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15 clever, affordable upgrades to make your home feel new again
By Nora Colomer
Published February 13, 2026
Give old stuff new life with smart, simple upgrades. (iStock)
When the urge to update your space hits, a few affordable fixes can revive the things you already own. From a brightening grout pen to a knife-sharpening kit, these small upgrades deliver noticeable results without the cost or hassle of a full remodel.
Kitchen and bath upgrades
Small fixes in kitchens and bathrooms can make high-use spaces look cleaner and more polished in an instant.
Grout pen: $10.98
Brighten stained grout with this handy pen. (Lowe's)
Make tile and backsplashes pop again with this Miracle Sealants grout pen. This quick fix tackles stained or mildewed grout and dries in under an hour. A single pen also covers up to 175 feet, so you'll get so much bang for your buck.
Adhesive under-cabinet lighting, 2-pack: $16.99 (37% off)
Original price: $26.99
These affordable lights bring a modern upgrade to any kitchen, closet or shelving unit. (Amazon)
Brighten a dark kitchen or closet with this rechargeable light. It mounts to the wall with either adhesive strips or built-in magnets, keeping your walls drill-hole-free. The motion sensor turns on when it detects movement and turns off after 20 seconds, but you can also switch it to always-on mode for continuous light.
Clear plastic drawer organizer set: $17.99 (10% off)
Original price: $19.99
Tame clutter to upgrade your drawers from messy to neat. (Amazon)
Clearing the clutter from high-traffic areas can make your entire home feel brand new. This clear plastic organizer set comes with 25 stackable bins in four sizes. It's perfect for organizing everything from kitchen utensils to makeup.
READ MORE: Bathroom upgrades under $150 that look more expensive than they are
Knife sharpener: $17.99
Give old knives a new life with a sharpener. (Amazon)
Dull knives don’t need replacing—they just need sharpening, and this affordable sharpener gets the job done. The three-slot system repairs, sharpens and polishes blades in seconds, while the non-slip base keeps things steady. Bonus: It comes with a cut-resistant glove for added safety while you work.
Dishwasher cleaning liquid, 4-pack: $17.54
Original price: $19.52
If your dishwasher smells weird, it’s probably time for a clean. (Amazon)
Skip a pricey dishwasher replacement and use this cleaning liquid every three months instead. It clears out the grease, gunk and hard water buildup that can lead to odors, clogs and poor performance. It works with standard, older and compact dishwashers.
Carpet and upholstery upgrades
Give worn rugs, sofas and chairs new life with simple tools that lift stains and smooth fabric.
Fabric shaver: $8.97 (40% off)
Original price: $14.99
Shave fuzzy fabric to make it smooth and like new again. (Amazon)
Fuzzy, pilling furniture doesn’t stand a chance against this fabric shaver. The handheld, battery-powered tool quickly removes lint and fuzz from couches, chairs, ottomans and more. To use it, simply twist the dial to adjust the blade height, swipe over the fabric and empty the built-in lint catcher. It’s compact and helps worn upholstery look new again.
Shark CarpetXpert with Stainstriker machine: $299.99
This heavy-duty cleaner tackles big messes fast. (Kohl's)
Clean carpets can totally change how your space looks and feels. If you're dealing with deep-set dirt or lingering pet smells, the Shark CarpetXpert with Stainstriker is worth a look. It uses a combination of high-pressure spray and strong suction to pull up stains. It even has a built-in spot cleaner to handle stairs and upholstery. The dual-solution stain remover kicks in on contact, and carpets dry quickly without getting overly soaked.
Bissell Little Green machine: $109.99 (15% off)
Original price: $129.99
This portable cleaner is what you need to tackle pet messes.
For everyday messes, Bissell's Little Green Machine is a lifesaver. Spot-treat smaller disasters like pet stains on the sofa, spilled juice on the rug or muddy paw prints in the car with this compact but powerful machine. Just spray, scrub and suction. Another major plus: It has a 48-ounce tank, so you won’t have to refill it constantly.
Living room upgrades
Add accents like plug-in wall sconces and mirrors to quickly refresh your living room without replacing furniture.
Battery-operated wall sconces: $29.99 (50% off)
Original price: $59.99
These rechargeable sconces add stylish lighting – no rewiring required. (Amazon)
Wall sconces can instantly elevate a room, and these deliver the look without hardwiring. The rechargeable, battery-powered design is bright enough for reading and includes a dimmer to adjust the glow. You won't need an electrician, though installation does require drilling a small mounting hole.
READ MORE: Floor lamps under $150 that instantly brighten up your home
Peel and stick molding: $7.99 (11% off)
Image text: $8.99
Get the look of custom trim without a contractor. (Amazon)
Add instant polish with peel-and-stick molding. The adhesive backing makes it easy to install yourself, turning plain walls into something that feels custom.
Oversized floor mirror: $39.99 (25% off)
Original price: $52.99
A full-length mirror reflects light and makes your space feel bigger. (Amazon)
This oversized arched floor mirror adds height and drama while giving you a full-length view before you head out. It also helps brighten a room by reflecting natural light. Lean it against the wall or use the built-in stand for flexible placement.
Cord covers: $16.79 (16% off)
Original price: $19.99
Hide messy cords in plain sight. (Amazon)
Small fix, big impact. These floor cord covers conceal unsightly wires to create a cleaner, safer space. Each strip covers up to six feet and can be trimmed for a custom fit.
Decorative light switch cover: $11.99
Swap outdated switch plates for an instant refresh. (Amazon)
Updating light switch plates is a small change that can noticeably elevate a room. These zinc alloy covers feature a subtle sunken pearl border and install for a quick, low-effort upgrade.
Pillow covers, set of 4: $17.99 (20% off)
Original price: $22.49
Give your sofa an instant refresh with new covers. (Amazon)
Refresh a tired sofa in minutes by swapping in new throw pillow covers. This neutral set of four soft chenille covers works year-round and pairs easily with most decor. Keep an extra set on hand to rotate and wash, so your space always looks clean and fresh.
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Sofa slipcover: $62.99
Get more out of your couch with a quick-installing sofa cover. (Amazon)
A new couch is pricey, but this stretchy slipcover isn’t. This one hides stains, fits snugly and comes in tons of colors to match your space. Assembly takes under 10 minutes and it can be tossed in the washing machine whenever the kids spill or the pets bring mud in.
If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can get these items sent to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today.
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