12 cheap DIY home decor ideas

Have you ever walked into a beautifully decorated home and wished you could achieve the same look without breaking the bank? Well, you’re in luck! You don’t need a big budget to transform your living space into a cozy, stylish retreat. With some creativity, basic supplies, and a DIY spirit, you can make stunning home decor pieces that look straight out of a designer catalog.

I’ve put together 12 cheap DIY home decor ideas that are not only easy to make but also add charm and personality to your space. Whether you’re looking to refresh your walls, add some greenery, or upcycle old items, these ideas will help you achieve that Pinterest-worthy look—all without spending a fortune!

Let’s dive into some budget-friendly home decor hacks that will make your home feel warm and inviting.

1. Create Your Own Wall Art

Blank walls can make a home feel dull, but buying framed art can be expensive. Instead, make your own! Grab a canvas and some acrylic paints, and let your creativity flow. Abstract art, minimalist line drawings, or even a DIY gallery wall can give your space an instant upgrade.

If painting isn’t your thing, try framing fabric, wallpaper scraps, or even pressed flowers to create unique, budget-friendly artwork.

Tip: Use thrift store frames and spray-paint them for a cohesive, high-end look.

2. Repurpose Old Jars into Chic Vases

Do you have empty mason jars lying around? Turn them into rustic-chic vases with just a little paint or twine. You can spray-paint them in pastel or metallic colors for a modern touch or wrap them in burlap for a farmhouse feel.

Place fresh or dried flowers in them, and voilà, instant charm!

Bonus Idea: Fill them with fairy lights for a magical nighttime glow.

3. DIY Floating Shelves from Reclaimed Wood

Floating shelves can instantly make a room feel organized and stylish. Instead of buying them, make your own using old wood planks from pallets or leftover construction materials.

Simply sand the wood, stain or paint it to match your decor, and mount it on your walls using inexpensive brackets. These shelves are perfect for displaying books, plants, or decorative pieces!

Pro Tip: Arrange three shelves in a staggered pattern for a modern aesthetic.

4. Transform Old Pillows with No-Sew Covers

Tired of your old couch pillows? Instead of buying new ones, revamp them with no-sew pillow covers!

Use an old sweater, fabric remnants, or even an oversized scarf to create a stylish new look. Simply wrap the fabric around the pillow and secure it with fabric glue or safety pins.

Fun Idea: Mix and match textures like velvet, faux fur, or linen for a cozy vibe.

5. Make Your Own Candles for a Cozy Ambiance

Candles instantly add warmth to any home, but they can be pricey. Making your own is easier than you think!

Melt old candle stubs or use soy wax flakes, add your favorite essential oils for fragrance, and pour the wax into repurposed jars, teacups, or even coconut shells.

DIY Scent Suggestions: Try lavender for relaxation, citrus for energy, or cinnamon for a cozy fall feel.

6. Upcycle Wine Bottles into Elegant Decor

Instead of tossing out empty wine bottles, turn them into DIY candle holders, flower vases, or even fairy light lanterns.

Simply remove the labels, spray-paint them, or wrap them with twine for a chic, rustic look. If you love a boho aesthetic, try decorating them with macramé rope!

Pro Tip: Place LED string lights inside the bottle for a mesmerizing glow.

7. Create a DIY Mirror Frame

A plain mirror can look boring, but you can make it look like a designer piece with a DIY frame.

Use rope, wooden sticks, or even plastic spoons to create a unique border around the mirror. You can spray-paint it gold or white for a high-end look.

Why it Works: Mirrors reflect light and make a space feel bigger, so adding a stylish frame enhances both the decor and the room’s overall ambiance.

8. Hand-Painted Flower Pots for a Personalized Touch

Boring terracotta pots? Not anymore! Paint them with bright colors, geometric patterns, or boho designs to match your home’s aesthetic.

These DIY painted planters are perfect for your indoor plants and can even make great gifts.

Pro Tip: Use acrylic paint and seal it with a waterproof varnish so they last longer.

9. DIY Fabric Headboard for a Luxe Look

Want to upgrade your bedroom without spending a fortune? Make a DIY headboard using plywood, foam, and fabric!

Simply wrap the foam-covered plywood with a stylish fabric (like velvet or linen) and secure it with a staple gun. Mount it behind your bed for an instant upgrade.

Why You’ll Love It: This project gives your bedroom a cozy, expensive feel without the expensive price tag.

10. Rustic DIY Coffee Table with Crates

Wooden crates are super versatile! Stack and secure them together to create a stylish rustic coffee table. You can stain or paint them for a more polished look.

This budget-friendly project adds both storage and charm to your living room. You can even add caster wheels for easy movement!

Bonus: Use the inner sections of the crates to store books, plants, or decorative baskets.

11. DIY Macramé Wall Hanging for a Boho Touch

Macramé is trending right now, but buying handmade pieces can be expensive. Why not make your own?

All you need is cotton rope and a wooden dowel to create a gorgeous wall hanging. There are plenty of tutorials online to guide you through the basic knots.

Why It’s Worth It: Macramé adds texture and warmth to any space, making it feel cozy and inviting.

12. Create a Cozy Reading Nook with Fairy Lights

Transform a corner of your room into a magical reading nook with just a few simple touches!

• Drape fairy lights over a chair, shelf, or canopy to create a warm, inviting glow.
• Add soft pillows and a throw blanket for extra coziness.
• Place a small side table for books and a cup of tea.

This affordable and easy setup creates a relaxing retreat without needing a full renovation.

Final Thoughts

Who said home decor has to be expensive? These 12 cheap DIY home decor ideas prove that you can create a stylish and inviting space without breaking the bank.

From upcycling old items to adding simple handmade touches, these projects are not only budget-friendly but also fun and rewarding. Plus, there’s nothing better than the feeling of transforming your space with your own hands!

So, which DIY project are you going to try first? Let me know in the comments!