$100 Home Improvement Ideas – Cheap Ways to Upgrade Your UK Home
Think you need a fortune to give your house a fresh look? Think again. With just £100 you can tackle projects that make a big visual impact and add real value. Below are simple, step‑by‑step ideas that any homeowner can start without a construction degree.
Quick Cosmetic Tweaks
Paint is the cheapest way to transform a room. Grab a £30 paint bucket, a roller, and a small brush for trim. Focus on a single wall or the ceiling – the contrast is instantly noticeable. If you’re scared of a full repaint, try a chalkboard paint strip for a kitchen wall. It costs about £15 and gives you a place to write grocery lists or family notes.
Switching out hardware can also lift a space. New drawer pulls or cabinet knobs are usually £5‑£10 per set. Pick a modern finish – matte black or brushed brass – and you’ll see a cleaner, more coordinated look without lifting a heavy piece of furniture.
Smart Energy & Comfort Upgrades
Saving money on bills counts as an improvement. Buy a roll of weather‑stripping (around £8) and seal gaps around doors and windows. The effort takes ten minutes, but you’ll notice reduced drafts and a slightly lower heating bill.
Replace old incandescent bulbs with LED equivalents. A pack of 6 LED bulbs is under £10 and lasts years. The switch alone can cut lighting costs by up to 80%.
If you have a single‑room radiator, consider adding a reflective panel behind it for £5‑£7. The foil reflects heat back into the room instead of losing it through the wall, making your heating more efficient.
All these items add up to less than £100 but deliver measurable comfort and savings.
DIY Projects That Add Value
Creating a small garden room feel in your patio can be a weekend win. Paint an existing wooden fence a fresh colour (£20), add a few pot plants (£15), and lay a cheap outdoor rug (£20). The space feels like an extension of the house, perfect for a coffee corner or a reading nook.
Another high‑impact idea: install a floating shelf in the living room. You only need brackets (£5) and a board (£10). Mount it at eye level, add a few books or decor pieces and you instantly gain storage and style.
Even a new shower head can make a bathroom feel luxurious. Modern water‑saving models are about £15 and give a stronger, more even spray – a spa‑like upgrade on a shoestring budget.
When you shop, use the UK’s big‑box retailers’ clearance sections or online marketplaces. You’ll often find quality items at 30‑50% off, stretching that £100 even further.
These small projects prove you don’t need a massive budget to make meaningful changes. Pick one or combine several, track the difference in your energy bills or simply enjoy the fresh look. With a bit of planning, £100 can go a long way toward a happier home.
