Table of Contents Show
In a world where interior design trends change rapidly, keeping your home fresh and stylish doesn’t have to drain your bank account. DIY home decorating offers a perfect blend of creativity and cost-effectiveness, allowing you to personalize your space without the hefty price tag of store-bought decor. Beyond saving money, crafting your own home accents brings a sense of accomplishment and ensures your home reflects your unique personality rather than mass-produced aesthetics.
Essential Supplies for Budget-Friendly DIY Projects
Before diving into specific projects, assembling a basic toolkit will set you up for DIY success without unnecessary spending:
Must-Have Tools and Materials:
- Multi-purpose craft paint in neutral colors (white, black, cream)
- Quality paintbrushes in various sizes
- Strong adhesives (wood glue, hot glue gun, super glue)
- Basic toolset (hammer, screwdriver, measuring tape)
- Sandpaper in different grits
- Scissors and craft knife
Where to Source Affordable Supplies:
- Dollar stores offer surprisingly good quality basics like paintbrushes, glue, and simple decor items to upcycle
- Thrift stores provide endless possibilities with secondhand frames, furniture, and unique vessels
- Online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist for free or low-cost furniture to transform
- Craft store clearance sections often feature discounted seasonal items that can be reimagined
- Nature provides free materials like branches, pinecones, and stones for organic-inspired decor
10 Easy DIY Home Decor Projects Under $20
1. Elevated Mason Jar Lighting
Transform ordinary mason jars into charming light fixtures by spray painting them in metallic finishes or soft pastels. Add battery-operated fairy lights inside for a gentle glow. Mount them on reclaimed wood for wall sconces or group them as centerpieces.
2. Thrift Store Vase Makeover
Rescue outdated vases from thrift stores (often priced at $1-3) and transform them with textured spray paint. Create a cohesive collection by painting mismatched vessels in a single color. For added dimension, use painter’s tape to create geometric patterns or color blocks.
3. Custom Wall Art from Free Printables
Download free printable designs from sites like Unsplash or Pexels, print on quality paper, and frame in thrifted or dollar store frames. Paint the frames in complementary colors for a gallery-worthy display without gallery prices.
4. No-Commitment Furniture Refresh
Revitalize tired furniture without permanent changes. Use peel-and-stick wallpaper to line dresser drawers or transform tabletops. Contact paper in marble or wood grain patterns can update countertops temporarily—perfect for rentals.
5. No-Sew Pillow Covers
Create custom throw pillows without sewing by using hemming tape on fabric remnants or repurposing vintage scarves, napkins, or tea towels. Fold fabric around existing pillows and secure with iron-on hemming tape for instant room refreshers.
6. Floating Shelves from Repurposed Materials
Convert old drawers into wall shelves by removing hardware and painting in fresh colors. Alternatively, pair inexpensive brackets with reclaimed wood planks for custom-sized shelving at a fraction of retail cost.
7. Washi Tape Wall Designs
Create temporary wall art with colorful washi tape designs. Create geometric patterns, faux frames, or even cityscape silhouettes without damaging walls—ideal for renters or commitment-phobes who like to change decor frequently.
8. Statement Mirror Makeover
Transform plain mirrors with rope wrapping around the edges. Simply apply hot glue in small sections and wrap with natural or colored rope for nautical or bohemian flair at minimal cost.
9. Designer-Look Storage Boxes
Cover ordinary cardboard boxes with fabric remnants or decorative paper. Add leather belt straps as handles for an expensive look. These functional pieces hide clutter while adding texture and color to shelves.
10. Upcycled Plant Displays
Create plant stands from painted cinder blocks or stacked vintage books. Turn tin cans into planters with spray paint and twine wrapping. Group at varying heights for a curated indoor garden that adds life to any room.
Pro Tips for Making Budget DIY Look Expensive
Strategic Color Selection
- Limit your color palette to three main colors for a cohesive, designer look
- Incorporate metallics sparingly as accent elements
- Choose colors that complement existing furniture rather than competing
- Consider monochromatic schemes for sophisticated simplicity
Texture Layering Techniques
- Combine different materials (wood, metal, fabric, glass) for visual interest
- Add natural elements like jute, cotton, or sisal for warmth
- Incorporate varying finishes (matte, gloss, hammered) within the same space
- Use contrast between smooth and textured surfaces to create depth
The Power of Presentation
- Group similar items in odd numbers (3 or 5) for visual impact
- Align items with precision—sloppy placement instantly reads as amateur
- Keep negative space around displays to prevent a cluttered appearance
- Consider scale and proportion when arranging decorative elements
Read more: 7 Simple DIY Home Decor Projects for Beginners
Final Thoughts
DIY home decor isn’t just about saving money—it’s about creating a space that tells your unique story. The most inviting homes combine thoughtful handcrafted elements with carefully curated pieces, regardless of price point. Remember that successful decorating evolves over time rather than happening overnight.
Start with one project that addresses your most-used space, then build confidence and skills before tackling larger projects. Document your before-and-after transformations—you might be surprised at how dramatically you can elevate your living environment with creativity rather than cash.
What budget-friendly DIY project will you tackle first? Share your creations on social media with #BudgetDIYDecor and inspire others to discover the satisfaction of handcrafted home styling.
