10 products to improve the quality of home life

1. Give your windows the glam treatment by putting up some velvet curtains, which not only add style, but they'll also block out unwanted light when you're trying to get some shut-eye.

Get them from Amazon for $22.99+ per panel (available in six sizes and 15 styles).

Promising review: "Purchased these for my studio, which is in an old mill. I wanted them for their insulating properties more than to block out the light because my studio loses a lot of heat at night due to its enormous windows. The curtains/drapes work great for both — I am especially pleased with how well they help keep the space from losing heat! Before having the curtains the space would lose about 8 degrees in temperature overnight (which in the winter is a significant amount, especially in the northeast). Now, with the curtains, the space no longer loses heat overnight! It is now so nice to go into my studio in the morning and find it still toasty warm!" —Noname

2. Create the photo wall of your dreams with a guided gallery wall kit that comes with everything you need for stress-free installation.

Promising review: "I love this set! It was delivered quickly, all of the frames and glass came in perfect condition. My favorite part of the entire thing was the guide it came with. After putting the pictures in the frames, I hung the guide, made sure it was level, and drilled the holes right into the paper. Everything came out level, the frames and pictures look great. Definitely happy with this purchase." —Cristina C Sanchez

Get it from Amazon for $46.99+ (available in four finishes).

The kit includes seven frames, a hanging template, hardware, and some contemporary prints you can use, or not!

3. Zhuzh up your favorite pillows with some velvet pillow covers and take your plain old couch from drab to fab.

A variety of the velvet pillow covers on a sofa

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in nine sizes and 38 colors).

Promising review: "This is the second set of these I've purchased (bought two different colors to change out when one set is in the laundry), and I completely love them. They are so soft, easy to put the pillows into, and they come out of the laundry looking brand new. Get a couple of different colors and switch out for holidays, or when desiring a quick easy decor change. I highly recommend them." —Melanie Mastin

4. Swap your harsh overhead lighting for something a bit more cozy and ambient, like this leather table lamp, which will fill any room with a warm, inviting glow.

Get it from Amazon for $28.52+ (available in 16 colors).

Promising review: "This is a great little lamp, very classy-looking. It definitely looks more expensive than it is (it's not flawless, but you can't see the minor imperfections unless you're looking closely). It is somewhat small as some other reviewers have said, but that was what I wanted. It fits perfectly on my little nightstand. I think the sample photos of it on the dresser give you a pretty good idea of its size. I would definitely recommend this lamp, especially at this price. I might even buy another one for my desk." —Bee

5. Add some boho flair to your space by hanging a macrame wall mirror, because we love a piece that's decorative *and* functional.

The macrame wall mirror hanging on a wall.

Get it from Amazon for $13.99.

Promising review: "This mirror is GORGEOUS!! I bought this with few expectations and it's simply amazing! It's securely placed in the macrame and hangs flat. The photographs show the front and back of the mirror. I want more but don't need them. :D" —M. Bradley

6. Install some pleated paper shades if you'd like a little privacy without turning your home into one big dark room. These are juuust transparent enough, so light can still seep in.

Multiple kitchen windows with the pleated shades

Get a pack of six from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in three sizes and colors).

Promising review: "I went out on a limb and bought 24 of these bad boys. I hung them up all throughout my house. I didn't use the adhesive though, I bought an 80 count pack of thumbtacks for $1. I live in Alabama, the temperature outside is 99 today. I do not have my air conditioner on since I have put these up, it has literally cooled off so much in my house. TOTALLY worth it. I'm so happy I didn't drop hundreds of dollars on regular blinds. I'll never go back!!" —Amazon Customer

7. Bring some lush greenery into your home via a stunning houseplant, which you'll actually want to care for once you see the difference it makes.

Promising review: "Awesome. Really, that's all I can say. Who would think you could buy a full-size palm for home or office from Amazon?! Well, I decided to try it and wow! The plant arrived in a tall, narrow box. The soil in the planter was well secured with packing paper and tape, and removing it was easy. I transplanted it into a larger pot, watered it, and it's absolutely beautiful, gracing the corner of my office and giving me plenty of healthy air. Packing included a care guide with more information online. Nice touch. Stands about 3' tall x 2.5' wide once the fronds relaxed a bit." —4StarDad

Get it from Costa Farms from Amazon for $23.98+ (available in three varieties and six planter styles).

Costa Farms is a Miami, Florida-based horticultural grower.

8. Save precious floor real estate with a floating nightstand so you'll have a spot for books, an alarm clock, and any other bedside necessities, even if your room's the size of Delaware.

The floating nightstand mounted on a wall next to a bed

Promising review: "Beautiful, this is the perfect nightstand solution for my small space and tall bed. The french cleat is a very clever hanging method. The quality is exceptional. The style clean, classic and modern." —kelsey glasener

Get it from Woodek Design on Etsy for $245+ (available unfinished or oiled). 

Based in Robbinsville, NJ, Woodek Design specializes in solid oak furniture and accessories for every room in your home. 

19. Instead of draping your scarves, throw blankets, and who knows what else over a chair, try a decorative ladder that'll keep them neatly organized and easily accessible.

The decorative ladder leaned against a wall holding blankets

Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in four finishes).

Promising review: "This is so great to store baby blankets in my son's nursery. The ladder has rubber tips on each end so it doesn't damage the wall, and it came assembled. I'm so glad I got this!" —The Johnsons

10. Have fun with your serving ware, i.e. this stackable set of geometrically shaped storage trays, which can be used for everything from snacks to breakfast in bed.

The storage trays laid out on a table

Get the set of four from Amazon for $10.85.

Promising review: "Nice serving tray! Like the color and size. Good for serving hot beverages. Also nice for displaying snacks and nuts at a party. Highly recommended!" —Amazon Customer
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