Most people think it takes a lot of money to decorate a home. However, we’ve gathered 65 of our favorite home DIY projects that prove that is definitely not the case. The one unifying factor among all of these projects is that they are cheap. Dirt cheap. Some are even free, made entirely from recycled products and old items you probably already have lying around in a closet somewhere.
That doesn’t mean they don’t look amazing though. You might be surprised by just how little it costs to decorate your home when you start doing the work yourself. In addition to all of the fun you can have creating your own home decor items, the amount of cash you can save is pretty astounding. Once you check out these projects for yourself, you’ll see what we mean.
We love the idea of having a succulent planter that looks like a pineapple. They don’t cost a lot of money either. In order to make it, the artist started with a terracotta pot as a base. They then molded the pineapple shape on top of it using air-dry clay.
Check the instructions here.
They started by cutting three fence planks and fastening them together to make them look like the lid of a crate. The coffee company logo was applied using a stencil. According to the artist, the secret to making it look authentic is utilizing old items like rusty hinges.
Check the instructions here.
When turned on its side, a bowl is easily transformed into a terrarium. For this project, they used a glass bubble ball bowl. Wooden finial dowel cap ends were attached as legs to keep it propped up.
Check the instructions here.
A bath caddy is a great way to treat yourself to a spa-like experience in the comfort of your own home. It’s a DIY project that anyone can complete and takes just a few hours of work. This rustic-looking one was made using reclaimed wood.
Check the instructions here.
5. Mini Animals Canvas Art
This cool canvas art looks both funky and modern. They created the works by using kid’s animal toys, cutting them in half, and mounting them to the canvas. They were then painted with acrylic paint
Check the instructions here.
Why spend a lot of money to revamp your bathroom when you can do it on the cheap? To make this rope trash, they started with a $1 Dollar Store metal wire trashcan. It was then covered with leftover rope using a glue gun.
Check the instructions here.
7. Macrame Hanging Planters
These hanging planters were crafted using colored jersey knit fabric. They are very easy and cheap to make. Simply cut the fabric into eight strips and tie the pieces together.
Check the instructions here.
8. Mason Jar Pallet Organizer
Pallets can be found for free behind a lot of stores and construction sites or can be bought at Ikea for just a couple of dollars. Once stained or painted, they actually look pretty awesome. The mason jars can be attached using pipe fittings.
Check the instructions here.
9. Succulent & Supply Holder Bookends
These fun bookend planters and organizers were created using two toothbrush holders and some cork drink coasters. When you attach these random items together, they are transformed into something completely different.
Check the instructions here.
10. Side Vanity Storage Unit
Most people just leave their plunger, spare toilet paper, and other essential bathroom items haphazardly strewn in a corner. However, creating a little storage unit like this is a great way to keep those unsightly items tucked away but still close by for when you need them.
Check the instructions here.
11. Painted Leaves Wall Art
Instead of buying expensive art for your home, why not create your own for free? It doesn’t take a professional to create really cool painted leaves and other artwork. You just need to learn a few simple techniques.
Check the instructions here.
12. Toilet Paper Holder Shelf
Instead of attaching the bronze toilet paper holder directly to the wall, they opted to build this little shelf so they would have a place to set bathroom accessories like air fresheners and flowers. It is made from stained scrap wood.
Check the instructions here.
13. Wooden Slab Key Holder
Wooden slabs like this can be bought at most craft stores or can be acquired for free by sawing one off of a fallen tree. It’s best to seal the wood with polyurethane before painting it to keep it from rotting and to avoid attracting unwanted pests.
Check the instructions here.
A lot of people would never believe that cardboard boxes could be used to decorate a home, but it’s totally possible. Once you wrap a box in twine, they look just as good as regular baskets, but cost next to nothing to make.
Check the instructions here.
15. Flower Embellished Throw Pillow
They started with a cotton velvet pillow cover as the base. Yarn was used to make the pompoms for the beautiful Billy Ball flowers, and the stems of the flowers were made with embroidery floss.
Check the instructions here.
This sign would go perfect in the bathroom of a country farmhouse. In order to make it, they attached metal letters to a wooden plaque and painted the whole thing with a Parisian grey paint.
Check the instructions here.
It’s amazing what you can find at thrift stores for cheap. This blogger found some vintage glass lampshades and upcycled them into these beautiful vases.
Check the instructions here.
18. Pantry Organization Labels
These labels have a rustic look that would blend in perfectly in the pantry of any country home. In fact, you don’t even really need a pantry. They are nice enough to be set right on the kitchen counter!
Check the instructions here.
Dried branches from a beach, forest, or riverbank can be turned into lovely wall art. You want to make sure to select ones that are totally dry. Live branches will not work for this purpose.
Check the instructions here.
By removing a few of the back support boards off of a pallet and reattaching them onto the bottom, you can easily make your own rustic wine rack. You’ll just have to cut a few notches for the stems of the glasses.
Check the instructions here.
Fresh flowers are great but they don’t last very long. These pompom flowers will last forever. They are created by wrapping yarn around a fork and then bringing the ends up through the center in between the tines.
Check the instructions here.
These cool farmhouse placemats were made from jute rope. It takes about 34 feet of rope to make a placemat that is 13 inches across. However, with a smaller amount of rope, you can also make drink coasters.
Check the instructions here.
These book page roses are such a fun idea. They would look great as centerpieces at a wedding. If you don’t have any old books that you would like to cut up, it is also possible to make them out of newspaper or magazine pages.
Check the instructions here.
There are so many items that can be made from rope. It is such a versatile craft item and the best part is it’s super cheap. In this project, they built a serving tray by gluing rope to a foam board.
Check the instructions here.
It’s easy to upcycle a cardboard box and turn it into a fashionable boho-chic storage box. You’ll just need to acquire some burlap. The material is commonly used in gardening or to transport coffee beans. If you ask around, you should be able to find some empty sacks.
Check the instructions here.
26. Natural Branch Coasters
We love the idea of having some natural branch coasters in the home. Really, all you need to do to make them is slice off some branches and coat them in varnish. The coolest part is how the tree rings are still left intact.
Check the instructions here.
27. Wood Tilt Out Trash Cabinet
The trash can remains conveniently tucked away out of sight in the cabinet when you don’t need it and tilts right out for easy access when you do. It’s so much better than leaving the trash can just sitting around your kitchen.
Check the instructions here.
Pallets can easily be repurposed into coffee tables. They are the perfect size for a project like this. You’ll need two pallets for each coffee table, as you’ll have to remove the slats from one and reattach them to the other to make the tabletop.
Check the instructions here.
This is a great idea for a kid’s room. You could keep all of their toys nice and organized in the big plastic storage bins — properly labeled, of course. It’s definitely an upgrade from having toys strewn across the floor everywhere.
Check the instructions here.
We’ve already seen how a pallet can be converted into a coffee table, but how about an end table? This DIYer proves it is possible. It’s taller than the other project and there are no gaps in between the slats on the tabletop.
Check the instructions here.
When it comes to creative DIY coffee tables, this one might just take the cake. It is basically a work of art. The tabletop is made from a beautiful wood slab and the Hairpin legs are painted neon for a very modern look.
Check the instructions here.
Nothing says rustic farmhouse quite like a wood bench next to the front door. It makes for a great place to plop down to put your shoes on before heading out, or as this picture shows, it can also be used as a shelf for photos.
Check the instructions here.
This kid’s bike rack is made entirely out of PVC pipes. You’ll just need to acquire some one-inch pipes, cut them to the right lengths, and attach them together with connectors. It’s very simple to make.
Check the instructions here.
It appears as though they just sliced off a slab from a fallen tree to make this stool. However, they actually started with an edge-glued wood round. They then used a belt sander to make it look much more imperfect.
Check the instructions here.
Everyone needs a produce stand to set by the end of the counter. It is a great addition to the home. Even when buying the wood and other supplies from the hardware store, it still only costs under $30 to make.
Check the instructions here.
Inspired by nature, this wood stump table is simply stunning. They got the piece of salvaged wood for cheap from a lumber yard. By sanding the outside and then staining it, they were able to give the stump a beautiful petrified look.
Check the instructions here.
Instead of leaving your magazines spread across the coffee table, keep them nice and organized with a metal magazine holder. It will keep your magazines all together and standing upright. This artist chose a circular and triangle shape, however, you can make yours in whatever shape you want.
Check the instructions here.
Wooden crates like these can be picked up unfinished from most craft stores. You will have to sand them down and stain them yourself. Afterward, putting together the bookshelf is basically like putting together the pieces of a puzzle.
Check the instructions here.
39. Chalkboard Spice Jars
The artist first got the idea from spice jars she saw at Anthropologie. Then figured instead of buying them, she would make her own. They turned out pretty amazing.
Check the instructions here.
Once mounted to the wall, these ledge shelves are the perfect place to store things like plates or other glassware. They serve a functional and decorative purpose and can be built in under 30 minutes.
Check the instructions here.
41. Metallic Mirror Frame
Mirrors with metallic edges are pretty expensive if bought already finished. However, with a little effort, you can make your own on the cheap. The frame on this DIY version is actually made of wood and then painted to look like metal.
Check the instructions here.
Bare bathroom walls are just so boring. Help fill up the empty space by adding some floating shelves. Once they are mounted on the wall, you can decorate them with whatever you would like. They can hold a substantial amount of weight.
Check the instructions here.
43. Wire Basket Produce Stand
If you’ve run out of space in your pantry for your produce, don’t fret, simply make yourself a wire basket produce stand. You can often find wire baskets like this for cheap at craft stores. The only other step is to attach it to a stained wood board.
Check the instructions here.
The artist transformed junk barn boards into these beautiful shadow box shelves. They were purposefully left unfinished to provide an authentic and rustic feel.
Check the instructions here.
The wood frame for the mirror was made from fence pickets. It is one of the cheapest cuts of wood you can buy, but that doesn’t mean the finished product won’t look amazing. Staining them really brings out the grains in the wood.
Check the instructions here.
In order to make this, all you have to do is buy a crate, stain it, and attach the wheels. It’s only really necessary to stain the outside too. It’s hard to tell from the picture, but the inside of the crate is actually lined with fabric.
Check the instructions here.
It’s completely different than any chandelier we’ve ever seen. While it doesn’t provide lighting, it does look pretty neat. The artist made it from yarn and pompom ribbon wrapped around wooden hoops.
Check the instructions here.
Piles of mail can quickly end up turning into a jumbled mess. Keep your letters and magazines organized instead by building a mail sorter. This one was crafted from a couple of whitewood boards.
Check the instructions here.
49. Hula Hoop Balloon Wreath
A hula hoop balloon wreath won’t last forever — the balloons will eventually deflate. However, for a wedding or other party, it is pretty much the perfect festive wreath. You can make your own in about an hour.
Check the instructions here.
This fun country chic magazine basket was created using a peach basket acquired from a farmer’s market. The sides of the peach basket were carefully removed and then replaced with sheets of chicken wire.
Check the instructions here.
This tropical palm tree bag charm was crafted using faux leather. It is a great accent piece and would look fabulous in the summertime coupled with a sundress. We imagine it would attract a lot of attention.
Check the instructions here.
52. Driftwood Necklace Holder
Who knew a piece of driftwood could end up looking so stylish? All it took was attaching a couple of assorted knobs to the washed-up board to completely transform it from trash to treasure.
Check the instructions here.
Kids would love these cute snack bags. They would also look great hung up on the coat rack in your home when not in use. Did we mention they are reusable? That means less waste as well as long-term savings.
Check the instructions here.
These hanging shelves would go great in the bathroom of any home. The best part is that they could easily be placed above a toilet or sink for additional storage space without overcrowding the room.
Check the instructions here.
55. Corbel Farmhouse Table
The industrial metal corbels mean this is one tough table. Coupled with the heavy wood top, it is perfect for the dining room of a farmhouse. Although, you will need to find some recycled lumber to stay within budget. Otherwise, it could be cost-prohibitive to build.
Check the instructions here.
For something completely different, why not build a branch coat rack? Since no one branch is alike, every coat rack is essentially a one of a kind work of art. It would be a great conversation starter when someone first walks in your home.
Check the instructions here.
57. Mason Jar Wall Lanterns
These wall lanterns are so neat! They are both beautiful and functional, with pebbles and river stones providing the base for the candles. They can be hung on the wall or set on a table to provide mood lighting for a special dinner.
Check the instructions here.
Wooden clipboards are a very creative stand-in for traditional picture frames. You can attach both photos and paintings to them. In this artist’s home, the neutral background really makes the colors of the fruit photos pop.
Check the instructions here.
They aren’t going to light up the ceiling like normal sconce lighting fixtures, but they are a great decorative item. The mason jars are attached to the pieces of reclaimed wood with leather straps and used as flower vases.
Check the instructions here.
This project will provide DIY fun for the whole family. Enlist the kids to help you gather the twigs. Then break them into small pieces and glue them around a wood frame. That’s all it takes.
Check the instructions here.
Twine lanterns are the ideal lighting choice for an outdoor patio set up. Hang them underneath the umbrella at your next barbecue. You can create them by dipping a spool of twine in cornstarch and then gluing it around balloons.
Check the instructions here.
All you need to make these rustic wooden arrow decorations are some reclaimed wood and a band saw. They make for an excellent accent piece on the wall. The arrows are both charming and simple.
Check the instructions here.
Simply attach a bunch of clothespins around an empty tuna can or mason jar lid and you’ll instantly have your own clothespin candle. This artist embellished the outside of theirs with twine and gold buttons.
Check the instructions here.
First plan out your design on sketch paper. Then you can transfer your design to the wood board using chalk. Lastly, you’ll glue the rope down. This DIYer chose to make a beautiful rendition of the word “Love”.
Check the instructions here.
Next time a light bulb in your house burns out, instead of throwing it away, you can use it to make a pear. Just slowly work your way around the light bulb with your spool of twine in one hand a hot glue gun in the other.
Check the instructions here.
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