I absolutely love scrolling through home decor sites, filling up my virtual cart with gorgeous vases, chunky knit blankets, and trendy wall art. Then I look at the total at the bottom and have a mini heart attack every single time. Seriously, how does a piece of rope cost fifty bucks just because it’s been coiled into a circle?
That’s when I decided to fight back. Against the overpriced home goods, that is. I started making my own stuff, and honestly? I’m never going back. Not only do I save a ton of cash, but I also get that smug feeling of satisfaction every time someone asks, “Oh, that’s cute, where did you buy it?”
So, if you’re ready to give your space a refresh without emptying your wallet, you’re in the right place. I’ve rounded up 20 DIY crafts for home decor that are actually doable. No, you don’t need to be a master woodworker or own a workshop full of expensive tools. You just need a little bit of time and the willingness to get a little messy.
1. Faux Clay Pots (That Look Like the Real Deal)
Have you seen those expensive, heavy clay pots at the garden store? The ones that cost a fortune and would probably break your foot if you dropped one? I’ve found a way to get that same look for pennies.
Grab some cheap plastic pots from the dollar store. You know, the ugly ones that look like they belong in a sad office lobby? Mix some joint compound (the stuff you use for drywall) with a little bit of water and paint it onto the pots. Use a putty knife or even just a fork to create texture. Let it dry completely, and then hit it with a matte sealant. IMO, the matte finish is the secret sauce. It tricks everyone into thinking it’s real ceramic.
2. DIY Abstract Art with a Credit Card
I am the least skilled painter on the planet. Stick figures are a challenge for me. But I can absolutely make abstract art, and so can you.
All you need is a canvas (get a multi-pack on sale) and some acrylic paint in colors that match your vibe. Squirt a few lines of paint directly onto the canvas, then grab an old gift card or hotel key card and scrape it across the surface. Swipe in different directions, layer colors, and just go with the flow. You literally cannot mess this up. It’s the most forgiving craft ever.
3. Styrofoam Stamp Geometric Wall Art
Ever wondered why geometric prints look so professional and clean? It’s because they’re usually made with perfect shapes. We can cheat to get the same effect.
- Step 1: Cut a simple shape (like a triangle or a semi-circle) out of a Styrotable sheet.
- Step 2: Stick it onto a spare block of wood or a thick piece of cardboard to make a stamp.
- Step 3: Dip it in paint, dab off the excess, and stamp it onto your wall or a piece of paper.
- Step 4: Repeat until you have a pattern you love.
I did this in my hallway with a mustard yellow color, and it looks way more expensive than the $3 worth of materials it cost me.
4. DIY Faux Leather Wall Hanger
Key holders and mail catchers by the door are either ugly plastic things or ridiculously priced leather goods. Let’s split the difference.
Cut a piece of faux leather into a simple shape—a circle, a hexagon, or even a simple strap. Attach a couple of brass rings to the bottom (the ones from the curtain section work great) and screw a small piece of wood or a decorative knob into your wall. Loop the leather over the wood. Now you have a chic spot for your keys and leashes that doesn’t scream “college dorm room.”
5. The “Boring Book” Hack
Hardcover books can be pretty, but sometimes those old dusty covers just don’t fit your aesthetic. Instead of throwing them out, give them a makeover.
Grab a stack of books that are roughly the same size. Remove the dust jackets if they have them. Then, using a glue gun and some twine, ribbon, or even a strip of pretty fabric, “wrap” the spines. You can also paint the page edges for a pop of color. Stack them on your coffee table or console and top with a candle. Instant classy decor for zero dollars.
6. Ombre Dyed Napkins (or Pillowcases)
Plain white fabric is boring. Tie-dye is a little too 90s for my current living room. Ombre is the perfect middle ground.
Buy some cheap white cotton napkins or a plain pillowcase. Mix up some fabric dye in a bucket according to the package instructions. Dip half of the fabric in, hold it for a minute, then dip it a little deeper and hold it again. You’ll get that gorgeous graduated fade. Rinse, wash, and dry. FYI, Rit Dye is my go-to brand because it’s so easy to find and use.
7. Twiggy DIY Photo Holders
If you’re a fan of that “bringing the outdoors in” look, this one’s for you.
Go outside and find some small, interestingly shaped sticks or twigs. Clean them off and let them dry. Use a glue gun to attach a few small clothespins or bulldog clips to them. Tie a piece of jute twine to each end of the stick, and hang it on a nail. Slide your favorite photos or postcards into the clips. It’s rustic, it’s free, and it changes as easily as your mood.
8. Marbled Mugs (That Are Dishwasher Safe!)
I tried the nail polish marbling thing once. It was a disaster and my kitchen smelled like a chemical plant for days. Here’s a better way.
You need oil-based paint Sharpies (the paint pens, not the regular ones) and a plain ceramic mug. Color your design directly onto the mug. Get creative with dots, stripes, or actual drawings. Once you’re happy, pop the mug in a cold oven, set it to 350°F, and bake for 30 minutes. Let it cool in the oven. The heat sets the paint, making it permanent and (usually) dishwasher safe on the top rack.
9. Pool Noodle Wreath Form Hack
Wreaths are great. Paying $20 for a styrofoam or grapevine circle? Not so great.
Go to the dollar store and buy a pool noodle. Tape the two ends together to form a circle. Then, wrap it in layers of yarn, fabric strips, or even moss. You can decorate it with fake flowers, ornaments, or whatever suits the season. For the price of one craft store wreath form, you can make about five of these.
10. Concrete Geometric Planters
Okay, don’t run away. Concrete is actually super easy to work with. You just need a mold.
Mix up some quick-dry cement from the hardware store (wear gloves, please). Spray some small plastic food containers (like yogurt cups or takeout containers) with cooking spray. For the inner mold to create the hole for the plant, use a smaller container, like a film canister or a shot glass, and tape it to the bottom so it doesn’t float.
Pour the concrete in, let it set for 24 hours, and then carefully peel away the plastic molds. The result is a super modern, heavy, geometric-ish planter that looks like it costs $50.
11. DIY Leather Tassel Drawer Pulls
Are your kitchen or dresser drawers looking a little sad? You can update them in minutes without buying all new hardware.
Buy a small piece of thin, soft leather or even faux leather. Cut it into strips to make tassels (there are a million YouTube tutorials, but it’s basically fringe glued around a top piece). Loop the top of the tassel through the existing drawer pull. It adds a soft, boho touch and feels really nice to touch.
12. Wine Cork Trivet
If you’re like me and you have a bag of wine corks sitting in a closet “for a project someday,” today is that day.
Gather a bunch of corks (you’ll need a lot). Arrange them in a pattern you like—all standing up, or laid on their sides. Once you have the layout, glue them together with a strong adhesive like E6000. You can clamp them between two pieces of wood with wax paper while they dry. Now you have a heat-safe trivet for your hot pans that’s also a conversation starter. 🙂
13. Geometric Yarn Wall Hanging
Wall hangings are everywhere, but the good ones are pricey. The cheap ones look, well, cheap. So make your own.
Cut a small branch or dowel to your desired width. Tie several lengths of yarn to it. Then, using more yarn, you can create geometric shapes by weaving and wrapping. For example, use a contrasting color to wrap diagonally across a bunch of strands to create a triangle. It’s just wrapping and knotting. No actual weaving knowledge required.
14. Map Coasters
Got an old road atlas or a map from a trip you took? Don’t throw it away.
Buy a pack of plain white ceramic tiles from the hardware store (they cost like 16 cents each). Cut squares from your map slightly smaller than the tile. Use Mod Podge to glue the paper onto the tile, smoothing out any bubbles. Seal the top with a few more coats of Mod Podge to make them waterproof. Glue some felt pads to the bottom. These make amazing gifts, especially if you use a map of a place that’s special to the person.
15. Rope-Wrapped Vases
Remember those sad glass bottles you were about to recycle? A wine bottle, an old pasta sauce jar? Don’t recycle them. Upcycle them.
Start by putting a dab of hot glue at the very top of the bottle, near the neck. Start wrapping jute or hemp rope tightly around the bottle, gluing every few inches to keep it secure. Go all the way to the bottom. That’s it. The texture of the rope against the glass looks so high-end. Stick a single dried flower or a sprig of eucalyptus in it, and you’re done.
16. DIY Blanket Ladder
This one requires a tiny bit of power tool action, but it’s seriously the easiest wood project ever.
You need two long pieces of wood for the sides, and 3-4 shorter pieces for the rungs. Sand everything down so you don’t get splinters. Assemble it like a ladder by screwing the rungs into the sides. You can stain it, paint it, or leave it raw. Lean it against the wall in your living room or bedroom and drape your coziest blankets over it. It’s functional decor, which is the best kind.
17. Embroidery Hoop Art (That Isn’t Cheesy)
Embroidery hoops can sometimes look a little… grandma’s house. But if you modernize the fabric, they’re actually really chic.
Forget stitching a picture of a barn. Instead, take a hoop and a piece of luxurious fabric—think velvet, a funky geometric print, or even a piece of a silk scarf. Stretch the fabric tight in the hoop, trim the excess off the back, and hang it on the wall. Mix and match different sizes and fabrics for a gallery wall that’s unique and super textural.
18. DIY Gold Leaf Catch-All
Everyone needs a little dish by the door for their wallet, keys, and pocket change. Let’s make one fancy.
Find a small, flat stone, a spare tile, or even a cheap plastic dish. Pick up a bottle of gold size (adhesive) and some imitation gold leaf from the craft store. Paint the size where you want the gold, let it get tacky, then apply the leaf. Brush off the excess. You can do the whole thing, or just the edges for a “dipped” look. It instantly elevates the most mundane objects.
19. Finger-Knitted Garland
If you never learned how to knit, good news: you don’t have to. Finger knitting is for everyone.
Take a ball of chunky yarn. Loop it around your thumb and forefinger and just keep wrapping and pulling the bottom loop over the top loop. I know that sounds confusing, but seriously, type “finger knitting for beginners” into YouTube. You’ll get a long rope of knitted fabric in about 5 minutes. Make a few of these ropes in different colors, then drape them on your mantel or bookshelf for a soft, cozy garland.
20. Painted Light Bulb Vases
This is a little weird, but stick with me. Take an old incandescent light bulb (be VERY careful not to break it). Using needle-nose pliers, carefully remove the metal tip and the inner guts to hollow it out. It takes some patience.
Once it’s hollow, you have a tiny, delicate “vase.” Spray paint it with frosted glass spray paint, or leave it clear. Fill it with water and pop in a single, tiny flower stem. Hang them with fishing line in a window, or set them in a cluster on a tray. They are ridiculously delicate and pretty.
So there you have it. Twenty ways to make your home look like a million bucks for about the cost of a takeout dinner. I dare you to pick just one to try this weekend. And when someone compliments your “new” decor, just smile and say, “Thanks, I made it.” The look on their face is half the fun.
