Creating a beautiful and personalized home doesn’t have to be expensive. With a bit of creativity and some basic supplies, you can transform your living space with easy DIY home decor projects that cost less than $50. Whether you’re looking to refresh a room or add a unique touch to your home, these budget-friendly projects are perfect for anyone who wants to update their space without breaking the bank. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best easy DIY home decor projects under $50 that you can complete in a weekend or even just a few hours.
Why DIY Home Decor
Projects?
DIY home decor projects offer several benefits, especially for
those who love personalizing their space. These projects allow you to express
your creativity, save money, and create custom pieces that reflect your style.
Plus, there’s a sense of satisfaction that comes from completing a project with
your own hands.
Benefits of DIY Home Decor Projects:
● Cost-Effective: Save money by creating
decor items yourself rather than buying expensive store-bought pieces.
●
Personalization: Customize your
home decor to match your style and preferences.
●
Creative
Expression: Enjoy the process of making something unique and original.
● Eco-Friendly: Repurpose and upcycle
materials to reduce waste and create sustainable decor.
1. Create a Gallery Wall with Affordable Frames
Overview: A gallery wall
is a fantastic way to add personality and style to any room. By using
affordable frames and personal photos, artwork, or prints, you can create a
stunning visual display that makes a statement. This project is highly
customizable and can be adapted to any space, whether it’s a living room,
hallway, or bedroom.
Materials Needed:
● Picture frames
(various sizes, found at dollar stores, thrift shops, or online)
●
Printed photos, artwork, or quotes (print at
home or use an affordable online service)
●
Measuring tape
● Hammer and
nails or adhesive strips
Steps to Create:
1. Select Your Art: Choose a mix of
photos, artwork, or prints that reflect your style. You can find free
printables online or create your own.
2.
Arrange Your
Layout: Lay the frames on the floor and experiment with different
arrangements until you find a layout you love.
3.
Hang the
Frames: Start by hanging the largest frame in the center, then work
your way outwards. Use a level to ensure everything is straight.
4. Fill in the Gaps: Add smaller frames or
decorative items to complete the look.
Why It’s Worth It: A gallery wall adds
visual interest and a personal touch to any room. It’s an easy and inexpensive
way to fill a blank wall with art that means something to you.
2. Make Your Own Throw
Pillows
Overview: Throw pillows
are a simple yet effective way to refresh your living space. Instead of
purchasing new ones, why not make your own? With a few basic sewing skills or
even just fabric glue, you can create custom pillows that match your decor
perfectly.
Materials Needed:
● Fabric (1-2
yards, depending on pillow size)
●
Pillow inserts or stuffing
●
Needle and thread or fabric glue
●
Scissors
● Measuring tape
Steps to Create:
1. Choose Your Fabric: Pick a fabric that
complements your decor. You can find affordable fabric remnants at craft stores
or even repurpose old clothes or blankets.
2.
Measure and
Cut: Measure your pillow insert and add an extra inch on all sides
for seam allowance. Cut two pieces of fabric to size.
3.
Sew or Glue: Place the
fabric pieces together, right sides facing in. Sew or glue around three sides,
leaving one side open to insert the pillow.
4. Stuff and Finish: Turn the pillow cover
right side out, insert the pillow, and sew or glue the remaining side closed.
Why It’s Worth It: Making your own throw
pillows allows you to customize your space with colors and patterns that you
love. It’s a quick and affordable way to update your decor without buying new
furniture.
3. DIY Floating Shelves
Overview: Floating
shelves are a stylish and functional addition to any room. They provide storage
and display space while maintaining a clean, modern look. With some basic
woodworking skills, you can create your own floating shelves that are sturdy
and affordable.
Materials Needed:
● Wooden boards
(cut to desired shelf length)
●
Wall brackets or hidden shelf supports
●
Screws and anchors
●
Drill
●
Level
●
Sandpaper
● Stain or paint
(optional)
Steps to Create:
1. Prepare the Wood: Sand the edges and
surfaces of the wooden boards to remove any rough spots. Stain or paint the
wood if desired.
2.
Install the
Brackets: Use a level to mark where you want to place the brackets on the
wall. Drill holes and insert wall anchors, then attach the brackets.
3.
Attach the
Shelves: Place the wooden boards on the brackets and secure them with
screws. Make sure the shelves are level and securely attached.
4. Decorate: Add books, plants, or
decor items to your new shelves.
Why It’s Worth It: DIY floating shelves
are both functional and decorative. They allow you to display your favorite
items while keeping your space organized and clutter-free.
4. Paint a Feature Wall
Overview: Painting a
feature wall is one of the most cost-effective ways to make a big impact in any
room. Whether you choose a bold color, a subtle shade, or a fun pattern, a
feature wall can instantly elevate your space.
Materials Needed:
● Paint (1-2
gallons, depending on wall size)
●
Painter’s tape
●
Paint roller and tray
●
Drop cloths
● Brushes for
edging
Steps to Create:
1. Choose Your Wall and Color: Select a wall
that you want to highlight and choose a paint color that complements the rest
of the room.
2.
Prepare the
Wall: Move furniture away from the wall, lay down drop cloths, and
tape off the edges with painter’s tape.
3.
Paint: Use a roller
to apply the paint in even strokes, working from the top of the wall down. Use
a brush for the edges and corners.
4.
Add a Second
Coat: Once the first coat is dry, apply a second coat if needed for
full coverage.
5. Remove Tape and Touch Up: Carefully
remove the painter’s tape while the paint is still slightly wet to avoid
peeling. Touch up any areas as needed.
Why It’s Worth It: A freshly painted
feature wall can completely transform the look of a room. It’s an affordable
and quick project that delivers high impact.
5. Upcycle Old
Furniture with Chalk Paint
Overview: Upcycling old
furniture with chalk paint is an excellent way to give new life to pieces that
are worn out or no longer match your decor. Chalk paint requires minimal prep
work and provides a matte, vintage finish that’s perfect for creating a shabby
chic look.
Materials Needed:
● Chalk paint (1
quart is usually enough for a small piece of furniture)
●
Paintbrush
●
Sandpaper
●
Clear wax or sealant
● Drop cloths
Steps to Create:
1. Prepare the Furniture: Clean the piece
thoroughly to remove any dirt or grease. Lightly sand any rough areas.
2.
Apply Chalk
Paint: Use a brush to apply the chalk paint in even strokes. Depending
on the original color and the paint color, you may need two coats.
3.
Distress
(Optional): For a vintage look, lightly sand the edges and corners after
the paint has dried to reveal the wood underneath.
4. Seal the Paint: Apply a coat of clear
wax or sealant to protect the finish and enhance durability.
Why It’s Worth It: Upcycling furniture
with chalk paint is an affordable way to refresh your home decor. It allows you
to keep pieces that have sentimental value or simply avoid the cost of buying
new furniture.
6. DIY Macrame Wall
Hanging
Overview: Macrame wall
hangings are a popular decor trend that adds a bohemian touch to any room. They
look intricate, but with a bit of practice, you can create your own for a
fraction of the cost of buying one. All you need are some basic materials and a
few simple knotting techniques.
Materials Needed:
● Macrame cord
(about 100-200 feet, depending on the size of the hanging)
●
Wooden dowel or branch (for hanging)
●
Scissors
● Measuring tape
Steps to Create:
1. Cut the Cord: Measure and cut
several lengths of cord, depending on the design you want to create. Each
length should be at least twice as long as the desired finished length.
2.
Attach to the
Dowel: Fold each cord in half and attach it to the dowel using a
lark’s head knot.
3.
Start Knotting: Use basic
macrame knots like the square knot, half hitch, and clove hitch to create your
design. There are many tutorials available online to help you get started.
4. Trim and Finish: Once you’re satisfied
with your design, trim the ends of the cords to your desired length and hang
your piece on the wall.
Why It’s Worth It: A DIY macrame wall
hanging adds texture and warmth to any room. It’s a creative and relaxing
project that results in a beautiful piece of decor.
7. Create a Hanging
Plant Shelf
Overview: A hanging
plant shelf is a stylish way to display your favorite houseplants while saving
floor space. This easy DIY project is perfect for small spaces or for adding a
touch of greenery to any room.
Materials Needed:
● Wooden board
(cut to desired size)
●
Rope or macrame cord
●
Hooks or ceiling anchors
●
Drill
●
Sandpaper
● Stain or paint
(optional)
Steps to Create:
1. Prepare the Wood: Sand the edges and
surface of the wooden board. Stain or paint the wood if desired, and allow it
to dry.
2.
Drill Holes: Drill holes in
each corner of the board for the rope to pass through.
3.
Attach the
Rope: Cut four equal lengths of rope, thread them through the holes,
and tie knots underneath the board to secure it.
4.
Hang the Shelf: Attach hooks
or anchors to the ceiling where you want to hang the shelf. Tie the ropes to
the hooks and adjust the height as needed.
5. Add Plants: Place your favorite
potted plants on the shelf.
Why It’s Worth It: A hanging plant shelf
is both decorative and functional. It allows you to display plants in a
creative way while adding a natural element to your decor.
8. DIY Fabric-Covered
Bulletin Board
Overview: A
fabric-covered bulletin board is a practical and stylish addition to any home
office, kitchen, or entryway. It’s perfect for organizing notes, photos, and
to-do lists while adding a pop of color or pattern to your space.
Materials Needed:
● Corkboard or
foam board
●
Fabric (enough to cover the board with some
excess)
●
Staple gun or adhesive spray
●
Scissors
● Push pins
Steps to Create:
1. Choose Your Fabric: Select a fabric that
matches your decor. You can use remnants, scraps, or inexpensive fabric from a
craft store.
2.
Cut the Fabric: Cut the fabric
to size, leaving enough excess to wrap around the edges of the board.
3.
Attach the
Fabric: Lay the fabric face down, place the board on top, and wrap the
fabric around the edges. Use a staple gun or adhesive spray to secure the
fabric to the back of the board.
4. Mount and Decorate: Hang the board on the
wall and use push pins to organize your notes, photos, and reminders.
Why It’s Worth It: A fabric-covered
bulletin board is a functional piece that can be customized to match any decor.
It’s an easy and affordable project that helps keep your space organized.
9. Decorate with Washi
Tape
Overview: Washi tape is
a versatile and inexpensive material that can be used to decorate just about
anything. From creating geometric wall patterns to customizing picture frames
or furniture, washi tape allows you to add color and pattern to your home
without making a permanent change.
Materials Needed:
● Washi tape
(various colors and patterns)
●
Scissors or craft knife
●
Measuring tape
● Level (for
straight lines)
Steps to Create:
1. Choose Your Design: Decide where and how
you want to use the washi tape. You can create patterns on walls, decorate
furniture, or add accents to photo frames.
2.
Apply the Tape: Carefully
apply the tape to the surface, smoothing it out as you go to avoid air bubbles.
Use a level to ensure straight lines if needed.
3. Trim Excess: Use scissors or a
craft knife to trim any excess tape for a clean finish.
Why It’s Worth It: Washi tape is an easy
way to add personality and style to your home without the commitment of paint
or wallpaper. It’s removable and repositionable, making it perfect for renters
or anyone who likes to change up their decor frequently.
10. Craft a DIY Candle
Holder
Overview: A DIY candle
holder can add a warm and inviting atmosphere to any room. Using simple
materials like wood, glass jars, or concrete, you can create a custom candle
holder that suits your style and enhances your home decor.
Materials Needed:
● Wooden block,
glass jars, or concrete mix
●
Tea light candles or votive candles
●
Drill (for wooden holders)
● Paint, stain,
or embellishments (optional)
Steps to Create:
1. Choose Your Base: Decide on the material
for your candle holder. Wooden blocks can be drilled to hold tea lights, glass
jars can be decorated with paint or twine, and concrete can be molded into
custom shapes.
2.
Prepare the
Holder: If using wood, drill holes to fit the candles. For glass jars,
decorate the exterior as desired. For concrete, mix and pour into molds, then
insert candles while the mix is still wet.
3. Finish and Decorate: Paint or stain the
holder if desired, and let it dry. Add candles and place the holder in your
desired location.
Why It’s Worth It: A DIY candle holder is
a simple yet impactful project that adds warmth and ambiance to your home. It’s
a great way to personalize your decor with minimal cost and effort.
FAQs
What are some other
affordable DIY home decor projects?
Other affordable DIY projects include making your own wall art
using canvas and paint, creating a decorative tray using a thrift store find
and some paint, or customizing a plain mirror with a unique frame made from
reclaimed wood or washi tape.
Do I need any special
skills to start DIY home decor projects?
Most DIY home decor projects require only basic skills such as
cutting, gluing, painting, and measuring. Many projects can be done with
household tools and materials, and there are plenty of tutorials available
online to help guide you through more complex tasks.
How can I keep my DIY
projects within a $50 budget?
To keep your DIY projects affordable, use materials you already
have at home, shop at dollar stores or thrift stores, and look for sales or
coupons at craft stores. Repurposing and upcycling items can also help you save
money while creating unique decor.
What’s the best way to
find inspiration for DIY home decor projects?
Pinterest, home decor blogs, and DIY-focused YouTube channels
are excellent sources of inspiration. You can also find ideas by browsing home
decor magazines, visiting local craft stores, or simply looking at the items
you already have and thinking about how they could be repurposed or refreshed.
Can I sell the DIY home
decor projects I make?
Yes, if you enjoy making DIY home decor projects, you can turn
your hobby into a small business. Platforms like Etsy allow you to sell
handmade items to a global audience. Just be sure to price your items to cover
the cost of materials and your time.
What are the most
important tools to have for DIY home decor projects?
Basic tools like a hot glue gun, scissors, a tape measure, a
drill, and paintbrushes are essential for most DIY projects. Having a small
toolkit with a hammer, screwdrivers, and pliers is also helpful for assembling
and installing your projects.
Conclusion
Transforming your home doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With these easy DIY home decor projects under $50, you can add style and personality to your space without spending a fortune. Whether you’re painting a feature wall, creating a gallery display, or upcycling old furniture, these budget-friendly projects are perfect for anyone looking to refresh their home with a personal touch. So, grab your tools and get started on your next DIY adventure!
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