48 Inspiring DIY Living Room Decorating Ideas for Designers on a Budget

The living room is the social center of most homes. No doubt yours sees plenty of use. That’s all the more reason to dedicate some extra time toward making it amazing. Whether you’re on a tight budget or just enjoy doing things yourself, there are hundreds of surprisingly sophisticated DIY projects out there for aspiring amateur designers. We’ve put together an awesome list of 48 DIY living room decorating ideas to help you update everything from your coffee table to your throw pillows.

48 Beautiful DIY Living Room Decorating Ideas for a Cheap and Easy Remodel

The following gallery includes floor-to-ceiling DIY living room decorating ideas. (And we literally mean floor to ceiling.) We’ve got projects for floor vases, side tables, footstools, lighting, and signs. If you’re looking for a quick fix for a small bare spot, we’ve got awesome wall art concepts that can be completed in a few minutes. If you’re feeling more ambitious, the gallery also includes big picture projects like a faux fireplace and a wood paneled accent wall. While the finished products are professional level, most of them require only a few simple tools and a limited skillset.

1. Four Crate Coffee Table and Planter

You might have heard of built-in storage, but have you ever wondered about a built-in planter? This table’s clever design gives your living room plenty of storage, a great flat surface, and even a place dedicated to nature. If you do not think you can keep succulents alive, consider using silk plants with glass marbles. The soft gray finish on these crates makes them ready for any rustic room.

2. An Entire Gallery of DIY Art

Mixing your own handiwork with thrift store finds can create a gallery wall that looks curated, posh, and reflects your personality. Whether you build your gallery wall around a theme like family or a motif like sunflowers, this is an excellent way to showcase your personal style. This example uses a chic black and gold palette, but you can customize yours to fit your room perfectly.

3. Pretty Pastel Fish Scale Throw Pillow Project

To give your living room decor a piscine accent, check out this decorative pillow tutorial. The beauty of this idea is that you can use any felt colors that match your vibe. For something a little fancier, experiment with sequins, embroidery, or your favorite embellishments. With a color scheme similar to koi fish, this pillow is intentionally designed to soothe. Choose your favorite color (or colors) and start decorating!

6. DIY Living Room Decorating Ideas with Shelves

With a little effort, you can turn an old door into the perfect floating shelves. Because doors are tall, they are great for making shelves that run the entire length of your sofa. Of course, you can build shorter shelves with doors too. Once your new shelves are installed, have fun filling them with anything that holds meaning or looks great with your decor.

7. Black and White Memories Lampshade

Finding unique ways to display photos can be a challenge, especially if you have limited space. This lampshade doubles as a photo frame. Because vellum paper is taped onto the lampshade, you can easily switch out photos. With this concept, you could use family snapshots, vacation photos, or scenic landscapes. For some extra fun, slip in a photo of your favorite television show character among your other photos.

8. Full Length Farmhouse Floor Mirror

A floor mirror is a fantastic option for anyone who rents or does not have the ability to hang a mirror. Because you finish the frame yourself, you can achieve the perfect polish. The distressed white paint shown here is ideal for farmhouse spaces. For a maximalist mirror, do not be afraid to get wild with color or embellishments. Add a few seashells or rope for a nautical ambiance.

9. Persian Inspired Hand-Painted Votive Holders

Decorating your candle holders is an easy way to give your living room accessories an upgrade. Because you can use any article of glass including wine glasses, vases, and jars, there are endless possibilities. Multiple colors produce a playful tie-dye effect while solid colors are a touch more sophisticated. The key to the Persian ambiance is the puffy paint and henna-inspired patterns.

10. A Mock Fireplace – Faux Real!

If a fireplace with a mantel has always been a decorating goal, this faux fireplace setup can make your dreams come true. A vintage fireplace grate gives the fireplace a sense of gravitas and an air of authenticity. When loaded with silvery birch logs, this fireplace is ready to reflect the white tones showcased in the stone and the mantel. Load your fireplace up with logs that fit your decor.

11. Make Your Own Stacked Crate Bookshelf

A well-crafted bookshelf can transform a space into one of your favorite places. Crates offer an ideal landing place for oversized books and decor that might not fit on traditional bookshelves. This design also allows for a few nooks perfect to accent small decor. For a Bohemian look, experiment with crates painted in different colors. Paint your bookshelf white and deck it out in Parisian trappings for a French ambiance.

12. Floor to Ceiling Wood Pallet Paneling

Doing your own DIY living room decorating means that you can create thoughtful touches like an entire accent wall made from pallets. By displaying wood’s natural beauty, you can add color and texture to your living room. Instead of painting the boards white, this tutorial uses a gray stain to achieve an aged wood effect. In your living room, you can do the same or take your own path.

13. Monumental Custom-Made Wall-Covering Plank Sign

Uneven boards give this pallet wall art an organic vibe that welcomes nature into your living room. While this artwork features a tree blowing in the breeze, you can use any motif that resonates with your decor. The same is true with the quote at the bottom: choose any quote or saying that holds special meaning. If freehand painting is not your style, try using stencils.

14. Your Own Industrial Sign Letters

Horizontal planks give this wooden letter so much character. The best part about this project is that, as long as it is simple, you can select any letter in any font. Of course, you could use a straightforward silhouette if the monogram letter is not your style. If farmhouse is your jam, imagine adding a buffalo plaid bow to the top. For a beachy spin, embellish with seashells and rope.

15. Shabby Chic Drop Cloth Pom Throw Pillow

Believe it or not, the only equipment you need to make this debonair pillow is a sewing machine that sews in a straight line. Combining elaborate pom-poms and a humble drop cloth pillow creates the perfect balance between intricacy and simplicity. For a regal accent pillow, choose cloth with a satiny finish like brocade or silk. Stick with the sturdy drop cloth for a rustic or a Scandinavian living room.

16. Glossy Retro Upcycled Pastel Ceramics

Upgrade dollar store vases into conversation-starting centerpieces. The secret is an enamel coating on the inside to create that vibrant finish. This tutorial shows how to mix colors to achieve the perfect shade for your space. To achieve symmetry in your newly elevated space, apply this technique to identical vases. For more variety, use different vase styles and heights as shown here.

17. DIY Wall to Wall Sofa Table

This table’s simple design means not only that it can be easily built, but also that it can slip into nearly any space. Anyone with a long sofa will enjoy this versatile console table. While this table is stained with a classy dark walnut, you could pick any stain or paint color. Before picking a stain color, consider which decorations you plan to display on your new console table.

18. Over the Arm Sofa Coffee Service

By sliding over the couch arm, this small side table is practical, ergonomic, and a more convenient drink rest than a coffee table. Because it has straightforward lines and a simple design, it is compatible with nearly any couch. The white-glazed wood ties in beautifully with the couch’s white highlights. Best of all, it is easy to build, especially if your local hardware store will cut the wood for you.

19. Rustic Studded Leather-Wrapped Letter Accent

Because faux leather is an absolutely fantastic material, this monogram letter is a timelessly chic way to use it in your space. For a dash of classic library flair, pair it with antique books as shown in this image. Enjoy a taste of rugged mountain romance by displaying it with shaggy faux fur and natural stone textures. For a modern modification, imagine using black or white faux leather.

20. Farmhouse Meets Mod Mirrored Table

Although it takes some planning to avoid shattering or cracking, adding a mirror top to a coffee table has stunning results. As you choose which mirror to use, remember that a larger frame means more space to attach it to the table. With easy-to-understand steps and plenty of pictures, this tutorial explains how to make the farmhouse-inspired table on which the mirror rests.

21. Fairy Garden with Cacti and Succulents

When sorting through DIY living room decorating ideas, it can be easy to focus on furniture and forget about plants. However, this copper planter is easy to assemble and is a charming way to invite nature to your space. If you lack the horticultural confidence to try real plants, start with artificial succulents. Remember to include a variety of cacti and succulent species to achieve this delightful range of greens.

22. Easy Wire Basket Side Table Project

Surprisingly, wooden spool ends make fantastic tabletops and upturned laundry baskets serve as marvelous bases. Attached by glue and jute string, these two components come together to create a beautiful piece of home decor. Of course, the jute knots mean that the tabletop is not completely flat. This tutorial shows how to personalize the table using black acrylic paint and a faux-stamped effect for meaningful lettering.

23. 5 Minute Dollar Store Candle Pillar Craft

If you need room decor ideas that are both versatile and fast, check out this quick candle holder upgrade. With hot glue, sisal rope, and only a few minutes, you can give uninspiring candle holders a playful facelift. For the look seen here, pull the rope taut with each revolution. Spice it up with ribbons, small embellishments, or seashells to achieve unique effects.

24. Simple Striped Armchair Coffee Caddy

Made from solid hickory, this drink perch is sturdy enough to hold any drink. Including a drink caddy like this in your living room design means that you can save space by eliminating end tables on either side of your couch. The striping provides a playful effect and integrates the piece into the rest of the decor. Infuse it with your personality for a piece you will love for years.

26. Ombre Effect Rope Blanket Basket

An ombre effect can transform a humble rope basket into a storage solution that exudes elegance. Underneath the rope is a layer of felt and an inexpensive round laundry basket. Because the laundry basket lends structure, this rope basket will not slouch over as easily as its more-traditional counterparts. They are so easy and inexpensive to make that you might need to craft one to match every season’s decor.

27. DIY Living Room Decorating Ideas with Ladders

Once your wood is cut, all you need to assemble this blanket ladder are a hammer and nails. To go for the full rustic feel, choose nails with different finishes to help your blanket ladder feel like a genuine antique. When your blanket ladder is assembled, imagine the possibilities. While being easily accessible, your blankets can now be an integral part of your living room’s decor.

28. A Jar, Raw Cotton, and Jute Twine

Anyone who has ever taken the label off an old jar knows how sticky it can be. Instead of removing the sticky adhesive, this tutorial shows how you can use it to help secure jute twine for a gracefully rustic effect. While the example shows it in a fall mantel display, imagine how beautiful your new vase will look with spring flowers like pink peonies.

29. Cute Country TV Trays for $10 Each

Because of how useful they are, these trays should be on every farmhouse enthusiast’s DIY living room decorating to-do list. If your living room is farmhouse-themed, the distressed finish and hand-painted lettering will look utterly divine. However, if farmhouse is not your style, you can easily modify this pattern to make it fit your space. For a modern look, focus on the geometry for simple lines and a sleek silhouette.

30. Geometric Straw Plate Wall Art

With spray paint, rattan plates, and an afternoon, you can create a modern wall art display filled with enticing texture. This image shows a different design for each plate, but you could create anything in a nine-plate mural. By choosing a symmetrical design, you can bring soothing into your living room. To go for higher impact, choose a paint with higher contrast than the orange shown here.

31. From Flea Market Frame to Tasteful Tray

Trays help define a space and are a way to elevate your decorations. Because this tray is white, it does not distract from the decor that lives on it. However, you could pick any color that suits your space. To make sure that your newest elegant tray will not scratch any furniture, remember to add the felt pads on the bottom.

33. Sweet, Sentimental Baluster Leg Lamp

To bring this project to life, keep an eye out for thrift store lamps with lines you like. While refinishing is important, the heart of this lamp is the French love letter. If you do not happen to have any French love letters lying around, translate a quote that means a lot to you. Of course, this lamp would look amazing in any language.

34. Furry Faux Hedgeapple Throw Blanket

Giant pom-poms might need big yarn, but they channel bold energy and a sassy attitude. Because each skein of yarn yields two pom-poms, you can mix and match colors as shown here. Whether you use them on a throw blanket in this example or incorporate them into your decor in another way, this is one of the best DIY living room decorating ideas to make a statement.

35. Create Your Own Abstract Art

With a sublime texture and minimal color, this modern art is something that even someone who is not artistically gifted can create. The single gray stripe will look great in most decor, but, depending on your personal style, you can achieve nearly any effect with this technique. Vertical lines help the space feel larger, but, with a little effort, you could achieve soothing circles, energizing zig-zags, or anything in between.

36. Custom Drapes from Drop Cloths

Believe it or not, there is no sewing necessary to create these sophisticated curtains. The secret is in the drapery clips – all you need to do is decide how much to fold over at the top. Because drop cloth is made from a canvas-like material, they drape elegantly and look far more expensive than they are. However, because light still shines through, they are not blackout curtains.

37. Roughhewn Honeycomb Hanging Shelf Assembly

Honeycomb shelves are a storage space inspired by nature’s gardeners: honey bees. Clustering them together also means that you actually need less wood than individual hexagons. By including a shelf at the hexagon’s widest point, you double your shelving potential. Once assembled and hung, you can showcase your style in what you choose to display. For maximum impact, make sure your shelves have a finish that contrasts with your wall.

38. Nothing’s More Rustic than a Stump

A lamp made from a chunk of log is a fantastic way to incorporate a light source in a rustic living room. The log’s rugged roughness is balanced by the soft white light and gently tapered lamp shade. If the oatmeal color shown here is too soft for your living room, do not be afraid to jazz up your log lamp with a bolder lamp shade.

39. Designer Knockoff Striped Canvas Carpet

Because they are as high contrast as you can get, black and white stripes are a way to add drama to your living room. Pair with bright colors like salmon, yellow, and aqua shown here for a splash of summertime playfulness. If you plan to place your rug in a high-traffic area, you will want to apply some protective sealant. Otherwise, the black stripes will begin to wear away.

40. No Carpenter No Problem DIY Fireplace Mantel

Creating your own floating mantel may be easier than you think – even if your living room features a stacked stone accent wall as shown here. The sleek rectangular design in this tutorial offers a modern spin on a traditional living room staple. Once installed, you have storage space in a prime location for your favorite decorations. If you want a more dramatic mantel, experiment with black or metallic finishes.

41. The Leaded Look Rectangular Wall Mirror

By hanging a paned mirror in a space, you cultivate symmetry and a sense of calm. As an extra detail, every wood intersection is graced by a small rosette that adds a little elegance. Because they add a touch of dimension, beveled mirrors round out the look. If you do not want to create your own frame, try replacing the panes in an old window to achieve a similar effect.

42. Nautical Twine-Wrapped Bottle Bud Vases

Follow this tutorial to create works of art perfect for any DIY living room decorating wishlist. After wrapping the bottle in light-colored twine, all you need to do is find a paper napkin with a pattern you are partial to. Your possibilities are limited only by your paper napkin supplier. Because of the level of possible customization, these vases make great gifts.

43. French Provincial Tufted Farmhouse Coffee Table

A posh diamond tufted pattern gives this space a regal upgrade. Meanwhile, the coffee table frame provides a cozy farmhouse feel. While this tutorial uses purple-toned suede, you could use a neutral-colored fabric for a more natural feel. Of course, you can embrace the glamorous ambiance by choosing velvet. For a modern space, choose a coffee table with a sleek silhouette and a black, white, or gray fabric.

44. Monochromatic Darkroom Drying Rack Photo Displays

One of the most popular DIY living room decorating ideas is finding creative ways to display photographs. These matching photo boards are a practical way to showcase your favorite black and white snapshots. Small metal clips make it easy to switch out new pictures whenever you desire. As you can see in this image, black and white contrast beautifully against the warm-toned wood and cultivate a definite color palette.

45. Rock On Pebbled Vanity Accessories

You do not need to pursue a zen theme to enjoy this pebble-studded decor. While these room decor ideas are created via polished dollar store pebbles, you can use any small stones. For a more sophisticated look, try using stones that are uniform in color. If you love collecting rocks on beaches or on vacations, this is a fantastic way to show them off.

46. Pompom Trimmed Preppy Throw Pillows

Sometimes, a few pom-poms just are not enough. Horizontal lines dripping with fluffy pom-poms give this pillow effervescent energy. Beyond the pom-poms, color makes magic happen. White pom-poms on a neutral pillow put the focus on texture and dimension. When paired with a bright, boldly-patterned pillow, the space achieves balance between color and texture. As the seasons change, the patterned pillow will change while the pom-pom pillow can remain.

47. 10-Minute Amateur Friendly Corner Shelf Project

With some planning, these floating corner shelves are easy to install and offer a sturdy landing place for your favorite tchotchkes. Installing several tiers in a corner is a great way to fill awkward spaces that would otherwise be uninspiring. Choose the finish of your dreams and get building. To tailor these to an industrial-inspired space, experiment with tin tiles on the front trim.

48. Upcycled Hardwood Door Corner Mirror

With a thick frame made from picket fence lumber, this mirror is a magnificent addition to any rustic living room. A rough cut adds texture while the knots create some visual interest. To add another layer of distressed finish, this tutorial recommends taking a hammer to the wood. If this frame is not decorative enough for your tastes, experiment with paint or even wood burning.