36 Tips For Hiding All The Parts Of Your Home That Make You Go "Ugh" When You See 'Em

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6 days ago

Add a sleek and ~sneaky~ shoe-storage cabinet to your entryway so a shoe pile isn't the first thing you see when you walk through the door. Bonus: it'll serve as a gorgeous piece of decor with plenty of room for essentials on top!
Reviewers also use this as a media console to store games and electronics, too. Like I said...genius!Promising reviews: "I love this piece. Before, everyone in the family would come in and throw their shoes off and the area was a mess. Now everyone takes time to put their shoes in this and the area looks so nice. I've had many compliments on it." —Vicki Davis"I've had open shoe racks and the shoes were always falling out. Now all my shoes are contained and organized and hidden in a nice cabinet that's low profile." —Kirsten SoquelGet it from Amazon for $125.99+ (available in black or white)
Eliminate electronics that stick out like sore thumbs with a faux book display. It'll make the room look much cleaner and more organized! Plus, you probably won't mind having everyone comment on your impressive book collection.
Covogoods is a Utah-based, woman-founded small business that specializes in storage solutions crafted from up-cycled books.Promising review: "We absolutely love our CovoBox. It fits perfectly into our cabinet, and the cable modem/router, AppleTV, and external hard drive, and their various cables are now cleverly disguised as Harry Potter books 1–7. Great customer service, quick delivery, and a fabulous product. Two thumbs way, way up!" —John GraceGet it from Covogoods on Etsy for $19.80+ (originally $33+; available in various customizations and sizes) OR from Amazon Handmade for $29+ (you'll choose customizations before adding to your cart).
Store essentials out of sight in a slim storage cart with locking wheels — it's perfect for areas with limited space, like bathrooms, laundry rooms, etc. that desperately need more storage without causing more clutter for guests to gawk at.
Promising review: "This is a very handy item. It fits perfectly in my laundry area. Easy to assemble and to use. A must if you like to be organized and you don't have a lot of cabinets to do so. I am very happy with this purchase!" —Amazon CustomerGet it from Amazon for $19.94+ (available in five colors).
Use a large woven basket for concealing odds and ends you don't want strewn about, like your massive blanket and throw pillow collection that never seems to stop growing, for example.
Promising reviews: "This is the laundry basket we have on top of our dryer for whites. It is attractive, holds up nicely and if we have people over, they do not need to see our laundry displayed. Love it!" —Karen R."Wow very thick and sturdy! I'm quite surprised. Love it for my nursery laundry basket for all the toys. The color is just as photo shows, complementary for all decor types. Good value for the money!" —Ichi BanGet it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in five sizes and seven colors).
Lather up your dirty old fireplace with a coat of brick whitewash paint to make it look like your home was just featured on an episode of Fixer Upper. This can turn a painful eyesore into a stunning focal point, so what are you waiting for??
One pint covers 100 square feet of brick surface. Note: The paint must be diluted at at least a 1:2 ratio with water to achieve full coverage!Promising review: "This is amazing!!!!! It looks like a different fireplace. I have been looking at a horrible grout repair that the previous owners did for 20 years. I did this in about two hours!!!!!! This product is fast, it's easy to use, easy to clean up, and inexpensive." —DeniseGet a pint from Amazon for $29.96 (available in two sizes).
Hide unsightly cords in a cable management box because you shouldn't have to look at that tangled mess day in and day out.
And grab a sleek cable sleeve (aka a wire cover) while you're at it!Promising review: "My cords look so much neater now. I also used a cord protector to bind up my cords. My surge protector fit nicely in the box. Very happy with my purchase." —Amazon CustomerGet a two-pack from Amazon for $34.99 (available in three colors).
And while you're at it, grab this under-desk cable management tray if you really want to get serious about concealing your cables. This will keep all those cords dangling behind your desk organized and invisible.
No tools required! It comes with a two-way clamping design that works on both horizontal and vertical surfaces. It's compatible with desks that are up to 3.1 inches thick.BedShelfie is a POC-owned small business that focuses on space-saving solutions for the home.Promising review: "First impression of the CarryUp, the build of it is solid and felt heavy. The weight of it made me confident it will hold up well and last me a long time. Overall setup was a breeze. No tools needed at all. One sentence that sums up this product for me ... Simple and effective!!!!! If you have messy cords underneath your desk then don't think, just buy this product." —Eddie SadiwaGet it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in dark grey or cream).
Solve your bathroom's major lack-of-space issue with a slender storage cabinet! It's a cute and efficient way to store (okay, hide) additional rolls of TP and bathroom cleaning supplies. It'll fit right in between that once-useless space between the wall and your toilet.
Promising review: "So easy to put together I could put it together with my eyes closed. Fit amazingly perfectly between the tub and the toilet and it has created so much more space and my bathroom is no longer cluttered because of this product." —COS45BGet it from Amazon for $18.08.
Redo your floors with some concrete paint, which is a more affordable way to handle the depressing surface you have to set foot — and eyes — on every single day. It'll require some elbow grease, but the jaw-dropping before and after photos alone will be worth it.
OK, so painting your concrete patio may not sound like the easiest upgrade but if you're no stranger to painting and want a big impact, give it a try!Promising review: "Works great. Used it in the basement for a quick, simple, inexpensive upgrade to brighten up the floor a bit and give the cement a clean look. Did a fairly good job filling in some of the hairline cracks as well." —TGet a gallon from Amazon for $35 (available in silver gray or slate gray).
Implement a litter box enclosure because as much as you love your kitto, you could probably do without a litter box in the middle of the room. This will serve as a piece of furniture *and* decor while hiding the litter box you love to hate.
Promising reviews: "I absolutely, LOVE this litter box cabinet. I used to keep it in my closet until noticing my clothes would have a chalky film on them. This is perfect!! Not only does it hide the box itself, but it helps contain any smells that are beginning to emanate from the box. I clean it out every other day and have never noticed any odors. I also took out the divider, because my box was a few inches too long. All changing supplies are kept inside, so it works out great! I HIGHLY recommend, this litter box cabinet!!" —Angie"This is the perfect way to conceal a litter box as well as the odors and dust that come with them. I have noticed a significant difference in the air quality in my home, it is as if I don't even have a litter box." —AnnieGet it from Wayfair for $75.99+ (originally $125.99+; available in eight colors).
Revive sad, worn-down furniture with a wipe-on finish restorer so it looks brand-new again. You should def buy this stuff before your evil glare burns a hole in that piece of furniture that simply needs a refresher.
While restoring a finish isn't quite the same as completely refinishing a piece, it takes much less time and can still make furniture (and floors, front doors, and kitchen cabinets) look magically new again.Promising review: "Very easy to get results. I applied to eight dining room chairs which had scrapes, scuffs, and white paint marks. An amazing transformation so quickly. I finished eight chairs in 90 minutes without rushing. I bought two pints but only one was necessary. I used a cotton cloth for most of the application but also used 0000 steel wool for the scrapes and paint removal." —Grumpy NeanderthalGet it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in eight wood finish colors; also available in larger sizes). Many reviewers follow up with the same brand's wood polish and conditioner (they're meant to be used together!), which you can get for $9.98 from Amazon.
Or for smaller jobs, get yourself a set of wood repair markers that'll get rid of minor scuffs and scratches. This quick and easy DIY fix will have your stuff lookin' flawless in no time!
Former BuzzFeed Shopping editor Abby Kass says: "I used a similar kit on my TV stand after moving it into my current apartment, and it worked great! It was super easy to use — you just color in the scratch. And you can't tell the difference. It's amazing! And next time I move, I'm def hiring movers."Promising reviews: "I can't believe how well these work! Much better than I was expecting. I just had my home interior painted, and the painters damaged a fiberboard medicine cabinet when they removed the masking tape. It ripped off the fake-wood veneer. These markers completely filled in the ugly spots, and the colors blended well. I love that it appears to have some clear coat in it, too, as it dries with a slight shine that makes it look more like wood stain rather than marker. I also used them to stain wood filler in two spots in my maple kitchen cabinets where a previous homeowner had hung a paper towel holder, and I really struggle to see the hole! It looks fantastic. I highly recommend this set. It's a good value and works very well." —Shane"These are great. I have several finishes on different pieces of furniture, and after several years, they were showing lots of scratches. Not anymore. Super easy to use and covered everything. Wasn't sure after paying such a minimal price that they'd work, but they really do." —Kindle CustomerGet a set of 13 markers from Amazon for $7.99.
Install a faux-ivy privacy screen for the outdoor eyesores you have little control over, like your neighbor's messy backyard. Put this up to beautify your space *and* hide the chaos ruining your view.
You can also line the top of a pergola with these vines for some shade, letting a bit of dappled sunlight pass through for a gorgeous effect!Promising review: "This was exactly what we needed for the backyard. It definitely provides enough privacy, and it gives the backyard a very nice ambiance! The leaves completely blend in with the other trees and plants we have in the backyard, and it looks like we made a huge upgrade in our gardening game. I'm now just hoping it can withstand the AZ summer and not fade with the sun (product description does state fade resistant). Don't be hesitant with purchasing; it's totally worth it!!" —Amazon CustomerGet a roll from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in three sizes). You'll need some green zip ties to secure them, too.
Make use of that wide open space under your bed with under-bed storage bags. When it's time to say goodbye to seasonal items, you'll be able to store those bulky items where they belong — out of your line of sight!
You can use these for so much more than clothing! Think craft supplies, extra toiletries, shoes...basically whatever you have too much of.Promising review: "These storage bags are fantastic. I live in a small apartment where storage space is at a premium. I use these to store my Costco toilet paper and paper towels so I don't need to make as many trips to the store. It keeps them in pristine condition and out of sight. The handles make them easy to pull in and out, and they fold up nicely when not in use. I'm thinking about getting two more since four will fit under my queen bed." —Kimberly DornGet a two-pack from Amazon for $12.97+ (available in three colors and in packs of four).
And consider adding a pleated bed skirt to hide all the stuff you're storing under your bed because who wants to see that?? This neat and tidy solution will blend in with the room seamlessly.
Promising review: "Looks great — really 'finishes' off the look. Ironed very easily and looks really nice. Material is very soft and holds the pleat." —AMGet it from Target for $26.99+ (originally $37.99+ available in sizes Twin–King and 11 colors).
Make your entertainment area *a lot* more appealing with a TV cord cover. You didn't do ALL that work of mounting your very expensive television just to have the aesthetic ruined with a mess of cords. This cover basically becomes part of the wall, so you'll have to squint to spot it.
It comes with pre-applied self-adhesive backing for an easy peel-and-stick installation.Promising review: "These look great and are super easy to apply. This is the perfect solution for hiding a cord! It looks like it is just a part of the baseboard. Mine is covering a cable wire only, but I think they are big enough to hide more than one cord if needed. I didn't cut mine, and I bought two. You can tell where the two meet if you look closely. However, I do not think anyone would notice. I can't believe I let our cable cord sit across the floor for this long. I wish I would have found these sooner!" —Amazon CustomerGet it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in two sizes, five colors, and in multipacks).
Mask any scuff marks or scratches with a mini bottle of touch-up paint so you don't have to live with those imperfections a moment longer. Use it on your walls, furniture, cabinets, etc. It's no wonder renters love this stuff.
Promising review: "I usually don't leave reviews, but I have to with this touchup paint. I had cheap command hooks on my wall to hang up my curtains in my apartment, and they ended up falling off and damaging the wall. I brought this to cover it up since it was an eyesore, and this worked perfectly! Thankfully, I matched the right shade, and you can't even tell. It's easy to use and not messy at all. Once it dries, it instantly blends in. I'm glad it worked so well because now I can put more stuff on my walls and fix it with the paint so it won't affect my security deposit, LOL." —N.D.Get it from Amazon for $12.95+ (available in four sizes, 24 colors, and in sets of three).
And when all else fails, splurge on a gallon of self-priming paint to overhaul that one wall that needs more than a few touchups. It's made without toxic solvents so it won't stink up the joint. If you're not sure about committing to a full gallon, grab a single-color swatch for just $3!
Clare is a Black woman-owned business that makes paint shopping easier than ever. These designer-curated palettes are sure to take your home to the next level!And if you're not sure what colors to go with, take Clare's Color Genius Quiz!Get a gallon from Clare for $74+ (also available as a quart for $28 and with or without the seven-piece paint kit).
Cover up that awful eyesore dangling from your ceiling with an electrical cord cover. Plus, this will match your existing decor beautifully! It comes with a full-length Velcro closure for what will probably be the easiest DIY upgrade ever.
Promising review: "This is a great product. [It] serves the purpose of covering ugly cords and looks beautiful. Also easy to install. Got lucky and the color I chose from the chart offered matched exactly to our wall color!" —Deborah SmithGet it from Amazon for $22.36+ (available in 22 colors and in multipacks).
Hit all the dirty surfaces outside of your home with an electric pressure washer, like those filthy decks, fences, and driveways you're always pouting at. It comes with a garden hose adapter, so you can start cleaning up your outdoor area ASAP!
The five quick-connect nozzles range from intense jet to gentle spray, so you can tackle all kinds of messes such as mildew, tar, rust, grease, mud, etc. The pressure washer also comes with two detergent tanks, a garden hose adapter, a 20-foot high-pressure hose, and a 35-foot power cord. The Total Stop System trigger will automatically shut off the pump when the trigger is not engaged, which can help save energy and prolong pump life.Promising review: "Power washer was delivered Monday, it's Wednesday and I have washed two cars, cleaned driveway and sidewalks, cleaned back fence and the work keeps piling up, everything I see now needs to be cleaned! This little dude does not back down, plenty of power and it's surprisingly not too loud. Soap dispensers work great, and the tips are easy to change." —MARGet it from Amazon for $169 (available in two styles).
And to make your hard work last, use a semi-transparent deck and stain stealer so you don't have to clean it over.. and over.. and over again. It'll keep your wood surfaces protected from the elements so it stays looking pristine for *much* longer.
This semi-transparent stain and sealer is designed to protect and highlight the natural beauty of the wood grain. It can be used on decks, fences, and siding that are made of redwood, cedar, spruce, cypress, mahogany, and more.Promising review: "This was recommended to me by a guy who sold us redwood boards from his mill. It went on easily and it looks gorgeous! I stained a fence and two decks in the last three years and this product is far superior right off the bat. Love the richness of the color and the wood is soaking it up consistently." —I Know JackGet a 1-gallon can from Amazon for $32.99.
Get rid of that annoying gap between your furniture and the wall with a genius flat outlet plug. Not to mention that you'll hide more of the eyesores you're sick and tired of scowling at.
Promising review: "This was very easy to install to hide all the messy wires. This is life changing to create a nice, sleek space." —Martha AshleyGet it from Amazon for $21.95+ (available in two style and three sizes).
Swap out your old lights for some modern pendant lights — it's time to let go of that secret grudge you've been holding against the old ones. You'll actually enjoy looking at these, and your guests will never stop complimenting them.
The adjustable cord measures 5.5 feet. It does not include bulbs, but you can grab a set of compatible Edison bulbs.Promising review: "Love these green pendants above our island. The color is a perfect muted olive green and the wood accent just elevates the look. For reference our island is 8ft long and three of these lights fit perfectly." —Jay StanfordGet it from Amazon for $59.99 (available in four colors).
And if necessary, use a recessed light conversion kit so you can bid farewell to the hideous recessed lighting in your kitchen and hang those luxurious pendant lights instead!
It comes with necessary mounting hardware and adjusts to fit any recessed can size between 4 and 6 inches. There's a 50-pound maximum load rating.Promising reviews: "Bought a house with canned lights everywhere. I wanted a few semi-flush, pendants and chandeliers so I tried this product. Very easy to install and works like a charm. " —PJG123"It may take a bit of finessing and maybe an extra hole drilled here or there but it will eventually do what it is supposed to do. I now have a surface-mounted light on my front porch instead of the can light the builder supplied. We turned a dark ugly space into a wonderfully lit beautiful space. We are amazed at the transformation this lighting change made to our home. Would do this again in a second." —TDCGet it from Amazon for $21.96.
Throw your garbage into a super stealthy slide-out trash can because who wants their waste to be the first thing guests see upon entering the kitchen? Not you, that's who!!
Finish the job your landlord failed to do with a roll of toilet sealant tape. Listen — some of us have zero intention of picking up a tube of caulk in this lifetime or the next. This self-adhesive tape is flexible and will put such a nice finishing touch on your porcelain throne that you actually won't mind looking at it!
Just peel off the backing and adhere the strip to a dry surface!Promising reviews: "Boy does this tape pretty up an otherwise and boring toilet. Way better than a bead of caulk. Clean....clean...clean before installation. Also helps to warm the product. Can be stretched during installation to better fit around tight bends. Been in place for a few weeks; still holding fine." —Selaretus"Went on easily around the toilet, [it] looks so much better. Covered discoloration around the base, highly recommend." —JerryGet it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in five sizes/styles).
Add a vinyl transition floor strip to that one threshold in your home that makes you roll your eyes whenever you see it. This will make the transition between rooms and flooring look much more natural.
The self-adhesive strip is a breeze to install — just remove the backing and stick it to flat, dry floor. If necessary, use scissors to cut to size before installing!Promising review: "I have a weirdly tall transition to my bathrooms and struggled with getting a normal threshold to stay in the entrance to my other bathroom after laying vinyl tile, so I hesitated on doing the hall bath until I found this product. Problem solved! Looks great and doesn't budge! And affordable! I will definitely be ordering more for the long gap between my laminate and marble flooring in another area that I have hated for years."—m. whiteGet it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in two sizes and six colors).
Refresh the stained driveway or walkway you've spent far too much time grimacing at with this magical oil stain remover. You'll bring the pavement back to its original glory days! Simply apply the formula, allow it to dry, then brush it away to reveal a stain-free surface.
Promising review: "Changed the oil on my girlfriend's car and some oil spilled on my NEW driveway...which I didn't notice 'til four days later. Four spots all about the size of a dollar bill baking in the Arizona sun for four days. Put the stuff on (sits on the stain like pancake batter — don't be afraid to pour liberally) and let it sit from 6 p.m. 'til about 9 a.m. the next day. It dried and the instructions said to just sweep the stuff up. It broke apart with the broom and the stains were gone, just swept up the powder pieces — took about a minute. I WAS SHOCKED! Something that actually works on oil and it's easy. Absolutely NO sign of anything that was there. My driveway is smooth concrete so I can't vouch for what would happen with a rougher surface but whoever makes this stuff is a genius. If they tried to take on World Peace, Earth would be a better place." —AmazonBobGet it from Amazon for $17.97 (also available in a larger size)
~Switch~ up all your boring beige plates in favor of these chic switch plate covers. Your home will no longer be plagued by standard-issue plate covers that you hate looking at.
Farmhouse Iron Co. is a small business based at an actual farm on the central coast of California. If you're looking for shabby-chic or rustic home decor, this is the shop for you!Promising review: "These plates are very beautiful. They match perfectly with the decor of my house. Very happy with this purchase." —Ingrid HoganGet it from Farmhouse Iron Co. on Etsy for $13+ (available in five styles).
Tidy up your very cluttered garage floors with these ceiling-mount shelves. If your storage situation is dismal at best, these brilliant shelves will do the trick. They will remain (mostly) out of sight without taking up valuable floor space!
These shelves measure 45" x 45" and can hold up to 250 lbs of evenly distributed weight. All necessary mounting hardware is included!Promising review: "These are a great way to open up more storage potential in the garage. This is actually my third home when I've used these in my garage. If you have lots of room between your garage door and your ceiling, these can be used up there to allow you to store stuff in a space you would otherwise not be able to use. They're great for being able to store stuff way up high and not take up any floor space. We store all of our Christmas lights and other holiday decorations on them. They hold up the weight of 4 or 5 big bins full of Christmas light strings, no problem." —BusterGet it from Amazon for $99.99+ (available in two colors/styles).
Conceal that ghastly electrical panel with a macramé tapestry. You know the one that makes you want to scream whenever you lay eyes on it? Yep, that's the one.
This tapestry measures 18" x 40" so make sure it'll be a good fit to cover your electrical panel!Promising review: "I bought this to cover the electric panel in our mudroom. It covers it perfectly so now it's not the first thing you see when you walk in. Had to brush out the tassels a little bit but it is good quality!" —J. UnderwoodGet it from Amazon for $44.99.
Give dull metal fixtures a major upgrade with metallic spray paint instead of buying new ones. All those old dingy doorknobs, faucets, and light fixtures in your home? They don't stand a chance.
Promising review: "Best looking metal spray paint I have seen. It took me 90 minutes to prepare, mask, and paint my bathroom faucet. I used about 1/2 a can of this paint." —OC-AdamGet it from Amazon for $9.48+ (available in several metallic finish colors).
Keep those outdoor monstrosities hidden with a privacy screen. Think pool equipment, garbage cans, air conditioning units, and anything else that diminishes your curb appeal.
It comes with two panels that measure 48" x 48" as well as ground stakes.Promising review: "Super easy to install and took less than 30 min to put together, level out, and hammer in the stakes. My HOA doesn't allow the trash bins to be visible from the street so this fixed that issue plus it matches my house trim." —Joseph and Anne SawyerGet it from Amazon for $160.02 (also available in additional styles/sizes).
Treat your outdated counters to an HGTV-worthy makeover with this granite-esque countertop paint kit. Instead of gawking at those ancient countertops you can't stand, now you'll be filled with joy whenever you enter the kitchen!
It's a three-step paint process that goes right over your old countertops. It has automotive-grade durability and is made of safe water-based materials. One kit covers the typical kitchen's 35 square feet or 16 running feet of standard two-foot-wide countertop. You could also use it to paint a counter a solid color!You'll also need: a Brillo pad, a roll of Frog Tape, a wood patch, and some sandpaper for any deep nicks or seams. Paint rollers, sponges, and brushes are included in the kit. The company also has thorough step-by-step videos on its YouTube channel for both the granite and the marble kits!Promising review: "Easy to put on. You just have to let the base coat dry and then start sponging the colors on. I am not crafty at all and I still can't believe what my countertop looks like. I am glad I gave it a try. So far it seems very durable. I do not cut on my counters or place hot pots or pans on there I always use pot holders. I LOVE MY NEW COUNTERS. It was much cheaper and easier than replacing them." —SharonGet it from Amazon for $76.45+ (available in five finishes and in a marble version).
Install some flexible baseboard trim for that one area in your home that has been seriously neglected and you're finally ready to do something about it. A clean, sleek baseboard can do wonders for a room, so why not add your own?
This roll of self-adhesive trim measures 4 inches by 20 feet. Cut it to the desired length, then peel off the adhesive backing and stick to a smooth surface!Promising review: "This was very easy to apply and make sure you have it where you want it before sticking because it REALLY sticks to the wall. I laid out the roll and let it relax for a day before cutting and applying. Love the easy-to-clean material. Made trimming out my bathroom/ laundry room quick and easy." —CassieGet it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in 11 sizes and seven colors).
Stash outdoor eyesores in a handy deck storage box so they no longer stand out. It's perfect for hiding cushions, kids' toys, and gardening supplies. Plus, the weatherproof poly resin material is durable enough for outdoor storage!
Promising review: "Put together in less than five minutes by myself and no tools needed. This is a nice little box, holds the lumbar pillows along with other things I need for my backyard on a regular basis. The box fits nicely on my small patio." —ALM329Get it from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in seven sizes, three styles, and six colors).