50 Cool, Cheap Home Upgrades You Can Get On Amazon That Actually Look Expensive

May 14, 2023

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From linen curtains to bar cart upgrades, a sleeker home is just a few clicks away.

From smart home devices and clever organizational solutions to cozy furnishings and decorative accents, there's no shortage of home upgrades you can get on Amazon. Still, products that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing are relatively rare — especially when you’re shopping online. But that's not the case with these 50 cool, cheap home upgrades on Amazon that actually look expensive (and will make your home run a lot more smoothly).

Ahead, you’ll find everything from bar cart upgrades that will impress your guests to DIY-friendly home improvement projects — all for less than $50 a pop. And though these products may seem cheap — a set of linen blackout curtains for $40, anyone? — they look anything but.

So what are you waiting for? A more beautiful, impressive home is just a few clicks away.

A thoughtful lighting design can work wonders to upgrade your home, and these warm white puck lights are one of the easiest ways to do it — they’re stick-on and battery-operated, so you don't even need to get an electrician to install them. Pop them under your kitchen cabinets, in your closet, along your staircase, or anywhere else in your home that could use a little light and warmth.

You’ve probably seen these mini mushroom lamps all over Instagram recently, but this one has the added distinction of costing just about $30 on Amazon, making it one of the easiest, cheapest ways to make your home look seriously grid-worthy. Made of hand-blown glass, it comes in 18 retro-chic colors and designs, like subtle stripes and marble effects.

There's nothing like a bedding refresh to instantly upgrade your bedroom. Considering that quality bedding tends to cost hundreds of dollars, the under-$40 price tag on this super-soft pre-washed duvet cover is almost too good to be believed — but according to its 45,000+ Amazon ratings, it really is that good. "It is way beyond what I was expecting. Excellent quality," one reviewer wrote, going on to call it "an unbelievable bargain." You have 23 chic shades to choose from, like sage green, dove gray, and the sophisticated ‘Linen’ shade pictured above.

The tidier the home, the more expensive it looks — but it doesn't hurt to use luxe-looking organizational solutions, like this marble-effect toothbrush holder. It's equipped with several openings of varying sizes so your daily essentials are easily reachable, and since it's made of waterproof resin with drainage holes at the bottom, you’ll never need to worry about grime and mold buildup.

Not only are breathable, quick-drying bamboo bath mats more hygienic than traditional terry bath mats, but they’ll make your bathroom look more intentionally designed, giving it a spa-like feel. This one is crafted of pure bamboo and equipped with anti-slip gaskets on the bottom and a water-resistant coating, so it's just as functional as it is chic.

Give any desk, table, or cabinet a major upgrade with a vase full of dried pampas grass. This bouquet fluffs up beautifully — especially when perched in a sunny area — and will last practically forever, so it's a great $20 purchase. You can use it for DIY bouquets and crafting projects, too.

If you delight in listening to podcasts while you cook or singing along to Spotify while you shower, this waterproof portable speaker will majorly upgrade your daily routine. The compact size can fit snugly onto a shelf or countertop, and with an IPX7 waterproof rating, you don't need to worry about rogue splashes. Since it's Bluetooth-connected, you can also take calls on it. "Overall sound quality is excellent. How does this little speaker have so much bass? It feels very well made and has some weight to it. Battery lasts a long time. Really happy with this purchase," raved one Amazon reviewer.

This peel-and-stick wallpaper looks exactly like "real" wallpaper, but it's about a million times easier to install; and at about $8 per roll, the price is basically negligible. Available in both gold and silver, the geometric design will add a fresh, modern feel to any room. It’d look cool as an accent wall, but you can also get creative and use it to revamp a chest of drawers or cabinets, or even use it as a luxe drawer liner.

If you run hot at night, these down alternative pillows are essential to your nighttime routine. They have a luxurious, breathable 250-thread-count cotton cover and a plush, cooling fiber filling that helps keep the temperature just right. What's more, the materials retain their shape, so they won't bunch or distort, no matter if you sleep on your side or stomach or roll around all night.

Crafted of real wood with shatter-resistant acrylic ends, this sleek vinyl holder looks like it comes from a niche boutique — little will anyone know it costs under $30 on Amazon. The minimalist design will incorporate nicely into any interior aesthetic, and it offers a smart way to both safely store and display your record collection. It can hold up to 50 records.

If you’re a wine drinker, this rechargeable electric wine opener will revolutionize the way you drink: It’ll smoothly uncork any standard-sized bottle with the press of a button, and you don't even need to cut the foil (though it comes with a built-in foil cutter, just in case you’d prefer to). Not to mention, the sleek, futuristic design looks so much more expensive than its $20 price tag would suggest.

This matte-finish paint is the trifecta of cool, cheap, and expensive-looking: The eco-friendly, all-in-one formula does away with the need for a separate primer and top coat, dries in 30 minutes, and plays nicely on almost any surface material, so you can easily upgrade so many things around the house, from walls to furniture. It also comes in 50 elegant, whimsically named shades, like ‘Sunday Tea’ (a warm gray-beige), ‘Leather Bound’ (a rich chocolate brown), and ‘Wisteria’ (a pale lavender).

For another stylish organizational solution, opt for these glass apothecary jars when storing small odds and ends like cotton swabs and hair ties — you’ll be surprised by how such a simple touch can make your bathroom or bedroom look so much chicer. "I love that they came in a pack of 3 and the sizes," one Amazon reviewer raved. "I used the larger ones for bath salts by the bathtub and the smaller ones in a tray on bathroom sink with cotton swabs and cotton balls. Great way to declutter and add charm to your bathroom!"

Add some texture to your couch or bed with this chunky knit blanket. It's made of the softest chenille material, and that extra-thick weave is a modern, expensive-looking (and extra-cozy) spin on your usual woven blanket. It comes in several sizes, ranging from throw- to bed-sized, plus seven chic colors, including cream, mustard, and slate gray.

No one would ever believe this modern, minimalist hexagonal brass mirror costs just under $20 on Amazon. It's a simple way to add light, space, and a subtle design element to your home, whether you lean it on a vanity or hang it via its delicate, jewelry-inspired chain. Choose between two sizes.

Shoppers swear by these color-changing smart light bulbs as a cool, inexpensive, yet impressive home upgrade, awarding them over 20,000 five-star ratings to date. These smart bulbs can be controlled via Bluetooth or the Govee Home app, where you can play with seemingly infinite settings and modes. You can even set them to dance along with the rhythm of the music you’re playing — how's that for a cool party trick?

Not only do these satin pillowcases add a luxurious visual impact to your bedroom, but their silky texture also reduces friction on your hair and skin. Ultra smooth and soft, the material is wrinkle-resistant and more durable than pillowcases made of straight silk. Comfortable, breathable, and skin-friendly, these stylish cases come in 32 different colors.

Designed by independent jewelry designer Moe Takemura, these wall-mounted planters are a truly unique way to welcome some greenery into your home. The contemporary geometric design comes in five metal finishes, including classic brass and trendy rose gold, and they’re sized to fit small plants like succulents and mini cacti (either of the real or faux variety). It’d hard to believe that a set of two will set you back just $11.

This gorgeous mirrored tray is the definition of an easy yet impactful home upgrade. A little Old Hollywood glam yet totally modern, it offers a luxurious home for your perfumes, skin care products, jewelry, or even magazines and remotes on your coffee table. With an impressive 4.8-star rating, it's earned thousands of rave reviews from discerning shoppers, like this one: "It's soooo pretty and sturdy! It's creates a beautiful perfume display! It looks way more expensive than the listed price!"

Why shouldn't your trash cans look as stylish as the rest of your home? The perfect compact size for a bathroom, office, or nursery, this one from mDesign has a sleek, cylindrical shape and wooden swing lid that’ll incorporate seamlessly into the rest of the room. Choose from three colors: mint green, black, and navy, all with a glossy finish.

These bamboo drawer dividers are a simple way to corral your kitchen utensils, socks and underwear, or other odds and ends into order. The expandable, adjustable design can fit into virtually any sized drawer, and since the material is naturally water-resistant and easy to clean, it works beautifully in kitchens and bathrooms.

No need to lift heavy detergent bottles to fill your laundry cup — set them at an elevated angle on this laundry detergent holder, and the downward slope will allow the soap to flow out easily. Rubber feet keep the whole device firmly in place, and a thoughtfully placed tray prevents drips or spills from leaking all over your laundry room.

This toilet brush with a bamboo holder is sleek and stylish enough that you won't mind having it on display. The brush handle is made of high-quality stainless steel and has dense, strong nylon bristles that reach every corner of the toilet to remove stubborn stains. It stores away discreetly in its sleek bamboo holder when not in use, preventing odors.

Amazon is an amazing resource for great-looking furniture at unbeatable prices, as evidenced by this chic side table that's currently listed for just $40. The elegant design features a mirrored top and of-the-moment hairpin legs, in your choice of luxe gold or minimalist white or black frames. "This table is perfect for my little tchotchkes! It's small and compact—perfect for my little house! The mirrored top is so extra and I’m here for it," wrote one Amazon shopper.

Give your windows the beautiful appearance of rain-spattered window panes with this privacy window film that installs easily with no tools required. It reduces glare by up to 80% and blocks up to 98% of harmful UV rays, affording you protection and privacy, without blocking light.

What's good for keeping things clean down under? Bidet, mate! This bidet attachment is easy to assemble and use and is made of durable, high-quality plastic that won't rust. It has an easy-access control dial to tailor the water pressure to your needs, leaving you feeling much cleaner than if you used conventional paper wipes.

It's not often that you can find one framed print for less than $35 — let alone four. That's what makes this set of botanical prints from ArtbyHannah such an amazing find. Offered in your choice of white, walnut, or natural wood frames, the botanical designs will fit in well with any style of decor, from classic to modern. One Amazon reviewer reported, "These came expertly packaged, wrapped in foam individually with cardboard backs and plastic around each individual frame. They’re very lightweight. Great quality and addition to our bathroom."

Whether you have an old, mildewy shower head or just lackluster water pressure, this best-selling SparkPod shower head is the solution. It's available in four shapes and sizes, doesn't require any tools to install, and comes in an endless selection of colors and finishes, from classic chrome to trendy brass (pictured). A number-one best-seller on Amazon, over 30,000 reviewers swear by it for transforming their in-shower experience. "We had a rain shower head that was fairly terrible. Replaced it with the SparkPod and the pressure is fantastic. Makes all the difference. Took about 2 minutes to install - easy," commented one Amazon shopper.

You know that wavy, light-up mirror you’ve seen all over Instagram? Turns out, you can get a mini version for just about $20 on Amazon. Sold in nine colors — two with LED lights, seven without — it’ll add a modern, aesthetic touch to any space, whether you pop it on your desk or hang it on your wall.

Add a stylish touch to your counter — and display your favorite bottles of the moment — with this freestanding wine rack. (Naturally, it would look great on top of a cabinet or in a bar area, too.) Choose between a gold or rose gold finish, in either a six- or seven-bottle size.

Who knew a toilet paper holder could be so fashionable and chic? Add some elegance to your commode with its brushed gold finish with an open-sided design that makes replacing your paper roll easy. The shelf is crafted from real, natural marble and is a beautiful and functional space for keeping items such as wet wipes or perhaps keeping a decorative candle or diffuser.

Upgrade your bathroom linen collection with this set of four Turkish hand towels in your choice of 43 colors. They’ll add a stylish, decorative touch to your bathroom while still being perfectly practical thanks to their quick-drying abilities. Since they’re lightweight and so fast to dry, they’re great for hiking, yoga, trips to the gym, and more.

Whether you need to de-clutter your garden shed, broom closet, or garage, this wall-mounted tool organizer will do the job. It features six hooks and five slots that utilize spring-loaded clamps to keep your mops, brooms, rakes, shovels, etc., off the ground and tidily out of the way. It comes with all the hardware needed to mount it on your wall, and its weather-proof design means it can be installed inside or outdoors.

Yes, your bakeware collection deserves an upgrade, too. This set of 12 microwave-safe mixing bowls — with their convenient nesting design for easy storage — is a must for any modern kitchen. They even come with lids, so you can use them for storing leftovers.

Protect your surfaces from unsightly water rings and add a touch of class to your furniture simultaneously with these handmade marble coasters. Crafted from quality onyx marble, each coaster has a felt plate on the bottom to prevent scratches. The set comes with six coasters and a marble holder for stylish storage when not in use.

These curtains offer the best of both worlds, as they have the airy look of linen and blackout capabilities to give you an amazing night's sleep. Whether you get them in a light, neutral color or something a bit bolder, they’ll add instant drama to any room and make your space look a lot bigger. One Amazon reviewer commented, "Will save money in the long run. They block that unrelenting heat and will save the air conditioner from running and wasting electricity. They look very nice and more expensive. Very well made!"

How chic are these vases? They’ll give your space an instantly cool, modern vibe, and they look just as nice empty as they do with a stem or two of flowers inside (another cool idea: fill them with a long branch). Made of thick, durable ceramic with a matte finish, they’re sold in a set of three in either light or dark shades of yellow, blue, and orange.

Pumping a handle that's been touched by countless other dirty fingers is counterintuitive when you’re trying to get your hands clean — with this automatic soap dispenser, it's not an issue. Simply hold your hand under the infrared sensor and it will pump out the perfect amount of soap with precision, so there are no messy drips or waste.

An easy way to transform any room and make it feel 10 times homier is with a woven rug like this one. It features a Moroccan-inspired print and comes in dozens of shapes, sizes, and colors, so you’re bound to find the perfect one for your space. One Amazon reviewer says it's just what they needed: "The rug is great quality and very true to color and size. This was a perfect addition to my bedroom. It makes the room feel cozy."

You don't need a green thumb to employ some botanical decor in your home— get yourself these plant art prints. They’re printed on high-quality glossy paper and offer an easy way to breathe new life into any room. The elegant muted colors are suitable for any interior so you can pair them with frames of your choice for a simple and clean look.

If you have a mound of plastic bags under the sink, you need to get yourself a plastic bag saver like this one. It's easy to install on a wall or inside a cupboard door and comes with all the mounting hardware to do so. It has extra-wide openings, so you can quickly and easily grab what you need from the extra-wide slot at the bottom or refill the grocery bags at the top.

A beautiful runner rug like this Moroccan-inspired one is a wonderfully versatile option for adding style to your home, as it can be used in kitchens, hallways, entryways, and bathrooms alike. It's woven with a thick, non-shedding pile that holds up under high foot traffic and regular vacuuming. It comes in a range of colors and sizes, so there's something to suit your home.

Vibrantly colorful and with over 57,000 five-star ratings, this set of two velvet throw pillow covers will add a pop of fresh color to any room. They feature a hidden zipper, so the soft cover remains smooth, and they come in an unbelievable 42 different colors.

Essential oil diffusers can majorly enhance the ambience of your home, but they don't always look attractive. This one, however, is the exception. It has a modern, minimalist ceramic and wood design, so it looks more like a small sculpture than an electronic diffuser. Just add a few drops of your favorite essential oils into the water tank, and your home will instantly feel more like a spa or hotel.

Maximize closet space and keep your clothes wrinkle-free with these pants hangers. Made with premium European Beechwood, they can hold up to 30 pounds, and the metal components are treated with a nonslip coating to prevent your trousers from falling to your closet floor. A 360-degree swivel hook ensures loading and unloading your clothing is a breeze.

If you thought the sensation of sinking into a warm bath couldn't get any better, you haven't tried this bathtub pillow. It supports your head, neck, back, and shoulders with a soft, breathable cushion, cradling you off the cold porcelain. Six suction cups keep it firmly held precisely where you want it, and it's made of beautifully 3D quilted fabric that allows it to dry quickly between uses.

Instagram influencers are obsessed with these glasses, and it's easy to see why. They’re an aesthetic kitchen upgrade, that's for sure, but with their bamboo lids and glass straws, they’re perfectly functional, too. Amazon reviewers report that they stack well, aren't prone to breaking, and work for all manner of beverages, from smoothies to iced coffee. For less than $20, you’ll get a set of four (as well as a bonus straw cleaner).

People are obsessed with this extra-large kitchen utensil holder. Why? The main reason is simple: it rotates. It's also nice and big, with four different slots, so you’ll have plenty of space for all your most-used cooking utensils (and then some). One Amazon reviewer wrote, "Before I upgraded to this, It used to be that I pulled one spoon out and everything in the holder came out. We upgraded to stainless steel appliances so I got this. My husband loves that it has several sections which has helped us organize our tools. I highly recommend this piece."

Got storage underneath your bed? Here's an easy way to make your bedroom like 10 times nicer: just add a bed skirt to conceal any under-bed clutter. Sold in sizes ranging from twin to California king, it's made of super-soft, 100% microfiber and comes in a wide array of colors to match with the rest of your bed linens.

This generously sized over-the-cabinet-door basket organizer minimizes clutter by keeping all your hair styling tools stored in the same place. Three individual compartments hold curling irons, hairdryers, and straighteners, and it's constructed of steel wire so that you can safely put these items away even while they’re still hot.

This article was originally published on Feb. 11, 2023