Decorating your living room with DIY (Do-It-Yourself) decor is a fun way to add your personal touch and create a cozy, stylish space. You don’t need a big budget or professional skills to make your living room stand out. From painting accent walls and creating gallery walls to upcycling old furniture and crafting your own throw pillows, the possibilities are endless. With these 40 easy and affordable DIY ideas for living room, you can refresh your living room, adding personality and charm without breaking the bank. Whether it’s a small update or a complete makeover, get inspired and start decorating!
1. Create a Gallery Wall
Turn a blank wall into an art gallery with framed photos, artwork, or even your kids' drawings. Mix and match frame sizes and styles to add visual interest.
2. Paint an Accent Wall
Painting one wall in a bold or contrasting color can change the whole look of your living room. Choose a color that complements your furniture and decor.
3. DIY Floating Shelves
Floating shelves are great for displaying decor, books, or plants. Build your own with simple wooden planks and brackets, then paint or stain them to match your room.
4. Make Your Own Throw Pillows
Sewing your throw pillows allows you to choose fabrics that match your style. You can also update old pillows with new covers made from scarves, old shirts, or fabric remnants.
5. Repurpose Old Furniture
Give old furniture a new life with a fresh coat of paint or stain. A vintage coffee table or sideboard can become the star of your living room with a little TLC.
6. DIY Macrame Wall Hangings
Macrame wall hangings add texture and a boho touch to any living room. You can find tutorials online to create simple knots and designs that look professionally crafted.
7. Upcycle Wine Bottles into Vases
Paint or decorate empty wine bottles to create unique vases. Use them to display fresh flowers or dried branches for a stylish, eco-friendly touch.
8. Create a Cozy Reading Nook
Use a comfy chair, a small table, and a floor lamp to create a cozy reading nook in a corner of your living room. Add a throw blanket and some books to complete the space.
9. Make a DIY Coffee Table Tray
A decorative tray on your coffee table can hold books, candles, or remotes. You can make one with a wooden board, some handles, and a bit of paint or stain.
10. Personalize with DIY Art
Create your artwork with canvas, paint, and a bit of creativity. Abstract designs, simple landscapes, or inspirational quotes are great options for DIY art.
11. Craft a Rope Basket
Make a decorative rope basket to store blankets, magazines, or toys. Use a hot glue gun to wrap rope around a plastic bucket or cardboard form.
12. Update Your Lampshades
Refresh an old lampshade with fabric, paint, or even some string lights. This small change can instantly update the look of your lighting.
13. DIY Planters for Indoor Plants
Plants bring life to any room. Create planters from recycled materials like tin cans, mason jars, or old pots, and paint them to match your decor.
14. Create a Feature Wall with Stencils
Use stencils to add patterns to a plain wall without the commitment of wallpaper. It’s an easy way to add a unique touch to your space.
15. Build a Pallet Coffee Table
Old pallets can be turned into rustic coffee tables with a bit of sanding and staining. Add wheels for a functional and movable piece.
16. Make a Blanket Ladder
A wooden blanket ladder adds a farmhouse feel to your living room and is perfect for displaying throws and blankets. Build one with wooden dowels and some basic tools.
17. Frame Fabric or Wallpaper Samples
Frame pieces of fabric or wallpaper as art. It’s a quick, affordable way to add color and pattern to your walls.
18. DIY Coasters from Cork or Wood
Make custom coasters from cork or wood slices. Paint or stamp them with fun designs to add a personal touch to your living room.
19. Hang String Lights
String lights aren’t just for holidays. Hang them around your window, along a wall, or inside a large vase to add a warm, cozy glow.
20. Use Washi Tape for Wall Designs
Washi tape is a quick way to add fun patterns to your walls, frames, or furniture without permanent changes. Create stripes, geometric designs, or borders.
21. Turn a Ladder into a Bookshelf
Lean an old ladder against the wall and use the steps as shelves for books, plants, or decorative items.
22. Create a DIY Ottoman
Use an old coffee table or a wooden crate, add some padding, and cover it with fabric to create a stylish and functional ottoman.
23. Decorate with Wall Decals
Wall decals are easy to apply and remove, making them perfect for renters. Choose quotes, patterns, or images that reflect your personality.
24. Sew Your Curtains
Custom curtains can be expensive, but sewing your own allows you to choose the perfect fabric. Simple designs are beginner-friendly and can change the look of your windows.
25. DIY Candle Holders
Make candle holders from concrete, wood, or even clay. They add a warm and inviting feel to your living room.
26. Paint Your Fireplace
A fresh coat of paint can completely change the look of your fireplace. Opt for a bold color or keep it neutral for a sleek, modern look.
27. Repurpose Old Frames
Turn old frames into decorative pieces by painting them and adding a mirror, fabric, or a chalkboard inside.
28. DIY Wall Hooks
Create stylish wall hooks from wood pieces, knobs, or even branches. Use them to hang bags, keys, or decor.
29. Make a DIY Clock
Create a unique wall clock with a clock kit and any base you like—wood, fabric, or even a painted canvas.
30. Fabric-Covered Bulletin Board
Make a fabric-covered bulletin board to keep notes, photos, or inspiration on display. It’s a practical and decorative addition to any room.
31. DIY Beaded Chandelier
Create a beaded chandelier for a boho or vintage touch. String beads onto wire or hoops to make a one-of-a-kind light fixture.
32. Reupholster Chairs
Give your chairs a new look by reupholstering them with fresh fabric. It’s easier than it looks and can refresh your entire space.
33. Create a DIY Area Rug
Use fabric paint to add a custom pattern to a plain rug or make a patchwork rug from fabric remnants for a unique floor covering.
34. Paint Wooden Furniture
A fresh coat of paint can transform old or outdated furniture. Choose bright colors for a fun touch or neutrals for a more classic look.
35. Use Mirrors to Brighten the Space
Mirrors reflect light and make any room feel larger. Create a mirror wall or add a large statement mirror for style and function.
36. DIY Bookends
Make your bookends from painted bricks, wooden blocks, or any heavy objects that can hold books upright.
37. Decorate with DIY Photo Clips
Hang photos, artwork, or quotes with clips on a wire or string. It’s a casual and fun way to display memories.
38. Make a Decorative Ladder Shelf
Turn a wooden ladder into a shelf by adding boards across the rungs. Use it to display decor, books, or plants.
39. Create a Custom Message Board
Turn a piece of wood into a message board with chalkboard paint. Use it for notes, quotes, or doodles.
40. DIY Wall Art with Wooden Slices
Paint or stain wooden slices and arrange them on the wall for rustic and natural decor. It’s a simple and creative way to add texture.
These 40 DIY home decor ideas will help you add personality and style to your living room without breaking the bank. Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or just getting started, there's something here for everyone. Happy decorating!