Home Designers Say These Are The 50 Cheapest, Most Clever Things On Amazon

Caitlin Smithe, a designer and stylist at Walter E. Smithe Furniture and Design, utilizes these metal shelves in her kitchen. They “helped me essentially double the storage space in my kitchen cabinets while matching my beige kitchen aesthetic beautifully,” she adds. The set includes four shelves that can stack for efficient use of your available space.

“As a designer, I am passionate about the transformative power of lighting in altering the vibe of any room,” explains Ivan Pineiro, the principal interior designer at Pimell Interiors. And this wireless spotlight in particular is a low-cost option that’ll make a big impact. “These lights can be positioned to up-light indoor plants, highlight art or accessories, or to cast light behind furniture pieces,” he adds. It runs on a rechargeable battery and can be controlled with the included remote control.

While you need a clock in your home to keep track of the time, that doesn’t mean it has to be an eyesore. This light-up word clock is Pineiro’s recommendation — and it’s also a best-seller on Amazon — since it “serves as an intriguing conversation starter but also adds a touch of sophistication and practicality to your space in an unexpected manner.”

Malak Bellajdel, an interior design expert at Interior Moderna, stresses the importance of having plenty of lighting in your home. He adds that these under-cabinet lights in particular are “simple to install and instantly [give] your kitchen that refreshing feel.” The pack includes two motion-sensor bar lights (that put out a bright white glow) — they’re rechargeable via USB.

Bellajdel calls these drawer dividers his “secret weapon for taming chaotic drawers.” The five dividers expand in length (from 11 to 17.5 inches) to fit in nearly any drawer, creating separate compartments for all of your stuff. Reposition them as needed, particularly as your organization needs change over time.

Utilize these wall hooks to hang items — from your keys to pet leashes to kitchen utensils — and everything in between. They stick in place using adhesive, though Bellajdel likes that they won’t cause any damage upon removal, makes them renter-friendly. Each hook can support up to three pounds. They also come in brushed nickel in the listing.

For a big impact, Bellajdel uses these peel-and-stick tiles that “give a high-end backsplash look without the commitment or cost.” The 10 tiles cover about 10 square feet and the overlapping design hides seams well. The tiles are resistant to heat and moisture so they can be used in a kitchen (or bathroom).

Swap out your old exterior light fixtures with these modern sconces — they’re under $40 for the pair. A little trick from FLOOR360 interior designer Nichole Abbott? Install dusk-to dawn-light bulbs in them so you never have to remember to flip them on or off.

Abbott says to clear out kitchen counter clutter by storing everything on these magnetic racks that stick to the side of your refrigerator. The four racks are made from sturdy, rustproof metal — each one can hold up to eight pounds — and the variety of finish options is impressive: Consider neutrals like black, fun pops of colors like yellow, and more.

A storage cabinet and toilet paper dispenser in one, this pick is certainly a space saver — it’s particularly useful in “a small bathroom or powder room,” notes Abbott. It can hold up to four rolls of TP at once. And it’s made from a waterproof PVC material with raised feet to ensures the contents inside stay dry.

Make your home smell amazing with the help of this essential oil diffuser. Abbott particularly likes that its “minimalist design means it doubles as [an] appealing décor item to complement your overall design aesthetic.” Its large capacity means it can run for up to 20 hours straight, though you can use the timer function for auto-off after one, three, or six hours.

Nancy Swanton, the CEO of Abundant Home Design, says that this peel-and-stick wallpaper “adds instant charm to any room with a refreshing, nature-inspired design.” And best yet, it’s simple to install and remove, making it “a renter-friendly option for a quick refresh,” she adds. The roll covers about 14.5 square feet for under $20.

These table lamps come recommended by Swanton as a clever option for your home in spots where you don’t have a nearby outlet — they utilize a built-in battery that’s rechargeable via USB. The color temperature of the light is adjustable — choose from warm, white, or natural light — as is the brightness.

Swanton says that these wooden wall hooks bring warmth and functionality to any entryway. But she also loves that you can “customize the layout to suit your style and make the most of your vertical space.” Use them for coats, umbrellas, keys, and more. Each one holds up to 25 pounds.

Like the glow of lit tapered candles but not the inherent risk? These flameless candles are the solution. They have “a realistic flicker and come with a remote for easy control, adding a warm ambiance to your living room or dining table,” explains Swanton. The set includes six candles for less than $20.

The pull-out design of these metal organizers allows you to maximize otherwise tricky storage spots, like underneath sinks. They’re “ideal for keeping cleaning or beauty supplies neat and accessible in your kitchen or bathroom,” stresses Swanton. Secure them in place using the included adhesive or screws.

“Perfect for storing bulky items like winter blankets and bedding, this compression organizer makes the most of limited closet space,” explains Swanton. In fact, it can compress the volume by up to 40%. The organizer has a water-repellent design, keeping the contents inside in top shape.

This bamboo organizer expands in size — from 13 to 19.6 inches wide (with six to eight compartments) — to fit in almost any drawer setup. Swanton likes it for “keeping utensils, jewelry, or office supplies neatly stored while adding a natural touch to your space.” Choose from four finishes in the listing.

Take advantage of the area underneath your bed for storage with these large-capacity bins. Swanton recommends them “for storing seasonal clothes, bedding, or shoes.” Each bin (two are included) is reinforced with sturdy plastic to not get deformed, and the lids keep out dust and debris.

A best-seller on the site, these self-adhesive magnetic cable clips can “tame unruly cords and keep your workspace tidy,” explains Swanton. They’re also useful on a nightstand or anywhere else you keep devices plugged in. The clamping design allows you to place and remove cables with just one hand.

Highlight artwork in your home with this picture light. “It’s sleek, functional, and adds a museum-quality display to your home décor without having to hire an electrician,” says Swanton. The 16-inch light bar rotates 150 degrees for perfect positioning and the brightness is adjustable.

This vertical laptop stand is handcrafted from black walnut wood and aluminum — it’s practical yet pretty. Swanton favors pieces like these since they deliver “a touch of warmth and style to your workspace.” The stand is adjustable, accommodating devices ranging from 0.7 to 1.5 inches wide.

These modern shelves bring extra storage to your bathroom, kitchen, or wherever else you position them. But the extra-cool factor? They “fold up when not in use, making them ideal for small spaces,” explains Swanton. Made from aluminum alloy with rounded edges, each strong shelf holds up to 10 pounds.

There’s no need to drill holes in your walls to add hanging storage. “These waterproof adhesive hooks are easy to install and perfect for hanging items in the bathroom or kitchen - even on tile,” comments Swanton. They’re made from waterproof stainless steel with a brushed finish that’ll always look in tip-top shape.

Maggie Stephens, an interior designer at Maggie Stephens Interiors, LLC, says that this woven tray is “one of the easiest ways to add a pretty decor layer, but also improve functionality.” Use it to turn an ottoman into a coffee table, as a catch-all spot for mail, for grouping items on your bathroom counters, and more. It’s crafted from rattan and available in four shades in the listing.

While a trash can is a necessity, that doesn’t mean you need to go with one that detracts from your decor. This handmade paper basket — which comes recommended by Stephens — is a prime example of this. It’s covered in a gorgeous floral fabric (that’s coated with an acrylic glaze) with a stiff cardstock interior. It comes in a bunch of fun prints in the listing.

Use these wicker baskets (three are included) to group like items for smarter organization. “Think video games, remotes, extra cords, travel accessories, etc.,” adds Stephens. Woven from recycled materials, the baskets have cute scalloped edges and sturdy circular handles.

“Adding light fixtures can be a costly and permanent addition to a space,” explains Desiree Kludy, the interior designer and owner of Design Key Studio - Decorating Den Interiors. That’s why these wall sconces are so great — no electric wiring is required to power them (there’s a built-in rechargeable battery), so you can hang them up anywhere you want. They’re made from solid walnut wood with frosted plexiglass that lets just the ideal amount of light through.

Control lights in your home — without having to even stand up — with this remote-control light bulb socket, a suggestion from Kludy. It’s compatible with most light bulbs (no wiring required) and the range is up to 300 feet, which is quite impressive. The remote pops into a wall plate when not in use to keep track of it.

Michele Iapicco, the principal at Iapicco Design Studio, says this remote control outlet plug is one of her favorite Amazon finds. It has a strong signal — with a range of up to 100 feet — and while it can be used for various electronics, Iapicco finds it particularly useful “for lighting in hard-to-reach places, like display cabinets or wired sconces where the switch is inconveniently located on the cord instead of the fixture.”

Taryn Bickley, the founder and principal designer of Bickley & Co. Design, opts for “simple, modern and cohesive frames when layering in family photos” to not distract from the image. And these transparent acrylic frames are just that. Each of the three frames securely holds a 5-by-7-inch image, thanks to built-in magnets.

Bob Berriz, the owner of Berriz Design, favors putting lighting on dimmer switches to create ambiance throughout the home. “In living rooms, dimmers allow adjusting light for reading, TV or hosting,” he explains. Or for a bathroom, where “a dimmer provides spa-like mood lighting.” This pair of dimmer switches is compatible with a variety of light bulbs (in different wattages, too), and the sliding wheel allows for full-range dimming.

Berriz utilizes an accent rug as a “budget-friendly way to complete a space.” And he adds that a natural fiber rug like this one works well in most homes since it’s durable — withstanding day-to-day use without worry — and meshes with most design styles. Pick from various colors and sizes in the listing.

For homes in a beachy location — or if you lean into coastal vibes with your decor — this handmade rug is perfect. It’s woven from jute, polyester, denim, and cotton fibers. And as for sizing, Berriz’s rule of thumb is that “rugs should extend at least 6 inches beyond furniture.”

"Changing out cabinet hardware can freshen up a piece of furniture or cabinets, giving it a more contemporary and/or polished look,” explains Stacey Breezeel, the co-founder and lead designer of Shine Interior Design Studio. And these particular cabinet pulls cost just $15 for 20 of them. Four finishes can be found in the listing.

Natane Boudreau, the founder and interior designer of Studio Boudreau, loves to utilize decorative throw pillow covers like these. “They can change the look of a room instantly, adding color, texture, and warmth,” she adds. The covers are made from velvet, and this set comes with four rust-colored ones, though there are 23 options to consider for your space.

Another pair of throw pillows to go with Blevin’s suggestion is this plush checkered set. They’re made of a soft flannel material, come in several shades in the listing, and zipper closed for a seamless look. Blevins says pillow covers like these are a “cost-effective way to refresh your living room or bedroom.”

Hanging your curtains from the ceiling with this aluminum track “is a great way to emphasize the height of a space,” suggests Sarah Blevins, a design specialist at Villa Homes. The rod has a low-profile design to be hardly noticeable. And it expands from 33.6 to 62.4 inches to work with windows of various sizes.

Or another option for hanging your curtains from the ceiling that Blevins suggests? These O-shaped brackets. They can hold a curtain rod up to 1.24 inches thick (though other options are up for grabs in the listing), and once in place, they can support up to 11 pounds.

Cover up your return air grilles, vent covers, and other similar eyesores with this aluminum sheet. It’s “easy to source, affordable, and easy to cut to size,” explains Blevins. She recommends using a staple gun to secure it in place, then painting it to match your wall to finalize the look.

Not only does this decorative box look gorgeous, but it also “helps to eliminate clutter around your home and free up shelving space for items you utilize every day,” notes Blevins. It’s handcrafted from pine and other materials, and the sturdy lid keeps items contained. Choose from various sizes and colors in the listing — Blevins recommends mixing and matching different ones “to bring a pop of color” to your space.

Another stylish storage solution, per Blevins? These wicker storage bins. They’re handmade from seagrass for a textured element, though the iron frame ensures they remain stable. Close the bins using the attached lids — this keeps everything discreetly hidden.

Tight on closet space? Blevins says this four-pack of teardrop-shaped wall hooks “can be your best friend.” Use them to hold bags, hats, jackets, and more. The set includes four wooden hooks that can be hung via nails or adhesive (both come included).

“Why use boring white plastic hooks when you can bring a little bit of whimsy to your space” with these bright yellow hooks, states Blevins. They’re made from heavy-duty cast iron for strength, and they install using the included mounting screws (and anchors if needed). Choose from brown, green, and yellow in the listing.

“An easy way to bring both organization and color into your space is to add a couple of fun bookends to your shelves,” explains Blevins. And these rainbow-shaped ones certainly qualify. They’re made from a combination of wood and metal to hold multiple books in various sizes.

Another pair that Blevins suggest are these cat bookends — they’re fun and functional. They’re made from heavy-duty metal with nonslip sticky pads on the bottoms to hold large stacks of books without issue. At $25 for the pair, they’re purr-fectly priced.

Give your “drapery a more polished, high end look” by utilizing these pleat hooks, says Blevins. The four-pronged, stainless steel hooks are straightforward to install (no tools necessary), and the smooth, rounded ends won’t damage the fabric. The set comes with 30 hooks.

The chime box for Blevins’ doorbell was old and yellowing. For a quick, cheap fix, she used this wooden box to cover it up. Then, she added a cute print like this one to finish off the design.

Christina Giaquinto, a professional organizer and brand ambassador of Modular Closets, favors this magnetic knife strip that sticks to your fridge instead of an oversize knife block. “This will help to create an uncluttered, minimalist aesthetic in any kitchen,” she adds. And as a bonus, it comes with hooks to hang utensils, too.

Create the cutest coffee bar in your own home with this two-tier organizer. “It's an affordable and aesthetically pleasing way to store coffee grounds, coffee beans, syrups, etc.,” explains Giaquinto. It’s crafted from rustic wood with a metal frame for sturdiness. Not a coffee drinker? Use this pick for other various storage needs in your kitchen, office, bathroom, and more.