31 Budget-Friendly DIY Upgrades That Will Leave You Saying ‘Wow!’

Promising review:

I was quite doubtful, yet I thought considering the cost, what real harm could come from trying.

I’m extremely astonished.

It was incredibly simple to cut and install on our black dishwasher; it looks fantastic, is very easy to keep clean, and after only one month of usage, it’s still performing quite well. Initially, I had concerns about how often we run sanitization cycles—along with their high temperatures—might affect its adherence, but thus far everything has held together nicely.

It has similarly amazed numerous families and friends who have praised us for our new dishwasher that at last complements the rest of the kitchen.

.” —
Amazon Customer

Purchase an 18-inch by 6-foot roll from Amazon.
$12.95
.

Promising review:

“I live in an apartment community, and I wanted to find a solution to cover up my windows without using my blinds/curtains. Let me just say…wow!

This far surpassed my expectations.

Not only does it provide the seclusion I require, but the lighting effects both day and night are simply stunning! During the mornings, sunlight streams in, casting miniature rainbows across the entire bedroom!

In the evening, it appears incredibly cozy, warm, and boasts a stunningly authentic stained-glass appearance.

” —
Katie Coyle

Purchase a roll from Amazon for
$8.99+
(offered in 14 sizes and available in four different colors)

Promising review:

The stained glass effect of this window film was quite beautiful once applied.

Provided just enough ambiguity to let in soft light while keeping privacy intact when viewed from the exterior.

I purchased additional rolls and gave some to my son; he’s also using it at his apartment. We applied it to the lower portion of our windows and left the top sections uncovered, precisely addressing the issue this product was meant to solve. There are plenty of options available as well! —
Liza S

Purchase it from Amazon for
$7.99+
(available in 12 sizes).

The distance dictates the width and intensity of the light; place it further away for a gentler, more diffuse illumination, or move it nearer to concentrate the vibrant beam on a particular area.

Take a look at a comparable sunset lamp on
TikTok
To understand how it functions!

Promising review

Right from the start, it enhances the visual appeal of any space immediately.

This light is remarkably simplistic yet gorgeous, making your room feel snugly inviting. Its warm hue further contributes to an atmosphere of tranquility and peace within your environment.

I’m extremely pleased with it; I plan on purchasing another one. My room has these unusual geometric angles, and this light really enhances how cool they look.” —
-jordan_

Purchase it from Amazon for
$12.99+
(available in three styles).

These cabinet-mounted lights operate using batteries and include a remote control for turning them on and off, adjusting brightness levels, and setting up motion activation.

Promising review:

“I recently updated my kitchen and decided to add lights beneath my cabinets for a warm ambiance. I was looking for an installation process that would be simple yet efficient. These lights turned out fantastic! The brightness level can be adjusted, and they include a feature where you can set timers to automatically shut them off after 15, 30, or 60 minutes. They arrived with adhesive strips for cabinet mounting; however, I additionally attached
sticky back Velcro
And they’ve remained perfect. The company emailed me, offering help if needed. I absolutely LOVE them and would highly recommend.” —
Lisa Corey

Purchase a set of three from Amazon for
$15.99
(available as a pair also)

Most reviewers managed to totally transform their desks in under an hour, with even those who had more extensive spaces taking at most two hours! By the way, if you decide to go ahead with this, make sure to also look into
This reviewer offers excellent installation advice.
For attaching it to a desk!

Promising review:

”

I currently lack the funds for a new vanity. Instead, I opted for a DIY project: covering my unsightly pink bathroom vanity with marble contact paper. This improvement makes it look much nicer and seems quite sturdy too.

Initially, it can be somewhat challenging to use, but once you get accustomed to it, it becomes easier. I’m purchasing additional ones for my powder room!

Update: My vanity still appears fantastic even a few months afterward!

I opted to set up my gaming table in the laundry room [above, right] and it turned out fantastic! Advice: Ensure the surface is completely clean, as even minor particles can create bumpy spots. Additionally, don’t skimp on materials; purchase extra rolls since one won’t be sufficient.” —
Natalie Lamb

Purchase it from Amazon for
$4.99+
(comes in 10 sizes and four color options).

Promising review:

”

This added fresh energy to my extremely dull kitchen!

It turned out to be far simpler than anticipated, and I was quite anxious about tackling this project. However, I am pleased with my decision. The entire process took more than three hours from beginning to end.” —
Blood Agent

Read the remainder of this customer’s feedback.
in-depth review
For some useful hints and shortcuts!

Purchase six self-adhesive tiles from Amazon for
$17.30+
(available in 18 styles).

Promising review:

I typically avoid writing reviews, but this item truly merits one. We had been considering installing subway tiles for a backsplash in our kitchen ever since moving in; however, due to lack of time and energy, coupled with the cost, we hadn’t done so yet. When I stumbled upon these, I opted to give them a shot.

I’ve been extremely impressed with their appearance, and everyone who has seen them after I installed them assumes they are genuine tiles. These products shine just like actual tiles and also possess the same textured feel.

These items are simple to clean and fairly straightforward to set up. It took just two weekends for me since I had not purchased an adequate amount initially and required another pack (all together, three packs were necessary to finish my L-shaped kitchen backsplash). Choosing these was among the smartest moves I’ve made at home; they look fantastic! ” —
Kyle & Noelle

Purchase a pack containing ten 12×12 panels from Amazon.
$19.99+
(available in two styles).

Every tile is 12 by 12 inches in size.

Promising review:

”

I completely renovated my whole bathroom!

When we first moved into our house two years back, the primary downstairs bathroom featured dreadful orange mosaic tiles which we planned to replace someday with a complete renovation. However, before undertaking such an extensive project, we sought a budget-friendly update. Floorpops provided us with this affordable solution. To secure them properly, we applied caulk to fill minor spaces and sealed around the bathtub as well as beneath the baseboards for added stability. Since then, these tiles haven’t budged and seem adequately fixed in place.
Agnieska

Purchase a set of 10 tiles from Amazon
$12.75
(available in two colors).

Promising review:

I doubted these would survive an Oklahoma spring tornado season, but they’ve proven me wrong. The installation was straightforward, and they’re remarkably sturdy. Plus, they give a distinctive look to my newly installed garage doors.
Lila S.

Purchase it from Amazon for
$14.69+
(comes with three different hinge options).

Reviewers incorporated these in various manners, with some simply utilizing them as such.
mounting tape
In apartments, they ensured there was no damage to the walls. Some even put them on doors and kitchen islands!

Promising review:

The moldings arrived in excellent packaging and very promptly. Installing them was incredibly easy. I used White Lightning Speed Grip to attach the panels.

These panels added a sophisticated touch to an otherwise dull wall and peninsula. They are so timeless and budget-friendly, and they will remain fashionable forever.

!” —
JM

Purchase an individual panel from Amazon
$12.15+
(available in 17 sizes).

Promising review:

Since living in Hawaii requires selecting products that can withstand harsh conditions like weather, salt, and red dirt, among others, I decided to purchase several items. To finish my yoga deck, I bought 11 boxes altogether. Some will be used later to create steps at the rear of the property as well. I am quite satisfied with this decision and very contented. There’s also consideration being given to buying additional supplies for an upcoming outdoor shower installation.
Adelia

Purchase 10 sq. ft. from Amazon for
$81.99
.

Promising review:

I absolutely love these! My son had no trouble installing them. They have a much higher-end appearance compared to their price point, work great, and I’m very pleased with this enhancement.
Gina C. Ashline

Purchase a collection of 30 five-inch pulls from Amazon.
$29.99
.

To install, simply attach six sets of adhesive strips together, secure them into the grooves on the ceiling mount, peel off the protective covers from the strips, align the mount centrally, and snap on the cover—voila!

Tulip
Is a women-led small business that focuses on transforming intense room lighting into visually appealing illumination using stylish shades.

Promising review:

I strongly endorse these window treatments! The fact that they are suitable for renters is fantastic! They transform unattractive apartment lighting into a delightful atmosphere!
Mikayla W.

Obtain it from Tulip for
$139
.

Promising review

Where should I begin? This item is simply amazing. My aim was to swap out our old bathroom mirror, however, because of its dimensions, doing so would be quite expensive. Then, I stumbled upon this option on Amazon and thought why not give it a shot. The installation turned out to be incredibly straightforward; just make sure to move slowly during the process and smooth everything out as you proceed. Believe me when I say, it appears exactly like real wood and even has a wooden texture—you can both touch and notice the ‘grain.’ It truly stands out beautifully and makes my room look like it now features an entirely brand-new mirror.
Taylor

Purchase it from Amazon for
$7.92
.

And pick up a
$6 wallpaper tool kit
— using smoothing tools and a utility knife — to make the process even simpler.

Promising review

: ”

My entrance hall was lacking vibrancy and character. This really turned things around!

People have told me I’ve received numerous compliments because of it.

The wallpaper was affordably priced and simple for me to install solo.

I’ve been reluctant to use wallpaper before since I’m worried I’ll grow weary of it after just a few months. However, this seems like an excellent answer to my concerns.

This is a simple do-it-yourself project, requiring no professionals for installation, and the item is relatively budget-friendly compared to most wallpapers.

Moreover, it’s simple to adjust its position, and it won’t ruin your walls, making removal hassle-free. The edges matched up nicely, and getting rid of air bubbles was straightforward. I would certainly purchase this brand once more.” —
Jennifer Bacon

Purchase it from Amazon for
$27.99+
(available in two colors).

Promising review:

I’m head over heels! I purchased this for a backsplash in my rental studio apartment’s kitchen, which could look nice but definitely requires improvement. Anticipating further usage, I ordered two rolls, considering buying additional pieces for the wall behind my bar cart if I enjoyed it in the kitchen. Upon receiving it, I was so delighted that I opted to install it on the large wall immediately, postponing work on the kitchen until afterward.

The design aligns effortlessly, and it’s visually appealing! It made my small, dimly lit apartment appear more spacious and vibrant right away.

Even when viewed closely, I am unable to discern the joints. Putting it up solo proved to be quite simple; however, I’d suggest getting some assistance from another individual if feasible as it would’ve significantly reduced the duration of setup for me had there been someone steadying it while I aligned the borders. Were it an option, I’d rate this with six stars. Though pricey, it undoubtedly justifies the cost! ” —
Lizzy

Purchase it from Amazon for
$21.66+
(available in three colors).

Reviewers mention that you should take out the bulbs prior to hanging the strands and subsequently reinstall them.

Promising review:

The lights were exactly what I needed for my patio; everyone has been complementing them. The Edison bulbs are stunning and provide just the right level of illumination for every event. Additionally, the clips worked perfectly with my eaves—the extension of the roof—making setup effortless. Now, all that’s left is finding a suitable dimmer switch that can manage the necessary power output to finalize this project.
Brody Vins

Purchase a bundle from Amazon for
$14.99+
(offered in six designs and sizes)

Promising review:

“I’ve never been this thrilled about a slipcover before. It completely revamped our sofa and loveseat. Initially, I was concerned it wouldn’t work with our leather furniture, but the straps and individual cushion covers keep it securely in place. Absolutely adore it.” —
Brian/Liz

Purchase it from Amazon for
$32.49+
(offered in five sizes and fifteen colors)

It brings out the inherent beauty and texture of both sealed and unsealed wood. Suitable for antiques, dining tables, kitchen cabinets, wooden doors, and moldings among others.

Promising review:

I’m quite pleased so far. I just tested this product on one of our kitchen cabinets, and it performed beautifully.

The cabinets are 15-year-old cherry-stained hardwood units (possibly oak) and have deep scratches in some areas caused by the former owner’s pets.

Sure, after using this product for approximately 20 minutes and then removing it, I must say I’m quite pleased with the outcome. The appearance in the image is nice, but seeing it in person without scrutinizing every flaw makes it look even better.

Aside from significantly reducing the blemishes, it also imparts a lovely shiny gloss to the cabinets.

, giving them a neat and refreshed appearance (without appearing overly shiny and artificial). Considering the low cost, I have no complaints whatsoever. Additionally, I utilized approximately one-third of an ounce for the 36-inch double-base cabinets and the 36-inch-wide drawer, which leads me to think that the 16-ounce bottle should provide ample coverage for some time.” —
Patrick Gallagher

Purchase it from Amazon for
$9.97
.

Promising review:

This is the second privacy screen I bought from Amazon. There’s a part of my garden that can be seen from the road. This screen conceals everything I use for gardening, such as my wheelbarrow and buckets. It really gives off the appearance of being authentic!!!
soooz

Purchase a roll from Amazon for
$31.99+
(comes in three roll sizes)

Promising review:

I have tiles measuring 12 inches in width throughout my home, which are two decades old. Despite maintaining their appearance well, the grout lines were becoming discolored over time. After cleaning the grout thoroughly and allowing it to dry completely overnight, I applied a grout pen.

It appears as though it is completely new.

I discovered that when the nib of the pen begins to show wear, you simply remove it and flip it around since the tip is identical on either end. Although it takes quite a bit of effort to cover an entire house, doing one area at a time ensures fantastic results until completion. Additionally, I ran my fingertip along each grout line immediately following application of the grout pen before wiping the tiles clean with a paper towel; this eliminated the need for further cleaning.”
Amazon Customer

Purchase it from Amazon for
$8.99+
(available in two sizes).

Kit includes low-VOC, low-odor, water-based acrylic paint and primer in one. Requires a one-day application process that dries in a soft, satin finish. Covers 100 square feet of cabinet surface (40 linear feet), which is typical of most kitchen cabinets. Ideal for use on wood, laminate and primed, or painted metal cabinets. Formulated to cover most existing wood finishes and paint in a single coat.

Promising review:

You can observe the difference in my photos from start to finish, but this paint was incredible and made a significant change to my dated kitchen.

The Process:

– Initially, I thoroughly cleaned the wood cabinets using
KRUD KUTTER PC32 Prepaint Cleaner / TSP Alternative
I came across numerous reviews praising this cleaner for effectively removing oil and grime, and it truly lived up to the hype.

– I smoothed out the cabinets.

– Next, I applied a specialized wood primer to the cabinets.

Once the primer was completely dry, I applied the Nuvo paint onto the cabinets. To achieve the best result, I added four extremely light coats of paint. It’s crucial to maintain each coat as thin as possible since thicker layers can lead to an uneven drying process. My experience showed that wherever paint accumulated slightly at the cabinet corners, it tended to crack; therefore, ensure all your layers remain nice and thin.

– Furthermore, I ultimately bought standard brushes separately from this set. Some bloggers mentioned using the foam brushes included; nonetheless, I didn’t enjoy the way the paint applied to the cabinets with those.” —
Danielle Joy

Purchase it from Amazon for
$66.45+
(available in 11 colors).

The setup involves roughly six steps and comes complete with all necessary components. This brace can adjust to fit sizes ranging from 4 to 6 inches and is compatible with typical base sockets. It’s designed for use on angled ceilings up to a 45-degree slope, performs well in humid environments, supports up to 50 pounds, and allows for painting without showing any screws or fittings.

Promising review:

”

This installation turned out to be quite simple, all things considered, since the work was done on the ceiling.

For ages, I’ve had an urge to replace the two recessed ceiling lights above my kitchen sink. So, I began researching the simplest method to accomplish this task. During my search, I stumbled upon this particular product and viewed the accompanying YouTube tutorial. Why not? I reconsidered the instructional video prior to starting the project, examined the assembly guidelines provided with both the conversion kit and the hanging lamp, assembled all required tools as detailed in each manual, and embarked on my endeavor.
The most challenging aspect for me was initiating the use of the self-threading screws. Overall, however, I am quite satisfied with how things turned out. Just to provide some background: I’m a 55-year-old woman whose career has primarily involved working at a financial institution. Indeed, it proved remarkably straightforward. Thus, I wholeheartedly endorse this approach.
Trisch Reeve

Purchase it from Amazon for
$21.99
.

Promising review

This is an ideal way to conceal a cord! It appears as though it’s simply part of the baseboard. My installation covers just a single cable wire, yet I believe these could easily accommodate multiple cords if required. I did not trim mine at all; instead, I purchased two pieces. If you examine them carefully, you might spot where they join together. Nonetheless, I doubt most people would catch this upon casual observation.

I can hardly believe how long our cable cord has been lying across the floor like that. I really wish I had come across these earlier!

” —
Amazon Customer

Purchase it from Amazon for
$22.99
.

Promising review:

I am completely captivated by the excellent outcome. The installation of the shelves was straightforward, and they are remarkably strong and well-constructed.
C Davis

Purchase a trio from Amazon for
$54.99+
(Also available in sets of two or four and in six color options).

Quadrostyle
Quadrostyle is a women-led boutique label created by Australian designer Gabrielle Morabia. Operating out of Bali with their main office in Southern France, Quadrostyle draws creative energy from various parts of the world, taking cues from classic tile designs seen across the Mediterranean, Latin America, and Scandinavia.

Promising review

“What an excellent improvement for my ancient, worn-out staircase! The item arrived promptly, was quite flexible to work with during installation, and the whole process took just around two hours. I am utterly delighted with the final result!” —
Valerie

Get it from
Quadrostyle
on Etsy for
$14.46+
(initially priced at $17.02+; offered in six different heights and two finish options)

Pro tip💡:

Critics mention it handles best when moist!

Promising review:

It turned out great! I utilized this to add some flair to my bathroom cabinets. Despite the fact that the material is quite sturdy, I found it simple to cut into shape using scissors, and it stays intact. I secured it to the cabinet with staples, and it looks fantastic.
Gabriela Perales

Purchase a roll from Amazon for
$16.99+
(available in four sizes).

Promising review

We have a regular-sized door installed by our homebuilder, which opens towards the morning sunlight until around 2 p.m. After a few years, our wood door started looking quite shabby, so we decided to upgrade or replace it.

We decided to take a risk with this option since it was much more affordable compared to purchasing a brand-new door. After applying just two coats, our old door appeared as good as new.

I couldn’t believe the effectiveness of this method.” —
BulldogMW

Purchase it from Amazon for
$45.10+
(available in 14 colors).

Promising review:

“This is amazing!!!!!

It appears to be a distinct hearth.

I’ve had to deal with terrible grout work done by the former homeowners over the past 20 years. I fixed it in roughly two hours!!!!!!

The item is speedy, user-friendly, simple to tidy up, and budget-friendly.

.” —
Denise

Purchase a pint from Amazon.
$26.96
(available in two additional sizes).

Mural Studio
It’s an adorable, female-led boutique located in Williamsburg, Virginia. This enterprise specializes in producing remarkable wall murals and decals along with event signage and additional items.

Promising reviews:

This perfectly completed what I needed. I’m thrilled with the outcome.
David

Can’t wait to put this up in our entrance once the holidays are over.

It looks nicer compared to the online picture.

” —
Laura Kilgannon

Get it from
Mural Studio
on Etsy for
$53.20+
(initially priced at $76; offered in five sizes and ten color choices).