70 Common Mistakes That Make Your Home Look Tacky — & What To Do Instead

This is one of those Amazon gadgets that you didn't know you needed until you snag it. The Sleek Socket cord cover makes your outlets practically disappear into the wall, so you won't have to shift around furniture to cover up unsightly sockets full of unruly cords. The cover plugs into any ground pin down outlet, then its extension cord hides the sockets somewhere discreet — and it even adds a third socket, too!

This caulk strip has a stick-on adhesive design that’s easier to apply than messy caulk around tubs, tiles, and more. It’s also guaranteed to look straight and even with little effort, and it’s even water-resistant for bathrooms or sinks. Choose from seven colors to blend in with your space.

Dimly lit areas can be dangerous in addition to unsightly, but these motion-activated puck lights are a low-lift way to upgrade your space. The battery-operated lights feature a long run-time and installation with the included hardware or adhesive is easy, so you can put them anywhere that’s dim. The lights are also water-resistant, so they’re perfect for spaces like the bathroom or garage.

Give your space an instant glow-up by turning even the most mundane items — say, a bathroom bin — with an aesthetic alternative. But this trash can isn’t just about style, its motion-sensor technology makes it a more easy-to-use and sanitary option, too.

It’s pretty common to have stains from limescale and hard water build up in your toilet bowl, and this toilet bowl cleaner is the solution. It comes with an easy-to-wield handle and is made of a pumice stone that quick cleans the stains off the toilet bowl without scratching it. It’s odorless and requires no chemicals.

Window screens are the last line of defense in your home, so they can get a lot of dirt, bugs, or other grime on them if you don’t clean them. This mesh screen cleaner gently cleans the screens in your house, making it easier for you to see out your windows without damaging delicate screens.

If you have a screen with holes in it, there’s no reason to throw the whole thing out. This clever screen repair tape fixes the issue in just a few seconds, making the screen look so much nicer to continue doing its job of keeping the bugs out. The tape’s strong self adhesive sticks to any screen surface and stays put — just cut the right amount of tape, stick it on over the hole, and you’re good to go.

Bet your bathroom towels are due for an upgrade. And replacing your old, mismatched towels with this four-piece set of plush, hotel-quality towels is so much more affordable than it seems — the set is less than $45 in total. Made of 100% Turkish cotton, the towels have a double-stitched hem for durability, and their OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification means they contain no toxic chemicals. Get ready to sink into hotel-like softness every time you step out of the shower.

With stretchy top and soft felt bottoms, these leg floor protectors are easy to add and effective. Available in five sizes and a few colors, they don’t just work on round legs, they can stay on square or irregular legs, too.

No one wants to get pet hair all over their clothes after sitting on a couch — which is why this Chom Chom pet hair roller is heaven sent. Endlessly reusable, the roller just needs a few back-and-forth motions to pick up every strand of hair. Then, just press the button to open the chamber and release the hair into the trash. The roller won’t snag fabric, and it’ll eliminate your need for wasteful, single-use sticky sheets.

Don't you hate it when your rugs curl up at the corners and it seems like there's no way to keep them flat? This $10 Amazon solution might be the fix for you. The rug corner grippers adhere to the bottom of the corners of your rugs, not the floor, keeping the rug straight and flat without damaging your floors. They have built-in adhesive backings so they apply in seconds, they work on all rug thicknesses, and they’re only around $10.

Don’t let fingerprints, streaks, and other smudges leave your stainless steel appliances looking less than pristine. Shoppers love this cleaner and polish because they “love the fragrance on this and I was pleasantly surprised how well it works. I won’t be going back to the other cleaner,” one shopper wrote. With more than 15,000 five-star ratings, it is a tried-and-true favorite.

Uneven rugs are the worst — not only does a crooked rug make your space look less put together, but those slippery rugs can also be straight up unsafe. This rug pad gripper keeps those rugs firmly in place, and at no more than $10, it couldn’t be more worth it. The dual-sided pads add grip to both the rug and the floor, and even add a tiny bit of cushioning, too. Plus, it’s easy to trim to fit any size rug.

Thanks to four different layers of material to cushion, dry, and prevent slipping, this bath mat is the ideal alternative to those soggy older styles. It dries in seconds, but it’s still soft under your feet. The rubber backing prevents slipping, too.

Light the way at night in a much more subtle way with this motion-sensing night light for a soft glow just when you need it. It also has a dusk-to-dawn setting if you prefer, and it comes in a pack of two for less than $10 each.

Give your couch or bed an instant update for less than $20 with this textured throw. And since it’s machine-washable, it’s super easy to keep it looking fresh. Choose from dozens of colors (including a few patterns).

Isn't it shocking how messy the bathroom counter gets each morning? Just a few minutes getting ready and it looks like you need to deep clean. Or, you can keep the counter neat and tidy without spending time cleaning with this countertop organizer. The two-tier organizer fits all your most-used cosmetics and toiletries in a space that's less than 7 inches deep. It has sleek white bases with on-trend gold hardware, and it even works to organize other countertops, too, like in the kitchen.

Keep all those stacked bed sheets in your closet looking tidy and organized by storing them inside of these bags. Their clear walls make it easy to see where each set of sheets is stored at a glance, while the reinforced handles make them easy to carry around. Plus, they cost less than $25 for a pack of six.

Finally get a handle on those cords with this affordable storage box. The seven included cable ties also help to prevent tangles, while the the dividers inside are adjustable, so you could also use it for writing tools, batteries, and other odds and ends.

Getting rid of cable clutter is as easy as using these raceways to hide it in plain sight. The adhesive backing lets you mount them onto desks, walls, and more, while the roomy interior can easily fit up to 16 ethernet cables. Choose from three finishes: black, gray, or white.

Not only do glass food storage containers make your kitchen feel so much more elevated, but they also make your kitchen more sustainable by reducing your plastic use — and this means you can microwave food right in the container (how convenient). The glass meal prep containers in this 10-pack go for less than $4 each, so making the swap is probably more affordable than you thought. The containers come in two different sizes, and each lid has an airtight silicone seal.

When was the last time you thought about your shower curtain? If it's one of those noisy acrylic ones, a draping cloth curtain will make your bathroom look so much more elevated — and this linen option goes for less than $30. The curtain has beautiful embroidered detailing and tassels, giving your space a light, breezy look with practically zero effort. It even has a water-repellent coating, so it'll always look fresh and clean.

Another quick fix for a more elevated looking space — this four-pack of apothecary jars for the bathroom. They’re the perfect size for holding Q-tips, cotton pads, makeup sponges, and other small bathroom essentials, helping you get rid of eyesore packaging. The jars even come with both blank and pre-printed labels for accurate labeling, and the entire four-pack is no more than $10.

Food drips in the oven not only look less than stellar, but can also smoke up next time you bake. These oven liners will save you a lot of scrubbing because they’re nonstick and dishwasher-safe. Since you can cut them to size, you can even add them to air fryers, toaster ovens, and grills.

Thanks to its durable low pile, this floor mat is great indoors by the front door to stop dirt from coming in. However, it’s extra style points also make it a great option for all around the house including in front of the tub. Get it in two sizes, and in either black or beige.

Those soaps with the clownfish illustration on the bottle (you know the ones I'm talking about) are adorable and all — but if you want a truly elevated space, consider this soap and lotion decanter set. The amber bottles have a refined, vintage vibe, and they're made of a durable glass that can be washed and used over and over again. They'll help you save money on soap and reduce your single-use plastic consumption, too, since you can refill them with sustainably packaged soap refills or take them to your nearest zero-waste store.

That crummy plastic bottle your hand soap came in isn’t a great look, making this sleek dispenser a definite upgrade. It’s made from stylish glass — not plastic — and features a rippled pattern on the outside that makes it look like it cost way more than $12. Plus, the pump converts liquid soap into foam to help it last longer, which can help you save money over time.

It’s hard to get both sides of your curtains drawn the same amount, and when curtains are uneven, your space will look tacky. These tie backs are a great solution and make it simple to draw your curtains back when you’re not using them, so they sit evenly in your space. These work magnetically and can attach to your wall too, if you want them to stay in the same place. This is a set of four.

Instead of relying on “big lights,” adding multiple small table lamps is one of the most effective ways to instantly make your space feel cozier and more inviting. And this cordless table lamp gets you there even if you’re struggling with a lack of outlets. The lamp turns on with the touch of a button, which you also use to toggle between the three brightness settings. Its rechargeable battery lasts up to 48 hours, and its classic, vintage-y look is just the cherry on top.

Tired of constantly searching for the right lid or pan? This organizer makes it easy bu storing your cookware on its side, so you can clearly see each pan. The rods are adjustable, which makes this organizer also work great for cutting boards, sheet pans, and more. As an added bonus, you’re less likely to scratch delicate cooking surfaces, too.

Make the most of your storage space with these under-sink organizers that are backed by a 4.6-star overall rating after more than 7,000 reviews. Available in black and white, there are also alternative styles with pull-out drawers as well as differently sized top and bottom shelves that work well around plumbing.

Whip your drawers into shape in no time (and for less than $20) with this set of 25 plastic drawer organizers. That’s right, 25 pieces, so you can completely customize the layout of your newly organized drawers. The trays come in four different sizes, along with a sheet of silicone pads that you can peel and stick where needed, so the organizers won’t slide around in your drawers. While they’re great for keeping tidy your makeup brushes, lipsticks, and other small bathroom items, they work just as well to organize supplies in your office or kitchen drawers, too.

Blinds get grimy fast and those little details can make your home look worn, but these U-shaped sponges are great for cleaning hard-to-reach spaces. The sponges feature 11 groves that work their way into small crevices like window tracks, and they only need water to start working. Each sponge is super absorbent — just get it wet to make it pliable, and it’ll be ready to clean.

Achieving Marie Kondo-level polish just got a lot easier to achieve thanks to these drawer organizers. They come in four colors to suit your decor and two variations, one for small items like socks, ties, and underwear and another for longer items like bras or tanks.

It turns out that chips and scuffs in your wall paint aren’t difficult to remedy at all — in fact, these paint pens will get the job done in seconds. First, fill the syringe with your leftover wall paint; then, snap on the brush tip. When you twist the bottom of the pen, the brush will fill with paint so you can touch up any scuff marks in no time. After all, clean, even walls really do make all the difference.

From disorganized office supplies to toiletries, these storage pouches just may be the solution that you need. They have sturdy, structured walls to keep the contents secure. You can also stack them on top of each other to help save space in storage — and the clear tops let you see what’s inside without having to unpack them.

Stop battling unruly plastic bag containers and pick up this sleek sandwich bag organizer. With different slots for your bag sizes, it’s a space-saving, aesthetically pleasing way to give your drawers a little order. Plus, it’s backed by a 4.7-star overall rating after more than 1,000 Amazon shoppers have weighed in.

“Easy to apply, great value and durable,” says one Amazon reviewer of this caulk tape that’s easy to apply around the bottom of toilets, alongside the edge of your tub, or anywhere else you have gaps or poorly caulked areas. This option is clear, which will look seamless in your space, but you can also get this tape in white or black if they better match your bathroom, kitchen, or window frames.

Put a little of this gel on the interior of your washer’s rubber drum and let it sit for three to five hours. When the time has passed, grab a damp washcloth and wipe the drum clean. Given how easy it is for a washer to get funky and grow bacteria and mold, this is a game-changer and will keep your washing machine looking sparkling clean.

Wood furniture is undeniably stylish, but nicks, chips, and scratches are not. That’s where these wood markers come in handy. They come in six shades to draw over scratches and discoloration and blend in perfectly with your floors or furniture. This set also comes with crayons for bigger scratches.

A toilet brush is a necessity, but it’s not always the nicest to look at. This brush and holder set is the exception, though. An ingeniously shaped brush efficiently does its job, and when you’re done, just tuck it away into the sleek, wall-mounted holder (complete with a hands-free lid). It’s backed by a 4.5-star overall rating, so you know it’s not just a pretty face.

If you have stacks of toilet paper cluttered around your bathroom, then you need this genius storage basket. It looks so chic sitting in your bathroom and features a narrow design that can tuck between the toilet and the wall. It can fit up to nine mega rolls of toilet paper, so you’ll be set up.

Thousands of reviewers can’t stop raving about these discreet little gadgets that instantly fix those pesky loose outlets. Choose from packs of 10 or 20, and between clear or glow-in-the-dark iterations.

You can’t usually control what’s outside your window. But with this window privacy film, you can control how much of it you see. It allows light through your window while obscuring the view and also blocking 96% of UV rays, and it’s great on clear glass shower doors, too. The film installs with water and removes cleanly with no residue, and at no more than $10 for a 78-inch long roll, it’s super affordable, too.

Finally be able to find just the brush you were looking for and save tons of space while you’re at it with this makeup brush organizer. Dividers on the inside help keep all your brushes sorted, while the flip-top lid protects everything from dust. “It’s also great for travel,” raved one reviewer. “I just threw it in my suitcase and put it on the bathroom vanity when I arrived to the Airbnb!”

This dish-drying mat is made of thick silicone, with a lip to catch drips, but when you don’t need it, it can be easily rolled or hung up. Since it’s heat-resistant, it can also double as a trivet, and it’s dishwasher-safe to make getting it ready for reuse super easy.

It’s inevitable that water will collect around your faucet, but there are solutions for it. This faucet mat is made from an absorbent diatomite stone that looks super chic but also absorbs water so you don’t have to worry about moisture building up and growing bacteria or mold. It comes in three sizes and three colors.

Give your garage door a makeover with these highly-rated decorative garage magnets. This set includes two carriage-style accent handles and four hinges that easily attach magnetically to steel garage doors without additional tools or drilling. Made of durable UV, weather, and rust-resistant plastic, they promise to remain in place through the seasons.

Your shower will instantly look more organized and elevated with these shower shelves. They’re constructed from durable stainless steel that won’t rust or corrode, and provide a proper place to store shampoo, conditioner, and more. Best of all, these shower caddies are super easy to install via a sturdy adhesive that can support up to 20 lbs.

Inevitably, any cement or pavement around your house is bound to develop cracks. And those cracks look unsightly and can also destabilize the area. This liquid cement crack filler makes it simple to fill those gaps. This crack filler levels itself and dries gray to match most concrete. It also dries in just 30 to 45 minutes.

Declutter your closet by making use of vertical space with this clever hanger. It has a unique curved shape that makes it especially handy for hanging otherwise hard-to-store items like bras, tank tops, and other strappy pieces or accessories. Just one hanger can hold up to eight items.

When no amount of paint seems to make the bottoms of your walls look nicer, it may be time to try out this baseboard molding. Installation is a total breeze via the adhesive backing — no tools required. And with 11 finishes to choose from (white, black, faux wood, etc.), you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one to suit every room in your home.

This sleek trash can is more than slim enough to tuck next to a bathroom cabinet or toilet, and the motion sensor top ensures that it always feels clean. Simply wave your hand to toss makeup remover pads, floss, and other bathroom essentials that might end up on your countertop otherwise.

These outdoor solar lights are designed to look like sleek built-in lighting on your deck or patio. They’re waterproof, solar, and complete with a timeless design that will look elevated in any outdoor space. They’re even heat-resistant, and you can choose from classic white or color options.

When you need extra outlets, don’t let your counters and floors get cluttered with power strips and use this compact outlet extender instead. It features five outlets, and there are even options with USB-C plugs, too.

If you have multiple types of flooring in your house, whether that’s wood, carpet, tile, or laminate, this adhesive strip can make a rough transition between surfaces look so much better. It adheres to the floor and transitions you from one room to the next, hence its name. This comes in four different colors and three different lengths, so you match it to your space.

If you’re looking for easy ways to rid your home of pet hair, then you need this glove. The grippy surface latches onto hair, pulling it off your clothes, furniture, car seats, and more with no more than a gentle swipe. Once it’s too dirty to continue using, simply rinse it off in the sink for a quick clean.

Stop drips and mess around your sinks with these quick-drying stone trays. Available in two sizes and four neutral shades, they’re an easy way to tie your space together with minimal effort.

If your grout lines have seen better days but you aren’t quite ready to pay for a professional, try using this tool to recaulk them yourself. It features three tools built into one: an angled scraper, flat scraper, and silicone smoother. Plus, the scraper head is even made from tough stainless steel that won’t rust over time.

Give that crummy doorbell chime an instant makeover with this cover. The universal design makes it suitable for use with just about any chime — and it’s even made from high-quality wood rather than plastic. Plus, you can paint the exterior so that it matches your walls for an ultra-subtle look if you like.

Help keep the tops of your washer and dryer clean by covering them with this mat. The nonslip surface works to keep soap bottles from tipping over as your machines vibrate, while a lip running around the edge helps prevent pooling liquids contained. And if it ever gets dirty? You can rinse them under running water for an easy clean.

Using adhesive strips to hang picture frames can be ineffective and expensive. Luckily, these drywall hangers are a cost-effective alternative. Each one can hold up to 45 pounds, making them great for mirrors, picture frames, and everything in between. And unlike drywall anchors, you can use these hangers anywhere on your wall — no need to locate a stud.

Stained towels can make even the cleanest kitchens feel dirty, so opt for these affordable towels that come in more than 30 fun patterns. They’re made from absorbent microfiber that can hold more than five times its weight in water, making them great for wiping up spills, drying dishes, and everything in between. Plus, sewn-in loops make them easy to hang up.

Not cleaning your shoes when you enter a space is a surefire way to make the floors dirty. So invest in a good door mat, like this sturdy one from HIYARD which features a chic textured design that also lifts dirt from the bottoms of your shoes as you cross it. Choose from one of seven colors and five sizes to match your home.

Couch cushions that are always askew can make your living room look messy, so consider these strips that help keep them firmly in place. The adhesive is strong enough for indoor as well as outdoor use — and you can trim them to fit cushions of nearly any size using no more than a simple pair of scissors. Choose from two colors: black or white.

Don’t waste all that precious closet shelf space storing your hat collection. Instead, move them onto these racks. They mount onto walls to help save space — and every order includes adhesive as well as screws, so you have options when deciding how to install them. Each rack is also large enough to hold up to 15 hats depending on their size.

From scrubbers to soap bottles, this caddy has room for all of the items currently cluttering up your kitchen sink top. A diatomaceous earth pad underneath soaks up drips, drying within just 60 seconds to help keep everything mildew-free. Plus, the stainless steel frame is unlikely to rust over time.

Having your counters professionally redone can cost thousands of dollars, making this roll of contact paper a cost-effective alternative at just $25. It’s made from tough vinyl that’s water-resistant — so you can safely wipe it down with a damp rag whenever it gets dirty. Installation is also a total breeze, as the adhesive backing lets you press it right onto your counters, similar to how you would do with a giant sticker.

Giving outdated pieces of furniture a makeover is as easy as swapping out the drawer handles with these modern ones. They’re made from a durable zinc alloy, with a gold-colored finish that looks great regardless of whether your furniture has a light or dark finish. “Beautiful and well made knobs,” wrote one reviewer. “They really upgraded my cabinets.”

Place this little deodorizer in the back of your fridge, and it’ll absorb any unwanted odors in order to help keep it smelling fresh. It’s designed to last for up to 10 years — and there’s no need to replace any cartridges in order for it to stay effective. Plus, the stainless steel exterior is unlikely to rust over time.