There is a special kind of magic that happens when we decide to create Easy DIY Projects with our own two hands. It’s a feeling of pride, of joy, and of connection to the space we live in.
For years, I’ve helped people decorate their homes, and I’ve learned that the most cherished items are never the most expensive ones, but the ones with a story.
That’s why I am so passionate about sharing easy diy projects with you.
You don’t need to be a professional artist or have a fancy workshop. All you need is a little spark of creativity and the desire to make your home a true reflection of you.
In this guide, I’ve gathered 15 of my absolute favorite projects that are simple to make, gentle on your budget, and have a huge impact on your space.
Let’s roll up our sleeves and bring more beauty into our lives, one project at a time.
1. The Painted Wall Arch
This is one of the most impactful yet surprisingly easy DIY projects for defining a space. A painted arch can create a focal point behind a desk, a headboard for your bed, or a charming frame for a small gallery wall.
What You’ll Need:
- A can of paint in your chosen accent color
- A pencil
- String
- A thumbtack or nail
- Painter’s tape
- A small paintbrush and a roller
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Decide Your Size: First, decide how wide you want your arch to be. Mark the two bottom corners on the wall.
- Draw the Arch: Cut a piece of string that is half the width of your arch. Tie one end to your pencil and the other end to the thumbtack. Pin the thumbtack to the wall at the midpoint between your two corner marks. Now, pull the string taut and draw a perfect semicircle connecting the corners. It’s a giant compass!
- Tape it Off: Use painter’s tape to create straight vertical lines from your corner marks down to the floor or baseboard.
- Paint Away: Carefully paint the edges with your brush, then fill in the center with the roller. It might need two coats. Let it dry completely before peeling back the tape to reveal your gorgeous new feature wall.
2. Upcycled Glass Jar Lanterns
Don’t throw away those pasta sauce or jam jars! With a little love, they become beautiful, rustic lanterns, perfect for your patio, windowsill, or as a dining table centerpiece.
What You’ll Need:
- Clean glass jars of various sizes
- Twine or thin rope
- Hot glue gun or strong craft glue
- Tea lights (real or battery-operated)
- Optional: Sand, small pebbles, or lace ribbon
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Wrap the Rim: Apply a dab of hot glue to the rim of the jar and press the end of your twine into it. Carefully wrap the twine around the rim several times to create a nice, thick band. Secure the other end with another dab of glue.
- Create a Handle: Cut a longer piece of twine for the handle. Loop each end under the wrapped twine on opposite sides of the jar and tie a secure knot.
- Add a Base (Optional): Pour a little sand or some small pebbles into the bottom of the jar. This adds a lovely coastal feel and helps to stabilize the tea light.
- Light it Up: Place your tea light inside and enjoy the warm, flickering glow. This is one of those easy diy projects that takes minutes but adds so much ambiance.
3. Custom Stenciled Throw Pillows
Buying decorative pillows can be expensive. Making your own custom designs is fun, affordable, and ensures they match your decor perfectly.
What You’ll Need:
- Plain, light-colored pillow covers
- Fabric paint
- A stencil (buy one or make your own with thick cardstock)
- A stencil brush or foam pouncer
- A piece of cardboard
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Prep Your Pillow: Iron the pillow cover to make sure it’s smooth. Place the piece of cardboard inside the cover to prevent paint from bleeding through to the other side.
- Position the Stencil: Place your stencil exactly where you want the design to be. You can use a bit of painter’s tape to hold it in place.
- Paint: Dab your brush or pouncer lightly into the fabric paint. It’s important to offload any excess paint onto a paper towel first—this prevents blobs and bleeding under the stencil. Use a gentle up-and-down dabbing motion to apply the paint over the stencil.
- Reveal and Cure: Carefully lift the stencil. Let the paint dry completely according to the instructions on the bottle, which might include heat-setting it with an iron. And there you have it—a custom pillow!
4. Floating Rope Shelves
This is a beautiful, bohemian-style project that is perfect for displaying small plants, picture frames, or treasured trinkets.
What You’ll Need:
- A piece of wood (a 1×6 or 1×8 pine board works well)
- Sandpaper
- A drill with a bit large enough for your rope to pass through
- Rope or macrame cord
- A metal ring (like a curtain ring or craft ring)
- A ceiling hook or wall bracket
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Prep the Wood: Cut your wood to the desired length (e.g., 18 inches) and give it a good sanding to smooth the edges. You can stain or paint it at this point if you wish.
- Drill the Holes: Drill a hole in each of the four corners of the board, about an an inch in from the edges.
- Tie the Ropes: Cut two long, equal lengths of rope. Thread one rope through the two holes on one side of the shelf and the other rope through the two holes on the other side. Adjust the board so it sits level, then tie a thick knot under each of the four holes to secure it in place.
- Hang it Up: Gather the four rope ends together at the top and thread them through your metal ring. Tie a strong, secure knot, install your hook, and hang your beautiful new shelf.
I could go on with so many more ideas! Imagine creating:
- (5) Decorative Clay Trinket Dishes
- (6) Framed Fabric Wall Art
- (7) A Personalized Stenciled Doormat
- (8) A DIY Wooden Bath Tray
- (9) Hand-Painted Terracotta Pots
- (10) A Minimalist Copper Pipe Magazine Rack
- (11) Upcycled Tin Can Herb Garden
- (12) A No-Sew Fleece Tie Blanket
- (13) Washi Tape Wall Decals
- (14) A Rustic Twig Picture Frame
- (15) A Chalkboard Paint Wall Calendar
Each one is a simple, joyful way to add a piece of yourself to your home.
The beauty of working on easy diy projects is that there is no right or wrong. Your home should be a canvas for your creativity. It should tell your story.
So please, don’t be afraid to try something new, to make a mistake, or to change things up.
The goal isn’t perfection; it’s the happiness that comes from making and living in a space that you truly love.
Now, which project will you start with?