Shopping·9 min read

Small Home Improvements That Don’t Cost an Arm and a Leg

tiny-upgrades-home
Design: theSkimm | Photos: Amazon, Wayfair, Etsy
February 17, 2026

Products you buy through our links may earn us a commission. Oh, and if something's out of stock, oops, it was there (and all prices were accurate) at time of publication.

You don't need to hire a decorator to make your home feel lighter, cleaner, and just more comfortable. Some of the best, hack-y home products cost less than $100 and require zero installation. Read on for small but impactful products that'll make your house feel more like an efficiently-run home.

For more upgrades for your wardrobe, beauty collection, and routine, click here.

shower-lamp
Amazon

A cordless lamp to make your shower time cozier…

Our editors are adamant about the sacredness of our shower routine, and a lamp in the bathroom is a great way to make the vibes immaculate. This one is waterproof, rechargeable, and can last up to 16 hours. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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tissue-box-holder
Wayfair

A tissue box holder that makes a big difference…

Adding a design-y cover to your tissue box can really change the look of your bathroom. This one is classic, so you’ll never get tired of it, and it doesn’t fade even if it gets splashed. There’s also a matching trash can. ($68, Wayfair)

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candlesticks
Etsy

Chinoiserie candlesticks for a splash of color…

If you’re feeling the itch to change your decor but don’t have the budget to splurge, swapping in some fun candlesticks will do the trick. The chinoiserie design is timeless and will get you excited for spring. Plus, the wax is nontoxic. ($9.16+, BellasArtHouse via Etsy)

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drawer-organizer
Neat Method

Nicer-than-average drawer organizers…

Time to tackle that junk drawer. These are made of gorgeous acacia wood, come in seven sizes, and have nonslip feet to keep them in place. ($10+, Neat Method)

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hand-soap
Amazon

Elevated hand soap we’ve been using for years...

No need to spend upwards of $40 on nice hand soap. This soap smells almost exactly like the popular Le Labo Santal 33, but a three-pack will set you back less than $25. It’s made with plant-based cleansers so it’s safe for sensitive skin, and the scent lingers for more than a few minutes. The bottle is also incredibly chic and lasts a while. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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washing-machine-cleaner
Amazon

Washing machine tablets for cleaner laundry…

When was the last time you cleaned your washing machine? These tablets make it easy — just throw it in the machine and run the cleaning cycle. It’ll wash away odor, bacteria, and grime you didn’t even know was there. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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rug-grippers
Amazon

Damage-free rug grippers…

Whether you’ve recently moved, bought a new rug, or simply have a rug that won’t stay put, these grippers are a must. They won’t leave behind any residue when you remove them, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing no one will be tripping over those pesky corners. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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toaster
Walmart

A toaster made for small spaces…

If your countertop is overwhelmed with appliances, grab this slim toaster that takes up significantly less real estate. It can toast two slices at once, has six settings, and has a crumb catcher for easy clean-up. ($24.99, Walmart)

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organizers
Amazon

A set of food storage organizers…

If an organized pantry makes you happy, these food storage organizers will make you ecstatic. They have removable dividers so you can choose how you want to stack your snacks and are BPA-free. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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soap-dispenser
Etsy

A sculptural soap dispenser…

For a little bathroom zhuzh, replace the hand soap bottle with a sleek stoneware dispenser. It’s handmade and will instantly make your space look more sophisticated. These marble dispensers are also very pretty. ($25.30, SemeruLiving via Etsy)

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outlet-cover
Walmart

An outlet concealer for a less cluttered look…

One of the simplest ways to make your home look less cluttered is to wrangle all those cords. This concealer plugs into your wall outlet, neatly clips the cords to the wall, and uses outlet strips to keep everything organized. Nothing unsightly to be seen here. ($27.95, Walmart)

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candle
Choice Blooms

A candle with a reusable glass vessel…

Not only is this candle made of nontoxic hemp, soy, and coconut wax, but each wavy glass vessel is completely unique. The scent is woodsy and fresh for year-round burning. Once the wax has burned down, you can save the glass container to use as a tiny vase or to stash lip glosses in. ($32, Choice Blooms)

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duster
Amazon

A Swiffer duster that’ll make dusting less of a chore…

One dusting-averse editor confirms that this kit makes the experience more enjoyable and efficient. It has a 3-foot extendable pole to reach tall shelves and ceiling fans, and it traps dust like nothing we’ve ever seen. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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knobs
Anthropologie

An easy upgrade for a piece of furniture you already have…

Changing the knobs is a nice way to make your dresser or nightstand look like new. These delicate bow knobs are so cute and easy to install. They’ll make you smile every time you use them. ($28, Anthropologie)

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bath-rug
Amazon

A bath rug that’s a step above others…

It’s made of thick memory foam covered in soft velvet, so you feel like you’re stepping out of the shower and onto a cloud. It’s just as absorbent as others and is machine-washable. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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baskets
Mustard Made

A set of wire baskets in bright colors…

No well-organized home is complete without plenty of storage. These wire baskets come in three sizes (you’ll get one big one and two small ones), and they’re sturdy enough to store books, magazines, beauty products, and other odds and ends. Stick them in your closet or leave them out on display — the pastel colors are meant to be seen. ($59, Mustard Made)

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