Designers say these are the smartest home upgrades you can make under $35

If you want to change up the feel of your space but don’t know where to start, take advice from Devin Shaffer, lead interior designer at Decorilla. “Upgrading your lighting is an inexpensive way to elevate any room in terms of style and ambiance,” Shaffer tells Mic. “For example, switching out an old light fixture for a modern one can improve space through small details.”

This ceiling light fixture fits the bill perfectly with its sleek contemporary design blended with midcentury modern aesthetics. Use multiple kinds of bulbs from vintage Edison to halogen to LEDs with all the hardware included for a seamless installation. It’s offered in black and gold finishes.

Continuing to follow Shaffer’s advice, opt for these tap lights that bring soft light to darkened spaces. They come in a pack of six and operate using the included batteries. Use self-adhesive or hardware to mount them underneath cabinetry, in closets, or along stairways, and navigate the handy remote to set timers and adjust brightness.

Just as important as the fixtures are the bulbs you choose, notes Shaffer, who says, “Selecting proper lighting can do wonders. Pick light bulbs that are warm white so the room's ambiance is still cozy yet classic.”

Shaffer recommends these Edison light bulbs that are dimmable so you can dial in your space’s ambiance perfectly. They come in a pack of six and are made with amber glass and a classic exposed filament. And because they’re LEDs, they give off less heat and last an average of 15,000 hours.

With a classic tasseled look and cozy chenille texture, Shaffer recommends this throw blanket as “a practical item to have in any home.” It’s available in two sizes and over 15 colors and patterns such as sage, rust, and brown plaid. The material is silky soft on the skin with the woven texture preventing any shedding. Shaffer adds, “They’re excellent decor items for sofas and beds available in various styles and colors that easily add a sense of sophistication and functionality.”

In the quest to improve your home, you might focus on how things look, but Shaffer suggests incorporating scent into the mix. “A diffuser is another favorite item that upgrades a space without breaking the bank,” he says. “I always recommend it to my clients who want to incorporate inviting smells into their homes.”

Not only does this ultrasonic diffuser release a gentle scent into the air for up to 10 hours at a time, but it’s additionally designed with an appealing color-changing feature. Use the included timers or have it on continuously with an auto shut-off feature built-in for peace of mind.

Enjoy the enticing fragrance of blooming gardenias or woody jasmine by taking Shaffer’s advice to add scent and opting for this candle. Made of natural soy wax, the candle features a cotton wick and can burn for up to 75 hours. Best of all, it comes in a gorgeous embossed glass jar with its own apothecary lid that will look stunning when set on any surface in your house.

Save yourself both time and money with this clever hack recommended by Shaffer. “Fake plants might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you consider upgrading your home, but that’s because you need to handpick the ones that suit you best,” he says. “I can’t lie; several just look shabby and unpleasant. But if you know where to look, you’ll find artificial plants that can bring liveness and vibrancy to a space like regular plants do.”

This small artificial tropical plant comes interior designer-approved and is made with realistic-looking leaves and a faux stone pot made of paper pulp. Place it anywhere from the bathroom to the bedroom and enjoy maintenance-free greenery that will lift any space.

Following Shaffer’s advice, opt for these hanging plants to bring a sense of vibrancy to any room. They come in a set of four and are cleverly designed to look just like real eucalyptus, pothos, string of pearls succulent, and Boston fern. Place them on high shelves or hang them from the ceiling to create a sense of overflowing life that requires no constant pruning or watering.

The magical effect of a tidied space is no joke. When it comes to useful tools for this purpose, Shaffer has an answer: “Woven baskets just make life easier. If there’s any way we can hide clutter and optimize organization, these baskets are it.” Made of attractive cotton rope, the basket features handles on either side, comes in a neutral color combination to suit your space, and can be folded down flat for easy storage.

You don’t have to invest heavily in pricey furniture or finishings as an upgrade — sometimes small changes can reap big rewards. Just take it from Nichole Abbott, an interior designer at Floor360, who tells Mic, “A matching set of black switch plates adds a finishing touch to your home design that can coordinate with other black accents like window frames, artwork, or accessories to ground the space.”

The plates come in a set of four and are constructed of sleek metal in an aged bronze finish with different formats available accommodating a single toggle switch, a duplex, or a decorator switch. Install them easily with the help of a simple screwdriver.

To draw the eye as well as add texture to a space, Abbott has a suggestion that won’t cost more than $30. “These wall sconces [have] convenient rechargeable batteries and can be placed on either side of a mirror or artwork to frame a design focal point while adding another layer of lighting to your room,” she says.

They come in a set of two and are easy to install with a magnetic mount and durable self-adhesive. Use the included remote to set automatic timers, adjust brightness levels, and choose from three available lighting temperatures (white, natural, and warm white).

Highlight treasured items or unique finds with Abbott's recommendation: “A vintage-look plate rack in the kitchen creates a design focal point that proudly displays plates found in a thrift shop or inherited from a family member.” Constructed of metal, the rack features elegant curved lines at either end and has three sets of brackets to display up to three plates. Alternatively, opt for a two or four-plate rack to suit your collection.

When it comes to finding ways to jazz up your living room while staying within a budget, Abbott suggests, “Instead of using the matchy-matchy pillows that came with your sofa, buy pillow covers that don’t match but go together because they are in the same neutral color family.”

Made of stylish corduroy, these pillow covers are offered in four different sizes and are soft on the skin. They come in a set of four in a range of brown tones with other color families such as blue, gray, and green also available.

Upgrading your home can simply mean bringing a little visual interest to neglected corners. “Add a touch of shine with a decorative gold embossed tissue box in an unexpected place like your living room or bedroom,” recommends Abbott. Designed in a square shape, the gold tissue box disguises the potentially unattractive design the original box arrives in while also doubling as decor itself. It’s easy to quickly slip the box inside with an opening at the top to pull your tissue through.

For an improvement that makes a difference in your everyday flow and energy bills, Pam Hutter, architect, designer, and the principal of Hutter Architects, has an ingenious suggestion. “One particularly effective and budget-friendly upgrade is the installation of smart plugs,” she tells Mic. “These devices allow homeowners to control appliances and lighting with their smartphones or voice commands through home assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Home. This not only enhances convenience but also improves energy efficiency by allowing you to remotely control and monitor electricity usage,” she adds.

These popular smart plugs have over 43,000 five-star ratings and the ability to do everything Hutter mentions while remaining under $30. Additionally, use them to set intricate schedules to optimize your energy use and keep your home running while you’re away by having lights turn on automatically at night, for example.

Upgrade the literal air you breathe with this suggestion by Hutter who says, “Plants like the spider plant or peace lily are not only aesthetically pleasing but also serve a practical purpose by improving indoor air quality.”

This live peace lily comes planted in a stylish 5-inch diameter pot with a built-in drainage hole to prevent over-watering. It arrives in healthy shape and will immediately add visual life to its new home, in addition to other benefits. Hutter explains, “These plants can absorb pollutants and improve overall air purity, which is especially valuable in homes located in urban areas or for individuals with allergies.”

Open up cabinet space and find items faster using this recommendation from Hutter, who tells Mic, “Organizing and space-saving solutions can transform the functionality of a home without breaking the bank. Simple items like stackable storage bins or over-the-door organizers can make a significant difference in reducing clutter and increasing available space.”

These stackable organizers are ideal as they can be used in any room of the house from the bathroom to the pantry. The clear acrylic allows you to see the contents easily with built-in slide-out drawers for quick retrieval of items. Additionally, included silicone feet can be used to keep the organizers securely in place.

As an additional way to increase storage space, as Hutter recommends, opt for this over-the-door pantry organizer. It comes in a set of two for under $30 and takes full advantage of previously ignored space, opening up tons of cabinet real estate in the process. Each organizer includes 12 pockets, all made of clear plastic to easily see your stored condiments, spices, coffee pods, and more.

Continuing to follow Hutter’s guidance, consider this under-bed storage container to transfer all that bulky seasonal clothing and linen out of the closet. It comes in a set of two with both containers featuring a slim profile designed to slip underneath the bed. A large clear plastic top allows you to see the contents while a sturdy handle makes it easy to pull out and retrieve items. Choose from three available colors (gray, black, and java) with contrast trim adding a touch of style.

You might think making impactful changes in your kitchen could cost you a pretty penny, but Nick Chatzigeorgakis, founder and CEO of Intrabuild, has an ingenious money-saving suggestion. “A standout option for home upgrades under $35 is the installation of stylish yet affordable peel-and-stick tiles,” he says. “These can be used to refresh the look of a kitchen backsplash or bathroom floor without the commitment required by traditional tiling. This DIY-friendly solution offers an instant aesthetic lift at a low cost.”

This peel-and-stick tile backsplash provides an authentic look thanks to 3-D construction. It’s simple to install, requires no grouting, and is completely water and heat-proof. Choose from nine color options to best match your kitchen such as bright white, blue, or white marble.

When it comes to curating the perfect vibe during dinner parties or everyday living, Chatzigeorgakis shares with Mic, “Priced usually under $35, dimmer switches allow you to adjust lighting to suit different moods and occasions, substantially enhancing the ambiance of your space.”

This dimmer switch comes in a pack of two and features a smart rocker and a horizontal slider to easily adjust brightness. It comes in four finishes to complement your walls (white, almond, black, or gray) and can be used with a range of bulbs. In terms of the best places to install these, Chatzigeorgakis adds, “They are especially effective in living rooms and bedrooms, where changing light intensity can directly influence the room’s feel and functionality.”

You may be surprised by how effective swapping hardware can be. Install something like these stylish cabinet pulls made of sleek stainless steel to witness the instant makeover in your home. As Chatzigeorgakis says, “Door and cabinet hardware replacement is a low-cost, simple upgrade that personalizes and refines interior spaces. Updating old, worn-out knobs and pulls to more modern designs can instantly contemporize a room.”

The pulls come in seven finishes such as black, brushed brass, or satin nickel, and come in a pack of 30 for less than $30. Not only are they comfortable to handle, but they also feature a versatile design that can work in a range of interiors from contemporary farmhouse to minimalist modern.

Nick Hedberg, realtor and interior designer at Keller Williams Realty, shares with Mic, “I remember when one of my clients was selling a house, he specially added a plant ledge on his wall to make it sell at a higher rate and in faster time. That's because [I] had told him that due to the TikTok trend, more people were looking for houses with places they could add greenery easily.”

These small floating shelves are a great way to easily add plant life to your home. They come in a set of four, each made of solid wood with a depth and width of 5 inches. Everything you need for an easy installation is included with each shelf able to hold up to 10 pounds of weight. Choose from three finishes (carbonized black, dark carbonized black, and white).

If you’re looking for ways to make your home feel instantly cozier and more welcoming, Hedberg says, “Red lighting is a great way to warm up your room.” This red night-light plugs directly into an outlet and is designed in a stylish sconce shape, casting light both above and below. It’s built with a light sensor to turn on automatically at dusk and off at dawn and is fully dimmable as well.

Instead of creating clutter with haphazardly placed items on shelves, Hederg recommends using this as an opportunity to incorporate a bit of style. “One of my biggest pet peeves is putting everything on shelves — keys, books, jars, vases, knick-knacks,” he says. “What works for me is to buy antique, uniquely shaped jars with different patterns that symbolize a cottage-type room and then put all of the small things in them. It looks organized as well as cute.”

This 24-ounce vintage-style glass jar is a great vessel for miscellaneous storage and also includes a wooden airtight lid to pull double-duty in the pantry. Available in a set of two, it features a beautiful embossed design that comes in a range of style choices from geometric to floral to give your shelves an antique and homey feel.

For an easy upgrade that requires a mere $10 investment, consider these rug corner grippers. Adrian Pedraza, owner of The California Home Buyer, a professional house-flipping company, recommends them as a way to keep area rugs in place. They come in a pack of four and adhere to each corner of your rug using self-adhesive. They stop your rug from sliding around the floor, no matter how active your pets or your yoga practice, yet include a special corner piece that allows you to lift the rug and clean underneath easily.

Digging around your cabinets to find that one pot lid can cause daily frustration, but Pedraza has a clever solution. “For organizing pot lids and freeing up cabinet space, I like the Niceyos lid organizer. It can hold lids up to 13 inches and mounts inside a cabinet door for around $22,” he says, adding, “An organized kitchen sells homes faster.” The organizer comes in a set of six with the ability to accommodate lids as small as 6 inches. Made of BPA-free plastic, it uses strong self-adhesive to adhere to your cabinet door and can also be mounted to walls, if more convenient.

Pedraza has a budget-friendly suggestion if you want to make your home feel more protected without spending a fortune on alarm systems. “For improving home security, I recommend the Defender security door lock,” he says. “This heavy-duty lock can withstand up to 800 pounds of force and helps prevent break-ins. At around $10, it's an inexpensive way to reinforce entry doors.”

Install it easily to the inside of your door using an electric drill. And though it’s 12 times stronger than a deadbolt, it can still be easily released in the case of an emergency. Simply pinch both grooves on the lock, pull the lock to the side, and swing it open to unlock your door and be on your way.

If the garage has become so disordered that you wonder if you’ll ever locate your trusty tools again, use this recommendation from Pedraza. “The UNITEDPOWER electric drill storage rack is perfect for garage organization,” he tells Mic. “With space for four drills and accessories, it keeps tools secure and within reach. This makes garages look more appealing to buyers,” he adds.

Made of sturdy stainless steel, it mounts directly and securely to your garage wall. It’s able to hold up to 35 pounds and even includes three small trays in between the drills to hold items such as drill bits, nuts, bolts, and small tools.

As a way to keep your bed looking put together as well as being comfortable to sleep in, Pedraza recommends bed sheet straps to make sure the fitted sheet stays in place. “Making the bed look tidy is key for staging but it also makes your everyday life easier,” he says.

These bed sheet straps come in a set of four and attach to each corner of your fitted sheet using metal clamps. The nylon teeth within the clamps create a secure hold without tearing the material while the adjustable elastic bands maintain the appropriate tension to keep the sheet in place.

Not only will a door sweep help maintain ideal indoor temperatures by preventing drafts, but it also “will keep your space cleaner, pest-free, and more intimate,” according to Pedraza. This door draft stopper is a great option as it’s made of flexible silicone to create a firm seal between the bottom of the door and the floor. It comes in five colors such as white or gray and can be cut to size to suit your dimensions. Apply it to doors using strong peel-off self-adhesive to enjoy a quieter, cleaner environment and lower energy bills.

Dispatch the proverbial two birds with one velvet-lined stone with this pick from Zach Dannett, co-founder of Tumble, who keeps elegance and functionality in mind. “This velvet ottoman is a chic and functional piece that can make your living space look more stylish,” he says. “I suggest placing it in your living room as a stylish end table or coffee table.”

With three retro hairpin legs, it’s perfect for organizing miscellaneous clutter such as books or toys. Flip the top to reveal a wooden surface when you want it to serve as a side or coffee table, then flip again to have the soft velvet top act as additional seating with the ability to hold up to 250 pounds. It’s available in nine colors such as blood orange, champagne, and peacock blue.

Bring order to chaotic drawers using this budget-friendly recommendation from Zannett. “These adjustable dividers are made from eco-friendly bamboo, which makes for a sturdy and attractive solution to kitchen organization,” Zannett shares with Mic. “I suggest placing them in drawers to organize utensils, flatware, or even junk drawers in your kitchen. Their natural wood color complements any drawer material and brings an earthy, warm tone to the kitchen.”

The organizers come in a set of four with each featuring a spring-loaded design that allows them to be expanded to fit your dimensions. Nonslip pads on either end add grip and protect the drawer’s surface. In addition to the natural finish, they also come in black and gray options.

It’s helpful when surfaces in the bathroom feature water absorbency, which is what makes this stylish suggestion from Zannett all the more appealing. “This diatomite tray set includes rectangular trays in a dark gray color, which gives it a sleek and contemporary look,” he says. “You can place them in your bathroom or powder room next to [a] small potted plant, like a succulent or a fern, for fresh and natural tones.”

The set includes four trays (two square and two rectangular-shaped), each with the ability to quickly absorb any moisture. The diatomite material keeps items in place thanks to a nonslip texture while silicone feet underneath provide a similar grip to the surface below.

For an upgrade that allows for lots of customizability, Shaun Green, senior interior designer and founder of The Furniture Shack, tells Mic, “I think this smart Wi-Fi light bulb would be a great addition to any home. Not only is it energy-efficient, but you can also control the color and brightness with your smartphone or voice assistant.” He suggests, “Set the mood for movie night by dimming the lights or make it brighter for reading. You can even schedule the lights to turn on and off at specific times while you're away to give the impression that someone is home.”

Available in a pack of two for under $25, there are 16 million colors to choose from with the ability to automatically match the natural light changes throughout the day. Plus, the LED technology means these bulbs will last far longer than standard bulbs while using far less energy.

Adding a touch of comfort to your every day can be one of the smartest upgrades you can make. Take Green’s advice who says, “Turn your ordinary bath into a luxurious spa experience with this bamboo bathtub tray caddy [...] The natural look of bamboo adds an elegant touch to any bathroom.” The caddy is fully adjustable to accommodate various tub sizes and comes in a range of colors from natural to gray to black. It includes built-in trays for your soap, candles, and phone with a removable tablet stand to stream favorite episodes and a place to securely store your glass of bubbly.

If you’re tempted to opt for bold walls throughout your home, Martin Orefice, CEO, Rent to Own Atlanta, has an alternative suggestion that will potentially make a higher impact. “One of my best recommendations, especially if you're going for mainstream appeal in your decor choices, is not to overdo it,” Orefice tells Mic. “Neutral tones like beige, taupe, and grey are great at letting people see their own visions for your spaces and for letting elements like your furniture and wall art do the talking,” he says.

This interior paint is a great choice as it comes in lots of beautiful neutral beige colors such as toasted almond, spice is nice, and faint fawn. It’s available in four finish types (eggshell, flat, matte, and semi-gloss) and applies with one coat thanks to including a built-in primer. And there’s still room for a splash of color as Orefice advises, “You really do need to add one good accent color to help bring the whole look together and give it some character. Adding this in the trim or on a single wall is a great choice.”

As another way to take Orefice’s advice to heart, these natural linen curtains will offer the perfect backdrop to highlight your wall art or furniture. They come in 15 beautifully muted colors such as off-white, camel, and terracotta, and provide just the right amount of light and privacy thanks to being semi-sheer. Made from 30% linen and 70% polyester, they’ll remain wrinkle-free and come in a choice of over 20 available sizes to suit your windows.

Create that bold accent wall as Orefice recommends by opting for peel-and-stick wallpaper that you can easily change at will. It comes in over 40 vivid colors such as red, sapphire blue, or yellow, and is made of waterproof vinyl. Choose from lots of different sizes and trim it easily using the provided grid pattern on the back. Best of all, if you change your mind down the line, you can easily remove it without dealing with any residue left on your walls.

Once you’ve painted the walls to your liking, small scuffs and scratches can slowly add up over time and make your home feel less than its best. Enter this touch-up paint pen that you can fill with your wall or trim paint and fix those imperfections using the pen’s fine brush tip. It comes in a pack of five pens for only $20 — an incredible deal if you consider the fact that each pen’s airtight canister can keep paint fresh for years to come.

Jonathan Faccone, founder and managing member of Halo Homebuyers, offers a suggestion for adding soft lighting to your home without raising your energy bills. “I highly recommend investing in smart motion sensor lights,” he says. “These lights are not only convenient but also energy-efficient, as they only turn on when there's movement in the room.”

These stick-on lights do just that by providing a soft white light whenever they detect motion up to 10 feet away, turning off after 15 seconds of stillness. Great for bathrooms, closets, or stairways, they come in packs of three and use three AAA batteries each to operate.

Another improvement Faccone suggests that’s inexpensive yet impactful involves “upgrading to a wireless doorbell, which is not only convenient but also adds a touch of modernity to your home.” Take this sleek wireless doorbell kit, for example. Not only is it stylishly designed, but it also features a 1,000-foot range, giving you lots of options for where you want to place your receiver. It’s also weatherproof, will blink at night for easy visibility, and is extremely customizable with 50 chimes and four volume settings to choose from.

With so many devices being USB-rechargeable, this recommendation from Ryan Norman, founder of Norman Builders, is a no-brainer in terms of increasing the functionality (and look) of your outlets. “A useful, affordable home upgrade I often recommend is updating old outlets with USB-equipped wall outlets,” he tells Mic. “These are typically priced below $35 and offer a modern solution for charging devices, cutting down on adapter clutter and keeping your home looking sleek and organized.”

These USB outlets come in a set of two and are each built with two AC outlets, two USB-A, and one USB-C port. They feature smart power technology that prevents overheating and overcharging and are additionally available in sleek finishes such as gold, nickel, and silver.

Getting your monthly costs down can be a powerful incentive for home improvement. In this vein, Norman shares with Mic, “Another small but effective upgrade is the addition of a programmable thermostat.” He explains, “These devices not only modernize your home's heating and cooling systems but also help save on energy bills by automatically adjusting temperatures based on your schedule.”

This thermostat features separate programming for the weekend or weekdays and lets you set precise temperatures down to the degree. It allows you to program four different periods during the day (wake, leave, arrive, and sleep) and can be used with a variety of different heating and cooling systems. It’s simple to install with a backlit digital display that’s easy to maneuver.

Once you’ve programmed your ideal temperature, you’ll want to make sure none of that precious heating or cooling leaves the home via cracks or gaps in your windows or doors. To address this, Norman suggests “looking into high-quality door and window draft stoppers.” He explains, “Especially useful in older homes, these not only prevent drafts but also help maintain temperature control and reduce energy consumption.”

This weather strip is a great solution as it’s small enough to fit into tight spaces and can be bent to fit different shapes. Cut it to size and install it using the sticky peel-off self-adhesive. Additionally, use it on sliding doors, wardrobes, or cabinets to prevent wind, dust, weather, and noise from permeating your home.