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Invest In Your Nest: 44 2025 Home Upgrades That’ll Pay Off In Comfort And Value
Spend a little, get a lot.
1.
A plug-in wall sconce that’s powered by an electrical outlet, because not all of us can or want to hire an electrician to install a more permanent light fixture. It’s also got a dimmer.
Promising review: “These lamps are perfect for over the bed. They have two switches. One is on the base to dim them, and then a lower switch is needed for when you are tired and don’t want to reach that high! Perfect!” —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in black or gold, and in packs of one or two).
2.
Or a plug-in wall sconce with a fabric lampshade if you’re looking for something with a softer aesthetic.
Promising review: “We wanted to get rid of the large lamps we were using because the bedroom is small, and we didn’t want to spend a lot of money. These are very easy to install and the price is great. Everything arrived in perfect shape and we love that the switch is on the base and not on the cord, that way we can use decorative cord covers. The swivel makes it nice to move into the perfect position. I might purchase another set for our guest room.” —VWBugGeek
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $49.99 (available in three colors).
3. Some pre-made wall panels to elevate your walls to the next level. The only things you need are a nail gun and glue (or Command strips if you’re a renter) to get the look.
Reviewers attached these in different ways, with some just using mounting tape in apartments for no damage to walls. Others installed them on doors and kitchen islands!
Promising review: “Moldings came in well-packed and quickly. It was super easy to install. Used White Lightning Speed Grip to adhere the panels. These panels gave a high-end look to an otherwise drab wall and peninsula. So classic and affordable and it will never go out of style!” —JM
Get a single panel from Amazon for $10.15+ (available in sets and 17 sizes).
4.
An automatic soap dispenser that also tells you the temperature. This is a game-changer if you’re short on countertop space because it mounts to the wall *and* it keeps soap dispensing tidy.
5. Satin nickel switch plates because good design is in the details. Walls can be so drab, and this is basically a snazzy accessory to jazz yours up.
Amazon
Promising review: “Feels quality, not flimsy. Installed in a bathroom and adds a nice classy vintage touch to my switch. The metal is not highly reflective, closer to a brushed look. Great for disguising fingerprints and blends in with other non-reflective metal hardware. When the light switch is frequently the first thing someone looks at and reaches for in a room, having a quality cover like this gets noticed and enhances a room very easily. I can’t believe I’m still writing about how much I enjoy a light switch cover.” —Tom Generic Dude
Get it from Amazon for $6.75 (also available in a switch plate cover design and a combo design).
6.
Some antique-style brass cabinet pulls to make your existing cabinetry look new. One of the most dramatic ways to change the look of drawers and cabinets is to swap out the hardware, and it’s soooo easy.
Promising review: “These are so nice and heavy. Such great quality for the price. They look amazing on the kitchen cabinets. I would recommend these for sure!” —Kindle Customer
Get a pack of 10 from Amazon for $15.35+ (available in different quantities, styles, and finishes).
7.
A roll of wood grain tape if you have one of those big frameless mirrors in your bathroom and want to take it up a notch. Instead of ripping it out and replacing it with something expensive, use this tape to frame it.
Promising review: “Where do I start? I absolutely LOVE this product. I wanted to replace our bathroom mirror, but due to the size, it would have cost a lot! I came across this on Amazon and decided to give it a try. The application process was super easy and applied without bubbles as long as you go slow and rub it down as you go. I kid you not. It looks like wood and feels like it, too! You can feel and see the ‘wood grain.’ It’s absolutely stunning and looks like I bought a whole new mirror.” —Taylor
Get it from Amazon for $7.98.
8.
Some rechargeable motion sensor under-cabinet lights to perfectly illuminate your kitchen and bathroom. After a full charge, the these can last for about three hours if left on, or up to four weeks if they’re on motion sensor mode and activated up to 10 times per day.
These have a built-in magnet that’ll stick on most metals, or you can use the included adhesive tape to tape them onto an existing surface.
Promising review: “These lights are so worth it. I have a closet with no light in it, and I installed these in maybe two minutes flat, and it has completely fixed my disdain for the previously dark and disorganized closet. If you think you need these, you probably do.” —HD
Get it from Amazon for $19.78+ (available in two sizes and in warm or white light).
9. Or these stick-on track lights if you want a continuous glow, not a spotted one. They’re remote-controlled and dimmable, and you can set a timer so they shut off automatically. They plug into a power outlet, so you never need to worry about the battery dying.
It includes a remote that can adjust the brightness.
Promising review: “This is a wonderful product; just what I wanted. It’s super easy to install, and I love that it breaks off into sections so you don’t have any hanging over to hide. The remote is awesome, and there are lots of brightness settings. I’m going to use these everywhere!” —Queen Halloween
Get the six-piece kit from Amazon for $16.79+ (available in three light colors).
10.
A roll of peel-and-stick floral wallpaper for upcycling an existing piece of furniture. If you have a cabinet that’s looking a little tired, consider putting something pretty on the inside to jazz it up a bit.
Promising review: “I bought this to line the inside of an old cupboard. Once I got the hang of the peel-and-stick, it went on nice and looks really nice. Love the floral pattern! Feels like good quality. Good adhesion.” —Cindy W.
Get it from Amazon for $4.89+ (available in two colors and six sizes; be sure to clip the 30% off coupon for select sizes).
11.
A roll of peel-and-stick wallpaper in a subtle black-and-white pattern that will add a bit of modern drama to wherever you install it. An easy DIY win that will instantly upgrade your space.
12. Velvet slipcovers if you have a sofa that has seen better days but is still really comfortable. Instead of splurging on a new piece of furniture, give it a facelift that will have it looking like it’s brand new.
There are separate cushions for the covers and straps, so the cover stays in place even after lots of usage.
Promising review: “I have never been so excited about a slipcover. Total transformation of our couch and loveseat. I was worried about it not working on our leather couch, but it stays on really well due to the straps and the separate cushion covers. LOVE.” —Brian/Liz
Get it from Amazon for $32.49+ (available in five sizes and 13 colors).
13.
A set of Beckham Hotel Collection pillows to replace your old pillows. These are big, fluffy, and soft, and everyone says it feels like you’re sleeping at a fancy hotel when you use them. Yes, please!
See them in action in TikTok user Aprill Mae’s video.
Promising review: “Due to packaging, they are quite flat at first. Laid them flat for a few hours. Shook and fluffed them up and was able to sleep like a baby last night. These pillows are heavenly. I say that because it feels as though you’re sleeping on a cloud. I slept with both. One under my head and one to hug. They stayed a comfortable temp all night long. The first morning, I didn’t wake up with neck, shoulder, and back pain in over a week and a half. I feel rested and refreshed.” —Amazon Customer
“These are THE BEST pillows! I’m a side/stomach sleeper and these provide the perfect amount of support for me. Exactly what I was looking for. I was a bit skeptical, given how inexpensive they are — I’m used to spending a lot on bedding — but I decided to trust the over 200,000 reviews, and I’m so glad I did. Highly, highly recommend.” —Irene Pope
Get it from Amazon for $47.99 (available in a queen size; be sure to clip the 20% off coupon).
14.
A satin pillowcase so smooth, it makes friction between your hair and pillow a thing of the past. Its luxurious feel not only pampers you to sleep but also helps keep bedhead and sleep creases at bay. And it looks so beautiful!
Amazon
Promising review: “I am blown away by the high quality of these affordable satin pillowcases. This is the third brand I’ve tried, and these are hands down the winners. The material is high quality and feels silky and durable (yet soft and supple). The stitching and zipper feel like they will last. (I will update if that is not the case.) They fit beautifully and look great. I am so impressed.” —Cathy H.
Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in 38 colors and styles, standard/queen and king sizes, and in singles or packs of two).
15.
An entryway storage bench if you lack a proper foyer with storage but still need a place to stash all your outside stuff. This has nine movable hooks, shoe storage (including tall boots), and a bench with a max weight capacity of 330 pounds.
Promising review: “I needed something not too large for my entryway, and this fit the bill perfectly. It looks great, feels sturdy, and was fairly easy to assemble. My family of seven has jackets, shoes, and bags on it regularly, and it is serving us well. I was a bit worried, given the relatively low price, that I would get low quality, but I was happy to find I was wrong. We love this coat rack!” —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $49.99+ (available in four wood and metal finishes).
16. A hidden storage box disguised as a beautiful collection of books. Now, instead of having your electronics and all their cords on display, they’ll be covered up by what looks like a top-tier curation of books.
Covogoods / Amazon Handmade
Before adding this to your cart, you have the option to customize it, including selecting from 14 lengths and 15 colors (including custom colors). The CovoBox is made from reclaimed books and sustainable wood.
Covogoods is a family-owned small business creating home decor in Utah!
Promising review: “I’m pretty sure I’ve never loved a purchase from Amazon as much as I love this one, and I’ve been a Prime member since Day 1. This product is EXTREMELY well made and very unique. Plus, it does the job of hiding the ugly routers and cords. And the customer service was great and responsive. I was a little hesitant to spend the money on this but after years of living with the husband’s pile of technology, the money was well spent!” —AmazonEmme
17.
Or a rustic wall-mounted entry organizer if you just need a place to stash your keys and mail. There’s also a little shelf if you want to keep your wallet or other essentials there too.
18.
An aesthetically pleasing wall-mounted hair dryer holder to give your hair dryer a home of its own (and free up drawer and cabinet space, while you’re at it). It comes in gold, black, or silver, so it’s sure to match any metal finish you have in your bathroom.
Amazon
See it in all its pretty glory in Teresa Caruso’s TikTok video.
Promising review: “I don’t have a lot of counter space so I wanted something to store my hair dryer. This works great and it matches my house beautifully!” —Amjohnson247
Get it from Amazon for $25.99 (available in three metal finishes).
19.
A belt rack that hangs right on your closet rod. Each hanger holds up to 14 belts and comes in three stylish wood finishes.
Amazon
Houndsbay is a small business based in Dallas, Texas making clothing accessory organization products.
Promising review: “I’ve had plastic/resin belt hangers before, and they always bend/break after very little use. This solid mahogany belt hanger really holds up. I also like that it has a bit of a lip on each of the belt slots to help retain the belt buckle. There has been no sagging or twisting, and my belts stay contained. It’s also been great for ratchet belts, which are sometimes harder to store.” —JON R.
Get it from Houndsbay on Amazon for $11.99+ (available in two wood finishes; be sure to clip the 40% off coupon for the mahogany wood).
20. A set of extra soft cooling bed sheets to give your bed an instant makeover. Nights spent under the covers will be so much nicer now thanks to this beloved bedding set (it has over 250,000 5-star ratings on Amazon).
Mellanni is a family-owned and operated small business in New Jersey that’s been making bedding since 2014.
This sheet set has over 250,000 5-star reviews.
Sets come with a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases (with only one pillowcase included in the twin size).
Promising review: “These are the real deal!! I found them from a TikTok, and my husband actually said after the first night, ‘Let’s just replace all of our sheets with these. They’re so comfortable!’ It’s a beautiful blue and white pattern. They wash well and breathe at night — I am always hot, but these stayed cool. Definitely buying more!” —Julia Monroe
Get it from Amazon for $34.97+ (available in sizes twin—California king and 45 colors).
21.
A pack of 16 solar-powered outdoor lights that clip right onto your balcony’s ledge. Nighttime on your balcony will be so much nicer when you have proper mood lighting.
Promising review: “Developed a garden on the apartment patio, and wanted to add some lights along the railing to give it some character. These solar lights are not too bright and were easy to install. All the lights work, which is great. Better than I could have hoped for. 👍” —KMF
Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in two colors and also a set of 20).
22.
A waffle weave blanket to give yourself a resort-like sleeping experience. Made from a 50/50 combination of cotton and bamboo fibers, it’s super great for hot sleepers because it’s breathable and absorbs moisture like no other. Plus, it looks great — so much texture!
Promising review: “This is the softest, most lightweight blanket, and I absolutely adore it! For me, it has the perfect amount of weight, so I feel cozy but not warm. I cannot deal with sleeping when I’m warm! I found this from an influencer (I wish I could recall who it was) on TikTok and bought it immediately … I’m so happy I did!!” —Ang Jo
Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in sizes Twin-Cal King and a throw and 19 colors).
23.
Or a two-pack of solar-powered outdoor lantern lights that require little to no maintenance on your part. Because they don’t require electricity, you can hang ’em and then forget about ’em.
Promising review: “My goodness, I did not expect to love these lanterns as much as I do. They are very, very good quality and display lots of light. I hung both of them between my small patio and English garden, and they provided enough light for both areas. I received them late afternoon, so they got about four hours in the sun. At 9 p.m., both came on like clockwork. I got up at 3 a.m. to check if they were still on, and they were as bright as ever. They are so dang cute and unique in my yard. I will be buying more. Love, Love, Love them.” —Dog Tailor
Get it from Amazon for $29.59+ (available in three styles).
24. A stick of Erase-A-Hole putty to cover up the holes in your wall caused by nails. It also works on wood and plaster!
Amazon
Promising review: “Recommended off TikTok and I love. I didn’t realize how many holes were in the walls until I got this product! Easy to use and good filling. Much better than a tub of spackle for small fixes.” —Leigh Helsel
Get it from Amazon for $14.97.
25.
A neutral rug with just a smidge of color if you have unsightly carpet and want to cover it up with something pretty. This is also a great hack if your existing furniture majorly clashes with the color of your carpet.
Promising review: “We were looking for a large area rug for our living room but didn’t want to pay an outrageous price. We were just looking for a temporary one until we replace the carpet. But we like this so much we may not worry about replacing the carpet for a while. Because it is such a large rug, I was worried that I would not lay flat. But after just a week or so, it all is laying flat. We laid it on March 20th. Today is March 31st, all nice and flat. I would definitely recommend this rug.” —Becki L
Get it from Amazon for $19.67+ (available in many sizes and seven colors).
26.
A pack of six furniture markers to cover up small nicks and cuts in your wood furniture and floors. Each kit comes with the most common wood colors (cherry, mahogany, walnut, black, maple, and oak) and matching crayons for easy filling when the damaged area is a little deep.
Amazon, amazon.com
Promising review: “I am thoroughly impressed! We have a 115-plus-year-old house, and we only have hardwood in our downstairs hall and den. We didn’t want to spend tons of money because we are probably going to be replacing the flooring in a few years. I’m actually still working on this as I’m writing this, but I am so impressed that I just had to write a review right away. The only ‘negative’ I have is that the colors are darker than the caps show, but it’s not a big deal. For the money, you can’t go wrong.” —Borg
Get them from Amazon for $8.99.
28.
A pack of artificial ivy leaves so you can bring the outdoors in, minus the bugs and dirt. Hang these on your walls for a backdrop or use them as window treatments for extra privacy.
29.
Or a pack of faux-cherry blossom flower vines to drape over mirrors, furniture, and really anything else you want to add some flair to.
30.
Some peel-and-stick floor tiles if you’re unhappy with the way your current bathroom or kitchen floors look. These are half an inch thick and made of vinyl, so they can withstand a lot of foot traffic. They’re also water-resistant and washable.
31.
A shelf floor lamp with built-in USB charging ports and electrical outlets, perfect for those of us who love a multifunctional piece of decor. Reviewers say these are great to use as side tables and nightstands, as they provide you with shelf space, light, and a place to charge your various devices.
Brightech is a small business in Los Angeles that sells indoor and outdoor lighting for the home.
Check out this TikTok on how to style it!
Promising review: “Obsessed with this lamp! It was so easy to put together and it adds such a nice warm ambience to the room! I love it.” —Beatrice
Get it from Amazon for $49.99+ (available in four colors).
32. A privacy window film to turn any window into a rainbow factory. When the light hits it, your space will be covered in rainbows. And when the light isn’t hitting it, it looks like ornate stained glass.
Promising review: “I can’t tell you how surprised and delighted we were at the rainbow effect this film has. I bought it to make a window overlooking the street more private, and I thought I would appreciate seeing the rainbow colors on the window itself. But then when the light was shining on it at the right angle, it cast these beautiful rainbow colors on the wall. So I bought a second roll to put on one of our master bedroom windows that overlooks our neighbor’s patio so I don’t have to draw the curtains. In the morning now, the light comes in at just the right angle to pass through the rainbow prism and cast beautiful rainbow colors on the wall.” —J.B.
Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in 11 sizes).
33.
A set of special shelves for showing off your favorite books. These literally make it look like your books are floating on the wall.
Amazon, Kayla Boyd / BuzzFeed
From BuzzFeed editor Kayla Boyd: “I love my floating bookshelves because they save a lot of space, and since I colorized them, they look like fun decor in my room. It definitely helps me get excited about reading more since they’re so cute and visible. The shelves were also super easy to hang, and, as you can see, they’re very sturdy.”
Promising review: “These are so much fun! We ordered the small size, which fits standard hardback books (approximately five to seven hardbacks in my experience). They’re a great way to add some extra storage to our very small home, and we’ve placed them in our hallway so people ask us about them all the time. I’d highly recommend!” —LaBuenaVidaMere
Get it from Amazon for $11.50+ (available in small or large and in sets of three).
34.
A mold-resistant white grout pen to cover grout stains with a fresh coat of waterproof white paint. Each pen can cover up to 150 feet of grout.
amazon.com, Amazon
Be sure to clean your grout beforehand, as this pen covers stains that will be easier to cover if the surface is clean.
There are 11 different grout colors available: white, winter gray, light gray, gray, dark gray, black, ivory, cream, beige, brown, and terracotta. You can view all the colors here.
Promising review: “I have 12-inch white tile in my whole house that is 20 years old. Even though I kept it looking nice, the grout still was getting dark. I cleaned the grout and let it dry well until the next day, then used the grout pen. It looks like it is brand-new. One thing that I found out was that if the tip of the pen starts to look worn, you can just pull it out and turn it over — it is the same tip on both ends. It will take some time to do the whole house, but it looks so great that I will just do a section at a time ’til I finish. One other thing that I did was run my finger down the grout line after I applied the grout pen, then wipe down the tile line with a paper towel so no other cleanup was necessary.” —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in a narrow or wide tip).
35. Some velvet curtains if you need to filter light but don’t want to sacrifice style. These are very good at providing privacy and darkening the space.
Please note that these are sold per panel and not in a set of two.
Get a closer look at these in this TikTok from @happilyinspired.
Promising review: “Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!!! I did a lot of homework on finding the perfect curtains for our new home addition. I needed a lot of them, something pretty, full, and good insulation. It could get very expensive. These were more than I could have wanted, and at such a great price…I ended up getting the longer ones because they cost less (I needed 12 panels). As a result of longer ones, they are fuller on the bottom, look so lovely, and I get all the compliments. My mom is a designer and I grew up being particular about fabric and how things are made, these are well-constructed and have gorgeous lining, lots of detail put into these, thank you!! Also, they are true to color ;)” —Mrs
Get a panel from Amazon for $48.81+ (available in 31 colors and nine sizes).
36.
Some floating shelves to install in your bathroom to give your pretty things a place to shine. Most bathrooms just have a few towel rods, so installing these will give you plenty of opportunities to show off your gorgeous candles, ceramics, and hand towels.
Promising review: “These shelves are so beautiful! My bathroom doesn’t have a counter around the sink so this is perfect. It is modern and sleek and the wood and cast-iron shelves are very well built and sturdy. I was surprised that these are such high quality considering the price.” —Vincent
Get a set of two from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in seven finishes).
37.
A super slick motion-activated trash can so you can hide your trash away when it’s time to throw it in the garbage. Reviewers swear that the sensor isn’t delicate enough that it would open for a curious cat or someone just walking by. The lid is also waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about water splashes from the sink or shower getting into the trash.
Check it out in Julianna Christensen’s TikTok video.
Note: it’s powered by two AA batteries (not included).
Promising review: “I love this trash can because no one will ever see the trash I put in my bathroom trash can. When I put my hand above the sensor, it opens so discreetly and gently, and stays open for a few seconds then gently closes. The outside is absolutely beautiful. I know it’s just a trash can, but in my bathroom it looks like a cute piece of art.” —Dawn
Get it from Amazon for $22.49+ (available with gold or gray detailing and in two sizes).
38. A rust-removing spray that’ll save even the most disgusting shower surrounds. It’s specifically formulated to cling as it dissolves the toughest rust stains on contact. Just spray it on, give it a few minutes, and then wipe away years of rusty buildup. It’s that easy.
Promising review: “Used it on our tubs, toilets, sinks, and shower. Compared it to the It Works Bathroom you can get at The Dollar Tree. It took one bottle of this stuff to achieve the same result as three bottles of the It Works. I will buy this again, hands down. I tried the powder, which was good for scrubbing and soaking the tub, but the spray was fantastic for the shower and sink. Just spray, walk away for a few minutes, and wipe/rinse.” —Carrie D
Get it from Amazon for $12.02.
39.
Some shelf dividers if you stack clothing and linens to the ceiling in your closet. Not only will it help keep the stacks upright, but now everything from towels to linens will have their own spot.
Promising review: “If you need to Marie Kondo your closet, this is really useful, and it looks really nice. I got the gray ones. Bought two to see how they were. Perfect. Bought six more. Loving it!!! Really recommended this product, ready to install and very sturdy.” —Nicolò R.
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $17.99.
40.
A fog-resistant, wall-mounted shower mirror to get that perfect shave every time. It has three different light settings, adjustable brightness, a little shelf to hold and hooks your razors, and a squeegee just in case it does fog up.
Promising review: “I ran across this mirror on another person’s TikTok. Once I received this and mounted it in my shower, it was amazing! It feels like a fancy hotel feature that was placed within my shower. I love the different light settings. On the downside, the mirror does fog up frequently due to the steam. Since the mirror comes with a wiper, that helps as a slight fix to that problem. Overall, I highly recommend this as a purchase for an elevated feature to your bathroom” —Shanel Mitchell
Get it from Amazon for $23.48+ (available in three colors; be sure to clip the coupons!).
41.
A set of removable tile decals that are specifically designed for stairs. They come in a roll just like tape, so you slap them on your risers and — boom! — you’re done.
Quadrostyle / Etsy
Quadrostyle is a woman-founded small business from Aussie designer Gabrielle Morabia. With operations based in Bali and an HQ in the south of France, Quadrostyle embraces all corners of the globe and takes inspiration from the traditional tiles found in the Mediterranean, Latin America, and Scandinavia.
Promising review: “It turned out amazing! And completely easy to install. It totally changed our space. We love it!” —jaclynnancekivell
Get it from Quadrostyle on Etsy for $15.90+ (available in six heights and matte or gloss finishes).
42.
A roll of peel-and-stick subway tile backsplash if your kitchen’s walls are blank and you want to give them an upgrade. These are extra great if you’re a renter — they don’t damage the wall at all if you ever need to remove them.
Promising review: “I’ve been wanting to try peel-and-stick tiles for a long time, and I’m so glad I found these for our kitchen facelift! They are so easy to apply and look amazing! I love that they are actual-size subway tiles as well! They’ve given our kitchen the last very important piece that it needed!” —April Grill
Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in 13 colors; be sure to clip the $10 off coupon).
43.
Some beautiful wall-mounted amber bottles that come with matching labels to decant your shampoo, conditioner, and body wash into. Pro tip: Use a leveler to make sure yours are evenly aligned.
You can see how one TikTok user styled hers in this TikTok video by Miriam Gin.
Promising review: “We have a narrow bathtub/shower with little space. I love this product, it’s so easy to install. I used a level to keep them aligned. Wait 24 hours before you use them. Great price, great quality, I highly recommend.” —Karen Kopecki
Get it from Amazon for $24.70+ (available in six different styles and quantities of one, two, or three).
44. And an under-cabinet lid opener so you never struggle to open a jar again. And because it mounts to the underside of your cabinet, it will be out of sight and out of mind when you don’t need it.
Promising review: “This thing is amazing. Saw it on TikTok, haha! I struggle to open things and this uses minimal effort. You wouldn’t know it’s under my cabinet.” —Carrie Comer
Get it from Amazon for $15.99.
Read BuzzFeed’s full EZ Off jar opener explainer.
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
