Let’s be real: we all want a Pinterest-worthy space, but our bank accounts are more like “hey, let’s just be happy you have four walls and Wi-Fi.” Adulting is hard. Decorating shouldn’t be.
If your vibe is somewhere between “paying bills” and “iced coffee enthusiast,” you can still make your space look amazing. No power tools required—just a little creativity, a glue gun, and maybe a quick scroll through a DIY tutorial.
Here are 5 DIY decor ideas for beginners that are easy, budget-friendly, and—most importantly—actually cute.
1. Thrift It, Flip It, Slay It
Cost: $5–15 (unless your local thrift store thinks it’s an antique dealer)
Your local thrift store (or that box in your relative’s garage) is a goldmine. Head to your local thrift store and look for weird frames, ugly lamps, or those oddly satisfying 90s wood shelves. A coat of spray paint, peel-and-stick wallpaper, or new hardware can completely transform something you’d otherwise walk past.
Look for good “bones.” Ugly color? Paint it. Weird design? Make it quirky. That’s your new aesthetic now.
2. Make Your Own Wall Art (Even If You Can’t Draw
Cost: $0–10 (depending on how many paint colors you “accidentally” buy)
You don’t have to be a painter to make your own wall art. Grab a canvas (Dollar Store has your back), some leftover paint, and go full chaotic-neutral mode. Think blobs, lines, shapes—whatever. If anyone asks, say it’s “interpretive.”
No canvas? Use cardboard. Upcycling is eco-friendly.
Low-effort idea: Print out aesthetic Pinterest quotes, frame them, and pretend you’re deep and philosophical. “This quote changed my life” — you, never.
3. String Lights and Vibes (Cheap Edition)
Cost: $5–15
Fairy lights are the holy grail of room decor. You put them on any wall, and boom—instant serotonin. But instead of basic stringing them across your ceiling, try this:
- Wrap them around your mirror for influencer lighting
- Drape them behind a sheer curtain (hello, romantic montage)
- Tape up Polaroids or printed aesthetic pics with mini clothespins
No cost idea: Christmas lights from last year’s storage bin will also do the trick.
4. DIY Plant Pots That Don’t Look Like a 5th Grade Art Project
Cost: $3–7
Plants = instant life upgrade. But those “minimalist ceramic planters” are lowkey a scam. Solution? Grab an old mug, tin can, or yogurt container and DIY it into something chef’s kiss.
Paint it, wrap it in twine, add googly eyes (yes, seriously). Suddenly it’s a “statement piece.”
Plant rec for beginners: Pothos. It thrives on neglect, just like us during finals week.
5. Peel-and-Stick Everything
Cost: $10–25 (depends on your addiction level)
Peel-and-stick wallpaper, tiles, floor decals—this is the new version of adult Legos. It’s renter-friendly, commitment-free, and shockingly transformative.
- Add a statement wall
- Cover that ugly countertop
- Give your furniture a glow-up
Warning: It’s a little addicting. You’ll start with one corner and end up redoing your fridge. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Final Thoughts: You’re Crafty and You Know It
Look, you don’t need to drop $300 at IKEA to feel at home. DIY decor is about making your space feel like you—quirks, memes, and all.
Whether you’re using thrifted frames, blob-painting your way to Picasso status, or just taping string lights to your wall like it’s 2014 Tumblr, you’re doing amazing, sweetie.
Remember: There’s no wrong way to decorate your space. Unless you glue rhinestones to your landlord’s cabinets. Then maybe there’s one.
Leave a Reply