8 Easy & Budget-Friendly Home Improvement Tips

Hi everyone! I'm so excited about this video. Today, we're talking about my top favorite home improvement tips, so stay tuned!

Tip 1: Make windows look larger with drapery panels

This is our dining room, and I was bummed that it didn't have a bigger window. Here's a super easy trick: When hanging the rod, extend it about eight inches wider than the window on each side.

This creates the illusion of a much larger window when the panels are fully open. Don't forget to hang your draperies as high as possible!

Tip 2: Install automatic pantry lights

Here's another favorite improvement, and my husband gets the credit for this one! This is our pantry. When you open the door, the light turns on. When you close it, the light turns off.

Check out how it works – there's a little button right here that the door hits to turn the light on and off. I'll put a link in the video description below because you're going to love this feature.

Tip 3: Hide cords behind carpet and baseboards

I really hate to see cords, so whenever possible, I try to camouflage them. Here's one way I do it in rooms with carpet: Take the cord and tuck it under the carpet and baseboard. Many cords have a groove along the side.

Use a screwdriver very gently (with the lamp unplugged, of course) to push the cord gently between the carpet and baseboard. Once you get it started, it's super easy to tuck away, hiding the cord completely.

Tip 4: Add a header above your window (for the handy ones)

Tip 5: Use poster tack to keep wall décor straight

Something that drives me nuts is crooked wall decor. The solution is simple: add some poster tack, and it will never be crooked again!

Tip 6: Make guests feel comfortable with stain-resistant furniture

I love to entertain, but I also want my guests to feel comfortable. One way I achieve this is by eliminating the worry about using coasters on my furniture. My trick? Tung oil!

Here, I'm applying tung oil to a dry wood surface. Give it 24 hours to dry, and it becomes water and stain-resistant.

This is my actual coffee table in the living room.

As you can see, it's not shiny. I probably applied the tung oil about three months ago, but again, it's perfect.

Now, I don't have to worry about my grandkids, family, or company putting drinks on this table. I want people to feel comfortable, and tung oil on your furniture is the way to go.

Tip 7: Update furniture with paint

Before you decide to buy something new, take a look at the existing light fixtures, grates, or furniture in your home.

Do you like the basic structure or "bones" of a piece of furniture? Consider if it can be painted – you can save a ton of money!

Boring builder-grade pieces can be brought up to date with some black Rust-Oleum spray paint. Much better!

If you don't want black grates, I have another color option for you! This is probably my favorite spray paint – again, it's Rust-Oleum (I just love their products, not an affiliate!).

This color is dark bronze with a hammered metal finish. The cool thing about this paint is that it separates a little bit as you spray it, which creates a very realistic hammered metal look.

Here's an example of my bedroom furniture before – it was a rich cherry color.

I painted it with Rustoleum chalk paint in gray, and it turned out beautifully.

Here's my fireplace before we moved in:

All I did was prime it, paint it white, and then Scott added a new mantel:

Tip 8: Use lamp remotes or smart home assistants for convenience

If you're on a budget, getting a simple lamp remote is a great option.

With a click, you can light up the room and turn the lamps off the same way.

But if you want to take it a step further, consider using a smart home assistant like Alexa. You can use voice commands to turn lights on and off – like saying, "Alexa, turn on the living room light."

Conclusion

I sure hope these tips were helpful! Remember, you don't always have to spend a lot of money to make a big improvement in your home.

For links to the products mentioned, check out the video description box.