George Mbaka Americans spend around $1,599 on home decor annually, according to a 2024 Opendoor survey. Millennials spend about 23% more on home decor than Boomers. DIY décor provides a cost-effective alternative, allowing homeowners to cut costs by as much as 50% or more. They enable homeowners to create unique designs that reflect their personality without overspending.
Tools You Need for DIY Projects
Before you begin your DIY adventure, it’s essential to have the right tools on hand. Fortunately, many DIY tools are inexpensive and readily available. A glue gun, paintbrushes, scissors, and a sturdy tape measure are just a few of the basic tools you’ll need. You can find affordable versions of these tools at local hardware stores or online retailers like Amazon. Investing in these low-cost essentials will make your DIY projects smoother and more enjoyable.
Upcycled Furniture with Paint
Transforming old furniture with a fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to breathe new life into your home décor. Chalk paint is a favorite among DIY enthusiasts due to its versatility and minimal prep work. Whether you want to give an outdated dresser a shabby chic look or turn a plain table into a vibrant statement piece, a little paint can go a long way.
Mason Jar Candle Holders
Mason jars are incredibly versatile and can be transformed into elegant candle holders with just a few simple steps. All you need are mason jars, decorative elements like lace or twine, and tea light candles. The result is a charming and cozy addition to any room, perfect for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Wall Art from Old Magazines
Creating wall art from recycled magazines is an eco-friendly option and a fantastic way to add a pop of color to your walls. Cut out interesting images, patterns, or text from old magazines and arrange them into artistic collages. You can frame these collages or simply attach them directly to the wall for a modern and eclectic look.
Pallet Coffee Table
Wooden pallets can be repurposed into a stylish and functional coffee table with minimal effort. Sand down the pallets to smooth out rough edges, then stack and secure them together. Add wheels for mobility and a glass top for a polished finish. This rustic coffee table will become a focal point in your living room, offering aesthetic appeal and practicality.
Customized Throw Pillows
Plain throw pillows can be easily customized to match your décor using fabric paint or embroidery. Whether you prefer bold patterns or delicate designs, you can create unique pillows that reflect your style. This project is perfect for adding a personal touch to your living space without spending a fortune.
DIY Floating Shelves
Floating shelves made from scrap wood are a practical and stylish way to display your favorite items. Measure and cut the wood to your desired length, then sand and stain it for a polished look. Attach the shelves to the wall using brackets or hidden supports for a seamless appearance. These shelves are perfect for showcasing books, plants, or decorative pieces.
Succulent Planters from Recycled Cans
With creativity, recycled cans can be transformed into trendy succulent planters. Clean and paint the cans in your favorite colors, then fill them with soil and succulents. These planters are ideal for adding greenery to small spaces and can be arranged on windowsills, shelves, or tabletops.
Fabric Wall Hangings
Crafting fabric wall hangings is an affordable way to add texture and interest to your walls. Choose inexpensive fabrics in colors and patterns that complement your décor, then cut and arrange them into unique designs. You can hang the fabric pieces from wooden dowels or create a tapestry effect by sewing them together. This project allows you to experiment with different textures and styles.
Picture Frame Gallery Wall
Creating a gallery wall with inexpensive picture frames is a fantastic way to personalize your space. Gather frames in various sizes and styles, then arrange them on the wall to display your favorite photos, artwork, or prints. This project adds visual interest and allows you to showcase meaningful memories and inspirations.
Handmade Rugs from Old T-Shirts
Recycling old T-shirts into handmade rugs is an eco-friendly and budget-conscious project. Cut the shirts into strips, then braid or weave them together to create a durable and colorful rug. This DIY project reduces waste and results in a unique and cozy addition to your home.
Mirror Makeover
Enhancing old mirrors with paint and decorative trim is a simple way to give them a fresh and stylish look. Choose a paint color that complements your décor, then add trim or molding to create a frame. This project can turn a plain mirror into a statement piece that adds elegance and character to any room.
Wine Cork Bulletin Board
Repurposing wine corks into a unique bulletin board is a creative and functional project. Collect wine corks from your favorite bottles, then glue them onto a sturdy backing like plywood or a picture frame. This bulletin board is perfect for displaying notes, photos, and reminders while adding a touch of rustic charm to your space.
Decorative Ladder Shelving
Using old ladders as rustic shelving is a trendy and versatile DIY project. Sand and paint the ladder to your desired finish, lean it against a wall, or secure it with brackets. The ladder rungs can display books, plants, or decorative items. This project adds a unique and functional element to your décor.
Wallpapered Furniture
Applying leftover wallpaper to furniture is an easy way to give it a fresh and stylish look. Choose a piece of furniture, such as a dresser or nightstand, and apply wallpaper to the drawers or surfaces. This project allows you to experiment with patterns and textures, creating a custom piece that adds personality to your space.
Jar Pendant Lights
Transforming jars into stylish lighting fixtures is a creative and budget-friendly project. Clean and drill holes in the jar lids to accommodate light sockets, assemble the lights, and hang the jars from the ceiling. These pendant lights add a warm and rustic touch to any room, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Doormat Stencils
Creating personalized doormats with stencils and paint is a fun and practical DIY project. Choose a plain doormat and cut stencils in your favorite designs or phrases. Use outdoor paint to apply the stencils to the mat, creating a custom welcome mat that reflects your style and personality.
Repurposed Window Frames
Turning old windows into decorative wall pieces is a charming and eco-friendly project. Clean and paint the window frames, then add decorative elements such as photos, artwork, or fabric. Hang the repurposed windows on your walls for a unique and nostalgic touch that adds character to your home.
Rope Baskets
Weaving rope into decorative baskets is a versatile and budget-friendly project. Choose a sturdy rope and shape it into a basket using glue or stitching. These baskets are perfect for storage and organization, adding a natural and rustic element to your décor.
Washi Tape Picture Frames
Decorating frames with colorful washi tape is an easy and playful DIY project. Choose plain picture frames and apply washi tape in your favorite patterns and colors. This project allows you to customize your frames to match your décor, adding a touch of whimsy and creativity to your space.
Old Shutters as Photo Display
Reusing shutters to display photos and postcards is a charming and functional project. Clean and paint the shutters, then attach clips or strings to hold your photos. Lean the shutters against a wall or mount them for a unique and nostalgic photo display that adds character to your home.
Chalkboard Wall Calendar
Painting a wall section with chalkboard paint to create an organization calendar is a practical and stylish project. Choose a wall or door in a high-traffic area, and apply the chalkboard paint. Use chalk to create a monthly or weekly calendar, allowing you to keep track of events and appointments in a fun and interactive way.
Mason Jar Herb Garden
Growing herbs indoors with simple jar planters is a convenient and eco-friendly project. Clean and fill mason jars with soil, then plant your favorite herbs. Label the jars and place them on a sunny windowsill for a fresh and aromatic addition to your kitchen.
Glass Bottle Vases
Using old glass bottles as decorative vases is a simple and elegant DIY project. Clean and paint the bottles in your favorite colors, then arrange them with fresh or faux flowers. These vases add a touch of sophistication and charm to any room, creating a lovely focal point.
Recycled Tin Can Lanterns
Creating lanterns from tin cans by drilling patterns is a creative and budget-friendly project. Clean the cans and use a hammer and nail to create decorative patterns. Insert tea light candles or LED lights into the cans for a warm and ambient glow that adds a touch of magic to your space.
Bookend Décor from Bricks
Painting bricks to create sturdy and stylish bookends is a practical and artistic project. Choose a paint color that complements your décor, and apply multiple coats to the bricks. These bookends add a touch of industrial charm and provide functional support for your books.
