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06-05-2025
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Bye-Bye Eyesores: 40 Things That'll Make Your Home Feel Way More Put Together
1. A sleek and ~sneaky~ shoe-storage cabinet for your entryway so a shoe pile isn't the first thing you see when you walk through the door. Bonus: it'll serve as a gorgeous piece of decor with plenty of room for essentials on top! Reviewers also use this as a media console to store games and electronics, too. Like I Promising reviews:"I love this piece. Before, everyone in the family would come in and throw their shoes off and the area was a mess. Now everyone takes time to put their shoes in this and the area looks so nice. I've had many compliments on it." — Vicki Davis "I've had open shoe racks and the shoes were always falling out. Now all my shoes are contained and organized and hidden in a nice cabinet that's low profile." — Kirsten Soquel Get it from Amazon for $117.99+ (be sure to clip the $20 off coupon for this price; also available in white). 2. A faux book display to conceal messy outlets, cables, and other eyesores for a clean, organized vibe. You won't mind having everyone comment on your impressive book collection either. Covogoods / Etsy Covogoods is a Utah-based, woman-founded small business that specializes in storage solutions crafted from up-cycled books. Promising review: "We absolutely love our CovoBox. It fits perfectly into our cabinet, and the cable modem/router, AppleTV, and external hard drive, and their various cables are now cleverly disguised as Harry Potter books 1–7. Great customer service, quick delivery, and a fabulous product. Two thumbs way, way up!" — John Grace Get it from Covogoods on Etsy for $19.80+ (originally $33+; available in various customizations and sizes) OR from Amazon Handmade for $29+ (you'll choose customizations before adding to your cart). 3. A slim storage cart with locking wheels — it's perfect for areas with limited space, like bathrooms, laundry rooms, etc. that desperately need more storage without causing more clutter to gawk at. Promising review: " This is a very handy item. It fits perfectly in my laundry area. Easy to assemble and to use. A must if you like to be organized and you don't have a lot of cabinets to do so. I am very happy with this purchase!" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $19.98+ (available in five colors). 4. A large woven storage basket that'll be a lovely addition to the corner of any room *and* it's perfect for hiding odds and ends you don't want strewn about, like your massive blanket and throw pillow collection that never seems to stop growing, for example. Amazon Promising reviews:"This is the laundry basket we have on top of our dryer for whites. It is attractive, holds up nicely and if we have people over, they do not need to see our laundry displayed. Love it!" — Karen R. " Wow very thick and sturdy! I'm quite surprised. Love it for my nursery laundry basket for all the toys. The color is just as photo shows, complementary for all decor types. Good value for the money!" — Ichi Ban Get it from Amazon for $20.99+ (available in five sizes and seven colors). 5. A bamboo shelf with a tilt-out hamper — does anyone really enjoy having a hamper that sticks out like a sore thumb? This saves space, conceals it, *and* gives you a couple of storage shelves, too. It comes with a removable liner for the hamper that can be easily lifted out and wiped clean with a damp cloth. Promising review:"Straightforward assembly and a beautiful product, I was really happy. This looks perfect in a small bathroom, and hides the unsightly laundry pile nicely. I keep makeup on top and extra toilet paper in the middle, with plenty of space. The bamboo is nice and water resistant too, so deals well with humidity." — AJohns Get it from Amazon for $76.68. 6. Brick whitewash paint to make it look like your home was just featured on an episode of Fixer Upper. This can turn a painful eyesore into a stunning focal point, so what are you waiting for?? Promising review:"This is amazing!!!!! It looks like a different fireplace. I have been looking at a horrible grout repair that the previous owners did for 20 years. I did this in about two hours!!!!!! This product is fast, it's easy to use, easy to clean up, and inexpensive." — Denise Get a pint from Amazon for $26.96+ (available in three styles). 7. A cable organizer box featuring a ventilated design that'll protect your peace and conceal the god-awful mess! It has three rear entry/exit points so you can run your cables into it from ALL angles. And grab that sleek cable sleeve (a.k.a. a wire cover) while you're at it! Promising reviews:"I've been searching for something to not only hide the cord mess but protect them from my munch monster of a cat. This box in addition to cable straps and cable wrap has solved my cable management like magic! I highly recommend this product." — Lauryn " Seriously where has this been all my life??? Highly recommend. Excellent cord management soulmate (I meant to type solution and it autocorrected to soulmate, however I think that's accurate LOL.) Just get it. Won't regret." — April Olsen Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in two sizes and three colors). 8. Plus, an under-desk cable management tray if you really want to get serious about hiding your cables. This will keep all those cords dangling behind your desk organized *and* hidden. No tools required! It comes with a two-way clamping design that works on both horizontal and vertical surfaces. It's compatible with desks that are up to 3.1 inches thick. BedShelfie is a POC-owned small business that focuses on space-saving solutions for the home. Promising review:"First impression of the CarryUp, the build of it is solid and felt heavy. The weight of it made me confident it will hold up well and last me a long time. Overall setup was a breeze. No tools needed at all. One sentence that sums up this product for me ... Simple and effective!!!!! If you have messy cords underneath your desk then don't think, just buy this product." — Eddie Sadiwa Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in dark grey or cream). 9. A slender storage cabinet for a cute and efficient way to store (okay, hide) additional rolls of TP and bathroom cleaning supplies. It'll fit right in between that once-useless space between the wall and your toilet. Promising review:"So easy to put together I could put it together with my eyes closed. Fit amazingly perfectly between the tub and the toilet and it has created so much more space and my bathroom is no longer cluttered because of this product." — COS45B Get it from Amazon for $18.08. 10. Some concrete paint that'll give your dull, depressing floors the refresh they deserve. It'll require some elbow grease, but the jaw-dropping before and after photos alone will be worth it. 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:"Works great. Used it in the basement for a quick, simple, inexpensive upgrade to brighten up the floor a bit and give the cement a clean look. Did a fairly good job filling in some of the hairline cracks as well." — T Get a gallon from Amazon for $35 (available in silver gray or slate gray). 11. A litter box enclosure because as much as you love your kitto, you could probably do without a litter box in the middle of the room. This will serve as a piece of furniture *and* decor while hiding the litter box you love to hate. Promising reviews:"I absolutely, LOVE this litter box cabinet. I used to keep it in my closet until noticing my clothes would have a chalky film on them. This is perfect!! Not only does it hide the box itself, but it helps contain any smells that are beginning to emanate from the box. I clean it out every other day and have never noticed any odors. I also took out the divider, because my box was a few inches too long. All changing supplies are kept inside, so it works out great! I HIGHLY recommend, this litter box cabinet!!" — Angie "This is the perfect way to conceal a litter box as well as the odors and dust that come with them. I have noticed a significant difference in the air quality in my home, it is as if I don't even have a litter box." — Annie Get it from Wayfair for $74.99+ (available in eight styles). 12. A wipe-on finish restorer to make tired, worn-out furniture look brand new again. You should probably buy this stuff before your evil glare burns a hole in that piece of furniture that simply needs a refresher. While restoring a finish isn't quite the same as completely refinishing a piece, it takes much less time and can still make furniture (and floors, front doors, and kitchen cabinets) look magically new again. Promising review:"Very easy to get results. I applied to eight dining room chairs which had scrapes, scuffs, and white paint marks. An amazing transformation so quickly. I finished eight chairs in 90 minutes without rushing. I bought two pints but only one was necessary. I used a cotton cloth for most of the application but also used 0000 steel wool for the scrapes and paint removal." — Grumpy Neanderthal Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in nine wood finish colors; also available in larger sizes). Many reviewers follow up with the same brand's wood polish and conditioner (they're meant to be used together!), which you can get for $9.98 from Amazon. 13. Or for smaller jobs, a set of wood repair markers so you can get rid of those scuffs and scratches. This quick and easy DIY fix will have your stuff lookin' flawless in no time. Former BuzzFeed Shopping editor Abby Kass says: "I used a similar kit on my TV stand after moving it into my current apartment, and it worked great! It was super easy to use — you just color in the scratch. And you can't tell the difference. It's amazing! And next time I move, I'm def hiring movers." Promising reviews:"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 homeowner 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." — Shane "These are great. I have several finishes on different pieces of furniture, and after several years, they were showing lots of scratches. Not anymore. Super easy to use and covered everything. Wasn't sure after paying such a minimal price that they'd work, but they really do." — Kindle Customer Get a set of 13 markers from Amazon for $12.99. 14. A faux ivy privacy screen for the eyesores you have little control over, like your neighbor's messy backyard. Put this up to beautify your space *and* hide the chaos ruining your view. You can also line the top of a pergola with these vines for some shade, letting a bit of dappled sunlight pass through for a gorgeous effect! Promising review:"This was exactly what we needed for the backyard. It definitely provides enough privacy, and it gives the backyard a very nice ambiance! The leaves completely blend in with the other trees and plants we have in the backyard, and it looks like we made a huge upgrade in our gardening game. I'm now just hoping it can withstand the AZ summer and not fade with the sun (product description does state fade resistant). Don't be hesitant with purchasing; it's totally worth it!!" — Amazon Customer Get a roll from Amazon for $31.99+ (available in three sizes). You'll need some green zip ties to secure them, too. 15. Under-bed storage bags when it's time to say goodbye to seasonal items (for now, anyway). You'll be able to store bulky items out of sight where they belong. If you already make a habit of shoving stuff under the bed to hide it, at least this will keep it somewhat organized. You can use these for so much more than clothing! Think craft supplies, extra toiletries, whatever you have too much of. Promising review:" These storage bags are fantastic. I live in a small apartment where storage space is at a premium. I use these to store my Costco toilet paper and paper towels so I don't need to make as many trips to the store. It keeps them in pristine condition and out of sight. The handles make them easy to pull in and out, and they fold up nicely when not in use. I'm thinking about getting two more since four will fit under my queen bed." — Kimberly Dorn Get a two-pack from Amazon for $13.97+ (available in three colors and in packs of four). 16. And while you're at it, a pleated bed skirt to hide all the stuff you're storing under your bed because who wants to see that?? This neat and tidy solution will blend in with the room seamlessly. Promising review:"Looks great — really 'finishes' off the look. Ironed very easily and looks really nice. Material is very soft and holds the pleat." — AM Get it from Target for $26.99+ (originally $37,99+; available in seven sizes and 13 colors). 17. A TV cord cover — you didn't do ALL that work of mounting your very expensive television just to have the aesthetic ruined with a mess of cords. This cover basically *becomes* part of the wall, so you'll have to squint to spot it. Promising review: "These look great and are super easy to apply. This is the perfect solution for hiding a cord! It looks like it is just a part of the baseboard. Mine is covering a cable wire only, but I think they are big enough to hide more than one cord if needed. I didn't cut mine, and I bought two. You can tell where the two meet if you look closely. However, I do not think anyone would notice. I can't believe I let our cable cord sit across the floor for this long. I wish I would have found these sooner!" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in three sizes, five colors, and in multipacks). 18. A mini bottle of touch-up paint that'll mask any unsightly scuff marks or scratches around your home. Use it on your walls, furniture, cabinets, etc. It's no wonder renters love this stuff. Promising review:"I usually don't leave reviews, but I have to with this touchup paint. I had cheap command hooks on my wall to hang up my curtains in my apartment, and they ended up falling off and damaging the wall. I brought this to cover it up since it was an eyesore, and this worked perfectly! Thankfully, I matched the right shade, and you can't even tell. It's easy to use and not messy at all. Once it dries, it instantly blends in. I'm glad it worked so well because now I can put more stuff on my walls and fix it with the paint so it won't affect my security deposit, LOL." — N.D. Get it from Amazon for $18.95 (available in two sizes, 23 colors, and in sets of three). 19. And when all else fails, a gallon of self-priming paint so you can redo the wall that requires more than a few touchups. It's made without toxic solvents so it won't stink up the entire room. If you're not sure about committing to a full gallon, you can grab a single-color swatch for just $3! Clare Clare is a Black woman-owned business that makes paint shopping easier than ever. These designer-curated palettes are sure to take your home to the next level! And if you're not sure what colors to go with, take Clare's Color Genius Quiz! Get a gallon from Clare for $74+ (also available as a quart for $28 and with or without the seven-piece paint kit). 20. A mid-century starburst chandelier bound to turn heads when anyone enters the room in *the* best way. If you've been looking for a piece of decor to tie your space together and replace that old shabby chandelier that's hanging by a thread, the search is officially over. Promising reviews:"Absolutely 💯 in love with my purchase! Exactly what I wanted and after shopping around and seeing prices ranging from $1k to $700 the price is unbeatable! Turned my dining room into a room out of a model home!" — JH "Wow, I just hung up this ceiling light, and my room's got a whole new vibe! It's got a great look, feels sturdy, and the quality's seriously impressive. It gives off the perfect amount of cozy light, and it's pretty stylish, too. Super happy with this find!" — Jon-Paul Get it from Amazon for $167.99+ (available in two sizes and 11 styles). 21. An electric pressure washer for tackling all the dirty surfaces around your property you hate to look at. This heavy-duty washer can clean decks, fences, and driveways. It comes with a garden hose adapter, so you can start cleaning up your outdoor area ASAP! Promising review:"Power washer was delivered Monday, it's Wednesday and I have washed two cars, cleaned driveway and sidewalks, cleaned back fence and the work keeps piling up, everything I see now needs to be cleaned! This little dude does not back down, plenty of power and it's surprisingly not too loud. Soap dispensers work great, and the tips are easy to change." — MAR Get it from Amazon for $199. 22. And a semi-transparent deck and stain stealer because it only makes sense to lock in all the hard work you just did. Wood surfaces will be stained, sealed, and protected from the harsh elements for the foreseeable future. It'll be so sleek and shiny, you won't be able to take your eyes off it, but in a GOOD way! Promising review: "This was recommended to me by a guy who sold us redwood boards from his mill. It went on easily and it looks gorgeous! I stained a fence and two decks in the last three years and this product is far superior right off the bat. Love the richness of the color and the wood is soaking it up consistently." — I Know Jack Get a 1-gallon can from Amazon for $32.99 (available in six stain colors and in 5-gallon cans). 23. A flat outlet plug that'll turn bulky, cluttered outlets into a distant memory. Your room will look wayyy more put together when you swap it out for this sleek outlet plug. Tbh, you might even cringe thinking of how long you allowed yourself to live with that mess on display. Promising review:"This was very easy to install to hide all the messy wires. This is life changing to create a nice, sleek space." — Martha Ashley Get it from Amazon for $21.95+ (available in four lengths and two styles). 24. A clever decorative box with a hinged lid — it'll come in handy for concealing odds and ends while helping you keep track of the things that always seem to get misplaced. Think remotes, glasses, pillcases, and so on. Promising review: "This decorative storage box looks like a carved art piece. I use it in my living room to hide remotes, reading glasses, dental floss, etc." — Free Spirit Get it from Amazon for $19.97+ (available in three sizes and five colors). 25. Some modern pendant lights to replace the awful ones you've been holding a secret grudge against for years. You'll actually enjoy looking at these, and your guests will never stop complimenting them. The adjustable cord measures 5.5 feet. It does not include bulbs, but you can get a set of compatible Edison bulbs here. Promising review:"Love these green pendants above our island. The color is a perfect muted olive green and the wood accent just elevates the look. For reference our island is 8ft long and three of these lights fit perfectly." — Jay Stanford Get it from Amazon for $59.99+ (available in three colors). 26. And a recessed light conversion kit so you can bid farewell to the ugly canned lighting in your home and say hello to some luxurious pendant lights instead! When you're done, you can even paint it to blend in with your existing decor so the eyesore factor = handled. It has a six-step installation process and includes all the parts you'll need. The brace adjusts to any can size between 4 and 6 inches and fits the standard base sockets. It can be used in damp locations, has a 50-pound maximum load rating, and is paintable with no visible screws or hardware. Promising reviews:"Bought a house with canned lights everywhere. I wanted a few semi-flush, pendants and chandeliers so I tried this product. Very easy to install and works like a charm. " — PJG123 "It may take a bit of finessing and maybe an extra hole drilled here or there but it will eventually do what it is supposed to do. I now have a surface-mounted light on my front porch instead of the can light the builder supplied. We turned a dark ugly space into a wonderfully lit beautiful space. We are amazed at the transformation this lighting change made to our home. Would do this again in a second." — T. Chapman Get it from Amazon for $21.99. 27. A set of metal furniture leg replacements capable of transforming the entire look of an old cabinet or sofa. Buying a whole new piece of furniture isn't always in the budget, but this revamp is an affordable alternative! Alfa Modern Furnishing / Etsy Alfa Modern Furnishing is a small business based in Los Angeles that wants to help you modernize your home with sleek accents to add to your furniture. Promising review:"Quality is very good. Easy to attach with provides screws. We replaced wooden legs that were not strong with these beautiful gold metal legs and really complemented the piece." — sherry case Get a set of four from Alfa Modern Furnishing on Etsy for $57.95. 28. A sneaky slide-out trash can because who wants their garbage to be the first thing guests see upon entering the kitchen? Not you, that's who!! Once it's installed, you'll feel much better knowing your trash is nowhere to be seen. The 35-quart container comes with all the mounting hardware you'll need. Promising review:"I hesitated to trade existing storage space for a trashcan but I am so glad I did. The Rev-A-Shelf was easy to install and worked exactly as I expected. The instructions were a bit lacking but a quick check on YouTube is all you need. Just four easily placed screws to your cupboard bottom and project complete. The fact that the kitchen trash is not the first thing guests see when they enter my house is awesome. I should have done this upgrade years ago! You won't be sorry if you purchase this unit. I love it!" — daisy Get it from Amazon for $67.89+ (available in five colors, or check out other options and sizes for the Rev-A-Shelf trashcan storage). 29. A roll of toilet sealant tape if you have no intention of picking up a tube of caulk in this lifetime or the next. This self-adhesive tape is flexible and will put such a nice finishing touch on your porcelain throne that you actually won't mind looking at it! Promising reviews:"Boy does this tape pretty up an otherwise and boring toilet. Way better than a bead of caulk. before installation. Also helps to warm the product. Can be stretched during installation to better fit around tight bends. Been in place for a few weeks; still holding fine." — Selaretus "Went on easily around the toilet, [it] looks so much better. Covered discoloration around the base, highly recommend." — Jerry Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in five sizes/styles). 30. A vinyl transition floor strip for that one threshold in your home that makes you roll your eyes whenever you see it. This will make the transition between rooms and flooring look much more natural. Amazon Promising review: "I have a weirdly tall transition to my bathrooms and struggled with getting a normal threshold to stay in the entrance to my other bathroom after laying vinyl tile, so I hesitated on doing the hall bath until I found this product. Problem solved! Looks great and doesn't budge! And affordable! I will definitely be ordering more for the long gap between my laminate and marble flooring in another area that I have hated for years."— m. white Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in two sizes and six colors). 31. A magical oil stain remover that'll help bring your driveway and paved walkways back to their original glory days. Simply apply the formula, allow it to dry, then brush it away to reveal a stain-free surface! Promising review:"Changed the oil on my girlfriend's car and some oil spilled on my NEW 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." — AmazonBob Get it from Amazon for $17.97 (also available in a larger size). 32. Some switch plate covers so you can ~switch~ up all the boring white and beige ones that are currently plaguing your home. You're welcome! Farmhouse Iron Co. / Etsy Farmhouse Iron Co. is a small business based at an actual farm on the central coast of California. If you're looking for shabby-chic or rustic home decor, this is the shop for you! Promising review: "These plates are very beautiful. They match perfectly with the decor of my house. Very happy with this purchase." — Ingrid Hogan Get it from Farmhouse Iron Co. on Etsy for $13+ (available in five styles and more colors!). 33. Ceiling-mount shelves when your storage situation is dismal at best and you don't have any room for more furniture. Enter these brilliant shelves that will remain (mostly) out of sight without taking up any valuable floor space! These shelves measure 45" x 45" and can hold up to 250 lbs of evenly distributed weight. Promising review:"These are a great way to open up more storage potential in the garage. This is actually my third home when I've used these in my garage. If you have lots of room between your garage door and your ceiling, these can be used up there to allow you to store stuff in a space you would otherwise not be able to use. They're great for being able to store stuff way up high and not take up any floor space. We store all of our Christmas lights and other holiday decorations on them. They hold up the weight of 4 or 5 big bins full of Christmas light strings, no problem." — Buster Get it from Amazon for $86.61. 34. A macramé tapestry to hide that unsightly electrical panel that makes you want to scream whenever you lay eyes on it. Problem solved! This tapestry measures 18" x 40" so make sure it'll be a good fit to cover your electrical panel! Promising review:"I bought this to cover the electric panel in our mudroom. It covers it perfectly so now it's not the first thing you see when you walk in. Had to brush out the tassels a little bit but it is good quality!" — J. Underwood Get it from Amazon for $57.99. 35. A bottle of metallic spray paint for reviving metal fixtures and decor items that have seen better days. Your old dingy doorknobs, faucets, and light fixtures don't stand a chance. Promising review:"Best looking metal spray paint I have seen. It took me 90 minutes to prepare, mask, and paint my bathroom faucet. I used about 1/2 a can of this paint." — OC-Adam Get it from Amazon for $9.48 (available in several metallic finish colors). 36. A privacy screen that'll conceal those outdoor monstrosities you hate the most — you know, pool equipment, garbage cans, air conditioning units, and anything else that diminishes your curb appeal. Promising review:"Super easy to install and took less than 30 min to put together, level out, and hammer in the stakes. My HOA doesn't allow the trash bins to be visible from the street so this fixed that issue plus it matches my house trim." — Joseph and Anne Sawyer Get it from Amazon for $160.02 (also available in additional styles/sizes). 37. A ~handy~ sink soap dispenser tube kit because that ugly plastic bottle from the dollar store is not doing anything for your kitchen's aesthetic. You'll have one less slippery bottle near the sink *and* you'll have to refill this less often. Amazon, This DIY project is easiest if your sink or countertop already has an existing hole for a soap dispenser! This kit includes a stainless steel dispenser pump with a 360-degree swivel, a 47" no-spill extension tube with check valve, a connecting pipe, and a 17-oz. soap bottle. You can use the extension tube in your own jug of soap (pictured above) OR you can fill the included 17-oz. bottle with your own soap instead. The kit is designed for a universal fit and can accommodate sink holes that measure between 1" and 1.5" in diameter. Promising review:"It's just as described! I bought this in brushed nickel so it would match the sink! Love it! Finally, my guests can wash their hands without knocking a bottle over or shifting its spot on the sink! It can swivel 360° and comes with a longer tube, two rubber plugs to fit different-sized bottles, and an empty plastic bottle. I chose to screw on the plastic bottle directly to the dispenser so it doesn't sit on the bottom but will keep longer tube in case I change my mind later. The bottle holds on very well! The best part is when the soap runs out, I can replenish the bottle by removing the dispenser head from the top of the sink without having to crawl back under again! No tools required! Took about five minutes! Highly recommend!" — ItsJenAgain91 Get it from Amazon for $24.95+ (available in six colors). 38. A decorative air vent cover if you love almost everything about your home — except for the eyesore of a vent that angers you whenever you walk by it. This simple, affordable upgrade requires hardly any effort and will totally transform the look of a room! Promising review:"I bought these to replace the ugly, plain registers that were on my ceiling. Installed in less than 10 minutes and they look beautiful. I ordered white and spray painted them nickel to match my ceiling fan. Couldn't be happier." — AsMeow Get one from Amazon for $18.01 (available in three sizes). 39. Some flexible baseboard trim for that one area in your home that has been seriously neglected and you're finally ready to do something about it. A clean, sleek baseboard can do wonders for a room, so why not add your own? Amazon This roll of self-adhesive trim measures 4 inches by 20 feet. Promising review:"This was very easy to apply and make sure you have it where you want it before sticking because it REALLY sticks to the wall. I laid out the roll and let it relax for a day before cutting and applying. Love the easy-to-clean material. Made trimming out my bathroom/ laundry room quick and easy." — Cassie Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in nine sizes and three colors). 40. A waterproof *and* weather-proof outdoor storage box to store anything you don't want scattered across the lawn, like cushions, kids' toys, and pool supplies. It's durable enough to withstand the elements and big enough to hide yard clutter! Promising review: "[I] bought this so I could store my gardening items and kids' toys. It has been perfect. It is big enough to fit everything from my planters, gardening tools, kids' water guns, balls, etc. and it still has a lot of space. My kids use it as a bench to sit on as well. Durable and sturdy so far." — Sid Get it from Amazon for $89.99+ (available in seven sizes and five colors). Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Buzz Feed
19-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
40 Tips For Hiding All The Parts Of Your Home That Make You Go "Ugh" When You See 'Em
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. It's time to address those monstrosities you loathe with a fiery passion. 1. Add a sleek and ~sneaky~ shoe-storage cabinet to your entryway so a shoe pile isn't the first thing you see when you walk through the door. Bonus: it'll serve as a gorgeous piece of decor with plenty of room for essentials on top! Reviewers also use this as a media console to store games and electronics, too. Like I Promising reviews:"I love this piece. Before, everyone in the family would come in and throw their shoes off and the area was a mess. Now everyone takes time to put their shoes in this and the area looks so nice. I've had many compliments on it." — Vicki Davis "I've had open shoe racks and the shoes were always falling out. Now all my shoes are contained and organized and hidden in a nice cabinet that's low profile." — Kirsten Soquel Get it from Amazon for $117.99+ (be sure to clip the $20 off coupon for this price; available in black or white) 2. Eliminate electronics that stick out like sore thumbs with a faux book display. It'll make the room look much cleaner and more organized! Plus, you probably won't mind having everyone comment on your impressive book collection. Tap to play GIF Covogoods / Etsy Covogoods is a Utah-based, woman-founded small business that specializes in storage solutions crafted from up-cycled books. Promising review: "We absolutely love our CovoBox. It fits perfectly into our cabinet, and the cable modem/router, AppleTV, and external hard drive, and their various cables are now cleverly disguised as Harry Potter books 1–7. Great customer service, quick delivery, and a fabulous product. Two thumbs way, way up!" — John Grace Get it from Covogoods on Etsy for $33+ (originally $24+; available in various customizations and sizes) OR from Amazon Handmade for $29+ (you'll choose customizations before adding to your cart). 3. Store essentials out of sight in a slim storage cart with locking wheels — it's perfect for areas with limited space, like bathrooms, laundry rooms, etc. that desperately need more storage without causing more clutter for guests to gawk at. Promising review: " This is a very handy item. It fits perfectly in my laundry area. Easy to assemble and to use. A must if you like to be organized and you don't have a lot of cabinets to do so. I am very happy with this purchase!" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $26.89+ (available in five colors). 4. Use a large woven basket for concealing odds and ends you don't want strewn about, like your massive blanket and throw pillow collection that never seems to stop growing, for example. Promising reviews:"This is the laundry basket we have on top of our dryer for whites. It is attractive, holds up nicely and if we have people over, they do not need to see our laundry displayed. Love it!" — Karen R. " Wow very thick and sturdy! I'm quite surprised. Love it for my nursery laundry basket for all the toys. The color is just as photo shows, complementary for all decor types. Good value for the money!" — Ichi Ban Get it from Amazon for $25.99 (available in five sizes and seven colors). 5. Give yourself a bit of extra storage *and* hide dirty laundry with this bamboo shelf and tilt-out hamper. Does anyone really enjoy having an ugly plastic hamper in their home? This saves space, keeps it hidden, *and* gives you a couple of storage shelves, too. It comes with a removable liner for the hamper that can be easily lifted out and wiped clean with a damp cloth. Promising review:"Straightforward assembly and a beautiful product, I was really happy. This looks perfect in a small bathroom and hides the unsightly laundry pile nicely. I keep makeup on top and extra toilet paper in middle, with plenty of space. The bamboo is nice and water resistant too, so deals well with humidity." — AJohns Get it from Amazon for $74.99. 6. Lather up your dirty old fireplace with a coat of brick whitewash paint to make it look like your home was just featured on an episode of Fixer Upper. This can turn a painful eyesore into a stunning focal point, so what are you waiting for?? One pint covers 100 square feet of brick surface. Note: The paint must be diluted at at least a 1:2 ratio with water to achieve full coverage! Promising review:"This is amazing!!!!! It looks like a different fireplace. I have been looking at a horrible grout repair that the previous owners did for 20 years. I did this in about two hours!!!!!! This product is fast, it's easy to use, easy to clean up, and inexpensive." — Denise Get a pint from Amazon for $29.95 (available in three sizes). 7. Hide unsightly cords in a cable management box because you shouldn't have to look at that tangled mess day in and day out. 8. And while you're at it, grab this under-desk cable management tray if you really want to get serious about concealing your cables. This will keep all those cords dangling behind your desk organized and invisible. Amazon No tools required! It comes with a two-way clamping design that works on both horizontal and vertical surfaces. It's compatible with desks that are up to 3.1 inches thick. BedShelfie is a POC-owned small business that focuses on space-saving solutions for the home. Promising review:"First impression of the CarryUp, the build of it is solid and felt heavy. The weight of it made me confident it will hold up well and last me a long time. Overall setup was a breeze. No tools needed at all. One sentence that sums up this product for me ... Simple and effective!!!!! If you have messy cords underneath your desk then don't think, just buy this product." — Eddie Sadiwa Get it from Amazon for $25.99 (available in dark grey or cream). 9. Solve your bathroom's major lack-of-space issue with a slender storage cabinet! It's a cute and efficient way to store (okay, hide) additional rolls of TP and bathroom cleaning supplies. It'll fit right in between that once-useless space between the wall and your toilet. Promising review:"So easy to put together I could put it together with my eyes closed. Fit amazingly perfectly between the tub and the toilet and it has created so much more space and my bathroom is no longer cluttered because of this product." — COS45B Get it from Amazon for $35.68. 10. Redo your floors with some concrete paint, which is a more affordable way to handle the depressing surface you have to set foot — and eyes — on every single day. It'll require some elbow grease, but the jaw-dropping before and after photos alone will be worth it. 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:"Works great. Used it in the basement for a quick, simple, inexpensive upgrade to brighten up the floor a bit and give the cement a clean look. Did a fairly good job filling in some of the hairline cracks as well." — T Get a gallon from Amazon for $35+ (available in silver gray or slate gray). 11. Implement a litter box enclosure because as much as you love your kitto, you could probably do without a litter box in the middle of the room. This will serve as a piece of furniture *and* decor while hiding the litter box you love to hate. Wayfair Promising reviews:"I absolutely, LOVE this litter box cabinet. I used to keep it in my closet until noticing my clothes would have a chalky film on them. This is perfect!! Not only does it hide the box itself, but it helps contain any smells that are beginning to emanate from the box. I clean it out every other day and have never noticed any odors. I also took out the divider, because my box was a few inches too long. All changing supplies are kept inside, so it works out great! I HIGHLY recommend, this litter box cabinet!!" — Angie "This is the perfect way to conceal a litter box as well as the odors and dust that come with them. I have noticed a significant difference in the air quality in my home, it is as if I don't even have a litter box." — Annie Get it from Wayfair for $73.99+ (originally $79.99+; available in eight colors). 12. Revive sad, worn-down furniture with a wipe-on finish restorer so it looks brand-new again. You should def buy this stuff before your evil glare burns a hole in that piece of furniture that simply needs a refresher. While restoring a finish isn't quite the same as completely refinishing a piece, it takes much less time and can still make furniture (and floors, front doors, and kitchen cabinets) look magically new again. Promising review:"Very easy to get results. I applied to eight dining room chairs which had scrapes, scuffs, and white paint marks. An amazing transformation so quickly. I finished eight chairs in 90 minutes without rushing. I bought two pints but only one was necessary. I used a cotton cloth for most of the application but also used 0000 steel wool for the scrapes and paint removal." — Grumpy Neanderthal Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in nine wood finish colors; also available in larger sizes). Many reviewers follow up with the same brand's wood polish and conditioner (they're meant to be used together!), which you can get for $9.98 from Amazon. 13. Or for smaller jobs, get yourself a set of wood repair markers that'll get rid of minor scuffs and scratches. This quick and easy DIY fix will have your stuff lookin' flawless in no time! Former BuzzFeed Shopping editor Abby Kass says: "I used a similar kit on my TV stand after moving it into my current apartment, and it worked great! It was super easy to use — you just color in the scratch. And you can't tell the difference. It's amazing! And next time I move, I'm def hiring movers." Promising reviews:"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 homeowner 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." — Shane "These are great. I have several finishes on different pieces of furniture, and after several years, they were showing lots of scratches. Not anymore. Super easy to use and covered everything. Wasn't sure after paying such a minimal price that they'd work, but they really do." — Kindle Customer Get a set of 13 markers from Amazon for $8.99. 14. Install a faux-ivy privacy screen for the outdoor eyesores you have little control over, like your neighbor's messy backyard. Put this up to beautify your space *and* hide the chaos ruining your view. You can also line the top of a pergola with these vines for some shade, letting a bit of dappled sunlight pass through for a gorgeous effect! Promising review:"This was exactly what we needed for the backyard. It definitely provides enough privacy, and it gives the backyard a very nice ambiance! The leaves completely blend in with the other trees and plants we have in the backyard, and it looks like we made a huge upgrade in our gardening game. I'm now just hoping it can withstand the AZ summer and not fade with the sun (product description does state fade resistant). Don't be hesitant with purchasing; it's totally worth it!!" — Amazon Customer Get a roll from Amazon for $54.99+ (available in three sizes). You'll need some green zip ties to secure them, too. 15. Make use of that wide open space under your bed with under-bed storage bags. When it's time to say goodbye to seasonal items, you'll be able to store those bulky items where they belong — out of your line of sight! You can use these for so much more than clothing! Think craft supplies, extra toiletries, whatever you have too much of. Promising review:" These storage bags are fantastic. I live in a small apartment where storage space is at a premium. I use these to store my Costco toilet paper and paper towels so I don't need to make as many trips to the store. It keeps them in pristine condition and out of sight. The handles make them easy to pull in and out, and they fold up nicely when not in use. I'm thinking about getting two more since four will fit under my queen bed." — Kimberly Dorn Get a two-pack from Amazon for $13.97+ (available in three colors and in packs of four). 16. And consider adding a pleated bed skirt to hide all the stuff you're storing under your bed because who wants to see that?? This neat and tidy solution will blend in with the room seamlessly. Target Promising review:"Looks great — really 'finishes' off the look. Ironed very easily and looks really nice. Material is very soft and holds the pleat." — AM Get it from Target for $26.99+ (originally $33.99+ available in sizes Twin–King and 13 colors). 17. Make your entertainment area *a lot* more appealing with a TV cord cover. You didn't do ALL that work of mounting your very expensive television just to have the aesthetic ruined with a mess of cords. This cover basically becomes part of the wall, so you'll have to squint to spot it. It comes with pre-applied self-adhesive backing for an easy peel-and-stick installation. Promising review: "These look great and are super easy to apply. This is the perfect solution for hiding a cord! It looks like it is just a part of the baseboard. Mine is covering a cable wire only, but I think they are big enough to hide more than one cord if needed. I didn't cut mine, and I bought two. You can tell where the two meet if you look closely. However, I do not think anyone would notice. I can't believe I let our cable cord sit across the floor for this long. I wish I would have found these sooner!" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in three sizes, five colors, and in multipacks). 18. Mask any scuff marks or scratches with a mini bottle of touch-up paint so you don't have to live with those imperfections a moment longer. Use it on your walls, furniture, cabinets, etc. It's no wonder renters love this stuff. Promising review:"I usually don't leave reviews, but I have to with this touchup paint. I had cheap command hooks on my wall to hang up my curtains in my apartment, and they ended up falling off and damaging the wall. I brought this to cover it up since it was an eyesore, and this worked perfectly! Thankfully, I matched the right shade, and you can't even tell. It's easy to use and not messy at all. Once it dries, it instantly blends in. I'm glad it worked so well because now I can put more stuff on my walls and fix it with the paint so it won't affect my security deposit, LOL." — N.D. Get it from Amazon for $18.95 (available in two sizes, 23 colors, and in sets of three). 19. And when all else fails, splurge on a gallon of self-priming paint to overhaul that one wall that needs more than a few touchups. It's made without toxic solvents so it won't stink up the joint. If you're not sure about committing to a full gallon, grab a single-color swatch for just $3! Clare Clare is a Black woman-owned business that makes paint shopping easier than ever. These designer-curated palettes are sure to take your home to the next level! And if you're not sure what colors to go with, take Clare's Color Genius Quiz! Get a gallon from Clare for $74+ (also available as a quart for $28 and with or without the seven-piece paint kit). 20. Cover up that awful eyesore dangling from your ceiling with an electrical cord cover. Plus, this will match your existing decor beautifully! It comes with a full-length Velcro closure for what will probably be the easiest DIY upgrade ever. Amazon Promising review: "This is a great product. [It] serves the purpose of covering ugly cords and looks beautiful. Also easy to install. Got lucky and the color I chose from the chart offered matched exactly to our wall color!" — Deborah Smith Get it from Amazon for $27.43+ (available in 22 colors and in multipacks). 21. Hit all the dirty surfaces outside of your home with an electric pressure washer, like those filthy decks, fences, and driveways you're always pouting at. It comes with a garden hose adapter, so you can start cleaning up your outdoor area ASAP! The five quick-connect nozzles range from intense jet to gentle spray, so you can tackle all kinds of messes such as mildew, tar, rust, grease, mud, etc. The pressure washer also comes with two detergent tanks, a garden hose adapter, a 20-foot high-pressure hose, and a 35-foot power cord. The Total Stop System trigger will automatically shut off the pump when the trigger is not engaged, which can help save energy and prolong pump life. Promising review:"Power washer was delivered Monday, it's Wednesday and I have washed two cars, cleaned driveway and sidewalks, cleaned back fence and the work keeps piling up, everything I see now needs to be cleaned! This little dude does not back down, plenty of power and it's surprisingly not too loud. Soap dispensers work great, and the tips are easy to change." — MAR Get it from Amazon for $199. 22. And to make your hard work last, use a semi-transparent deck and stain stealer so you don't have to clean it over.. and over.. and over again. It'll keep your wood surfaces protected from the elements so it stays looking pristine for *much* longer. This semi-transparent stain and sealer is designed to protect and highlight the natural beauty of the wood grain. It can be used on decks, fences, and siding that are made of redwood, cedar, spruce, cypress, mahogany, and more. Promising review: "This was recommended to me by a guy who sold us redwood boards from his mill. It went on easily and it looks gorgeous! I stained a fence and two decks in the last three years and this product is far superior right off the bat. Love the richness of the color and the wood is soaking it up consistently." — I Know Jack Get a 1-gallon can from Amazon for $36.99. 23. Get rid of that annoying gap between your furniture and the wall with a genius flat outlet plug. Not to mention that you'll hide more of the eyesores you're sick and tired of scowling at. Promising review:"This was very easy to install to hide all the messy wires. This is life changing to create a nice, sleek space." — Martha Ashley Get it from Amazon for $23.95+ (available in two style and four sizes). 24. Keep stuff you don't want lying around in a decorative box with a hinged lid. It doubles as a nice piece of decor while concealing remotes, glasses, pill cases, and anything else you're constantly losing track of. Promising review: "This decorative storage box looks like a carved art piece. I use it in my living room to hide remotes, reading glasses, dental floss, etc." — Free Spirit Get it from Amazon for $19.97+ (available in three sizes and five colors). 25. Swap out your old lights for some modern pendant lights — it's time to let go of that secret grudge you've been holding against the old ones. You'll actually enjoy looking at these, and your guests will never stop complimenting them. The adjustable cord measures 5.5 feet. It does not include bulbs, but you can grab a set of compatible Edison bulbs. Promising review:"Love these green pendants above our island. The color is a perfect muted olive green and the wood accent just elevates the look. For reference our island is 8ft long and three of these lights fit perfectly." — Jay Stanford Get it from Amazon for $59.99 (available in three colors). 26. And if necessary, use a recessed light conversion kit so you can bid farewell to the hideous recessed lighting in your kitchen and hang those luxurious pendant lights instead! It comes with necessary mounting hardware and adjusts to fit any recessed can size between 4 and 6 inches. There's a 50-pound maximum load rating. Promising reviews:"Bought a house with canned lights everywhere. I wanted a few semi-flush, pendants and chandeliers so I tried this product. Very easy to install and works like a charm. " — PJG123 "It may take a bit of finessing and maybe an extra hole drilled here or there but it will eventually do what it is supposed to do. I now have a surface-mounted light on my front porch instead of the can light the builder supplied. We turned a dark ugly space into a wonderfully lit beautiful space. We are amazed at the transformation this lighting change made to our home. Would do this again in a second." — TDC Get it from Amazon for $24.08. 27. Upgrade old furniture with a set of metal furniture leg replacements, which will instantly transform the whole look of an old cabinet or sofa. Buying a new piece of furniture isn't always in the budget, but this revamp is an affordable alternative! Alfa Modern Furnishing / Etsy Alfa Modern Furnishing is a small business based in Los Angeles that wants to help you modernize your home with sleek accents to add to your furniture. Promising review:"Quality is very good. Easy to attach with provides screws. We replaced wooden legs that were not strong with these beautiful gold metal legs and really complemented the piece." — sherry case Get a set of four from Alfa Modern Furnishing on Etsy for $57.95 (available in brushed gold or black). 28. Throw your garbage into a super stealthy slide-out trash can because who wants their waste to be the first thing guests see upon entering the kitchen? Not you, that's who!! The 35-quart container comes with all the mounting hardware you'll need. Promising review:"I hesitated to trade existing storage space for a trashcan but I am so glad I did. The Rev-A-Shelf was easy to install and worked exactly as I expected. The instructions were a bit lacking but a quick check on YouTube is all you need. Just four easily placed screws to your cupboard bottom and project complete. The fact that the kitchen trash is not the first thing guests see when they enter my house is awesome. I should have done this upgrade years ago! You won't be sorry if you purchase this unit. I love it!" — daisy Get it from Amazon for $67.99+ (available in seven colors, or check out other options/sizes for the Rev-A-Shelf trashcan storage). 29. Finish the job your landlord failed to do with a roll of toilet sealant tape. Listen — some of us have zero intention of picking up a tube of caulk in this lifetime or the next. This self-adhesive tape is flexible and will put such a nice finishing touch on your porcelain throne that you actually won't mind looking at it! Just peel off the backing and adhere the strip to a dry surface! Promising reviews:"Boy does this tape pretty up an otherwise and boring toilet. Way better than a bead of caulk. before installation. Also helps to warm the product. Can be stretched during installation to better fit around tight bends. Been in place for a few weeks; still holding fine." — Selaretus "Went on easily around the toilet, [it] looks so much better. Covered discoloration around the base, highly recommend." — Jerry Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in five sizes/styles). 30. Add a vinyl transition floor strip to that one threshold in your home that makes you roll your eyes whenever you see it. This will make the transition between rooms and flooring look much more natural. Amazon The self-adhesive strip is a breeze to install — just remove the backing and stick it to flat, dry floor. If necessary, use scissors to cut to size before installing! Promising review: "I have a weirdly tall transition to my bathrooms and struggled with getting a normal threshold to stay in the entrance to my other bathroom after laying vinyl tile, so I hesitated on doing the hall bath until I found this product. Problem solved! Looks great and doesn't budge! And affordable! I will definitely be ordering more for the long gap between my laminate and marble flooring in another area that I have hated for years."— m. white Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in two sizes and six colors). 31. Refresh the stained driveway or walkway you've spent far too much time grimacing at with this magical oil stain remover. You'll bring the pavement back to its original glory days! Simply apply the formula, allow it to dry, then brush it away to reveal a stain-free surface. Promising review:"Changed the oil on my girlfriend's car and some oil spilled on my NEW 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." — AmazonBob Get it from Amazon for $17.97 (also available in a larger size) 32. ~Switch~ up all your boring beige plates in favor of these chic switch plate covers. Your home will no longer be plagued by standard-issue plate covers that you hate looking at. Farmhouse Iron Co. / Etsy Farmhouse Iron Co. is a small business based at an actual farm on the central coast of California. If you're looking for shabby-chic or rustic home decor, this is the shop for you! Promising review: "These plates are very beautiful. They match perfectly with the decor of my house. Very happy with this purchase." — Ingrid Hogan Get it from Farmhouse Iron Co. on Etsy for $13+ (available in five styles). 33. Tidy up your very cluttered garage floors with these ceiling-mount shelves. If your storage situation is dismal at best, these brilliant shelves will do the trick. They will remain (mostly) out of sight without taking up valuable floor space! These shelves measure 45" x 45" and can hold up to 250 lbs of evenly distributed weight. All necessary mounting hardware is included! Promising review:"These are a great way to open up more storage potential in the garage. This is actually my third home when I've used these in my garage. If you have lots of room between your garage door and your ceiling, these can be used up there to allow you to store stuff in a space you would otherwise not be able to use. They're great for being able to store stuff way up high and not take up any floor space. We store all of our Christmas lights and other holiday decorations on them. They hold up the weight of 4 or 5 big bins full of Christmas light strings, no problem." — Buster Get it from Amazon for $74.99 (available in two colors/styles). 34. Conceal that ghastly electrical panel with a macramé tapestry. You know the one that makes you want to scream whenever you lay eyes on it? Yep, that's the one. This tapestry measures 18" x 40" so make sure it'll be a good fit to cover your electrical panel! Promising review:"I bought this to cover the electric panel in our mudroom. It covers it perfectly so now it's not the first thing you see when you walk in. Had to brush out the tassels a little bit but it is good quality!" — J. Underwood Get it from Amazon for $42.99. 35. Give dull metal fixtures a major upgrade with metallic spray paint instead of buying new ones. All those old dingy doorknobs, faucets, and light fixtures in your home? They don't stand a chance. Promising review:"Best looking metal spray paint I have seen. It took me 90 minutes to prepare, mask, and paint my bathroom faucet. I used about 1/2 a can of this paint." — OC-Adam Get it from Amazon for $9.48+ (available in several metallic finish colors). 36. Keep those outdoor monstrosities hidden with a privacy screen. Think pool equipment, garbage cans, air conditioning units, and anything else that diminishes your curb appeal. It comes with two panels that measure 48" x 48" as well as ground stakes. Promising review:"Super easy to install and took less than 30 min to put together, level out, and hammer in the stakes. My HOA doesn't allow the trash bins to be visible from the street so this fixed that issue plus it matches my house trim." — Joseph and Anne Sawyer Get it from Amazon for $160.02 (also available in additional styles/sizes). 37. Treat your outdated counters to an HGTV-worthy makeover with this granite-esque countertop paint kit. Instead of gawking at those ancient countertops you can't stand, now you'll be filled with joy whenever you enter the kitchen! Amazon, It's a three-step paint process that goes right over your old countertops. It has automotive-grade durability and is made of safe water-based materials. One kit covers the typical kitchen's 35 square feet or 16 running feet of standard two-foot-wide countertop. You could also use it to paint a counter a solid color! You'll also need: a Brillo pad, a roll of Frog Tape, a wood patch, and some sandpaper for any deep nicks or seams. Paint rollers, sponges, and brushes are included in the kit. The company also has thorough step-by-step videos on its YouTube channel for both the granite and the marble kits! Promising review:"Easy to put on. You just have to let the base coat dry and then start sponging the colors on. I am not crafty at all and I still can't believe what my countertop looks like. I am glad I gave it a try. So far it seems very durable. I do not cut on my counters or place hot pots or pans on there I always use pot holders. I LOVE MY NEW COUNTERS. It was much cheaper and easier than replacing them." — Sharon Get it from Amazon for $99.95+ (available in five finishes and in a marble version). 38. Change out your standard boring air vent cover for a more decorative option you'll actually love looking at. If you adore *almost* everything about your home except for the eyesore of a vent that angers you whenever you walk by, get this!! It comes with the screws needed for installation. Promising review:"I bought these to replace the ugly, plain registers that were on my ceiling. Installed in less than 10 minutes and they look beautiful. I ordered white and spray painted them nickel to match my ceiling fan. Couldn't be happier." — AsMeow Get one from Amazon for $18.01+ (available in three finishes). 39. Install some flexible baseboard trim for that one area in your home that has been seriously neglected and you're finally ready to do something about it. A clean, sleek baseboard can do wonders for a room, so why not add your own? Amazon This roll of self-adhesive trim measures 4 inches by 20 feet. Cut it to the desired length, then peel off the adhesive backing and stick to a smooth surface! Promising review:"This was very easy to apply and make sure you have it where you want it before sticking because it REALLY sticks to the wall. I laid out the roll and let it relax for a day before cutting and applying. Love the easy-to-clean material. Made trimming out my bathroom/ laundry room quick and easy." — Cassie Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in nine sizes and three colors). 40. Stash outdoor eyesores in a handy deck storage box so they no longer stand out. It's perfect for hiding cushions, kids' toys, and gardening supplies. Plus, the weatherproof poly resin material is durable enough for outdoor storage! Promising review: "Put together in less than five minutes by myself and no tools needed. This is a nice little box, holds the lumbar pillows along with other things I need for my backyard on a regular basis. The box fits nicely on my small patio." — ALM329 Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in seven sizes, three styles, and nine colors). Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Buzz Feed
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
If 2025 Is The Year You Banish Your Home Eyesores, Here Are 36 Ways To Go About It
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. Shopping · Nothing says "yuck" like messy cords, cluttered surfaces, and dated fixtures. 1. Add a sleek and ~sneaky~ shoe-storage cabinet to your entryway so a shoe pile isn't the first thing your guests see when they walk through the door this year. Bonus: it'll serve as a gorgeous piece of decor with plenty of room for essentials on top! Reviewers also use this as a media console to store games and electronics, too. Like I Promising reviews:"I love this piece. Before, everyone in the family would come in and throw their shoes off and the area was a mess. Now everyone takes time to put their shoes in this and the area looks so nice. I've had many compliments on it." — Vicki Davis "I've had open shoe racks and the shoes were always falling out. Now all my shoes are contained and organized and hidden in a nice cabinet that's low profile." — Kirsten Soquel Get it from Amazon for $137.99+ (be sure to clip the $20 off coupon!; also available in white). 2. Eliminate electronics that stick out like a sore thumb with a faux book display. It'll make the room look cleaner and more organized! Plus, I bet you won't mind having everyone comment on your impressive "book collection". Tap to play GIF Covogoods / Etsy Covogoods is a Utah-based, woman-founded small business that specializes in storage solutions crafted from up-cycled books. Promising review: "We absolutely love our CovoBox. It fits perfectly into our cabinet, and the cable modem/router, AppleTV, and external hard drive, and their various cables are now cleverly disguised as Harry Potter books 1–7. Great customer service, quick delivery, and a fabulous product. Two thumbs way, way up!" — John Grace Get it from Covogoods on Etsy for $19.80+ (originally $33+; available in various customizations and sizes) OR from Amazon Handmade for $29+ (you'll choose customizations before adding to your cart). 3. Store essentials out of sight in a slim storage cart with locking wheels — it's perfect for areas with limited space, like bathrooms, laundry rooms, etc. that desperately need more storage without causing more clutter to gawk at. Promising review: " This is a convenient item. It fits perfectly in my laundry area. Easy to assemble and use. A must if you like to be organized and don't have a lot of cabinets to do so. I am very happy with this purchase!" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $19.98+ (available in five colors). 4. Use a large woven basket for concealing odds and ends you don't want strewn about, like your massive blanket and throw pillow collection that never seems to stop growing, for example. Promising review:"This is the laundry basket we have on top of our dryer for whites. It is attractive, holds up nicely and if we have people over, they do not need to see our laundry displayed. Love it!" — Karen R. Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in five sizes and eight colors). 5. Lather up your dirty old fireplace with a coat of brick whitewash paint to make you feel *extra* festive and inspire you to jazz up your mantle so that 2025 is the year of endless compliments. This can turn a painful eyesore into a stunning focal point, so what are you waiting for?? Promising review:"This is amazing!!!!! It looks like a different fireplace. I have been looking at a horrible grout repair that the previous owners did for 20 years. I did this in about two hours!!!!!! This product is fast, it's easy to use, easy to clean up, and inexpensive." — Denise Get a pint from Amazon for $29.95 (available in three sizes). 6. Hide unsightly cords in a cable management box because neither you *or* your guests should have to spend the next 365 days still staring at those tangled cords. 7. And while you're at it, grab this under-desk cable management tray if this is finally the year you get serious about concealing cables. This will keep all those cords dangling behind your desk organized and invisible. Amazon No tools required! It comes with a two-way clamping design that works on both horizontal and vertical surfaces. It's compatible with desks that are up to 3.1 inches thick. BedShelfie is a POC-owned small business that focuses on space-saving solutions for the home. Promising review:"First impression of the CarryUp, the build of it is solid and felt heavy. The weight of it made me confident it will hold up well and last me a long time. Overall setup was a breeze. No tools needed at all. One sentence that sums up this product for me ... Simple and effective!!!!! If you have messy cords underneath your desk then don't think, just buy this product." — Eddie Sadiwa Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in dark grey or cream). 8. Redo your floors with some concrete paint, which is a more affordable way to handle the depressing surface you have to set foot (and eyes) on every single day. It'll require some elbow grease, but the jaw-dropping before and after photos alone will be worth it. OK, so painting your concrete patio may not sound like the easiest upgrade, but if you're no stranger to painting and want a significant impact, try it! Promising review:"Works great. Used it in the basement for a quick, simple, inexpensive upgrade to brighten up the floor a bit and give the cement a clean look. Did a fairly good job filling in some of the hairline cracks as well." — T Get a gallon from Amazon for $35+ (available in silver gray or slate gray). 9. Implement a litter box enclosure because as much as you love your kitto, you could probably do without a litter box in the middle of the room for everyone to see. This will serve as a piece of furniture *and* decor while hiding the litter box you love to hate. Wayfair Promising reviews:"I absolutely, LOVE this litter box cabinet. I used to keep it in my closet until noticing my clothes would have a chalky film on them. This is perfect!! Not only does it hide the box itself, but it helps contain any smells that are beginning to emanate from the box. I clean it out every other day and have never noticed any odors. I also took out the divider, because my box was a few inches too long. All changing supplies are kept inside, so it works out great! I HIGHLY recommend, this litter box cabinet!!" — Angie "This is the perfect way to conceal a litter box as well as the odors and dust that come with them. I have noticed a significant difference in the air quality in my home, it is as if I don't even have a litter box." — Annie Get it from Wayfair for $73.99+ (originally $79.99; available in five colors). 10. Refresh sad, worn-down furniture with a wipe-on finish restorer so it looks brand-new again with minimal effort. This is bound to make you feel like a certified pro heading into 2025, which is just an added bonus. Seriously, buy this stuff before your evil glare burns a hole in that piece of furniture that simply needs a revival. While restoring a finish isn't quite the same as completely refinishing a piece, it takes much less time and can still make furniture (and floors, front doors, and kitchen cabinets) look magically new again. Promising review:"Very easy to get results. I applied to eight dining room chairs which had scrapes, scuffs, and white paint marks. An amazing transformation so quickly. I finished eight chairs in 90 minutes without rushing. I bought two pints but only one was necessary. I used a cotton cloth for most of the application but also used 0000 steel wool for the scrapes and paint removal." — Grumpy Neanderthal Get it from Amazon for $9.98+ (available in eight wood finish colors; also available in larger sizes). Many reviewers follow up with the same brand's wood polish and conditioner (they're meant to be used together!), which you can get for $9.98 from Amazon. 11. Or for smaller jobs, get yourself a set of wood repair markers that'll get rid of minor scuffs and scratches. This quick and easy DIY fix will have your stuff lookin' flawless in no time! Amazon Former BuzzFeed Shopping editor Abby Kass says:"I used a similar kit on my TV stand after moving it into my current apartment, and it worked great! It was super easy to use — you just color in the scratch. And you can't tell the difference. It's amazing! And next time I move, I'm def hiring movers." Promising reviews:"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 homeowner 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." — Shane "These are great. I have several finishes on different pieces of furniture, and after several years, they were showing lots of scratches. Not anymore. Super easy to use and covered everything. Wasn't sure after paying such a minimal price that they'd work, but they really do." — Kindle Customer Get a set of 13 markers from Amazon for $8.99. 12. Install a faux-ivy privacy screen for the outdoor eyesores you have little control over, like your neighbor's messy backyard. Put this up to beautify your space *and* hide the chaos ruining your view. Nothing will bring you down this year when your yard looks *this* flawless. You can also line the top of a pergola with these vines for some shade, letting a bit of dappled sunlight pass through for a gorgeous effect! Promising review:"This was exactly what we needed for the backyard. It definitely provides enough privacy, and it gives the backyard a very nice ambiance! The leaves completely blend in with the other trees and plants we have in the backyard, and it looks like we made a huge upgrade in our gardening game. I'm now just hoping it can withstand the AZ summer and not fade with the sun (product description does state fade resistant). Don't be hesitant with purchasing; it's totally worth it!!" — Amazon Customer Get a roll from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in three sizes). You'll need some green zip ties to secure them, too. 13. Make use of that wide open space under your bed with under-bed storage bags. When it's time to store off-season items, you'll be glad to stash 'em out of sight! You can use these for so much more than clothing! Think craft supplies, extra toiletries, whatever you have too much of. Promising review:" These storage bags are fantastic. I live in a small apartment where storage space is at a premium. I use these to store my Costco toilet paper and paper towels so I don't need to make as many trips to the store. It keeps them in pristine condition and out of sight. The handles make them easy to pull in and out, and they fold up nicely when not in use. I'm thinking about getting two more since four will fit under my queen bed." — Kimberly Dorn Get a two-pack from Amazon for $13.97+ (available in three colors and in packs of four). 14. And consider adding a pleated bed skirt that'll hide the stuff you're storing under your bed because surely you don't want your visitors catching a glimpse of it. This neat and tidy solution will blend in with the room seamlessly. Target Promising review:"Looks great — really 'finishes' off the look. Ironed very easily and looks really nice. Material is very soft and holds the pleat." — AM Get it from Target for $25.99+ (originally $33.99+ available in seven sizes and 13 colors). 15. Make your entertainment area way more appealing with a TV cord cover — perfect for all the show you're about to binge because despite it being a new year, some things do stay the same. This cover basically *becomes* one with the wall, so you'll have to squint to spot it. Promising review: "These look great and are super easy to apply. This is the perfect solution for hiding a cord! It looks like it is just a part of the baseboard. Mine is covering a cable wire only, but I think they are big enough to hide more than one cord if needed. I didn't cut mine, and I bought two. You can tell where the two meet if you look closely. However, I do not think anyone would notice. I can't believe I let our cable cord sit across the floor for this long. I wish I would have found these sooner!" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $19.79+ (available in three sizes, five colors, and in multipacks). 16. Mask any scuff marks or scratches with a mini bottle of touch-up paint so you don't have to listen to anyone pointing out all the imperfections. Use it on your walls, furniture, cabinets, etc. It's no wonder renters love this stuff. Promising review:"I usually don't leave reviews, but I have to with this touchup paint. I had cheap command hooks on my wall to hang up my curtains in my apartment, and they ended up falling off and damaging the wall. I brought this to cover it up since it was an eyesore, and this worked perfectly! Thankfully, I matched the right shade, and you can't even tell. It's easy to use and not messy at all. Once it dries, it instantly blends in. I'm glad it worked so well because now I can put more stuff on my walls and fix it with the paint so it won't affect my security deposit, LOL." — N.D. Get it from Amazon for $18.95 (available in three sizes, 24 colors, and in sets of three). 17. And when all else fails, splurge on a gallon of self-priming paint to overhaul that one wall that needs more than a few touchups. It's made without toxic solvents so it won't stink up the joint. If you're not sure about committing to a full gallon, grab a single-color swatch for just $3! Clare Clare is a Black woman-owned business that makes paint shopping easier than ever. These designer-curated palettes are sure to take your home to the next level! And if you're not sure what colors to go with, take Clare's Color Genius Quiz! Get a gallon from Clare for $74+ (also available as a quart for $28 and with or without the seven-piece paint kit). 18. Cover up that awful eyesore dangling from your ceiling with an electrical cord cover. Plus, this will match all your new 2025 decor upgrades beautifully! Amazon Promising review: "This is a great product. [It] serves the purpose of covering ugly cords and looks beautiful. Also easy to install. Got lucky and the color I chose from the chart offered matched exactly to our wall color!" — Deborah Smith Get it from Amazon for $23.83+ (available in 22 colors and in multipacks). 19. Use a semi-transparent deck and stain stealer so your outdoor area stays fresh as long as possible. Wood surfaces will be protected from the harsh elements and they'll look pristine for *much* longer. It'll be so sleek and shiny, you won't be able to take your eyes off it, but in a good way! Promising review: "This was recommended to me by a guy who sold us redwood boards from his mill. It went on easily and it looks gorgeous! I stained a fence and two decks in the last three years and this product is far superior right off the bat. Love the richness of the color and the wood is soaking it up consistently." — I Know Jack Get a 1-gallon can from Amazon for $36.99. 20. Get rid of that annoying gap between your furniture and the wall with a genius flat outlet plug. Not to mention that you'll hide more of the eyesores you don't want anyone seeing in this year OR the next. Promising review:"This was very easy to install to hide all the messy wires. This is life changing to create a nice, sleek space." — Martha Ashley Get it from Amazon for $23.95+ (available in four lengths and two configurations). 21. Keep stuff you don't want lying around in a decorative box with a hinged lid. It doubles as a nice piece of decor while concealing remotes, glasses, pill cases, and anything else you're constantly losing track of. Promising review: "This decorative storage box looks like a carved art piece. I use it in my living room to hide remotes, reading glasses, dental floss, etc." — Free Spirit Get it from Amazon for $19.97+ (available in three sizes and colors). 22. Swap out your old lights for some modern pendant lights — it's time to let go of that secret grudge you've been holding against the old ones since before 2024. You'll actually enjoy looking at these, and your guests will never stop complimenting them. The adjustable cord measures 5.5 feet. It does not include bulbs, but you can get a set of compatible Edison bulbs here. Promising review:"Love these green pendants above our island. The color is a perfect muted olive green and the wood accent just elevates the look. For reference, our island is 8ft long and three of these lights fit perfectly." — Jay Stanford Get it from Amazon for $59.99 (available in four colors). 23. And if necessary, use a recessed light conversion kit so you can bid farewell to the hideous recessed lighting in your kitchen and hang those luxurious pendant lights instead! Promising reviews:"Bought a house with canned lights everywhere. I wanted a few semi-flush, pendants and chandeliers so I tried this product. Very easy to install and works like a charm. " — PJG123 "It may take a bit of finessing and maybe an extra hole drilled here or there but it will eventually do what it is supposed to do. I now have a surface-mounted light on my front porch instead of the can light the builder supplied. We turned a dark ugly space into a wonderfully lit beautiful space. We are amazed at the transformation this lighting change made to our home. Would do this again in a second." — TDC Get it from Amazon for $21.24. 24. Upgrade old furniture with a set of metal furniture leg replacements, which will instantly transform the whole look of an old cabinet or sofa. Buying a new piece of furniture can be pricey but this revamp will help you stay on the 2025 budget! Alfa Modern Furnishing is a small business based in Los Angeles that wants to help you modernize your home with sleek accents to add to your furniture. Promising review:"Quality is very good. Easy to attach with provides screws. We replaced wooden legs that were not strong with these beautiful gold metal legs and really complemented the piece." — sherry case Get a set of four from Alfa Modern Furnishing on Etsy for $59.95 (check out their Etsy shop for more styles). 25. Throw your garbage into a super stealthy slide-out trash can because who wants their waste to be the first thing dinner guests see upon entering the kitchen? Not you, that's who!! The 35-quart container comes with all the mounting hardware you'll need. Promising review:"I hesitated to trade existing storage space for a trashcan but I am so glad I did. The Rev-A-Shelf was easy to install and worked exactly as I expected. The instructions were a bit lacking but a quick check on YouTube is all you need. Just four easily placed screws to your cupboard bottom and project complete. The fact that the kitchen trash is not the first thing guests see when they enter my house is awesome. I should have done this upgrade years ago! You won't be sorry if you purchase this unit. I love it!" — daisy Get it from Amazon for $65.99+ (available in seven colors, or check out other options/sizes for the Rev-A-Shelf trashcan storage). 26. Finish the job your landlord failed to do with a roll of toilet sealant tape. Some of us have zero intention of picking up a tube of caulk this year (or ever). This self-adhesive tape is flexible and will put such a nice finishing touch on your porcelain throne that you actually won't mind looking at it! Promising reviews:"Boy does this tape pretty up an otherwise and boring toilet. Way better than a bead of caulk. before installation. Also helps to warm the product. Can be stretched during installation to better fit around tight bends. Been in place for a few weeks; still holding fine." — Selaretus "Went on easily around the toilet, [it] looks so much better. Covered discoloration around the base, highly recommend." — Jerry Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in five sizes/styles). 27. Add a vinyl transition floor strip to that one threshold in your home that makes you roll your eyes whenever you see it. This will make the transition between rooms and flooring look much more natural. Plus, you won't have to worry about tripping and falling anytime soon. Amazon Promising review: "I have a weirdly tall transition to my bathrooms and struggled with getting a normal threshold to stay in the entrance to my other bathroom after laying vinyl tile, so I hesitated on doing the hall bath until I found this product. Problem solved! Looks great and doesn't budge! And affordable! I will definitely be ordering more for the long gap between my laminate and marble flooring in another area that I have hated for years."— m. white Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in two sizes and six colors). 28. Revive the stained driveway or walkway you spent all of 2024 grimacing at with this magical oil stain remover. Simply apply the formula, allow it to dry, then brush it away to reveal a stain-free surface. Promising review:"Changed the oil on my girlfriend's car and some oil spilled on my NEW 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." — AmazonBob Get it from Amazon for $17.97 (also available in a larger size) 29. ~Switch~ up all your boring beige plates in favor of these chic switch plate covers. Your home will no longer be plagued by standard-issue plate covers that you hate looking at. Farmhouse Iron Co. / Etsy Farmhouse Iron Co. is a small business based at an actual farm on the central coast of California. If you're looking for shabby-chic or rustic home decor, this is the shop for you! Promising review: "These plates are very beautiful. They match perfectly with the decor of my house. Very happy with this purchase." — Ingrid Hogan Get it from Farmhouse Iron Co. on Etsy for $13+ (available in five styles). 30. Tidy up your very cluttered garage floors with these ceiling-mount shelves — now you'll have a place to hide all the Christmas decor you have yet to take down (same) These shelves will remain mostly out of sight without taking up valuable floor space! These shelves measure 45" x 45" and can hold up to 250 lbs of evenly distributed weight. Promising review:"These are a great way to open up more storage potential in the garage. This is actually my third home when I've used these in my garage. If you have lots of room between your garage door and your ceiling, these can be used up there to allow you to store stuff in a space you would otherwise not be able to use. They're great for being able to store stuff way up high and not take up any floor space. We store all of our Christmas lights and other holiday decorations on them. They hold up the weight of 4 or 5 big bins full of Christmas light strings, no problem." — Buster Get it from Amazon for $99.99 (available in two colors). 31. Conceal that ghastly electrical panel with a macramé tapestry. You know the one that makes you want to scream whenever you lay eyes on it? Yep, that's the one. This tapestry measures 18" x 40" so make sure it'll be a good fit to cover your electrical panel! Promising review:"I bought this to cover the electric panel in our mudroom. It covers it perfectly so now it's not the first thing you see when you walk in. Had to brush out the tassels a little bit but it is good quality!" — J. Underwood Get it from Amazon for $46.99. 32. Give dull metal fixtures a major upgrade with metallic spray paint instead of buying new ones. All those old dingy doorknobs, faucets, and light fixtures in your home? They don't stand a chance. Promising review:"Best looking metal spray paint I have seen. It took me 90 minutes to prepare, mask, and paint my bathroom faucet. I used about 1/2 a can of this paint." — OC-Adam Get it from Amazon for $9.48+ (available in several metallic finish colors). 33. Keep outdoor monstrosities hidden with a privacy screen. Think pool equipment, garbage cans, air conditioning units, and anything else that's been diminishing your curb appeal since last year. Promising review:"Super easy to install and took less than 30 min to put together, level out, and hammer in the stakes. My HOA doesn't allow the trash bins to be visible from the street so this fixed that issue plus it matches my house trim." — Joseph and Anne Sawyer Get it from Amazon for $160.02 (also available in additional styles/sizes). 34. Treat your outdated counters to an HGTV-worthy makeover with this granite-esque countertop paint kit. Instead of gawking at those ancient countertops you can't stand, now you'll be filled with joy whenever you enter the kitchen! Amazon, It's a three-step paint process that goes right over your old countertops. It has automotive-grade durability and is made of safe water-based materials. One kit covers the typical kitchen's 35 square feet or 16 running feet of standard two-foot-wide countertop. You could also use it to paint a counter a solid color! You'll also need: a Brillo pad, a roll of Frog Tape, a wood patch, and some sandpaper for any deep nicks or seams. Paint rollers, sponges, and brushes are included in the kit. The company also has thorough step-by-step videos on its YouTube channel for both the granite and the marble kits! Promising review:"Easy to put on. You just have to let the base coat dry and then start sponging the colors on. I am not crafty at all and I still can't believe what my countertop looks like. I am glad I gave it a try. So far it seems very durable. I do not cut on my counters or place hot pots or pans on there I always use pot holders. I LOVE MY NEW COUNTERS. It was much cheaper and easier than replacing them." — Sharon Get it from Amazon for $99.95+ (available in five finishes and in a marble version). 35. Change out your standard boring air vent cover for a more decorative option you'll actually love looking at. If you adore *almost* everything about your home except for the eyesore of a vent that angers you whenever you walk by, get this!! Promising review:"I bought these to replace the ugly, plain registers that were on my ceiling. Installed in less than 10 minutes and they look beautiful. I ordered white and spray painted them nickel to match my ceiling fan. Couldn't be happier." — AsMeow Get one from Amazon for $18.01+ (available in two sizes and styles). 36. Install some flexible baseboard trim for that one area in your home that has been seriously neglected and you're finally ready to spruce it up. A clean, sleek baseboard can do wonders for a room, so why not make 2025 the year you add your own? Amazon This roll of self-adhesive trim measures 4 inches by 20 feet. Promising review:"This was very easy to apply and make sure you have it where you want it before sticking because it REALLY sticks to the wall. I laid out the roll and let it relax for a day before cutting and applying. Love the easy-to-clean material. Made trimming out my bathroom/ laundry room quick and easy." — Cassie Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in nine sizes and three colors). Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Buzz Feed
22-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
38 Things To Hide The Parts Of Your Home You're Not Necessarily A Fan Of
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. Because no, you don't have to look at tangled cords, worn-down fixtures, or any other household eyesores if you don't want to. 1. A sleek and ~sneaky~ shoe-storage cabinet for your entryway so a shoe pile isn't the first thing you see when you walk through the door. Bonus: it'll serve as a gorgeous piece of decor with plenty of room for essentials on top! Reviewers also use this as a media console to store games and electronics, too. Like I Promising reviews:"I love this piece. Before, everyone in the family would come in and throw their shoes off and the area was a mess. Now everyone takes time to put their shoes in this and the area looks so nice. I've had many compliments on it." — Vicki Davis "I've had open shoe racks and the shoes were always falling out. Now all my shoes are contained and organized and hidden in a nice cabinet that's low profile." — Kirsten Soquel Get it from Amazon for $139.99 (be sure to clip the $20 off coupon for this price; available in two colors). 2. A faux book display to conceal messy outlets, cables, and other eyesores for a clean, organized vibe. You won't mind having everyone comment on your impressive book collection either. Covogoods / Etsy Covogoods is a Utah-based, woman-founded small business that specializes in storage solutions crafted from up-cycled books. Promising review: "We absolutely love our CovoBox. It fits perfectly into our cabinet, and the cable modem/router, AppleTV, and external hard drive, and their various cables are now cleverly disguised as Harry Potter books 1–7. Great customer service, quick delivery, and a fabulous product. Two thumbs way, way up!" — John Grace Get it from Covogoods on Etsy for $33+ (available in various customizations and sizes) OR from Amazon Handmade for $29+ (you'll choose customizations before adding to your cart). 3. A slim storage cart with locking wheels when space is limited and you'd rather not have your junk on display at all times. This lil' cart will fit almost anywhere and has three shelves for storing essentials. Promising review: " This is a very handy item. It fits perfectly in my laundry area. Easy to assemble and to use. A must if you like to be organized and you don't have a lot of cabinets to do so. I am very happy with this purchase!" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $26.89+ (available in five colors). 4. A large woven storage basket that'll be a lovely addition to the corner of any room *and* it's perfect for hiding odds and ends you don't want strewn about. Amazon Promising reviews:"This is the laundry basket we have on top of our dryer for whites. It is attractive, holds up nicely and if we have people over, they do not need to see our laundry displayed. Love it!" — Karen R. " Wow very thick and sturdy! I'm quite surprised. Love it for my nursery laundry basket for all the toys. The color is just as photo shows, complementary for all decor types. Good value for the money!" — Ichi Ban Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in five sizes and nine colors). 5. A bamboo shelf with a tilt-out hamper — does anyone really enjoy having a hamper that sticks out like a sore thumb? This saves space, conceals it, *and* gives you a couple of storage shelves, too. It comes with a removable liner for the hamper that can be easily lifted out and wiped clean with a damp cloth. Promising review:"Straightforward assembly and a beautiful product, I was really happy. This looks perfect in a small bathroom, and hides the unsightly laundry pile nicely. I keep makeup on top and extra toilet papers in middle, with plenty of space. The bamboo is nice and water resistant too, so deals well with humidity." — AJohns Get it from Amazon for $79.99. 6. Brick whitewash paint to make it look like your home was just featured on an episode of Fixer Upper. This can turn a painful eyesore into a stunning focal point, so what are you waiting for?? Promising review:"This is amazing!!!!! It looks like a different fireplace. I have been looking at a horrible grout repair that the previous owners did for 20 years. I did this in about two hours!!!!!! This product is fast, it's easy to use, easy to clean up, and inexpensive." — Denise Get a pint from Amazon for $29.95 (available in three sizes/styles). 7. A cable organizer box because you shouldn't have to look at tangled cords a moment longer. Protect your peace and conceal the mess with this handy box! And grab that sleek cable sleeve (a.k.a. a wire cover) while you're at it! Promising reviews:"I've been searching for something to not only hide the cord mess but protect them from my munch monster of a cat. This box in addition to cable straps and cable wrap has solved my cable management like magic! I highly recommend this product." — Lauryn " Seriously where has this been all my life??? Highly recommend. Excellent cord management soulmate (I meant to type solution and it autocorrected to soulmate, however I think that's accurate LOL.) Just get it. Won't regret." — April Olsen Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in two sizes and three colors). 8. Plus, an under-desk cable management tray if you really want to get serious about hiding your cables. This will keep all those cords dangling behind your desk organized *and* hidden. No tools required! It comes with a two-way clamping design that works on both horizontal and vertical surfaces. It's compatible with desks that are up to 3.1 inches thick. BedShelfie is a POC-owned small business that focuses on space-saving solutions for the home. Promising review:"First impression of the CarryUp, the build of it is solid and felt heavy. The weight of it made me confident it will hold up well and last me a long time. Overall setup was a breeze. No tools needed at all. One sentence that sums up this product for me ... Simple and effective!!!!! If you have messy cords underneath your desk then don't think, just buy this product." — Eddie Sadiwa Get it from Amazon for $25.99 (also available in green). 9. Some concrete paint that'll give your dull, depressing floors the refresh they deserve. It'll require some elbow grease, but the jaw-dropping before and after photos alone will be worth it. 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:"Works great. Used it in the basement for a quick, simple, inexpensive upgrade to brighten up the floor a bit and give the cement a clean look. Did a fairly good job filling in some of the hairline cracks as well." — T Get a gallon from Amazon for $35+ (available in silver gray or slate gray). 10. A litter box enclosure because as much as you love your kitto, you could probably do without a litter box in the middle of the room. This will serve as a piece of furniture *and* decor while hiding the litter box you love to hate. Promising reviews:"I absolutely, LOVE this litter box cabinet. I used to keep it in my closet until noticing my clothes would have a chalky film on them. This is perfect!! Not only does it hide the box itself, but it helps contain any smells that are beginning to emanate from the box. I clean it out every other day and have never noticed any odors. I also took out the divider, because my box was a few inches too long. All changing supplies are kept inside, so it works out great! I HIGHLY recommend, this litter box cabinet!!" — Angie "This is the perfect way to conceal a litter box as well as the odors and dust that come with them. I have noticed a significant difference in the air quality in my home, it is as if I don't even have a litter box." — Annie Get it from Wayfair for $67.99+ (originally $79.99; available in five colors). 11. A wipe-on finish restorer to make tired, worn-out furniture look brand new again. You should probably buy this stuff before your evil glare burns a hole in that piece of furniture that simply needs a refresher. While restoring a finish isn't quite the same as completely refinishing a piece, it takes much less time and can still make furniture (and floors, front doors, and kitchen cabinets) look magically new again. Promising review:"Very easy to get results. I applied to eight dining room chairs which had scrapes, scuffs, and white paint marks. An amazing transformation so quickly. I finished eight chairs in 90 minutes without rushing. I bought two pints but only one was necessary. I used a cotton cloth for most of the application but also used 0000 steel wool for the scrapes and paint removal." — Grumpy Neanderthal Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in nine wood finish colors; also available in larger sizes). Many reviewers follow up with the same brand's wood polish and conditioner (they're meant to be used together!), which you can get for $9.99 from Amazon. 12. Or for smaller jobs, a set of wood repair markers so you can get rid of those scuffs and scratches. This quick and easy DIY fix will have your stuff lookin' flawless in no time. Former BuzzFeed Shopping editor Abby Kass says: "I used a similar kit on my TV stand after moving it into my current apartment, and it worked great! It was super easy to use — you just color in the scratch. And you can't tell the difference. It's amazing! And next time I move, I'm def hiring movers." Promising reviews:"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 homeowner 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." — Shane "These are great. I have several finishes on different pieces of furniture, and after several years, they were showing lots of scratches. Not anymore. Super easy to use and covered everything. Wasn't sure after paying such a minimal price that they'd work, but they really do." — Kindle Customer Get a set of 13 markers from Amazon for $8.99. 13. A faux ivy privacy screen for the eyesores you have little control over, like your neighbor's messy backyard. Put this up to beautify your space *and* hide the chaos ruining your view. You can also line the top of a pergola with these vines for some shade, letting a bit of dappled sunlight pass through for a gorgeous effect! Promising review:"This was exactly what we needed for the backyard. It definitely provides enough privacy, and it gives the backyard a very nice ambiance! The leaves completely blend in with the other trees and plants we have in the backyard, and it looks like we made a huge upgrade in our gardening game. I'm now just hoping it can withstand the AZ summer and not fade with the sun (product description does state fade resistant). Don't be hesitant with purchasing; it's totally worth it!!" — Amazon Customer Get a roll from Amazon for $31.99+ (available in three sizes). You'll need some green zip ties to secure them, too. 14. Under-bed storage bags when it's time to say goodbye to seasonal items (for now, anyway). You'll be able to store bulky items out of sight where they belong. You can use these for so much more than clothing! Think craft supplies, extra toiletries, whatever you have too much of. Promising review:" These storage bags are fantastic. I live in a small apartment where storage space is at a premium. I use these to store my Costco toilet paper and paper towels so I don't need to make as many trips to the store. It keeps them in pristine condition and out of sight. The handles make them easy to pull in and out, and they fold up nicely when not in use. I'm thinking about getting two more since four will fit under my queen bed." — Kimberly Dorn Get a two-pack from Amazon for $13.97+ (available in four colors and in packs of four). 15. And while you're at it, a pleated bed skirt to hide all the stuff you're storing under your bed because who wants to see that?? This neat and tidy solution will blend in with the room seamlessly. Promising review:"Looks great — really 'finishes' off the look. Ironed very easily and looks really nice. Material is very soft and holds the pleat." — AM Get it from Target for $24.99+ (available in seven sizes and 13 colors). 16. A TV cord cover — you didn't do ALL that work of mounting your very expensive television just to have the aesthetic ruined with a mess of cords. This cover basically *becomes* part of the wall, so you'll have to squint to spot it. Chelsea Stuart / BuzzFeed Promising review: "These look great and are super easy to apply. This is the perfect solution for hiding a cord! It looks like it is just a part of the baseboard. Mine is covering a cable wire only, but I think they are big enough to hide more than one cord if needed. I didn't cut mine, and I bought two. You can tell where the two meet if you look closely. However, I do not think anyone would notice. I can't believe I let our cable cord sit across the floor for this long. I wish I would have found these sooner!" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in three sizes, five colors, and in multipacks). 17. A mini bottle of touch-up paint that'll mask any unsightly scuff marks or scratches around your home. Use it on your walls, furniture, cabinets, etc. It's no wonder renters love this stuff. Promising review:"I usually don't leave reviews, but I have to with this touchup paint. I had cheap command hooks on my wall to hang up my curtains in my apartment, and they ended up falling off and damaging the wall. I brought this to cover it up since it was an eyesore, and this worked perfectly! Thankfully, I matched the right shade, and you can't even tell. It's easy to use and not messy at all. Once it dries, it instantly blends in. I'm glad it worked so well because now I can put more stuff on my walls and fix it with the paint so it won't affect my security deposit, LOL." — N.D. Get it from Amazon for $18.95 (available in three sizes, 24 colors, and in sets of three). 18. And when all else fails, a gallon of self-priming paint so you can redo the wall that requires more than a few touchups. It's made without toxic solvents so it won't stink up the entire room. If you're not sure about committing to a full gallon, you can grab a single-color swatch for just $3! Clare Clare is a Black woman-owned business that makes paint shopping easier than ever. These designer-curated palettes are sure to take your home to the next level! And if you're not sure what colors to go with, take Clare's Color Genius Quiz! Get a gallon from Clare for $74+ (also available as a quart for $28 and with or without the seven-piece paint kit). 19. A mid-century starburst chandelier bound to turn heads when anyone enters the room in *the* best way. If you've been looking for a piece of decor to tie your space together and replace that old shabby chandelier that's hanging by a thread, the search is officially over. Promising reviews:"Absolutely 💯 in love with my purchase! Exactly what I wanted and after shopping around and seeing prices ranging from $1k to $700 the price is unbeatable! Turned my dining room into a room out of a model home!" — JH "Wow, I just hung up this ceiling light, and my room's got a whole new vibe! It's got a great look, feels sturdy, and the quality's seriously impressive. It gives off the perfect amount of cozy light, and it's pretty stylish, too. Super happy with this find!" — Jon Get it from Amazon for $179.10+ (available in two sizes and seven colors). 20. An electric pressure washer for tackling all the dirty surfaces around your property you hate to look at. This heavy-duty washer can clean decks, fences, and driveways. It comes with a garden hose adapter, so you can start cleaning up your outdoor area ASAP! Promising review:"Power washer was delivered Monday, it's Wednesday and I have washed two cars, cleaned driveway and sidewalks, cleaned back fence and the work keeps piling up, everything I see now needs to be cleaned! This little dude does not back down, plenty of power and it's surprisingly not too loud. Soap dispensers work great, and the tips are easy to change." — MAR Get it from Amazon for $199. 21. And a semi-transparent deck and stain stealer because it only makes sense to lock in all the hard work you just did. It'll keep your wood surfaces protected from the elements so it stays looking pristine for *much* longer. Promising review: "This was recommended to me by a guy who sold us redwood boards from his mill. It went on easily and it looks gorgeous! I stained a fence and two decks in the last three years and this product is far superior right off the bat. Love the richness of the color and the wood is soaking it up consistently." — I Know Jack Get a 1-gallon can from Amazon for $36.99. 22. A super flat outlet plug that'll make bulky, cluttered a thing of the past. Your room will look wayyy more put together when you swap it out for this sleek outlet plug. Promising review:"This was very easy to install to hide all the messy wires. This is life changing to create a nice, sleek space." — Martha Ashley Get it from Amazon for $23.95+ (available in four lengths and two configurations). 23. A clever decorative box with a hinged lid — it'll come in handy for concealing odds and ends while helping you keep track of the things that always seem to get misplaced. Think remotes, glasses, pillcases, and so on. Promising review: "This decorative storage box looks like a carved art piece. I use it in my living room to hide remotes, reading glasses, dental floss, etc." — Free Spirit Get it from Amazon for $19.97+ (available in two sizes and three colors). 24. Some modern pendant lights to replace the awful ones you've been holding a secret grudge against for years. You'll actually enjoy looking at these, and your guests will never stop complimenting them. The adjustable cord measures 5.5 feet. It does not include bulbs, but you can get a set of compatible Edison bulbs here. Promising review:"Love these green pendants above our island. The color is a perfect muted olive green and the wood accent just elevates the look. For reference our island is 8ft long and three of these lights fit perfectly." — Jay Stanford Get it from Amazon for $59.99 (available in three colors). 25. And a recessed light conversion kit so you can bid farewell to the ugly recessed lighting in your kitchen and hang those luxurious pendant lights instead! Promising reviews:"Bought a house with canned lights everywhere. I wanted a few semi-flush, pendants and chandeliers so I tried this product. Very easy to install and works like a charm. " — PJG123 "It may take a bit of finessing and maybe an extra hole drilled here or there but it will eventually do what it is supposed to do. I now have a surface- mounted light on my front porch instead of the can light the builder supplied. We turned a dark ugly space into a wonderfully lit beautiful space. We are amazed at the transformation this lighting change made to our home. Would do this again in a second." — TDC Get it from Amazon for $22.92. 26. A set of metal furniture leg replacements capable of transforming the entire look of an old cabinet or sofa. Buying a whole new piece of furniture isn't always in the budget, but this revamp is an affordable alternative! Alfa Modern Furnishing is a small business based in Los Angeles that wants to help you modernize your home with sleek accents to add to your furniture. Promising review:"Quality is very good. Easy to attach with provides screws. We replaced wooden legs that were not strong with these beautiful gold metal legs and really complemented the piece." — sherry case Get a set of four from Alfa Modern Furnishing on Etsy for $51.95 (also available in many other styles). 27. A sneaky slide-out trash can because who wants their garbage to be the first thing guests see upon entering the kitchen? Not you, that's who!! The 35-quart container comes with all the mounting hardware you'll need. Promising review:"I hesitated to trade existing storage space for a trashcan but I am so glad I did. The Rev-A-Shelf was easy to install and worked exactly as I expected. The instructions were a bit lacking but a quick check on YouTube is all you need. Just four easily placed screws to your cupboard bottom and project complete. The fact that the kitchen trash is not the first thing guests see when they enter my house is awesome. I should have done this upgrade years ago! You won't be sorry if you purchase this unit. I love it!" — daisy Get it from Amazon for $68.99+ (available in seven colors, or check out other options and sizes for the Rev-A-Shelf trashcan storage). 28. A roll of toilet sealant tape if you have no intention of picking up a tube of caulk in this lifetime or the next. This self-adhesive tape is flexible and will put such a nice finishing touch on your porcelain throne that you actually won't mind looking at it! Promising reviews:"Boy does this tape pretty up an otherwise and boring toilet. Way better than a bead of caulk. before installation. Also helps to warm the product. Can be stretched during installation to better fit around tight bends. Been in place for a few weeks; still holding fine." — Selaretus "Went on easily around the toilet, [it] looks so much better. Covered discoloration around the base, highly recommend." — Jerry Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in five sizes/styles). 29. A vinyl transition floor strip for that one threshold in your home that makes you roll your eyes whenever you see it. This will make the transition between rooms and flooring look much more natural. Amazon Promising review: "I have a weirdly tall transition to my bathrooms and struggled with getting a normal threshold to stay in the entrance to my other bathroom after laying vinyl tile, so I hesitated on doing the hall bath until I found this product. Problem solved! Looks great and doesn't budge! And affordable! I will definitely be ordering more for the long gap between my laminate and marble flooring in another area that I have hated for years."— m. white Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in two sizes and six colors). 30. A magical oil stain remover that'll help bring your driveway and paved walkways back to their original glory days. Simply apply the formula, allow it to dry, then brush it away to reveal a stain-free surface! Promising review:"Changed the oil on my girlfriend's car and some oil spilled on my NEW 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." — AmazonBob Get it from Amazon for $17.97 (also available in a larger size). 31. Some switch plate covers so you can ~switch~ up all the boring white and beige ones that are currently plaguing your home. Farmhouse Iron Co. / Etsy Farmhouse Iron Co. is a small business based at an actual farm on the central coast of California. If you're looking for shabby-chic or rustic home decor, this is the shop for you! Promising review: "These plates are very beautiful. They match perfectly with the decor of my house. Very happy with this purchase." — Ingrid Hogan Get it from Farmhouse Iron Co. on Etsy for $13+ (available in five styles). 32. Ceiling-mount shelves when your storage situation is dismal at best and you don't have any room for more furniture. Enter these brilliant shelves that will remain (mostly) out of sight without taking up any valuable floor space! These shelves measure 45" x 45" and can hold up to 250 lbs of evenly distributed weight. Promising review:"These are a great way to open up more storage potential in the garage. This is actually my third home when I've used these in my garage. If you have lots of room between your garage door and your ceiling, these can be used up there to allow you to store stuff in a space you would otherwise not be able to use. They're great for being able to store stuff way up high and not take up any floor space. We store all of our Christmas lights and other holiday decorations on them. They hold up the weight of four or five big bins full of Christmas light strings, no problem." — Buster Get it from Amazon for $101.14 (available in two styles). 34. A bottle of metallic spray paint for reviving metal fixtures and decor items that have seen better days. Your old dingy doorknobs, faucets, and light fixtures don't stand a chance. Promising review:"Best looking metal spray paint I have seen. It took me 90 minutes to prepare, mask, and paint my bathroom faucet. I used about 1/2 a can of this paint." — OC-Adam Get it from Amazon for $9.48 (available in several metallic finish colors). 35. A privacy screen that'll conceal those outdoor monstrosities you hate the most — you know, pool equipment, garbage cans, air conditioning units, and anything else that diminishes your curb appeal. Promising review:"Super easy to install and took less than 30 min to put together, level out, and hammer in the stakes. My HOA doesn't allow the trash bins to be visible from the street so this fixed that issue plus it matches my house trim." — Joseph and Anne Sawyer Get it from Amazon for $119.99 (also available in additional styles/sizes). 36. A ~handy~ sink soap dispenser tube kit because that ugly plastic bottle from the dollar store is not doing anything for your kitchen's aesthetic. You'll have one less slippery bottle near the sink *and* you'll have to refill this less often. Amazon, This DIY project is easiest if your sink or countertop already has an existing hole for a soap dispenser! This kit includes a stainless steel dispenser pump with a 360-degree swivel, a 47" no-spill extension tube with check valve, a connecting pipe, and a 17-oz. soap bottle. You can use the extension tube in your own jug of soap (pictured above) OR you can fill the included 17-oz. bottle with your own soap instead. The kit is designed for a universal fit and can accommodate sink holes that measure between 1" and 1.5" in diameter. Promising review:"It's just as described! I bought this in brushed nickel so it would match the sink! Love it! Finally, my guests can wash their hands without knocking a bottle over or shifting its spot on the sink! It can swivel 360° and comes with a longer tube, two rubber plugs to fit different-sized bottles, and an empty plastic bottle. I chose to screw on the plastic bottle directly to the dispenser so it doesn't sit on the bottom but will keep longer tube in case I change my mind later. The bottle holds on very well! The best part is when the soap runs out, I can replenish the bottle by removing the dispenser head from the top of the sink without having to crawl back under again! No tools required! Took about five minutes! Highly recommend!" — ItsJenAgain91 Get it from Amazon for $24.95+ (available in six colors). 37. Some flexible baseboard trim for that one area in your home that has been seriously neglected and you're finally ready to do something about it. A clean, sleek baseboard can do wonders for a room, so why not add your own? Amazon This roll of self-adhesive trim measures 4 inches by 20 feet. Promising review:"This was very easy to apply and make sure you have it where you want it before sticking because it REALLY sticks to the wall. I laid out the roll and let it relax for a day before cutting and applying. Love the easy-to-clean material. Made trimming out my bathroom/ laundry room quick and easy." — Cassie Get it from Amazon for $25.99 (available in nine sizes and three colors). 38. A large outdoor storage box to store anything you don't want scattered across the lawn, like cushions, kids' toys, and pool supplies. Promising review: "[I] bought this so I could store my gardening items and kids' toys. It has been perfect. It is big enough to fit everything from my planters, gardening tools, kids' water guns, balls, etc. and it still has a lot of space. My kids use it as a bench to sit on as well. Durable and sturdy so far." — Sid Get it from Amazon for $76.99 (available in six sizes and five colors). Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Buzz Feed
28-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
If 2025 Is The Year You Banish Your Home Eyesores, Here Are 37 Ways To Go About It
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. Nothing says "yuck" like messy cords, cluttered surfaces, and dated fixtures. 1. Add a sleek and ~sneaky~ shoe-storage cabinet to your entryway so a shoe pile isn't the first thing your guests see when they walk through the door this year. Bonus: it'll serve as a gorgeous piece of decor with plenty of room for essentials on top! Reviewers also use this as a media console to store games and electronics, too. Like I Promising reviews:"I love this piece. Before, everyone in the family would come in and throw their shoes off and the area was a mess. Now everyone takes time to put their shoes in this and the area looks so nice. I've had many compliments on it." — Vicki Davis "I've had open shoe racks and the shoes were always falling out. Now all my shoes are contained and organized and hidden in a nice cabinet that's low profile." — Kirsten Soquel Get it from Amazon for $117.99+ (be sure to clip the $20 off coupon for this price; also available in white). 2. Eliminate electronics that stick out like a sore thumb with a faux book display. It'll make the room look cleaner and more organized! Plus, I bet you won't mind having everyone comment on your impressive "book collection". Tap to play GIF Covogoods / Etsy Covogoods is a Utah-based, woman-founded small business that specializes in storage solutions crafted from up-cycled books. Promising review: "We absolutely love our CovoBox. It fits perfectly into our cabinet, and the cable modem/router, AppleTV, and external hard drive, and their various cables are now cleverly disguised as Harry Potter books 1–7. Great customer service, quick delivery, and a fabulous product. Two thumbs way, way up!" — John Grace Get it from Covogoods on Etsy for $19.80+ (originally $33+; available in various customizations and sizes) OR from Amazon Handmade for $29+ (you'll choose customizations before adding to your cart). 3. Store essentials out of sight in a slim storage cart with locking wheels — it's perfect for areas with limited space, like bathrooms, laundry rooms, etc. that desperately need more storage without causing more clutter to gawk at. Promising review: " This is a convenient item. It fits perfectly in my laundry area. Easy to assemble and use. A must if you like to be organized and don't have a lot of cabinets to do so. I am very happy with this purchase!" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $26.89+ (available in five colors). 4. Use a large woven basket for concealing odds and ends you don't want strewn about, like your massive blanket and throw pillow collection that never seems to stop growing, for example. Amazon, Promising review:"This is the laundry basket we have on top of our dryer for whites. It is attractive, holds up nicely and if we have people over, they do not need to see our laundry displayed. Love it!" — Karen R. Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in five sizes and eight colors). 5. Give yourself a bit of extra storage *and* hide dirty laundry with this bamboo shelf and tilt-out hamper. Does anyone enjoy having an ugly plastic hamper around that puts a damper on the ~new year, new me~ vibes? This saves space, keeps it hidden, *and* has a couple of storage shelves. It comes with a removable liner for the hamper that can be easily lifted out and wiped clean with a damp cloth. Promising review:"Straightforward assembly and a beautiful product, I was really happy. This looks perfect in a small bathroom and hides the unsightly laundry pile nicely. I keep makeup on top and extra toilet paper in middle, with plenty of space. The bamboo is nice and water resistant too, so deals well with humidity." — AJohns Get it from Amazon for $74.99. 6. Lather up your dirty old fireplace with a coat of brick whitewash paint to make you feel *extra* festive and inspire you to jazz up your mantle so that 2025 is the year of endless compliments. This can turn a painful eyesore into a stunning focal point, so what are you waiting for?? Promising review:"This is amazing!!!!! It looks like a different fireplace. I have been looking at a horrible grout repair that the previous owners did for 20 years. I did this in about two hours!!!!!! This product is fast, it's easy to use, easy to clean up, and inexpensive." — Denise Get a pint from Amazon for $29.95 (available in three sizes). 7. Hide unsightly cords in a cable management box because neither you *or* your guests should have to spend the next 365 days still staring at those tangled cords. 8. And while you're at it, grab this under-desk cable management tray if this is finally the year you get serious about concealing cables. This will keep all those cords dangling behind your desk organized and invisible. No tools required! It comes with a two-way clamping design that works on both horizontal and vertical surfaces. It's compatible with desks that are up to 3.1 inches thick. BedShelfie is a POC-owned small business that focuses on space-saving solutions for the home. Promising review:"First impression of the CarryUp, the build of it is solid and felt heavy. The weight of it made me confident it will hold up well and last me a long time. Overall setup was a breeze. No tools needed at all. One sentence that sums up this product for me ... Simple and effective!!!!! If you have messy cords underneath your desk then don't think, just buy this product." — Eddie Sadiwa Get it from Amazon for $25.99 (available in dark grey or cream). 9. Redo your floors with some concrete paint, which is a more affordable way to handle the depressing surface you have to set foot (and eyes) on every single day. It'll require some elbow grease, but the jaw-dropping before and after photos alone will be worth it. OK, so painting your concrete patio may not sound like the easiest upgrade, but if you're no stranger to painting and want a significant impact, try it! Promising review:"Works great. Used it in the basement for a quick, simple, inexpensive upgrade to brighten up the floor a bit and give the cement a clean look. Did a fairly good job filling in some of the hairline cracks as well." — T Get a gallon from Amazon for $35+ (available in silver gray or slate gray). 10. Implement a litter box enclosure because as much as you love your kitto, you could probably do without a litter box in the middle of the room for everyone to see. This will serve as a piece of furniture *and* decor while hiding the litter box you love to hate. Wayfair Promising reviews:"I absolutely, LOVE this litter box cabinet. I used to keep it in my closet until noticing my clothes would have a chalky film on them. This is perfect!! Not only does it hide the box itself, but it helps contain any smells that are beginning to emanate from the box. I clean it out every other day and have never noticed any odors. I also took out the divider, because my box was a few inches too long. All changing supplies are kept inside, so it works out great! I HIGHLY recommend, this litter box cabinet!!" — Angie "This is the perfect way to conceal a litter box as well as the odors and dust that come with them. I have noticed a significant difference in the air quality in my home, it is as if I don't even have a litter box." — Annie Get it from Wayfair for $73.99+ (originally $79.99; available in five colors). 11. Refresh sad, worn-down furniture with a wipe-on finish restorer so it looks brand-new again with minimal effort. This is bound to make you feel like a certified pro heading into 2025, which is just an added bonus. Seriously, buy this stuff before your evil glare burns a hole in that piece of furniture that simply needs a revival. While restoring a finish isn't quite the same as completely refinishing a piece, it takes much less time and can still make furniture (and floors, front doors, and kitchen cabinets) look magically new again. Promising review:"Very easy to get results. I applied to eight dining room chairs which had scrapes, scuffs, and white paint marks. An amazing transformation so quickly. I finished eight chairs in 90 minutes without rushing. I bought two pints but only one was necessary. I used a cotton cloth for most of the application but also used 0000 steel wool for the scrapes and paint removal." — Grumpy Neanderthal Get it from Amazon for $9.98+ (available in eight wood finish colors; also available in larger sizes). Many reviewers follow up with the same brand's wood polish and conditioner (they're meant to be used together!), which you can get for $9.50 from Amazon. 12. Or for smaller jobs, get yourself a set of wood repair markers that'll get rid of minor scuffs and scratches. This quick and easy DIY fix will have your stuff lookin' flawless in no time! Former BuzzFeed Shopping editor Abby Kass says:"I used a similar kit on my TV stand after moving it into my current apartment, and it worked great! It was super easy to use — you just color in the scratch. And you can't tell the difference. It's amazing! And next time I move, I'm def hiring movers." Promising reviews:"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 homeowner 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." — Shane "These are great. I have several finishes on different pieces of furniture, and after several years, they were showing lots of scratches. Not anymore. Super easy to use and covered everything. Wasn't sure after paying such a minimal price that they'd work, but they really do." — Kindle Customer Get a set of 13 markers from Amazon for $8.99. 13. Install a faux-ivy privacy screen for the outdoor eyesores you have little control over, like your neighbor's messy backyard. Put this up to beautify your space *and* hide the chaos ruining your view. Nothing will bring you down this year when your yard looks *this* flawless. You can also line the top of a pergola with these vines for some shade, letting a bit of dappled sunlight pass through for a gorgeous effect! Promising review:"This was exactly what we needed for the backyard. It definitely provides enough privacy, and it gives the backyard a very nice ambiance! The leaves completely blend in with the other trees and plants we have in the backyard, and it looks like we made a huge upgrade in our gardening game. I'm now just hoping it can withstand the AZ summer and not fade with the sun (product description does state fade resistant). Don't be hesitant with purchasing; it's totally worth it!!" — Amazon Customer Get a roll from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in three sizes). You'll need some green zip ties to secure them, too. 14. Make use of that wide open space under your bed with under-bed storage bags. When it's time to store warm-weather items away for the winter season, you'll be glad to stash 'em out of sight! Not to worry, spring 2025 will be here before ya know it. You can use these for so much more than clothing! Think craft supplies, extra toiletries, whatever you have too much of. Promising review:" These storage bags are fantastic. I live in a small apartment where storage space is at a premium. I use these to store my Costco toilet paper and paper towels so I don't need to make as many trips to the store. It keeps them in pristine condition and out of sight. The handles make them easy to pull in and out, and they fold up nicely when not in use. I'm thinking about getting two more since four will fit under my queen bed." — Kimberly Dorn Get a two-pack from Amazon for $13.97+ (available in three colors and in packs of four). 15. And consider adding a pleated bed skirt that'll hide the stuff you're storing under your bed because surely you don't want your visitors catching a glimpse of it. This neat and tidy solution will blend in with the room seamlessly. Target Promising review:"Looks great — really 'finishes' off the look. Ironed very easily and looks really nice. Material is very soft and holds the pleat." — AM Get it from Target for $23.99+ (originally $33.99+ available in seven sizes and 12 colors). 16. Make your entertainment area way more appealing with a TV cord cover — perfect for all the show you're about to binge because despite it being a new year, some things do stay the same. This cover basically *becomes* one with the wall, so you'll have to squint to spot it. Promising review: "These look great and are super easy to apply. This is the perfect solution for hiding a cord! It looks like it is just a part of the baseboard. Mine is covering a cable wire only, but I think they are big enough to hide more than one cord if needed. I didn't cut mine, and I bought two. You can tell where the two meet if you look closely. However, I do not think anyone would notice. I can't believe I let our cable cord sit across the floor for this long. I wish I would have found these sooner!" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in three sizes, five colors, and in multipacks). 17. Mask any scuff marks or scratches with a mini bottle of touch-up paint so you don't have to listen to anyone pointing out all the imperfections. Use it on your walls, furniture, cabinets, etc. It's no wonder renters love this stuff. Promising review:"I usually don't leave reviews, but I have to with this touchup paint. I had cheap command hooks on my wall to hang up my curtains in my apartment, and they ended up falling off and damaging the wall. I brought this to cover it up since it was an eyesore, and this worked perfectly! Thankfully, I matched the right shade, and you can't even tell. It's easy to use and not messy at all. Once it dries, it instantly blends in. I'm glad it worked so well because now I can put more stuff on my walls and fix it with the paint so it won't affect my security deposit, LOL." — N.D. Get it from Amazon for $18.95 (available in three sizes, 24 colors, and in sets of three). 18. And when all else fails, splurge on a gallon of self-priming paint to overhaul that one wall that needs more than a few touchups. It's made without toxic solvents so it won't stink up the joint. If you're not sure about committing to a full gallon, grab a single-color swatch for just $3! Clare Clare is a Black woman-owned business that makes paint shopping easier than ever. These designer-curated palettes are sure to take your home to the next level! And if you're not sure what colors to go with, take Clare's Color Genius Quiz! Get a gallon from Clare for $74+ (also available as a quart for $28 and with or without the seven-piece paint kit). 19. Cover up that awful eyesore dangling from your ceiling with an electrical cord cover. Plus, this will match all your new 2025 decor upgrades beautifully! Amazon Promising review: "This is a great product. [It] serves the purpose of covering ugly cords and looks beautiful. Also easy to install. Got lucky and the color I chose from the chart offered matched exactly to our wall color!" — Deborah Smith Get it from Amazon for $27.81+ (available in 22 colors and in multipacks). 20. Use a semi-transparent deck and stain stealer so your outdoor area stays fresh as long as possible. Wood surfaces will be protected from the harsh elements and they'll look pristine for *much* longer. It'll be so sleek and shiny, you won't be able to take your eyes off it, but in a good way! Promising review: "This was recommended to me by a guy who sold us redwood boards from his mill. It went on easily and it looks gorgeous! I stained a fence and two decks in the last three years and this product is far superior right off the bat. Love the richness of the color and the wood is soaking it up consistently." — I Know Jack Get a 1-gallon can from Amazon for $36.99. 21. Get rid of that annoying gap between your furniture and the wall with a genius flat outlet plug. Not to mention that you'll hide more of the eyesores you don't want anyone seeing in this year OR the next. Promising review:"This was very easy to install to hide all the messy wires. This is life changing to create a nice, sleek space." — Martha Ashley Get it from Amazon for $24.95+ (available in four lengths and two configurations). 22. Keep stuff you don't want lying around in a decorative box with a hinged lid. It doubles as a nice piece of decor while concealing remotes, glasses, pill cases, and anything else you're constantly losing track of. Promising review: "This decorative storage box looks like a carved art piece. I use it in my living room to hide remotes, reading glasses, dental floss, etc." — Free Spirit Get it from Amazon for $19.97+ (available in three sizes and four colors). 23. Swap out your old lights for some modern pendant lights — it's time to let go of that secret grudge you've been holding against the old ones since before 2024. You'll actually enjoy looking at these, and your guests will never stop complimenting them. The adjustable cord measures 5.5 feet. It does not include bulbs, but you can get a set of compatible Edison bulbs here. Promising review:"Love these green pendants above our island. The color is a perfect muted olive green and the wood accent just elevates the look. For reference, our island is 8ft long and three of these lights fit perfectly." — Jay Stanford Get it from Amazon for $59.99 (available in three colors). 24. And if necessary, use a recessed light conversion kit so you can bid farewell to the hideous recessed lighting in your kitchen and hang those luxurious pendant lights instead! Promising reviews:"Bought a house with canned lights everywhere. I wanted a few semi-flush, pendants and chandeliers so I tried this product. Very easy to install and works like a charm. " — PJG123 "It may take a bit of finessing and maybe an extra hole drilled here or there but it will eventually do what it is supposed to do. I now have a surface-mounted light on my front porch instead of the can light the builder supplied. We turned a dark ugly space into a wonderfully lit beautiful space. We are amazed at the transformation this lighting change made to our home. Would do this again in a second." — TDC Get it from Amazon for $24.24. 25. Upgrade old furniture with a set of metal furniture leg replacements, which will instantly transform the whole look of an old cabinet or sofa. Buying a new piece of furniture can be pricey but this revamp will help you stay on the 2025 budget! Alfa Modern Furnishing is a small business based in Los Angeles that wants to help you modernize your home with sleek accents to add to your furniture. Promising review:"Quality is very good. Easy to attach with provides screws. We replaced wooden legs that were not strong with these beautiful gold metal legs and really complemented the piece." — sherry case Get a set of four from Alfa Modern Furnishing on Etsy for $46.75 (originally $51.95; check out their Etsy shop for more styles). 26. Throw your garbage into a super stealthy slide-out trash can because who wants their waste to be the first thing dinner guests see upon entering the kitchen? Not you, that's who!! The 35-quart container comes with all the mounting hardware you'll need. Promising review:"I hesitated to trade existing storage space for a trashcan but I am so glad I did. The Rev-A-Shelf was easy to install and worked exactly as I expected. The instructions were a bit lacking but a quick check on YouTube is all you need. Just four easily placed screws to your cupboard bottom and project complete. The fact that the kitchen trash is not the first thing guests see when they enter my house is awesome. I should have done this upgrade years ago! You won't be sorry if you purchase this unit. I love it!" — daisy Get it from Amazon for $71.83+ (available in four colors, or check out other options/sizes for the Rev-A-Shelf trashcan storage). 27. Finish the job your landlord failed to do with a roll of toilet sealant tape. Some of us have zero intention of picking up a tube of caulk this year (or ever). This self-adhesive tape is flexible and will put such a nice finishing touch on your porcelain throne that you actually won't mind looking at it! Promising reviews:"Boy does this tape pretty up an otherwise and boring toilet. Way better than a bead of caulk. before installation. Also helps to warm the product. Can be stretched during installation to better fit around tight bends. Been in place for a few weeks; still holding fine." — Selaretus "Went on easily around the toilet, [it] looks so much better. Covered discoloration around the base, highly recommend." — Jerry Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in five sizes/styles). 28. Add a vinyl transition floor strip to that one threshold in your home that makes you roll your eyes whenever you see it. This will make the transition between rooms and flooring look much more natural. Plus, you won't have to worry about tripping and falling anytime soon. Amazon Promising review: "I have a weirdly tall transition to my bathrooms and struggled with getting a normal threshold to stay in the entrance to my other bathroom after laying vinyl tile, so I hesitated on doing the hall bath until I found this product. Problem solved! Looks great and doesn't budge! And affordable! I will definitely be ordering more for the long gap between my laminate and marble flooring in another area that I have hated for years."— m. white Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in two sizes and six colors). 29. Revive the stained driveway or walkway you spent all of 2024 grimacing at with this magical oil stain remover. Simply apply the formula, allow it to dry, then brush it away to reveal a stain-free surface. Promising review:"Changed the oil on my girlfriend's car and some oil spilled on my NEW 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." — AmazonBob Get it from Amazon for $17.97 (also available in a larger size) 30. ~Switch~ up all your boring beige plates in favor of these chic switch plate covers. Your home will no longer be plagued by standard-issue plate covers that you hate looking at. Farmhouse Iron Co. / Etsy Farmhouse Iron Co. is a small business based at an actual farm on the central coast of California. If you're looking for shabby-chic or rustic home decor, this is the shop for you! Promising review: "These plates are very beautiful. They match perfectly with the decor of my house. Very happy with this purchase." — Ingrid Hogan Get it from Farmhouse Iron Co. on Etsy for $13+ (available in five styles). 31. Tidy up your very cluttered garage floors with these ceiling-mount shelves — now you'll have a place to hide all the Christmas decor you have yet to take down (same) These shelves will remain mostly out of sight without taking up valuable floor space! These shelves measure 45" x 45" and can hold up to 250 lbs of evenly distributed weight. Promising review:"These are a great way to open up more storage potential in the garage. This is actually my third home when I've used these in my garage. If you have lots of room between your garage door and your ceiling, these can be used up there to allow you to store stuff in a space you would otherwise not be able to use. They're great for being able to store stuff way up high and not take up any floor space. We store all of our Christmas lights and other holiday decorations on them. They hold up the weight of 4 or 5 big bins full of Christmas light strings, no problem." — Buster Get it from Amazon for $99.99. 32. Conceal that ghastly electrical panel with a macramé tapestry. You know the one that makes you want to scream whenever you lay eyes on it? Yep, that's the one. This tapestry measures 18" x 40" so make sure it'll be a good fit to cover your electrical panel! Promising review:"I bought this to cover the electric panel in our mudroom. It covers it perfectly so now it's not the first thing you see when you walk in. Had to brush out the tassels a little bit but it is good quality!" — J. Underwood Get it from Amazon for $34.99. 33. Give dull metal fixtures a major upgrade with metallic spray paint instead of buying new ones. All those old dingy doorknobs, faucets, and light fixtures in your home? They don't stand a chance. Promising review:"Best looking metal spray paint I have seen. It took me 90 minutes to prepare, mask, and paint my bathroom faucet. I used about 1/2 a can of this paint." — OC-Adam Get it from Amazon for $9.48+ (available in several metallic finish colors). 34. Keep outdoor monstrosities hidden with a privacy screen. Think pool equipment, garbage cans, air conditioning units, and anything else that's been diminishing your curb appeal since last year. Promising review:"Super easy to install and took less than 30 min to put together, level out, and hammer in the stakes. My HOA doesn't allow the trash bins to be visible from the street so this fixed that issue plus it matches my house trim." — Joseph and Anne Sawyer Get it from Amazon for $160.02 (also available in additional styles/sizes). 35. Treat your outdated counters to an HGTV-worthy makeover with this granite-esque countertop paint kit. Instead of gawking at those ancient countertops you can't stand, now you'll be filled with joy whenever you enter the kitchen! Amazon, It's a three-step paint process that goes right over your old countertops. It has automotive-grade durability and is made of safe water-based materials. One kit covers the typical kitchen's 35 square feet or 16 running feet of standard two-foot-wide countertop. You could also use it to paint a counter a solid color! You'll also need: a Brillo pad, a roll of Frog Tape, a wood patch, and some sandpaper for any deep nicks or seams. Paint rollers, sponges, and brushes are included in the kit. The company also has thorough step-by-step videos on its YouTube channel for both the granite and the marble kits! Promising review:"Easy to put on. You just have to let the base coat dry and then start sponging the colors on. I am not crafty at all and I still can't believe what my countertop looks like. I am glad I gave it a try. So far it seems very durable. I do not cut on my counters or place hot pots or pans on there I always use pot holders. I LOVE MY NEW COUNTERS. It was much cheaper and easier than replacing them." — Sharon Get it from Amazon for $99.95+ (available in five finishes and in a marble version). 36. Change out your standard boring air vent cover for a more decorative option you'll actually love looking at. If you adore *almost* everything about your home except for the eyesore of a vent that angers you whenever you walk by, get this!! Promising review:"I bought these to replace the ugly, plain registers that were on my ceiling. Installed in less than 10 minutes and they look beautiful. I ordered white and spray painted them nickel to match my ceiling fan. Couldn't be happier." — AsMeow Get one from Amazon for $16+ (available in two sizes and four styles). 37. Install some flexible baseboard trim for that one area in your home that has been seriously neglected and you're finally ready to spruce it up. A clean, sleek baseboard can do wonders for a room, so why not make 2025 the year you add your own? Amazon This roll of self-adhesive trim measures 4 inches by 20 feet. Promising review:"This was very easy to apply and make sure you have it where you want it before sticking because it REALLY sticks to the wall. I laid out the roll and let it relax for a day before cutting and applying. Love the easy-to-clean material. Made trimming out my bathroom/ laundry room quick and easy." — Cassie Get it from Amazon for $25.99 (available in nine sizes and three colors). Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
