38 Easy DIY Home Upgrades For Your Weekend

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4 days ago

If you have one of those big frameless mirrors in your bathroom and want to take it up a notch, "frame" it with a roll of wood grain tape. This is a great alternative to ripping it out and replacing it with something expensive.
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 $7.92.
Mount a pair of battery-operated wall sconces right onto your wall, no electrician (or electric outlet!) required. These renter-friendly lights last *two years* on a single USB charge, and the 12-color RGB spectrum and adjustable white light settings mean you can go moody, warm, or full disco depending on your mood.
Or if you want something more modern, this (Shark Tank–approved!) wireless wall sconce is another renter-friendly way to add some ambient light to your room. Rechargeable and dimmable, it requires no tools, causes no damage, and needs no electrical work.
Poplight is a LGBTQ+ and woman-owned small business in Denver that makes a gorgeous, budget- and renter-friendly wall sconce. Promising review: "This totally is a lighting game changer! If you're like me and are constantly revamping your home, and moving things around - well this cute, rechargeable, "no-wiring-needed" light is just the ticket. It took me all of 30 seconds to install, and the brightness settings on the app are perfect. I like that I can set a timer on the light so I don't accidentally leave it on. Mine came with an extra battery, so when the initial one needs to be recharged, I just swap it out. I actually think I'm going to need to buy another one!" —LaurenGet it from Amazon for $99 (available in three colors).
Alternatively, you can install a plug-in wall sconce that's in the transitional style (think traditional-meets-modern). These are 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 CustomerGet it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in black or gold, and in packs of one, two, and three).
Use a pack of five refillable multi-surface touch-up paint pens to effortlessly fix scratches and nicks on walls, doors, and cabinetry in your bathroom. Just fill up a pen with paint of your choice and fill in the problem area.
Slobproof is a small business that makes paint touch-up pens.Promising review: "I keep these in my kitchen drawer and it's SO convenient for my painted cabinets! I moved into a house with older wood cabinets, and because it's such a small kitchen, I knew that painting the cabinets white (actually went with cream!) would make it feel so much larger! I LOVE the way they look, but inevitably (even though I sanded and prepped), I'll get little chips in the paint. These touch-up pens stay in my junk drawer full of paint at all times. The cap makes it so it never dries out and stays super clean. But I'm able to grab them any time and just touch things up so my cabinets ALWAYS look fresh." —Claire FloresGet it from Slobproof on Amazon for $12.99+ (available in a pack of two or five).
Give your kitchen a more finished look with some peel-and-stick subway tile backsplash. 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 21 colors).
Transform an old piece of furniture or cabinetry into something dazzling with a can of eco-friendly chalk-like paint that dries within 30 minutes. It doesn't require a primer or a top coat, so you can get the job done quickly and easily.
This paint contains no harsh chemicals such as phthalates, formaldehyde, heavy metals, or solvents. Promising review: "First time painting anything in my life, and it was great. No sanding or priming is needed. Beautiful colors; description and pictures are so accurate. Easy to paint and quick to dry. Time-saving! I will always be using this paint." —Samah SafiGet a 4-ounce jar from Amazon for $15.95 (available in four sizes and over 50 colors).
And jazz up an old desk or cabinet with some antique-esque brass cabinet pulls. 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 CustomerGet a pack of 10 from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in different quantities, styles, and finishes).
Easily get your art up on the walls thanks to a pack of 30-pack of picture hooks. Just push, twist, and insert into drywall or plaster, no tools required.
These hooks saved the day (and my walls) after I failed miserably with nails, screws, and adhesive strips while trying to put together a gallery wall in my dining room. Instead of fumbling to find a study to drill into (what am I, a magician?) or risking smashed fingers with another ill-fitting nail, I used these to hang my art quickly and safely. You just push them into the wall and twist until only the hook portion is visible. No stud-finding, no pre-drilling, no anchors — just push, twist, and hang. I honestly don't understand why these aren't in every household. They're that good. Get it from The Home Depot for $14.98.
Install a top-down, bottom-up Roman shade that'll look high-end but installs with just a couple of screws. It'll filter in soft, natural light while still giving you privacy, and the cordless design makes your space feel instantly more tailored. No rods, no fancy tools, no stress.
Promising review: "The fit is fantastic and matches my measurements perfectly. I love the texture and the convenience of adjusting the height easily. It's great that I can raise them from the bottom or lower them from the top. Considering the level of customization, I believe the pricing is fair. I wanted light filtering, and these curtains provide the perfect amount of privacy for our bathroom." —C-RodGet it from Amazon for $37.49+ (available in 20 colors and over 100 sizes; be sure to clip the 25% off coupon when applicable).
Add some rustic charm to your home with a set of two mason jar wall sconces that are battery-powered and remote-controlled. Everything's included: the fairy lights, the faux flowers...everything! It's giving modern farmhouse meets shabby chic.
Besuerte is a small business that sells home accents.Promising review: "All my guests are so impressed by this addition to my guest bathroom. They love the look and simplicity, but has a huge decor impact overall. Really recommend this!" —Amazon CustomerGet it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in two different flower types and four different wood finishes).
Give a bookshelf a makeover with a roll of peel-and-stick floral wallpaper. This will take it from drab to fab in no time at all.
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 $6.99+ (available in four sizes).
Or use a roll of peel-and-stick wallpaper in a subtle black-and-white pattern to add a bit of modern drama. An easy DIY win that will instantly upgrade your space.
Promising review: "This was easy to use. I had no issues covering a small surface! It was also just as easy to re-adjust the piece I wanted to, but it remained good enough to put down. I really like the pattern. It's very modern." —M.P.Get it from Amazon for $4.89+ (available in two roll sizes; be sure to clip the 30% off coupon when applicable).
Use a pack of six furniture markers to touch 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.
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 were 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." —BorgGet them from Amazon for $9.49.
Replace your old pillows with a set of Beckham Hotel Collection 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 PopeGet it from Amazon for $59.99+ (available in Queen or King sizes and two material types).
Clip a pack of 16 solar-powered outdoor lights onto your balcony's ledge. Warm nights spent 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 lights work, which is great. Better than could have hoped for. 👍" —KMFGet it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in two colors and also a set of 20 and 24; be sure to clip the 10% off coupon when applicable).
Or install some solar-powered outdoor lantern lights since you'll be spending way more time in your backyard. Because they don't require electricity, you can hang them and then not worry about maintenance.
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 TailorGet it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in three styles).
Turn any window into a rainbow factory with a roll of privacy window film. 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.
Cover grout stains with a fresh coat of waterproof white paint thanks to a mold-resistant white grout pen. Each pen can cover up to 150 feet of grout.
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.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 CustomerGet it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in a narrow or wide tip).
Install some floating shelves 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." —VincentGet a set of two from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in seven finishes).
Perfectly illuminate your kitchen and bathroom at night with some motion sensor under-cabinet lights. After a full charge, they 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." —HDGet it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in two sizes and in warm or white light).
If you have a bulky piece of furniture that feels a bit blah, consider sticking some hexagon peel-and-stick tile to add character. This is also great if you have a kitchen or bathroom without tile and want to add a beautiful but not permanent backsplash or accent wall.
Promising review: "It took me and my husband about two days to finish our little project. It was all worth it because it turned out so well! It's really sticky but when we made an error and had to peel some of it off, it wasn't that hard to take it off and didn't damage the wall paint too. Will definitely order from the same company if we need to in the future." —Ashley L.Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in three quantities and six colors).
Since the weather's getting warmer, trade out your heavy winter sheets for some extra soft cooling bedsheets. 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).
If you lack a proper foyer but still need a place to stash your stuff, consider investing in an entryway storage bench. 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 CustomerGet it from Amazon for $52.99+ (available in three wood and metal finishes).
Or hang up 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.
Promising review: "This is great for storing our million sets of keys and mail that usually ended up on our kitchen counter!" —BreeGet it from Amazon for $22.99.
If you have flooring that you're not thrilled about, place a textured, shaggy rug over it. The Moroccan vibes will bring some bohemian energy to your space, and the plushness will be so nice underfoot.
Promising review: "Product looks way way better in person. The pictures don't do it justice. Completely transformed one of my rooms simply by laying this rug out. It's softer than it looks, too." —GrantGet it from Amazon for $28.32+ (available in many sizes and nine colors).
Decant your shampoo, conditioner, and body wash into these beautiful wall-mounted amber bottles that come with matching labels. 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.MaisoNovo is a woman-owned small business in Brooklyn that makes stylish refillable bottles for the home.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 KopeckiGet it from MaisoNovo on Amazon for $24.70+ (available in six different styles and quantities of one, two, or three).
Bring the outdoors in (minus the bugs and dirt) with a pack of artificial ivy leaves. Hang these on your walls for a backdrop or use them as window treatments for extra privacy.
Promising review: "These are fantastic and look like it could be real ivy once hung. One pack of 16 vines covered the length of my wall just like I was hoping, and they complimented the zen/oasis aesthetic I have in my living room perfectly." —EricaGet it from Amazon for $7.99.
If you have a nook or corner that feels empty, consider placing a shelf floor lamp with built-in USB charging ports and electrical outlets. Reviewers say this is a great multifunctional piece, as it 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." —BeatriceGet it from Amazon for $74.99+ (available in four colors).
Hang 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.
Organize and partition shelves in your closet rod with some shelf dividers. Not only will it help keep the stacks of clothing and bedding 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.
Install a fog-resistant, wall-mounted shower mirror so you can get a 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 MitchellGet it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in three colors).
Turn ordinary stairs into something out of a magazine with 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 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 $14.16+ (originally $16.41; available in six heights and matte or gloss finishes).
Add a little tech to your bathroom with 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.
Promising review: "I purchased this automatic hand soap machine based off some TikTok videos. I love this and will not go back to a manual soap bottle. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!" —SGT OGet it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in five colors).
Swap out your bathroom's regular trash can for a super slick motion-activated trash can. 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." —DawnGet it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in eight colors and two sizes).
Keep your most unruly closet organized with some stackable acrylic drawers. From a tiny collection of cleaning supplies to literally organizing everything in your bathroom, these conveniently lock on top of each other for easy customization.
Promising review: "TikTok made me do it. If you're a clean freak and love to organize, I would definitely recommend this product. Easy to assemble and aesthetically pleasing. I use this to store my scrub daddy/sponges and microfiber cleaning cloths. Not necessary but definitely worth it!" —SierraGet it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in four sizes).
Put 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'll be out of sight and out of mind when you don't need it.
And free up drawer and countertop space in your bathroom by mounting this aesthetically pleasing hair dryer holder to your wall. It comes in gold, black, or silver, so it's sure to match any metal finish you have in your bathroom.
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 $20.99 (available in three metal finishes; be sure to clip the $5 off coupon).