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40 Home Improvement Products That’ll Make For Quick Projects When You’re Stuck In The House This Winter
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We hope you love our recommendations! While every product is independently chosen by our editors, BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. You can read more about how our affiliate partnerships work in our Editorial Standards & Ethics Guide. If you're going to stare at the walls more this season, you might as well get some wall art up on them. Everyone has their own level of comfort with a toolbox and DIY projects around the house. But there are lots of little home improvements you can pull off if you don't know your way around a hammer! Truly. Yes, I'm serious. This winter is the perfect time to fix the little things around your home that you've been ignoring while you're stuck inside anyway. Whether you've yearned for new cabinet hardware, a night-light where you can't give up a plug, or freshened grout, there are beginner-friendly ways to make this happen. Promising review: "Where do I start? I absolutely LOVE this product. I wanted to replace our bathroom mirror, but due to the size, it would have cost a lot! I came across this on Amazon and decided to give it a try. The application process was super easy and applied without bubbles as long as you go slow and rub it down as you go. I kid you not. It looks like wood and feels like it, too! You can feel and see the 'wood grain.' It’s absolutely stunning and looks like I bought a whole new mirror." —Taylor Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in two sizes). I've used these for most of my wall art, and when you (as the reviewer mentions) wait for the Command strip to adhere to the wall per the directions, it really can hold! Also, make sure to follow the directions on *where* to place the strips when it comes to whatever you're hanging up, because that matters a lot too. Like with all wall art installation, I rec using a level to make sure your art is even, because unlike with a nail, it's harder to tilt and adjust once the strip is in place. Promising review: "Used these to hang a ton of pictures in our new mountain retreat. These worked great. Used them for both heavy and lighter photos. A little pricier than a nail, but I love the ease of removal, and it makes it easier to get them hung level. We followed the instructions and waited 24 hours to put the pictures up." —AmazonUtah Promising review: "This is one of my favorite things I've ever purchased from Amazon! The fact that they're so customizable allows you to cut them and shape them to any drawer size! I think this will be my go-to gift for all of my friends who love cooking as much as I do! Freeing up cabinet space and having something that can so easily be rinsed off in the sink makes this a for sure buy!" —momonono Get a 10-foot roll from Amazon for $15.99. Reviewers attached these in different ways, with some just using mounting tape in apartments for no damage to walls. Others installed them on doors and kitchen islands! Promising review: "Moldings came in well-packed and quickly. It was super easy to install. Used White Lightning Speed Grip to adhere the panels. These panels gave a high-end look to an otherwise drab wall and peninsula. So classic and affordable and it will never go out of style!" —JM Get a single panel from Amazon for $12.15+ (available in sets and 17 sizes). Promising review: "OMG!!! It works!!! After having this toilet buildup I gave up on everything, but I saw that this product 'worked' and decided to give it a try... with a little elbow grease and some music blasting in the background I managed to remove it all!!! I can’t believe it. I’m so happy, I was so embarrassed when company came over and would see that, not no more... yay!!!" —Asdrubal Orantes Get it from Amazon for $13.75 (also available in packs of two and six). Promising review: "Easy to install. Lights provide ample lighting; USB allows lights to be a standalone fixture without tying up another wall socket. The USB interface also acts to turn the lights on and off with the TV. Backlighting also seems to make the screen seem sharper." —Shaun Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in four sizes and two styles). Promising review: "I have a weird skinny window in my house where no normal window covering works. People walking on our community trail can see up into our upstairs bathroom when the light is on and it's dark outside. Not a good plan at all. So I used this window film and cut different-sized circles and placed then on this window to interrupt the view into the house. Worked perfectly! Very easy to use." —Marsgard Get it from Amazon for $5.51+ (available in 14 sizes and four colors). This kit comes with separate-to-apply elements, so it'll work on a variety of window dimensions. If this isn't quite your style, there are lots of other stained glass window decals and window cling styles. Promising review: "These stained glass decals worked great on the fireplace windows in my early 1900s bungalow. If you get up close, or look at them from the outside, it's pretty obvious they aren't real, but you'd have to be looking really closely. Don't forget to buy one package of caming lines for each set of decals, you'll need it. If you're someone who gets stressed about applying sticky things, or making things straight, don't worry too much about it. I am really bad at that stuff typically and I found it really easy. Wash your windows first, measure so you have a rough idea of where to put the center decal, and keep some scissors on hand to cut the caming. It's easy and so cool! Our house already has a lot of 'old house charm' so these fit in perfectly." —Linds Just make sure to measure your existing pulls before ordering new ones. They vary in size! Promising review: "Can't beat the quality for the price! Solid weight, none arrived scratched, bent or broken. Definitely get the template! It makes installation a breeze! With the template, I had 24 handles installed in less than 45 minutes! Immediately upgraded my cabinets. Very happy with this purchase!" —alexa Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in quantities 1–60 and in eight colors). Promising review: "Restoring a dresser, with over 20 years of crud on the handles! A little elbow grease and a hand tool for the tight crevices — voila! The shine has been restored." —Lori G. I've used this several times on my rental bathroom tiled floor and normally have to redo annually. But it's so cheap that it's totally worth it. If you're doing it on tiled walls or backsplashes, the effect tends to last longer. Promising review: "I installed an expensive soft white tile (if there is such a thing) floor in the kitchen when I bought my house. At the time, it was a new product and it was beautiful — that fuzzy, warm feeling changed the first time I dropped a fork. I have been so frustrated no wanting to rip up and put down replacement tiles. The grout pen made it look new again, I am thrilled with the results!" —K. Robles Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in two sizes). Promising review: "I like this so much that I actually just ordered another one for under the bathroom sink. Not only did it tidy the clutter and make items easier to find at first glance, but also made it possible for me to store another few items below the sink, including the spray cleaners I use for my countertops. I didn't configure it around pipes (as I see can be done), but actually used the flexible shelving options to place taller or larger items directly on the floor of my under-sink storage — rather than on the lowest shelf (see last photo) — to maximize my storage possibilities and keep regularly used items accessible. I also didn't fully extend the shelving, just as suggested by the manufacturer for stability purposes ... and still found it offered ample storage. Easy to assemble, with some flexibility for shelf height and placement — highly recommend!" —Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $24.87+ (available in three finishes). SnapPower is a small biz that specializes in unique and innovative lighting products. Promising review: "I ordered this after seeing it on TikTok. I’m very happy with this product!" —Miss. Harris "Game changer. When I get up, I don’t want to wake everyone up with flipping on lights and all. These provide plenty of walking through the house light. Super easy installation, too." —Monica Martinez Get it from Amazon for $23.98 (available in two outlet styles and two colors). I used this gadget to de-fuzz a coat that I FORGOT isn't mean to be fuzzy. You can read my full fabric shaver review here. Promising review: "Literally stopped mid-use to write this review. I never write reviews, but just wanted everyone who has cats to know that you can save your furniture! This thing is awesome!" —Melanie Abrams Get it from Amazon for $9.69+ (available in four colors). Promising review: "It has doubled my closet space in my apartment where I can’t make any damage in terms of adding another permanent shelf — so this has been a perfect solution. It was easy to assemble and is sturdy. I’ve had it for a couple of weeks now with no issue. Your closet has to be pretty high for this to work or else your shirts above are going to get caught on the hangers below and for my case, some of my shirts are dragging on the floor — just keep this in mind when you’re thinking about purchasing." —Alex Get it from Amazon for $18.87 (available in three colors). Deco Brothers is a small biz specializing in home products. Made from heavy-gauge steel and can store up to 36 cans of various sizes. Promising review: "These units were easy to assemble. They felt sturdy. I love that they are made of metal and not cheap plastic. I'm considering buying two more, and going side by side and stocking up on canned goods!" —Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $25.97 (available in three colors). Promising review: "This is my third set of these pillow covers. They are a great economical way to change up the decor in your living room without having to spend a fortune on new pillows. I also love that these are easier to store than several sets of throw pillows. Beautiful fabric, nice stitching, easy to launder. They are also very durable in a three-dog household." —Schonathan Get them from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in seven sizes and 33 colors). Promising review: "Do you see that??? My husband was so made and has said for years that our front doors are ruined by the dogs. I was so determined to prove him wrong and find a way to fix them!! Okay, so after wiping down the doors with a wood cleaner, I used an old sock to coat them with the Old English, and voila!! I saved us thousands of dollars!!! No new doors needed!! The scratches have disappeared, and the dogs get to stay!!" —Beth Young Get it from Amazon for $4.82 (also available for light woods). Promising review: "I’ve used these to touch up our armoire, coffee table, chair and couch legs, kitchen cabinets, bar stools. The variety of colors make it possible to touch up almost anything. I’m not sure what or how to use the wax. The end result isn’t noticeable that it’s been marked up with a marker." —FrankSFO Poplight is a woman-owned small biz founded by entrepreneurs Rose and Caroline Matthes. They sell renter-friendly lights that are sleek and modern! Promising review: "I love this light! I’ve been on the hunt for a simple, elevated-looking bedside light for a long time, but wasn’t sure if a sconce was the right choice due to cost and my ABSOLUTE lack of electrical knowledge. My pop light has exactly the look I was going for and was SO easy to install (bonus for being renter-friendly too!). I hope there are more sizes and styles to come in the future, I’m just about ready to cover my entire apartment with these!" —Nicole Get it from Poplight (available in eight colors) or Amazon (available in seven colors) for $99. Tulip is a small biz from Lori Smyth. Her inspiration? The drab lighting in a college dorm! Her innovative design requires no re-wiring, no power tools, no nothing! Check out the different styles and how easily they install via Tulip's TikTok. My colleague Chelsea Stuart has tried and loves this: "I just had a chance to try one of these and I am simply OBSESSED. I live in NYC in a rental and I have a really drab light in my kitchen that even an electrician couldn't get off of the ceiling without breaking... so I gave up on replacing it right after I moved in. Alas, fast forward a year and I found Tulip on TikTok! Instantly, I thought 1. This is absolutely genius and 2. How has no one come up with this before?!?! "Installing" it (installing makes it seem way more involved than it is) took all of 10 minutes and that includes removing it from the box, Command Strip-ing the ring to the ceiling, and then popping the magnetic shade in place. (Honestly, the thing that took me the longest was fishing my step stool out of the depths of my junk closet.) Not only is the shade itself beautiful, but the diffused light is just so soft and pretty. I can't wait to get another one for my entryway!!!" What's included: Ceiling mount, Tulip shade, 12x removable tape, and 3x screws (as needed for textured ceiling applications). Get it from Tulip for $149 (check out more styles). And if you're especially petty, you can copy my move of saving said switch plates with a piece of marked duct tape so you know where you put 'em when you leave. This was one of the first things I did in my current apartment, thus rendering the switch plates barely noticeable — which is how I like them! Get a 10-pack of plates for plugged outlets for $7.50+ (available in 11 colors) and a variety of switch plates from Amazon. Promising review: "Extremely easy to use, sturdy, and the silicone tips help prevent any damages on the plate. It fit my three salad plates just right. Very easy to hang and bend. Functions just right!" —Rafaella Pavinato Get three differently sized hangers from Amazon for $5.96 (also available in a six-pack). Promising review: "I knew I wanted something to finish off my bench seat windows. These blinds were not only easy to install, but I am impressed with the quality and how easy it is to raise and lower them. I think all four were out of the box and installed in 15 minutes. Offers light filtering, which is perfect for my needs. If I want to take them down for my holiday garland, it will be super easy to remove and put back up after the holiday." —doug huntley Get each panel from Amazon for $43.30+ (available in 10 styles and a range of sizes). Promising review: "Perfect way to get lighting under your cabinets if you don't have any. They charge easily and fast. Light is good. They stay up with strong magnets. I actually put these ones in my stairway to the basement, where there was only a light at the bottom. There are many other places where I think they would work well if you need more light." —Glenda N. Get two from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in two sizes and in packs of four and six). The kit includes a 10-ounce bottle of Cerama Bryte Cooktop Cleaner, one cleaning pad, and one scraper to make it a quick and easy job. Promising review: "Works on my new range and cleans up beautifully so that my cooktop looks as shiny and clean as it did the day it was installed. Follow the directions exactly, and you can't go wrong. Very easy and quick to use. Not a lot of cleaner is needed, so the bottle will last a long time. I clean the cooktop with this almost every day, and I find that it cleans better than with regular cleaner." —Darcy Get it from Amazon for $16.98+ (available in three styles). It has an about six-step installation process and includes all the parts you'll need. The brace adjusts to any size between 4” and 6” and fits the standard base sockets. They can be used on sloped ceilings up to 45˚, works in damp locations, has a 50-pound maximum load rating, and is paintable with no visible screws or hardware. Promising review: "This was a pretty easy installation considering the work is on the ceiling. I've been wanting to change out the two can lights over my sink for years, so I started investigating the easiest possible way to do so. Ran across this item, and watched the video on YouTube. What the heck, I thought! Rewatched the video before installation, looked at the directions on both the converter kit and the pendant light, gathered the necessary tools described in all instructions, and set upon my mission. The hardest part (for me) was getting the self-tapping screws started. I'm pretty pleased with the outcome, I must say! By the way, I'm a 55-year-old female who has worked at a bank all of my life. Yes! It was that easy. I would highly recommend it." —Trisch Reeve Promising review: "This bracket is awesome and was extremely easy to install. We were able to hang curtains over our vertical blinds in just a few minutes and didn't even need any tools. Great product!!!" —Amazon Customer Get a set of two from Amazon for $18.95 (also available in brown, gold, and brass, and also available in inside-mount brackets). Promising review: "I. AM. Shook! The previous tenant kept this apartment NASTY. I moved in the day he moved out and was scrubbing this nasty drain for months to no avail. I let this sit for an hour and came back just to peek and wow. The difference is crazy. Now I feel better about taking baths in my own home. Amazing. 9/10 because the instructions says rub lightly. I tried that way first and almost thought it was a dub (Meaning it wouldn’t work lol) But it definitely worked after letting it sit." —Julia R. StoveShelf is a small business, and these shelves are built to last a lifetime. Promising review: "This is an excellent buy. The shelf helped me declutter my cabinet, and it is an awesome storage space for my more often used spices. It is sturdy, easily installed, and attractive. I recommend this shelf." —Pamella R. Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in three types and three sizes). Promising review: "I have never been so excited about a slipcover. Total transformation of our couch and loveseat. I was worried about it not working on our leather couch, but it stays on really well due to the straps and the separate cushion covers. LOVE." —Brian/Liz Get it from Amazon for $34.49+ (available in seven sizes and 21 colors). Promising review: "Before and after putting it on. I couldn’t be happier. This chair has been through and lot and I just wasn’t ready to pry with it. The cover was easy to put in and so soft." —Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in various sizes and 21 solid colors). Promising review: "Best purchase ever, love that it brightened and give my bathroom a new fresh look. Easy to put together and only took about two hours." —Billy Promising review: "Wished I upgraded my showerhead sooner. Installation was very simple, and it even came with a guide if needed. It comes with an extension arm that connects to your existing water pipe. No leaks whatsoever, and I did not need any other tools. Took less than five minutes to install. It feels really nice standing right under the showerhead, and it covers your whole body with nice pressure and looks nice! Definitely recommend it to those looking for an upgrade!" —Vincent Horng Get it from Amazon for $40.99+ (available in two sizes and three finishes). Promising review: "These tiles look great and were very easy to install. I used them on my shower floor to give my bathroom a spa-like feel. My only complaint so far is that the pieces of wood are attached to a black plastic grid, which makes them easy to install, but it is a little too visible from the top in my application since my shower floor is white." —Serge Promising review: "I was very skeptical, but also figured for [the price], what did I really have to lose. I am beyond blown away. It was super easy to trim to fit and apply to our black dishwasher, looks phenomenal, is super easy to clean, and while just a month into use is holding up really well. I worried the frequent sanitize loads we run and associated heat might compromise the adhesion, but so far so good. It has also fooled and then impressed many a family and friends who complimented us on our new dishwasher that finally matches the rest of the kitchen." —Amazon Customer Get an 18-inch x 6-foot roll from Amazon for $12.99. Promising review: "After using this product, I am happy to report that my $5 investment saved me over $500. I was ready to replace my dishwasher due to super cloudy glasses, residue, and dishes just not getting clean. Then, I became aware that the water softener was no longer doing its job so I had the rental company replace it. Dishwasher performance improved somewhat. I decided to do two more loads before deciding to purchase a new one. Then I saw a product test review for Affresh. I was ordering some stuff from Amazon anyway so I added that to my order. When it came, I tossed one of the tablets into the bottom of the full machine per the instructions and ran the regular cycle. I did not expect the results I got! The glassware that I thought was permanently etched and ruined came out like new. Same with cutlery. The difference is unbelievable. I will use this faithfully every month, as recommended. I can even put it on my subscribe and save order so I will get a new pack every six months. I am amazed!" —Sheila Get them from Amazon for $8.95+ (available in a carton and pouch). It works on wood, tile, fiberglass, showers, floors, counters, and grout! RMR Brands is a small business specializing in professional-grade cleaning solutions for your home. Promising review: "GAME CHANGER!!!!!!!! It worked amazing in my bathroom and other areas of my house, and I didn't have to do much! Spray, wait, and wipe! Definitely buying again. I rent and have tried so many different brands to help with the bathroom/shower mold, and THIS WAS IT. I will def buy again and actually buying a bottle for my boyfriend for us to use in his boat!" —Eva M. Get it from Amazon for $16.99 (available in four sizes and multipacks). Promising review: "I will spare you the horrific 'before' picture of the complete nightmare that was my closet floor. Just imagine a dusty mess with shoes thrown all over each other in a sad attempt at giving some appearance of order, and you will have a good idea of why buying this shoe organizer was one of the best ideas I've had this year. The floor now looks so neat and tidy I can't believe my eyes every time I open my closet doors." —Veronica, just an average reader, you know? Get a set of 10 from Amazon for $34.99+ (also available in packs of 20 and 40). Promising review: "Such an efficient and easy way to store hats. Whoever came up with this is a genius!" —Melissa Humphrey Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in white or black and individually or as a two-pack). BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way. Elizabeth Lilly is a deputy editorial director with more than a decade of lifestyle journalism spanning a range of subjects under her (tool) belt that includes four and a half years at a home improvement magazine. Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.