Transform Home with These Budget-Friendly DIY Decor Ideas

Editor: Diksha Yadav on Aug 04,2025

You don’t need a large budget or to hire an interior designer to create a fantastic transformation in your living room. With some creativity and a handful of simple tools, you can make your living room a chic, cozy retreat that anyone will love, and for little to no money! Whether you want to spruce up your space as the seasons change or dream of a new vibe for your living room, these budget-friendly DIY decor ideas to refresh your living room will inspire you to reimagine your space at a fraction of the cost!

These ideas are perfect for renters, homeowners, and anyone working on a budget while balancing style and budget. If you're looking for budget DIY home decor ideas, living room makeovers on a budget, or DIY decorating for renters, you have landed on the right page!

Why DIY Living Room Decor Makes Sense

Professional makeovers are expensive, often costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars. While DIY decor allows you to be creative and maximize your budget in meaningful ways, it also allows you to showcase your individuality while avoiding the cookie-cutter look of other bought decor. 

Simply decorating a piece of art, embellishing furniture, or rearranging your layout can be a cost-effective decor project and provide a dramatic change without a surprising cost.

1. Rearrange for a Fresh Perspective

Before purchasing or building a new arrangement, could you consider rearranging your existing design? It may cost you absolutely nothing and could rejuvenate your space instantly.

Ideas to Try:

  • Swap the space of your chairs and sofa
  • Move furniture away from the walls for cozy conversational areas
  • Change the location of your TV and other focal points
  • Try diagonal arrangements for a contemporary look

Simply adding this one step can dramatically alter the energy of your space and make it feel brand new again—the perfect way to begin an affordable living room makeover.

2. Paint an Accent Wall or Use Removable Wallpaper

Color can charge or calm a room; you don’t have to paint the whole room to achieve this effect.

Budget-Friendly Suggestions:

  • Paint one wall in a bright or soothing color
  • Tape off a wall in painter's tape and paint over it to achieve patterns of stripes, geometrics, etc.
  • Use peel-and-stick wallpaper, especially if you are renting.

Do-it-yourself decorating for renters can be simplified by using removable options that can be removed cleanly without marking the wall.

3. DIY Wall Art from Everyday Items

You don’t need to buy expensive paintings to decorate your walls. Create art that reflects your personality using everyday supplies.

DIY Wall Art Ideas:

  • Frame pages from old books or magazines
  • Create a gallery wall with thrifted frames and printed quotes
  • Use washi tape to create simple patterns or mock frames
  • Paint abstract canvases using leftover wall paint

These projects are a fun and expressive way to refresh your space—and they double as conversation starters.

4. Add Life with Low-Maintenance Plants

diy old bottles into plants

Greenery adds vibrancy and texture, making any room feel fresh and alive. And no, you don’t need a green thumb.

Budget Plant Ideas:

  • Use clippings from outdoor plants or swap with a friend
  • Put them in upcycled containers (mugs, cans, jars)
  • Create a vertical garden using hanging baskets or wall shelves

Plants are a great way to practice cost-effective decor projects that improve air quality and overall vibe.

5. Refresh Throw Pillows and Covers

Textiles are an essential part of a living room's design. Instead of buying new pillows, change your pillow covers.

Inexpensive Ideas:

  • Make your covers from leftover fabric or clothing
  • No-sew with fabric or hem tape
  • Textile options include scarves, table runners, or even an old t-shirt

Changing textures and colors can instantly refresh a room, especially if you're decorating on a tight budget!

6. Create DIY Shelving with Crates or Brackets

Storage and display don’t have to be tedious or expensive. Floating shelves add dimension and style without cluttering your space.

DIY Shelf Ideas:

  • Stack wooden crates vertically for a rustic bookshelf
  • Mount inexpensive L-brackets and reclaimed wood planks
  • Paint and hang old drawers as wall-mounted display boxes

These shelving ideas double as decor and storage—ideal for small spaces and renters alike.

7. Repurpose and Upcycle Existing Furniture

Before tossing out that old coffee table or side chair, consider giving it a new lease on life.

Upcycling Tips:

  • Repaint or re-stain wood furniture
  • Use contact paper to cover worn tabletops
  • Add new knobs or handles for a custom look
  • Turn a side table into a mini bar or plant stand

These budget DIY home decor ideas let you breathe new life into old pieces with little expense.

8. Light It Right with DIY Lamps and Fixtures

Lighting transforms a room’s mood. Adding or updating light fixtures doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

DIY Lighting Ideas:

  • Wrap twinkle lights around a curtain rod or mirror
  • Create a custom lampshade using fabric, twine, or paint
  • Repurpose glass jars into pendant lights or lanterns

Soft lighting adds warmth and depth, helping you create a cozy, inviting space on any budget.

9. Add Texture with Layered Rugs or DIY Floor Mats

Rugs help define spaces, especially in open layouts. You don’t need to splurge to get the look.

Inexpensive Rug Ideas:

  • Layer small rugs or mats for a designer-inspired look
  • Paint a plain rug with fabric-safe paint or stencils
  • Create a braided rug from old t-shirts or towels

This is one of the easiest, most cost-effective decor projects to add comfort and visual interest to your floor.

10. Decorate with Books, Baskets, and Blankets

Homey touches often make the most significant impact—you likely already have them.

Styling Tips:

  • Stack books to create height for vases or lamps
  • Use baskets to store remotes or magazines stylishly
  • Drape throws over sofas or ottomans for color and coziness

These decor tricks also double as storage—a win-win for small or busy living rooms.

11. Frame and Display Personal Memories

Adding personal touches can make your space feel curated and meaningful.

Personal Decor Ideas:

  • Frame family photos, travel souvenirs, or handwritten notes
  • Create a corkboard or string display for rotating photos
  • Use shadow boxes to showcase keepsakes

This option is ideal for renters who want DIY decorating because it adds personality without significant alterations.

12. Create a Feature Wall with Mirrors

Mirrors create the illusion of space and help reflect natural light.

DIY Mirror Wall Ideas:

  • Thrift small mirrors and paint them to match
  • Arrange mismatched mirrors into a gallery wall
  • Use stick-on mirror tiles for a clean, modern look

They’re functional and stylish—an excellent trick for affordably refreshing your space.

13. Use Curtain Tricks to Make Your Room Feel Larger

Window treatments can transform a space more than you might think.

Smart Curtain Tips:

  • Hang rods closer to the ceiling to make windows appear taller
  • Extend rods beyond the window frame for a wider look
  • Repurpose bedsheets or tablecloths as DIY curtains

These tricks help you achieve a polished, high-end look with very little investment, which is ideal for living room decor on a tight budget.

14. Build a DIY Coffee Table Centerpiece

A styled centerpiece adds polish and acts as the focal point of your living room.

DIY Centerpiece Ideas:

  • Use a tray to corral candles, vases, or small books
  • Add seasonal elements like pinecones, flowers, or fruit
  • Create your candle holders from jars or clay

A thoughtfully styled table doesn’t just look good—it invites people to sit, stay, and enjoy the space.

15. Embrace Minimalism with Strategic Decluttering

Sometimes the best refresh is removing what no longer serves you.

Minimalist Decor Ideas:

  • Clear surfaces except for 1–2 accent items
  • Remove outdated or damaged decor
  • Rearrange open shelving with intention and space

Minimalism isn’t about having nothing but loving everything you keep. It’s also one of the most budget-friendly DIY decor ideas to refresh your living room, because it costs nothing.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a big budget for a beautifully refreshed living room. With these budget-friendly DIY decor ideas to refresh your living room, you can breathe new life into your space using simple materials, a creative mindset, and a few hours of effort.

Whether you’re repurposing old furniture, styling your shelves with thrifted finds, or creating personalized wall art, these budget DIY home decor ideas prove that style doesn’t have to be expensive. And for renters or those living in small spaces, options like removable wallpaper, upcycled decor, and flexible shelving provide the perfect blend of function and flair.

Give your living room the love it deserves—and enjoy the satisfaction of doing it all yourself, without overspending.


This content was created by AI