Your living room should show off your personal style—you don’t need a designer’s budget or fancy installation. DIY living room decor projects let you transform your space with simple materials, basic tools, and some creativity.
Remember to repin your favorite images!
When you make your own decor, you get a high-end look, save money, and add touches you just can’t buy in stores. Handcrafting a coffee table out of old crates? Making wall art from things around the house? These projects mix function with style and really elevate your space.
If you want more storage, a new focal point, or just a cozy throw, DIY projects give you total control. You get to pick the colors, sizes, and finishes that work with what you already have. Plus, you pick up new skills and get that little thrill from making something yourself.
Essential Planning for DIY Living Room Decor
A little planning up front saves you time and money. It also helps your DIY projects actually fit together and reflect your taste.
Defining Your Style and Budget
Figure out your decorating style before you start. Flip through magazines or scroll online and save what you love. Are you into clean lines and neutrals, or do you want bold patterns and lots of texture?
Set a realistic budget for your project. Factor in materials, tools, and a little extra for mistakes—trust me, they happen. That 70-20-10 rule works: 70% for big stuff like furniture, 20% for decor items, and 10% for surprises.
Write down what you absolutely need versus what’s just nice to have. This helps when you need to make choices. If you can, wait for sales to get more for your money.
Evaluating Existing Decor and Space
Take a bunch of photos of your living room from different angles. It really helps you see things objectively. Measure everything—walls, windows, doors, even ceiling height.
Look for things you can update instead of tossing. That old coffee table could just need paint or new hardware. Maybe your sofa just wants a slipcover or some fresh pillows.
Think about these:
- Where does natural light come in, and when?
- How do people move through the room?
- What needs to be stored?
- Where are your outlets for lamps and gadgets?
Spot the trouble spots. Put your energy where it’ll make the biggest difference.
Gathering Inspiration and Project Ideas
Don’t just stick to Pinterest. Check out furniture stores, model homes, or even your friends’ places to see projects up close. Photos only show so much—you need to see scale and texture in real life.
List out projects by how much time and skill they’ll take. Start simple, like updating a lamp shade or hanging wall art, before you try building furniture.
Easy beginner projects:
- Painting accent walls or furniture
- Sewing throw pillow covers
- Making a gallery wall with your own photos
- Building floating shelves
- Swapping out light fixtures
Keep a materials list for each project. This way, you avoid endless hardware store runs and can grab deals when you see them.
DIY Coffee Table Projects
A coffee table isn’t just a spot for your mug—it’s a centerpiece that shows off your style. You can build a great one from reclaimed wood, old crates, or by revamping something you already own.
Building a Coffee Table with Reclaimed Wood
Reclaimed wood brings so much character and warmth. Pick planks with cool grain or a weathered look.
You’ll need:
- 3-4 reclaimed wood planks for the top
- Wood screws
- Table legs or hairpin legs
- Sandpaper
- Wood stain or sealant
Cut your reclaimed wood planks the same length—usually 42-48 inches. Sand them just enough to take off splinters but keep that weathered vibe.
Line up the planks and screw them together from underneath. This keeps the top smooth.
Attach the legs at the corners. Hairpin legs look especially cool with old wood, giving you a modern-rustic mix.
Seal the wood to protect it, but skip heavy stains that hide the character.
Constructing a Crate Coffee Table
Wine crates or storage crates make awesome coffee table bases. You don’t need many tools, and you get built-in storage.
Simple steps:
- Clean and sand four matching crates
- Arrange them in a square
- Screw them together
- Add a wood or glass top
Face the openings out for storage. You can display books or stash remotes.
Put casters on the bottom if you want to move it around. Just make sure the wheels can handle the weight.
Add shelves or dividers inside the crates for more storage. It helps keep things tidy.
Finish by sanding and staining or painting. Light stains show off the grain, while paint gives a fresh, modern look.
Upcycling and Customizing Coffee Tables
Turn something old into a standout coffee table with a little creativity. Doors, pallets, or even unused furniture all work.
Fun upcycling ideas:
- Add legs to an old door
- Top a storage trunk for a vintage look
- Update a table with paint or new hardware
If you use pallets, sand them really well to get rid of rough spots.
Make a lift-top table by adding hinges and supports—great for hidden storage.
Try paint techniques like distressing or color washing for a totally new vibe. Chalk paint is easy and gives a vintage feel.
Add details like metal corners, rope handles, or cool knobs. Small touches go a long way.
Think about adding extras like charging ports or magazine racks while you’re at it.
Creative Candle Holder Designs
Handmade candle holders can turn a regular room into a cozy retreat. The way you place and design them can make a big difference in the mood.
How to Make Decorative DIY Candle Holders
You can make beautiful candle holders from simple stuff. Wood designs feel rustic but still work with modern rooms.
Cut plywood into shapes and stack them for depth. Sand and stain to match your furniture. It’s cheap but looks fancy.
Glass jars are perfect for tea lights or pillars. Clean out some mason jars or wine bottles, wrap them with twine, or paint them with glass paint.
Metallic finishes take ordinary holders up a notch. Spray paint old containers gold or silver. Use tape to make patterns.
Go natural—gather seashells, driftwood, or stones and arrange them around plain glass holders for a beachy look.
If you’re feeling crafty, mold air-dry clay into shapes. Press in fabric or leaves for texture before it dries.
Incorporating Candle Holders into Living Room Decor
On your coffee table, mix up the heights and sizes. Group three to five together for balance. Mix wood, glass, and metal for contrast.
Put tall holders on side tables to draw the eye up, especially if your furniture is low. Use battery candles near curtains or books—way safer.
On the mantel, go for symmetry. Put matching holders on each end with a bigger one in the middle. It gives a formal, anchored look.
Floating shelves are great for smaller tea light holders. Space them out and add plants or books so it doesn’t look cluttered.
Pick holder finishes that fit your color scheme. Neutrals blend in, but bold colors pop. Try to match metals to your hardware for a pulled-together feel.
Macrame and Hanging Decor
Macrame plant hangers add texture and vertical interest while freeing up floor space. Pair the right plants with good hanging spots and you’ll have a stunning focal point.
DIY Macrame Plant Hanger Techniques
Basic Square Knot Pattern
Cut four cords, each 8 feet long. Fold them in half and loop them through a metal ring so you have eight strands.
Make square knots by crossing the outer cords over the inner ones. Repeat for about 6 inches to form the top.
Making the Plant Cradle
Split the cords into four pairs. Measure down 8 inches and tie each pair in a knot.
Now, take cords from adjacent pairs and tie them together 4 inches below. This forms the basket for your pot.
What You’ll Need
- 3mm cotton cord (easy for beginners)
- Metal rings for hanging
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
Practice knots on scrap cord first. Keeping tension even helps your hanger look neat.
Choosing and Displaying Indoor Plants
Top Picks for Hanging
Pothos and spider plants trail nicely and look dramatic in macrame. Their vines add vertical lines.
Snake plants are good for a modern look. Their upright leaves contrast with the soft macrame.
Pot Tips
Go for pots 6-8 inches wide. Heavy ceramics need stronger cord and secure mounting.
Lightweight plastic or fiber pots are easier on your macrame and hardware.
Placement Ideas
Hang plants near windows, but not in harsh sun—cord can fade. Corners are great for adding interest.
Vary the heights for depth. Odd numbers of hangers look best together.
DIY Living Room Wall Art
You can save money and add personal flair with homemade wall art. Use canvas, wood, or even everyday stuff from around the house.
Handmade Canvas and Framed Art
Canvas art is open to everyone, no matter your skill. Grab a pre-stretched canvas and some acrylics.
Try these:
- Abstract brushstrokes with just a couple colors
- Geometric patterns using painter’s tape
- Texture with palette knives or sponges
Wrap pretty paper around canvas or cardboard for framed art. Pick patterns that match your room and use matching frames for a unified look.
Embroidery hoops are fun too. Stretch fabric in the hoop and add simple stitches or paint.
On a budget? Use paint chips from the hardware store. Arrange them in ombre patterns for a modern touch.
Wooden and Mixed-Media Art Projects
Wood adds warmth and texture to your walls. Reclaimed wood is perfect for farmhouse signs with painted words or family names.
Wood art ideas:
- String art with nails and thread
- Geometric wood pieces in your favorite colors
- DIY tobacco baskets using hoops and weaving
Mix materials for texture. Frame a small rug or scarf for a boho vibe.
Clay wall art brings 3D interest to flat walls. Roll clay into shapes, let it dry, and paint.
Arrange beach stones or river rocks on canvas. Paint some or leave them natural for an organic look.
Gallery Wall Planning and Installation
Lay out your gallery wall on the floor before putting anything up. Cut paper templates to match your frames and tape them up to test the arrangement.
Tips:
- Leave 2-3 inches between frames
- Hang bigger pieces at eye level (about 57-60 inches from the floor)
- Mix up frame sizes and directions
Use a level and tape measure for straight lines. Mark spots with pencil before you hammer.
Stick with similar frame colors or mats for cohesion. Black frames go with anything, while white feels casual and bright.
Think about where your furniture sits. The gallery wall should relate to sofas, consoles, or whatever’s below it.
Functional Storage and Shelving Solutions
Smart storage blends style and function, helping you get the most out of your living room. These projects keep things organized and add some visual interest to your space.
Building Rustic and Modern Shelves
Floating shelves give you the most flexible storage for any living room. Try putting them at different heights to make your walls more interesting, and use them to show off books, plants, or whatever you like.
Reclaimed wood shelves add warmth and a bit of character. When you sand the wood and put on a clear finish, those natural grain patterns really stand out. I love how these look above a sofa or lining an accent wall.
If you want a modern vibe, go for ultra-thin floating shelves with hidden brackets. White oak or painted MDF keeps the lines clean and works well with modern furniture.
Corner shelves help you use those awkward spaces that usually sit empty. Build a few triangular shelves for corners, and you’ll have a perfect spot for plants or small decor without losing floor space.
Picture ledges with a little lip hold frames in place, but you can still move things around easily. Stack a few at different heights to create a gallery wall—it’s fun to switch up the art whenever you feel like it.
Multi-functional Storage Projects
Built-in storage benches give you a place to sit and a spot to hide clutter. Toss some cushions on top, and you’ll have hidden storage for throws, games, or anything else you want out of sight.
Room-dividing shelves come in handy if you have an open floor plan. Build tall shelves to split up your space, and use both sides for display. You still get light flowing through, but the zones feel a bit more defined.
Modular cube systems are super adaptable. Make a bunch of square boxes, and stack or arrange them however you need. Some cubes can hold baskets for hidden storage, while others show off your favorite books or collectibles.
Storage ottomans with removable tops do triple duty as coffee tables, extra seating, and storage. Pick upholstery that matches your furniture, and everything feels pulled together.
Textile and Soft Furnishing DIY Projects
Soft furnishings really change the feel of your living room with new texture, color, and comfort, all without breaking the bank. These fabric projects don’t need much sewing skill, but they make a big difference.
Custom Throw Pillows and Floor Cushions
Basic Pillow Covers are probably the simplest way to start. Cut your fabric an inch bigger than the pillow insert on every side. Sew three sides, pop in the pillow, and then stitch the last bit closed by hand.
Old t-shirts turn into fun pillow covers, too. Pick shirts with cool graphics or a nice feel. Just cut off the sleeves and neck, sew up the openings, and you’re done.
Floor Cushions give you extra seating when friends drop by. Use tough fabric like canvas or denim. Make them 24×24 inches for grown-ups, or 18×18 inches for kids.
Fabric mixing keeps things interesting. Try solids with patterns, or mix up textures like velvet and linen. If you stick with one color across the patterns, it all ties together.
No-sew options are totally doable. Grab some fabric glue or hemming tape instead of a needle and thread. This works best for lighter fabrics or if you just want something temporary.
No-Sew Rug and Curtain Ideas
Rug remnants can turn into instant wall art. Just cut unstained parts from old rugs, then mount them in shadow boxes.
This trick works best if the rug has a cool texture or a bold pattern.
Fabric curtains don’t really need hemming, honestly. Pick fabric that’s a bit longer than you want and use curtain clips to gather up the extra at the bottom.
Tablecloth curtains are a sneaky shortcut. Most large tablecloths already have finished edges and unique patterns.
Just grab some curtain rings or clips, and you’re done.
Layered rugs make your space feel deeper, and you don’t need to sew a thing. Put smaller rugs on top of bigger ones to define areas in your living room.
Try mixing up textures—maybe jute with wool?
Rope rugs are all about braiding, nothing fancy. Use thick rope or even old t-shirts cut into strips.
Coil and glue the rope in a spiral to make a circular rug.