The living room is often the heart of our homes, where we gather with family and friends. With so much activity happening in this space, it’s no surprise that many of us are eager to make it a truly special place. Fortunately, there are countless DIY projects available that can help transform your living room without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking for a quick fix or a more extensive overhaul, we’ve compiled an impressive list of 48 DIY decorating ideas to inspire your next project.
From updating your coffee table to crafting unique throw pillows, these innovative solutions will have your living room looking amazing in no time.
48 Beautiful DIY Living Room Decorating Ideas for a Cheap and Easy Remodel
Transform your living room with this diverse collection of DIY decorating ideas that reach from floor to ceiling! This gallery showcases a range of projects, including vases, side tables, footstools, lighting fixtures, and signs. For those looking for a speedy solution to a bare spot, we’ve got quick and easy wall art concepts that can be completed in mere minutes.
Alternatively, if you’re feeling more adventurous, the gallery also features larger-scale projects like faux fireplaces and wood-paneled accent walls. The best part? Most of these impressive finished products require only basic tools and a limited skill set, making them accessible to DIY enthusiasts of all levels.
Four Crate Coffee Table and Planter
Imagine transforming your living space into a harmonious blend of functionality and natural charm. A clever DIY project presents itself in the form of a built-in planter, expertly marrying storage, surface area, and a touch of greenery. For those who struggle to maintain succulents’ vitality, consider substituting them with artificial plants adorned with glass marbles for a similar visual appeal. The crates’ soft gray finish lends themselves seamlessly to rustic room decors.
An Entire Gallery of DIY Art
Transforming thrift store finds with your own handiwork creates a unique gallery wall that exudes personality and sophistication. By curating pieces around a theme or motif, such as family photos or sunflowers, you can showcase your personal style and create a cohesive look that reflects your room’s aesthetic. This particular example features a chic black and gold palette, but feel free to tailor yours to suit your space perfectly.
Pretty Pastel Fish Scale Throw Pillow Project
For those looking to add a touch of serenity to their living room decor, consider this decorative pillow DIY project inspired by the calming essence of koi fish. The beauty of this tutorial lies in its versatility – you can choose any felt color that resonates with your personal style and incorporate embellishments such as sequins or embroidery to elevate the design. By incorporating soothing colors reminiscent of a peaceful pond, this pillow is intentionally crafted to promote relaxation.
Select your favorite hue (or hues) and start creating a tranquil atmosphere in your living room!
DIY Living Room Decorating Ideas with Shelves
Transform an old door into a one-of-a-kind floating shelf solution for your living space by repurposing its unique dimensions. Tall and sturdy, doors can be converted into shelving units that span the length of your sofa, perfect for showcasing treasured items or decorative accents. Alternatively, you can also build shorter shelves to add visual interest and storage capacity to any room.
Black and White Memories Lampshade
Transforming limited space into a personalized gallery can be a creative challenge. One innovative solution is to repurpose a lampshade as a photo frame. The key to this DIY project lies in the use of vellum paper, which is taped onto the lampshade. This allows you to effortlessly swap out photos, making it an ideal way to display family moments, vacation memories, or breathtaking landscapes.
To add an extra layer of fun, consider interspersing a favorite TV character among your other cherished images.
Full Length Farmhouse Floor Mirror
A floor mirror is an excellent choice for those who rent or don’t have the flexibility to hang a traditional mirror. The DIY aspect of building the frame yourself allows for precise control over the final product, ensuring a flawless finish. When it comes to farmhouse-inspired spaces, distressed white paint makes for a charming combination. However, feel free to push the boundaries and get creative with colors and embellishments to create a truly unique maximalist mirror.
Adding natural elements like seashells or rope can evoke a coastal vibe, adding depth and visual interest.
Persian Inspired Hand-Painted Votive Holders
Upgrading your living room accessories with DIY flair is as simple as giving new life to your candle holders. With an array of glass vessels at your disposal – think wine glasses, vases, and jars – the possibilities are truly endless. From vibrant tie-dye hues to sleek solid colors, the aesthetic options are boundless. To evoke a sense of exotic Persian charm, consider incorporating puffy paint and henna-inspired patterns into your design.
A Mock Fireplace – Faux Real!
Transforming a room into a cozy haven has always been a decorating aspiration for many. One way to achieve this is by setting up a faux fireplace, complete with a vintage fireplace grate that lends gravitas and authenticity. By adding silvery birch logs, the setup takes on a reflective quality that mirrors the white tones found in the stone and mantel. The best part? You can customize your fireplace by loading it with logs that perfectly complement your existing decor.
Make Your Own Stacked Crate Bookshelf
A bespoke bookshelf can effortlessly elevate a space into a haven of comfort. The use of crates offers a unique opportunity to create oversized storage compartments, perfect for housing large books or decorative pieces that might not fit on traditional shelves. This design also lends itself well to creating cozy nooks that can be used to showcase small decorative items.
To achieve a Bohemian-inspired look, consider painting the crates in varying colors and experimenting with different textures and patterns. Alternatively, opt for a crisp white finish and adorn it with Parisian-style trinkets and accents to evoke a sense of French elegance.
Floor to Ceiling Wood Pallet Paneling
When it comes to DIY decorating projects, creating a unique accent wall is a fantastic way to add personality and visual interest to your living room. One creative approach is to repurpose wooden pallets to create a one-of-a-kind focal point. By embracing the natural beauty of wood, you can introduce warmth, texture, and subtle color variations to the space.
Instead of traditional painting or staining methods, this project uses a gray tint to achieve an aged, distressed look that adds depth and character. The great thing about DIY projects is that they offer endless opportunities for customization – feel free to follow the lead of this tutorial or forge your own path to create a truly personalized living room sanctuary.
Monumental Custom-Made Wall-Covering Plank Sign
This pallet wall art boasts an organic charm thanks to its uneven boards, effortlessly bringing the outdoors into your living room. Feel free to personalize it by choosing a motif that complements your decor – perhaps a serene landscape or a whimsical design. The quote at the bottom is also customizable, allowing you to infuse the piece with special meaning. If freehand painting isn’t your forte, stencils can be a great alternative.
Your Own Industrial Sign Letters
What sets this DIY wooden letter apart is the horizontal planks that give it a unique character. The beauty of this project lies in its simplicity, allowing you to choose any letter from any font – or opt for a more straightforward silhouette if the monogram style isn’t your cup of tea. If farmhouse decor is your thing, consider adding a buffalo plaid bow at the top for a charming touch. Alternatively, give it a beachy vibe by embellishing with seashells and rope – the possibilities are endless!
Shabby Chic Drop Cloth Pom Throw Pillow
In a surprising twist, this debonair pillow requires only a sewing machine capable of producing straight stitches. By fusing elaborate pom-poms with a humble drop cloth pillow, you’ll achieve a harmonious blend of intricacy and simplicity. For a touch of luxury, opt for fabric with a satiny finish like brocade or silk to create a regal accent pillow. Alternatively, the sturdy drop cloth provides a rustic or Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic.
Glossy Retro Upcycled Pastel Ceramics
Transform ordinary dollar store vases into show-stopping centerpieces by adding an enamel coating on the inside. This finishing touch gives them a vibrant hue that’s sure to spark conversation. In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through the process of mixing colors to create the perfect shade for your unique space. To add visual interest and create symmetry, try applying this technique to identical vases.
Alternatively, mix things up by using different vase styles and heights to add variety and depth.
DIY Wall to Wall Sofa Table
This DIY project boasts a simplicity that makes it an ideal fit for any space. The compact design allows the console table to seamlessly integrate with a long sofa, creating a harmonious living area. One of the greatest advantages of this project is its versatility – you can easily swap out the stain color to match your desired aesthetic. Before selecting a stain, consider what decorative pieces you plan to display on the table.
With a classy dark walnut finish as the base option, you can choose from a wide range of colors to complement your unique style.
Over the Arm Sofa Coffee Service
This DIY project from sinnenrausch. blogspot. com features a clever side table design that’s both functional and space-efficient. By sliding it over the arm of your couch, you’ll have a convenient spot for drinks without sacrificing floor space. The clean lines and simple aesthetic make it compatible with almost any couch style, while the white-glazed wood finish adds a touch of elegance that ties in perfectly with white highlights on your furniture.
What’s more, this project is surprisingly easy to complete, even if you’re new to DIY projects – just have your local hardware store cut the wood for you and follow the simple design specifications.
Rustic Studded Leather-Wrapped Letter Accent
Combining the timeless appeal of faux leather with the art of DIY crafting, this monogram letter project offers endless possibilities for creative expression. By incorporating faux leather into your home decor, you can easily evoke a sense of classic elegance, as seen when paired with antique books and vintage-inspired accents.
Alternatively, add a touch of rugged charm by combining it with shaggy faux fur and natural stone textures, or opt for a modern twist by using black or white faux leather.
Farmhouse Meets Mod Mirrored Table
With careful planning, transforming a coffee table into a stunning piece with a mirrored top is achievable. To avoid any setbacks, such as shattering or cracking, it’s crucial to consider the size and design of the mirror. A larger frame requires more space for attachment, making it essential to plan accordingly. This tutorial will guide you through the process, providing easy-to-follow steps and visual aids to ensure a successful outcome.
The result is a beautiful farmhouse-inspired table with a chic mirrored top.
Fairy Garden with Cacti and Succulents
When embarking on a DIY living room decorating project, it’s common to get caught up in furniture and overlook the impact that plants can have on the space. A copper planter is an easy and charming way to bring nature indoors, requiring minimal assembly. For those who lack confidence in their horticultural skills, artificial succulents are a great place to start.
To achieve a visually appealing range of greens, consider incorporating a variety of cacti and succulent species, which can be found at online retailers like historiasdecasa. com. br.
Easy Wire Basket Side Table Project
When it comes to crafting unique pieces of home decor, creative minds often turn to unexpected materials. The DIY project featured on twindragonflydesigns. com is no exception. By combining wooden spool ends with upturned laundry baskets, a beautiful tabletop and base are formed – all held together by glue and jute string. While the jute knots do create a slightly textured surface, they add an organic charm to the overall design.
To take this project to the next level, black acrylic paint is used to add personalized lettering through a faux-stamped effect.
5 Minute Dollar Store Candle Pillar Craft
Transform your ordinary candle holders into stunning decorative pieces with this effortless DIY project. By combining hot glue, sisal rope, and a dash of creativity, you can breathe new life into lackluster holders in just a few minutes. To create the look showcased here, simply pull the rope taut as you wrap it around the holder. For added flair, consider embellishing with ribbons, small decorative elements, or seashells to produce one-of-a-kind effects that reflect your personal style.
Simple Striped Armchair Coffee Caddy
Crafted from solid hickory, this drink perch boasts exceptional durability, capable of supporting any beverage. By incorporating such a caddy into your living room setup, you can effortlessly minimize clutter and eliminate the need for end tables flanking your couch. The visually appealing striping not only adds a touch of playfulness but also seamlessly integrates the piece with the surrounding decor, allowing you to infuse it with your unique personality and enjoy it for years to come.
Ombre Effect Rope Blanket Basket
Transforming a humble rope basket into a sophisticated storage solution is as easy as adding an ombre effect. The secret lies in the clever combination of materials, where a layer of felt sits beneath the rope, providing stability and structure thanks to the inclusion of an inexpensive round laundry basket. This unique construction ensures that the rope basket won’t slump or lose its shape like traditional designs might, making it a versatile and stylish addition to any room.
Its ease and affordability make it perfect for creating multiple versions to match each season’s decor.
DIY Living Room Decorating Ideas with Ladders
To bring your DIY project to life, the assembly process begins once you’ve cut and prepared your wooden pieces. A hammer and nails are all you’ll need to piece together this charming blanket ladder. For added rustic charm, opt for nails with varying finishes that will give your creation a genuinely aged appearance. As your finished ladder takes shape, envision the possibilities – a beautifully displayed collection of blankets that seamlessly integrates into your living room’s decor.
A Jar, Raw Cotton, and Jute Twine
The task of removing the sticky adhesive from an old jar’s label is a common hurdle many DIY enthusiasts face. However, instead of discarding this residue, we can harness its power to create a charming rustic effect by using it as a means to secure jute twine. This unorthodox approach may seem counterintuitive at first, but trust us when we say that the end result is well worth the effort.
Just imagine adorning your vase with an assortment of spring blooms like pink peonies, adding a touch of whimsy and elegance to your home’s decor.
Cute Country TV Trays for $10 Each
Every farmhouse enthusiast’s DIY living room decorating to-do list should include these trays, as they are incredibly useful. Their distressed finish and hand-painted lettering will add a touch of elegance to any farmhouse-themed living room. However, the beauty of this project lies in its versatility – with some simple modifications, you can easily adapt it to fit your unique style.
For a modern twist, focus on the geometric patterns for clean lines and a sleek silhouette that will complement any decor.
Geometric Straw Plate Wall Art
Transform your living space with a unique and textured DIY wall art display, perfect for those who love modern design. With just a few simple materials like spray paint and rattan plates, you can create a stunning nine-plate mural that adds depth and visual interest to any room. For a symmetrical design that promotes serenity, or opt for higher contrast for a bold statement piece. The possibilities are endless, making this project an excellent way to express your personal style.
From Flea Market Frame to Tasteful Tray
When it comes to adding a touch of elegance to a room, trays are an often-overlooked yet highly effective tool. By defining the space and showcasing decorative pieces without drawing attention away from them, a well-chosen tray can be a game-changer. This particular white tray, with its understated color palette, seamlessly blends into its surroundings, allowing the focus to remain on the decor it holds.
Of course, feel free to choose a tray that complements your space’s aesthetic – whether that’s a bold hue or a more subtle shade. Just be sure to add felt pads to the bottom of the tray before placing it on any furniture, ensuring a scratch-free experience and maintaining the integrity of both the tray and its surroundings.
Sweet, Sentimental Baluster Leg Lamp
To revamp this DIY project, start by scouring thrift stores for lamps with lines or patterns that catch your eye. While refinishing the lamp is crucial, the true essence of the piece lies in the French love letter details. If you don’t have a French love letter handy, consider translating a meaningful quote into the language. The beauty of this project lies in its versatility – it would be just as stunning with any translated quote or phrase, not just French.
Furry Faux Hedgeapple Throw Blanket
Transforming your living space with giant pom-poms is an easy and impactful DIY project. These oversized balls of yarn exude bold energy and a playful attitude, making them a great way to add some personality to your decor. With each skein of yarn producing two pom-poms, you can get creative with color combinations and mix-and-match different hues to create a unique look.
Whether you use them as statement pieces on a throw blanket or incorporate them into another design element, this DIY project is sure to make a bold statement in your living room.
Create Your Own Abstract Art
Create a stunning modern art piece using a simple gray stripe technique that’s perfect for those who aren’t artistically inclined. This DIY project offers endless possibilities, allowing you to customize the design to suit your personal style and decor. By adjusting the direction of the stripes, you can achieve various effects – from vertical lines that create the illusion of a larger space to soothing circles or energizing zig-zags.
The versatility of this technique makes it an ideal addition to any room.
Custom Drapes from Drop Cloths
While it may seem counterintuitive, this DIY project requires no sewing whatsoever to achieve its sophisticated aesthetic. The key lies in the humble drapery clip, which allows for effortless customization of the curtain’s top fold. As drop cloth is constructed from a canvas-like material, it naturally drapes elegantly, giving the impression of high-end curtains at a fraction of the cost.
While this material does provide some level of opacity, it’s not suitable for blackout curtains due to the persistence of natural light.
Roughhewn Honeycomb Hanging Shelf Assembly
Inspired by the intricate patterns found in nature, DIY honeycomb shelves offer a unique storage solution for any room. What’s more, clustering these hexagonal shelves together can actually reduce the amount of wood required to build them, making this project both functional and cost-effective. By strategically placing a shelf at the widest point of each hexagon, you effectively double your shelving space.
Once assembled and hung, you can showcase your personal style by displaying your favorite items. To maximize the visual impact of your shelves, choose a finish that provides a striking contrast to your wall.
Nothing’s More Rustic than a Stump
Transforming a chunk of log into a unique lamp adds a touch of rustic charm to any living space. The natural texture of the wood provides an interesting contrast to the soft glow of the lamp’s gentle tapered shade, creating a visually appealing combination. If you prefer a more vibrant atmosphere, feel free to experiment with different lamp shades to find the perfect hue for your home.
Designer Knockoff Striped Canvas Carpet
Black and white striped rugs add a touch of drama to any living room, making them a great DIY project for those looking to add some contrast to their space. When paired with brighter colors like salmon, yellow, or aqua, they can bring a playful summer vibe to the room. However, if you plan to place your rug in a high-traffic area, it’s essential to apply a protective sealant to prevent the black stripes from wearing away over time.
No Carpenter No Problem DIY Fireplace Mantel
Creating a floating mantel for your living room is surprisingly straightforward, even when faced with unique architectural features like stacked stone walls. This DIY project offers a modern twist on a classic design element, resulting in functional storage space and a striking focal point. For added drama, consider incorporating black or metallic finishes to elevate the look.
The Leaded Look Rectangular Wall Mirror
When it comes to DIY projects, there’s something special about hanging a paneled mirror in a space. Not only does it cultivate a sense of symmetry and calm, but it also adds a touch of elegance with every wood intersection featuring a small rosette. To take things to the next level, consider incorporating beveled mirrors into your design – their dimensional quality can really make the overall look pop.
For those who don’t want to create their own frame from scratch, a clever alternative is to repurpose an old window by replacing its panes with mirrors. This hack allows you to achieve a similar aesthetic without the hassle of building something new.
Nautical Twine-Wrapped Bottle Bud Vases
Embark on a creative journey and bring your unique vision to life with this easy DIY project. By following this tutorial, you’ll be able to craft one-of-a-kind vases that will perfectly complement any living room decor. Start by wrapping the bottle in light-colored twine for a natural and earthy touch. Then, select a paper napkin featuring a pattern that resonates with your personal style. The possibilities are truly endless, making these custom vases ideal gifts for friends and loved ones.
French Provincial Tufted Farmhouse Coffee Table
Elevate your space with this unique DIY project that combines opulence and coziness. The diamond tufted pattern adds a touch of regality, while the coffee table frame provides a warm, farmhouse-inspired feel. To achieve this look, you can use purple-toned suede for a bold statement, or opt for a neutral-colored fabric for a more understated approach. Alternatively, choose velvet for a luxurious ambiance.
For a modern twist, select a coffee table with a sleek silhouette and pair it with black, white, or gray fabric to create a sophisticated atmosphere.
Monochromatic Darkroom Drying Rack Photo Displays
One of the most effective DIY living room decorating strategies is discovering innovative ways to display photographs. A matching photo board is an excellent approach to showcasing cherished black and white snapshots in a harmonious manner. The use of small metal clips enables effortless replacement of pictures whenever desired, allowing for a dynamic display.
Notably, this image demonstrates how black and white photography can beautifully contrast against warm-toned wood, establishing a distinct color palette that adds depth and visual interest to the space.
Rock On Pebbled Vanity Accessories
Transform your space with a unique DIY project from morenascorner.com! This pebble-studded decor idea requires minimal effort and creativity, making it perfect for anyone looking to add some personality to their room. While polished dollar store pebbles are used in this example, feel free to substitute any small stones you’ve collected on your travels or in your own backyard. For a more refined aesthetic, consider using uniform-colored stones that will create a cohesive and sophisticated look.
Pompom Trimmed Preppy Throw Pillows
When it comes to DIY projects, sometimes a single touch is not enough to make a statement. In this case, a horizontal line adorned with fluffy pom-poms adds a burst of energy to a pillow. But what truly brings the design together is color. The combination of white pom-poms on a neutral pillow background highlights the texture and dimension, while pairing it with a boldly-patterned pillow achieves a perfect balance between visual interest and harmony.
As the seasons change, the patterned pillow can be easily swapped out, but the pom-pom pillow remains a timeless addition.
10-Minute Amateur Friendly Corner Shelf Project
With a dash of planning and creativity, transforming a corner into a showcase for cherished knick-knacks is within reach. By installing multiple tiers of floating shelves, you can cleverly fill otherwise bare spaces, injecting new life into your home decor. The key to this project’s success lies in selecting the perfect finish to match your desired aesthetic.
For an industrial-inspired setting, consider adding a touch of rugged charm with tin tiles on the trim, allowing your shelves to seamlessly blend into the overall design.
Upcycled Hardwood Door Corner Mirror
Transform any rustic living room into a charming haven with this DIY mirror project from thewoodgraincottage. com. The standout feature of this piece is its thick frame crafted from picket fence lumber, boasting a rough cut that adds visual texture and character through knots. For an added layer of distressed flair, the tutorial suggests employing a hammer to further weather the wood.
If you’d like to take it up a notch, feel free to experiment with paint or wood burning techniques for a unique, personalized finish.
Our Favorite Rustic Chic Decorations to buy on Amazon
When it comes to designing a living room, the layout and arrangement of furniture pieces can make or break the overall aesthetic. A well-planned space can be inviting and cozy, while a poorly planned one can feel cluttered and uncomfortable. In this context, understanding how different elements interact with each other is crucial. Take for instance, the humble sofa – often the centerpiece of any living room design.
It’s not just about picking the right color or style, but also considering its placement in relation to other pieces. A mirror hung opposite the sofa can create a sense of depth and visual interest, while a chair placed beside it can provide an inviting spot for conversation. Adding a coffee table and end tables can bring the space together, with a vase or two adding a touch of elegance. To complete the look, throw in some plush pillows and a table lamp to create warm and cozy ambiance.
Finally, a console table behind the sofa can provide a convenient spot for keys, mail, and other essentials, tying everything together.