Maintaining your lawn isn’t the only way to make your home’s exterior look welcoming. There are a few simple upgrades that not only make it inviting but also improve the curb appeal — and in some cases, make your home safer.
Whether you plan on having guests over or simply want to spruce things up, you’ll be surprised by how easy it is for your home to make a great first impression with a doormat, home security system, or a fresh coat of paint on your front door.
Shop this article: Gorilla Grip Durable Natural Rubber Doormat, Pro Grade Paint Brushes and Sunnest Outdoor Solar Lights
BestReviews’ Beth Allen joins Scott Moak to share easy and affordable ways to boost your home’s curb appeal.
“After two years of not having anybody in our house, it’s time to put out the welcome mat,” says Allen. A doormat is one way to make guests feel welcome. Quality doormats don’t need fancy designs or sayings — even a simple black mat is enough to increase curb appeal. Slip-resistant mats with rubber backs keep guests safe as they enter your home.
Doormats let your guests wipe dirt and mud off their feet before walking through your front door. Doormats with abrasive surfaces can also improve indoor air quality. Without a mat to scrape dirt and debris off of shoes, dust and allergens from shoes can make their way into your home’s air. Further, mats let you wipe the moisture off your feet, reducing the likelihood of your carpet accumulating mildew and emitting an odor.
Ensuring your house number can be seen from the street helps guests find your home. Clean, easy-to-read house numbers look elegant, whether you use peel-and-stick or screw-on varieties. “The important thing about house numbers is safety,” says Allen, as they make it easy for emergency responders to find your home. Large house number signs, in particular, can be seen from a distance by approaching vehicles, particularly solar-powered LED lights for nighttime visibility.
Painting your front door is a fun DIY project you can complete quickly, and it’s one that adds style, personality, and value to your home. Red, as Allen explains, is the traditional color of welcome. Although it complements most front doors, depending on your home’s color and your preferences, there may be other colors that look better.
When painting your front door, Allen says it's essential to use exterior paint designed to withstand the elements. There are a few more tips to consider when painting your front door:
While taking the time to improve your home’s curb appeal, it’s also crucial to consider your safety, says Allen.
Outdoor solar lights keep guests safe from tripping in the dark and add ambiance to front yards. “When people come to your home, you want to make sure they find the right path,” says Allen. Many solar lights come in inexpensive sets of 10 or more, and because they don’t require gas or electricity, they’re budget-friendly investments.
Upgrading your home’s security system is another way to keep your household safe and secure its perimeter. The SimpliSafe Nine-Piece Wireless Home Security System requires no contract and includes a camera, multiple motion sensors, a keypad, and entry sensors for your doors and windows. The SimpliSafe system features optional upgrades, such as carbon monoxide detection and 24/7 professional monitoring. The whole system is Alexa-compatible as well.
Gorilla Grip Durable Natural Rubber Doormat
These mats absorb rain, snow, dirt, and debris. They’re thick, durable, and the rubber bottom makes them slip-resistant. Many were impressed by the grooves that helped guests kick the dirt off their shoes.
Sold by Amazon
Bridika Solar LED Address Sign
This address sign features an understated design that looks great in front of any home. It stakes into your yard easily, allowing guests and emergency responders to find your house quickly.
Sold by Amazon
This paint brush set is affordable and includes a variety of brushes whose synthetic filaments do an excellent job holding paint. The brushes are easy to clean and the wooden handles are comfortable to hold.
Sold by Amazon
This two-in-one paint and primer reduces the work and time needed to paint your door. It’s environmentally friendly and dries quickly, and many were impressed with how smoothly this thick paint spreads.
Sold by Amazon
This set includes 12 solar lights that are easy to install. They’re weatherproof and turn on automatically when the sun goes down. Most people were impressed by how stylish they looked in their front yards.
Sold by Amazon
SimpliSafe Nine-Piece Wireless Home Security System
This system is easy to set up and includes a one-year warranty. It’s compatible with Alexa and Google Voice Assistant. It includes a free month of 24/7 monitoring, and the installation instructions are easy to understand.
Sold by Amazon
Want to shop the best products at the best prices? Check out Daily Deals from BestReviews.
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Cody Stewart writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
