cheap diy projects for your home

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50 DIY Home Improvement Projects to Tackle This Weekend

Take your home from builder-grade to custom-made with low-cost home upgrades you can tackle in a weekend or less.

cheap diy projects for your home

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Paint the Front Door

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Paint the Front Door

The front door is usually the first thing people see when entering your home. Make a great impression with a bright, welcoming front door color. Not sure what hue to choose? Take our quiz , then follow the step-by-step instructions below for a total entry overhaul.

LEARN HOW: How to Paint a Front Door

cheap diy projects for your home

Classic Carriage Doors (on the Cheap)

Carriage house garage doors are highly sought after in home design and renovation, but these charming additions quickly add up in cost. One carriage-style garage door can run upward of $1,400. Luckily there’s a budget-friendly alternative: these magnetic hinges and handles will take your door from drab to fab instantly for just $12 — no hardware required.

Buy It: Amazon, $11.68 (Originally $19.99)

cheap diy projects for your home

Install a Shiplap Accent Wall

Do you love the look of old shiplap walls and ceilings, but live in a new(ish) home? Add a gorgeous shiplap accent wall in any space for $50 or less by trimming down plywood into planks, then attaching the boards to your wall using construction adhesive and nails. Finish it off by painting the panels, and admire your DIY shiplap on a dime.

Learn How: How to Install Shiplap

Set the Mood With String Lights

Hung over a patio, porch or backyard, globe cafe lights instantly turn any outdoor space into a gathering spot, increasing your usable square footage. This extra "room" comes in handy when entertaining or in the summer months when warm evenings are best spent outdoors, drink in hand. No fence or pergola to hang your lights from? Try this low-cost DIY .

Outdoor Globe Lights: Amazon, $15.99

cheap diy projects for your home

DIY Glass Cabinet Inserts

Brighten up your kitchen and put that gorgeous wedding china on display by replacing interior wood cabinet panels with inexpensive glass sheets . Not brave enough to go totally open with your cabinetry? Try this project on just the set of cabinets flanking your stove or the cabinet over the coffee counter.

GET THE HOW-TO: Update Kitchen Cabinets With Glass Inserts

cheap diy projects for your home

Stencil Your Patio

Has your concrete patio seen better days? You could cover it with an outdoor rug or try this long-lasting DIY. With a can of concrete stain, a plastic stencil, a high-quality stencil brush and a few hours of work, you can totally transform the look of a porch, sidewalk or patio with a stylish, custom tile design.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Stain & Stencil a Concrete Patio

Fake the Look of Marble

Make a worn dining table or old countertops look luxurious by transforming them into chic (faux) marble focal pieces. This unique and crafty DIY combines leftover project paint, ultra high-gloss epoxy and basic craft supplies to recreate the veining lines and texture found in real marble. Patience and a designated project day will save you anywhere from $500 to $3,000 when dreaming of your very own marble furniture piece.

Learn How: How to Paint a Faux Marble Tabletop

Try Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

Want to go bold without the risk? Peel-and-stick wallpaper is a temporary way to add a burst of vibrant color or pattern to a room without tearing up the walls. To keep this project affordable and doable, try papering a focal wall or a small, low-humidity space like a powder room or closet. Find our favorite, trendy removable wallpaper patterns here , then check out the link below for installation tips and tricks.

LEARN HOW: 10 Tips I Learned Hanging Removable Wallpaper in My Apartment

cheap diy projects for your home

Hang Curtains the Right Way

Make your home look bigger and instantly more luxurious by hanging floor-length drapes 6" to 12" above the window frame or all the way to the ceiling, and extending your curtain rod out 3" to 6" on each side. For a pro look, curtains should puddle slightly or just kiss the floor.

MORE TIPS: Do's + Don'ts of Designer-Worthy Window Treatments

cheap diy projects for your home

Remove a Popcorn Ceiling

Do you hate the look of your popcorn ceilings? Not only are they unsightly, but they're also unsanitary — a veritable landing pad for dust, dirt and cobwebs. Luckily, they're easily removed with the help of a wet/dry vac and a drywall knife. Note: If your home was built before 1979, test for lead and asbestos before starting this project.

LEARN HOW: How to Remove a Popcorn Ceiling

Update Ceramic Floor Tile With Paint

Give outdated floors a refresh with our step-by-step guide to painting and stenciling ceramic tile. All you need are a few basic supplies and a free weekend to totally transform the look of a laundry room, bathroom or anywhere in your home that's plagued by old or dirty tile. The best part? You can do it all for less than $50 and with no special equipment.

Learn How: How to Paint & Stencil Ceramic Tile

Paint Your Doorknobs

Is your home plagued by dated doorknobs? While swapping them out for new might be tempting, it can add up quickly — especially when one oil-rubbed bronze knob costs around $30 a piece. And that's not to mention the matching hinges and door latches. If you're looking for a cheap, long-lasting alternative, consider painting the knobs in your house for the cost of a can of spray paint and a weekend's worth of work. Learn How

Update Kitchen Cabinet Hardware

A simple white kitchen is made instantly glamorous by the addition of brushed gold knobs and pulls. Pro tip: Measure the width of your existing cabinet pulls before ordering. Also, be prepared to sand and touch up small dings and scratches that may occur while removing old hardware.

BRUSHED GOLD KNOBS: Wayfair, $5.55

Add Bling to Closet Doors

Make a small bedroom look larger by adding mirrors to plain closet doors or the back of a bedroom door. Simply pick up a couple of cheap, framed floor-length mirrors for less than $10 at your local big-box store, then paint the frame to match your space. Attach to your closet door with construction adhesive for a permanent look or use removable picture-hanging strips if you're renting. Feeling extra crafty? Glue thin trim pieces to the mirrors for a high-end look.

FLOOR MIRRORS: Target, $49.99

cheap diy projects for your home

Whitewash a Brick Fireplace

Give your dated brick fireplace a cozy cottage makeover with a paint and glaze application that mimics the look of the classic German schmear seen here. Learn how at the link below.

LEARN HOW: How to German Smear a Brick Fireplace

Swap Your Shower Curtain

Your shower curtain takes up the single largest piece of real estate in the bathroom. So needless to say, swapping it out makes a huge impact for very little money. Choose a fringe-style curtain for a boho look, go bold with large, moody florals or opt for a soft, modern ombre like designer Kerra Michele Huerta did here. We also love how she upped the drama by installing a shower curtain on each side of the tub.

BUY IT: JCPenney, $34.99

cheap diy projects for your home

Give builder-grade light switches a custom look with this hack. Pick a picture frame that's the same size and color as your switch cover, then attach the frame to the wall with adhesive putty. Pro tip: 3.5" x 5" frames will fit a standard 1-gang switch plate.

BUY IT: Michaels, $10.49

Give Your Fan a Makeover

Has your celing fan seen better days? Upgrade a boring, old fan by coating the blades and metal components with high-heat black spray paint.

LEARN HOW: Fake Fancy With These Easy + Cheap Home Upgrades

Try Peel-and-Stick Tile

If you're on the internet at all, you've likely seen these amazing, sticky vinyl tiles. They usually come in 12" x 12" sheets or a 9-foot roll in a myriad of styles from Moroccan to subway tile. So what's the catch? Well, they might not hold up in high-traffic areas like the bathroom or kitchen floor long-term and can have an adverse reaction to heat. But they're a great low-cost option in small spaces like a laundry room, den or as a kitchen backsplash. And because they're removable, you can play with trends without the commitment.

Buy It: Amazon, $9.98

Make an Old Couch New Again

Are you squeezing every last bit of life out of that couch from college? While you're saving up for your dream couch, there's no need to skimp on style. Give your sofa a mini refresh by draping it in blankets and loads of fluffy throw pillows, strategically placed to hide stains.

SEE MORE: 30 Sofas Made for Hours of Lounging

cheap diy projects for your home

Frame the Bathroom Mirror

Could your bathroom use a little TLC? Add a quick and easy dose of style by framing a builder-grade plate glass bathroom mirror with decorative molding.

LEARN HOW: Bathroom Update: Add a Frame to a Mirror and Paint a Vanity

cheap diy projects for your home

Build Wood Shelving

Break up endless cabinetry in the kitchen with a wall of open shelving you can make yourself. To pull off this lovely look, Jasmine Roth hand-charred pine boards, sealing the wood without the use of chemicals. Because this technique requires the use of fire, we recommend doing your research and buying proper safety gear before starting this project. Learn How

DIY Sliding Barn Door

Turn any door into a unique statement piece by taking it off the hinges and installing it on a sliding barn door track. Snag the hardware here for less than $40 , then learn how to hang it using our step-by-step instructions below. If you want to use your existing builder-grade door for this project, follow these instructions: Learn How

GET THE INSTRUCTIONS: How to Make a Sliding Barn Door

cheap diy projects for your home

Wow With Window Boxes

Don't forget your exteriors! Add color and interest to the front of your home with DIY wood window boxes filled with overflowing, seasonal blooms.

Make It Rain

Turn every day into a spa day simply by swapping out your showerhead. For less than $50, you can recreate this high-end look at home with a matte black rain head and matching extension arm.

BUY IT: Amazon, $36.99

Go Antiquing

Want to add lived-in character to your builder-grade home? Swap your basic pantry door for a charming antique find like designer Jasmine Roth did here.

MORE IDEAS: 20 Old-Home Design Elements to Add to Your New Build

Make Planter Posts for String Lights

Want to add cafe lights to your outdoor space, but don't have a pergola or fence to hang them from? Try this budget-friendly project that turns wood planter barrels into stylish light posts.

LEARN HOW: How to Make Planter Posts for String Lights

Customize Your Cabinets

Make your standard kitchen cabinets look like built-in furniture pieces with the addition of furniture feet painted to match. Measure the height from the floor to bottom of the cabinet, then find unfinished "bun" feet online or at the craft store to fit your measurements. Pro tip: Take one of your kitchen drawers with you to the hardware store and a paint expert can mix the exact shade you need.

SEE MORE: Fake Fancy With These Easy + Cheap Home Upgrades

Double-Up on Porch Rugs

Pull your front porch together with this designer tip: Layer an outdoor area rug beneath a standard porch rug for an extra-luxurious look.

cheap diy projects for your home

Give doors and windows a total overhaul by framing them in farmhouse-inspired trim. Not only is this project much easier to DIY than you think, but it's also surprisingly affordable, coming in at just $30 per door. Get the step-by-step instructions below.

Learn How: 5 Easy Steps to DIY Farmhouse-Style Trim

cheap diy projects for your home

Stencil Stair Risers

Give your staircase a lift by stenciling risers to look like they've been adorned with vintage tile. The easiest way to get this look on a dime? Measure your stair risers, then find a stencil online (we've linked some low-cost picks below). Instead of stenciling directly onto your staircase, save your back by cutting plywood boards to size, painting and stenciling them at a work table, then installing directly to your stairs using a nail gun or removable picture hanging strips (great renter-friendly option).

Moroccan Stencils: Amazon, $11.99

cheap diy projects for your home

Mailbox Makeover

Boost your curb appeal instantly by giving that old, tired mailbox a quick, inexpensive spruce. Eileen of Just Measuring Up updated her mailbox for just under $20 with some basic supplies from the hardware store and a fresh coat of paint. Pro tip: Before installing a new mailbox, remember to check with the postal service for current installation guidelines. Learn How

Jazz Up Kitchen Cabinets With Beadboard

Is your kitchen lacking charm? Add a major dose of it by installing beadboard around cabinetry, like designer Sarah Richardson did here.

cheap diy projects for your home

Put House Numbers on the Front Door

Skip the standard kick plate and install chic house numbers on the bottom of your front door instead.

Modern House Numbers: The Home Depot, $8.23

cheap diy projects for your home

Say "Buh-Bye" to Boob Lights

And "hello" to a profusion of new, trendy, flush-mount lighting designs like the pretty schoolhouse-style pick shown here.

Buy It: Amazon, $41.70

Replace Outdoor Lighting

If you've got 20 minutes and $40, you can totally transform your home's curb appeal with a new set of outdoor lights.

Buy It: Amazon, $39.89, 2-pack

Give Cabinets a Lift

Add height and interest to your builder grade cabinets without paying the hefty price tag of custom cabinetry. Interior designer Sarah Macklem from The Yellow Cape Cod achieved this rich, tall cabinet look in her own kitchen by adding pre-primed MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) and decorative crown molding to the tops of her cabinets. Learn How

Pretty-Up Your Pantry With Baskets

Do pictures of organized pantries bring you joy ... and jealousy? Give your messy closet a pretty, practical overhaul by placing pantry staples in dedicated bins. These woven beauties will only set you back about $8 each, leaving plenty of wallet wiggle room for the handy clip-on labels .

SNAG THESE WOVEN BASKETS: $7.99

Hide Outdoor Eyesores

If a vent pipe or meter is ruining your garden bed aesthetic, disguise it with an oh-so-natural-looking faux rock that fits perfectly over top.

BUY IT: Amazon, $46.90

Furniture-Saving Scratch Board

If you have a kitty that loves to use its little claws on your couch, then you’ll both dig this clever scratch pad project. Refurbish an old frame by giving it a fresh coat of paint, then replace the art with a patterned doormat trimmed to fit the frame. You’ll need a deep-set frame and heavy-duty tape to secure the mat inside the frame. Once completed, hang it with proper anchors and hardware so it’ll stay put during playtime.

More Ideas: 15 Adorable DIYs for Cats + Cat Lovers

Hang a Plant Shelf

Look up! A simple shelf overflowing with low-maintenance house plants acts as a second window treatment above this kitchen sink.

SEE MORE: 30 Indoor Plants for Low Light

Panel a Plain Door

The easiest way to make a designer-worthy impact in your space? Update the doors. If your home is plagued by one-dimensional doors, consider transforming them into gorgeous, Shaker-style doors with plywood panels and a fresh coat of paint. Since most Shaker varieties can retail for over $200, we’ll call this project a steal! Learn How

cheap diy projects for your home

Just Add Plants

A cluster of lush, green plants adds instant style to any space, especially when potted in sleek containers and arranged on colorful, thrifted stools. Pro tip: This quick trick works great in a sunny bathroom where plants get plenty of light and humidity.

Under-Cabinet Lighting

Set the mood in your kitchen by installing soft, inexpensive lighting under the cabinets. A three-pack of LED puck lights costs around $30 and they're ultra-easy to install.

Buy It: The Home Depot, $27.99, 3-pack

cheap diy projects for your home

Fake It Till You Make It

These containers are filled with faux flowers. You read that right! When arranged correctly, faux blooms can look and feel like the real thing, without the upkeep. If you struggle to keep plants alive, mix faux boxwoods and faux annuals with real, drought-tolerant (read: hard-to-kill) vines for a low-maintenance look that will last all summer.

More Tips: This Outdoor Planter Hack Will Save You Time, Money & Sanity

cheap diy projects for your home

Washi Tape Accent Wall

This gorgeous accent wall was created with just two rolls of black washi tape. And since the tape is so easy to remove when the time comes, this beauty is a fabulous option for renters. Learn How

Glam Up the Grounds

Decorative fence post caps aren't just for looks — they add years of life to your fence by protecting the posts' end grain from the elements.

Buy It: The Home Depot, $3.97

Amp Up the Color With Shelf Liners

Self-adhesive shelf liner isn't just great for drawers — use it to give glass-front kitchen cabinets or open shelving a big (inexpensive) pop of color and vintage-style charm.

LEARN HOW: Give Your Kitchen a Colorful Makeover (Without Paint!)

Cheap + Chic Headboard

Who says a one-of-a-kind focal piece has to break the bank? Make your very own stylish, cane headboard with just a few simple supplies and basic tools. Follow the step-by-step instructions below, then get more DIY headboard ideas here .

Learn How: How to Build a Framed Cane Headboard

Create a "Built-In" Bathtub

Give a basic bathtub a cozy cottage makeover with charming beadboard trim. This project requires roughly one 4’ x 8’ sheet of beadboard (which comes in just under $20) and zero hardware (only glue!), making this thrifty upcycle ideal for moderate DIYers.

Learn How: Update a Bathtub Surround Using Beadboard

We Recommend

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10 Home Improvement Projects to Tackle Before Listing Your Home 10 Photos

cheap diy projects for your home

Weekend Project: How to Add Architectural Design to a Roof Gable

This neutral living room from HGTV Magazine is made lively with pops of color. Vaulted ceiling make the entire room feel more spacious.

55 Living Room DIYs to Tackle This Weekend 56 Photos

Updated Kitchen With Neutral Gray Cabinets and Cherry Wood Floors

10 Remodeling Projects to Do Before the Holidays 17 Photos

cheap diy projects for your home

Tackle All of Your DIY Projects With Walmart’s Line of Affordable Tools

DIY Dining Room Hutch with Dishes

Easy DIY Projects From the Host of Saving Alaska 19 Photos

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30 DIY Home Projects Absolutely Anyone Can Do

Don’t be intimidated by the idea of making practical and stylish changes to your home these diy home projects are simple enough for anyone to accomplish..

By Lori Lovely | Updated Jul 13, 2022 3:01 PM

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

diy home projects

Photo: istockphoto.com

Every home can use a little sprucing up. If you’ve been overwhelmed by a list of needed house projects in the past, this is your chance to tackle a few easy DIY home projects like a pro. Even if you think you’re the least handy person around, these home projects are doable.

Not only can you save money by tackling DIY projects for home, but you can learn useful skills along the way. Building these skills may boost your mental capacity, and in the process, you may discover new passions and greater confidence. DIY at home can also provide creative ways to express yourself.

1. Wallpaper a Wall

diy home

Wallpaper can add color and pattern in an elegant or invigorating way that paint can’t always match. Available in a variety of materials, it can also add texture to your room. Today’s prepasted papers make your DIY décor easier to apply. Just be sure to measure the height and width of each wall and multiply those numbers to calculate the square footage of the wall.

You can subtract 10 square feet for every door or large window. If your chosen wallpaper has a pattern, professionals recommend buying an extra roll or two in the same dye lot, depending on the size of the pattern.

2. Make Compost

diy home projects

Composting diverts materials from the waste stream, decreasing trash at landfills while also improving soil: a win-win. It’s a simple habit to pick up. Just be sure to learn what can be composted—such as fruits, vegetables, coffee grounds , dryer lint, shredded newspaper, grass clippings , and small leaves and twigs—and what can’t. For example, don’t add meat or dairy products to your compost.

Ideally, you’ll want three parts brown material (leaves, twigs, and the like) to one part green material (kitchen scraps and grass clippings). Place your compost in a warm sunny spot, keep it moist, and turn it frequently to aid the breakdown process.

3. Tile a Backsplash

diy home projects

Backsplashes have a practical side—they protect your walls from food stains, after all—but they also have a decorative purpose. There’s a wealth of colors, sizes, and shapes of tiles from which to choose for a backsplash. Once you’ve selected your tiles, measure the space and mark your starting point. Apply tile mastic to adhere the bottom row to the wall. Insert spacers and keep going. You may need to score and cut tile around electrical outlets.

The next day, grout the tile using a rubber float. After the grout has set for an hour, wipe away any excess.

4. Install Vinyl Flooring

diy home projects

Vinyl flooring comes in many iterations: by the roll, in “tiles,” and in plank form. Any version makes a great surface, particularly in rooms where high moisture levels occur, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Vinyl plank flooring is easy to cut, doesn’t require bonding to the subfloor, and snaps together simply for a tight fit. Gather the proper tools, remove baseboards and molding, measure accurately, make sure the floor is level, and begin laying out your floor. For floor ducts and door frames, use a utility knife to cut to fit. Tiles are laid in similar fashion. Rolls of flooring have to be carefully unrolled a few feet at a time, removing the backing as you go in order for it to adhere to the floor.

RELATED: Buyer’s Guide: The Best Vinyl Plank Flooring

5. Build a Raised Garden Bed

diy home projects

If you’re looking for things to build with the kids, a raised garden bed may interest you. They make growing vegetables and flowers easier on your back and knees because you don’t have to bend all the way down to the ground. Choose a spot and plot out the size and footprint of your raised bed; 3 feet wide typically enables gardeners to easily reach across. Most are between 12 and 20 inches tall.

You can buy a raised bed kit or use water-resistant material, such as concrete blocks, landscape timber, or rot-resistant exterior wood like cedar to build one yourself. You may need screws to attach the corners. Add good soil for raised beds : a combination of two parts topsoil to one part compost or a commercial mix designed for raised beds work best. After planting, you may want to mulch the beds to retain moisture; beds that are above ground lose moisture faster than in-ground gardens.

6. Paint the Front Door

diy home projects

Add a cheerful welcome to your “projects house” with a painted front door . Ideally, you should remove the door from its hinges before painting. Sand, wash, and dry the surface as part of the prep. Remove hardware— doorknob and hinges—and cover any glass panes.

Apply primer or a paint-and-primer-in-one. It will probably take two coats, so let it dry between applications. Once the final coat is dry, replace the hardware and rehang the door.

7. Hang Plants From the Ceiling

diy home projects

A fun décor DIY project that can improve your health by adding oxygen to a room involves hanging plants from the ceiling . Choose a location that gets the required amount of light for your plant. Locate a stud or beam to attach a swag bolt to, or use a toggle bolt to secure to drywall.

Be sure the bolt capacity is rated for the hanging wet weight of your plant plus its container. Be aware that plastic anchors support less weight from the ceiling than the wall; they are not a good choice for a hanging plant. Once the swag bolt is secure, hang your plant.

8. Reupholster Secondhand Furniture

diy home projects

Old furniture often has great “bones” or nice detail, but the upholstery might be worn or simply dated. Reupholstering furniture can give it a second life.

It’s pretty easy to recover a basic chair seat . Measure the cushion to determine the amount of fabric needed; be sure to allow a few inches all around to fold over the bottom of the seat. Remove the seat from the chair. If you need to make any repairs or want to add new padding or refinish the chair, now’s the time to do it.

Cut the fabric to fit. Fold it over the seat and use a staple gun to attach it to the seat’s underside. Stretch it taut and do all sides. Angle the fabric around the corners before stapling. Then reattach to the chair and you have a fresh look.

9. Replace a Faucet

diy home projects

Whether your current faucet has sprung a leak or you’d simply like to update the look to match your décor, you may be able to replace it yourself. If your new faucet has the same hole configuration, this will be a snap. However, even if you want to switch from a three-hole faucet to a one-hole faucet, you can do it by adding an escutcheon plate that covers two of the holes.

Begin by shutting off the water, usually done by turning a knob under the sink. Loosen the nuts on the faucet and lift it out. Then place the new faucet and escutcheon plate if necessary, attach the nuts, and connect the appropriate water lines. If you’re using an escutcheon plate, you may need to caulk it.

RELATED: Buyer’s Guide: The Best Kitchen Faucets

10. Build a Shelf

diy home projects

Adding a shelf is a quick and easy project that adds function and form in the way of decorative storage. Determine where you want to hang a shelf and what size the shelf should be.

It’s best if you can attach the supports to a wall stud , but drywall anchors may work if there’s not too much weight placed on the shelf. For longer shelves or heavier loads, you may want to consider adding brackets for extra support.

Measure the height you want and the distance you need between brackets. Drill pilot holes for the screws before screwing the brackets into place. Some shelves simply rest on the brackets; others are attached by screws. Test the strength before placing any breakables on the shelf.

11. Grow Your Own Food

diy home projects

Growing fruits and vegetables provides fresh food at your fingertips. It’s a great learning experience for children and almost always results in tastier produce than you can buy at the store.

Decide how big you want your garden to be, based on what you intend to plant. Choose a spot that gets at least 8 hours of sunlight a day, and remove any sod or other plant material. Prepare the soil by tilling or digging. You may want to add compost or other soil amendments to improve the growing medium.

Plant seeds , seedlings, or a combination thereof, following the planting instructions on the package. Add fertilizer or compost. Water. You may need to provide protection from wildlife or harmful insects, or structure for climbing plants and tomatoes. Periodically, you will probably have to pull weeds and irrigate.

12. Frame a Mirror

diy home projects

Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who’s the most creative one of all? You can have a luxe mirror for less by making your own frame . Measure the piece of unframed mirror, and purchase an appropriate amount of framing material in a width and style of your choosing. Remember to factor in the mitered corners when determining the lengths you’ll need for each side of the mirror. You’ll need to cut a dado in each piece—a slot for the mirror to slide into. This is most easily done using a table saw, but a router will suffice.

Next, you’ll need to use a miter box to make 45-degree cuts for the corners of the frame. After sanding the wood, insert the mirror and use silicone glue to set the joints. Apply compression with a band clamp while the glue dries. Using a nail gun to insert a nail into each corner is optional. Apply caulk to conceal the joints and wood putty to hide the nails. Affix hanging hardware. Paint or stain the mirror, and hang.

RELATED: How to Hang a Heavy Mirror

13. Seal Drafty Windows and Doors

diy home projects

Reduce your heating and air conditioning bills by sealing drafty windows and doors. Latex caulk is often used for this application because it expands more than silicone caulk. Load the tube into a ratchet rod caulk gun .

After you have removed the old caulk and cleaned the area with vinegar, bleach, or liquid caulk remover, let it dry. You may want to tape off the area to avoid getting unwanted caulk on the walls. Once you’re ready, use scissors or a utility knife to cut the tip of the caulk tube at a 45-degree angle. Use the trigger on the caulk gun to apply a thin line of caulk . Run your gloved finger over the line to smooth it. Let dry for 24 hours.

14. Paint Kitchen Cabinets

diy home projects

Add some color to your kitchen by painting the cabinets , or lighten up the room by painting them white. Whatever color you choose , select a semi-gloss or gloss paint because it is easier to clean and stands up to wear and tear better than a matte-finish paint.

Remove the doors, drawers, and hardware . Apply two coats of primer. Sand the surface lightly. Apply the paint, going with the grain. Don’t forget to paint the backs of the cabinet doors too. When they’re dry, reinstall and enjoy your new kitchen look.

15. Conceal Cords

diy home projects

Technology has provided a lot of convenience, but it comes with many cords. If you’d rather look at anything but a messy tangle of cords, this DIY for the home project will straighten things out in no time.

There are many options. You can adhere clear Command cord clips , a favorite in our roundup of the best ways to hide every wire in your home , to the back of your electronics or furniture to corral your cords. Some furniture comes with cord-hiding compartments, or you could build your own secret storage into a TV stand. For wall-mounted TVs, you can run the cords through a cord cover like this SimpleCord Cable Concealer Kit . For ultra-invisibility, paint the cord covers the same color as your walls.

Paintable baseboard cord channels, which are covered vinyl tunnels that hardly anyone notices, offer an alternative way to route cords around a room. The D-Line Cord Cover , for example, was a top performer in our researched guide to the best cable management solutions for the home.

16. Illuminate Your Exterior With Solar Lights

diy home projects

Photo: Homedepot.com

One of the easiest DIY home projects for beginners is adding solar lights to your yard or along a sidewalk or driveway. Available in a wide range of sizes, styles, brightness, and even color of light, solar lights require no wiring and don’t add to your electric bill. What they do add is ambiance and an element of safety.

Stand-alone solar path lights are mounted on a spike that easily slides into the ground. Simply place one every 6 to 8 feet, although you can put them closer for a brighter walkway.

RELATED: Buyer’s Guide: The Best Solar Deck Lights

17. Carve Out a Home Office

diy home projects

Living through a global pandemic has changed employment status for many of us who now telecommute from home. Whether you’re working full-time from a home office or just need somewhere to pay the bills, you may want to carve out some space where you can take care of business.

Use a nook or a closet if you have to, but if you can commandeer an entire room, consider swapping a hollow core door for a solid door to reduce sound intrusion from the family room. Upholstered furniture, rugs, and quilt wall hangings will also muffle sound from the rest of the house.

You can use a table as a workspace instead of a desk, but be sure to add an ergonomic chair , sufficient lighting, some shelving, and storage. Be mindful of traffic flow so the family doesn’t trip over you.

18. Declutter and Donate

diy home projects

Gain usable space by decluttering your home. Get the whole family involved. First, sort through your stuff to determine what you really use and what you wouldn’t miss. Donate items you no longer need to a school, a homeless center, an animal shelter, your church, or your favorite charity.

Next, store things used infrequently in cabinets and drawers, leaving countertop space free and clear. Use a closet organizer to get shoes, linens, or other closet items in line. For the things you feel must be left within easy reach, try some simple DIY projects to organize your must-haves like shoes, mail, cords, keys, and more.

19. Line Drawers

diy home projects

A generation or two ago, housewives lined all their shelves and drawers with adhesive shelf paper. The idea was sound; they protect surfaces from stains and spills, and make clean-up a breeze. But today’s shelf and drawer liners offer choices.

Fabric liners are washable and can be used long-term. Plastic liners work best on open wire shelves, where they prevent items from becoming unevenly balanced or falling through the shelving. Foam liners provide extra cushion for delicate, breakable items. Vinyl liners are the least expensive and are available in the widest array of colors and patterns, but adhesive-backed liners leave a sticky residue when removed.

20. Create a Container Garden

diy home projects

Another great DIY home project for the entire family is creating a container garden . Pretty up your patio with a bouquet of flowering plants in a decorative container . Create bright color combinations that will attract pollinators for an added bonus.

Select an appropriate outdoor container with a drain hole in the bottom and fill it with potting soil. Let the kids choose a selection of plants. The rule of thumb is to combine a thriller, filler, and spiller—a tall, showy plant, smaller plants to fill in the space, and a trailing plant to spill over the side. Take care that all plants have similar sunlight and water requirements and are suitable for your climate.

One kind of container you might want to add to your home are window boxes filled with beautiful flowers.

RELATED: 20 Plants That Are Perfect for Window Boxes

21. Landscape the Mailbox

diy home projects

Why not make the mundane tasks a little more fun? Let your personality shine by landscaping the mailbox, which might take some of the pain out of finding bills inside it. For starters, you can repurpose items around your home that are meaningful to you, adding humor, architecture, or historical significance to your daily routine of mail collection. Many of these are easy DIY projects you can do with a few tools.

Other mailbox ideas can involve plantings, mulch, stone, and other more traditional landscape materials that not only make your mailbox more cheerful, but also make it easier to mow around. When planting vines or busy plants , it’s important not to obstruct the mailbox door or flag, which could inhibit you or your postman from accessing the box.

22. Repot Indoor Plants

diy home projects

If you’re lucky enough to have a green thumb, your indoor plants will reward you by growing. To keep them happy, you’ll occasionally need to repot them. Let your kids help on this family-friendly project ; they probably like getting their hands dirty already.

Signs that your plant is ready for a new home include: roots growing through the drain hole, pot-bound roots, soil that dries out faster than it used to, stunted growth, wilting between waterings, and plant size overpowering pot size.

Simply select another pot—ideally, only one size larger than the current one—and the correct type of potting soil. Carefully remove the plant from its current pot. If it’s rootbound, you may have to tease the roots apart to help it grow. Place in the new pot. Backfill with potting soil as necessary. Water thoroughly. Withhold fertilizer for at least 6 weeks to allow the plant to adjust to its new home.

23. Refinish Old Wood Furniture

diy home projects

Maybe millennials don’t value “brown wood,” but plenty of other generations do. Whether your wood furniture is a valuable antique or just one of your favorite pieces, it might be worthwhile to refinish it rather than paint it. It’s not as hard as you may think. Nevertheless, this is one of those craft projects that requires some patience and skill.

If you want to refinish wood furniture, remember that preparation is everything. Clean the piece thoroughly. Next, use wood filler to fill any holes. Then, strip the old finish off, following the directions of the project you chose. Use a plastic scraper to remove the solution and the old finish. Lightly sand before applying the new stain. Once that dries, apply a clear-coat finish to protect it.

24. Install a Hanging Pot Rack

diy home projects

If you like to cook but lack cupboard space to store all the pots you typically use, consider installing a hanging pot rack . First, it’s important to select a pot rack sturdy enough to support all the pots and pans you intend to hang from it. It’s critical to ensure that the hardware attaching the rack to the ceiling is also heavy-duty enough that your pots won’t come crashing down.

Hanging a pot rack in the ceiling is not the best DIY project for beginners, but experienced DIYers will know they first must be sure you drill into the ceiling joists. Use a stud finder to locate them if you’re having difficulty. Measure where the holes need to be by using the rack as a template. From there, things get easier. Attach it and start hanging your pots.

RELATED: 10 Kitchen Updates You Can Do in a Day

25. Paint a Chalkboard Wall

diy home projects

Need a place to write down your weekly grocery shopping list? Or maybe the kids already are scribbling on the walls. A fun DIY home décor project is painting a chalkboard wall.

There are lots of chalkboard paints on the market, including this brush-on special-purpose paint from Krylon , the top pick in our researched guide to the best chalkboard paints . When making your selection, consider the ingredients, ease of application, and drying and curing time. Your choices may depend on how you intend to apply it (paintbrush or spray), how big an area you’re going to paint, and the environmental impact. For example, you might prefer a paint with low VOCs .

Whichever paint you choose, and whatever method you’ll be using, sand and prime the area first for better adhesion and a cleaner finished look. Many chalkboard paints on the market require only one coat. Nevertheless, you might opt to apply two or three for a more durable finish for your chalkboard wall.

26. Reimagine Bookshelves

diy home projects

One way to declutter your home is to add or organize shelving: Everything in its place. Bookshelves don’t have to hold only books and can be much more than merely functional. In fact, you don’t have to put a single book on your bookshelf. You can install sleek, decorative floating shelves to showcase your book collection, photos, pottery, collectables, knick knacks, or whatever looks good on display.

Add a fun, creative bookshelf in any number of shapes and sizes—under-the-stairs triangles, corner units, circular designs, or amorphous shapes.

Even if your bookshelf is rather traditional, you can have fun by rainbow-organizing your books. Get your kids involved to group your books by cover color first. This can create a vibrant display reflecting the spectrum of your reading material.

RELATED: Dos and Don’ts of Arranging a Bookshelf

27. Soundproof a Wall

diy home projects

If you work at home, rent your place, or have teenagers, soundproofing a wall may appeal to you but seem like an overwhelming task. Don’t panic; it’s not as invasive as you may think. You won’t be knocking down walls.

A few methods can dampen sound through a wall. For example, hang mass-loaded vinyl, a sound-dampening material used in night clubs, on the walls. Of course, it’s more effective when hung between drywall during construction, but it will still muffle some of the noise. Rolls of MLV are heavy and bulky, so try to find a helper.

If you don’t like the idea of shiny black MLV adorning your walls, try a more decorative option: floor-to-ceiling acoustic—also called blackout or thermal—curtains . As added benefits to their noise-reduction properties, they block light and trap warmth. Pleats act like baffles, enhancing the sound-deadening effects. For enhanced wall soundproofing, do either technique to both rooms that share the wall.

28. Power Wash the Small Stuff

diy home projects

Pressure washing isn’t just for sidewalks and siding . It’s a great way to quickly clean up almost anything. If you’re planning to restain your deck , start by power washing it. Even if you don’t want to stain it, using a pressure washer on it is a great way to get rid of mold, mildew, and ground-in dirt after a summer of outdoor living.

While you’re at it, power-wash the patio furniture before you store it for the winter. Ditto, the lawn mower, bicycles, trailer, and even cars. Just be careful not to blast the paint too hard or it could chip and flake off.

Once your summer annuals have been bitten by frost, power wash the pots they lived in—and your gardening tools , shovels, hoes, and rakes—before storing them for winter. When done with the tools, don’t forget to give your hard-working trash cans a good power cleaning while you’ve got the pressure washer out.

29. Improve Interior Lighting

diy home projects

Liven up your interior with creative lighting. The three functions of lighting are task, general, and accent. Undercabinet lighting can Improve safety issues for food prep, enhance ambiance and show off backsplash tile, or even serve as a nightlight for those early morning trips to the kitchen. LED strip lights —aka ribbon lights or LED tape—that can change color ramp up the atmosphere as under-cabinet lighting or as TV backlighting.

Get whimsical with accent lighting by adding statuesque lights in the shape of animals , or convert ordinary items (such as old telephones or teapots) into lights. String lights aren’t just for patios. Draping a few rows of string lights like these indoor/outdoor fairy lights from our researched guide to the best outdoor string lights can set a romantic scene when draped from the ceiling. Or hang a curtain wall of lights. Get twinkle lights for extra sparkle.

30. Step Up Style on the Stairs

diy home projects

Photo: Etsy.com

Looking for ideas to add some style to your staircase ? There are a number of easy projects you can do to make an impact. Paint the risers and the treads in contrasting colors, or stain the tread and paint the riser.

Apply decorative tile to the risers. Even easier, use trompe l’oeil adhesive stickers to add a bold faux tile look to the risers to turn your stairway or apply stencils to paint patterns on the risers and turn the stairway into more than a mere passageway. You can even use wallpaper to create decorative effects on the risers. Non-slip carpeted stair treads or runner rugs can add a decorative touch and increase safety.

Don’t forget the walls. Paint a mural. Add wall sconces. Make a photo wall or add a picture ledge shelf. Add molding to create wainscoting or paneled walls . Use your imagination to add personality to your stairway to make your home extraordinary.

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You don’t need a large budget to give your home a noticeable boost. Whether you’re looking for functional fixes, to enhance visual appeal, or just a small refresh—there are a number of ways to update your home cheaply and easily.

100 DIY Home Improvement Projects for Under $100

The editors of This Old House share their favorite home projects you can do yourself on a budget.

Add Carved Corbels Under Your Breakfast Bar

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Check salvage yards for Victorian-era ones with patina for an extra flourish in the eating area.

Estimated cost: Two 30-inch-high-by-19-inch-deep Queen Anne–style corbels, about $95

Plant an Evergreen Screen

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Plant an evergreen screen on the north side of your house to block winter winds. Arborvitae ‘Green Giant’ can climb 3 feet in one year.

Estimated cost: $92 for two; Jackson & Perkins

Laundry-Room Chandelier

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Suspend a chandelier in the laundry room for a bit of sophistication in an unexpected place. White Capiz pendant with cord kit.

Estimated cost: similar to shown, $80; World Market

Hook Yourself Up

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Wall-mount a row of hooks above your kitchen counter to keep dish towels and measuring cups at the ready.

Estimated cost: Polished chrome Alno utility hooks, about $8 each

Make Your Sink Do Double Duty

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Fit an undermount sink with a cutting board for more prep space. Measure the length and width of the basin, adding ½ inch to each side. Trim a piece of butcher block to size with a jigsaw. Then create a lip around its underside so that it will rest on the edge of the counter.

Estimated cost: 18-by-12-inch maple block, about 86; Butcher Block Co.

Display Your Display

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Display your flat-screen TV on a tabletop easel with adjustable clamps.

Estimated cost: Academy Deluxe Table Top Easel, about 80; Madison Art Shop

Wallpaper a Door

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Use paper and paste left over from a big job to dress up door panels, letting stiles and rails frame the decoration. For slab doors, trace a shape on the back of the paper, cut it out, and center it on the door.

Estimated Cost: Nothing

Hang Natural Fiber Shades

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Use natural fiber shades to highlight the transition between indoors and outdoors and help insulate windows.

Estimated cost: 23-by-72-inch Bamboo Roman Shade, similar one shown, about 26; Target

Turn a Closet Into a Home Office

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Unhinge the door and trade hanging rods for shelves—a deep one for the desktop and two shallow ones above for storage.

Estimated cost: One 20-by-24-by-¾-inch and two 12-by-24-by-¾-inch white melamine shelves, metal standards, and shelf brackets, all by Elfa, about $95; The Container Store

Turn Upper Cabinets to Instant Shelving

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Remove the doors on a bank of upper cabinets, then paint the interiors for instant open shelving.

Estimated cost: 1 gallon of Elements Zero VOC 100 percent acrylic paint with a washable semigloss sheen, about $35; California Paints

Create Cubbies in a Bookcase

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Cut vertical dividers to the depth of the unit minus ¾ inch, and secure them in place with glue and finish nails. Face dividers with 1×1 trim flush with the shelf fronts.

Estimated cost: One sheet of ¾-inch plywood and three 1×1 strips,$26; Home Depot

Install a New Doorbell

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: The Lighted Visitors Button shown here will impress your guests.

Estimated cost: About $70; Rejuvenation Inc.

Add a Doormat

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Polish up an entry hall with a dirt-grabbing doormat to protect the finish on wood floors.

Estimated cost: Chilewich woven vinyl mats wash out in the sink, about $50; Crate & Barrel

Raise the Lighting

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Flank your sofa with matching pendants to open up space on end tables.

Estimated cost: Two Eden pendant lamps with drum-style fabric shades, about $99; CB2

Tone Down Brassy Hardware

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Take the gleam off like-new brass hinges and doorknobs with a simple rub of a darkening solution.

Estimated cost: 8-ounce bottle of Brass Antiquing Solution, about $7; Constantine’s Wood Center

Doorway Display

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Add a shelf above a doorway, paint it to match the trim, then use it to display pottery.

Estimated cost: 40-inch-long 1×6 red oak shelf and two 7-inch Classic Oak Brackets, about $32; Rockler

Clear the Counter

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Build in a soap dispenser beside the kitchen faucet to keep that Palmolive bottle out of sight.

Estimated cost: Whitehaus’s Beluga Soap/Lotion Dispenser in polished nickel, about $90; KitchenSource.com

Install a Ceiling Fan

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Install a vintage-look ceiling fan to recirculate warmed air in winter. Reverse the blades’ spin to lower summer cooling costs.

Estimated cost: 52-inch Energy Star Capri with “tarnished” oiled-bronze finish, shown at right, about $90; Lamps Plus

Cover Your Lawn With Flowers

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Plant a mass of bulbs with grasslike foliage in your lawn. Early-spring bloomers will be ready to mow when your turf perks up.

Estimated cost: 100 scilla siberica bulbs, similar to shown, under $20; John Scheepers, Inc.

Add Floating Shelves

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Add floating wall-mount shelves in place of a bookcase to free up valuable floor real estate. The shelves’ hidden hardware gives them a sleek, airy look.

Estimated cost: 3-foot-long wood Chunky Wall Shelf, about $34 each; West Elm

Conceal Your Air Conditioner

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Hide a through-wall air conditioner inside a stock kitchen cabinet you can close when the unit’s not in use. Paint the cabinet the same color as your walls so it’ll “disappear,” or choose wood-veneer doors to mimic a pricey built-in.

Estimated cost: 36-by-18-inch Akurum fan cabinet with oak-veneer doors, about $88; IKEA

Waterproof a Kid’s Bath

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Adhere rubber floor tiles to the wall for a lively waterproof backsplash in a kid’s bathroom. Coat the tile backs with adhesive and stick them up.

Estimated cost: BR Profile Studded Tiles in 20 colors, about $4.25 per square foot; ACTiVA Rubber Flooring

Upsize Your Windows

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Make small windows look larger by hanging drapes at ceiling height.

Estimated cost: Pair of 108-inch Brimfield 4-in-1 Panel Drapes in Carafe, about $70; JCPenney

Paint Your Front Door

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Brush on a vibrant color, such as a rich red, for a more welcoming entry.

Estimated cost: 1 gallon of RedSeal Exterior Latex Eggshell House & Trim paint, about $25; Pratt & Lambert

Add Vintage Sparkle

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Swap out a plain powder room doorknob for a vintage glass sparkler. Leave the hallway-facing knob in place for a unified look with the rest of your doors.

Estimated cost: Multifaceted 1900s glass knob with a brass shank that fits most spindles, about $38; Liz’s Antique Hardware

Use a Louvered Shutter to Sort Mail

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Mount it on the wall, stick letters and bills in the slots.

Estimated cost: Unfinished 12-by-41-inch Western red cedar fixed-louver shutter, about $91; Shuttercraft .

Hide Home Office Wiring

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Run wiring behind a beadboard panel in the knee-hole at the back of your desk. Velcro the panel to blocking mounted on the rear legs or sides of your desk so that you can pop it off to access the outlet.

Estimated cost: 4-by-8-foot sheet of plywood beadboard, about $20; Lowe’s

Cover a Scuffed Toekick

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Mask a messed up kitchen toekick with stainless-look peel-and-stick laminate strips.

Estimated cost: 6-inch-high toekick cover, about $12 per linear foot.

Unclutter Your Workbench

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Organize workbench clutter on a simple pegboard rack.

Estimated cost: DPI’s 4-by-8-foot white perforated pegboard wall panel, about $16; Lowe’s . Crawford’s 43-piece pegboard organizer with hooks, baskets, and jars, about $11; Ace Hardware

Paint a Tile Backsplash

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Brighten up a dark, dated tile backsplash with cheery paint. Scuff the surface with sandpaper and apply two coats of adhesion primer. Let dry and roll on two coats of oil-based semigloss paint.

Estimated cost: 1 gallon each of Adhesion Primer and ProClassic Alkyd Interior Enamel, about $96; The Sherwin-Williams Company

Crown Your Roofline with a Weather Vane

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Perch a classic rural wind spinner on top of your peak.

Estimated cost: Verdigris resin rooster, shown below, about $89; The Weathervane Factory

Decorative Stair Brackets

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Trim out your staircase with decorative brackets fastened to the outside of the stringer just below the treads.

Estimated Cost: $100~

Dim the Lights

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Install a dimmer switch in your dining room to set the mood—and save energy. You can even get them in colors to match your wall or trim paint.

Estimated cost: Lutron’s Diva C.L dimmer, starting around $31, including a tinted switch cover; Pro Lighting

Brighten Cabinet Insides

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Highlight the inside of a glass-front cupboard by brushing on a bold hue.

Estimated cost: Aquarium Blue latex paint, $16 per quart; Benjamin Moore

Give Bookshelves the Once-Over

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Group hardcovers and paperbacks separately and sort them by size for a tidier look. Use heavy decorative items, such as a stone bowl or vintage cast-iron tub claw-foot, as bookends.

Estimated cost: Salvaged tub foot; about $20; The Old House Parts Company

Cover with Climbers

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Put a trellis over an exterior window for clematis to climb on. Coat decorative wood brackets with primer, then paint and secure them to the studs on either side of the window with deck screws. For the top, rip a piece of 5/4×6 red cedar decking into three strips, space them evenly across the brackets, and secure with trim-head screws.

Estimated cost: Two Victorian wood brackets, about $38; Premier Wood Products . Deck board, fasteners, preservative, and paint, about $42; Do it Best

Bring It Down to Eye Level

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Lower your art to eye level, about 64 inches from the floor.

Estimated cost: Reposition 17 pieces with the OOK Valu-Pak Pro Hanging Kit. about $9; OOK

Fix Up Your Fixture

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Spruce up a home-center ceiling fixture by swapping out the generic white globe for a colorful, vintage-look schoolhouse shade.

Estimated cost: 10-inch opal drum shade with a painted blue stripe, about $62; Schoolhouse Electric Co.

Use a Ladder as a Bath-towel Rack

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Lean it against a wall and sling bath sheets and washcloths over its rungs. The white metal ladder shown here is new.

Estimated cost: For even more character, try a colorful, vintage five-rung wood ladder, about $43; A Rustic Garden

Bulk Up Door Trim

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Build up a wimpy entry door casing in your foyer with applied moldings to create a more substantial first impression of your home.

Estimated cost: Four 6-foot-long-by-3¾-inch-wide primed white miterless moldings, about $80; Van Dyke’s Restorers

Faux Your Floor

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Paint worn vinyl flooring to look like stone tile. Use two similar colors­ for the “stones” and white paint to create faux grout lines. Seal the surface with three coats of polyurethane.

Estimated cost: 2 quarts of Valspar latex Porch and Floor paint and 1 quart of Cabot Water Based Polyurethane, about $54; Lowe’s . One 4-ounce tube of Pearl Acrylic Artist Paint for “grout,” about $3; Pearl Paint

Skirt a Sink

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Wrap a pedestal sink with a skirt and conceal your waste bin and toiletries below. Stick fabric to the basin edge with adhesive-backed Velcro.

Estimated cost: 60-by-32-inch white ruffled cotton sink skirt, about $60

Cover Door Scuffs

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Fasten a kickplate to your front door as a traditional and stylish way to protect the bottom from scuffs.

Estimated cost: 30-inch solid-brass kickplate, about $64; Signature Hardware

Strip Paint-Caked Door Hardware

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Buy a thrift-store Crock-Pot and fill it with water and 2 tablespoons of liquid laundry detergent. Drop in hinges, knobs, and escutcheons. Heat on medium overnight. By morning, the paint will be falling off the metal.

Estimated cost: About $5 for the pot

Install New House Numbers

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Add eye-catching house numbers to make sure your address isn’t missed.

Estimated cost: Arts and Crafts 2¾-by-3¾-inch glazed ceramic tiles $14 each; Pewabic Pottery

Ornament Your Newel Post

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Top your newel with a carved wood finial for a more stately staircase.

Estimated cost: Antique Ivory Knewl Post Finial, about $86; Layla Grayce

Create a Luxe-Look Bathroom Shelf

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Support a 4-inch-wide marble door threshold with decorative metal brackets.

Estimated cost: 36-inch-long threshold, about $28; at most flooring retailers. Two Mini Pennsylvania Dutch Motif 3-by-4-inch cast-iron brackets, about $11; House of Antique Hardware

Tear Out Old Carpet on Your Stairs

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Refinish the treads and paint the risers white—or get creative and paint a runner-like pattern.

Estimated cost: 1 gallon of white paint, sandpaper, wood putty to fill tack holes, 1 quart of stain, and 1 gallon of clear polyurethane, about $95; Lowe’s

Add a Stained-glass Window in Your Bath

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: If you can’t find an exact fit to replace your existing window, simply hang one from chains in front of it.

Estimated cost: eBay store Bell Antique Mall has Art Deco windows similar to shown, starting at $69; Ebay

Gloss Over a Frame

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Refinish a dull mirror frame with glossy paint for an upscale look.

Estimated cost: 13-ounce can of Mohawk Colored Lacquer Enamel, about $6; Pond Cove Paint & Supply

Increase Mobility

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Put casters on a table for a dual-purpose dining and food-prep surface in a small kitchen.

Estimated cost: Four Waxman swivel casters with brakes, about $15; Lowe’s

Screen Your Fireplace for Warm Weather

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Retool your fireplace for spring with a screen made from a salvaged section of iron fence. Get one that’s slightly larger than your firebox opening so that you can secure it to the surround. Add hook-on hangers to hold potted blooms.

Estimated cost: One 50-inch-wide-by-36-inch-tall iron section with a fleur-de-lis detail, about $75; Sarasota Architectural Salvage . Ace flowerpot holders, about $9 each; Ace Hardware

Shine Some Light on Your Work

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Brighten countertops instantly with battery-powered LED undercabinet puck lighting.

Estimated cost: Four adhesive-backed Bell & Howell Mini Power Pods, about $20

Make Candlesticks from Wood Spindles

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Use a spade bit to drill a recess in the tops for the candle. Group sticks of varying heights for a stunning tabletop display.

Estimated cost: Two 12-inch and two 7½-inch turned redwood spindles, about $9; Vintage Woodworks

Create a Sense of Uniformity

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Unify unmatched bedroom furniture by painting pieces the same hue.

Estimated cost: 1 gallon of eco-friendly Inside Palette acrylic paint, about $45; YOLO Colorhouse

Get a Stencilied Look in Your Kid’s Room

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Decorate the walls with easy stick-on decals in fun animal shapes.

Estimated cost: 22-by-30-inch elephant design, about $25; Janey Mac at Etsy

Assemble a Wall Display

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Group small prints, photos, and vintage plates and hang them together for the look of a large, expensive piece of art. Arrange the display on the floor first to limit nail holes.

Fill the Paver Cracks

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Plant low-growing English thyme to prevent weeds from sprouting between pavers. Just sow seeds in early spring so that they’ll sprout as the temperature rises.

Estimated cost: 400-seed packet, about $2; Diane’s Flower Seeds

Brush On a Welcome Mat

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Make this diamond-patterened rug like mat on your stoop by mapping the design with painter’s tape and using a roller to put colors in their places.

Estimated cost: 2 quarts of Valspar latex Porch and Floor paint, about $24; Valspar

Switch Out Your Island Hardware

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Change the hardware on your kitchen island to give it the look of custom furniture. Leave the existing knobs and handles on the cabinets alone.

Estimated cost: Melon Knob and Melon Handle, about $26 for both; Anthropologie

String Dazzling Lights

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Run rope lighting along the bathroom vanity toekick for a soft ambient night-light.

Estimated cost: SuperBright’s 2-foot strand, about $8; LAMPS PLUS $14 each; Pewabic Pottery

Flank the Bed

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Build a wall-mount bedside table with wood corbels topped by a slate roof shingle.

Estimated cost: Two 6-inch oak Legacy hand-carved corbels, about $80; Van Dykes Restorers . 7-by-13-inch salvaged shingle, about $5; Recycling The Past – Architectural Salvage

Install a Cross-Handle Faucet

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Swap in a cross-handle faucet to warm up a bathroom. A compact, centerset design—for basins with holes spaced 4 inches apart—preserves sinktop space.

Estimated cost: Randolph Morris 4-inch centerset bathroom faucet in chrome, about $84; Vintage Tub & Bath

Crown Your Cabinets

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Top stock kitchen cabinets with crown molding for the look of custom casework. 32 feet of crown to trim out the average kitchen.

Estimated cost: About $80; Lowe’s

Mount a New Mailbox by Your Front Door

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: A bold-colored locking model will make your entry more eye-catching—and protect your privacy.

Estimated cost: Priority Mailbox in red, about $58; chiasso

Use Bin Pulls as Sash Lifts

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Screw classic bin pulls onto double-hung windows to keep frames free from fingerprints. Twenty Victorian-style cast-iron decorative bin pulls will outfit 10 windows in first-floor rooms, where guests are more likely to see them.

Estimated cost: About $82; House of Antique Hardware

Give Your Porch Some Space

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Paint your porch ceiling sky blue to create a more spacious feeling.

Estimated cost: 1 gallon of Behr Premium Plus Ultra Exterior paint in Niagara Falls, similar to shown, about $36; behr.com .

Protect Your Corners

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Put turned wood corner moldings on the outside corners of foyer walls to protect paint and add architectural detail.

Estimated cost: Traditional 22-inch cherry Corner Guard, about $15 each; Van Dykes Restorers

Give a Wall a Glimmering Two-Tone Effect

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Roll stripes or stencil a pattern of shiny glaze over a wall painted with a solid matte finish.

Estimated cost: 1 quart of Studio Finishes latex glaze, about $9; Benjamin Moore

Free Up Your Sink

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Hang a wall-mount cup and toothbrush holder in the bathroom to declutter the sink deck.

Estimated cost: Banner Concave Design Porcelain Toothbrush & Tumbler Holder in chrome, about $23; Vintage Tub & Bath

Frame Your Reflection

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Transform an unadorned mirror by wrapping it in wood molding.

Estimated cost: A simple frame kit containing four mitered Pemaquid Slim molding strips in a distressed silver finish, the clips and glue to secure it together, and hardware to mount it, about $97; MirrorMate

Bring the Outlet Closer

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Drop in a floor receptacle so that you don’t have to string long cords between table lamps and wall outlets.

Estimated cost: Carlon Drop-In Floor Box, about $58; tselectronic.com

Help Guests Be Heard

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Dress up your entry door with a handsome knocker.

Estimated cost: Colonial-style bronze door knocker, about $50; Restoration Hardware

Divide and Conquer

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Install a chair rail in your bedroom and paint the wall below a serene accent color.

Estimated cost: Enough red oak Colonial-style moldings to wrap the walls of an 8-by-10-foot room, about $75; Baird Brothers

Flank Your Front Door with Sconces

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Try barn-style caged lights to accent a traditional entry, then screw in outdoor-rated CFLs to save on your energy bills.

Estimated cost: Two cast aluminum vapor-tight lights, about $99.60; Warehouse Lighting

Pass-through

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Connect two rooms with a pass-through carved out in a nonload-bearing wall. Frame the opening with 2x4s, cover with drywall, and finish the edges with corner beading.

Estimated cost: Lumber, sheet of drywall, beading, and 5-gallon bucket of joint compound to coat it all in mud, about $55; Do it Best

Design a Mudroom Area Rug

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Use stick-down carpet tiles. Use six tiles for a runner or nine for a square. Mix and match colors for a custom pattern.

Estimated cost: Six 20-by-20-inch textured tiles, about $54; FLOR

Fit a Window Seat in an Alcove

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Support a ¾-inch plywood seat deck on 2×6 hanging strips anchored into the side and back walls. To form the cubbies, glue and nail in place two plywood dividers. Face the unit with 1×4 poplar.

Estimated cost: Materials for a seat similar to this one, about $60; at lumber yards. 16-by-26-inch Gripper Sensations Microsuede Window Seat Cushion, about $30; JCPenney

Shine in the Darkness

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Make your house easy to find at night with solar-powered LED numbers.

Estimated cost: Matterinc’s aluminum address placards, about $19 each; Target

Add a Ceiling Medallion

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Highlight a hanging light fixture with some decorative interest at the ceiling.

Estimated cost: Paintable 18-inch polyurethane medallion with floral-and-leaf pattern, similar to shown above, about $57; Creative Trim

Switch Out a Switchplate

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Change out the plastic switchplate cover in your dining room with an embossed metal one.

Estimated cost: Single-toggle, lead-free, pewter-finished Lattice switchplate, about $65; Eleek

Build a Wood Planter

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Build an outdoor planter from leftover deck boards and railing balusters. Frame the box with balusters, then clad the sides and bottom with cut boards. Drop in a plastic liner to hold the soil and protect the wood from rot.

Estimated cost: Square liner, about $15; Lowe’s

Create an Instant Collection

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Mass like objects—vases, candle-sticks, bowls—and displaying them together. Follow the designer’s rule of thumb and group items in odd numbers for a look that’s more pleasing to the eye.

Estimated cost: Nothing

Tone Down the Contrast

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Paint trim lighter or darker than walls, rather than bright white, for a more subtle contrast.

Estimated cost: 1 gallon of Farrow & Ball’s Water Based Eggshell yields a saturated color and a slight sheen. About $99; Farrow & Ball

Blur Room Lines

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Use a folding screen in the corner of a small room to make the space appear larger by blurring the line where walls come together.

Estimated cost: Espresso Shinto Screen, about $99.99; DHDTV Specialty Hardware

Seal for Delivery

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Swap in an insulated mail slot to keep out weather and muffle noise.

Estimated cost: Polished aluminum Draft Dodger insulated mail slot, about $45; DHDTV Specialty Hardware

Mirrored Tiles

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Affix mirrored tiles to the soffit above kitchen cabinets. The reflective surface will bounce light around the room, making it appear bigger and brighter.

Estimated cost: Twenty 4-by-4-inch peel-and-stick tiles, about $10; Amazon.com

Hang a Mirror

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Hang an oval-shaped mirror like a pendant from a decorative chain for an elegant look in a bath, bedroom, or foyer.

Estimated cost: Frameless oval mirror, about $84; Bellacor

Lock Up in Style

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Screw in vintage-look sash locks for a tight seal between double-hungs to prevent drafts.

Estimated cost: Bronze bamboo-pattern sash window lock as below, about $13; House of Antique Hardware

Accent a Wall

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Create an accent wall in the living room by papering the fireplace or sofa wall with grasscloth. Choose one with a tone that picks up the surrounding paint color.

Estimated cost: Double roll of Oriental Grasscloth Knot Textiles, about $70; Creative Wallcovering

Cap Lamps with Colored Shades

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Change the quality of the light with a hue other than off white.

Estimated cost: The medium-size Mica drum shade shown above creates a warm glow in any room.About $59; Pottery Barn

Go Stainless

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Update an old fridge with a faux stainless-steel painted finish.

Estimated cost: 1 quart of Thomas Liquid Stainless Steel TM Base Coat, about $56; Thomas’ Liquid Stainless Steel

Flower Box Boost

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Mount flower boxes planted with colorful perennials to front-facing windows to boost your home’s curb appeal.

Estimated cost: 18-inch cedar window box with liner, about $29; Hooks and Lattice . Flat of flowers, about $10; at garden centers

Whitewash Interior Exposed Brick

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Brush on a tinted latex stain, wipe, and repeat until you achieve the desired look.

Estimated cost: 1 gallon of Studio Finishes latex glaze, about $23; Benjamin Moore

Recess Electronics Wires

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Banish flat-screen TV wires using a recessed outlet and an open-back wall plate to route wires behind the wall.

Estimated cost: Vanco Rapid Link Power Dual Recessed Outlet Flat Panel TV Power Kit w/Romex and Signal Cable Wall Plates, about $66; Amazon.com

Seagrass Hallway Runner

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Roll out a seagrass hallway runner. It’ll stand up to heavy foot traffic and make your house smell beachy.

Estimated cost: 2¼-by-7½-foot basket-weave seagrass runner, about $60; Overstock.com

Keep Small Appliances Out of Sight

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Clear counter clutter by installing a pop-out appliance lift in a base kitchen cabinet.

Estimated cost: Heavy-duty mixer lift, about $99.99; Rockler

Tile Over Your Hood

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Trim the wood vent hood cover above your range with a tile border.

Estimated cost: 6-by-6-inch Interceramic Antique Metals Hammered Ceramic Tiles in bronze, about $10 each

Add a Stainless Backsplash Behind Your Stove

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Nail an easy-to-clean panel on the wall or right over tired tile.

Estimated cost: 1½-by-4-foot stamped Design 204 panel, about $70; Classic Ceilings

Get Fido’s Bed Off the Floor

cheap diy projects for your home

How to do it: Create a crawl space in an existing built-in. Remove lower cabinet doors or place his cushion below a window seat or on the bottom shelf of a bookcase, as shown below.

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41 Easy DIY projects to update your home in as little as an afternoon

New to DIY but keen to give your home a stylish refresh? These easy ideas are perfect for even a novice to take on

Pillows hung on the wall to make a headboard

With social media awash with interior updates and renovation projects aplenty, you might find yourself getting the DIY bug too, allowing you to transform your home, without shelling out on the costs of labour. 

But if you're a bit of a novice and are new to the DIY game, these easy DIY projects are perfect to ease you into the addictive world of home improvements. From Ikea hacks to paint ideas there's something that anyone can get stuck into and as quickly as just a few hours work.

Once you've nailed the basics, even home repairs can be tackled yourself so it's worth brushing up on your DIY skills to avoid having to get the professionals in for jobs you can take on yourself.

Easy DIY projects to update your home 

We generally spend more time thinking about doing easy DIY projects than the time it actually takes to get them done. And whether it's putting up shelves or giving the garden gate a fresh lick of paint, ticking these home improvement jobs off our lists is very satisfying. As long as you've got the essential tools , these DIY ideas are relatively easy and can be achieved on a budget.

The good news is, they won't take too long to complete. Below we've rounded up loads of simple projects that will allow you to give any room of the home a fresh new look, so you can really put your stamp on your space.

1. Paint a nautical-stripe feature wall

If you're looking for how to paint a room , an easy yet effective way to add some character and whimsical pattern to your space is with paint, in these neat, floor to ceiling stripes. Keep it classic with white and navy or if you’re feeling braver, pick two contrasting shades like pink and red.

Start by painting the whole wall in your base colour, in this instance, crisp white. Next, using wide decorators tape or masking tape, apply to the wall in stripes, from floor to ceiling, leaving the same width as the tape between each stripe. Once you're happy that the stripes are straight and in the right place, use a roller to apply your second colour, in this instance, navy, over the entire wall, covering the tape as well as the gaps in between.

Leave the first coat to dry, then apply a second, but before it dries completely, remove the tape to reveal your neat striped wall.  

2. Make a simple pillow headboard

An easy bedroom idea , update a simple divan bed base and take your headboard style up a notch, with this super-simple, super-cost effective, pillow-hanging-hack. 

First work out where you’d like your pillow headboard to hang- how high above your bed and what distance apart- then mark this in pencil on the wall. Next measure four lengths of slim leather straps around 150cm each and attach in place on the wall using metal tacks. You want to make sure the loops you make can snugly hold your pillows so they don’t fall out easily, but still keep their shape. Slide your pillows into the loops and make sure they are supported evenly.

Use basic pillowcases (rather than fancy silk ones) so it means washing your headboard is a breeze.

3. Create a panelled feature wall

Create a living room feature wall idea with a difference with this clever wallpaper hack. Choose a mural wallpaper that depicts a view or scene rather than an all-over pattern. Start by choosing a full-scale, floor to ceiling mural that you love and paste to the wall. Murals often come in 3-4 large panels rather than rolls but adhere to the wall in the same way. Next cut strips of MDF approximately 10 cm wide to create panelling and fix in place over the top of the mural, using nails. Use filler to fill the dents and holes made by the nails, then sand until smooth, before painting all the wood in the same shade. You might need two coats to cover it perfectly.

To give it a twist, paint the panelling a darker shade of grey or black, to give the illusion of a view through black steel-framed windows. 

4. Brighten up your dressing table

Try a fun bedroom wall decor idea that will add a splash of colour to a vanity area or desk space with a collection of brightly-painted  dot wall hooks. Position on the wall in a random arrangement above the tabletop and use them to hang lightweight mirrors, jewellery, scarves or even a mini speaker.

Buy coloured dot hooks ready-made or create your own using craft wood circles and screw fixings made out of short lengths of wooden dowel. 

5. Update cabinet doors with fluted film

Use glass film like this Solyx Reeded Glass adhesive film, from £16.67 for L30xW68.5cm roll, Glass Films (opens in new tab) to transform a plain display cabinet into an up-to-date living room storage idea . The fluted glass film will also help to prevent chips and scratches. Or give it a twist by choosing a stained glass or patterned window film design, for a truly bespoke cabinet.

Be sure not to overcrowd the shelves inside. Use stacks of bowls, piles of books and objects with interesting shapes to create balance in your display.

6. Makeover a kids bed with wallpaper

Upgrade a simple Kura bunk bed, £189, Ikea (opens in new tab) , with a fun, jungle-print wallpaper. Simply measure and cut your paper to size, then paste the surface of the bed’s front and end panels and fix the wallpaper in place. You could even paint the frame too, but do this before you add your chosen wallpaper. Add cushions, fairy lights and books to the bottom bunk to make a hideaway reading nook. 

Add a decorative layer to your kids bedroom by painting a scalloped wall too.

7. Wallpaper a kitchen island

Hit refresh in your kitchen and wallpaper one side of a kitchen island to add a touch of pattern to a pared-back scheme. Start by measuring the surface area of the island so you know how much wallpaper you’ll need. You might be able to get away with leftovers from a previous project, or just buying a single roll.

Next, ensure the surface of the island side is dust and dirt free. Give it a wash with a cream cleaner, then wipe again with a damp cloth. Leave to dry. Using a strong adhesive, (which one you use will depend on the material of the island- a permanent spray mount, strong wallpaper paste or multi-surface glue are all options) carefully attach your chosen wallpaper, smoothing out any air bubbles or lumps as you go.

Use a clear varnish to seal and protect, or cover it in a sheet of coloured Perspex for a modern, practical feel. 

8. Paint a circular canvas in a single, flat colour

Make your fireplace feel more finished by painting a circular canvas, £19.59, Amazon (opens in new tab) and displaying it with vases and candles. This easy and cheap DIY is also a great way to fill blank patches of wall behind shelving, creating a colourful backdrop against which to display faux flowers or pussy willow branches. 

9. Elevate drawer fronts with dowelling

Give an old set of drawers a brand new look with this simple hack, that will take as little as an afternoon but will create a show-stopping transformation. Start by choosing a width of dowelling you like, to create this designer-look, fluted front. The slimmer the dowels, the fiddler the hack but it will still create a pleasing update. Next measure the height of each drawer and then cut the dowels to size. Attach the dowels in vertical strips to the drawer fronts with a strong wood glue, or alternatively tiny tacks to secure them into place.

Once dry, paint the dowels to match the colour of the unit. To give it a twist, paint the whole cabinet a bold, stand-out colour by using furniture chalk paint, or a matt eggshell paint.

10. Hang ombré-effect shelves

Hang three shelves, painting them the same colour as the wall space above to create a playful and tonal look. Take colours from the same family to create a contemporary ombré effect and the perfect backdrop for decor pieces in similar colours. 

Floating shelves are a stylish and easy way of working extra storage or display space into a room. Whether it’s a shelf for crockery and plants in a kitchen or dining room or a set of shelves for books, pictures and ornaments in a living room or bedroom.

Hanging a shelf shouldn’t be too difficult a task, even if you have minimal DIY skills, and once you know how to put up a floating shelf you'll be more confident next time. You’ll simply need to make sure that the wall is sound, you have the correct fixings to secure your shelf, plus a drill and a spirit level.

11. Revamp drawers with textured wallpaper

Revive a bland, basic set of drawers with the easy addition of textured wallpaper. Anaglypta might make you shudder, but it’s been given a modern makeover and works perfectly for this task. Start by measuring your drawer fronts then source your wallpaper. WallpaperDirect (opens in new tab) has a good selection of both retro and contemporary designs. 

Cut your paper to the exact size of your drawer fronts, making sure to line up each panel perfectly, then use wallpaper paste (or a strong adhesive) to attach each panel in turn. Next up, check for any air bubbles that might have got trapped and smooth out the paper. Wipe with a damp cloth.

Finally, attach sleek new handles and to really bring it bang up to date, paint the whole set of drawers a dark green or navy shade. 

12. Jazz up a pinboard with statement paper

Pick up a basic cork pin board, £11.99,  Amazon (opens in new tab) and cover in a bold patterned wallpaper to create a practical feature for the home office, kitchen or kids bedroom. Pick an impactful print with nods to the room’s colour scheme to break up a wall and keep paper in one place, from tickets and postcards to bills and memos.

13. Paint an off-centre stripe of white

Divide a wall with a stripe of white, colour blocking on either side with uplifting shades of blue. This simple paint technique emphasises the height of your ceilings and creates visual interest. It would also work with the same colour either side, meaning all you’d need is some white paint.

14. Make a fabric headboard

Interior designer Ju DePaula shared this easy headboard DIY on Instagram, using an MDF board, foam, wadding and some fabric. This is a great way to make your bedroom or a kids room feel all new again. Attach D rings to the back of the MDF as a first step so it’s easy to hang. Check her Instagram @blueberrylivingco (opens in new tab) for measurements.

15. Frame a space with a painted arch

In a plain room where there isn’t a natural focal point, use paint to create a bold look-at-me feature that will add another dimension to the space. A painted arch can be a useful technique if you want to zone a space to create a separate WFH or vanity area with a colourful arch as the backdrop for a desk or dressing table.

16. Transform plate racks into flexible shelving

Kitchen storage ideas bursting at the seams? Make use of an empty wall by mounting beech plate holders, lining them up next to each other and using planks of MDF for shelves. Not only does this give you extra space for plates, bowls and mugs, but it's also a unique and stylish feature. 

Why not paint a rectangle of contrasting colour behind the shelving to make it stand out? The lower dowels function as hooks for tea towels and kitchen utensils too, freeing up drawer space. 

17. Paint inside shelving nooks in a tonal palette

Stack together inexpensive bookcases and paint the inside recesses to create a dramatic backdrop for styling everyday objects, from bowls and mugs to glass storage jars. Safety first: ensure the bookcases are secured to the wall when stacking. Alternatively, you could use leftover wallpaper instead of paint for the interior of the shelves.

18. Transform windows and doors with film

Window film is available to buy online, but you can also buy designs at the likes of B&Q and Screwfix. Use it to create an on-trend fluted pattern on plain glass doors, or to give yourself more privacy by covering the bottom half of windows. Browse all of the window film, at Amazon (opens in new tab) .

19. Paint the garden gate

A brightly-painted front door can add bags of kerb appeal to a property, but if your side gate or garden gate is looking a little shabby, why not show it some love too with a creative garden paint idea ? If the weather is fine, painting a gate is an easy project to tackle over a weekend, with plenty of drying time for any paint jobs indoors or out.

Opt for a cheery paint shade if you want to make your gate a focal point and team it with colourful flowers and planting that will echo the sunny theme. Try a muted colour or heritage shade if you want the gate to blend in with your property, or consider matching gate colour to the front door for a chic, co-ordinated look.

Whether your gate is wood or metal, start by giving it a light sand down to create a smooth finish. Cover up handles and hinges with tape and then apply a suitable primer on an unpainted gate, or undercoat if it has been painted previously. Finish off with a coat or two of exterior eggshell for a matt finish, or gloss to give a high-shine effect.

Why not grab a tin of Johnstone's Garden Colours paint from Amazon (opens in new tab) - it comes in a huge range of colours and comes highly rated by reviewers for painting exterior wood.

20. Line a cabinet with pretty paper

Give a plain cabinet or dresser an easy weekend makeover with a budget furniture upcycling idea , by lining the inside with a colourful paper. Using leftover remnants of wallpaper, craft paper or gift wrap will create a colourful backdrop for displaying favourite glassware and ceramics and choosing a darker shade will make display pieces stand out more.

Remove the shelves of your cabinet first and then measure up the interior. Consider using one single length of wallpaper for a uniform effect, or cut individual pieces of paper for each section in contrast colours or patterns. Secure paper to the back of the cabinet using contact adhesive.

21. Create a breakfast nook

Carve out a corner seating area that's perfect for a family breakfast nook. Take an IKEA shelving unit as the base and combine with an upholstered headboard attached to the wall to make a backrest. Place your dining table next to it and nestle dining chairs around it for extra seating. Add cushions and blankets to cosy up the look and store baskets beneath to curb clutter.

22. Paint an easy feature wall

Try a simple paint project that will give a breakout breakfast area added focus with a fun feature wall idea . Painting a contrast panel on a wall is a simple trick that can be a useful way of creating zones in an open-plan area. A coloured panel helps to create a focal point, whether it's a circle or a square, which can then act as a backdrop for a small arrangement of furniture.

Paint a contrast-coloured circle to echo the shape of a round dining table. To achieve a neat circle, cut a length of string measuring the radius of the circle and attach to a tack. Tie a pencil or chalk to the other end, then, holding the tack in the centre of where you want your circle, draw it out. Fill in with paint using an angled brush for a neat edge.

23. Create an ‘easy-change’ gallery wall

Got lots of pictures and prints that you haven’t got around to putting up yet? This easy display idea can be sorted in less than a day and makes an alternative to a fixed gallery wall as pictures can be moved around or added to if you fancy a change later down the line.

You’ll need two or three narrow wooden picture ledges to create this effect. Either make your own using a couple of lengths of timber or buy ready-made ledges – IKEA’s Mosslanda ledges start at just £5 each and are ideal. Otherwise, these Amazon picture ledges (opens in new tab) come highly recommended by reviewers and they come in a pack of 3. Arrange the ledges in rows on your wall, using a spirit level to make sure that they are straight. The gap between each ledge should depend on the height of the tallest item you’ll be displaying.

Ledges can be painted to match the wall for a seamless look or opt for a contrasting colour that will stand out against the backdrop. Once up, simply prop pictures against the wall and fill in any gaps with small ornaments.

24. Try a two-tone paint treatment

If you’ve a plain white room that’s lacking a little oomph, try this easy but effective paint treatment that can be completed in just a day, rather than tackling a full room redo. Half-painted walls are super on trend at the moment and are a clever way of giving tired rooms new focus with a bold shot of colour.

Starting off with a white or pale-coloured wall is the simplest option. Apply a band of masking tape to the wall where you want your dividing line to be – the tape will help create a crisp edge – then fill in with darker-coloured paint. Using a dark colour on the bottom section of walls and skirting helps a room to feel more grounded and gives a darker backdrop to showcase furniture and accessories. A lighter colour at the top will make a room feel more lofty.

25. Add a pop of unexpected colour

Try this quick trick to brighten up a tired room – it’ll cost the price of a tin of paint and won’t take longer than a couple of hours to do.

Perfect for a neutral living room that lacks energy, simply paint the fireplace or a large piece of furniture in a bright, eye-popping shade that will grab the attention and give the room a focal point. Bring in extra touches of colour here and there to give the room symmetry and balance, but take care not to overdo it or you’ll ruin the effect.

26. Brighten up a shabby dining table

Breathe new life into old furniture by sprucing it up with a fresh coat of paint. Save on prep time by opting for an all-in-one chalk paint, rather than using traditional paint and primer which can take much longer to dry. Chalk paint is self-levelling and self-sealing, so gives excellent coverage with minimal effort.

Just give the surface of the table a quick sand down first and then wipe over with a damp cloth to get rid of any dust and grease. Paint the table and leave to dry for a couple of hours. For extra protection, if required, seal the painted surface with wax or a finishing sealer.

27. Make your own boho chandelier

Repurpose a handful of old mini lampshades and create a unique vintage-style chandelier. Go for shades in bright clashing colours or mix-and-match florals and ditzy prints and jolly them up by adding colourful trims, tassels and ric-rac edging. Just use a hot gun to glue the trims on.

You’ll need four or five mini shades to create a cluster-style chandelier pendant like this one and it will require individual light fittings and coloured cable for each pendant. If you don't already have the fittings, you'll find all the components you’ll need at Creative Cables (opens in new tab) , with flex and cable sold by the metre.

28. Take a painted headboard up over the ceiling

Use a leftover tin of paint to transform your bedroom with an imaginative DIY headboard idea . This instant four-poster paint trick brings drama and a cocooning feel to your sleep space. Choose a rich, deep tone to contrast against the rest of the wall and extend it out onto the ceiling. 

Or, you could create an arch-shaped painted headboard: 'Creating a perfect semi-circle with paint is easier than you think,' says Judy Smith, Crown Paints (opens in new tab) Colour Consultant. 'First of all, measure the length of your wall and mark its centre, or wherever you want the centre of your semi-circle to be.'

'Hammer a nail into the spot you’ve just marked, just above the skirting board. Depending on how wide you want your semi-circle to be, measure out some string and cut to size. The longer the string, the bigger the semi-circle. Tie one end of the string to a pencil and the other end to the nail. If you’re not allowed to use nails on your wall, extra strong tape will hold the string in place.'

'Once you’re all set, start tracing out your semi-circle on the wall from one way to the other. Making sure you’re pulling the pencil tight on the string. Once you’ve drawn the outline, use a small paintbrush to create a precise edge at the top of your semi-circle. You can then go in with a paint roller or larger brush to fill in the rest of the shape.'

29. Give an old piece of furniture a colourful makeover

Do you have an old piece of wooden furniture such as a chest of drawers, sideboard or wardrobe that is looking dated and in need of a new look? A simple coat of furniture paint goes a long way to make something old feel brand new. Let this fine example inspire your own DIY project. 

This wardrobe transformation is the work of Ideal Home's Editor Heather Young who has upcycled an old family heirloom for her young daughter's room. See Heather's upcycled wardrobe transformation for yourself.

30. Give your shower door a steel-framed makeover

Next up, we've taken a tip from savvy DIYer Jasmine of Instagram’s @_OhAbode (opens in new tab) . She gave her shower screen this cool Crittall-style finish using black electrical tape. The crittall effect shower door hack hack cost a grand total of £2, but looks super stylish. You can source your electrical tape from Amazon (opens in new tab) , otherwise, you can use window lead adhesive for a similar effect.

31. Panel your walls

Another big trend going nowhere is wall panelling. We promise it's easy as it's now readily available in DIY stores as primed-to-paint, stick-to-the-wall panels. But you can also have a go creating a bespoke look with MDF batons or strips. There are lots of wall panelling ideas out there, and the fact you can now buy a wall panelling kit from Homebase (opens in new tab) complete with cut-to-size FSC-certified wood, it's easier than ever. You simply stick them onto your wall and paint.

32. Paint the stairs

Sick of the sight of that stained old stair carpet? Tear it up and replace with a gorgeous paint job. You could try a graduated ombré effect using a range of tester pots on the risers, keeping to one colour on treads, or alternate colours. Learn how to paint a staircase and you'll be able to dramatically transform your hallway without spending much money.

33. Hang your photos

It's one of those jobs we never get around to doing, so why not dedicate a morning to auditing all the photos on your phone, then print a few out and create a wall of photos?

Play with composition – especially in areas like stairways or hallways, where walls are often bare and uninspired. For a smarter look, stick to photo frames of the same colour, and print all photos in either colour or black and white, rather than mixing and matching.

34. Organise your make-up

Spice racks can be so much more than storage for your garam masala! Be inspired by the many IKEA spice rack hacks to create an affordable storage solution. For instance, you can hang them upside down to make a rail for hanging baby clothes or jewellery. And the right way up, they can hold anything from plants to books. You can buy these IKEA spice racks (opens in new tab) directly from Amazon, to save you the trip.

35. Tile a splashback

Protect the wall behind a sink or oven with a newly tiled splashback. You can give a kitchen, bathroom or cloakroom a whole new look in just an afternoon! Watch a few tutorials on how to tile a splashback so you can approach the task with confidence. A backsplash will protect walls and add a splash of style to your decor scheme.

36. Fake a marble side table

You could revamp a side table or DIY coffee table with an easy-to-use marble effect film. The adhesive film simple sticks to your existing work surface to provide a new look in an instant. Browse a whole selection of worktop vinyl at Amazon (opens in new tab) . If you have a small old storage unit knocking around that could easily be updated as shown above - you'd never know this elegant platform was a basic display plinth covered in marble wrap.

37. Build a living plant wall

Go green indoors or out with the ultimate plant wall. Our friends at Dobbies have explained exactly how to get wall of fabulous foliage. Embrace the biophilic trend in your outdoor seating area or kitchen and make a living plant wall that will bring all the happy vibes and make a talking point.

38. Upcycle a bathroom vanity unit

Be super resourceful and give an old table or chest a second chance, and potentially create more storage in the bathroom. Discover how to upcycle a vanity unit and create a super-stylish piece of furniture.

39. Swap your door handles

It's a simple job that will take less than an hour! Fitting a door handle is pretty straightforward and switching them up will make a big difference because they're things we (and guests) interact with. Choosing a new door knob that feels good quality will make the whole space feel that bit more polished.

40. Go big with indoor greenery

Tackle a tired living room with an easy project that you can get done in an afternoon. If there’s an area of empty wall space that you can’t decide what to do with, how about installing an indoor living wall? A winning idea for decorating the wall behind the sofa . Adding living, breathing greenery to your space will instantly revitalise it and having greenery indoors is a fabulous way of boosting mindfulness and well-being.

Install wall planters in multiples, with rows positioned on the wall above a sofa or sideboard to create symmetry and a stunning alternative to a regular picture wall. Fill with easy-care ferns and trailing plants that will pop against a plain colour.

These clever Eco wall planters by Wallygrow (opens in new tab) incorporate hidden watering channels so that water hits the roots directly, with perforated holes that allow plants to breathe. Otherwise, La Redoute's Ikebana Wall-mounted Flower Pots (opens in new tab) piece is super stylish and practical. It's also ideal for minimalist or modern decor schemes.

41. Make your own 'stoneware' vases with spray paint

Become a craft potter without the mess of moulding clay. Learn how to create a stunning stone-effect vase for just £6 using a can of spray paint and give your living room shelves a stylish update. You can buy this Rust-Oleum spray paint at Amazon (opens in new tab) for £10.69.

Amy Cutmore is Editor-in-Chief, Homes Audience, working across the Future Homes portfolio. She works on titles including Ideal Home, Homes & Gardens, Livingetc, Real Homes, Gardeningetc, Top Ten Reviews and Country Life. And she's a winner of the PPA's Digital Content Leader of the Year. A homes journalist for two decades, she has a strong background in technology and appliances, and has a small portfolio of rental properties, so can offer advice to renters and rentees, alike. 

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24 Amazing Cheap DIY Projects for $10 and Under

cheap diy projects for your home

Lovely Indeed

Some bloggers have such a knack for wowing us with their innovative and inspiring DIYs . The problem, though, is that many of these ideas are incredibly difficult and expensive to replicate.

We've come up with a list of the best cheap DIY projects that are not only inexpensive, but they are easy to make. For many of these ideas to cost less than $10, make sure you use coupons for craft stores and shop the sales. A little planning as far as materials are concerned will save you a lot of cash. 

Organize Craft Supplies in a More Stylish Way

To upgrade your craft supply storage, all you need are some glass jars, vinyl lettering, and the right kind of spray paint. If you don't have any jars yet at home, shop at the Dollar Store or some thrift shops. 

Sea Glass Supply Jars from  I Spy DIY

Upgrade Your Bathtub for Next to Nothing

Head to your local lumber yard and grab a bunch of wood for next to nothing for this bathroom project. The more aged and imperfect the wood is, the better this bath caddy will look. 

DIY Rustic Wood Projects from Jenna Sue Design Co

Paint a Terracotta Pot for an Updated Look

Terracotta pots are pretty dull by nature, despite being ideal for a variety of indoor and outdoor plants. Get creative with some paint to better match the containers with your space. 

DIY Painted Terracotta Flower Pots from The Spruce Crafts

Store Small Objects on This Inexpensive Shelving Unit

This shelving unit was made to house essential oil bottles, but it would work well to organize a lot of small household items. Consider placing it on vanity and displaying lipsticks or nail polish.  

Easy Essential Oil Organizer DIY from A Beautiful Mess

Learn How to Make Reversible Placemats

Add some playful style to your dining room with this inexpensive DIY idea. If you can find remnant fabric, this simple project will cost you even less to make. The reversible function also makes this idea more cost-effective because you get two placemats in one. 

How to Make Reversible Tassel Placemats from The Spruce Crafts

Make a Cheese Board Gift More Custom

It's easy to find inexpensive mini cheese boards at Ikea or online, so that part won't cost you a ton of money. From there, you can buy a wood-burning tool for under $20 that you can use time and time again. 

Monogrammed Cheese Board DIY from Joanna Meyer

Update a Bathroom With Floating Shelves

Floating shelves make any space look more polished and luxurious, but they can be expensive to buy and difficult to install. Believe it or not, this blogger made both of these shelves for just about $10!

DIY Floating Shelves from Thrifty and Chic

Drink Hot Beverages Without Burning Yourself

This colorful DIY is perfect for regular coffee and tea drinkers that are on the run. Have fun mixing and matching different colors of felt and ribbon. 

Boho Felt Coffee Sleeves from Dream A Little Bigger

Perfect the Marbling Technique Using Nail Polish

Marbling with nail polish is not a new concept, but it's one to try if you haven't already. Just about any ceramic item can be marbelized, but these coasters are an excellent place to start because they are flat and easy to work with. 

Marbling DIY With Nail Polish from Fresh Crush

Give Your Plants a Little Extra Height

This cheap DIY project looks much more expensive than it is to make. The crafter took the time to find affordable hairpin legs and explains how to find wood slices for bargain prices. 

DIY Rustic Modern Plant Stand from Mountain Modern Life

This Stylish Pedestal Bowl Is Easier to Make Than You Think

Add patterns to plain white dishware.

Ceramic paint and sharpies are all you need to transform otherwise boring dishes into one of a kind showpieces. If you plan on adding patterns to the inside of the object without a kiln, keep the piece out of the kitchen and use it to store items like jewelry instead. 

DIY Japanese Printed Bowls from The Lovely Drawer

Make a Blanket Ladder for Under $5

Blanket ladders are everywhere, and so are the tutorials. However, not all blanket ladder tutorials are created equal. Some will end up costing you more than a ladder would reasonably cost in the store. This tutorial, however, will require just about $5 to make.

DIY Blanket Ladder from Hey There Home

Upcycle a Laundry Basket From the Dollar Store

The main cost in this DIY project is going to be the jute cord you use to wrap the basket. The basket can be found at the Dollar Store for a buck, but the jute might need to be purchased with a coupon to keep this under $10. 

DIY Metallic Rope Throw Basket Tutorial from Lydi Out Loud

Give Your Plain Vases a Tattoo

All you need to tackle this DIY is a plain vase and some temporary tattoos. The great thing about this project is that it's both fun and temporary. If you get sick of the design on your vase, just use a little nail polish remover to get the tattoo off and start again. 

DIY Temporary Tattoo Vase from The Crafted Life

Never Forget the Date With This DIY Calendar

This cheap DIY project is fun to make as a gift and can be customized with different fonts and colors. Remember, you can opt to stack the days of the week on the top or bottom for a slightly different effect. 

How to Make a Perpetual Block Calendar from The Spruce Crafts

Stay on Trend With a Macrame Plant Hanger

There's one primary material for this project, and that's the macrame . The real challenge with this project will be learning how to do all the different knots and techniques to have your plant hanger stand out.

Easy Home-DIY: Macrame Plant Hanger Tutorial from Hey Lila Hey

Craft These Rosemary Candles With Care

Making candles is a relatively inexpensive craft project, especially if you buy the wax in bulk. This pressed herb candle is beautiful, but be sure to follow the instructions carefully to prevent it from being a fire hazard. 

Rosemary Pressed Herb Candles from Garden Therapy

Update Your Mousepad With a Cosmic Scene

Even though some computers don't require mousepads, why not have one anyway when it looks this good? It's possible to either paint over an existing mousepad or create a new one using a thin sheet of cork. Either way, this cosmic scene will likely be a welcomed improvement on your desk. 

DIY Cosmic Trend Inspired Mousepad from Passion Shake

Hand Paint Tea Towels for a More Elegant Look

Making tea towels is simple enough using flour sacks or scraps of linen. The challenge for most novice DIYers is how to embellish them to make them look expensive. Opt for simple stripes or get more fancy with stencils like the ones you see here. 

DIY Flour Sack Towels from Twine & Braids

Keep Your Rings Safe in this Ring Holder

If you're able to find modeling clay on a discount, you could create multiple ring holders for less than $10, since there's not much to this project. The cactus design is easy to freehand, which makes this project much more manageable to replicate than some other ring holders out there.

How to Make a Clay Cactus Ring Holder from The Spruce Crafts

Create an Outdoor Tiered Planter Box

Believe it or not, the wood for this tiered planter box cost just about $10, which makes this an ideal project for a beginner woodworker. To add more character, consider staining the exterior with a plant-friendly stain.

DIY Tiered Planter Box Plans from Anika's DIY Life

Add Modern Whimsy to Your Space With a Dreamcatcher

Modern DIY decor projects tend to be less expensive because of the simple lines and minimalist feel. Since there isn't anything too intricate going on here, this wall hanging will be very easy to make.

DIY Modern Dreamcatcher from Almost Makes Perfect

Create Hanging Frames With Only a Few Materials

If you're looking to add family photos to the bedroom but want them to feel more like artwork, consider this project. Most hanging frames have a predominately vintage character to them, but these feel sleek and modern. To get the same look, print off your photos in grayscale or a high-contrast black and white.

DIY Hanging Frames from Homey Oh My

Personalize Your Bulletin Board Using Fabric

Bulletin boards can look bland, but this inexpensive DIY idea will turn this desk accessory into a functional piece of wall art. Instead of only using push pins on a bulletin board, consider wrapping some decorative ribbon around it for more versatility. 

Quick and Chic DIY Fabric Covered Bulletin Board from The Creativity Exchange

Watch Now: This Paint Roller Instantly Gives You Custom Wallpaper

More from the spruce crafts.

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The DIY Nuts

50+ Easy & Cheap DIY Home Ideas For A Stylish Home

By: Author Erin

Posted on Published: August 2, 2021  - Last updated: January 5, 2023

37+ home diy projects to update your home with images of different diy ideas

From painting projects to simple DIY home decor projects, there are many ways that these home DIY ideas can help you update your home. We love budget-friendly DIY home projects and hope this list will inspire you to dust off those painting supplies or tools.

home diy projects: painted kitchen cabinets, bathroom makeover, file cabinet makeover, canvas art and spray painted flower pots.

*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Read our full privacy policy.

Table of Contents

What does DIY stand for?

DIY can mean do-it-yourself and depending on your abilities this could mean a lot of different things for different people. Home DIY projects are the perfect way to help you update your home decor on a budget. Just be careful as there are some DIY projects that are best left to the professionals.

What is the best cheap DIY home improvement project?

Hands down our favorite way to makeover rooms is with paint. Go beyond just painting walls . Look at ceilings , moldings, and cabinets, too.

Learn from our experience that the cheapest paint is not always the best paint. Buying quality paint for your DIY home projects will always save you money in the long run.

paint samples used when doing DIY home painting projects

What are some good DIY home improvement projects?

DIY Home Improvement Projects Ideas

They do not have to always be expensive or require a ton of tools. Here is a list of all types of weekend do-it-yourself projects.

Budget-Friendly DIY Home Improvement Projects

Nothing says being a homeowner like spending your weekends doing DIY home improvement projects .

Here are 50+ DIY ideas for the home you will want to consider the next time you feel like picking up a paint brush or a hammer.

DIY Paint Projects

It is no secret that we think paint projects are a great way to whole new look in your space. From painting backsplashes to walls, paint is one of the easiest ways to update your home without spending a lot of money.

cheap diy projects for your home

Paint A Tile Backsplash In Your Kitchen

Did you know you can paint that old ugly tile backsplash ? Honestly, we are still shocked that this project was completed on a weekend and looks so good.

Not to mention, it is totally holding up and we see no reason to replace it with new backsplash tiles any time soon.

cheap diy projects for your home

Whitewash A Brick Fireplace

If you love your brick fireplace but not the color, whitewashing may be for you. Learn how to cheaply update your brick with diluted white paint.

cheap diy projects for your home

Use Spray Paint On Anything

From old hardware to easy DIY home decor items, spray paint can give you the pop of color that you want. Add your personal touch and showcase your personality with a variety of spray paint ideas.

You can see how we gave new life to this old metal tanker desk by using teal spray paint.

cheap diy projects for your home

Paint White Cabinets

We are huge fans of getting rid of that 90's honey oak color. You can see that at first, we updated with white paint and then decided to add a bold cabinet color as the years went on.

cheap diy projects for your home

Repaint Painted Cabinets 

Are you sick of the same boring kitchen island? Painting it with a fun and bold color can really modernize your kitchen. This island color is so great that it inspired the next DIY house project below.

cheap diy projects for your home

Paint Lower Kitchen Cabinets

We loved our green kitchen island so much that the next weekend you can guess what happened. The two-toned cabinet painting trend makes this project doable on a weekend (at least the painting part).

We always recommend letting the cabinet doors cure as long as possible before putting it all back together.

cheap diy projects for your home

Paint Bathroom Vanity Cabinets

Seriously these oak cabinets look amazing now. Due to the size of this bathroom cabinet, this really wasn't that bad of a weekend painting project.

Add new hardware and you will feel like you completely transformed the small bathroom without breaking the bank.

cheap diy projects for your home

Paint A Light Fixture & Upgrade Bathroom Hardware

There is no need to replace your whole bathroom vanity if your cabinets are in good shape. Use the painting tips listed in the above link and just get a premade counter to truly create a new look. This finished bathroom is one of our favorite home DIY ideas.

cheap diy projects for your home

Paint An Oak Railing & Banister To Modernize Your Stairway

Update your staircase this weekend by using two different colors or paint. We just love how we were able to update our staircase in this weekend's do-it-yourself project.

cheap diy projects for your home

Terracotta Flower Pot Makeovers

This is a quick and easy DIY painting project for your outdoor spaces! Get the whole family involved.

No one wants to pay for designer flower pots and planters! These 20+ DIY flower pot painting ideas mainly use acrylic paints to help decorate your outdoor space the way you want.

cheap diy projects for your home

Paint A Different Neutral Color 

Think outside the box when picking a light neutral color to help brighten your home. Livable Green by Sherwin Williams is just that color for us.

cheap diy projects for your home

Gray Paint Is Always A Great Starting Point

And if you are looking for a gray paint color here is a great post about some of the most popular gray paints from Sherwin Williams (and a few uncommon ones you may want to consider).

cheap diy projects for your home

Paint A Fun Accent Wall

Do you want to easily add some fun personality to a space? Accent walls ( here are 20 awesome accent wall ideas ) are the perfect ways to add character to a bedroom while being budget-friendly. Even this complex wall was done on a weekend.

cheap diy projects for your home

Make A DIY Chalkboard Wall

Create a unique wall mural in your home using chalkboard paint. This chalkboard wall idea used a frame design to give each child a place to put their awesome drawings. This weekend DIY project is an easy project to try.

cheap diy projects for your home

Upcycle Furniture With DIY Chalk Paint

Have an old piece of furniture? Consider making your own DIY chalk paint to help upcycle or repurpose it.

cheap diy projects for your home

How To Paint A Red Brick Fireplace White

White paint easily can update and transform your old brick fireplace. Create a modern farmhouse look that all your friends will be asking about.

cheap diy projects for your home

Paint Your Fireplace Mantel

White paint can add a fresh look to any surface and your fireplace mantel or surround is no exception.

cheap diy projects for your home

Paint A Bold Color In Your Bedroom

Find the best navy blue paint color for your space. A fresh coat of paint in Indigo Batik was exactly what this bedroom needed to feel fresh again.

cheap diy projects for your home

Spray Paint Marbling Tutorial

Use that leftover spray paint and create unique one of kind home items. This spray paint marbling tutorial will show you all you need to know for this fun process.

cheap diy projects for your home

Paint Cabinet Hardware For An Updated Look

Have you changed your home decor style? Make your newly painted hardware last with our tips.

cheap diy projects for your home

How To Paint A Decorative Metal Mailbox

Stand out in your neighborhood with a unique mailbox. Okay, we know that this one might be only for Van Halen fans, but a fresh coat of paint will help improve your curb appeal easily.

DIY Organization, Storage Space and Declutter Ideas

You always feel better after decluttering and organizing. Sometimes it can be as simple as creating a place for things to go. Here are some DIY home organization projects to try.

cheap diy projects for your home

Add DIY Laundry Room Cabinets & Shelving 

Use stock cabinets (painted of course) and farmhouse brackets to give yourself extra storage in your laundry room. The extra height from the cabinets made this worth adding to your DIY to-do list.

cheap diy projects for your home

Add Cheap Built-in Storage With Stock Cabinets

Create a unique storage solution for your home by using stock upper cabinets to create extra storage for any room in your home.

cheap diy projects for your home

Build A DIY Pegboard To Easily Get Organized

Build a large pegboard to help keep your garage, craft room or basement organized. Use your own DIY containers or buy cute craft cups to keep your garage or craft supplies organized.

cheap diy projects for your home

Make A DIY Wooden Shoe Organizer

Are you sick of all the shoes laying around your entryway or garage. This simple wooden shoe rack can help everyone finally have a place for their shoes.

cheap diy projects for your home

Turn A Closet into a DIY Mudroom

Do you have any entryway closet that never gets used? Here we used one of our favorite medium colors to repaint this DIY mudroom idea.

cheap diy projects for your home

Build Easy Small Closet Shelves in a Weekend

Add simple wood shelving into that small closet for a custom storage option. These DIY shelves were built to store games and more for our family.

cheap diy projects for your home

Build A DIY Wood Floating Desk With Simple Brackets

Use your space wisely by building your own DIY desk . Now your children can each have their own workspace without bothering the others.

cheap diy projects for your home

DIY Basement Waterproofing (before organizing that closet)

This might not be the most glamorous DIY home improvement project. but you will have peace of mind knowing that you are helping keep your basement dry. Please note that if you have severe water problems, it is probably best to call a professional to help you out.

cheap diy projects for your home

Redo Your Basement Closet

Doesn't everyone have a craft supply closet? If not, this weekend might be the time to make one using wood and farmhouse brackets. Consider taking the doors off the closet to create a more open space.

cheap diy projects for your home

Make A DIY Storage Crate on Wheels

Turn old pallet wood into an awesome storage crate for your home. Add wheels and customize to make it any size you want.

cheap diy projects for your home

DIY PVC Shoe Rack Storage Idea

Don't want to build an elaborate wooden shoe organizer? Consider using large PVC pipes to get a custom shoe rack to fit your needs.

cheap diy projects for your home

Make DIY Storage Boxes

Do you get a lot of brown boxes sent to your house (don't worry we won't tell). Repurpose those boxes by covering them with cloth and add fun rope or other elements. Great for storage and the environment.

Need more repurposing ideas? Check this list of 31+ DIY projects out .

cheap diy projects for your home

Redo An Old File Cabinet

This cute file cabinet makeover was done using spray paint and contact paper. We just love the fresh and modern-looking file cabinet. This is a true cheap furniture makeover.

cheap diy projects for your home

Create A DIY Memory Box

Nothing says clutter in your home like papers from school and beyond. Save all those memories and projects in an organized file box for your little ones.

cheap diy projects for your home

Build A Bathroom Shelf Over Your Toliet

Yes, there is another painted accent wall you could check out. Add bathroom shelves or new DIY artwork over your toilet this weekend.

cheap diy projects for your home

 Build Reclaimed Wood Rustic Bathroom Shelving 

Once you build shelves for one room, you may just want to keep going. Here is a way to use that old reclaimed wood to create another pipe bathroom shelf.

cheap diy projects for your home

Build A DIY Corner Shelf For Under Your Mounted TV 

Are you sick of seeing wires around your mounted television. This corner shelf is the perfect DIY solution to help you hide those wires while still having a place for your cable box and DVD player (yes...we said, DVD player).

cheap diy projects for your home

DIY Art Shadow Box Frame With Storage

These shadow box frames have been a game-changer for us. Not only do they display our children's artworks, but they also easily store artworks. You will be happy once you build these DIY frames.

cheap diy projects for your home

Create A Kid’s Craft Room

Create a specific place in your home for your child's creativity to run wild. You will be amazed at what they can create when given the freedom to do so.

DIY Cleaning Ideas

After you build shelves and declutter you want to try some these DIY cleaning ideas for your home using items you probably already have.

cheap diy projects for your home

How To Easily Clean Carpet On Stairs

The next time you notice your stairs looking a little dingy consider a good DIY cleaning. You can use homemade cleaners or a large steamer to get a fresh and clean feel.

cheap diy projects for your home

Unclog A Drain With Vinegar & Baking Soda

No need to buy harsh chemicals to unclog your drain. Try this DIY method first.

cheap diy projects for your home

Homemade Composite Deck Cleaner (Eco-Friendly)

We all want a nice clean outdoor space to relax in. Get tips on how to get rid of mold and algae this Spring.

cheap diy projects for your home

Best Homemade Vinyl Siding Cleaner (Eco-Friendly)

Use a similar method to easily clean your vinyl siding.

Easy Ways To Add DIY Wall Art

Sometimes you feel better just hanging something on the wall in your home. Truly create a space you love and one that showcases those memories.

cheap diy projects for your home

DIY Easy Kid Art Displays

This art display idea is way simpler. By reusing pallet wood you can easily make an art display to show off your child's creativity.

Here are 18+ DIY art display ideas you may want to try soon!

cheap diy projects for your home

Add Fun Shelves To A Baby Nursery

Use Ikea spice racks to add fun and cheap DIY shelving to a child's room. Not only will these shelves help you stay organized but they can act as easy wall decor. Get other DIY baby nursery shelf ideas here .

cheap diy projects for your home

Create A DIY Picture Wall 

Use a mixture of kid artworks and adults to create a fun picture wall in your home. You can mix and match frames or keep to one style. The choice is yours. Here are 12+ other picture wall ideas you want to check out.

cheap diy projects for your home

Large DIY Word String Art Idea

Are you in need of large artwork for a playroom or child's bedroom and you don't want to pay the expensive prices for large artworks? Why not create your own string art with an inspiring or personalized message to hang on the walls.

cheap diy projects for your home

Hang A Grid Gallery Wall

Showcase your family in matching frames. We love how this 9 grid square picture wall turned out. We will always cherish the memories in this black and white photo wall.

cheap diy projects for your home

Create A DIY Word Canvas Art

Short on time but want a simple artwork idea. This word canvas idea is the perfect way to create a personalized artwork easily.

Other DIY Home Ideas

Sometimes a certain product or home idea can make a huge impact on your home.

cheap diy projects for your home

Update Your Drop Ceiling

Get rid of those dated drop ceiling tiles and replace them with new vinyl covers. We could not believe how much brighter our basement become with this simple home improvement project.

cheap diy projects for your home

Install A Modern Backsplash

We are fans of painting things, but sometimes you can upgrade a space by not painting. This kitchen is a great example of DIY kitchen ideas you can do to update oak kitchen cabinets without painting.

Home DIY (do-it-yourself) refers to home improvement projects that you tackle yourself. There are many advantages to learning how to improve your home on your own.

If you are lacking the skills, tools or patience for a DIY project then it is best to leave it up to the professionals. We like to leave plumbing, electrical and structural changes to professionals with proper insurance and guarantees.

Youtube, blogs and DIY sites are helping people feel confident to tackle home DIY projects on their own. According to Yahoo , there is an expected “growth of USD 121.47 billion between 2021 and 2026.” A combination of access to knowledge, some people staying home more, more DIY home decor items such as ready-to-assemble furniture, and new DIY products (such as specialty paint kits) all have contributed to this expected growth.

Most of the time, DIY projects will save you money. However, there are times when it may end up costing you more due to a lack of knowledge or buying power of materials. The biggest advantage to do-it-yourself home improvement projects is that you are able to customize your project for your home while using better materials.

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DIY home ideas can add value to your home while not breaking your budget. What is your favorite DIY home improvement project?

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25 Easy Weekend Projects That Cost Less Than $20

cheap diy projects for your home

These 20 improvements might not cost a lot, but they'll make a big difference in how your home operates. Try one or more of these projects this weekend to make your home look (and function) its best.

Replace a Window Treatment

Has the window shade above your kitchen sink been marred by repeated exposure to splashes and cooking liquids? Replace a stained window covering with an inexpensive fabric treatment and see your kitchen in a whole new light. And when you make your own Roman shade , you get a custom look for a fraction of the cost.

Organize the Entry

Keep dirt and mud contained with a boot tray near your home's entryway. Buy one that's easy to clean, or create your own from a jelly-roll pan. Then add a shelf with pegs to corral coats, hats, umbrellas, and Fido's leash. If storage space is limited, tuck the tray beneath a slim console table.

Step Up Storage

Plastic bins are a versatile and inexpensive way to restore order in almost every in-home trouble spot. Using clear bins for storage in a pantry or for a closet gift-wrap station, for example, is an easy way to take inventory and identify items at a glance. Use labels to ensure everything stays tidy and easy to access.

Put Towels and Robes Within Reach

Bid floor puddles goodbye by keeping after-bath accessories within reach. Add a towel bar or robe hook near your shower or bathtub, or move the one you already have to make it more accessible. Find bars or hooks that match or complement existing hardware in your bathroom.

Boost Bedside Storage

Repurpose an old storage basket (or buy a new one) and hang it near the head of the bed. Thread a charger cord through the back of the basket so your nightstand can also serve as a charging station. This easy-to-install storage idea is a clever solution for a small bedroom or guest room.

Paint the Front Door

Boost curb appeal with a can of paint and a free afternoon. Painting the front door refreshes the look of your whole home. It's easiest to paint a door by removing it from the hinges and laying it flat. Be sure to give it a good cleaning and sanding before you prime and paint it.

Add Open Shelving

Outfit an empty stretch of wall space in the kitchen with open shelves to display decorative items or hold frequently used items, such as coffee mugs. You can find laminated shelf boards for about $10 each. If you've got the time to peruse a flea market, save cash with vintage wood shelves that you can repaint and install.

Designate a Drop Spot

Enhance the style and storage of your entryway with a designated place for important drop-zone items. Create a mini hang-up station for house keys and outgoing mail on the back of a cabinet door. Use magnetic strips, a pegboard, or an old ceiling tin and add hooks to store items in one convenient location near the door. If you have space, add storage bins or baskets to hold pet supplies, wallets, or winter accessories.

Recaulk the Bathroom

If the caulk in your bathroom is looking dingy, discolored, or cracked, it's time to remove it and start fresh. Whether it's around your sink, bathtub, or shower, old caulk can grow mildew and cause damage by leaking water—especially between the tub and bathroom floor. Remove the old caulk, clean the space well, and replace it with a new layer. A good caulk seal will last up to 10 years.

Update House Numbers

All it takes is a screwdriver and a few minutes to give your front door a personality-filled facelift. Change out poorly operating door hardware or make house numbers more readable for a pretty, practical update on the cheap. Learn how to build this house numbers planter for easy curb appeal.

Organize the Garage

Take advantage of space between the studs of your garage for storage . Use scrap pieces of lumber to fashion shelves to hold spray paint or other small items. Use hooks to hang tools, garden equipment, and project supplies. Bungee cords hold long items like shovels and rakes in place and prevent them from falling on the floor—or your car!

Create an Office Space

Fashion a small office area for bill paying—and Pinterest searching—with flea market finds. Repaint a table or desk to serve as a work surface. Frame a print-it-yourself design with a secondhand frame for a quick DIY art project .

Update Furniture with Paint

Breathe new life into an old piece of furniture with a fresh coat of paint. For wood pieces, remove dirt or wax buildup with a household cleaner and rinse. Sand rough areas and wipe away dust. Apply two coats of stain-blocking primer and allow it to dry between coats. Roll or brush on two coats of latex paint in the direction of the wood grain, and use a brush to finish the surface with smooth strokes.

Tackle Trimwork

You might not be able to install new trimwork in your home for $20, but you can make improvements to what you already have. Replace mismatched, missing, or damaged moldings, end caps, quarter rounds, or baseboard. Curved areas might require a special piece or trim made of an alternate material.

Mend Your Walkway

Cracks and gaps in sidewalks and walkways can quickly expand throughout the year. Not only will a patch job make your pathway look nice, but it'll also make it safer for visitors and passersby. Fix your sidewalk or driveway with a patching compound specifically made for cement.

Add Hanging Storage

Free up valuable floor space in your basement, garage, or entryway with hanging storage. Seasonal items, such as bikes and sleds, are difficult to store and take up lots of space. Add hooks to an unused wall or ceiling area and discover space you didn't know you had.

Label Laundry Supplies

The laundry room often becomes home to a wide variety of miscellaneous items. Group products by use, such as ironing supplies, mending kits, or cleaning items. Place each group of items in a storage bin or backet. Add labels so it's easy to find what you need—and remember where it goes when you're done.

Brighten a Bookcase

Give a bookcase an exciting backdrop by applying adhesive paper, scrapbook paper, or fabric to its back. If you don't want to commit to a particular design or color scheme, measure the piece's back panel and mount the background material on poster board, cut to the size of each shelf.

Add a Divider

Drawer and cabinet dividers are a must when it comes to keeping kitchen tools in their respective places. Secure a wire rack inside a cabinet to provide sturdy storage for cookie sheets, muffin tins, and cooling racks. Some units match your kitchen cabinetry design for a completely integrated and customized look.

Get Stylish Underfoot

Try your hand at a fun paint technique and update tired flooring with a custom rug. Using a vinyl floor remnant and paint, you can create a fun, personalized focal point. Varying the stripe widths creates a cool, casual look. Get the step-by-step painting instructions here.

Add a Cheap Backsplash

Turn a large vintage map into a distinctive backdrop that makes a statement. This map of Paris is a fun addition to an otherwise-neutral kitchen. If you're a renter or have boring ceramic tiles in your kitchen, use peel-and-stick decals to add less permanent flair in a flash.

Make a Message Center

An inexpensive glass panel can be pressed into service as a message center wherever it's needed. To make a design like this, paint the back of a glass panel to complement your kitchen and frame it. Use dry-erase markers to write notes and reminders.

Replace Switchplates

Replace a plastic switchplate with a wood, metal, or ceramic cover to make a visual statement. Some switchplates are even textured to blend in with marble, tile, or stone surfaces. Do this for light switches, electrical outlets, and phone and cable jacks.

Elevate a Closet

Coax function from a messy closet with thoughtful accessories designed to elevate organization. Categorize hanging garments by type, day of the week, or family member with colorful tags. Slim, slip-free hangers look uniform and maximize space.

Streamline Under the Sink

Ease cleanup and eliminate the clutter of freestanding bottles in your kitchen or bathroom with an over-the-door wire organizer. This slim solution maximizes under-sink space while keeping kitchen essentials within easy reach.

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50 Incredible DIY Home Projects

Nick Gerhardt

If you're looking to become a DIYer or if you've been a DIYer for years we've got an assortment of incredible DIY projects you can try. Check them out.

Use Firewood For a Project

Use Firewood For a Project

Cedar Potting Bench

Cedar Potting Bench

Build a Wooden Bench for Less

Build a Wooden Bench for Less

Arbor and Benches

Arbor and Benches

Add Seating with a DIY Wooden Bench

Add Seating with a DIY Wooden Bench

Gather Round a Fire Table

Gather Round a Fire Table

Tile-Top Table

Tile-Top Table

Polished Concrete Table Top

Polished Concrete Table Top

Faux Marble Table

Faux Marble Table

Pedestal Picnic Table

Pedestal Picnic Table

Elegant Outdoor Table

Elegant Outdoor Table

Garden Bench

Garden Bench

Simple Folding Chair

Simple Folding Chair

Umbrella Table

Umbrella Table

How to Make an Adirondack Chair and Love Seat

How to Make an Adirondack Chair and Love Seat

Garden Hutch

Garden Hutch

Make This Coat and Mitten Rack

Make This Coat and Mitten Rack

Build a Shoe Storage Booster Stool

Build a Shoe Storage Booster Stool

Hanging Wall Bookcase: Suspended Bookshelves

Hanging Wall Bookcase: Suspended Bookshelves

Floating Bookshelves

Floating Bookshelves

DIY Bed Built-in Shelves

DIY Bed Built-in Shelves

Build a Built-in Bookcase

Build a Built-in Bookcase

Built-in Mission Oak bookcase

Built-in Mission Oak bookcase

Simple Bookshelf: Cottage Shelf with Branches

Simple Bookshelf: Cottage Shelf with Branches

Bookcase Built by Two

Bookcase Built by Two

Stylish Shelves

Stylish Shelves

Wall Cabinet for Books

Wall Cabinet for Books

DIY Box Shelves

DIY Box Shelves

Saturday Morning Shelf

Saturday Morning Shelf

Install a Wall-Bed-Bookcase Combo

Install a Wall-Bed-Bookcase Combo

Classic Simple Bookcase

Classic Simple Bookcase

Build a Showcase Wall!

Build a Showcase Wall!

Over the Door Bookshelf

Over the Door Bookshelf

Build a Traditional Bookshelf

Build a Traditional Bookshelf

Small Room Ideas: Floor-to-Ceiling Bookcase

Small Room Ideas: Floor-to-Ceiling Bookcase

Custom Box Shelves

Custom Box Shelves

Bifold Bookcase Hides a Secret Room

Bifold Bookcase Hides a Secret Room

Hidden Bookcase Storage

Hidden Bookcase Storage

Make Your Own Built-In Shelves

Make Your Own Built-In Shelves

Simple Low-Tech Wall Shelf

Simple Low-Tech Wall Shelf

Modular Masterpiece

Modular Masterpiece

Stackable Bookshelves plus a Desk

Stackable Bookshelves plus a Desk

Stadium-Seating Bookshelf

Stadium-Seating Bookshelf

DIY Rustic Barn Door and Hardware

DIY Rustic Barn Door and Hardware

Giant Backyard Jenga Game

Giant Backyard Jenga Game

Simple Rennie Mackintosh End Tables

Simple Rennie Mackintosh End Tables

Flip Flop Step Stool

Flip Flop Step Stool

DIY Pour Over Coffee Maker

DIY Pour Over Coffee Maker

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40 Home Improvement Ideas for Those On A Budget

40 Home Improvement Ideas for Those On A Budget | DIY Joy Projects and Crafts Ideas

Need to do some updates around the house but think you lack the funds for any worthwhile home improvement projects? It is true that home repair and renovation can be expensive, but there are also some cool things you can do on the cheap. Check out these step by step tutorials for some inexpensive ways to update and improve your home, but on a budget. From DIY kitchen decor ideas to ways to update your bathroom on a budget , cheap living room decor to bedroom furniture, you are sure to find one or more projects to try out this weekend. Recently, I updated my bathroom vanity using the concrete countertop suggestion, and it looks so amazing. Trying to decide which easy home improvement project to tackle next, and super excited knowing I have some affordable options. Cheap home renovation projects and home improvement ideas that are sure to fit your budget, there is now no excuse for not having the home of your dreams.

DIY Home Improvement Projects

1. paint your cabinets.

younghouselove

DIY Home Improvement On A Budget - Paint Your Cabinets - Easy and Cheap Do It Yourself Tutorials for Updating and Renovating Your House - Home Decor Tips and Tricks, Remodeling and Decorating Hacks - DIY Projects and Crafts by DIY JOY

Are you thinking about updating your kitchen, namely your kitchen cabinets? Repainting them is easy, but only if you know what you are doing. Proper surface prep is crucial if you want this home improvement project to turn out right. Learn how with this step by step tutorial with this DIY idea for kitchen cabinets .

2. Faux Shiplap Backsplash with Peel ‘n Stick Flooring

althingswithpurpose

DIY Home Improvement On A Budget - Faux Shiplap Backsplash with Peel ‘n Stick Flooring - Easy and Cheap Do It Yourself Tutorials for Updating and Renovating Your House - Home Decor Tips and Tricks, Remodeling and Decorating Hacks - DIY Projects and Crafts by DIY JOY #homeimprovement #diyhome #diyideas #diy

Another easy home improvement project idea that you can make without spending a ton of money or time, this faux shiplap backsplash tutorial uses adhesive flooring to create an easy backsplash. No serious woodworking or carpentry skills required and of course, no tile cutter needed. If you love the look of a pretty tile backsplash, but can’t exactly lay tile yourself or afford it, try this cool tutorial. For DIY countertops you’ll love, look no further than this cool home improvement hack .

3. DIY Your Old Bathroom Cabinets

onegoodthingbyjillee

DIY Home Improvement On A Budget - Give Your Old Bathroom Cabinets A Facelift - Easy and Cheap Do It Yourself Tutorials for Updating and Renovating Your House - Home Decor Tips and Tricks, Remodeling and Decorating Hacks - DIY Projects and Crafts by DIY JOY #diy #homeimprovement #diyhome #diyideas #diy

If you are suffering with dated looking cabinets in the bathroom or kitchen that look 80’s faux oak here’s a special DIY just for you! Of all the DIY home improvement ideas we’ve seen lately, this one is truly a standout. If you are going for a high impact DIY project for the bathroom, one that is cheap to do but worth your time and money, check out this step by step tutorial for a bathroom cabinet makeover . Make old cabinets look new with this cool technique. For the DIY bathroom of your dreams, this project will definitely have you on your way.

4. Easy DIY Window Trim

blesserhouse

DIY Home Improvement On A Budget - Easy DIY Window Trim - Easy and Cheap Do It Yourself Tutorials for Updating and Renovating Your House - Home Decor Tips and Tricks, Remodeling and Decorating Hacks - DIY Projects and Crafts by DIY JOY #diy #homeimprovement #diyhome #diyideas #diy

No special fancy tools or hardware required for this easy DIY window trim. I really thought you needed a contractor to do anything remotely like this, or at least needed serious woodworking skills . Before you go thinking the same thing for any longer, go check out this easy step by step tutorial that should prove to you that installing a window frame yourself is totally doable. Home improvement DIY does not get any better than this, save money and get something that looks fantastic. Update your old windows now with this cool do it yourself project.

5. DIY Vanity Concrete Countertop Overlay

designertrapped

DIY Home Improvement On A Budget - DIY Vanity Concrete Overlay - Easy and Cheap Do It Yourself Tutorials for Updating and Renovating Your House - Home Decor Tips and Tricks, Remodeling and Decorating Hacks - DIY Projects and Crafts by DIY JOY #diy #homeimprovement #diyhome #diyideas #diy

Nothing says modern chic decor like concrete austere fixtures. So if you have a totally outdated countertop that needs replacing, you could try some tarting up before you make a big investment by adding a DIY concrete countertop to the bathroom vanity and makeover that awful old counter you are so tired of looking at. With this easy step by step tutorial, you can learn how to make a concrete countertop the easy way. The outcome looks very Georgio Armani! 😉

6. Paint Tub & Tile

varietybyvashti

DIY Home Improvement On A Budget - Paint Tub & Tile - Easy and Cheap Do It Yourself Tutorials for Updating and Renovating Your House - Home Decor Tips and Tricks, Remodeling and Decorating Hacks - DIY Projects and Crafts by DIY JOY #diy #homeimprovement #diyhome #diyideas #diy

I moved into a 1950’s ranch style home that was packed full of old-world charm, but the bathroom was covered in pink ceramic tile. As you might know, ripping out ceramic tile can be a ton of work and/or costly. We don’t have the extra time or money to focus on this bathroom right now. I would rather have furniture and a new kitchen, so I started thinking up ways to just get by until we are ready to tackle it head-on. I figured I would stick to my paint everything method. Again, painting was just a temporary fix for us so that we could save up for two more years for something more long-term.

7. Dresser To Kitchen Island

dearcreatives

DIY Home Improvement On A Budget - Dresser To Kitchen Island - Easy and Cheap Do It Yourself Tutorials for Updating and Renovating Your House - Home Decor Tips and Tricks, Remodeling and Decorating Hacks - DIY Projects and Crafts by DIY JOY #diy #homeimprovement #diyhome #diyideas #diy

I absolutely love this DIY kitchen island for a fun and easy furniture makeover idea . I found an old dresser from the 1950s on Facebook Market Place and knew it would work perfectly for this idea. Because we are in the process of remodeling our kitchen . I have wanted an island or workspace since we have limited counter space and I love to craft, cook and bake. I decided with the help of my significant other to create a mobile kitchen island from a dresser. With his help this DIY island dresser was simple for me. As I worked up the idea and he used his wood working skills. Then I finished with my painting skills. I think we make a good team. We pulled a vintage dresser from the garage and decided to give it new life. First by re-purposing it and then making it pretty with Chalk Paint. This was my first time tackling a project like this and using Americana Chalky Finish Paints. If you love this chalk paint idea, be sure to check out our list of the best chalk paint furniture ideas . If you don’t have money to buy expensive chalk paint and want to try your hand at making your own, we have an easy chalk paint recipe , too, which can help save lots of money on a project like this!

8. Make A Pallet Wall

howtobuildit

DIY Home Improvement On A Budget - Make A Pallet Wall - Easy and Cheap Do It Yourself Tutorials for Updating and Renovating Your House - Home Decor Tips and Tricks, Remodeling and Decorating Hacks - DIY Projects and Crafts by DIY JOY

Pallets are the ultimate useful item in the DIY repurposing arsenal. I love the look of rustic cabins, but I live in a 1970s condo in the middle of the city. So what could I do to update my bedroom walls from ordinary sheetrock to farmhouse country chic for practically no money? I found the dream tutorial, that’s how! This DIY pallet wall is cheap, easy and simply amazing looking! If you love DIY pallet projects , you need this cool rustic plank wall in your home.

9. Add Wood Accents to Furniture

theidearoom

DIY Home Improvement On A Budget - Add Wood Accents - Easy and Cheap Do It Yourself Tutorials for Updating and Renovating Your House - Home Decor Tips and Tricks, Remodeling and Decorating Hacks - DIY Projects and Crafts by DIY JOY #diy

We recently updated our Master Bathroom by making a few simple changes. I have shared a few of the changes in some past posts as it is a work in progress. We are almost to the point where we can officially add it to the “finished project list”. But we still have a few little things to work on, and if any of you have ever done a little remodeling, you know how long it can take to get to some of them. Today, I want to share with you how we went about updating builder grade cabinets. This is was a really easy addition that really made the regular old cabinets feel a bit more upscale. We simply added a couple of finial feet to the base of the cabinets. That is it.

10. DIY Painted Bathroom Tiles

remingtonavenue

DIY Home Improvement On A Budget - DIY Painted Bathroom Tiles - Easy and Cheap Do It Yourself Tutorials for Updating and Renovating Your House - Home Decor Tips and Tricks, Remodeling and Decorating Hacks - DIY Projects and Crafts by DIY JOY #diy

Have you all seen those cement tiles that come in so many cool prints? I’ve fallen in love with all the graphics. Not wanting to replace all my tile got me thinking about how I could accomplish this high impact look for less. Follow this simple tutorial for all the tips on how to create this amazing new floor space. Add a cute DIY rug and your room will instantly transform in just a few hours.

11. Concrete Countertop DIY

abeautifulmess

DIY Home Improvement On A Budget - Concrete Countertop DIY - Easy and Cheap Do It Yourself Tutorials for Updating and Renovating Your House - Home Decor Tips and Tricks, Remodeling and Decorating Hacks - DIY Projects and Crafts by DIY JOY #diy

Nothing says modern chic decor like concrete austere fixtures.

12. $60 DIY Barn Door Hardware

brightgreendoor

DIY Home Improvement On A Budget - $60 DIY Barn Door Hardware - Easy and Cheap Do It Yourself Tutorials for Updating and Renovating Your House - Home Decor Tips and Tricks, Remodeling and Decorating Hacks - DIY Projects and Crafts by DIY JOY #diy

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cheap diy projects for your home

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  4. 10 Cheap DIY Projects to Make Your Home a Better Place

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  5. Easy & Inexpensive DIY Projects for Decorating Your Home

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COMMENTS

  1. 50 DIY Home Improvement Projects to Tackle This Weekend

    Related To: · Related To: · Paint the Front Door · Classic Carriage Doors (on the Cheap) · Install a Shiplap Accent Wall · Set the Mood With String Lights · DIY Glass

  2. 30 DIY Home Projects Absolutely Anyone Can Do

    A fun décor DIY project that can improve your health by adding oxygen to a room involves hanging plants from the ceiling. Choose a location that

  3. 100 DIY Home Projects for Under $100

    100 DIY Home Improvement Projects for Under $100 · Add Carved Corbels Under Your Breakfast Bar · Plant an Evergreen Screen · Laundry-Room Chandelier · Hook Yourself

  4. 41 Easy DIY projects to update your home in as little as an afternoon

    Try a fun bedroom wall decor idea that will add a splash of colour to a vanity area or desk space with a collection of brightly-painted dot wall

  5. 24 Amazing Cheap DIY Projects for $10 and Under

    Organize Craft Supplies in a More Stylish Way · Upgrade Your Bathtub for Next to Nothing · Paint a Terracotta Pot for an Updated Look · Store Small

  6. 55+ Easy Weekend DIY Home Projects That Are Budget-Friendly

    Add extra hanging hooks for when clothes need to dry. You can always make your own by adding hooks to a stained piece of wood. Continue Reading.

  7. 50+ Easy & Cheap DIY Home Ideas For A Stylish Home

    What are some good DIY home improvement projects? Paint your cabinets (bathroom, kitchen, anywhere); Paint your trim and molding; Redo your

  8. 25 Easy Weekend Projects That Cost Less Than $20

    Replace a Window Treatment · Organize the Entry · Step Up Storage · Put Towels and Robes Within Reach · Boost Bedside Storage · Paint the Front Door.

  9. 50 Incredible DIY Home Projects

    If you're looking to become a DIYer or if you've been a DIYer for years we've got an assortment of incredible DIY projects you can try. · Use

  10. 40 Home Improvement Ideas for Those On A Budget

    DIY Home Improvement Projects · 1. Paint Your Cabinets · 2. Faux Shiplap Backsplash with Peel 'n Stick Flooring · 3. DIY Your Old Bathroom Cabinets · 4. Easy DIY