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10 Easy DIY Home Decor Projects to Transform Your Space on a Budget

Lori Ballen by Lori Ballen
May 21, 2025
in Home Decor
0
Cozy living room with a beige sofa, assorted pillows, and rustic decor. A ladder with blankets leans against the wall. A round woven mirror hangs above the couch. A table lamp and decorative jars add warmth. Natural light filters through a window.

This website contains affiliate links. Some products are gifted by the brand to test. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The content on this website was created with the help of AI.

Ever scroll through Pinterest and think, “I wish my home looked like that”? The good news? It can! You don’t need a big budget or professional skills to create stunning DIY home decor that feels fresh, stylish, and uniquely yours.

This guide covers 10 easy, budget-friendly DIY projects that instantly transform your space. Whether you love boho, farmhouse, modern, or vintage charm, these ideas are fun, customizable, and perfect for adding personality to your home.

Grab your supplies, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get creative.

1. Upcycled Wooden Crate Shelves

Wooden crates are stacked to form shelves against a brick wall. They hold potted plants, books, and decorative items. Text at the bottom reads, DIY Home Decor Upcycled Wooden Crate Shelves.

If you love charming, functional decor with a rustic twist, this project is for you. Wooden crates are an affordable alternative to store-bought shelving, and the best part? They’re completely customizable.

What You’ll Need

  • Wooden crates (thrifted, repurposed, or store-bought)
  • Sandpaper
  • Paint or wood stain
  • Wall brackets or screws

How to Make It

  1. Prep Your Crates – If they’re thrifted or raw wood, sand them down for a smooth finish.
  2. Stain or Paint – For a farmhouse look, go with whitewash or light stain. Prefer industrial vibes? Opt for dark walnut or black.
  3. Mount to the Wall – Secure your crates using brackets or screws, arranging them in a stacked or staggered design.
  4. Style & Enjoy – Add plants, books, or woven baskets for extra storage and charm.

Styling Tips

  • Rustic Farmhouse: Use a whitewashed finish and stack crates in a ladder-style arrangement.
  • Industrial Urban: Opt for black paint with exposed screws for a bold, edgy feel.
  • Boho Vibes: Stain with a warm, honey-toned finish and add macramé or rattan baskets inside.

Picture This

You walk into your home and see a beautifully arranged wall of floating wooden crates, filled with cozy woven baskets, trailing green vines, and carefully placed books. A candle flickers softly on one shelf, adding warmth to the space. It’s rustic, chic, and totally you—a conversation starter that makes your space feel curated and inviting.

2. Macramé Wall Hanging

A cozy room with a wicker chair features a macramé pillow and blanket. Above the chair hangs an intricate macramé wall hanging on a wooden rod. A woven basket on the floor holds a tall snake plant, and sunlight gently illuminates the space.

A macramé wall hanging is an easy way to bring boho charm into your home. With just a few simple knots, you can create a stunning textured piece that adds warmth and character to any room.

What You’ll Need

  • Cotton rope or macramé cord
  • Wooden dowel or branch
  • Scissors

How to Make It

  1. Cut Your Rope – Measure and cut several pieces of rope, making sure they’re long enough to create your desired pattern.
  2. Attach to the Dowel – Fold each piece in half and use a lark’s head knot to attach it to the wooden dowel.
  3. Start Knotting – Use square knots, half hitch knots, or other basic macramé techniques to create a pattern.
  4. Trim and Shape – Cut the bottom into a pointed or curved shape for a polished look.

Styling Tips

  • Rustic & Farmhouse: Use thick, off-white cotton rope and a distressed wooden dowel.
  • Modern & Minimalist: Stick to a sleek, symmetrical design in neutral tones.
  • Boho: Add wooden beads or dip-dye the bottom for a pop of color.

Picture This

Soft, woven patterns cascade down a wooden dowel, adding texture to your space. The natural cotton fibers catch the light just right, creating a warm, inviting focal point above your bed or sofa. It’s effortless, bohemian, and full of character, instantly making your home feel cozy and styled.

3. Coastal Rope Mirror Makeover

Round mirror with a thick, coiled rope frame hanging on a white shiplap wall. A wooden side table holds decorative shells. A hanging egg chair and a potted plant are nearby on a wooden floor. Text reads DIY Home Decor - Coastal Rope Mirror Makeover.

Give a simple mirror a coastal-inspired upgrade with jute rope. This easy DIY creates a stunning piece that brings a touch of beachy, nautical charm to any room.

What You’ll Need

  • Round mirror
  • Jute rope
  • Hot glue gun
  • Scissors

How to Make It

  1. Prep Your Mirror – Clean the edges and lay it flat on your workspace.
  2. Glue the Rope – Starting at the outer edge, use hot glue to attach the rope in a spiral pattern.
  3. Layer for Texture – Continue gluing and wrapping the rope until the frame is covered.
  4. Hang and Enjoy – Style it in an entryway, above a console table, or as part of a gallery wall.

Styling Tips

  • Rustic Farmhouse: Use thick, natural jute rope for a rugged look.
  • Modern & Minimalist: Keep the rope light and clean for a subtle texture.
  • Coastal & Nautical: Add small shells or knots for an authentic seaside feel.

Picture This

A sun-drenched entryway with a beautifully textured mirror reflecting the soft blues and whites of your coastal-inspired decor. The woven jute rope adds depth and warmth, making the space feel airy, inviting, and effortlessly elegant.

4. Minimalist Floating Shelves

Floating shelves are a sleek, space-saving solution for displaying decor, books, or plants. This modern and minimalist project adds function and style to any room.

What You’ll Need

  • Wooden boards
  • Wall brackets
  • Drill and screws
  • Level

How to Make It

  1. Cut & Sand the Wood – Choose a length that fits your space, then sand for a smooth finish.
  2. Stain or Paint – Opt for a light stain for a Scandinavian look or matte black for an industrial touch.
  3. Install Brackets – Use a drill to secure the brackets to the wall, ensuring they’re level.
  4. Mount the Shelf – Attach the wooden board to the brackets and style with decor.

Styling Tips

  • Modern & Minimalist: Keep it clean with neutral tones and minimal decor.
  • Industrial Urban: Use dark-stained wood with black metal brackets.
  • Boho Vibes: Add trailing plants and woven baskets for warmth.

Picture This

A clean, airy corner with sleek wooden shelves holding carefully curated decor—a small stack of books, a ceramic vase, and a hanging plant cascading over the edge. The minimalist design makes the space feel intentional and polished, proving that simple decor can have a big impact.

5. Distressed Mason Jar Vases

Mason jars are a staple in DIY home decor, and with a little chalk paint and distressing, you can turn them into charming vintage-style vases.

What You’ll Need

  • Mason jars
  • Chalk paint
  • Sandpaper
  • Twine or ribbon

How to Make It

  1. Paint the Jars – Apply a coat of chalk paint in your favorite color.
  2. Let Dry & Distress – Once dry, lightly sand the edges for a weathered look.
  3. Add Finishing Touches – Wrap twine or ribbon around the neck for added detail.
  4. Fill with Flowers – Display fresh or dried flowers for a perfect finishing touch.

Styling Tips

  • Vintage & Shabby Chic: Use soft pastels or antique white.
  • Rustic Farmhouse: Pair with burlap ribbon and wildflowers.
  • Boho: Add eucalyptus stems for a natural, earthy feel.

Picture This

A sunny windowsill lined with soft, pastel-colored mason jar vases, filled with fresh lavender and baby’s breath. The delicate distressing gives them an authentic, vintage charm, making them feel like a well-loved heirloom.

6. Rustic Blanket Ladder

A wooden blanket ladder is the perfect mix of function and style, offering a cozy way to store blankets while adding a touch of rustic charm to your space.

What You’ll Need

  • Wooden planks
  • Nails or screws
  • Wood stain or paint

How to Make It

  1. Cut & Sand the Wood – Cut two long side pieces and several shorter rungs.
  2. Assemble the Ladder – Attach the rungs using nails or screws.
  3. Stain or Paint – Go for a dark stain for an industrial look or white paint for farmhouse vibes.
  4. Lean Against the Wall – Drape blankets over the rungs for an effortlessly cozy touch.

Styling Tips

  • Rustic & Farmhouse: Distress the wood for a well-worn look.
  • Modern & Minimalist: Keep the wood smooth and sleek.
  • Boho: Wrap fairy lights around the ladder for extra ambiance.

Picture This

A cozy living room corner with a rustic wooden ladder leaning casually against the wall. Soft, textured blankets drape over each rung, inviting you to grab one and curl up on the couch with a cup of tea.

7. Scandinavian Paper Star Lanterns

Scandinavian decor is all about minimalist beauty, and these paper star lanterns create a warm, cozy ambiance with a soft glow. They’re perfect for adding a subtle decorative touch to your home.

What You’ll Need

  • Thick paper or cardstock
  • Scissors
  • Glue or double-sided tape
  • LED tea lights

How to Make It

  1. Cut Your Star Pattern – Use a printable template or freehand a five-point star shape on cardstock.
  2. Fold and Glue – Fold along the edges to create depth, then glue the edges together to form a 3D star.
  3. Punch Small Holes – Add tiny cutouts to let light shine through.
  4. Place an LED Tea Light Inside – Avoid real candles for safety.

Styling Tips

  • Scandinavian Simplicity: Stick to neutral or metallic colors.
  • Modern & Minimalist: Arrange multiple stars in different sizes.
  • Boho: Use warm-toned paper like beige, terracotta, or soft pink.

Picture This

A soft glow illuminates the room, casting delicate patterns on the walls as your handmade paper star lanterns hang near the window. They bring an effortless Scandinavian charm, making the space feel warm, peaceful, and inviting.

8. Industrial Pipe Bookshelf

For a bold, urban-inspired decor piece, an industrial pipe bookshelf is both functional and stylish. The combination of wood and metal gives it a raw, edgy feel, perfect for modern spaces.

What You’ll Need

  • Metal pipes and fittings
  • Wooden planks
  • Drill and screws

How to Make It

  1. Measure and Cut Your Wood – Choose a size that fits your space.
  2. Assemble the Pipes – Connect metal pipes and fittings to create shelf brackets.
  3. Attach to the Wall – Use anchors and screws to secure the pipes.
  4. Place the Wooden Shelves – Stain or leave them natural for a raw look.

Styling Tips

  • Industrial & Urban: Use reclaimed wood for a worn-in feel.
  • Modern & Minimalist: Opt for black-painted wood and sleek piping.
  • Rustic: Pair with vintage books and small potted plants.

Picture This

Against an exposed brick wall, dark-stained wooden shelves rest on industrial black metal pipes. A mix of old books, succulents, and vintage decor completes the look, bringing an effortless urban loft vibe into your space.

9. Framed Fabric Wall Art

This simple DIY lets you turn fabric scraps into stunning artwork, making it a perfect budget-friendly solution for adding color and texture to your walls.

What You’ll Need

  • Wooden frame
  • Fabric of your choice
  • Staple gun or glue

How to Make It

  1. Choose Your Fabric – Opt for patterns that complement your space.
  2. Stretch It Over the Frame – Pull it tightly across the back of the frame.
  3. Staple or Glue It in Place – Secure the edges on the backside.
  4. Hang and Enjoy – Display your new artwork in any room.

Styling Tips

  • Boho: Use woven or tribal-inspired patterns.
  • Vintage & Shabby Chic: Opt for floral or lace fabrics.
  • Modern & Minimalist: Stick to geometric or abstract designs.

Picture This

A large textile wall art piece hangs effortlessly above the sofa, adding warmth and depth to the room. The rich textures and bold patterns create a handmade, one-of-a-kind statement that instantly makes the space feel curated and stylish.

10. Repurposed Window Frame Photo Display

Turn an old window frame into a charming photo display that adds a rustic, vintage-inspired element to your home.

What You’ll Need

  • Old window frame
  • String lights or twine
  • Small clothespins or clips

How to Make It

  1. Clean and Paint the Frame – Keep it distressed for a vintage feel or paint it fresh for a modern touch.
  2. Attach Twine or String Lights – Staple or glue horizontal rows across the frame.
  3. Clip Photos or Notes – Use small clothespins to display personal photos, postcards, or art prints.

Styling Tips

  • Rustic Farmhouse: Leave the window frame distressed and weathered.
  • Coastal & Nautical: Paint it in soft blues or whites.
  • Boho: Add fairy lights for a dreamy touch.

Picture This

A cozy, well-loved entryway, where a repurposed window frame stands against the wall, twinkling softly with string lights. Photos of cherished memories are pinned across it, making the space feel personal, nostalgic, and beautifully handmade.

Summary

These 10 easy DIY home decor projects prove that you don’t need a massive budget or professional skills to create a home that feels cozy, stylish, and uniquely yours. Whether you’re drawn to rustic farmhouse charm, boho vibes, minimalist elegance, or industrial edge, there’s a DIY here for you.

The best part? Each of these projects is completely customizable, letting you put your own creative spin on every piece.

Which one are you excited to try first? Share your DIY projects and don’t forget to follow along on Pinterest for more inspiration!

Discover creative and budget-friendly DIY home decor ideas—like macramé wall hangings, floral mason jars, potted plant shelves, and chic rope mirrors—that bring an expensive look to your space without breaking the bank.

Before you grab the glue gun, check out these Boho DIY Decor Ideas next—they’re the perfect match for your cozy, creative vibe

This website contains affiliate links. Some products are gifted by the brand to test. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The content on this website was created with the help of AI.

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