red. Each one is also heat-resistant up to 176 degrees Fahrenheit, making them suitable for hot cookware — and the durable polyester material even helps protect your table from scratches.
08
Mistake: The closet shelves are a jumbled mess
Solution: These dividers that prevent stacks from falling into each otherIt’s almost too easy for closet shelves to devolve into a jumbled mess — but that’s where these dividers come in handy. They prevent your stacked towels, shirts, pants, and more from bleeding into each other, helping keep everything neat and tidy. And since the frames are made from tough steel, you can rest assured that they’re built to last.
09
Mistake: Water marks are making your wood surfaces look crummy
Solution: This reusable cloth that erases water marks & hazeWhen no amount of nagging seems to get the people in your home to use coasters, it may be time to take a look at this cloth. It easily removes water rings and haze from your wooden surfaces with just a little scrubbing — and you can even reuse it up until the color turns dark. Though if you don’t have any water rings to get rid of, it’ll also power through latex paint as well as most permanent marker stains.
10
Mistake: Those loose coffee pods are in disarray
Solution: This sliding drawer that neatly holds up to 36 podsWith space for up to 36 coffee pods, this sliding drawer is a must-have for any coffee bar. It’s so sturdy that you can place your coffee maker on top of it to save space. Plus, you even have the choice of three styles: metal, glass, or faux wood.
11
Mistake: There are holes & dings in your drywall
Solution: This kit that makes repairs simpleFor holes 3 inches in diameter or smaller, this repair kit can help you get the job done in no time at all. Each kit comes with a tub of enhanced spackling compound, an adhesive patch, as well as a putty knife and sanding pad for smooth, seamless application. And, this spackling compound promises not to shrink, crack, or sag over time.
12
Mistake: Your TV & computer screens are smudgy
Solution: This spray that gets all sorts of screens clean & streak-freeTelevisions, tablets, laptops — this spray is formulated to get all sorts of electronic screens looking clean as new. Each order includes a microfiber cloth that latches onto dust, fingerprints, and every type of dirt in between. Many reviewers mentioned that “a little goes a long way,” so this bottle should cover you for many a screen.
13
Mistake: Your plush furniture is ripped or frayed
Solution: Using this repair kit to get it looking good as newBuying a new couch is rarely ever cheap — instead, fix those little frays and tears in the upholstery using this repair kit. Each order comes with two spools of thread, both of which are made from durable nylon that’s designed to hold up when used outside as well as indoors. Plus, all five of the heavy-duty needles easily pierce through all sorts of tough materials.
14
Mistake: There are unsightly wires hanging from your TV
Solution: Hiding them inside of this raceway kitOne of my personal pet peeves is seeing wires dangling underneath a television — but that’s only part of the reason why I think this raceway kit is worth a look. Not only is it ideal for hiding wires in plain sight, but each piece snaps apart so that you can access the wires whenever needed. Plus, you can even paint the covers for an extra-subtle appearance.
15
Mistake: You have tumbleweeds of pet hair
Solution: Using this rubber broom to sweep fur awayUnlike that regular bristle broom you’ve likely been using, this rubber version latches onto pet hair, pulling it off your floors, carpet, and more with just a few gentle strokes. The telescopic handle extends from 36 out to 60 inches, making it easy to reach underneath furniture — and the broom head also features a squeegee on the back so that you can use it to clean glass.
16
Mistake: Your desk is looking worn out
Solution: This chic pad that helps protect desks from damageNot only does this pad help protect your desk from scratches and spills, but it’s also made from sleek faux leather, making it look like it costs way more than it does. Its nonslip surface helps keep your laptop, keyboard, and more from shifting out of place while you work. And with dozens of colors to choose from, don’t be surprised if you have trouble narrowing down your pick to just one.
17
Mistake: The houseplants are struggling
Solution: These stylish bulbs that help keep plants hydratedIf you’ve got a thumb that’s more black than green, these globes are worth a peek. Simply fill them with water, then press them down into your potted plant’s soil. The water will gradually seep out, keeping your plants hydrated for up to a full week. Their iridescent appearance even gives your plants a stylish touch of color.
18
Mistake: Your toilet bowl has grimy hard water stains
Solution: Scrubbing them away with this powerful pumice stoneEven the cleanest toilet bowl will look dirty if it’s covered with hard water stains — this pumice stone makes quick work of banishing them. It powers through hard water stains, grime, mineral deposits, and more. The built-in handle makes it easy to maneuver, and while tough on grime, it won’t leave behind any scratches on delicate porcelain or tile surfaces.
19
Mistake: The art hanging on your walls is crooked
Solution: Using this laser level to make sure everything is hung evenlyPicture frames, canvas art, mirrors — this laser level makes hanging up all sorts of wall-mounted pieces a total breeze. In addition to the laser, it also features two backlit bubble vials to give you extra peace of mind that everything is hanging perfectly even. And unlike some laser levels, this one also comes with a mount that you can use to temporarily mount it on your walls, making it even easier to use.
20
Mistake: You have a collection of broken knick-knacks
Solution: This moldable glue that can fix nearly anythingBroken baubles, cracked flower pots, loose coat hooks, shaky chair legs — this moldable glue can be used to fix all of them and more. The permanent bond it creates is so strong that it can hold up to 4 pounds. And since it’s waterproof as well as hot- and cold-resistant, you can even use it on outdoor projects.
21
Mistake: The laundry lives in IKEA bags
Solution: Upgrading to this stylish collapsible basketConsider upgrading from bulky plastic laundry baskets — or various shopping totes — to this collapsible version. Not only does it help save space, but a water-resistant coating makes it suitable for carrying wet clothes as well as dry ones. Plus, the soft handles on either side make it comfortable to carry around.
22
Mistake: Your outdoor windows are grimy
Solution: Giving them a thorough clean with this squeegee brushWith a telescopic handle that extends out to 62 inches, this squeegee brush makes cleaning distant windows a total breeze. Each order comes with four interchangeable brush heads that can be washed and reused dozens of times. Plus, the built-in squeegee makes it easy to wipe away any streaks so that your windows are left looking clean as new.
23
Mistake: Office supplies are crowding your desk
Solution: Adding this sliding drawer that’s so, *so* easy to installNo tools are necessary in order to install this sliding drawer, as each order includes double-sided adhesive that lets you press it right into place underneath your desk. The adhesive is so strong that it can easily hold up to 3 pounds. Plus, the drawer is large enough to hold office supplies, earbuds, and everything in between.
24
Mistake: The charging cords & cables are chaotic
Solution: Using these versatile clips to tidy upFrom lightning cables to headphone wires, these clips are great for tidying up all sorts of cable clutter. The adhesive backing lets you attach them to desks, entertainment centers, or anywhere else you have a mess of wires. And if your wires are already looking neat, you can also use them to hold toothbrushes, pens, flossers, or any other small item that fits inside.
25
Mistake: The books on your shelves are sloppy
Solution: These elegant bookends that won’t break the bankBooks always falling over on your shelves? Not a problem when you have these bookends. The honeycomb pattern gives them a modern look that won’t go out of style anytime soon — and at this price, you won’t have to worry about them breaking your budget. Choose from six finishes: gold, yellow, white, pink, black, or turquoise.
26
Mistake: There’s visible clutter throughout your home
Solution: Stashing things out of sight & into these storage cubesEven the most immaculately decorated homes will look worse if there’s clutter all over the place, making these storage cubes a smart buy. They’re great for hiding clutter in plain sight, as they easily fit onto shelves, inside losets, or nearly anywhere else. And with 10 colors to choose from, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a shade that suits your style.
27
Mistake: Shoes are cluttering up the entryway
Solution: Using these stacker slots that double storage spaceYou don’t have to buy another shoe rack if the shoes have migrated all over the place — just grab these stacker slots. They let you stack your shoes on top of each other to help open up more room, and they work just as well with high heels as they do with sneakers. Choose from three colors: white, gray, or black.
28
Mistake: The wooden furniture looks dull & lifeless
Solution: Giving it a quick refresh with this cleaning polishCabinets, tables, bed frames — this polish is ideal for all sorts of wooden furniture. It’s made without any beeswax, so there’s no need to worry about it leaving behind a sticky or greasy residue like some polishes can do. Even better, its sweet almond scent leaves your furniture smelling just as refreshed as it looks.
29
Mistake: Scuff marks are making the walls look crummy
Solution: These magic cleaning pads that leave surfaces so cleanWhether you have scuffs marks or permanent marker on your walls (or furniture), these magic cleaning pads can easily wipe them away with just a few gentle swipes. There’s no extra cleanser required — just get them damp with water and they’re ready to get to work. And if your walls and tables are looking good, they can also be used to clean stoves, leather, marble, and more.
30
Mistake: Your home lacks ambience
Solution: Lighting this scented candle that burns up to 50 hoursEven the coldest, most uninviting homes can instantly feel a little warmer with help from a quality scented candle. This particular one has a woody, smoky scent, with hints of citrus to give it an uplifting vibe. And with a burn time of up to 50 hours, this can keep up that warm ambience for quite some time.
31
Mistake: The backsplash in your kitchen is full of splatter
Solution: Placing this oil-proof film over of itScrubbing your backsplash clean of sticky oil splatters can be challenging, especially with all those tight grout lines — and that’s where this film comes in handy. The adhesive backing lets you press it right into place, while its oil-proof surface makes it easy to wipe away splatter marks with a simple damp rag. Plus, many reviewers appreciated its subtle appearance.
32
Mistake: Fingerprints are sullying the stainless steel appliances
Solution: This specially formulated spray that won’t leave streaksWhereas regular cleaning sprays can leave stainless steel with streaks, this particular spray is formulated to leave those stainless appliances with a sparkling, streak-free shine. Conveniently, it also creates a protective barrier to help keep your appliances free from dust, smudges, fingerprints, dirt, and more.
33
Mistake: The overhead lights are too harsh
Solution: Installing these wall sconces with 3 light temperaturesOne of the many ways to achieve a warm, ambient vibe in your home is to use floor or wall lights rather than overhead ones — which is only part of the reason why these wall sconces are worth a peek. They feature three adjustable light temperatures, making them ideal for any space: warm white, natural white, and daylight. Plus, their batteries last for up to 15 hours before you need to recharge them.
34
Mistake: The grout lines won’t get clean
Solution: Painting them white using this grout penWhen no amount of scrubbing seems to get your grout lines looking clean, it may be time to paint over it using this pen. The round tip makes it easy to color inside the lines, and the water-based paint is suitable for use around kids as well as pets. On top of that, each pen comes with enough paint inside to cover up to 150 feet of grout.
35
Mistake: Your pantry is a jumbled mess
Solution: These airtight containers with stylish chalkboard labelsCereal, cookies, flour — these containers are ideal for all sorts of dry ingredients. Their airtight lids help keep everything inside fresh, while the stackable design helps you save space in crowded pantries. Each order also includes a set of chalkboard labels to help you keep your pantry organized.
36
Mistake: Your flower pots are sitting directly on the floor
Solution: This stylish stand made from acacia woodLetting your flower pots sit directly on your floors is an easy way to wind up with scratches — instead, place them on these stands. They’re made from sturdy acacia wood that can easily support up to 150 pounds, and can fit pots up to 9 inches wide. Plus, each order includes adhesive felt pads that you can use to prevent the legs from scratching your floors.
37
Mistake: Seasonal garments are cluttering up the closet
Solution: Transferring them into these big storage bagsIf space in your closet is at a premium, consider transferring all those seasonal garments and blankets into these storage bags. Their reinforced handles make it easy to drag them out when you need something — and since the tops are transparent, you won’t have to unpack them in order to see what items are stored where.
38
Mistake: Your wooden furniture has scratches & dings
Solution: Using these wood markers to conceal damageMy wooden coffee table has a few too many scratches on it for my liking, which is why I gave these wood markers a try. Each order comes with six markers and crayons in wood-friendly colors, ranging from classic black to light oak. Using them is as easy as coloring in the scratches with a matching shade — and speaking from personal experience — they fixed up my table so well that I can’t even remember where the scratches were in the first place.
39
Mistake: You have a mess of cables in the garage
Solution: Tidying things up with help from these storage strapsExtension cables, ropes, hoses — these storage straps are made for all of them and more. They’re crafted from heavy-duty polypropylene that can easily hold up to 50 pounds, and the stainless steel loop at the top lets you hang them up in storage. Plus, many reviewers raved about how well they stay wrapped up when hanging.
40
Mistake: The corners of your rugs are curling up
Solution: These grippers that keep them held downCurling rugs are a recipe for trips and falls, making these grippers a smart investment. Their V-shaped design helps keep them from twisting out of place, which can happen to straight pieces of carpet tape — and the adhesive is so strong that you can use them outside as well as indoors. “Once they are stuck on the back of the rug, they will not come off and are very durable,” wrote one reviewer.
41
Mistake: There’s cat litter scattered all over the floor
Solution: Placing this trapper mat in front of the litter boxIf you’re tired of finding litter scattered all over the place, you can consider it a problem of the past — just place this mat in front of the litter box. The top layer features a honeycomb pattern that latches onto litter, pulling it off your cat’s paws before they step onto your floors. A waterproof layer underneath also protects your floors — and cleaning it out is as easy as shaking it overtop of the trash, then giving it a quick rinse.
42
Mistake: Your shoe collection has taken over the entire closet
Solution: Transferring pairs into these under-the-bed organizersIf you have a huge collection of shoes that’s taking over your closet, you’ll definitely want to check out these organizers. There’s enough space to store up to 16 pairs of shoes as well as four pairs of boots — and their low profile makes it easy to slide them underneath your bed so that they stay out of your way until you need a pair. Choose from two colors: beige or black.
43
Mistake: Your bathroom counter is a mess
Solution: Storing everything inside this stylish caddyIt’s almost too easy for the bathroom countertop to become a mess of stuff, so why not take a look at this caddy? Multiple compartments give you ample room to store toothbrushes, razors, skincare bottles, and more, while its faux white marble exterior makes it look way more expensive than it is. One reviewer even wrote that “it holds quite a bit and looks beautiful.”
44
Mistake: There are chips & cracks on your tile surfaces
Solution: Using this repair kit for a quick & simple fixYou don’t have to call a professional if you want to repair your tile — just use this kit. Not only does it come with an easy-to-use filler, but you also get 24 different paint colors to help you achieve a seamless match. Plus, you can even adjust how shiny the repair is depending on whether your tiles are high- or semi-gloss.
45
Mistake: The cabinet doors are always slamming
Solution: These rubber bumpers that help cushion the impactThe sound of a cabinet door slamming shut isn’t just unpleasant — the force can also damage the door. Luckily, these bumpers are an easy fix. They’re made from tough rubber that cushions the impact, softening the sound and helping save your doors from potential damage. Plus, the adhesive backing makes installation a total breeze.