These budget-friendly DIY ideas show you how to personalize your space with minimal spending.
With these projects, learn how to update items you own or create new decor using inexpensive materials.
Stenciled Pillows
Stencils make it easy to update plain pillows with fresh patterns.
Credit: Nicolas Gourguechon
Tape off any exposed fabric to prevent overspray.
Dyed Curtains
Give basic curtain panels atie-dyetwist with this budget-friendly DIY idea.
DIY Tile Vase
Use up leftover tileto make this pretty vase.
Credit: Nathan Kirkman
Budget-Friendly Wallpaper Art
Frame a favorite pattern of peel-and-stick wallpaper tocreate beautiful wall art on a budget.
Twisted Taper Candles
Twist basic taper candlesinto sculptural tabletop decor.
Place the candle inside and let soak until soft (about 10 minutes).
Credit: Carson Downing
Next, twist, bend, or curve the softened candles into unique shapes.
Clipboard Wall Art
Clipboards provide an inexpensive alternative to traditional frames.
Hang severalin a gallery wall arrangementto create a versatile display of prints or handpainted art.
Credit: Jason Donnelly
Swap out the artwork as the seasons, or your tastes, change.
DIY Marble Tray
Create the look of a high-end marble tray at a fraction of the cost.
This DIY project uses a wood cutting board and marble-patterned self-adhesive paper.
Credit: Adam Albright
To add handles, cut leather straps to size and screw them into drilled holes at each corner.
Easy Custom Planter
This easy DIY project lets you customize any planter with a cozier look.
To begin, purchase cotton piping cord in your desired color and width.
Credit: Carson Downing
Wrap the cord around an inexpensive pot and hot-glue the ends to secure.
DIY Table Runner
Sew an easy-to-clean table runner using oilcloth or wax-covered fabric.
This budget-friendly DIY project requires basic sewing skills, but it’s easy to accomplish in about 30 minutes.
Credit: Adam Albright
Decorative trim adds an extra flourish to the finished runner.
Painted Pillows
Easily add a nature-inspired pattern to a pillow using a tropical leaf as a stamp.
Ironing and washing in cold water helps set the design.
Credit: Carson Downing
DIY Rope Trivet
Weave inexpensive ropeinto a flat, circular design to form a stylish trivet.
Be sure to use rope made from natural fibers, which won’t melt with heat.
Hot-glue the ends in the back to secure your desired shape.
Credit: Nicolas Gourguechon
Painted Staircase
Dress up a ho-hum staircase with alternating blocks of color.
These painted stair risers are great for using upleftover paint or sample pots.
Artful Chairs
Update a simple chairwithpops of bright neon colors.
Credit: Jay Wilde
A coat of clear wax over top will help create a durable finish.
DIY Hanging Shelf
Create instant storage and display space with this DIY shelf project.
Tea Towel Curtains
Dress your windows quickly and smartly with tea towels turned into cafecurtains.
Credit: Jacob Fox
You’ll want the curtains to hang down to the windowsill, so mount the rod accordingly.
Paint-Swirled Vase
Update an ordinary vase with paint.
Pour a small amount of enamel ceramic/glass paint into the bottom of a glass vase.
Credit: Jay Wilde
Leave some of the vase clear for added interest.
DIY Cork Coasters
Prevent water rings and add style with DIYcorkcoasters.
Cut 4x4-inch squares from thin cork.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Cut a simple herringbone pattern from stencil acetate.
Spray the back of the stencil with adhesive and press the stencil onto a cork square.
Apply acrylic paint to stencil.
Credit: Nicolas Gourguechon
Remove stencil and let dry.
Mercury Glass Candle Holders
Illuminate your home with gold mercury glass-look candle holders.
When the candle burns, the glitter twinkles inside, and the outside looks like matte gold mercury glass.
Credit: Carson Downing
DIY Organizing Labels
Make labels from hardware store wood shims to institute order.
Gilded Jars
Rescueglass jarsbound for the recycling bin for this upcycled project.
DIY Welcome Mat
Make a colorful statement at your front door with a DIYdoormat.
Mask off straight stripes with blue painter’s tape.
Apply latex paints in your desired colors using a foam roller.
Let paint set, peel off the tape, and let the paint dry completely.
Credit: Adam Albright
DIY Wooden Bead Chandelier
Give a mod twist to a wrought-ironchandelierwith a string of wooden balls.
Trimmed Accent Table
Embellish an accent table with decorative trim made from old-fashioned wooden clothespins.
When dry, spray the table with primer and paint.
Credit: Steven McDonald
Frosty Glasses
Boost the sophistication of clear glass vases by adding subtle stripes.
The more coats of frosted-glass paint you apply, the more opaque and noticeable the stripes.
We applied two coats to our vases.
Credit: Jay Wilde
String Pendant Light
Create a midcentury-inspired pendant fixture using just string and a balloon.
Illuminate the shade using an inexpensive light kit for hanging lanterns.
Credit: Adam Albright
Credit: Jay Wilde
Credit: Cameron Sadeghpour
Credit: Adam Albright
Credit: Adam Albright
Credit: Matthew Mead
Credit: Adam Albright
Credit: Steven McDonald
