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The 34 Most Impactful Home Upgrades Under $50 On Amazon

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by Julia O'Donnell
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
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Velvet emerald green armchair with orange pillow next to corner sofa and coffee table

When thinking about updating your home, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. While you can likely identify more than a few improvements from which your space could benefit — fresh paint, perhaps, or upgraded appliances — home renovations often require a lot of time, effort, and money, which can be enough to dampen anyone’s motivation. However, upgrading your home doesn’t have to be a hassle, or put a significant dent in your wallet. In fact, when used strategically, even relatively minor changes can make your space feel brand new. Feeling skeptical? This roundup features 34 of the most impactful home upgrades that you can get for under $50 on Amazon — try them for yourself, and you may be surprised by how much of a difference they’ll make.

While the items on this list vary in price and purpose, they all have one important thing in common: Each one was chosen for its ability to significantly upgrade your home, by making it more stylish, more organized, more functional, or all three. Whether you’re seeking innovative storage solutions or want your bed to feel more comfortable, you’re sure to find at least one product on this list that you’re excited about.

So go ahead and keep reading to discover the smart, small changes that will make a big impact on your home.

1A Set Of Two Floating Shelves With So Many Possible Uses

No matter which room you install these floating shelves in — kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, foyer — you'll likely be surprised by how big of an impact they'll make. Made of solid pine wood and black metal, the shelves will work with just about any style of decor, and are perfect for storing spices, toiletries, plants, knick knacks... you get the idea. Plus, one shelf even has a (removable rack) to hang towels, jewelry, and more.

2This Oversized Turkish Bath Towel That's Perfect For The Beach

Turkish towels, like this one, make ideal beach towels —compared to regular terry towels, they're much easier to fold up and stash in your tote, and the smooth cotton they're made with is also more absorbent, dries faster, and is less likely to collect sand. Available in 32 chic colors, this one is a particularly great option for beach days, because its generous 38-by-71-inch size means it's big enough to use as a blanket.

3The Mattress Topper With Almost 5,000 Perfect Five-Star Reviews

Upgrade any mattress with this best-selling mattress topper, whether you're using it in a kids' or guest room, or your own bed could use a boost. Made with plush, body-conforming memory foam, it's infused with temperature-regulating gel beads to keep you cool and comfortable throughout the night. "This is probably the best thing I've ever bought for myself," commented one reviewer — and over 4,700 others gave it a similarly perfect five-star review.

4An Ingenious Way To Make The Most Of Your Office Space

Make the most of your workspace with this ingenious desktop dry erase board, which is designed to fit perfectly between your computer and keyboard. Made of sleek, stylish, scratch-resistant glass, it's perfect for writing notes and reminders, and even has a built-in storage drawer underneath. It also comes with its own dry erase marker, which won't cause streaks or stain the glass board.

5An Essential Organizer For Anyone Who Curls, Straightens, Or Blow-Dries Their Hair

Once you own this hair tool organizer, you'll likely wonder how you ever managed to live without it. Featuring three deep compartments for styling tools and brushes — plus another compartment for products —it's a must for anyone with a perpetually messy bathroom counter.

6A Hassle-Free Way To Keep Track Of Your Keys

Most key racks require installation, and finding one that's stylish enough to display in your home isn't always easy. To sidestep the hassle, pick up these magnetic key holders, which replace the regular screws in your switch plate holder and hold even the heaviest keychains using ultra-powerful magnets. Sold in a pack of two, they're super discreet and couldn't be easier to install, and won't require you to drill any holes into your walls.

7This Gorgeous Bamboo Bath Caddy To Take Your Spa Days To The Next Level

Upgrade your at-home spa days with this gorgeous bamboo bathtub caddy. The caddy has space for all the essentials — books, bath oil, a wine glass, and more — and can easily be adjusted to fit the width of your tub. Bamboo is not only eco-friendly and naturally slip-resistant, but it also dries exceptionally quickly, which prevents the buildup of mold or mildew.

8An Essential Oil Diffuser That Doubles As A Nightlight & Humidifier

One of the most effective ways to adjust the mood in any room, this essential oil diffuser makes it easy to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy at home. Not only is it the simplest way to diffuse your favorite essential oils, but it also doubles as a nightlight and a humidifier. The quiet tank runs for up 14 hours between refills, after which it will automatically shut off.

9An Affordable Set Of Chef's Knives At A Can't-Beat Price

Whether your knives need to be replaced or you'd simply like to start fresh with a neat matching set, this kitchen knife set is an unbeatable buy. In addition to 11 knives of various sizes, the set includes kitchen shears, a knife sharpener, and a stylish wooden storage block; all of that, for less than $25. "So sharp you could do surgery with them," wrote one reviewer. "For the money, I'm simply amazed by the quality."

10A More Stylish, Hygienic Alternative To Your Standard Bath Mat

Sure, this bamboo bath "mat" looks super chic — but that's far from the only reason to love it. Beyond being one of the most eco-friendly natural materials, bamboo has a ton of benefits. It's naturally quick-drying, slip-resistant, and antibacterial — all qualities that tend to come in handy in a bath mat. "Will never go back to a fabric bath mat," commented one reviewer. "It’s well built, sturdy, and feels so much more hygienic."

11This Popular Down-Alternative Comforter With Over 10,000 Glowing Reviews

It's difficult to overstate how strongly Amazon reviewers feel about this down-alternative comforter. In over 10,000 glowingly positive reviews, fans say it's lightweight yet warm, stays soft after repeated washes, and compare it to "sleeping on a cloud." Plus, it's smartly designed with loops at each inner corner, so it won't constantly get bunched up inside your favorite duvet cover. Another added bonus is that the box stitching keeps its fill in place, so it always stays fluffy. And, it can be washed in the machine.

  • Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, Oversized Queen, King, California King, Oversized King

12An Adjustable Organizer For Your Food Container Lids

If you're like, well, most people, then you already know the struggle of keeping the lids to food containers neat and organized — unless you have this nifty lid organizer, that is. Designed with a sturdy plastic tray equipped with five adjustable dividers, it can fit any lid that's up to 9 inches wide.

13Two Fluffy, Premium-Quality Gel Pillows — For Less Than You'd Usually Pay For One

These gel pillows have earned a stellar reputation among reviewers, who collectively gave them nearly 3,000 perfect five-star reviews. Each one has a soft, breathable cover made of 100 percent cotton, with hypoallergenic poly-gel filling that reviewers say feels cloud-like. "You could spend $30, $50, $70 on a pillow, but I don’t see how you could really improve on this," wrote one reviewer.

14A Set Of 18 Glass Food Storage Containers For Under $40

Made of durable borosilicate glass with leak-proof, airtight lids, these stackable food storage containers are great for storing leftovers, pre-prepped meals, and more. Plus, since borosilicate glass is oven- and microwave-safe, you can even reheat leftovers directly in the container. The 18-piece set (it comes with nine containers and nine lids) includes containers of various shapes and sizes, making it easy to store any type of food neatly.

15A User-Friendly Electric Kettle That's Both Practical & Stylish

Streamline the process of making pour-over coffee or hot tea with this retro-chic electric kettle. Not only is it quick and easy to use, but it has tons of useful features, including automatic shut-off, cordless pouring, and more. Plus, the stainless steel exterior will look super stylish sitting on your counter.

16A Sturdy Cookware Rack To Keep Your Pots & Pans Organized

By storing your pots and pans vertically with this stainless steel cookware rack, you'll not only save kitchen space, but your pots and pans will always be organized and accessible. The rack's five shelves can be adjusted to fit your pots and pans perfectly, and while you do have the option of mounting it to the wall with screws, reviewers say it stands up just fine on its own.

17These Sheets That Are As Soft & Breathable As Your Favorite Worn-In T-Shirt

As soft as your favorite worn-in tee, this jersey sheet set will instantly upgrade any bed. The set includes a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and two pillowcases, all made of soft, lightweight combed cotton. Choose from a range of muted, heathered hues, including charcoal, oatmeal, and a pretty sky blue. "Super soft and snuggly, without being too hot," reported one reviewer. "I feel like I’m being wrapped in a super soft, stretchy, oversized T-shirt."

18An Easy & Attractive Way To Store Tea Bags

If you know the struggle of a constantly-expanding collection of tea, you need this ingenious tea bag organizer. Specifically designed to hold individually-packaged tea bags, it makes it easy to keep all your different brews organized and accessible — say goodbye to your cabinet full of near-empty boxes and tins.

19A Giant Faux Sheepskin Rug That Makes Any Space Feel Cozy

Layer rich texture and color into any space with this luxurious faux sheepskin rug; generously sized at 4 by 6 feet (but sold in other sizes and shapes), it will work well on floors, couches, or even a bed. It's earned the resounding approval of Amazon shoppers, who gave it more than 1,200 perfect five-star reviews. Choose from five different sizes in a variety of colors, ranging from classic black or white to an electric shade of turquoise.

20These Discreet LED Lights That Turn On & Off Automatically

Not only will these LED lights provide added visibility in dark hallways, bathrooms, and kitchens, but it'll do so without taking up a precious outlet. They're designed to easily attach to any existing outlet — no installation required — and are virtually invisible when they're not on. At night, a motion sensor detects when you're walking nearby, and it'll automatically turn on to light your path.

21The Cast Iron Dutch Oven That Reviewers Can't Stop Raving About — & It's Surprisingly Affordable

Despite being almost shockingly affordable, reviewers say this popular dutch oven measures up to its more expensive competitors. Garnering nearly 2,000 positive reviews, it has an impressive average rating of 4.7 stars. It's made of solid cast iron with a sleek enamel finish, and comes in your choice of four colors: blue, red, green, or white. "Not only does it cook evenly without burning but it is so easy to clean," reported one reviewer.

22These Stylish Woven Baskets That Have So Many Practical Uses

Pick up a few of these woven baskets, and you'll have a stylish, practical storage system for a wide variety of items — think towels, linens, blankets, toys, hats, gloves, and more. They even make excellent planters! Made of cotton rope and tightly woven seagrass, the baskets can be thrown in the washing machine for easy cleaning (just be sure to use the delicate setting).

23An Organizer Box That Hides The Tangled Mess Of Cables Near Your Power Strip

Whether your goal is to protect curious pets or kids, or you simply want to hide an eyesore, this cable organizer box offers an ingenious solution. Designed to hide the messy tangle of cords that tends to form near a power strip, the box snaps open and shut so that you can easily access your cables whenever needed.

24A High-Pressure Shower Head That's Effortless To Install

Amazon reviewers can't stop raving about this shower head — garnering over 2,700 perfect five-star reviews, it has an impressive average rating of 4.7 stars. Highlights include its high-pressure water stream, which is designed to feel like tropical rain, as well as its sleek, luxe look and tool-free installation. "This makes waking up in the morning even better than getting that paycheck," one reviewer joked.

25A Sanitizing Device That Eliminates The Harmful Bacteria Living On Your Toothbrush

Millions of bacteria live on your toothbrush — if that fact makes you squeamish, this toothbrush sanitizer is for you. The device uses UV technology to sanitize up to four toothbrushes at once, eliminating 99.9% of potentially harmful bacteria in minutes. Plus, it also keeps your toothbrushes tucked away and organized, and even has a built-in toothpaste holder.

26This Popular Plug-In That Makes The Most Of Your Wall Outlet

Make the most of your wall outlet with this nifty plug-in — not only does it add four additional AV outlets and two USB ports to any standard wall outlet, but it also doubles as an LED nightlight. The device has a stellar reputation among Amazon reviewers, who gave it more than 1,500 perfect five-star reviews, resulting in an impressive average rating of 4.7 stars.

27Two Luxe Satin Pillowcases That Are Gentle On Your Skin & Hair

While sleeping on satin will make your bedtime routine feel more luxurious, these satin pillowcases have several practical benefits, too. As it turns out, synthetic satin actually provides all the same benefits as a genuine silk pillowcase, which includes less breakage, tangles, knots, and frizz (plus, no more creases on your face when you wake up). Sold in affordable packs of two, the cases come in your choice of 15 gorgeous colors.

28A Set Of Bamboo Cutting Boards & A Matching Bamboo Stand

There's so much to love about this set of three cutting boards. For one, they're gorgeous, and will look stylish sitting on their matching stand on your countertop. They come in three sizes, ensuring you'll be prepared for any project, large or small. Plus, they're made of solid bamboo, an eco-friendly material that's naturally quick-drying and antibacterial.

29A Slip-Proof Rug Pad That Makes A Drastic Difference

Place this slip-proof pad under any area rug, and you'll never have to worry about it sliding around on the floor again. While the idea itself is not particularly original, what sets this one apart is that it actually works, at least according to nearly 3,000 glowingly positive reviews. "This is, by far, the best rug grip product I have ever purchased," one reviewer commented. "It surpasses anything you can buy at the store."

30An Adjustable Rack To Hold The Lids To Your Pots & Pans

This adjustable storage rack will not only keep the lids to your pots and pans neat and organized, but it also makes everything it's holding far easier to view and access. Plus, since the position of the rack's seven stainless steel dividers on the base can easily be adjusted, you'll be able to fit all your lids of varying sizes and widths.

31A Memory Foam Pillow That's Designed To Align Your Spine & Ease Chronic Pain

The orthopedic, curved shape of this memory foam pillow is ergonomically designed to align the spine and help ease pain and soreness in the neck, head, and shoulders. And, according to reviewers, it actually works — fans say it's "so comfortable" and "amazing," with thousands of shoppers awarding it either four or five stars.

32A Sleek, Discreet Way To Store Your Toilet Paper

Extra rolls of toilet paper are a necessity, but they're not usually something that you're trying to display. With this sleek, stylish toilet paper holder, you can keep backup rolls hidden, but still conveniently accessible when you need them. "I never knew you could make something that held toilet paper look so good," commented one reviewer.

33This Ingenious Organizer For Your Collection Of Sunglasses

If you're someone who owns a pair of sunnies for every day of the week, it's worth investing in this sunglass holder to keep your collection neat and organized (not to mention to protect your favorite pairs from getting crushed!) Made of clear, easy-to-clean hard plastic, its five tiered shelves can hold up to ten pairs of shades.

34An Easy Way To Turn Any TV Into A Smart TV

You can use Amazon's best-selling Fire TV Stick to stream from platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO, store games and apps, watch YouTube videos, and even surf the web. The device also comes with an Alexa-enabled remote, so you can control your TV using only your voice. Plus, installation couldn't be easier: just plug the Fire Stick into your HDTV, then plug the attached cord into any wall outlet. Yep, that's it.

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