Small Home Upgrades That Make a Big Difference

You don’t have to make big, sweeping changes in your home to refresh and reorganize. Get inspired with our small home upgrades for different rooms and areas of your house.

Many of the ideas focus on simple upgrades, clever organization, and some simple DIY. These ideas sound simple, but can make an instant difference!

Small Living Room Changes

• Rearrange the furniture for better flow.
• Add some low-maintenance indoor plants.
• Replace the lightbulbs with warm white ones to create a cozy atmosphere.
• Install dimmer switches to control the lighting better.
• Upgrade to smart lightbulbs to control the brightness from your phone or with your voice.
• Improve the lighting further if needed (e.g., floor lamp, table lamp, wall sconces).
• Organize and label the cords for your TV entertainment unit.
• Add a Bluetooth tracker to your TV remote.
• Oil any squeaky door hinges.
• Frame and display a photo you love.
• Touch up any scuffed trim or baseboards.
• Add a large mirror to make the living room seem bigger.
• Make the most of vertical space with tall bookcases and wall-mounted shelves.
• Layer the curtains (with the first layer being sheer curtains to get more natural light).
• Use a stylish slipcover to give an old couch a new look.
• Declutter surfaces to make the room feel bigger.

Get the Small Living Room Changes printable here.

Small Entryway Changes

• Add a small tray or bowl for keys.
• Upgrade basic hooks to premium ones (e.g., brass, matte metal).
• Add a large mirror to make the space feel bigger.
• Paint the front door for a refresh on a budget.
• Switch to warm lightbulbs for a cozy feel.
• Add more lights (e.g., battery wall sconces, entryway table lamp).
• Use a long runner rug to add softness and color.
• Declutter by tossing worn-out shoes and coats.
• Add storage for shoes so they’re out of the way.
• Replace a worn doormat with a new one.
• Use matching baskets to organize the items in the entryway.
• Add a scent diffuser for a welcoming feel.

Get the Small Entryway Changes printable here.

Little Things That Can Make Your Kitchen More Enjoyable

• Store frequently used items within easy reach.
• Clear the countertops, leaving only the appliances you use daily.
• Improve the lighting (e.g., add under-cabinet LED lights)
• Use drawer dividers to organize the utensils better.
• Use a cabinet organizer for pots, pans, and lids.
• Get a spice organizer (magnetic or a cabinet/drawer organizer).
• Upgrade things you use all the time (e.g., dish towels, pepper mill).
• Add a small bluetooth speaker for music or podcasts when you cook.
• Get a small bowl or container for your cooking salt.
• Group your cooking essentials together (e.g., oil, salt, pepper).
• Create an indoor/windowsill herb garden.
• If limited on space, use a sink cover to create extra prep space.
• Replace outdated cabinet hardware with something you like.
• Add a kitchen rug or runner for a cozier feel.
• Add a cookbook stand or tablet stand for when you’re following a recipe.
• Get beautiful bottles for your hand soap and dish soap.

Get the Kitchen changes printable here.

Small Bathroom Changes

• Change the lightbulbs to warm white LEDs (3000K) for a spa feel.
• Clean the grout and refresh it with a grout pen.
• Deep clean the bathtub or shower.
• Replace old yellowed caulk around the tub or sink with new caulk or caulk tape.
• Organize the items under the sink and get an under-the-sink organizer.
• Use baskets and organizers to store loose items.
• Add a smart leak detector.
• Oil the hinges of the door if squeaky.
• Get fluffy matching bath towels.
• Upgrade your shower curtain and/or bath mat.
• Add a scented candle or scent diffuser.
• Upgrade your cabinet hardware.
• Declutter the countertops.
• Add an accent light (like a small lamp or dimmable sconces).
• Frame or upgrade the bathroom mirror.
• Replace the toilet seat with a new soft-close seat.

Get the Small Bathroom Changes That Make a Big Difference printable here.

Small Closet Changes

• Use matching hangers like velvet ones to save space or wooden ones for a more luxurious feel or for heavier items like coats and suits.
• Change lightbulbs to warm white for a soft boutique feel.
• Add more lighting such as under-shelf lighting or motion sensor strips.
• Use matching organizers to make the closet look cleaner.
• Add cedar blocks or lavender sachets.
• Add a full-length mirror to make the space feel larger and more functional.
• Use trays or containers to organize accessories like belts, watches, sunglasses, and perfumes.
• Add drawer dividers to keep the drawers organized.
• Get shelf dividers to be able to maximize vertical space while keeping everything tidy.

Get the Small Closet Changes That Make a Big Impact printable here.

Lighting Changes

• Layer the lights (e.g., ceiling pendant, wall sconces, floor lamp).
• Replace existing bulbs with warm white ones for a cozy feel.
• Add dimmer switches to control the level of lighting you want.
• Add lights under the kitchen cabinets.
• Add wall sconces (regular or battery-powered).
• Add motion-sensor night lights in the hallway and by the entryway.
• Add rechargeable picture lights above large wall art/frames.
• Install smart light bulbs and create a schedule that works for you.
• Add outdoor solar lights to the patios, pathways, or the backyard.
• Add a large mirror for more natural light.
• Repaint dark rooms in a lighter color.
• Try some soft lighting options like fairy lights or LED strips.

Get the Lighting Changes printable here.

You may also enjoy our other home organization posts and printables.