11 Simple DIY Décor Projects to Give Your Living Room New Life

Ready to transform your living room without breaking the bank? Your space deserves a refresh that reflects your personality and creativity. With just a few basic supplies and a little imagination, you can breathe new life into your living area this weekend. These simple DIY projects will help you create a stylish, personalized space that feels brand new.
1. Floating Shelves from Reclaimed Wood
Reclaimed wood carries stories within its grain. Transforming old boards into floating shelves creates both functional storage and a conversation piece for your living room walls.
Sand the boards until smooth but leave some character marks intact—those imperfections tell a story! Apply a coat of wood conditioner before staining to ensure even color absorption. Mount them using hidden bracket systems for that magical floating effect.
Display small plants, favorite books, or travel mementos on your new shelves. The warm, weathered wood adds organic charm while providing practical space for your treasured items.
2. No-Sew Pillow Covers
Fresh pillow covers can revolutionize your couch without requiring advanced crafting skills. Fabric stores offer endless possibilities—bold patterns, rich textures, or seasonal colors that match your mood.
Simply cut fabric into squares about 2 inches larger than your existing pillows on each side. Iron the edges under, then use fabric glue or hemming tape to secure them. Create an envelope closure on the back with overlapping fabric pieces.
Keep several sets on hand for easy seasonal switches. This fifteen-minute project delivers maximum impact with minimum effort—perfect for beginners looking to make a big visual change quickly.
3. Mason Jar Lighting Fixtures
Ordinary mason jars transform into extraordinary lighting with just a few modifications. Their glass bodies create beautiful light patterns across your walls when illuminated, adding ambiance and character.
Purchase pendant light kits from hardware stores and attach them to the jar lids. Drill holes in the lids for the wiring to pass through safely. Consider frosting the jars with etching cream for a softer glow or leaving them clear for brighter illumination.
Hang a cluster at varying heights in a corner or create a row above a console table. The industrial-meets-rustic vibe works beautifully in both modern and traditional living spaces.
4. Macramé Wall Hanging
Natural fibers are making a huge comeback in home décor. Creating your own macramé wall hanging adds texture and warmth to any blank wall that’s crying out for attention.
You’ll need cotton rope, a wooden dowel, and basic knotting techniques that are surprisingly easy to master with a little practice. The repetitive knotting process becomes almost meditative once you get the hang of it.
The best part? Each piece turns out completely unique, reflecting your personal style and handcrafting journey. Hang it above your sofa or in that awkward empty corner for an instant boho upgrade.
5. Gallery Wall with Thrifted Frames
Mismatched picture frames become a cohesive statement when unified with a single paint color. Scour thrift stores for frames of various sizes and shapes—the more diverse, the more interesting your gallery will be!
Remove the backing and glass, then spray paint all frames in your chosen accent color. White creates a clean, modern look while black adds drama. Gold or silver adds instant elegance to any space.
Fill your frames with family photos, printable art from online sources, or even fabric swatches. Arrange them on the floor first to find your perfect layout before hanging. This personalized art installation becomes an instant focal point.
6. Painted Terracotta Planters
Plain terracotta pots undergo a magical transformation with just a coat of paint and some creativity. Their warm, earthy base tone provides the perfect canvas for your artistic expression.
Seal the pots first with clear primer to prevent moisture seepage affecting your design. Then let your imagination run wild—geometric patterns, color blocks, or hand-painted motifs all work beautifully. Finish with a clear sealer to protect your masterpiece.
Group your finished planters in odd numbers on shelves or tables. Fill them with low-maintenance houseplants like succulents or snake plants for a living element that brings energy and improved air quality to your space.
7. Repurposed Ladder Bookshelf
An old wooden ladder holds untapped potential as a stunning bookshelf. Standing tall against your wall, it creates vertical interest while providing unconventional storage that showcases your favorite reads and treasures.
Sand rough edges and apply a fresh coat of paint or stain that complements your existing furniture. Secure the ladder to your wall for safety, especially in homes with children or pets. Each rung becomes a unique display area.
Style your ladder with a mix of books placed horizontally and vertically. Add small plants, candles, or framed photos between book stacks for visual interest. This functional piece doubles as an artistic statement that draws the eye upward.
8. Custom Canvas Wall Art
Store-bought art can feel impersonal and expensive. Creating your own canvas masterpiece guarantees a one-of-a-kind piece perfectly matched to your color scheme—no artistic experience required!
Start with a blank canvas and painter’s tape to create simple geometric designs. Apply acrylic paint in your chosen colors, then carefully remove the tape while the paint is still slightly wet for crisp lines. Another approach: dip yarn in paint and drag it across the canvas for an abstract linear effect.
Position your finished piece above your sofa or fireplace as a focal point. The personal connection to something you created yourself adds meaningful depth to your living space that purchased art simply cannot match.
9. Driftwood Mobile or Sculpture

Beach-combed treasures become sophisticated décor when thoughtfully arranged. Driftwood pieces, naturally sculpted by water and time, bring organic shapes and coastal vibes to your indoor environment.
Select pieces with interesting forms and varied sizes. Clean thoroughly, then bleach if you prefer a whitewashed look or leave natural for earthy appeal. Drill small holes and connect pieces with fishing line or thin wire to create a hanging mobile.
Alternatively, arrange larger pieces in a bowl as a coffee table sculpture or mount a statement piece directly on the wall. The weathered textures contrast beautifully with smoother elements in your room, creating visual interest through natural materials.
10. Fabric-Wrapped Storage Boxes
Storage doesn’t have to sacrifice style. Ordinary cardboard boxes undergo a glamorous makeover with fabric wrapping, creating functional décor that conceals everyday clutter.
Choose sturdy boxes and quality fabric that coordinates with your living room color scheme. Measure carefully, leaving extra fabric for folding over edges. Use spray adhesive for a smooth application, working one side at a time like wrapping a present.
Stack your finished boxes on shelves or slide under coffee tables. They’re perfect for corralling remote controls, gaming accessories, or seasonal items. The consistent fabric creates a cohesive look while the boxes themselves maintain order in previously chaotic spaces.
11. Rope-Wrapped Vases
Glass vases from dollar stores become designer-worthy vessels with a simple rope wrapping technique. The textural contrast between smooth glass and natural fiber creates visual interest that elevates flower arrangements.
Start at the bottom, securing the rope end with hot glue. Work your way up, applying small dabs of glue every few inches to keep the rope in place. Vary your technique—wrap the entire vase or create patterns by leaving glass sections exposed.
Fill with fresh flowers, dried botanicals, or standalone as sculptural pieces. Group several in different heights for maximum impact. This textural element adds warmth and crafted charm to coffee tables, mantels, or shelving units.