BuzzFeed lists 36 subtle DIY upgrades

BuzzFeed published a Shopping Home article on May 17, 2026 that grouped 36 low-lift home updates into a single service-style list aimed at readers looking for visible changes without a full renovation. The post, written by BuzzFeed Staff writer Courtney Lynch, carried the headline “36 Subtle And Simple DIY Upgrades That’ll Still Impact Your Home In A Big Way” and described the premise as proof that readers do not need to “break your back” for home improvements. The piece circulated on social media the same day, adding to the reach of a format BuzzFeed has used repeatedly across its shopping and home coverage: roundup posts built around inexpensive products, short use cases and customer reviews. BuzzFeed’s page also carried its standard disclosure that editors choose the recommendations independently and that the company and publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from links on the page. (buzzfeed.com) ### Which upgrades did BuzzFeed put at the top of the list? Courtney Lynch opened the list with a 3D-printed switchplate cover sold on Etsy, describing it as a way to add color and a “final touch” to a room. The article identified Shape by Shake as a Texas-based small business and listed a starting price of $13, according to the BuzzFeed post. The second item was removable window film sold on Amazon for $8.99 and pitched as both a light-filtering and privacy upgrade. (buzzfeed.com) A third early example was a velvet slipcover meant to change the look of an older couch without replacing the furniture, continuing the article’s focus on cosmetic changes rather than construction work. ### Was this a reported home-design feature or a shopping roundup? (buzzfeed.com) BuzzFeed labeled the post “Shopping Home” and included product pricing, retailer names and buyer-review excerpts throughout the article. The page also said BuzzFeed editors choose products independently while affiliate partnerships may generate compensation, language the company uses across its commerce coverage. (buzzfeed.com) BuzzFeed’s Editorial Standards and Ethics Guide says its shopping team works separately from the editorial team to maintain a distinction between content and affiliate partnerships. The guide says affiliate revenue does not determine editorial decisions, though the disclosure makes clear that purchases through links can generate commissions. ### What made the list travel beyond BuzzFeed’s site? (buzzfeed.com) The May 17 post fit a familiar viral formula: a numbered list, low entry prices and before-and-after style promises tied to common home frustrations such as dull walls, visible wear and lack of privacy. BuzzFeed has published similar home-upgrade lists in prior years, including posts on small upgrades, under-$30 refreshes and weekend DIY projects. (buzzfeed.com) That repeatable structure helps explain why the article was easy to recirculate on social platforms. The post did not frame the ideas as renovation guidance from contractors or designers; it framed them as quick consumer purchases that could be installed with limited effort. ### How should readers understand the “DIY” label here? BuzzFeed used “DIY” broadly in this case to cover install-it-yourself decor and finish upgrades rather than tools-heavy remodeling. (buzzfeed.com) The first items visible on the page involved attaching switchplate covers, applying removable film and fitting a slipcover over an existing sofa. The article’s wording emphasized speed and ease over technical skill. (buzzfeed.com) That places the piece closer to a commerce-driven home-refresh guide than to a step-by-step renovation manual with measurements, permitting guidance or contractor estimates. That is an inference based on the article format, product examples and disclosures shown on the page. ### Where can readers find the piece now? (buzzfeed.com) BuzzFeed still hosts the article on its site under the Shopping Home section with Courtney Lynch listed as the author. The page remained live as of May 18, 2026, alongside BuzzFeed’s standard note on affiliate partnerships and editorial standards. (buzzfeed.com)