Last Updated on: 4th December 2025, 08:51 am
When you think of home improvements, it’s easy to imagine big renovations, builders everywhere, and a budget that spirals before you’ve even chosen paint. But honestly? Some of the most satisfying upgrades are the tiny, affordable ones – the quick wins that instantly make your home feel fresher, more organised, and more “you.”
Here are my favourite small home improvements you can do for £50 or less, all of which make a surprisingly big impact.
1. Upgrade Your Lighting
Lighting changes everything — mood, atmosphere, even how tidy a room looks.
Swap out a harsh bulb for a warm-toned LED, add a small lamp to a dull corner, or pop in a dimmer switch for the living room. Cosiness level: upgraded.
2. Replace Old Cushions or Covers
You don’t need a new sofa – just new cushion covers. Choose simple, minimalist tones or textures to create a calm, cohesive look.
H&M Home, IKEA, and Dunelm all do gorgeous options for under a tenner. I’ve had success in finding ones on Vinted, too.
3. Add a Statement Houseplant
A £12 plant can completely change the vibe of a room. Go for something low-maintenance like a snake plant, peace lily, or monstera.
Not only do plants boost your mood, they also soften and modernise any space instantly.
4. Refresh Your Hardware
Swapping old cupboard handles or drawer knobs is ridiculously effective and easy. Think matte black, brushed brass, or simple wooden pulls for a modern feel.
It’s a 10-minute job with a big visual payoff.
5. Create a Feature Shelf
Floating shelves are inexpensive and easy to style: books, a framed print, a candle, a plant – done.
It adds interest to a blank wall without overwhelming the space.
6. Paint a Single Wall (Yes, Just One!)
A feature wall is budget-friendly and high-impact. Choose a muted, modern shade – soft grey, sage green, warm beige.
One tin of paint is all you need.
7. Add Hooks to Stop the Clutter
Coats on chairs, bags on the floor, towels everywhere… sound familiar?
Wall hooks or over-door hooks make your home instantly feel more organised. It’s the kind of improvement that keeps paying off every day.
8. Replace Your Doormat
A fresh, simple doormat makes your entrance look cleaner and more inviting. Opt for a neutral minimalist style that works all year round.
9. Add Storage Baskets
Matching baskets = instant calm. Great for toys, throws, shoes, bathroom bits – anything that needs containing.
Bonus: they make tidying so much quicker.
10. Switch Out Your Prints
You don’t need new frames – just print new artwork or photos. Minimalist line art, calming landscapes, or black-and-white family photos all look timeless and stylish. Facebook marketplace is a treasure trove for this kind of thing.
Final Thoughts
Home improvements don’t have to be complicated or expensive. A few affordable, thoughtful updates can make your home feel fresher, calmer, and more pulled together – without even touching your savings.
