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40 Mistakes That Are Making Your House Look Tacky

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There are plenty of times I walk into a room of my home and just feel like something’s off. I can’t always determine the problem, but something is not quite passing the vibe check. A closer look will usually reveal minor flaws that are totally preventable or fixable. Odds are you’ve noticed similar faux pas from time to time. So learn from me and these 40 mistakes that are making your house look tacky.

I’ve learned that a little bit of clutter can really throw off an entire space. And as someone who is less than tidy, I rely heavily on the organizational miracles that live on Amazon’s website. I’ve included some of my favorites because eliminating clutter is the first step to creating a beautiful home. On this list, you’ll see organizational systems for your shoes, documents, and even cords. These easy swaps will instantly elevate your home.

I also added a few DIY options for updating areas of your home that are notoriously expensive to contract out. You’ll find modern cabinet pulls, a faux marble peel-and-stick wallpaper, and a unique tree bookshelf as options for revamping your home. These small upgrades can make your space feel more polished, purposeful, and modern.

Avoid these mistakes and make your home your favorite place to be.

1

Mistake: Your Plants Are Creating Unorganized Clutter

Solution: These Mid-Century Style Modern Plant Stands

Plants should be purposeful in a home and never be there to just create random clutter. Lift your plants off the ground with these stylish bamboo stands. The mid-century modern design is classic and an easy way to upgrade your plant display. This pack comes with two stands that each can accommodate planters up to 12-inches in diameter. Individual stands and smaller sizes are also available.

2

Mistake: Your Bar Area Is A Mess

Solution: This Decorative And Easy-To-Use Bar Kit

If your bar area consists of a few bottles and glasses of all shapes and sizes, with no real organization, this simple and affordable bartender kit will get it up to par in a snap. The highly rated bar comes with a martini shaker, jigger, strainer, bar mixer spoon, tongs, and opener — all in sleek silver — with a wooden stand to keep them in place. The set, which has earned more than 6,000 reviews, even includes a helpful recipe book for whipping up those drinks in style.

3

Mistake: Guests Have To Use Your Fridge Ice Maker

Solution: A Double-Walled Ice Bucket For Parties

Direct guests away from the fridge ice maker and add one of these stainless steel ice buckets to your home bar. The double-wall design keeps ice cold and dry all night long. This three-liter bucket comes with a lid, tongs, and a leather carrying strap. At the bottom of the bucket is a strainer that separates melted water from the rest of the ice.

4

Mistake: Letting Opened Boxes Clutter Your Pantry And Attract Critters

Solution: These Polished-Looking Storage Containers That Keep Food Fresh

Open food containers and food boxes, don’t just look messy — they can also invite critters into your home. To avoid this, replace all your open boxes with set of BPA-free food storage containers. Each of the containers holds 3.6 quarts’ worth of dry food (like cereal or pasta), and the rubber-sealed lids ensure that your food stays fresh yet easily flip open when needed. You can use the included labels and chalk pen to organize everything, though the containers are clear so you will be able to see the contents inside, too. Another perk to this pick? The built-in measurements on the side allow you to keep track of the amount of food you’ve used and have remaining. Plus, the containers are dishwasher safe.

5

Mistake: Using DIY Solutions To Store Cooking Utensils

Solution: This Farmhouse-Style Crock For Organizing Utensils

Stop resting cooking utensils on your countertop or inside a DIY container and keep them nearby and organized with this decorative utensil crock. It has a vintage farmhouse feel with a white background and cursive black letters that read “utensils,” making it a much chicer storage solution than a plastic or glass cup. Store your spatulas, whisks, slotted spoons, and more on your countertop in this designated space. Your whole kitchen will feel more put together and organized with just this one simple fix.

6

Mistake: Hanging Pants On Ordinary Hangers Where They Crease

Solution: These Wooden Clip Hangers For Pants

Keep your closet organized so you can see all your options by picking the correct hangers for each article of clothing. While many items can be hung on traditional hangers, pants, slacks, and skirts are much easier to see and store on clip hangers. This pack comes with 10 wooden clip hangers that have a 360-degree swivel hook. They’re also great for boots, towels, or even pillows. One of the nearly 7,000 reviewers noted, “My little closet looks so tidy and the natural wood color looks fresh. The sliding clips work great for equal weight distribution and positioning to avoid belt loops.”

7

Mistake: Shoes Are Crowding Your Entranceway

Solution: An Over-The-Door Organizer That Fits 12 Pairs

Don’t let clutter ruin your home’s aesthetic. Versatile storage like this over-the-door organizer can keep things tidy. While this organizer is often used to store shoes (it can hold 12 pairs), it can also be used for toiletries, cleaning supplies, accessories, and toys. It easily hangs over the door, adding to your storage without taking up any additional floor place.

8

Mistake: Your Mattress Is Covered In StainsSolution: A Protective Bamboo Mattress Pad And Cover

Has your mattress seen better days? Cover it with this dual-purpose mattress protector. Not only is the cover waterproof to protect against future stains, but it has a bamboo topper to keep you cool, with deep pockets and a zippered closure. Plus, it’s machine washable so you can always feel good about sleeping on a clean mattress.

9

Mistake: Letting Loose Papers Take Over Your Desk

Solution: These Portable Storage Boxes That Collapse

Give all those papers on your desk a home in one of these snap-n-store file storage boxes. The boxes arrive flat and are a breeze to put together. Thanks to heavy-duty corners and secure lids, these boxes provide the perfect place for important documents or files that you need to be able to easily transport.

10

Mistake: Allowing Messy Cords To Distract From Your Home’s Beauty

Solution: A Flexible Cover That Keeps Cords Concealed

These cable sleeves are an inexpensive and versatile solution to hiding computer cords in your space. This flexible sleeve can easily be cut down to size and can hold up to 10 cords at a time. Use them in your home office, to organize TV cords, or to manage camera equipment — and keep cords out of your baby or pet’s reach. For just $20, you can say goodbye to clutter and organize those cords to make your home feel polished and tidy.

11

Mistake: Decorating With Worn-Out Pillows

Solution: These Affordable Soft Pillow Cases In 17 Colors

Replace your worn-out pillowcases with these washable, decorative pillow covers. This set of two is made of polyester and features a plush fabric that’s soft and more expensive-looking than its affordable price tag would lead you to believe. They have hidden zipper closures and you can choose from five sizes, as well as 29 colors.

12

Mistake: Letting The Kids’ Toy Collection Get Out Of Control

Solution: These Canvas Storage Baskets That Look Decorative

If you’re on the hunt for versatile storage that also looks good, try these metal frame storage bins. The rectangular baskets are made of canvas and feature a heavy-duty bottom board and frame that extends to create a rigid shape that supports up to 25 pounds — perfect for toys. The faux leather handles are elegant and modern, making this a no-brainer pick when it comes to upgrading your storage.

13

Mistake: Photo Frames Are Cluttering Your Home

Solution: This Digital Frame That Holds 40,000 Photos

Do you have too many photos and not enough space? This digital photo frame plays a slideshow of all of your photos in just one frame to save space without giving up any memories. This 10-inch frame can hold up to 40,000 photos and connects to wifi so that you can remotely upload your photos from your phone via a free app. This best-seller features a high-resolution screen that’s touch-controlled so you can even adjust its brightness for a personalized experience.

14

Mistake: Overstuffing Your Pantry Until You Can’t Find Anything

Solution: The Two-Tier Lazy Susan Made Of Stylish Bamboo

This bamboo lazy Susan is convenient, sturdy, and stylish, so you can leave it out on your counters without it messing up your home’s aesthetic. It has two tiers that each spin 360 degrees with ease, with three pegs that fit into pre-drilled holes to make assembly a breeze. Each tier has a rim to keep items from sliding off. It measures 10 inches in diameter and serves as the perfect spot for storing spices, produce, or even essential oils.

15

Mistake: Storing All Of Your Decorative Items On Your Bookshelf

Solution: This Unique Floating Corner Shelf

Little mementos are what make a home, but storing them on a bookshelf isn’t the best option because it becomes difficult to see each item clearly. This unique corner shelf is designed to display all of your favorite odds and ends. Save your bookshelves for books and snag this two-tier corner shelf for frames, small plants, and souvenirs. Reviewers said it’s both s

16

Mistake: Letting Cookware Clutter Up Your Cabinets And Stovetop

Solution: This Trendy Wall-Mounted Rail For Pots And Pans

If you find that your kitchen cabinets or countertops are just overflowing with stuff, this wall-mounted rail for pots and pans is the perfect solution — all while looking surprisingly chic when thoughtfully filled. The 29-inch black rail comes with 15 S-shaped hooks for hanging cookware and utensils. It can hold up to 22 pounds worth of items, and it only weighs 1.5 pounds itself. All of the necessary mounting hardware is included. And don't worry, Amazon reviewers have confirmed it’s quite simple to install.

17

Mistake: Under-Utilizing Your Home’s Storage Options

Solution: This Under-Bed Shoe Storage Container Set

If your home feels cluttered, it’s probably because you’re not utilizing all of your possible storage space. These shoe storage bins are designed to slide under your bed — a commonly missed storage opportunity. This set comes with two containers that each hold 12 pairs of shoes. The sturdy box is made of canvas and has a strong zipper, transparent top so you can see what’s inside, and convenient handles. This popular pick boasts more than 9,000 reviews.

18

Mistake: Not Storing Seasonal Stuff In The Attic

Solution: These Vacuum Bags That Reduce The Size Of Storage

Move all of your seasonal decor or clothing into one of these vacuum storage bags and stash it in your attic to limit clutter. This pack comes with 10 bags in a variety of sizes that are ideal for storing bedding or bulky coats in the off-season. They each have a double-zip seal to protect what’s inside and a triple seal valve to suck all of the air out of the bag, making it as small as possible. This set has earned nearly 50,000 reviews.

19

Mistake: Old-Fashioned Hardware Is Dating Your KitchenSolution: These Modern, Sleek Cabinet Pulls

Upgrade boring hardware with this sleek, modern option. These 5-inch cabinet pulls come in a pack of 30 so you can redo your entire kitchen for less than $30. The matte black finish on the stainless steel pulls is stunning and makes a bold statement on any cabinet. This pack has earned more than 20,000 reviews and a 4.7-star rating.

20

Mistake: The Art On Your Walls Doesn’t Speak To You

Solution: This Modern, Minimalist Art Trio

Finding art for your home is a process. All of the pieces you choose should feel like you and mimic the vibe you’re going for. These minimalistic sketches are the perfect elegant touch for any blank wall. This three-pack of 11-by-14-inch frames features abstract portraits of a woman’s face and body. The light, natural-colored wood is modern and chic to match a variety of home styles.

21

Mistake: Letting Patch-Up Jobs Slide

Solution: An Easy-To-Use Wall Repair Kit

Fix any hole in your walls or ceilings that measure between 3 and 5 inches with this easy-to-use repair kit. It comes with a compound, a self-adhesive backplate, a putty knife, and a sanding pad so you can fill, smooth, and finish the repair in no time. Simply paint over the repaired spot and your guests will never know there was ever a hole in that spot.

22

Mistake: Book Are Piling Up On Your Nightstand

Solution: This Unique Tree Bookshelf That Looks Like Art

This bookshelf is unique and acts more like functional art in your home, rather than an organizational system. The nine-tier bookshelf keeps books at an angle so you can easily see your entire collection at once. The free-standing structure resembles a tree, is so easy to assemble — and is under $100. One reviewer noted, “It’s great for small spaces! Looks so much better than what I had before!”

23

Mistake: Renovating Your Entire Kitchen

Solution: This Budget Peel-And-Stick Marble Paper

This peel-and-stick contact paper is all you need to update your kitchen. It can be used on so many surfaces like cabinets, backsplashes, and tables — and looks like high-end marble. The vinyl paper comes in four sizes and is a cinch to wipe clean. It goes on like temporary wallpaper. And if you get tired of the design and want to swap it out, it comes right off without ruining surfaces.

24

Mistake: Relying On Harsh Overhead Lighting

Solution: These Adhesive LED Strip Lights For Anywhere

Do you need a little extra light in your kitchen but don’t want to rewire your electrical? Try these adhesive strip lights that plug into the wall and can be remotely controlled. This set comes with six strips, each featuring warm white lighting that’s dimmable. The lights can be programmed to turn off after a specific time and if you add more lights they can all be synced to one remote. They’re perfect for closets, under cabinets, or along dark hallways.

25

Mistake: Not Embracing Elegant Lighting Options

Solution: A Sparkling Mini Chandelier That Won’t Break The Bank

If you’re shying away from elegant lighting options in favor of minimalist picks that aren’t adding much to your aesthetic, this mini chandelier is here to wow you and not break the bank. The $33 chandelier features two lights and includes all of the mounting hardware needed to secure it to your ceiling. It boasts more than 5,000 reviews, and one reviewer raved, “We are so pleased with this purchase! I have a 5x5 entry and wanted something beautiful but not overwhelming in the small space. Nothing could be more perfect! […]”

26

Mistake: Leaving Your Windows Undressed

Solution: These Insulating Blackout Curtains That Are Decorative

If you’re looking for blackout curtains that are stylish, these triple-weave curtains are for you — in addition to blocking out annoying light, they come in 19 colors and feature a foil printed wave line and dot pattern that’s elegant and matches many decor styles. These privacy curtains will also block sound and keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter by insulating the windows. Now you can choose function without giving up form.

27

Mistake: None Of Your Bowls MatchSolution: This Eclectic Set That’s Lightweight And Durable

This bowl set is unique and versatile, with bold designs and vibrant colors that are beautiful and easy to match to other dishware. The lightweight and durable bowls are made of porcelain, so they can be put in the dishwasher, freezer, or microwave. Use them for cereal, soup, salad, snacks, and more. This set has earned nearly 6,000 reviews and is Amazon’s #1 best-seller of “dessert bowls.”

28

Mistake: Stashing Toilet Paper In Bizarre Places

Solution: A Compact Toilet Paper Holder And Stand

Stop sending your guests on a hunt for toilet paper and snag one of these compact toilet paper holder stands. Not only does it provide a place to keep toilet paper that’s in use, but it also allows you to store three more rolls, vertically, to take up less space. The stand features a shelf at the very top for wipes, tissues, or your phone. The weighted base keeps it standing securely on your floor.

29

Mistake: Your Rugs Slip And Slide All Over The Place

Solution: These Rug Grippers That Leave No Residue

Keep your rugs in place with these best-selling adhesive rug grippers that are reusable, washable, and never leave behind residue. The dual-sided adhesive tape grips to hard floors to keep your rug corners from curling. They’re easy to apply and thin enough that you won’t even notice they’re there. If you change your mind, they can easily be pulled up, rinsed off, and reused. One of the 11,000 reviewers noted these were exactly what she needed: “No issues with the corner of my rug curling up since installation!”

30

Mistake: Bare Floors Make Your Home Look Unfinished

Solution: This Plush Area Rug In 21 Colors

Bare floors can make your home look like you just moved into it or didn’t have time to decorate yet. This best-selling rug is the perfect solution for making a space feel cozy and elegant. This plush shag rug has a velvety soft feel and a skid-resistant bottom so you never have to worry about it sliding around. Choose from eight sizes and 21 colors.

31

Mistake: Not Having A Spot For Your Keys And Other Essentials

Solution: This Wall-Mounted Entryway Shelf

One simple way to eliminate clutter in your home is to ensure that everything has a designated spot — and this entryway shelf is the perfect place to stash your keys, mail, or wallet as soon as you walk through the door. The 24-inch, wall-mounted shelf has a white finish that’ll vibe well with most home decor styles. It features three metal hooks, a small shelf, and dual mail slots. No assembly is required, and it comes with all of the hardware needed to hang it up — and Amazon reviewers have noted that it’s quite simple to do.

32

Mistake: Using Traditional Bath Mats That Get Moldy

Solution: This Bamboo Bath Mat That Dries Quickly

While traditional bath mats can get damp, dirty, and just plain icky, this bamboo mat will stay dry and remain grime-free for longer due to its elevated slots and three protective coats that prevent dirt and mildew build-up. This mat can be used for indoor or outdoor showers/baths, and its chic, simple design makes it the perfect addition to any space.

33

Mistake: Relying Too Much On Open Shelving

Solution: This Storage Ottoman That Keeps Things Hidden

This fabric storage ottoman is a prime example of decorative storage because it’s practical without ruining a room’s aesthetic. It keeps things out of sight, without sending them to a black hole. This go-to piece is perfect for storing everything from toys to towels and it has a classic design with fastening buttons on top that fits right in with any home decor. Choose from five colors: navy blue, beige, brown, dark gray, and light gray.

34

Mistake: Letting Your Fridge Get Chaotic

Solution: These Transparent Bins That Keep Everything Tidy

A cluttered fridge looks messy and unorganized — but these bins offer the most affordable solution. Reviewers love how affordable these pantry and fridge organizers are and how easy they make it to get that Insta-worthy fridge. This eight-pack comes with drawers to hold condiments, produce, snacks, and more. They’re BPA-free, easy to wipe down, and a total steal for a set of eight. Plus: the transparent design makes it easy to quickly find what you need.

35

Mistake: A Messy Spice Drawer

Solution: This Elegant Tiered Tray Rack For Spice Jars

Revamp your spice drawer and add practical elegance to your kitchen by adding one of these spice rack trays. The steel organizer features four tiers, so you can stack spices more efficiently in the drawer, while still clearly reading the labels. It can hold up to 32 spices, depending on the size of the jars. The tray itself is made of heavy gauge steel with a durable epoxy finish so you don’t have to worry about it cracking, warping, yellowing or breaking. This pick has a 4.7-star rating and more than 8,500 reviews.

36

Mistake: Living With Scuffed Wood Floors

Solution: This Budget Wood Repair Kit

It seems inevitable that wood furniture and floors are going to incur some wear and tear over the years. Instead of keeping them as they are or paying a lot of money to have them refinished, opt for this budget wood marker set that will make them look brand new. This set comes with six markers and six wax crayons, as well as a sharpener, to fill in holes and imperfections on wood. The pack features six colors, ranging from maple to black. Just draw over the scratch and your wood belongings will look restored.

37

Mistake: Having Disorganized Charging Cords

Solution: This Convenient Charging Station For Devices

If you have multiple devices that need charging, this streamlined charging station is the solution. It has enough USB ports and slots to accommodate up to six devices at once — the dividers are actually adjustable for different-sized electronics and cases — and it supports fast charging. Once charging is complete, the blue LED light will automatically turn off to notify you. This set comes with a variety of cords for different devices, including iOS-compatible cords, a micro USB cord, and a type-C cord.

38

Mistake: Your Kitchen Counters Are Beyond Cluttered

Solution: This Three-Tier, Versatile Cabinet Shelf

This small drawer adds usable storage space to your cluttered cabinets. The compact shelf features three tiers and a pull-out drawer to keep things out of sight. Stack the items you do want to see, like spices or canned goods, on the organizer. It easily fits in your kitchen, however, it’s versatile enough that you could also use it to organize your bathroom or craft area.

39

Mistake: Leaving Dirty Fingerprints On Your Fridge Door

Solution: These Door Handle Covers That Block Stains

It’s likely that your refrigerator door handles are covered in fingerprints, last night’s dinner ingredients, and probably some grime. These plush, protective sleeves keep them looking their best by blocking stains, water drips, fingerprints, and smudges, and they’re totally inexpensive. This pair of machine-washable covers feature Velcro closures, which you can adjust to fit your door’s handles. Choose from a variety of sizes and quantities so you can protect your other appliances, too.

40

Mistake: Hanging Art And Posters Without Frames

Solution: A Set Of Simple Gallery Frames That Put The Spotlight On Your Masterpieces

You can have the most beautiful photos or artwork, but if you aren’t framing them before you hang them in your home, they can look cheap. Even though professional framing is notoriously expensive, this set of five minimalist frames will set you back less than $35 and will instantly make your works of art look more regal. The best-selling set boasts more than 38,000 reviews and comes in nine sizes and 11 colors.

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