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Decorating your home should feel inspiring — not overwhelming or expensive. But between rising prices and endless Pinterest perfection, it’s easy to feel like stylish interiors are out of reach. Here at Your Savvy Purse, we believe home should be your haven — and that a beautiful space doesn’t have to cost a small fortune. That’s where DIY décor comes in.
Whether you’re refreshing a rental, styling your first apartment, or just craving a creative weekend project, these 10 affordable DIY home décor ideas bring big personality with minimal cost.
And yes — your purse will absolutely thank you.
1. 🎨 Framed Fabric Wall Art
The project:
Skip overpriced prints and make your own statement pieces using leftover fabric or thrifted scarves. All you need are basic frames and a pair of scissors.
How to do it:
Cut your fabric to fit inside thrift store frames. You can iron the fabric first for a cleaner look or let the texture add interest. Hang as singles or in sets for gallery-style impact.
Savvy tip:
Choose fabric with bold patterns or vintage flair. Old tea towels, bandanas, or upholstery scraps are perfect — and often cost under $3 at thrift shops.
2. 🕯️ Mason Jar Candle Holders
The project:
Turn old pasta jars or mason jars into cozy lighting with minimal effort.
How to do it:
Wrap twine, ribbon, or lace around the rim of each jar. Drop in a tea light (real or battery-operated), and arrange them on your windowsill, dining table, or bathroom shelf.
Savvy tip:
Add Epsom salt to the bottom for a frosted winter look, or layer sand and shells for summer vibes. These make great gifts, too!
3. 🖌️ Paint an Accent Wall (or Arch!)
The project:
Add drama and dimension with a painted arch or bold accent wall — using just a small can of paint.
How to do it:
Use painter’s tape and a pencil to outline a shape (arch, circle, or geometric block), then fill in with your chosen color. No need to paint an entire wall — a half-wall or corner detail adds just as much style.
Savvy tip:
Use leftover or sample paints to save money. Accent walls are great for renters, too — just paint it back before moving out.
4. 📚 Floating Book or Plant Ledges
The project:
Floating shelves instantly elevate a room and create functional décor space.
How to do it:
Use scrap wood or inexpensive planks from a hardware store. Mount with brackets or L-shaped supports. Use them to display favorite reads, framed art, or small plants.
Savvy tip:
Sand and stain scrap wood from old pallets or free curbside finds. Add gold or matte black brackets for a high-end finish.
5. 🖼️ Create a Gallery Wall (on the Cheap)
The project:
Mix frames, art prints, photos, and mementos to build a gallery wall that tells your story.
How to do it:
Thrift your frames (aim for varied shapes and sizes), then fill them with free art from websites like The Met Open Access or Unsplash. Add personal photos or even postcards from trips.
Savvy tip:
Use paper cutouts taped to the wall first to plan your layout without committing to nail holes.
6. 🪴 DIY Plant Hangers
The project:
Macramé might look complicated, but beginner plant hangers are easy and fun to make — and they’re a stylish way to show off your greenery.
How to do it:
Grab some cotton rope, yarn, or even shoelaces. Follow a beginner macramé video and create a simple hanger for a small pot.
Savvy tip:
Don’t have plants? Ask friends for clippings, or root a pothos or snake plant in water for nearly free homegrown greenery.
7. ✍️ Chalkboard Wall or Pantry Door
The project:
Turn a small wall section, kitchen cabinet, or the back of a door into a functional chalkboard for daily lists, meal plans, or quotes.
How to do it:
Pick up chalkboard paint and apply 2 coats with a roller. Let dry, season it with chalk, and get creative!
Savvy tip:
No space? Paint a picture frame’s glass insert and turn it into a moveable chalkboard!
8. 💡 Upcycled Light Fixtures
The project:
Give old light fixtures a modern makeover using spray paint, thrifted shades, or creative repurposing.
How to do it:
Spray outdated brass or silver finishes with matte black, gold, or white. Replace shades with woven baskets, glass globes, or fabric for a custom look.
Savvy tip:
Hit flea markets or local Buy Nothing groups for fixtures others are tossing out. You might score a gem!
9. 🪑 Furniture Flips That Look Expensive
The project:
Old furniture + paint or stain = a whole new vibe.
How to do it:
Clean, sand, and repaint pieces like nightstands, coffee tables, or bookshelves. Add modern drawer pulls or paint-dipped legs for added flair.
Savvy tip:
Don’t overlook “ugly” pieces — structure matters more than color. Paint can fix almost anything.
10. 🖍️ Personalized Doormat
The project:
Make a custom doormat that gives guests a smile before they even knock.
How to do it:
Use a plain coir mat (under $10 at Target or IKEA), a stencil, and outdoor paint. Try fun phrases like “Come Back with Coffee” or seasonal words like “Welcome Fall.”
Savvy tip:
Use freezer paper to make your own stencils at home — just print, cut, and iron on for crisp lines.
💬 Why DIY Home Décor Works
Not only does it save money, but it also makes your space personal, flexible, and full of stories.
Plus, these projects:
- Let you work with what you already have
- Are renter-friendly and often reversible
- Build confidence for bigger DIYs later
- Make excellent gifts or even side-hustle ideas!
