Designers say these 50 weird things for your home are so damn clever

Chris Edwardson calls these plant watering stakes “a clever contraption that ensures your green friends stay hydrated even when you're not around.” According to the director at House of Windows, “It's a quirky solution to a common problem for plant lovers everywhere.” Simply fill an old glass bottle, put it in the stake, and it’ll release water straight into the soil.

Add these glow-in-the-dark rocks to your flowerpots or pathways for a magical vibe. “Not only do they look enchanting,” says Edwardson, “but they also serve a practical purpose by illuminating walkways and borders without the need for electricity.” When you buy, you'll receive 450 pebbles in a variety of bright colors, all of which are completely nontoxic.

If meal prepping feels like a chore, this adorable ladle spoon will add a little fun and whimsy. With its Loch Ness Monster design, Edwardson calls it “a conversation starter that brings a dash of fun to meal preparation, making even the most mundane tasks a little more enjoyable.” Plus, it's made of food-grade plastic that can go in the dishwasher, so it's a smart choice for practical chefs.

Take charge of your tech drawer with these cable clips, which keep chargers close at hand. According to Edwardson, they’ll “adhere to desks, walls, or any flat surface, keeping cords neatly organized and within reach.” When you buy, you’ll receive nine clips with strong adhesive backs, so your phone charger won’t slip away when you need it most.

If you’re tired of apples and avocados going brown prematurely, try this fruit-saving film. According to June Grinstead, MCIAT, it is “the best way to keep produce crisp and flavorful for much longer.” When you buy, you'll receive four pieces that fit fruits of all shapes and sizes in a “quick and easy process,” according to the architectural technologist. They also serve as a great way to save some counter and fridge space.

If you’ve ever wished you could sip your morning coffee in the shower, try this beverage holder. Its strong suction cup holds up to seven pounds, and it'll stick securely to any material, including glass, mirror, and tile. According to interior designer and licensed realtor Chenise Hinds, "It's a must-have for multitaskers.” You can get your own in one of six colors.

“These discreet lockboxes are installed inside kitchen cabinets or drawers to securely store valuables out of sight,” making them "much more subtle than a safe,” advises Hinds. It's made of solid steel and coated with scratch-resistant powder, so you know it's built to last through the years. Plus, it comes with all the screws and wall anchors you need for a safe, fast, and easy installation.

Hinds adores solar-powered candles like these, which “absorb solar energy during the day to gently illuminate windows at night.” If you love the look of candles but are worried about kids or pets, these are a safe option for you and your family. Once they're fully charged, they'll cast your space in a warm glow for over 10 hours at a time.

Kick your social media habit and clear your head with this phone lockbox. According to Hinds, it’ll keep you “free from distractions” while your phone is “charging at night, while still allowing access to alarms.” This can help you sleep better since blue light before bed disrupts your body’s signals that it’s time to power down. The box itself comes in several colors and features a clear top, and it will look nice wherever you place it.

This gift wrap organizer makes birthday celebrations a breeze. It “neatly stores and dispenses gift-wrapping paper rolls in one convenient freestanding unit,” says Hinds, which “saves closet space and frustration.” Its slim, flat design will easily fit under beds and sofas, and its waterproof polyethylene material keeps your wrapping paper in mint condition.

Save space in your kitchen cabinet with these magnetic spice jars. With their honeycomb design, they’ll fit neatly into one another, and their powerful magnets keep them in place. Crafted from glass and stainless steel, their airtight lids keep spices fresher for longer, and they’ll “affix neatly to fridges” for “quick access while cooking,” according to Hinds.

Gift this sweet cat bookcase to someone in your life who loves fantasy novels and felines. Made of heavy-duty corrugated cardboard (that’s waterproof and 100% recycled), it gives your books a stable base, so they’ll stay put. “Be ready for all the compliments (and confused meows)," says Hinds, since the Venn diagram of readers and cat people is a circle.

“Forget Grandma's boring rack,” advises Hinds, and try these shoe storage organizers instead. “Featuring lights that glow, it showcases footwear making choices so fun (and adding disco style to mornings),” Hinds adds. Perhaps illuminating your favorite pairs will be key in helping you get your shoes on faster every morning. You can between eight colors of light with the included remote, and their stackable design will save you valuable closet space.

This Golden Girls chia pet looks a bit silly at first glance, but you might be surprised by its benefits. “This grown-up version combines nostalgia with eco-mindedness. Create a tiny indoor garden watching your forest sprout - calming, conversation-starting, and low maintenance too,” says Hinds. In just one to two weeks, it'll grow to its full glory — if you’re impatient in the meantime, turn on your favorite classic show.

Some chefs need a spice rack that gives you instant access to your collection — they should try this cabinet caddy. When you need something, simply lift the handle and pull it out. Interior designer Houna Bech of With Houna praises its rotating design, which helps you reach “small jars and bottles that usually get buried in dark cabinets. No more rummaging and making a mess trying to find the oregano!” This organizer is also designed to sit side-by-side with a second if you have a lot of spices or other items that need a home.

"As someone who loves snacking on the couch while watching TV,” says Bech, “I wish I had discovered [this table tray] earlier! It clips right onto your sofa arm and swivels over so you have a perfect little table for holding drinks, bowls of popcorn, tablets, you name it.” Its large pockets add extra storage for books, newspapers, and magazines, so you can read when your show is over. You can buy your own in one of 10 colors to best match your living room.

Keep your bathroom clean with these silicone toothbrush holders, which come in six chic colors. “Their waterproof silicone design means no more gunk building up in grimy toothbrush holders,” says Bech, who also calls them “genius”. With their self-adhesive backing, you can stick them onto any flat surface; they’ll also hold chargers, makeup brushes, and more.

According to Bech, these wall-mounted shoe racks are “perfect for entryways and mudrooms where space is tight.” Bech is also a fan of how easy these eco-friendly plastic shoe racks are to install. “The sticky strips make installation easy on any surface,” says Bech. “I love how this simple organizer instantly makes things look more streamlined and clutter-free.” Plus, less tripping on the shoes on your floor, which is always a perk.

Art lovers will be obsessed with this unique lavender-scented candle, which makes your space feel like a gorgeous gallery. Interior designer Alanna Murray says, “I love these Grecian bust candles for a mantle or bookshelf,” praising their “weird Parisian whimsy.” It’s also worth mentioning that similar candles and planters tend to go for double the price of this one.

“I love searching Amazon for wonderful, unique hooks, especially animal heads,” says Murray. This rabbit wall hook makes a unique addition to your entryway. It’s made of durable aluminum with an antique finish and holds up to 33 pounds. Installing it is a great way to break out of the norm and add a little quirk to your space.

If you loved those coat hooks, keep letting your wild side run free with this gold resin giraffe lamp. Its distressed finish makes it look like a beloved antique, and its head peeks above the linen lampshade for a cheeky touch. Murray calls it “so cute and fun for a more sophisticated nursery or children’s room,” and according to reviews, the bronze version of this lamp looks like real bronze.

If you’d rather listen to music on vinyl, you’ll love these record coasters. Zach Dannett, co-founder of Tumble, says they’d “blend in perfectly into a mid-century modern living room” — and he helps clients style their homes for a living. They’re made of real vinyl to resemble your record collection, and they’ll keep “water stains off your freshly refurbished coffee table from the ‘50s.” They also make a great gift.

According to Dannett, geode bookends like these can create a calming aura in any space. “You can integrate [them] into a space for both the aesthetic and supposed energy healing benefits of the geode,” he says, especially if you’re into crystal healing. Plus, they’re designed with rubber bumpers to protect your shelves from scratches and scuffs and add a natural vibe to your room.

When you can’t frolic in a meadow, these glass mushroom vases are the next best thing. When you buy, you'll receive five lightweight vases in different shapes and colors, turning your kitchen or bedroom into a fairy garden. “As a design tip, these vases are a good centerpiece on a kitchen table or a shelf that you want to add a pop of color,” says Dannett. Another piece of advice? “Mix and match different sizes and shapes to assimilate the randomness of nature and add dimension to the layout,” Dannett adds. They also come in a pack of 10, if that makes mixing and matching even easier.

Chris Langley, a home design expert at Just Value Doors, calls this levitating plant pot “peculiar but very lovely.” It’s equipped with two magnets that repel one another to create a magical floating effect. “It can accommodate any small be it a succulent, a cactus, or an air plant,” says Langley. It’s definitely a unique way to show off your favorite plants — it’ll even rotate 360 degrees.

"Adding a little of modernism to any area is easy and reasonably priced with these geometric hexagon wall decals,” says Langley, adding, “They may be put in a variety of designs to create a distinctive and striking feature wall thanks to their creative design.” Each set comes with 12 decals, which you can display in your bedroom, bathroom, or by the front door. With adhesive on the back, they couldn’t be easier to place and install.

From the moment your guests walk through the door, they’ll notice this soft shag rug. With its cozy material and nonslip base, it’s just as functional as it is gorgeous. Licensed realtor and interior designer Judi Kutner, who also contributes to Virtual Staging, knows a thing or two about eye-catching decor, saying: “By introducing shades like royal blue [...] I ensure buyers and tenants have something visually stimulating to anchor their attention from the moment they walk through the door." However, the rug is also available in many other colors.

This bright floral rug brings a beautiful pop of color to any space. According to Kutner, “a bright floor covering provides a focal point that draws the eye,” and it adds a free-spirited vibe that guests will adore. It's equipped with a nonslip backing, so you can confidently keep it in high-traffic areas and trust that it won't budge. It’s also available in two other colors.

If florals aren’t your favorite, try this yellow and blue painted area rug. This one is an especially smart choice for families since it holds up beautifully against spills, stains, and routine cleaning. It's machine woven with premium fibers that rarely shed, and its contemporary design makes it look like a work of art. It comes in 10 different sizes and shapes.

Interior designer Ainsley Lawson with ZDS Architecture & Interiors loves these compostable trash bags “for a countertop bin, bathroom, or office waste basket.” Each bag holds almost three gallons of garbage, and they’re certified compostable, and made of plant-based materials like cornstarch. They’ll break down between six and 12 months, leaving no trace behind — even their ink is plastic-free.

"Felt pot and pan protectors have been a game changer for me,” says Lawson, “especially after I decided to invest in a high-quality set. These sit between the pots/pans and eliminate extra wear and scratching from stacking.” This particular set comes with 12 felt protectors, which fit pots and pans of all sizes. They're washable, reusable, and lightweight — you can even use them with glassware and ceramics to preserve your collection.

This classic ice cream scoop has a heat-conductive handle for easy access to your favorite flavors. It's made of an aluminum alloy that resists oxidation and corrosion, so it'll last for years to come. On average, it creates 40 scoops per gallon. According to Lawson, it’s “especially useful for non-dairy based ice creams which tend to be less creamy and a bit more challenging to scoop.”

Elissa Hall, interior designer and lead designer at Awning, says, “For under $35, you can add an impressive glow to any space. I love using LED strip lights under cabinets or behind a headboard to create a cozy ambiance. It's a small upgrade with a big impact that feels much more expensive than it is.”

Follow Hall’s advice with these easy-to-install light strips that stick to any wood, metal, or plastic surface. With a low-profile design, the battery-powered lights can be kept out of sight and are easy to turn on and off with a simple switch.

This wireless typewriter keyboard connects to your devices via Bluetooth, helping you write essays, novels, and emails with ease. “[It’s] perfect for someone who's looking to add some vintage flair to their home office,” says Lawson. “The feel and sound of the keys makes any mundane work task a little more enjoyable.” It comes with adjustable button feet so that you can type comfortably, and is available in five great colors.

"I had seen a lot of people swapping the traditional bath mat for a quick-dry stone mat,” says Lawson, “and this one does not disappoint.” It’s made of diatomaceous earth, which drains away water to keep your bathroom floor clean. You can also keep it under your drying rack for cleaner countertops or under your pet's dishes to keep food off the floor.

“This set of cordless table lamps is perfect for any spot that needs some ambiance,” says Lawson. “It's ideal for indoor and outdoor dining but also looks great on kitchen counters.” They’re rechargeable via USB-C cable, so they’re great to use in places that don’t have a plug outlet nearby. Their brushed gold finish looks beautiful at your bedside, but they’re also available in seven other colors, which Lawson says will help “fit any room scheme."

Interior designer Jennifer Stephan calls this desktop whiteboard “a great addition to any home or office space. Whether it’s in the kitchen for grocery lists, help with homework, meeting notes, or to-do lists. This sleek accessory eliminates the usage of post-it notes while looking minimalistic and chic.” Its premium glass material elevates it above your average whiteboard and is stain-resistant. It also comes with a complimentary marker.

This chic salt box is designed to hold spices, but it’s versatile enough to do so much more. Just ask Amy Kunst, the founder and principal interior designer at Designed | Curated Interiors — she recommends “keeping it on [the] mantle in the living room to store matches for candles [or] the fireplace.” Plus, it’s made of a heavyweight stone material that’s extremely high quality.

These magnetic knife strips are great for smaller kitchens since as Kunst says, they serve as an “interesting and unique way to store your knives and reduce the bulk and clutter on the countertop.” They’re made of premium acacia wood with a polished finish and a rustic vibe. Kunst particularly likes this one because it’ll “hold a tablet or phone so you can watch videos or read recipes while cooking,” helping you ace that snack you saw on TikTok.

Elissa Hall, interior designer and lead designer at Awning.com, calls these backsplash tiles “a game-changer for renters or anyone hesitant to commit to a full renovation.” That’s because they take a DIY approach — just peel and stick. “They're not just cost-effective, but also add instant character to kitchens or bathrooms,” adds Hall.

Melissa Read, the creative director at Studio Burntwood, recommends adding this hat rack to “ the internals of your wardrobes for additional storage.” With 20 sturdy clips, it has enough space for your whole hat collection, and its high-quality metal is coated with a rust-resistant material. You can also install it by your bedroom mirror, making it more convenient to add a finishing touch to any outfit.

This sleek side table is “compact and practical,” according to Read, but it’s also a stylish piece of decor that looks amazing in its own right. With its slim silhouette, it fits seamlessly between chairs or beside your bed, providing extra storage space where you need it most. Its sturdy steel frame holds up to 50 pounds at a time, so it can handle even the heaviest coffee table books.

This faux leather box is a versatile pick that works anywhere in your home. Its sturdy materials and elegant finish make it look much more expensive than it is, and if you buy more than one, you can stack them. At Read’s studio, the team “often [styles] coffee tables with a box specifically to store/hide the TV remotes/controllers.” You can grab it in one of four colors.

Read is also a fan of portable cordless table lamps, calling this pair “lightweight and rechargeable,” and recommending them for “side tables or console tables that aren't located near a socket outlet.” Their battery life extends up to 40 hours, and they only need five hours to reach a full charge. Choose between three levels of brightness, and toss them in your suitcase for adventures where you need a little extra light.

“If you want your home to feel like an art gallery without spending thousands,” interior designer Eve Jean from Style My Space Designs recommends this wireless picture light, which she calls “essential and also renter-friendly.” Use the included remote control to adjust its brightness or set an auto-off timer to make setting it up even easier. Plus, it comes with the mounting screws you’ll need to install it on your wall.

"I also love plants because [they give] that lively vibe in homes,” says Jean; this artificial bird of paradise is a great option. Keep it on a sunny windowsill — it’s UV resistant, so its gorgeous green hue stays bright over time. It's so easy to assemble, and it adds a nature-inspired touch to any room of your house (minus the maintenance).

For another botanical option, try these mini potted plants, which you’ll never need to water. They're carefully crafted to replicate the gray-green hue of eucalyptus leaves, and their lifelike flecks make them look even more like the real deal. Each set comes with three smaller plants, which you can store in one room or spread all over your space.

Rachel Stellwagen, senior interior designer at Ownby Design, cites that woven storage baskets like this one are a chic choice for toys, blankets, and more. Carry it from place to place with its durable handles, and use it instead of a plastic hamper for dirty clothes. According to Stellwagen, “anything with a natural texture will never go out of style (cue T-Swift song)."

These personalized coasters are a great conversation starter, especially when you have guests over. Stellwagen calls this a “subtle yet practical” choice: “Whether they are personalized, made of natural materials, or from your travels, I love bringing in a little bit of personality through coasters.” These are made of a faux leather material that protects your table from spills and stains.

“Nothing says organized home like a clean label on your containers,” says Stellwagen. “These sticker labels from Amazon not only look clean and crisp, but they have just about every pantry item you would ever need.” They're printed on a matte vinyl, which resists oil and water, and they're easy to remove when you run out of something. If you want to take things to the next level, “the company also has laundry/storage-themed labels,” Stellwagen adds.