Want to make your home feel fresh and exciting without breaking the bank? DIY projects are a perfect way to upgrade your living space while saving money. Plus, there’s something special about knowing you’ve created something with your own two hands! These easy and affordable DIY ideas allow you to add character, functionality, and charm to your home. Whether you’re sprucing up the walls, repurposing old furniture, or adding clever storage solutions, a little creativity can go a long way. Most of these projects can be done in a weekend or less, using items you might already have lying around.

Refresh Walls with Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper or Paint

Start by focusing on your walls since they set the tone of the room. Painting is a classic and cost-effective way to revamp your space. Depending on the space, you can choose to go for a bold accent wall or stick to light, neutral tones to make the room feel larger.

If paint is outside your comfort zone, peel-and-stick wallpaper might be the answer. It’s easy to apply and completely removable. Wallpaper also comes in countless designs, from trendy geometric patterns to faux brick. Simply measure, peel, and stick! For renters, it’s also a temporary solution that won’t damage walls. Just be sure to read the label and check reviews to make sure it really is easily removable. You might also want to test a smaller area before covering your whole wall.

Materials needed:

  • Paint or Wallpaper
  • Tape
  • Drop Cloth
  • Rollers
  • Brush

Create a DIY Gallery Wall

Gallery walls are a stylish way to show off your personality. Use picture frames, artwork, photos, mirrors, or even decorative items like plates or old vinyl records. The secret is to arrange the pieces in a way that feels balanced but not overly perfect. You can lay it out on the floor first to plan before hanging. You can also create cutouts using butcher paper and tape them to the wall to figure out the layout.

For a budget-friendly approach, thrift stores often have affordable frames. You can also repurpose old frames by painting them to match your décor. Print your favorite photos or download free artwork online for a custom touch.

Materials needed:

  • Frames
  • Command Hooks or Nails
  • Art or Photos

Revamp Old Furniture

Before tossing that old coffee table or dresser, think about how you could give it new life. Furniture flips are incredibly satisfying and usually just require paint, sandpaper, and a little effort. Chalk paint is particularly forgiving for beginners and doesn’t need much prep work. Try sanding and painting a table or adding new knobs and handles to a dresser for a quick transformation. Just be careful of tables made of MDF or compressed wood. You want solid wood for this DIY to work.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can line drawer bottoms with decorative wallpaper or fabric, giving them a surprise pop of personality every time they’re opened.

Materials needed:

  • Sandpaper
  • Paint
  • Brushes
  • Replacement Hardware

Build Floating Shelves

Floating shelves are both decorative and functional, making them an excellent choice for any room. Use them to display books, plants, or knick-knacks without taking up floor space. They’re surprisingly easy to build yourself with a small budget.

Start with a wooden board from a home improvement store. Stain it, paint it, or leave it natural, depending on your style. Next, mount brackets to the wall, and voila! You’ve got a custom-made shelf.

Materials needed:

  • Wooden planks
  • Sandpaper
  • Stain/Paint
  • Brackets
  • Screws
  • Drill

Transform Lighting with DIY Fixtures

Lighting can instantly elevate a room, and you don’t need to spend a lot to create something unique. A popular idea is to revamp an old lamp by spray-painting the base or replacing the lampshade with a fabric of your choice. Pendant lights can also be made from baskets—just cut a hole for the cord and attach a light bulb kit.

Another option is string lights. Hang them in a zigzag pattern or drape them over a curtain rod for a cozier vibe.

Materials needed:

  • Lamp base
  • Lampshade
  • Spray paint
  • Light kits
  • String lights

Upgrade Kitchen Cabinets on the Cheap

Kitchen renovations don’t have to cost a fortune. If your cabinets look dated, paint is your best friend. Neutral hues like white or gray can modernize the space, while darker tones add drama.

Another creative idea you might try is using peel-and-stick contact paper on the inside of the cabinets. This can give it a little pop of color and something fun when the cabinet is open. You could also change the pulls and hardware, but this could end up being very costly quickly for kitchens with several pulls.

Materials needed:

  • Paint
  • Sandpaper
  • Hardware
  • Screwdriver
  • Contact paper (optional)

Add Charm with DIY Curtains or Window Treatments

Window treatments can be shockingly expensive, but sewing your own curtains can deliver a custom look at a fraction of the cost. You just need fabric, hem tape (for a no-sew approach), and an iron.

If you’re not into fabric, consider adding a natural bamboo shade for a warm, earthy element. Both options instantly add softness and style to a space.

Materials needed:

  • Fabric
  • Hemming supplies
  • Curtain rods
  • Hooks.

Create a Cozy Area with DIY Rugs

A cozy rug can pull a room together but they’re not always budget-friendly. Why not make your own? Braided rugs from old T-shirts or fabric scraps are a creative, eco-friendly option. This project lets you customize sizes, colors, and designs to perfectly fit your room without overspending. You can even use fabric dye to customize the color.

Materials needed:

  • Fabric scraps or a canvas drop cloth
  • Fabric paint
  • Scissors

Personalize Spaces with DIY Planters

Plants brighten up your home, and making your own planters is both fun and inexpensive. Use old tins, mason jars, or even a repainted terracotta pot as the base. Want a modern look? Wrap containers in rope or fabric!

For hanging planters, you can try macramé. It’s easier than it looks and adds a boho vibe to any room.

Materials needed:

  • Containers
  • Spray paint, rope, soil
  • Plants

Create a Statement Headboard

A standout headboard can transform your bedroom but can also be pricey to buy. Instead, make your own! Upholstered headboards are a weekend project that requires plywood, fabric, batting, and a staple gun. Prefer a rustic vibe? Try a wood pallet as a base and stain it to your favorite shade.

This project adds a major wow factor to the room without emptying your wallet.

Materials needed:

  • Plywood or wood pallets
  • Fabric
  • Batting
  • Staples
  • Staple gun