Mistakes you're making in every room of your home that make your place look cheap
I promise they’re a *breeze* to fix.
Every space could use a little expensive-looking touch-up now and then, and I promise it’s shockingly easy to do some upgrades. You just have to identify the small mistakes around the house that could make your place look less-than-luxe, and luckily, I’ve identified all of them. This list also proves that a stylish and inviting home doesn’t have to be expensive. So, scroll through for super common mistakes that could be making your home look cheap (and all the budget-friendly items you’ll need to elevate it).
01
Mistake: Mold & mildew stains around the house
Solution: This pre-mixed spray to tackle mold stains without scrubbing
Tackle stubborn mold and mildew marks with this pre-mixed stain spray that you simply spritz on. It’s ideal for your mold-stained kitchen surfaces, decks, wood, vinyl siding, drywall, concrete floors, brick walls, and more. It also removes stains below the surface — no scrubbing required.
02
Mistake: Torn window screens
Solution: This self-adhesive repair tape that’s shockingly durable
Torn window screens are an eyesore, but this repair tape can help you patch up holes quickly. Rather than replacing the entire screen, cut a piece of this fiberglass repair tape to size and then apply using the self-adhesive. It comes in both grey and black and is made to stand up to the elements (and keep out pests).
03
Mistake: Hard water stains in the bathroom
Solution: This powerful pumice stone scrubber to tackle bathroom stains
Scrub away grime without damaging delicate surfaces with this clever pumice stone cleaner. It’s dense and durable, so it’s designed to power through multiple cleaning sessions, and it comes with its own storage case. To use, just get the pumice wet and use gentle pressure to lift away dirt and hard water stains.
04
Mistake: Scuffed walls & paint
Solution: These refillable paint pens that you can carry all over the house
Draw up any latex-based paint into the body of these brush pens, and you’ll have a convenient way to do paint touch-ups anywhere you need them. The precision brush head makes it easy to fix small areas, and the paint will stay good in the pens for years, so you won’t have to worry about dealing with messy brushes and cans.
05
Mistake: Messy cords on your walls & floor
Solution: This sleek outlet concealer with multiple USB ports
This universal outlet concealer tidies up loose cords and chargers, making your walls or even your kitchen backsplash look more streamlined. It fits most duplex outlets, and the attached power strip features three AC sockets and two USB plugs. Plus, the flat 3-foot extension cord comes with adhesive and clips to help everything blend into the wall.
06
Mistake: Dust-coated baseboards
Solution: This handy tool that extends to clean baseboards
Use this baseboard cleaner to quickly and easily clean tricky spots that are up high or down low. It’s lightweight and has an expandable arm so you can reach baseboards and door moldings. The contoured cleaning head swivels 360 degrees to move around corners, and the microfiber cloths can be used wet or dry.
07
Mistake: A mess under the kitchen sink
Solution: This sleek in-cabinet caddy that dispenses garbage bags
Instantly organize your space under your sink with this seriously sleek garbage bag caddy. It features a sturdy steel bracket that hangs over cabinet doors and has nonslip padding to prevent cabinet damage. It holds a standard roll of kitchen garbage bags and has a removable lid for easy reloading as well as storage.
08
Mistake: Dirty window screens
Solution: This tool that quickly deep cleans screens and upholstery
Remove dust, pollen, and dirt from window screens with this seriously quick-to-use mesh cleaning tool. Use the ergonomic handheld brush on its own or with the handle to reach tall screens and brighten up your view. The cleaning head can be used wet or dry on screens or upholstery. Plus, the extra long fibers dig into the holes in screens to thoroughly remove grime.
09
Mistake: Dirty-looking tile grout
Solution: These precise pens to instantly refresh tile grout
Revive old and discolored grout by simply painting over it with these game-changing grout pens. You can paint right over up to 150 feet of grout (if it’s 2 milimeters), and the water-based formula is fast-drying, so it won’t interrupt your routine. They’re also super precise, so you won’t get any of this grout refresher on your tiles.
10
Mistake: Stained furniture & upholstery
Solution: This odorless spray to protect furniture from spills
Protect fabrics and upholstery from spills with this super quick-to-use water shield spray. Spritz it on, and it will dry clear and odorless, so you’ll barely know it’s on your furniture until you need it. It’s ideal for furniture, shoes, bags, or luggage; basically anything that needs to be kept dry.
11
Mistake: Messy-looking & moldy dish sponges
Solution: This sink caddy that drains water seriously quickly
Organize your sponges and soaps into this large sink caddy, and the angled design will drain water super quickly. It has adjustable dividers and a removable brush holder to tidy all of your kitchen sink essentials. It also features a stainless steel construction that’s resistant to corrosion and rust.
12
Mistake: Moldy shower curtain liners
Solution: A clever liner that’s resistant to soap scum & gross stains
Toss out that mildew-stained shower curtain liner for this budget-friendly liner designed to prevent soap scum and gross-looking stains. This PEVA option features a waterproof finish, rustproof grommets, and magnets to keep everything in place during your shower. You can simply wipe it clean, and it’s available in a ton of colors and sizes to go with your shower curtain.
13
Mistake: Dim or overly harsh kitchen lighting
Solution: These battery-operated puck lights that are easy to pop on
Add gentle lighting under kitchen cabinets or in pantry closets with these battery-operated stick-on lights. They boast a 100-hour run time and are a breeze to stick underneath your cabinets with the included adhesive or mounting hardware. Use the remote control to set timers and adjust brightness, or simply tap the lights on and off.
14
Mistake: Pet fur all over your house
Solution: This roller that collects hair with an electrostatic charge
Clean up stray pet hair and keep your home looking tidy with this easy-to-use lint roller. Gentle on fabrics and upholstery, the roller uses an electrostatic charge to attract hair, so no sticky paper is necessary. Plus, the collection chamber can be quickly emptied with the push of a button.
15
Mistake: Crooked & curling rugs everywhere
Solution: These rug corner grippers that are a breeze to reuse
Instantly make your space look put together with these game-changing corner grippers that keep rugs perfectly straight and flat. They can be used on both indoor and outdoor rugs, and since they’re reusable, you can lift them up for cleaning or to change locations. To renew the adhesive, just swipe with rubbing alcohol.
16
Mistake: Harsh, bright white lighting
Solution: The ideal soft-white bulbs with customizable dimmers
It’s such a pain to find cozy (but bright) bulbs, but these dimmable soft-white LED light bulbs ensure you have all the cozy vibes. You can customize them from 10% to 100% brightness, depending on the time of day. They feature 800 lumens of output and come in cool white, soft white, or daylight hues to fit your perfect lighting look.
17
Mistake: Grimy window sill tracks
Solution: A clever tool that makes it easy to scrub grimy window sills
Get rid of grime in tricky spots like window and door sills with these game-changing cleaning brushes. This set includes three nonslip brush handles, four replaceable cleaning heads, and a two-in-one dustpan brush that sweeps and collects dust. It also includes a hanging hole to make storage easier.
18
Mistake: Mold-stained & peeling caulk
Solution: This 3-in-1 tool that can make replacing caulk a breeze
Make replacing caulk quicker and way easier with this budget-friendly three-in-one tool. It features a soft grip handle, a stainless steel blade for removing old and peeling caulk, and a plastic scraper that offers another removal option. Finally, the silicone triangle helps to spread new caulk smoothly.
19
Mistake: Extra toilet paper cluttering up the bathroom
Solution: This modern storage basket that conceals toilet paper
Forget about toppling towers of toiler paper out in the open, and use this stylish fabric storage basket instead. Its lightweight design is made of waterproof fabric and features a sturdy bamboo lid and frame to keep it upright. It’s also big enough to hold a dozen toilet paper rolls.
20
Mistake: Old pillowcases stained from skincare
Solution: These satin pillowcases that feel so luxe
Give your bedroom a facelift with this set of silky soft satin pillowcases that will feel way more expensive than they are. The pillowcases feature an envelope closure to keep things in place while you sleep. The satin material can help maintain the hair’s natural moisture barrier, which could even reduce frizz and breakage. And the smooth surface won’t tug on delicate skin.
21
Mistake: Bugs flying around the house
Solution: This plug-in light that attracts & hides trapped insects
Get rid of annoying flying insects with this plug-in trap that looks surprisingly nice on your wall. The trap uses a combination of blue and UV lights to attract insects and then catches them in a sticky adhesive cartridge. The cartridge is also replaceable, so you can remove and dispose of it without touching the insects.
22
Mistake: Overflowing dresser drawers
Solution: These hangers that increase your closet space
Pop these vertical hanging organizers in your closet to clear out drawers and maximize hanging space. Each durable hanger features five vertical posts for stacking hangers. You can use these clever organizers to group together similar pieces, plan out a capsule wardrobe, or just free up closet space. And the slim hooks are also great for storing accessories like ties and belts.
23
Mistake: Messy chargers all over your space
Solution: These colorful wraps to quickly organize cables & chargers
If your drawers are a jumble of cords, you need these hook-and-loop cable ties to get things in order. The cable ties come in two sizes (5 inches and 8 inches), and the hook-and-loop closure means they’re reusable and won’t leave behind a sticky residue. Plus, they come in a bunch of color options, making organizing a little more fun.
24
Mistake: Scratched-up floors
Solution: These felt chair leg covers that impressively blend in
Avoid scratches and keep your floors looking new with these chair leg covers that will blend right in. The extra stretchy silicone caps can fit any shape of chair leg and come in a number of sizes and colors to match your decor. And they feature a felt bottom that glides smoothly over floors.
25
Mistake: Messy tools & cleaning supplies
Solution: These easy-to-hang storage wraps to tidy up everything
Keep cords, hoses, and other tools off the floor and organized with these heavy-duty storage straps. The hook-and-loop straps are made of weather-resistant polypropylene, so they can be used indoors or out, and the stainless steel grommet is ideal for hanging on hooks or garage pegboards.
26
Mistake: Cluttered drawers all over the house
Solution: These chic drawer organizers you can adjust for the perfect fit
These adjustable bamboo drawer dividers expand from 17.5 inches to 22 inches and can organize kitchen utensils, office supplies, or even clothes in a snap. The dividers can be installed vertically or horizontally and fit most drawers. And they have a nonslip foam material on the end that protects drawer surfaces.
27
Mistake: Worn-looking drawer interiors
Solution: These chic drawer liners that smell like fresh linen
Revive scuffed drawers and cabinet shelves with these elegant paper liners. The paper has a subtle fresh linen scent to refresh all of your drawers, and they can be easily cut to custom sizes. It’s also non-adhesive, so it won’t damage your shelves or the bottom of your drawers. Plus, they come in over six chic patterns.
28
Mistake: A messy utensil drawer
Solution: This stylish container that’s made of chic olive wood
This olive wood crock is a beautiful and convenient place to store your kitchen utensils. It’s roomy enough to hold multiple spoons, spatulas, and whisks, keeping them organized but close at hand on the counter. And the wood burls in the grain make each crock a unique and eye-catching piece.
29
Mistake: Rusty & bulky shower caddies
Solution: These sleek stainless steel caddies you can stick anywhere
These shower caddies are made of rust-resistant stainless steel and you can pop them on shower walls with the included adhesive (no drilling necessary). They’re ideal for a number of surfaces, such as glass, smooth tiles, stainless steel, and even bathroom mirrors. Plus, they come with four multipurpose hooks that can hold sponges, soaps, razors, and more.
30
Mistake: Fingerprints & smudges all over appliances
Solution: A stainless steel cleaning kit designed for smudged appliances
Remove smudges and fingerprints from stainless steel surfaces with this lavender-scented cleaning spray. It’s made from coconut oil and essential oils and gently cleans while leaving behind a protective barrier that can cleverly guard against scratches. It also comes with a microfiber cloth for a lint-free shine on appliances.
31
Mistake: A drying rack in the middle of your floor
Solution: An over-the-door version that folds up after laundry day
This lightweight over-the-door drying rack helps you save space while air-drying your clothes. It’s made of airy polyester mesh, and the hooks fit over almost all doors or the shower curtain rod. And there are no nails or tools required to hang up this clever little drying rack.
32
Mistake: Grime around sinks & drains
Solution: This electric scrubbing tool to quickly make things sparkle
Toss out dull scrub brushes for this power scrubber tool that makes scrubbing so quick and efficient. It features an oscillating head that rotates 60 times per second, getting the job done quicker than manual scrubbing. Plus, it’s water-resistant, so it’s even a go-to in damp places (like shower grout).
33
Mistake: A cluttered entryway table
Solution: This clever key-holding magnets that screw into your light switch
These magnetic screws can be installed on your existing switch plates, adding a convenient (and low-profile) spot to hang your keys. No electrician or handyman is necessary because swapping out the screws with these magnets takes just a few seconds. And the extra-strength magnets are even designed to be safe for electronics like car key fobs.
34
Mistake: Using the bright overhead staircase light
Solution: These cozy motion-activated lights that are easy to install
These motion-activated LED lights keep staircases (or dim closets) lit with a soft glow. These battery-operated lights turn on when they sense movement on your stairs and then turn off again, saving battery life. These sleek little lights are easy to install — just adhere with the included mounting hardware or tape.
35
Mistake: Jumbles of plastic grocery store bags
Solution: This stainless steel container that organizes plastic bags
Mount this stainless steel organizer inside cabinets or on walls and finally get your plastic bag collection under control. The stainless steel surface protects against fingerprints and smudges every time you grab a bag. Plus, the generous storage capacity and wide dispensing hole can keep your plastic grocery bags tidy and accessible.
36
Mistake: A damp & scraggly bath mat
Solution: A Faux-suede bath mat that can absorb water in seconds
Give your bathroom an upgrade with this faux-suede nonslip mat that absorbs water in seconds. It features permeable and soft sponge layers that absorb water, so it evaporates right when you step on it. The unique material also won’t shed or pill, and to clean it, all you need to do is rinse it with water.
37
Mistake: A bunch of weeds in the yard
Solution: This ergonomic tool to tackle weeds without bending over
This stand-up weeding tool helps you tackle weeds in the yard without kneeling down (AKA — improving your home’s curb appeal). The long bamboo handle, powder-coated steel prongs, and the footstep all work together to pull out those yard eyesores with almost zero effort.
38
Mistake: Zero mood lighting outside
Solution: These flexible garden lights that sway in the breeze
Make your outdoor space somewhere everyone wants to be with these whimsical solar-powered lights you can stick in planters or your garden. They gently sway on iron wires, making them resemble flickering fireflies. Beyond just looking good, they’re also water-resistant, energy-efficient, and don’t require batteries or electricity — such a low-effort win.
39
Mistake: A slow-draining sink
Solution: This drain protector that catches hair & keeps it out of sight
Perfectly sized for bathroom drains, the SinkShroom catches hair before it can go down the pipes. The vent holes allow water to move through freely, and it’s designed to keep hair out of sight until you’re ready to clean it. Plus, the cap comes in three colors to blend in with your existing bathroom hardware.
40
Mistake: Cluttered closets
Solution: These clear stackable bins that can tidy up any space
These transparent plastic storage bins are ideal for cube storage, shelving, or anywhere you need to corral items. The durable BPA-free plastic is durable and shatterproof, while the built-in handles make it easy to move and transport your newly tidied items. Plus, the bins are stackable, which can further maximize storage space.
41
Mistake: A toilet plunger out in the open
Solution: This reliable plunger that tucks away *super* discreetly
No one wants to look at a dirty toilet plunger, so use this storage caddy to keep things discreetly stowed away. The plunger features an ergonomic handle and a heavy-duty flange that can tackle tough clogs. Plus, the caddy automatically opens when you pull the handle up and closes when you replace the plunger on the drip tray.
42
Mistake: A smelly fridge
Solution: This clever fridge deodorizer that lasts for up to a decade
This stainless steel deodorizer is compact and is shockingly designed to work for up to 10 years. The device absorbs and dissolves odors (like the smells from those leftovers), and there’s no need to recharge or replace filters. Pop it in the fridge or another small space, like a closet, for long-lasting odor control.
43
Mistake: Overflowing gutters
Solution: An easy-to-use mesh material to prevent a leaf & debris issue
Prevent unsightly gutter clogs with this clever mesh guard that’s a breeze to roll out and set up. These durable gutter guards can keep out dead leaves and debris (while still allowing all of the rainwater to flow). And the included clips keep the the mesh material from sagging or moving.
44
Mistake: A grimy microwave
Solution: This mini figurine that cleverly cleans with steam
This clever, compact tool is a hilarious addition to your kitchen, and it helps to dissolve stuck-on crud and food residue in your microwave. Fill the figurine with vinegar and water and let it spin around in the microwave for five to eight minutes. When it’s heated, steam is released from the vent holes in the top, making it easier to wipe away debris from the microwave’s surfaces.
45
Mistake: Olive oil in grocery store bottles
Solution: These stylish bottles with waterproof oil & vinegar labels
Elevate your oil and vinegar collection with this pair of functional, on-trend glass bottles (instead of displaying the grocery store bottles they come in). They feature food-grade silicone funnels and weighted pouring spouts for easy use. They also come with 36 pre-written labels as well as two blank ones. Plus, the labels are waterproof, so they’ll repel any drips.
