9 Simple DIY Living Room Decor Ideas on a Budget

Tired of staring at the same dull living room day after day? You don’t need a big budget to breathe new life into your space! In this article, I’m sharing 9 simple DIY living room decor ideas that are affordable, stylish, and easy to tackle—whether you’re a crafting pro or just starting out. From chic wall displays to cozy centerpieces, these projects will transform your living room into a personalized haven you’ll love. Ready to roll up your sleeves and get creative? Let’s jump in!

At-a-Glance Project List

Here’s a sneak peek at the 9 DIY living room decor ideas we’ll dive into:

1. Photo Ledge Display: Floating frames that let your favorite books & art pop.
2. Macramé Plant Hanger Wall Grid: Boho-chic greenery display in minutes.
3. Upcycled Wine Cork Trivet: Turn your wine habit into a stylish table protector.
4. DIY Concrete Candle Holders: Industrial chic meets cozy glow.
5. Yarn Pom-Pom Garland with Tassels: Add a playful pop of color to any corner.
6. Terrarium Coffee Table Centerpiece: Bring the outdoors in with this mini ecosystem.
7. Fabric-Covered Photo Frame Collage: Showcase memories with a personal touch.
8. Floating Geometric Wood Tiers: Modern shelving for your favorite knick-knacks.
9. Custom Lampshade: Light up your space with a one-of-a-kind design.

Want more Living Room Decor for Table inspo? Check out our 10 Universal Living Room Decor for Table Ideas You’ll Love for easy, eye-catching tabletop arrangements you can recreate today.

Act Fast: 9 Quick DIY Living Room Decor Ideas

Photo Ledge Display

What It Is

A photo ledge display is a sleek, floating shelf that’s perfect for showing off your favorite photos, art prints, or even small books. Unlike traditional frames that lock you into one look, this DIY living room decor idea lets you switch things up whenever the mood strikes. It’s a renter-friendly option that adds personality without overwhelming your space. Imagine a minimalist ledge above your sofa, lined with memories and a quirky print or two—it’s simple yet striking.

Materials

• Wooden ledge (grab one online or at a hardware store)
• Wall brackets or mounting hardware
• Drill or hammer (depending on your wall)
• Picture frames, art prints, or small books

How to Implement

1. Pick a wall spot—eye level works best for impact. Measure to ensure it’s centered above your couch or TV.
2. Grab your level and mark where the brackets will sit. A crooked ledge is no one’s friend, so take your time here!
3. Install the brackets following the instructions—use a drill for drywall or a hammer for masonry. Not handy? Rope in a buddy.
4. Secure the wooden ledge onto the brackets. Give it a gentle wiggle to check it’s sturdy.
5. Arrange your frames, prints, or books on top. Mix heights and sizes for a casual, lived-in vibe.
6. Step back, admire, and tweak until it feels just right!

Why It Works

This DIY living room makeover idea adds a personal touch without eating up floor space—a win for small rooms. It’s endlessly versatile; swap out items seasonally or whenever you snag a new print. It’s also a low-budget DIY living room decor option—secondhand ledges and frames keep costs down. Plus, it turns blank walls into a gallery of your life.

Styling Tip

Blend frame styles for an eclectic feel, or keep it sleek with matching colors. Pop a tiny succulent or trinket on the ledge to break up the lineup.

Macramé Plant Hanger Wall Grid

What It Is

A macramé plant hanger wall grid is a trendy, boho-chic way to bring plants into your living room decor DIY style. Picture knotted cords cradling small pots, hung in a grid pattern for a statement wall. It’s ideal for plant lovers short on floor space, blending natural vibes with handmade charm. This project elevates any corner into a cozy, green oasis.

Materials

• Macramé cord or kit (find online or at craft stores)
• Small potted plants (succulents or air plants are ace)
• Wall hooks or nails
• Scissors

How to Implement

1. Start with your macramé—follow a kit’s guide or a quick online tutorial for a basic hanger. It’s easier than it looks!
2. Choose a wall spot near a window if your plants crave light. Measure to keep it balanced.
3. Pop in wall hooks or nails—space them evenly for a grid effect. Get help if hammering’s not your thing.
4. Hang your macramé creation and slide in the pots. Adjust the cords so they sit snugly.
5. Tweak plant heights for a cascading look—play until it’s perfect.
6. Step back and bask in your boho masterpiece!

Why It Works

This easy DIY living room decor idea adds texture and greenery without cluttering surfaces. It’s a modern DIY living room idea that’s beginner-friendly—macramé is simple once you get the hang of it. The vertical design saves space, and you can customize it with colorful cords or unique plants. It’s a budget-friendly win for a big impact.

Styling Tip

Go big with a multi-hanger grid for drama, or keep it solo for simplicity. Weave in fairy lights for extra boho magic.

Craving even more Wall Decor for Living Room ideas? Dive into our 13 Unique Wall Decor for Living Room Ideas and discover fresh ways to turn blank walls into statement spaces.

Upcycled Wine Cork Trivet

What It Is

An upcycled wine cork trivet is a clever, eco-friendly DIY living room decoration made from leftover corks. It’s a rustic table protector for hot dishes or a quirky coffee table accent. If you’ve got a stash from wine nights, this is your chance to turn trash into treasure. It’s sustainable decor with a story—perfect for casual, lived-in spaces.

Materials

• Wine corks (collect over time or buy online)
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Cardboard or cork backing
• Scissors or craft knife

How to Implement

1. Decide on your trivet’s shape—square or circle keeps it simple. Sketch it out if you’re a planner.
2. Cut your cardboard or backing to size. This is your base, so make it neat.
3. Lay out your corks on top—try a herringbone pattern or random mix for fun.
4. Glue each cork to the base with hot glue. Work in sections so it stays tidy.
5. Let it dry fully—give it an hour to be safe—then test its sturdiness.
6. Set it on your table and enjoy your handmade protector!

Why It Works

This DIY home decor for living room project is free if you’ve got corks, making it a low-budget gem. It’s functional, shielding surfaces from heat, and adds a rustic charm that sparks conversation. It’s also a group-friendly craft—host a cork-gluing night! The upcycled vibe feels good for the planet, too.

Styling Tip

Paint cork ends for a color pop, or keep them natural for that vineyard feel. Make a set in different sizes for a cohesive look.

DIY Concrete Candle Holders

What It Is

DIY concrete candle holders bring an industrial-chic edge to your living room decor DIY lineup. Crafted from concrete mix and everyday molds, they’re sturdy, unique holders for tea lights or small candles. Think raw textures paired with a warm glow—perfect for a modern or minimalist vibe. They’re surprisingly simple to make, too!

Materials

• Concrete mix (hardware stores have it)
• Molds (plastic cups, yogurt pots, or silicone molds)
• Cooking spray or oil
• Sandpaper
• Tea lights or small pillar candles

How to Implement

1. Prep molds with a spritz of cooking spray—makes popping them out a breeze.
2. Mix concrete per the package—aim for thick pancake batter consistency. Stir well!
3. Pour into molds halfway, tapping to release bubbles. Smooth the top with a spoon.
4. Press a tea light into the center—wiggle it in so it sets right.
5. Let it cure for 24 hours (or per instructions), then gently remove from molds.
6. Sand rough edges for a polished finish, and place on your table or shelf!

Why It Works

This DIY living room decoration adds a trendy, durable accent that fits modern DIY living room ideas. They’re tough enough for indoor or outdoor use, and the concrete’s cheap—ideal for a tight budget. The raw look contrasts beautifully with soft candlelight. Plus, you can tweak sizes or shapes for variety.

Styling Tip

Brush on metallic paint for a luxe twist, or leave bare for gritty charm. Cluster a few for a moody, dramatic glow.

Yarn Pom-Pom Garland with Tassels

What It Is

A yarn pom-pom garland with tassels is a whimsical, colorful DIY living room decor idea that’s all about texture. It’s a string of fluffy pom-poms and dangling tassels you can drape anywhere—mantel, shelf, or window. Great for adding cheer or marking a celebration, it’s a quick craft with big personality.

Materials

• Yarn in your favorite colors
• Pom-pom maker or cardboard
• Scissors
• Twine or string

How to Implement

1. Make pom-poms with a maker or cardboard—online tutorials are your friend here!
2. Craft tassels: wrap yarn around cardboard, tie off, and snip the loops. Easy peasy.
3. Cut twine to your desired garland length—measure your space first.
4. Tie on pom-poms and tassels, spacing them evenly or mixing it up for fun.
5. Drape it over your chosen spot—tweak until it hangs just right.
6. Stand back and soak in the playful vibes!

Why It Works

This simple DIY home decor idea living room edition adds instant color without permanence—swap it out anytime. It’s a kid-friendly project, and yarn’s cheap, keeping it budget-friendly. The softness breaks up hard surfaces, and it’s customizable for any season or style. It’s pure joy in craft form.

Styling Tip

Mix metallic yarn for sparkle, or go monochrome for sophistication. Add beads for extra pizzazz.

Terrarium Coffee Table Centerpiece

What It Is

A terrarium coffee table centerpiece is a mini ecosystem that’s a natural DIY living room makeover star. Built in a glass container with soil and tiny plants, it’s a low-maintenance green touch. Think of it as a living sculpture—perfect for nature lovers or anyone wanting a standout focal point.

Materials

• Glass container (fishbowl, vase, or jar)
• Small pebbles or gravel
• Activated charcoal (optional, for drainage)
• Potting soil
• Small plants (succulents, air plants, or moss)
• Decorative bits (stones, shells, figurines)

How to Implement

1. Clean your glass container—dry it well to avoid streaks.
2. Layer pebbles at the bottom for drainage—about an inch deep.
3. Add a thin sprinkle of charcoal if you’ve got it—keeps things fresh.
4. Spoon in soil, deep enough for roots, and pat it down lightly.
5. Plant your greenery, arranging for a balanced look—dig small holes with your fingers.
6. Tuck in decor like stones or a tiny figure for charm, then set it on your table!

Why It Works

This DIY home decor living room idea brings the outdoors in with zero fuss—perfect for small spaces. It’s a talking point that fits any style, from rustic to modern. The plants thrive with minimal care, and it’s a budget win using basic supplies. It’s living art that evolves.

Styling Tip

Mix plant textures—spiky succulents with soft moss—for depth. Theme it like a tiny forest or desert scene.

Fabric-Covered Photo Frame Collage

What It Is

A fabric-covered photo frame collage is a DIY wall decor living room idea that’s all about personal flair. Wrap plain frames in fabric, fill them with photos, and arrange them in a cluster. It’s a cohesive way to display memories that matches your decor—think family shots or artsy prints with a twist.

Materials

• Plain photo frames (mix sizes)
• Fabric scraps or fat quarters
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Photos or art prints

How to Implement

1. Pick fabric that vibes with your room—solids or patterns, your call.
2. Cut pieces to cover each frame, leaving extra to wrap around edges.
3. Glue fabric to the frame front, then fold and secure it around the sides—keep it taut!
4. Slip in your photos or prints—trim them to fit if needed.
5. Plan your wall layout—tape a paper template first if you’re picky.
6. Hang with nails or adhesive strips, and adjust until it’s gallery-worthy!

Why It Works

This DIY living room makeover idea ties your space together with custom charm. It’s a thrifty way to refresh old frames, and fabric offers endless options. It’s personal yet polished, and the collage format fills walls without breaking the bank. Memories never looked so good.

Styling Tip

Try textured fabrics like burlap for rustic vibes, or paint frames first for a worn-in look.

Floating Geometric Wood Tiers

What It Is

Floating geometric wood tiers are modern DIY living room decor ideas for stylish storage. Crafted from wood dowels or pre-cut shapes, they’re quirky shelves for plants, books, or trinkets. Hung on your wall, they add an artistic edge—perfect for filling blank spots with flair.

Materials

• Wooden dowels or pre-cut geometric shapes (craft stores have these)
• Wood glue or hot glue
• Wall brackets or mounting hardware
• Drill or hammer

How to Implement

1. If using dowels, cut and glue them into shapes—triangles or hexagons are cool. Let dry fully.
2. Pick your wall spot—measure to keep it centered and functional.
3. Mark bracket spots with a level—precision’s key for a pro finish.
4. Install brackets per instructions—drill or hammer based on your wall.
5. Attach your wood tiers to the brackets—check they’re secure.
6. Load them up with decor and tweak the arrangement!

Why It Works

These DIY living room decorations offer modern flair and extra display space. They’re flexible—size them to your room—and affordable with basic materials. The geometric look feels fresh, and they turn walls into functional art. It’s minimalist with a punch.

Styling Tip

Paint them bold for a pop, or keep natural for Scandi vibes. Stack a few for a bold feature wall.

Custom Lampshade

What It Is

A custom lampshade is a simple DIY living room decorating idea on a budget that revamps your lighting. Take a plain shade and jazz it up with fabric, paint, or trim—it’s a unique glow for your space. Perfect for refreshing an old lamp or adding a new vibe, it’s creativity at its easiest.

Materials

• Plain lampshade (home stores sell these)
• Fabric, paint, or decorative bits
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun or fabric glue
• Optional: trim or ribbon

How to Implement

1. Choose your material—fabric for softness, paint for bold designs.
2. For fabric, cut it to fit the shade, leaving overlap for edges, and glue it on, starting at the seam.
3. For paint, brush on your design—let it dry completely before handling.
4. Add trim or ribbon with glue for extra flair—go slow for neatness.
5. Pop it on your lamp base, switch it on, and see the magic!

Why It Works

This DIY home decor living room hack updates lighting without splurging on a new lamp. It’s a creative outlet—play with patterns or colors—and uses scraps for a low cost. The custom touch elevates your room’s vibe. It’s small effort, big reward.

Styling Tip

Go bold with a funky print, or keep it neutral with a fringe twist. Layer textures for extra wow.

If you’re hungry for broader inspiration, explore our roundup of the 21 Best Modern Living Room Decor Ideas for 2025. It’s packed with cutting-edge trends and timeless looks to spark your next makeover.

Conclusion

There you have it—9 simple DIY living room decor ideas that prove you don’t need deep pockets for a stunning space. From photo ledges to pom-pom garlands, these projects blend style, savings, and a whole lot of fun. They’re perfect for a DIY living room makeover that’s uniquely you.

Pick one or two to try this weekend—I bet you’ll be hooked! Share your results or your own twists in the comments—I’d love to see your creativity shine.

FAQs on Diy Living Room Decor