Revamping your living space doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little creativity, some basic supplies, and a can-do attitude, you can breathe new life into your home for less than $50. Whether you’re looking to add personal touches, enhance the aesthetic of a room, or tackle a weekend project, DIY home décor projects are a fun and affordable way to elevate your space. This guide will introduce you to exciting and budget-friendly ideas that are easy to create without a hefty price tag.
What to Expect:
- Affordable DIY home décor ideas that cost $50 or less.
- Simple step-by-step instructions for each project.
- Tips on sourcing budget-friendly materials.
- Creative projects that cater to different rooms and styles.
- Inspiration for transforming your home without professional help.
1. Painted Accent Wall
An accent wall is one of the easiest ways to make a bold statement without spending too much. All you need is a can of paint and a few basic supplies to transform any room.
How to do it:
- Choose a wall in your living room, bedroom, or hallway.
- Pick a color that complements your existing décor.
- Use painter’s tape to mark off the edges of the wall and any patterns you want to create (e.g., stripes, geometric shapes).
- Apply one or two coats of paint using a roller, then peel away the tape to reveal crisp lines.
Cost breakdown:
- Paint: $20-$30
- Painter’s tape: $5
- Roller and tray: $10
Bonus tip: Look for paint in the “oops” section of hardware stores where returned or mis-mixed paint is sold at a discount.
2. DIY Floating Shelves
Floating shelves are stylish, functional, and easy to make yourself. They can hold books, plants, or decorative items while saving floor space, making them perfect for small rooms or apartments.
How to do it:
- Buy a couple of wood boards (cut to size at your local hardware store).
- Sand the edges for a smooth finish, and stain or paint them to match your décor.
- Use L-brackets to secure the shelves to the wall, making sure they’re level before tightening the screws.
Cost breakdown:
- Wood planks: $10-$20
- Stain or paint: $5-$10
- L-brackets: $10
Bonus tip: Repurpose scrap wood or old pallets to save money on materials.
3. Framed Fabric Wall Art
Framed fabric wall art is a quick way to add a pop of color or texture to any room. It’s an excellent option if you want to decorate a large wall without spending a lot on prints or paintings.
How to do it:
- Buy fabric in a pattern or color that complements your room’s theme (try looking for fabric remnants at fabric stores).
- Cut the fabric to fit an old frame or a thrifted one.
- Stretch the fabric tightly over the backing, securing it with glue or staples.
- Pop the fabric-covered backing into the frame, and hang it up.
Cost breakdown:
- Fabric remnant: $5-$10
- Frame: $10-$15 (or less if thrifted)
- Glue or staples: $5
Bonus tip: Create a gallery wall by hanging several smaller fabric frames together for added impact.
4. Upcycled Furniture Makeover
Upcycling is a fantastic way to give old furniture a new life while staying within budget. A fresh coat of paint or new hardware can transform an outdated piece into a stylish accent.
How to do it:
- Choose a piece of furniture you already own, or find a secondhand item at a garage sale or thrift store.
- Sand the surface lightly and clean it thoroughly.
- Apply a coat of primer, followed by paint or stain in your desired color.
- Replace the hardware (such as drawer pulls or knobs) for an instant upgrade.
Cost breakdown:
- Paint or stain: $10-$20
- New hardware: $10-$15
Bonus tip: Look for secondhand furniture online or at flea markets for deals under $50. Often, a coat of paint is all it takes to make it look brand new.
5. DIY Macramé Wall Hanging
Macramé wall hangings are trendy and bring a boho vibe to any space. Even though they look intricate, you don’t need much experience to create one yourself.
How to do it:
- Purchase a roll of cotton macramé cord and a wooden dowel.
- Watch a few online tutorials to learn the basic knots (such as square knots and lark’s head knots).
- Follow a pattern or create your own design by knotting the cord around the dowel.
- Trim the excess cord and hang your new artwork on the wall.
Cost breakdown:
- Macramé cord: $10-$15
- Wooden dowel: $5-$10
Bonus tip: Use a branch instead of a dowel for a rustic, natural look.
6. Personalized Chalkboard
A DIY chalkboard adds both style and functionality to your kitchen, office, or entryway. It can serve as a message board, to-do list, or creative space for kids.
How to do it:
- Buy a piece of wood or repurpose an old picture frame with glass.
- Apply two coats of chalkboard paint to the surface, allowing each coat to dry fully.
- Attach hooks or a shelf below for storing chalk or other small items.
Cost breakdown:
- Chalkboard paint: $10-$15
- Wood or old frame: $10-$20
Bonus tip: Chalkboard paint comes in various colors if you want something other than the traditional black.
7. Custom Throw Pillows
Throw pillows can instantly change the look of a sofa, chair, or bed. Instead of buying new ones, make your own with affordable fabric and pillow inserts.
How to do it:
- Purchase fabric in patterns or colors you like (again, check for fabric remnants).
- Cut the fabric to fit your pillow insert, leaving an extra inch on all sides for the seams.
- Sew the fabric pieces together, leaving one side open to insert the pillow.
- Close the final seam by hand or with fabric glue if you don’t sew.
Cost breakdown:
- Fabric: $10-$15
- Pillow inserts: $10-$20
Bonus tip: Swap out pillow covers seasonally for a fresh look without spending on entirely new pillows.
8. Painted Terra Cotta Pots
Personalized planters are a great way to bring life to your home, and they’re especially fun to make if you enjoy plants. Terra cotta pots are cheap and versatile, making them the perfect canvas for your creativity.
How to do it:
- Buy a few small terra cotta pots from a garden store.
- Paint them with acrylic paint in colors and patterns of your choice.
- Once dry, seal the paint with a clear varnish to protect it from moisture.
- Pot your favorite plants and display them around your home.
Cost breakdown:
- Terra cotta pots: $5-$10 each
- Acrylic paint: $5-$10
- Clear sealant: $5
Bonus tip: You can also stencil designs or use painter’s tape to create geometric shapes for a modern look.
9. Hanging Mason Jar Lanterns
For a cozy, rustic touch, mason jar lanterns are both affordable and easy to make. These lanterns work beautifully as outdoor décor or indoor mood lighting.
How to do it:
- Clean and dry mason jars (or any similar jars you have around the house).
- Wrap wire around the neck of each jar, creating a loop at the top for hanging.
- Place battery-operated tea lights or fairy lights inside each jar.
- Hang the lanterns from hooks or tree branches.
Cost breakdown:
- Mason jars: $10-$15 (or free if repurposed)
- Wire: $5
- Battery-operated lights: $10-$15
Bonus tip: You can add pebbles or dried flowers to the bottom of the jars for extra decoration.
10. DIY Cork Board
A cork board is a practical way to display notes, photos, or inspirational quotes, and you can personalize it to fit your space. This project is easy to customize in terms of size and design.
How to do it:
- Purchase cork tiles or a cork roll from a craft store.
- Cut the cork to your desired size and shape.
- Mount the cork onto a piece of wood or directly onto the wall using adhesive strips.
- Decorate the edges with fabric, paint, or washi tape for a polished look.
Cost breakdown:
- Cork roll or tiles: $10-$20
- Adhesive strips: $5-$10
Bonus tip: Use pushpins in various colors or shapes to add personality to your cork board.
Hannah is accomplished hobbyist artist (oil paints) focused on the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. Her love for craft breweries has made her a local aficionado, frequently exploring and reviewing the latest offerings from Asheville’s renowned breweries (she is popular on Yelp!).
- DIY Home Décor Projects for Under $50 - September 30, 2024
- The Ultimate Guide to Home Office Organization - September 28, 2024
- 10 Life-Changing Kitchen Hacks for Quick Meals - September 27, 2024