DIY Home Projects

As one Instagram commenter says, “Literally would never stop reading books with big cozy socks on in this room.”

This will be one of our broadest Weekend Projects yet (and therefore will require a little brainstorming on your part before you can start) but it’s an important idea to tackle. Not only is this type of project fun (and the perfect thing to do on a particularly hot or rainy summer day), you can (perhaps most importantly) save money — for summer plans or things you want to add to home.

We love to write about clever, multitasking furniture designs for small spaces, but the downside to a lot of these pieces is that they come with hefty price tags. If, like a lot of people, you’re living in a small space and have a similarly small budget, the good news is that there are a lot of DIYs out there for hardworking, flexible furniture that you can make yourself. Here are 11 of our favorites. Above, a custom table created for this tiny beach house seen at VT Wonen.

This once-plain shoe cabinet is now a stunning entryway statement piece.

If you’re looking for fresh ways to get into the Halloween, ahem, spirit, this is for you.

These simple projects are all about keeping your efforts low but your payoff high.

The DIY ceiling is a must-see.

No one will ever know you only paid $300 for it.

“I’d need multiple for every season.”

All you’ll need is a little bit of paint to DIY it at home.

The end result is equal parts cool, chic, cute, and the perfect level of creepiness to suit the season.

You don't need a working fireplace to make the most of this cozy DIY decor.

Learn this DIY and never light another store-bought candle again.

Stand out from the crowd with one of these easy DIYs.

You can make most of these fixes without any tools.

Looks like it’s time to hit the thrift store.

Put those leftover pumpkins to good use!

You might already have everything you need on hand.

And it cost a fraction of a professional custom install.

It’s the most glittery, glam addition to any plant garden.

The results are so luxe, you can’t even tell it’s a DIY.

The tile from before looks totally refreshed, and the DIYer only spent about $53 to make it all happen.

“We spend way more time in here now than we did the first two years of living in the house,” says the homeowner.

Only a few steps were needed to give these IKEA shelves the look of custom built-ins.

Could this be Barbie’s dream cottage? Probably.

Yes, they’re the same doors!

The “after” feels fresh and lively.

These pro-approved tips are perfect for renters.

The stylish storage isn’t the only improvement in this one-time dining room.

If you want to try your hand at making over curbside finds or thrift store hidden gems, you need these tools.

These dog beds are stylish enough to keep anywhere in your home.

While wallpaper didn’t work out in one spot, it totally paid off in another.

“You don't always have to renovate a space to make it look pretty,” this homeowner says.

Skip the LED strip and opt for a much more sophisticated corner lamp instead.

This is so cute and so easy.

The kids love having “a mini version of our house that’s all theirs.”

If you're the type who leans more into subtle spooky decor, then you’ll love this creepy Halloween DIY project.

Inspired to take on an IKEA hack as a total beginner? Read this first.

This DIY was super easy, but did require some patience. Here’s how I did it.

These wreaths are the perfect way to welcome fall guests to your home.

This DIY was totally beginner-friendly.

“What I love most about the "after" of this project is that the space is now defined. It has a purpose,” the DIYer says.

This hardworking space now has a home for everything.

“This is SO creative, clever, and the best mushroom lamp shape I’ve ever seen.”

The after is “the embodiment of maximalist design,” this homeowner says.

Does your bed need an upgrade? Find your next DIY project here.

The footprint stayed the same, but the “after” looks so luxe.

It feels both new and old.

The result is a beautiful mosaic of blues, greens, browns, and whites.

You’ll want to make your entire home a hall of mirrors after seeing this DIY project.

Get ready for blood- and slime-inspired shelves.

One highlight: a hand-painted floral pattern on the walls.

Tile paint for the win!

Keep your keepsakes out of the shoebox and enjoy them every day.

“Why are the simplest of designs also the most brilliant?”

Free up floor space with this easy DIY upgrade.

If you’ve been dreaming of DIYing projects at home but aren’t sure where to start, this is for you.

In just a couple of hours, you can give yourself added kitchen storage and make great use of what was once wasted space.

If you ever made a beaded keychain shaped like a lizard, this pool float is for you.

I’m an Apartment Therapy editor, and here’s the (free!) way I source my fave home decor — even without a link.

You won’t have to struggle with holding up the light.

These simple ideas will help you transform your home for fall.

She also added moldings to the ceiling for wow factor.

The paint is holding up even better than she expected.

It has everything I need as a renter.

It’s fun, whimsical, and food-inspired.

They look boo-tiful.

It’s so satisfying to watch.

Although this can be found in old homes, it might be time to modernize it.