DIY Home Decor Projects on a Budget
- Manyanshi Joshi
- 3 days ago
- 8 min read
DIY home decor projects you can do on a budget that are stylish, simple, and affordable. Most can be done with materials under $50—many even less if you repurpose or thrift!
🎨 1. Painted Accent Wall
Cost: ~$20–$40 (paint, tape, brush/roller)
How: Pick a small wall and use painter’s tape to create geometric patterns or stripes. A single can of paint can transform a space.
🖼️ 2. DIY Wall Art
Cost: $5–$25
Ideas:
Use printable quotes or line art in thrifted or Dollar Store frames.
Create abstract art with leftover paint and a canvas (or cardboard).
Frame fabric scraps or wallpaper samples for a textured look.
🌿 3. Mason Jar Herb Garden
Cost: ~$10–$30
Materials: Mason jars, potting soil, herb seeds, wall mount/plank
Tip: Great for kitchens—label jars with chalk paint or markers.
🪑 4. Furniture Makeover with Paint
Cost: ~$10–$40
What: Thrift a chair, stool, or small table and repaint it with chalk paint or spray paint.
Add new knobs or handles for a fresh look.
💡 5. Upcycled Lighting
Cost: ~$10–$30
Turn old baskets, colanders, or jars into pendant lights.
String lights in wine bottles or mason jars for cozy lighting.
🖌️ 6. Hand-Painted Flower Pots
Cost: $1–$15 per pot
Paint terra cotta pots with patterns or quotes and use them for houseplants, herbs, or storage.
🪞 7. Faux Mirror Wall
Cost: $10–$30
Use Dollar Store small square mirrors to create a decorative mirror wall or sunburst mirror using skewers and glue.
🧺 8. DIY Rope Basket
Cost: ~$10–$20
Hot glue rope around a cheap plastic bin or box to create a stylish storage basket.
✂️ 9. Fabric Scrap Garland
Cost: Under $10
Use leftover fabric or old clothes to make a colorful garland—perfect for kid's rooms or a cozy nook.
📚 10. Floating Bookshelf with Invisible Brackets
Cost: $10–$25
Use small L-brackets mounted into the wall to “float” books and give the illusion of a hovering shelf.
Here's a breakdown of DIY home decor ideas by room and style, all on a budget—creative, functional, and mostly beginner-friendly:
🛏️ Bedroom DIY Decor Ideas
Boho Style
Macramé Wall Hanging: Use cotton rope or yarn and a wooden dowel. YouTube tutorials make it easy!
DIY Canopy: Drape sheer curtains or mosquito netting from the ceiling using hooks or a hoop.
Washi Tape Headboard: Create a faux headboard design using washi tape in tribal or geometric patterns.
Modern Style
Floating Nightstands: Mount small shelves instead of bulky tables.
Monochrome Art Prints: Print minimalistic designs or quotes and use sleek black frames.
LED Strip Lighting: Add under-bed or behind-headboard lighting for a clean glow.
Rustic Style
Pallet Wood Headboard: Sand and stain old pallet boards and attach them behind the bed.
Mason Jar Sconces: Mount mason jars with fairy lights or faux flowers on reclaimed wood.
Blanket Ladder: Lean a simple wooden ladder against the wall for cozy blanket storage.
🛁 Bathroom DIY Decor Ideas
Boho Style
Hanging Plants: Use jute or twine to hang small pots from the ceiling or shelves.
Patterned Vinyl Decals: Add temporary boho-style decals to walls or tiles.
Rattan Baskets: Thrifted baskets can hold towels, TP, or toiletries.
Modern Style
Black Hardware Update: Spray paint handles, towel rods, or faucets with matte black spray paint.
Open Shelving: Add clean-lined floating shelves with rolled towels and apothecary jars.
Mirror Frame Makeover: Add a simple border to builder-grade mirrors with trim or peel-and-stick frame kits.
Rustic Style
Crate Shelves: Mount or stack wooden crates for a farmhouse vibe.
Barnwood Towel Rack: Attach hooks to a stained wooden plank.
Galvanized Buckets: Use for waste bins or plant holders.
🛋️ Living Room DIY Decor Ideas
Boho Style
Textile Wall Art: Frame woven fabrics or hang tapestries.
Pom-Pom Throw Pillows: Glue or sew pom-poms to plain pillow covers.
Floor Poufs: Sew your own using fabric remnants or old rugs.
Modern Style
Color Blocked Canvas Art: Use painter’s tape and bold colors.
Grid Gallery Wall: Uniform frames, spaced evenly, with black-and-white photos.
Minimal Coffee Table Tray: DIY a simple tray from MDF and paint it with a sleek finish.
Rustic Style
DIY Farmhouse Signs: Stencil or hand-paint wood signs with sayings like “gather” or “home.”
Distressed Ladder Shelf: Lean and decorate with plants, books, and photos.
Vintage Window Frames: Hang old windows or shutters as wall decor.
Here’s a shopping list and step-by-step instructions for three popular DIY projects, one from each room, keeping costs low and effort beginner-friendly. If you like a specific project, I can expand further or give you a full materials list for online or in-store shopping (e.g., Dollar Tree, Home Depot, Amazon).
🛏️ Bedroom (Boho) – DIY Macramé Wall Hanging
🛒 Shopping List
3mm or 5mm macramé cord (about 50–70 feet)
Wooden dowel or branch (18–24 inches)
Scissors
Measuring tape
🛠️ Step-by-Step Instructions
Cut cords: Cut 8–12 cords, each 3x longer than your desired hanging length.
Attach to dowel: Fold each cord in half and use a lark’s head knot to attach to the dowel.
Knot pattern: Start with basic knots like square knots, spiral knots, and half hitch. Tutorials on YouTube or Pinterest can help guide you.
Trim ends: Once finished, trim the bottom to your desired shape—straight, V-shape, or angled.
Hang: Use nails or Command hooks to hang it above your bed.
💡 Cost Tip: You can substitute cord with thick yarn or clothesline rope for a cheaper version.
🛁 Bathroom (Modern) – Mirror Frame Makeover
🛒 Shopping List
Peel-and-stick frame kit (or corner molding/trim)
Measuring tape
Utility knife or saw (for corner cuts)
Adhesive (if using wood trim: use Liquid Nails or construction adhesive)
🛠️ Step-by-Step Instructions
Measure mirror dimensions.
Cut frame pieces to size (angled corners if desired).
Clean mirror surface thoroughly.
Attach frame: Apply adhesive or peel backing and press pieces directly onto the mirror.
Let cure (if using adhesive) for 24 hours before using the mirror.
💡 Style Tip: Choose matte black or gold finishes for a sleek, modern look.
🛋️ Living Room (Rustic) – Farmhouse Sign with Quote
🛒 Shopping List
Wooden board (1x6 or 1x10, 24–36 inches long)
Sandpaper or sanding block
Wood stain or white paint
Letter stencils or vinyl letters
Black acrylic paint or paint marker
Foam brush or rag
🛠️ Step-by-Step Instructions
Sand the wood to smooth out rough edges.
Stain or paint the board and let dry.
Position your stencil or vinyl letters with tape to center the quote.
Paint in stencil or trace letters with marker.
Seal (optional) with a clear coat for durability.
Add hanging hardware or lean it on a shelf/fireplace.
💡 Quote Ideas: "Gather", "Home Sweet Home", or a short family saying.
Making budget-friendly home decor look attractive and intentional is all about planning smart, choosing the right materials, and focusing on a few high-impact details. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to know your budget and make your space look stylish without overspending:
🧮 1. How to Know Your Budget
✅ Step 1: Set a Realistic Total Budget
Decide how much you can comfortably spend—e.g., $100, $300, or $500.
Factor in any tools you may need to buy or borrow (like a glue gun, staple gun, or brushes).
✅ Step 2: Break It Down by Project or Room
Example: For a $100 total budget
Bedroom DIYs: $30
Living Room Refresh: $50
Bathroom Touch-ups: $20
✅ Step 3: Prioritize High-Impact Items
Spend on what changes a space most:
Wall paint or wallpaper
Lighting (lamps, string lights)
Statement decor (mirrors, frames, rugs)
✨ 2. How to Make Budget Decor More Attractive
🖼️ Choose a Style or Theme
Pick one main style—boho, modern, rustic, minimalist—and stick to it to avoid a cluttered look. This makes everything feel more “designed” and cohesive.
🏡 Use These Low-Cost, High-Impact Tricks:
✅ 1. Paint Smart
One accent wall or painted door = big change for little cost
Use sample paint pots (~$5 each) for mini projects
✅ 2. Add Texture
Mix materials: rope, wood, glass, metal
Add throws, pillows, or rugs from thrift stores or DIY
✅ 3. Use Repetition
Repeating colors or shapes (e.g., black frames, circular mirrors) adds visual unity
It makes cheap items feel curated
✅ 4. Shop Thrift, Dollar Stores, and FB Marketplace
Find frames, vases, baskets, and small furniture at a fraction of retail cost
Upcycle with spray paint or new hardware
✅ 5. Layer Lighting
Mix natural light, string lights, and lamps for warmth
Battery-operated puck lights work wonders in dark corners
✅ 6. Display With Intention
Group items in 3s (rule of thirds)
Create visual triangles with tall, medium, short objects
Use trays or books to anchor decor on tables
🧰 Bonus Tips: Budget Decor That Looks Expensive
Budget-Friendly Decor | Why It Works |
Large wall mirror | Makes rooms feel bigger |
Matching frames | Creates a gallery wall effect |
Neutral colors + texture | Feels high-end and calm |
Plants (real or faux) | Instantly add life to any room |
DIY wood signs or art | Personalized and rustic-chic |
Here’s a realistic example of a budget-friendly home decor plan for a single room—let’s say a living room—with a modern-rustic style. This example includes:
A total budget
A breakdown of costs
DIY projects
How to style them attractively
🛋️ Living Room Makeover Example
🎯 Goal: Modern-rustic living room refresh💰 Budget: $150 total
🔹 Project 1: DIY Farmhouse Coffee Table Tray
Cost: $10–15Materials:
Wooden board ($5)
Stain or paint ($5)
Handles ($5)
How It Looks Stylish:
Acts as a centerpiece
Add candles, a plant, and a stack of books to complete the look
🔹 Project 2: Painted Accent Wall (Half Wall or Stripe)
Cost: $20–25Materials:
One quart of paint
Painter’s tape
Brush or roller
How It Looks Stylish:
Adds bold color without painting the whole room
Choose deep green, navy, or warm gray for rustic-modern vibes
🔹 Project 3: Thrifted & Painted Picture Frames for Gallery Wall
Cost: $10–15Materials:
4–6 thrifted frames
Spray paint or acrylic paint
How It Looks Stylish:
Use black or wood tone paint for a consistent theme
Add personal prints, quotes, or botanical images
🔹 Project 4: Cozy Throw Pillows with DIY Covers
Cost: $20Materials:
Old pillows or inserts
Fabric or repurposed curtains/clothes
Sewing kit or hot glue
How It Looks Stylish:
Mix solids, patterns, and textures (like linen, flannel, or burlap)
🔹 Project 5: DIY Rope Basket for Blanket Storage
Cost: $10–15Materials:
Dollar store bin
Rope from hardware or dollar store
Hot glue
How It Looks Stylish:
Feels cozy and rustic
Looks custom and hides clutter
🔹 Project 6: Faux Greenery or Houseplants
Cost: $20–30Materials:
1–2 real or faux plants
DIY hand-painted terra cotta pots ($2–$5 each)
How It Looks Stylish:
Plants add life, color, and style to any decor
Use macrame or baskets for added texture
💡 TOTAL COST: Approx. $120–$140
Leaves a little room for extras like:
Command hooks
LED tea lights or string lights
A thrifted mirror
🛠️ Final Styling Tips
Keep your color palette to 3 main colors (e.g., white, wood tones, olive green)
Group items in odd numbers (3 or 5)
Layer rugs if needed for extra texture (a jute rug under a soft one)
✅ Conclusion: DIY Home Decor Projects on a Budget
DIY home decor on a budget is not only possible, it's a powerful way to make your home feel personal, stylish, and welcoming—without breaking the bank. With a bit of creativity, planning, and smart shopping, you can transform any space.
🎯 Key Takeaways:
Set a clear budget and prioritize projects that give you the most impact (paint, lighting, wall art).
Choose a theme or style (boho, modern, rustic, etc.) to keep everything looking cohesive and intentional.
Use affordable materials like thrift store finds, Dollar Store items, leftover wood, rope, jars, and fabric.
Focus on texture, layering, and lighting to elevate your space without needing expensive furniture or decor.
Start small: Even just updating a corner, adding a mirror, or making a DIY plant shelf can refresh your room.
🛠️ Most Importantly:
DIY decor is about expression. It’s okay if it’s not perfect—what matters is that it feels like you and makes your space feel more like home.
Thanks for reading!!!
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