The Best Under-$200 Tricks We Want to Steal From Before and Afters in 2020

Sometimes your space really needs an upgrade, but your budget simply doesn’t allow for it. Good news: That doesn’t mean you have to table the project while you dutifully save up. We’ve seen some amazing makeovers that prove there are plenty of creative ways to stretch a dollar and get the job done. Here are some of our favorite takeaways, before and after the transformations.

Forget wallpaper—this incredibly affordable craft supply can make just as much of a statement. Plus, it’s great for renters, since it’s removable. This DIY accent wall is the focal point of this sleek and sophisticated living room, but cost just $5 to make.

Tile is another budget-buster, but Katherine Tlapa of My Eclectic Grace wasn’t about to give up on renovating her tired bathroom. Instead, she created an impressive faux subway tile wall using a ruler, a level, and a Sharpie marker she already had.

Though an unused closet is a massive waste of space, there are probably more important projects on your to-do list. But would that change if we told you just one weekend and $95 is all it takes to turn that dead zone into a fun and functional part of your home?

When Samantha Wiebe and her husband Kevin renovated their bedroom, they proved that sometimes the best DIY projects don’t cost anything at all. They created this stunning headboard-accent wall combo using reclaimed wood from free pallets.

With a little bit of creative thinking, Home Depot molding, and some math skills, Liz Elliot showed us that you can create an entire wall of totally cool custom paneling for just $200.

This DIY is proof that sponge-painting has a place outside of the ’90s. Thanks to a creative technique and the perfect greige paint, this sponge-painted wall looks totally contemporary and makes this bathroom reno come to life.

You don’t need to rely on your walls to infuse personality and color into a room. This high-impact look, which makes the bookcase the star of the room, came together with just $90 spent on a bold matte blue paint, rollers, and brushes.

So you don’t have a mudroom or an entryway closet? Rather than settle for looking at a heap of jackets and backpacks every day, take inspiration from this sophisticated and tidy $30 redo.

It might be one of the simplest tricks in the book, but this $135 project provides more proof that a little bit of paint and some quirky new hardware can make even the most tired furniture look designer.