You're making your home look cheap if you aren't doing any of these things
Make your home look like a million bucks.
Having friends and family come visit is a fun way to spend your weekends — the only catch is that you’ll likely want to make your home look as good as possible before they arrive. Luckily for both of us, I’ve put together this list of things that are making your home look cheap, as well as clever ways to fix them. For example, that unsightly bundle of wires sitting next to your desk can easily be stashed away inside of a cable management box. Keep scrolling to find out more ways to make your home look good.
01Trading in your standard pet bed for this artsy wool cat cave
If you want the type of pet bed an interior designer would approve of, check out this cat cave made from all-natural New Zealand wool. It comes in solid shades like leaf green and stone gray, as well as gradient patterns. Your kitty will like the soft texture and can choose between hiding inside and perching on top.
- Available designs: 13
02Illuminating dark areas with stick-on lighting
The fastest route to a luxe-looking space? Good lighting. These LED puck lights are battery-operated, so you don’t have to deal with complicated wiring, and they can be installed with the included adhesive or screws. (Yeah — fancy lighting is surprisingly easy to achieve). Install them under cabinets or bookshelves, inside your closet, or along your stairway.
03Using a degreaser to make kitchen surfaces spic & span
If you’re a dedicated cook, you know how grease can build up on kitchen surfaces over time — you also probably know how hard it is to remove it. This heavy-duty degreaser makes quick work of the job and can be used on stoves, cabinets, and backsplashes. (You can even take it outside and use it on the grill.)
04Hiding any under-bed storage with a bed skirt
A bed skirt will tie your room together, making it look more finished — but it also helps hide any items you’re storing under the frame. This one has a simple, tailored aesthetic, thanks to a couple of strategically placed pleats (at the corners and mid-mattress). It’s machine washable and resistant to shrinking and fading.
- Available sizes: twin — California king
- Available colors: 10
05Putting a spotlight on your best landscape features with solar stakes
These landscape spotlights give an upscale feel to your outdoor space, whether you use them to illuminate a gorgeous old elm tree, a towering palm, or just your home address sign. Since they’re solar-powered, they don’t require batteries or wiring, and they can simply be staked in the ground. They’re brightness adjustable and available in three options: warm white, cool white, and multicolor.
06Giving your electronic screen a good wipe every now and then
Televisions, tablets, laptops — these wipes are formulated to get all sorts of electronic screens looking as clean as new. They’re great for fingerprints, as the quick-drying formula gently cleanses away all sorts of skin oils without leaving behind any streaks. And unlike some screen wipes, these ones are static-free as well as made without any ammonia.
07Concealing cable clutter with a cord management box
A jumble of cords — whether it’s lurking near your TV or desk — can keep your home from looking put together. Luckily, that issue is easy to fix with this cable management box. It’s designed to accommodate power strips, and features cutouts on three sides, so you can thread through power cables. It comes in several neutral colors, so you can choose one that blends into your space best.
- Available sizes: 2
- Available colors: 3
08Deep cleaning with these power drill attachments
Want to make it seem like you have a live-in housekeeper whose sole job is to clean? Use these drill brush attachments every now and then. They attach to your power drill, so you can deep clean surfaces in seconds. The set includes brushes and scouring pads that tackle anything and everything: tubs, grills, shower doors, gutters, upholstery — you name it.
09Lifting the pet hair from your furniture with this fan-favorite roller
Fur-free upholstery is an instant upgrade, but constantly peeling off sticky sheet after sticky sheet is annoying (and gets expensive in the long run). This reusable pet hair remover traps fur with its velveteen rollers, and all you have to do is swipe it across the surface of your upholstery or bedspread a couple of times, then empty out the catch compartment. It’s a perennial favorite on Amazon, with 100,000 perfect five-star reviews and counting.
10Using a versatile organizer for mail, remote controls & more
Whether you place it in the front entryway as a catchall for keys, mail, and sunglasses, or put it on the coffee table for remote controls, this rotating organizer is an easy way to corral small items. It features interior dividers to keep things upright and comes in a wide variety of styles including faux leather, linen, and even a cool marble design.
- Available styles: 21
11Hanging sheer curtains that let just the right amount of light in
You can make your space feel airy and bright by hanging these linen-texture curtains that have earned a 4.6-star overall rating on Amazon. Finished with metal grommets, they’re sheer enough to let filtered sunlight in while still offering privacy. Plus, they come in subtle, soothing colors like ivory, dove gray, and sea mist.
- Available sizes: 9
- Available colors: 18
12Clearing the haze from your stainless steel surfaces
Nothing looks better than stainless steel when it’s totally fresh, but it’s frustratingly prone to smudges and cloudiness. This stainless steel cleaner restores the sheen to appliances, sinks, and other surfaces with a few spritzes and a swipe of the microfiber cloth. The streak-free, plant-based formula also leaves behind a protective barrier, so you won’t have to bother with using it all the time.
13Adding floral elements to soften a space
Re-upping on fresh bouquets gets expensive, but (good) artificial florals are an amazing alternative. This bunch of faux lavender comes in a rustic wooden planter that’s well-sized for dining room tables or shelves. It’s an easy way to counterbalance a modern, minimalist aesthetic that’s feeling a little too spare, but it’s also a no-brainer addition to more traditional design schemes.
14Organizing your kitchen & dresser drawers with expandable dividers
When it comes to a more expensive-feeling place, what’s inside counts, too — and these eco-friendly bamboo drawer dividers are a fast and foolproof way to get organized. They’ll add major zen to your day, making it easy to spot utensils in the kitchen or that one pair of socks in your dresser drawer. Each divider can be extended from 17.5 inches to 22 inches, so you can get a customized fit.
- Available colors: 3
15Using design-forward kitchen essentials — like these Swedish dishcloths
Skip the standard paper towels and regular sponges, and opt for these eco-friendly Swedish dishcloths that capitalize on good design (they come in a handful of print options). While they’re great for scrubbing dishes, they’re also ideal for mopping up spills, and each cloth can replace up to 17 rolls of paper towels. Made from cotton and wood pulp, they’re biodegradable and can be freshed up in the wash.
- Available designs: 4
16Storing your cooking utensils in a sleek holder that makes you look like a pro chef
This stainless steel holder has a minimalist aesthetic that’ll only upgrade the look of your kitchen counter — and it’s an amazing way to free up drawer space while keeping cooking tools at the ready. For extra convenience, it rotates 360 degrees and has removable dividers on the interior, so you can separate utensils and keep them upright.
- Available colors: 4
17Tying your space together with a washable area rug or runner
Whether you place it in the hallway, in your entryway, or in front of your kitchen sink, this runner rug will make any space feel just a bit more complete. The best part? It’s washable, so it can stand up to high-traffic areas. Finished with fringe, it’s available in a variety of designs as well as dimensions that are suited for larger spaces.
- Available dimensions: 10
- Available designs: 40+
18Removing hard water buildup from fixtures & shower doors with this cleaning solution
If your shower door or kitchen and bathroom fixtures are looking dull or discolored, you can revitalize them with this hard water cleaner. The biodegradable formula gets rid of mineral buildup, rust, and soap scum, making everything look brand new and freshly installed. One reviewer wrote, “I was blown away at how easy and fast it worked [...] within 10 minutes I had the whole glass area clean and ALL streaks were gone - couldn't believe how much time I had spent the previous month and yet in only 10 minutes I was done - love this stuff.”
19Using a shower curtain liner that resists soap scum
A layer of soap scum on your shower curtain liner can bring down the look of your whole bathroom. You can avoid that with this soap-scum-resistant shower curtain liner that’s earned a 4.6-star overall rating after racking up 84,000 Amazon reviews. The weighted curtain has an ultra-smooth surface that encourages water to bead off instead of gather, and the grommets at the top are designed to keep rust at bay.
- Available sizes: 12
- Available colors: 16
20Skipping the plastic packaging & using this glass soap dispenser
Swap out your plastic soap bottle for this tinted glass dispenser and your sink area will suddenly look like a million bucks. It’s topped with a gold-tone pump, and the thickened glass helps promote durability. Choose from several shades in both fluted and non-fluted designs.
- Available colors and designs: 4
21Reducing WFH clutter with these under-desk drawers
If you work from home, you probably know how easy it is for clutter to take over your desk... and the rest of your living space. For a more streamlined look, use these under-desk drawers that are installed with the included adhesive. They’re available in single-layer and double-decker designs and are perfect for stashing small items like sticky notes, zip drives, and writing utensils.
22Adding a subway tile backsplash with these peel & tiles
With these peel-and-stick tiles, you don’t have to hire someone to do a comprehensive overhaul of your kitchen — just remove the backing and place the sheets where you want them. The subway tiles come in classic white, but if you’re looking to switch things up, you can opt for shades like teal or black marble. The tiles are resistant to heat and moisture, and easy to wipe clean.
- Available designs: 8
23Keeping your sponge in a holder instead of at the bottom of the sink
Put your scrubber inside this sponge holder and your sink area will look instantly tidier. Plus, the elevated design gives your sponge a chance to dry out, which means less chance of germ growth and odor. The embossed ceramic holder has a classic aesthetic, so it’ll look good in kitchens of all styles.
24Tacking down your area rug with these helpful grippers
Curling corners are a huge distraction from your area rug (plus, you don’t want to trip, right?). These rug grippers tack them down to keep everything flat, smooth, and in place (helpful if your rug slides around, too). The grippers are backed with sticky gel, so all you have to do is place them on the floor and undersides of your rug. Voilà — now your rug looks the way it’s supposed to.
25Hanging your clothes on these slim hangers that match
It’s a small thing, but using matching hangers instead of a mishmash can make your closet feel more luxe. These hangers have a slim design, so they take up less space on your closet rod, and the velvet texture keeps items from slipping off and onto the floor. The built-in notches are great for tank tops, and the accessory bars can be used for belts or scarves.
- Available colors: 7
26Keeping your floors free of litter with this mat
Dusty, crunchy floors can feel par for the course when you have a litter box at home, but this mat is actually an easy solution. It has a grippy surface that traps the granules when your cat steps out of the box, leaving the rest of your floors looking and feeling clean. The mat comes in neutral colors, so it won’t draw a ton of attention to itself.
- Available sizes: 2
- Available colors: 5
27Opting for a textured cloth shower curtain over flimsy vinyl ones
Sometimes the smallest changes make the biggest impact — like swapping out that crummy vinyl shower curtain with this textured cloth one. It comes in 13 sizes and more than 20 colors, ranging from burnt orange to navy blue. Plus, the thick fabric is also stain- as well as water-resistant.
28Organizing that messy utility closet with this broom holder
A cluttered utility closet can make even the tidiest homes feel cheap, so why not organize it with this broom holder? Five slots give you ample room to store everything from mops to gardening equipment — and there are even hooks between each slot where you can hang up rags, scrubbers, and more.
29Storing your wrap boxes inside of this basket organizer
Instead of taking up a drawer to store your wrap boxes, consider storing them inside of this basket organizer. It mounts to the inside of a cabinet door to help save space, making it great for cramped kitchens or even RVs. And since the metal frame is coated in plastic, it’s also less likely to rust.
30Taking happy hour at home to the next level with this charcuterie board
Consider this charcuterie board a must-have if you’re looking for easy ways to impress guests. It’s made from sleek bamboo and features a drawer that slides out to reveal a sleek set of stainless steel serving knives. Deep grooves around the sides give you ample room to display crackers as well as cheese — and many reviewers even raved about how it’s “well made.”
31Using this duster to get that dirty ceiling fan looking clean as new
You won’t have to bust out a ladder to clean your ceiling fan when you have this duster. Its telescopic handle stretches from 1.5 feet out to 3 feet, making it easy to reach distant fan blades, light fixtures, and more. Plus, the microfiber head latches onto dirt, trapping it within its fibers until you shake it out over a trash can.
32Erasing scuffs from walls with help from these cleaning pads
From scuff marks to permanent markers, these cleaning pads are designed to erase all sorts of crud from your walls. And if your walls are already looking good? They’re still suitable for use on nearly any surface — from leather to marble — and there’s no need for any cleanser. Just get them wet with water and they’re ready to go.
33Adding pops of color to dull rooms with these throw pillow covers
If your living room or bedroom is looking a little monochromatic, consider using these throw pillow covers to add some color. They’re available in more than 20 shades, ranging from bright yellow to deep green — and the corduroy texture makes them feel oh-so-soft against skin. Plus, their invisible zipper is unlikely to snag on clothes or hair.
34Hiding clutter inside of these cute storage baskets
Not only are these storage baskets a cute addition to shelves and cubbies, but they’re also a smart way to hide clutter in plain sight. Cotton rope handles on the front and back make it easy to pull them out whenever you need something — and if you ever decide you no longer need them, simply collapse them down flat for easy storage.
35Getting your entryway looking neat & tidy with this shoe rack
Your entryway is one of the first impressions you make on guests, which is why I’m a big fan of this shoe rack. Not only is it great for organizing shoes, but you can also use it to display cute pieces of decor. The bamboo frame makes it look way more expensive than it is — and putting it together only takes about 10 minutes or less.
36Making disorganized pantries Instagram-worthy with these baskets
Even the most disorganized pantries can become Instagram-worthy spaces with the help of these storage baskets. They’re made from high-quality metal wire — not plastic — and feature a small black frame in the front where you can insert your own label card. You can also fill them up with all sorts of heavy items, as they have a weight limit of up to 50 pounds.
37Eliminating unsightly cable clutter with the help of this sleek power strip
Whereas some power strips have bulky plugs that jut out from outlets, this one features a flat plug that lets you press your furniture flush against the wall. The result? It looks significantly more subtle — and since the power cable is 6 feet long, you shouldn’t have any trouble hiding cable clutter underneath your desk, bed, or nearly anywhere else.
38Touching up your painted surfaces with these refillable pens
You don’t have to bust out a giant can of paint to make quick touch-ups around the house — just use these paint pens. They can be emptied and refilled hundreds of times, and each order includes a syringe to help you fill them up without any mess.
39Swapping out crummy plastic stirrers with these nonstick silicone ones
Not only are the heads on these utensils made from non-stick silicone, but the handles are even made from authentic acacia hardwood — not plastic. But if that isn’t enough to convince you to ditch the crummy stirrers you likely have? They’re also heat-resistant up to 464 degrees Fahrenheit, so there’s no need to worry about them warping at high temperatures.
40Decorating blank walls with some colorful Matisse prints
Can’t quite figure out what to do with that blank wall? Consider hanging up these Matisse prints. They come in two sizes as well as 15 different shades, making it easy to match them with the current colors in your home — and the high-quality ink is even fade-resistant.
41Varying up the textures in your home with these bundles of pampas grass
Varying up the textures in your home is an easy way to make it feel warm and inviting — but that’s only part of the reason why these bundles of pampas grass are worth a look. You can place them in vases, hang them on walls, or even lay them flat on shelves to add some much-needed variety throughout your home. And unlike flowers, these bundles won’t wilt over time.
42Getting rid of all that bottle clutter with help from these shower shelves
It’s almost too easy for your bathtub walls to become cluttered with bottles and soaps — but that’s where these shelves come in handy. Not only are they great for decluttering, but they’re also made from tough stainless steel that’s unlikely to rust in humid bathrooms. Installation is also a total breeze, as each order includes a waterproof adhesive that lets you stick them right onto your tile walls.
43Refreshing tired wooden surfaces with this cruelty-free polish
If your wooden surfaces are starting to look a little worse for wear, consider giving them a quick refresh with this polish. The cruelty-free formula contains zero beeswax or orange oils, which means it won’t leave behind any sticky residues. But if that isn’t enough? In addition to leaving your wood looking shiny, it also helps cleanse away dirt and grime.
44Adding flair to boring tables with this colorful runner
Not only is this table runner an easy way to decorate a bland dining table, but it also comes in 10 sizes, making it suitable for tables of nearly any size. The macrame embroidery coupled with cute tassels at either end make it look more expensive than it is — and unlike some runners, this one is even wrinkle-resistant.
45Protecting tables from watermarks with these cotton drink coasters
Thick, absorbent, and soft — these coasters hit all the right notes. They’re made from cotton rope that absorbs condensation before it can drip onto your table, and the braided texture even gives them some added grip to help keep your drinkware firmly in place. “I love this coaster, because it's absolutely the best at protecting your furniture,” wrote one reviewer.