52 Easy Home Improvements You Can Do Yourself

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22-05-2025

Try an oil stain remover capable of annihilating that grease stain that you thought made your garage or driveway a goner.
Promising review: "Changed the oil on my girlfriend's car and some oil spilled on my NEW driveway...which I didn't notice 'til four days later. Four spots all about the size of a dollar bill baking in the Arizona sun for four days. Put the stuff on (sits on the stain like pancake batter — don't be afraid to pour liberally) and let it sit from 6 p.m. 'til about 9 a.m. the next day. It dried, and the instructions said to just sweep the stuff up. It broke apart with the broom, and the stains were gone, just swept up the powder pieces — took about a minute. I WAS SHOCKED! Something that actually works on oil and it's easy. Absolutely NO sign of anything that was there. My driveway is smooth concrete, so I can't vouch for what would happen with a rougher surface, but whoever makes this stuff is a genius. If they tried to take on World Peace, Earth would be a better place." —AmazonBobGet it from Amazon for $17.97.
Slap a "frame" onto your bathroom or wall mirror with a roll of wood grain tape that'll make your space feel a bit more intentionally designed — even if you inherited a bunch of someone else's design choices.
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." —TaylorGet it from Amazon for $7.98.
Add magnetic garage handles and faux windows that'll bring some serious curb appeal to your home for an EXTREMELY small fraction of the price of getting some carriage-style doors. Seriously, just stick them on like you do magnets on a fridge. We're starting out very easy here, folks.
Promising review: "The magnets are super strong. Purchased two sets but only used one set of 'handles,' I wasn't a fan of how close I had to place each set next to each other with the narrow spacing on the door itself. Paired with the magnetic 'windows,' it looks like a brand-new door!" —MrsPirateGet them from Amazon for $17.30+ (available in several sets and variations).
Brighten an icky floor with a grout pen so you don't have to stare at the stained grout and imagine what it used to look like. Grout takes up a teeny bit of space but, as you can see from the pics, makes a huge impact!
Promising review: "We moved into our new home, and the shower had a really yellow grout. Cleaning didn't do anything, and I saw this grout pen online. What a saver! Otherwise, I would have just hired someone to replace my shower. I used this grout pen, and my husband was so impressed :D The tip loses its shape fast, but just pull out the TIP AND FLIPPED IT OVER, and you'll have a new tip." —jenniferGet it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in two sizes).
*Easily* install curtains with NoNo Brackets, aka curtain rod brackets that fit onto your existing blinds so that you don't have to fool with drilling any holes and having to spackle them later or (!!!) get charged when you move out of your rental.
Or if you're more than willing to drill some holes, put curtain rods 6–12 inches above the tops of your windows to make your ceilings feel taller.
Try out some concrete paint — it will take a bit of elbow grease to spruce up stained concrete patios or walkways but it'll make a HUGE difference without tearing up any hard surfaces.
OK, so painting your concrete patio may not sound like the easiest upgrade but if you're no stranger to painting and want a big impact, give it a try!Promising review: "Excellent, easy to use and clean up. My outdoor patio is a little rough and it took a full gallon to cover 200 sq feet." —RLBGet it from Amazon for $32.98+ a gallon (available in two shades of gray).
Make use of a bare closet door with a hanging shoe organizer with the potential to be the hardest-working organizer in your home. Those pockets are the perfect size for cold-weather accessories, tights, wallets, wound-up belts, and all kinds of stuff. I have one of these hanging in my coat closet, and I fit all kinds of stuff in it!
Fill and cover up unsightly holes with a drywall repair putty you can apply in a small circular motion before painting over it. Your security deposit just texted: "Hey, you up?"
Use a bottle of leather conditioner to revive your leather goods *even* as large as a leather couch or chair! Welcome to your next project while you catch up on the latest ep of your fave true-crime podcast!
Reviewers note that using this may darken the leather, so keep that in mind!Promising review: "Excellent product! So happy I tried it! I wore kitchen gloves and smoothed a thin layer of the product all over the couch, instead of using the cloth. Went way faster and I didn't waste product soaked up by the cloth." —KristieGet it from Amazon for $19.99.
Swap out one of those weird long pillows (sorry!) for a ~streamlined~ door draft stopper to keep the temps in your home just as you like them. It'll just look like a natural part of your door, so other decor design choices (like that cute welcome mat) can shine!
Promising review: "So easy to set up! All you do is peel tape and adhere to a CLEAN and DRY door. It also looks great. I don't even notice it. I had a huge gap under my door. I could smell and hear everything from the hallway. Smells, drafts, and sound all are less of an issue now." —Brit B.Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in four colors).
Maxed out your bookshelves? Mount a floating bookshelf as a clever excuse to display your to-read pile.
Promising review: "These are so much fun! We ordered the small size, which fits standard hardback books (approximately 5–7 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!" —LaBuenaVidaMereGet a set of three from Amazon for $29.43 (available in two finishes and two sizes).
Stick on a USB-powered LED light strip to help improve your TV-watching experience by bringing in a bit of ambient light to your personal theater.
Promising review: "Easy to install. Lights provide ample lighting; USB allows lights to be a standalone fixture without tying up another wall socket. The USB interface also acts to turn the lights on and off with the TV. Backlighting also seems to make the screen seem sharper." —ShaunGet it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in two sizes).
Cover up dings and discoloration on door frames and molding with some wood scratch cover so everything will blend in like normal. Also, it requires no sanding or refinishing! Cue to you on the prowl for more wood surfaces you can fix up.
And hide smaller scratches on your fave furniture with a set of wood repair markers. We love a repair instead of a replacement product!
Promising review: "I can't believe how well these work! Much better than I was expecting. I just had my home interior painted and the painters damaged a fiberboard medicine cabinet when they removed the masking tape. It ripped off the fake wood veneer. These markers completely filled in the ugly spots and the colors blended well. I love that it appears to have some clear coat in it too as it dries with a slight shine that makes it look more like wood stain rather than marker. I also used them to stain wood filler in two spots in my maple kitchen cabinets where a previous home owner had hung a paper towel holder and I really struggle to see the hole! It looks fantastic. I highly recommend this set. It's a good value and works very well." —ShaneGet a set of 13 from Amazon for $8.99.
Get to know this marble lookalike of self-adhesive film because maybe a bath remodel is not in the stars but you can fake a new countertop on the cheap. All ya' need is this and a bit of patience. It's also great for kitchen countertops!
String up some (truly easy) under-cabinet lights to bring a modern touch to any outdated cabinets that you wish you could replace. This'll instantly make your kitchen look *so* expensive.
Promising review: "I had my doubts but I thought, what the heck, for the price I'd give them a try. I am in real estate and known as a lighting snob. The first thing I look at in a kitchen if there is under cabinet lighting. These are so nice (it helps if you have a lip at the bottom of your cabinets) They are a true white, very bright, and I was lucky they were just the length I needed. I just ordered a set and had them shipped to my mom's as her halogen transformer which is buried in a wall, fried and I drives me nuts that the workspace on the counter is dark. I can't wait until I make the 250-mile drive to install them. I may buy more just to use at our listings!" —paulyGet a 10' strand with 60 lights from Amazon for $19.80.
Try out a weather-resistant cedar pathway you can roll out along garden beds or other paths where your family (including the members with paws) tends to tread and wear down the grass.
Swap in some matte-steel cabinet pulls for a modern touch to those cabinets that were likely installed when you were in kindergarten. Even if you don't consider yourself a handy person, this is a super easy DIY.
Hang up some fishing rod organizers for your garage door so you can actually park your car in there. Maybe even two! Can't you just imagine the "before" montage of you walking through the maze of garage sports equipment?
Hardware included for easy, no tool installation on standard garage doors. If the door is a hard insulated or wood door, self tapping screws are not included but can be shipped at no cost. Can also be installed on walls and ceilings. Give the inventor of these racks an award because they are damn clever!Promising review: "I have to say I'm pissed that I didn't come up with this idea first. Great product. It is a must-have if you fish and need space in the garage. Easy to install, works like a champ. I showed my neighbors and the reactions are all the same. OMG!!!!!" —DavidGet them from Amazon for $35+ (available in two sizes).
String up waterproof globe lights for a big style impact when hung along your roofline, draped on outdoor structures like a pergola, or just strung up solo so you can enjoy the lights *and* the stars.
And stake some solar lights along a walkway or pond right where you need 'em. Lighting is key for getting more use out of your outdoor space. Oh, and they look nice in the daylight too!
Spray on some rust-stopping paint that'll help you refinish tired metal furniture for a weekend afternoon project that'll have a substantial payoff. Just look at that zhuzhed garden gate!
And try some outdoor fabric spray paint (yes, you read that right) can refresh your outdoor pillows and cushions.
Put in a fresh new set of switch plates that'll help 'em blend into those (hopefully!) freshly painted walls, even if the landlord painted the switch plates to match (YOU CAN STILL TELL). Can you screw in a screw? Then you can handle this transformative swap.
And borrow a little air space above your go-to outlet with an outlet shelf *just* large enough for your electric toothbrush. If you've put on a regular outlet cover, you've got this!
FYI, it installs like a regular outlet cover. Of course, except with the wonderful shelf. Can also be installed so the shelf is below the outlet. Promising review: "I absolutely love this thing! I have much less clutter on my sink thanks to this. If there's anyone not sure if it will fit due to an object, all you need is 1.25 inches of space between the edge of your existing outlet plate and the piece of furniture. I have a GFCI with a standard wall plate." —Amazon CustomerGet it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in three colors).
Kick the blinds to the curb and get some privacy without the cord (it can be dangerous for kids and pets!) by applying a window film that'll still let in SO much light. I did this to my bathroom window and congratulate myself for it every day.
Promising review: "I have a weird skinny window in my house where no normal window covering works. People walking on our community trail can see up into our upstairs bathroom when the light is on and it's dark outside. Not a good plan at all. So I used this window film and cut different-sized circles and placed then on this window to interrupt the view into the house. Worked perfectly! Very easy to use." —MarsgardGet it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in ten sizes).
Or position a "stained glass" decal on front-door windows, transoms, skylights...the possibilities are nearly endless! It'll obscure the view into your home a bit without going whole hog like a blurred window cling that obscures the view on both sides. Also, it just looks really nice!
Up your curb appeal with a metal kick plate that'll spiffy up your front door and catch all kinds of shoe prints and scuffs.
Remove all sorts of stubborn rings that've been staring at you every time you're in the washroom using a pumice stone toilet bowl cleaner. Nope, you do NOT need a new toilet. Your OG just requires some zhuzhing.
Promising review: "OMG!!! It works!!! After having this toilet buildup, I gave up on everything, but I saw that this product 'worked' and decided to give it a try... with a little elbow grease and some music blasting in the background, I managed to remove it all!!! I can't believe it. I'm so happy. I was so embarrassed when company came over and would see that, not no more... yay!!!" —Asdrubal OrantesGet it from Amazon for $10.79.
And keep it looking brand-new with a miraculous automatic bleach toilet cleaning system, because you can't enjoy the first Saw film without thinking about cleaning. This gadget will send cleaner into your bowl with each flush!
It's super quick to install, and one cartridge can last up to three months!Promising review: "This is an excellent invention for keeping the toliet bowl fresh without a tablet that harms the flush seal. I was frequently replacing the seals in the tank but with this setup the seals last and last." —Awesome GuyGet it from Amazon for $19.27.
Cover up with interlocking teak tiles you don't need tools to install. That concrete patio slab is older than you, but it doesn't have to look that way.
Promising review: "Living in Hawaii you have to select wise items that are weather-, salt-, and red dirt–proof, etc... In total I ordered 11 boxes to complete my yoga deck. I have a few left over to make steps on the back. Very pleased and happy. May order more for an outdoor shower project!" —AdazzleGet 10 sq. ft from Amazon for $73.79.
Distract from an unsightly lighting chain or cord with an electrical cord cover that'll look like it's just part of the decor.
Promising review: "Easy to use, matches my wall color perfectly. Love the way it looks and how it hides my cords." —Devron Wall Get it from Amazon for $24.37 (available in 22 colors).
Attach a roll of faux ivy to ugly wire fencing or a railing with a view you don't love. Here's to a bit more privacy!
Promising review: "This is the second privacy screen I've purchased from Amazon. I have an area in my garden visible from the street. The screen hides all my gardening stuff (i.e. wheelbarrow, buckets, etc.). It truly looks like the real deal!!!" —sooozGet a roll from Amazon for $33.99+ (available in three roll sizes).
Use some stove burner covers to help you catch the mess right away on gas stovetops. Or just cover up some chipped or sorry-looking stovetops. (I live in a rental with a white gas stovetop that def has some unsightly chips on it, so I can relate!)
Psst, as you can see above, this set also comes with a crumb catcher where your stovetop meets your countertop!Promising review: "I've been using the foil ones and while they do the job, they're not so nice to look at. I like that this is black so it matches the original color of the appliances, but more importantly I like that this has a larger surface area to catch the drips that the foil ones never could before. They're also trim to fit, so they get right up into each burner without leaving gaps where drips can burn where it's hardest to clean. Time will tell if they're as durable/reusable as they claim. If they are, then I'll try to trim two of the spares to fit the center large burner. Overall recommended." —MichaelGet an 8-pack from Amazon for $10.99 (also available in silver).
And tackle other chips and marks with a container of touch-up paint.
Repair chips, dents, cracks, and other eyesores with a set of 13 wood fillers. Dog scratched up your hardwood floors? NBD.
Promising Review: "My partner and I recently bought a 140-year-old home with original wood floors and wood work throughout. We had the floors refinished to their original beauty, but the baseboards and stair risers were a challenge. They were pretty banged up over years of use, and, after the floors were redone, all the nicks and scratches just stood out that much more. Our floor guy tried staining them, but it wouldn't take. The floors themselves took nine coats of stain because they were so old. The painter tried using pens from a well known paint company, but they didn't work either. My partner found these and showed them to me. To our delight the pens worked incredibly well. It's like a magic marker for wood. I'm still amazed how well they worked. I ordered two more packages because I didn't want to run out. The pens last a long time. Our painter came back to do some minor touch ups, and I showed him what I used. He couldn't believe it. He said he was going to buy them to keep in his arsenal, lol! I Love this product. Thank you so much for making them!" —Danielle BucklerGet a set of 13 from Amazon for $8.99.
Mount a broom and mop organizer on a closet wall for a tidy "after" so you won't worry about an avalanche when you open that door. You know what I'm talking about.
Promising review: "Repeat customer! I purchased one to organize the garden tools (rake, hoe, cultivator, shovel, etc.) in our garage and by alternating the tops of the tools up/down, was able to fit them neatly in the holder. Liked it so much, going to install another next to it for the other items. The hooks are a nice feature to hold our gloves and a simple plastic bag to hold things when needed." —Rob C. Get it from Amazon for $14.97.
Clean lint out from your dryer after a winter of drying, well, cozy winter clothes with a special brush to keep your dryer's lint trap clear of debris and make drying cycles/the appliance more effective for longer.
Also, built-up lint is a fire hazard! Make this a part of your weekly cleaning routine.Promising review: "This brush is stiff but flexible enough to feed under my dryer's lint filter. Several weeks ago a trouble light came on that indicated the air flow in my dryer was becoming obstructed. I had the dryer vent and area under the lint filter cleaned. (Not much lint was pulled out, so maybe the dryer sensor gave a false alarm.) I felt a small investment in a brush such as this is better than paying for a future vent cleaning. I've been using it once a week and it picks up a little lint each time, but that's lint that won't have a chance to build up in the dryer vent!" —blueskysGet it from Amazon for $6.99.
Invest in an indoor-friendly hammock chair (you could also hang up on a covered patio) that'll give hanging out a new meaning. Add a throw pillow and you'll never want to leave.
"Roger, plz forward all my calls to the hammock."Promising review: "If I had to pick one product to stand by for all of eternity, it would be this swing. First of all, it's darling. We could start and end with its Anthro-Free People vibe alone. But those websites would sell it for an amount comparable to your mortgage and this little number is so ridiculously reasonable, it's almost wasteful not to buy it. You can buy a pair and not be stuck slurping ramen for the rest of the month. Also, this swing is like therapy. But cheaper. Pop in some ear buds, hop in, close your eyes and swing. YPhone ringing? Kids yelling? House on fire? Whatever. You're swinging." —Sincerely BeccaGet it from Amazon for $54.99.
Address bare spots in your lawn with some dog spot repair to urge grass to start growing again. This stuff will get new grass growin' in no time so you can get back to hosting BBQs.
Use a standing weeder (without the chemicals!) to help improve your view of your yard. You're not the only one who has trouble enjoying weed-filled scenery. And hey, while you're weeding with this there's no bending over! Your back will thank you.
Made with a bamboo handle and powder-coated steel, it uses a simple lever system to made weeding easy.Promising review: "Oh my god, I friggin' love this tool. I bought this on a whim given we bought our first house and know nothing about caring for a yard. Boy has it come in handy. Our new house had a ton of weeds in the front yard and this tool helped me get most of them out in no time. In fact, the process of yanking out the weed was strangely satisfying! I don't think anyone can say that weeding is fun but this tool made it as close to fun as you can get, especially when you see a long root along with the weed you pulled." —JGGet it on Amazon for $44.99.
Get a night-light for your bed that'll make you feel like you're staying at a fancy hotel as you step around that pile of clothes that fell off "the chair" in the middle of the night.
Promising review: "Great light strip. The motion sensor has a good range and then controls for time on and brightness are wonderful. The 3M tape on the back could be stronger, but for the price and motion sensor it is a great buy. Also we have this plugged into a smart outlet so that it only turns on during certain hours of the day. That plus the feature that is there is enough ambient light, the motion sensor doesn't trigger makes this on par with systems that are far more expensive. Works great with Google home as well because of the linked smart plug. Very happy with the purchase. Would be 4.5 stars just because of the tape not being sticky enough, but they do provide a second roll in the box, which helps." —ACGet it from Amazon for $17.99.
Tackle that nail polish you dribbled down your nightstand two years ago with a water-mark-removing cloth.
Promising review: "Worked wonders! I spilled nail polish remover on my nightstand. This worked like magic! Just rub lightly with the cloth." —JMacGet it from Amazon for $5.75.
Invest in some colorful flower pots that'll brighten up a railing or distract from other backyard elements you'd like to ignore. They have draining holes and hooks so the plants inside can ~thrive~ while they sit there looking pretty.
Roll out some perma-mulch you can use around your garden beds and *keep* there because this stuff (made of recycled tires) imitates wood mulch but won't need replacing. If you have trouble sitting still while there's yard work that needs doing, you'll especially appreciate this.
Stash all kinds of stuff (think recycling bins, bikes, a lawnmower, and other hefty tools) in smaller-scale, nice-looking shed to help free up space in your garage and cover up the eyesores.
Put down an outdoor rug built to weather rain and more to pull together decor for an outdoor room or just cover up an ugly surface.
Spiff up your walkways and other surfaces with some bleach-free outdoor cleaner before you break out the pressure washer. Its foamy formula is totally safe around your precious plants
Clip on an umbrella light if you like your existing umbrella but could use the extra light.
Help your OG picnic table in your yard look more presentable while protecting you from splinters with some simple vinyl picnic table and bench covers. (Reviewers also found them extremely helpful for camping and park use!)
And if you want a total kitchen transformation, a kitchen cabinet painting kit that requires ZERO stripping or priming *might* make you wonder if you're in someone else's house before you've had your coffee.
Kit includes low-VOC, low-odor, water-based acrylic paint and primer in one. Requires a one-day application process that dries in a soft, satin finish. Covers 100 square feet of cabinet surface (40 linear feet), which is typical of most kitchen cabinets. Ideal for use on wood, laminate and primed, or painted metal cabinets. Formulated to cover most existing wood finishes and paint in a single coat.Promising review: "You can see a before and after in my pictures but this paint was AMAZING and a huge transformation to my outdated kitchen.The Process:- I started off by completely cleaning the wooden cabinets withKRUD KUTTER PC32 Prepaint Cleaner/TSP Substitute. I read a lot of reviews on this cleaner and heard that is was great for cleaning off oils and dirt and it really did wonders.- I sanded down the cabinets.- I then primed the cabinets with a special wood primer.- Once the primer dried I used the Nuvo paint on the cabinets. I did four very thin layers of paint. It is vital that you keep each layer very thin because it will dry weird. I found that in the corner of the cabinets where paint puddled even a little bit that it would cracker so make sure that you keep thin layers- Additionally, I ended up purchasing regular brushes outside of this kit. A few blogs said that they used the foam brushes; however I did not like how the paint laid on the cabinets with them." —Danielle JoyGet it from Amazon for $89.95 (available in 11 colors).