50 DIY Home Decor Ideas Under $20: Free Project Guide

Why DIY Decor Beats Store-Bought Every Time

The average American spends $2,000–$5,000 decorating a single room with store-bought items. A designer throw pillow costs $40–$80. A framed wall art print runs $50–$150. A decorative candle arrangement can set you back $30–$60. These markups are enormous — the actual materials in most home decor items cost 10–20% of the retail price.

DIY decor flips that equation. A hand-painted canvas costs $5–$8 in materials. A custom throw pillow from a thrift store shirt and stuffing costs $3–$5. A mason jar candle arrangement runs $4–$7. You get the same visual impact — often better, because it's unique — for a fraction of the price.

This guide includes 50 projects organized by room and difficulty level. Each project includes a complete materials list with prices, step-by-step instructions with photos, and tips for customizing the design to match your existing decor. The supply shopping list tells you exactly what to buy — and where to get it cheapest.

What's Included In This Free Guide

The 4 DIY Project Categories

Preview: 20 Of The 50 Projects

Here's a sample of what's in the full guide. Each entry in the download includes complete step-by-step instructions, materials list with prices, and customization tips.

1. Abstract Canvas Painting Acrylic paint on canvas with a palette knife or sponge. No artistic skill required — the messier, the better. Customize with colors that match your room.
   Easy30 min$8–$12
2. Photo Gallery Wall Dollar store frames spray-painted in a matching color, filled with printed photos or free printables. Mix frame sizes for visual interest.
   Easy45 min$12–$20
3. Woven Wall Hanging Yarn, a branch or dowel, and simple knots. No loom needed. Add beads or fabric strips for texture.
   Medium90 min$8–$15
4. Mason Jar Lanterns Mason jars, twine, and battery-operated fairy lights or candles. Hang from hooks or place on tables. Add lace or burlap for rustic charm.
   Easy20 min$6–$12
5. No-Sew Throw Pillow Fabric (thrifted shirt or fat quarter), fabric glue, and pillow stuffing. Envelope closure, no sewing machine required. Make 3–5 in matching colors.
   Easy25 min$3–$6
6. Contact Paper Countertop Marble or wood-grain contact paper applied to a worn countertop or shelf. Instant transformation. Use a squeegee to avoid bubbles.
   Medium60 min$8–$15
7. Spray-Painted Vases Dollar store glass vases spray-painted matte black, gold, or white. Group 3 for a cohesive look. Add dried flowers or eucalyptus.
   Easy30 min (plus dry time)$6–$12
8. Reclaimed Wood Sign Painted quote or monogram on a stained piece of wood. Great for entryways or above beds. Use stencils for clean lettering.
   Medium45 min$10–$18
9. Pressed Flower Frame Dry flowers between books for a week, then arrange in a floating frame. Use clear double-sided tape to keep them in place.
   Easy15 min + drying$5–$10
10. Candle Arrangement Pillar candles in varying heights, arranged on a tray with faux greenery. Wrap candles in jute or lace for texture.
    Easy15 min$8–$15
11. Fabric-Covered Headboard Large fabric piece stretched over plywood or foam board and mounted to the wall with Command strips. Choose fabric 2" larger than the board on each side.
    Medium90 min$15–$20
12. DIY Bookshelf Restyle Paint or paper the back panel, restyle with books and objects sorted by color. Paint the inside of the shelf in a contrasting color.
    Easy60 min$5–$12
13. Curtain Tiebacks Rope, jute, or fabric strips tied in a nautical knot. Add tassels for a designer look. Metal rings spray-painted gold also work.
    Easy10 min$2–$5
14. String Light Canopy Drape fairy lights across a ceiling or wall using adhesive hooks. Combine warm and cool white strings for dimension.
    Easy30 min$10–$20
15. Painted Dresser Chalk paint or spray paint on a dated dresser. New hardware completes the transformation. Lightly sand before painting for best adhesion.
    Medium3 hours + dry time$15–$20
16. DIY Napkin Set Fat quarters cut to size and hemmed with iron-on tape. Matching set of 4. Mix patterns in the same color family.
    Easy45 min$5–$10
17. Wall-Mounted Shelves Floating shelves from IKEA or dollar store shelf brackets with painted boards. Use two brackets per shelf for weight support.
    Medium45 min$10–$18
18. Photo Transfer to Wood Mod Podge on a wood slice or board with a printed photo. Rustic and custom. Laser-printed photos transfer better than inkjet.
    Medium60 min$8–$15
19. DIY Candle Holders Wine glasses or small jars filled with Epsom salt, coffee beans, or beads. Drop a tea light on top. Use matching sets for a cohesive look.
    Easy10 min$3–$8
20. Seasonal Wreath Wire wreath frame, garland, and floral picks. Switch decorations by season. One frame works for every holiday.
    Medium45 min$10–$18

The full guide includes all 50 projects with complete materials lists, step-by-step instructions, and before/after photos.

Best Dollar Store Supplies For DIY Decor

You don't need expensive craft store supplies for most DIY decor. These dollar store items form the foundation of dozens of projects in the guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Further Reading

For more evidence-based, budget-friendly decorating strategies, see the Apartment Therapy editorial archives and the Better Homes & Gardens decorating guides.