5 DIY wall decor ideas that are easy to make and will instantly transform your space

It’s a wonderful feeling to enter a place and instantly feel at home. Often, it’s the different touches on the walls that really make the difference.

Hi, fellow interior designers! If you’re looking at blank walls and wondering how to add some personality to your room without a budget, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve compiled a list of five DIY wall decor projects that I think are perfect for anyone, even those who consider themselves “not crafty.”

The best part? Most of the components are probably already in your home. Come along with me as we explore these easy yet beautiful projects that will make your friends wonder, “Where did you get this beautiful thing?”

1. Decorate a gallery wall with your own photos and prints.

There’s nothing more enjoyable than surrounding yourself with happy memories and photos. Since a gallery wall can be adapted to fit any style, it’s my first choice for DIY wall decor.

You’ll need:

• Picture frames in different sizes (you can find these at charity stores!)
• Your most precious photos, posters or children’s artwork
• A pencil and planning paper
• Picture hanging strips or small nails

Here’s how to get it done:

To start, arrange your frames on the floor in different ways until you find one that feels balanced. Don’t stress over perfection; the natural, worn-in vibe of DIY wall decor is what makes it so charming. Once you’re satisfied with the arrangement, glue the template to your wall after tracing each frame onto paper. You can avoid a lot of nail holes using this easy trick!

The best part about this project is that you can change out the prints and photos and update it whenever you want. I love combining family pictures with inspirational sayings and outdoor photos because it makes the space feel so cozy and inviting.

2. Use abstract paint techniques to transform a canvas

This is where we’re going to play! Despite its intimidating appearance, abstract art is actually the most forgiving type of wall decor you can create yourself. Since there are no rules, you can’t possibly mess it up.

Gather these materials:

• Blank canvas (canvases from the dollar store are ideal)
• Acrylic paint in three to four of your favorite colors
• Sponges, brushes, or even an old credit card
• A drop cloth to protect your work area

Let’s get creative:

Choose colors that pair well with your existing design, such as warm terracotta and cream for a pleasant living room or light blues and grays for a calming bedroom. The “color blocking” method is my favorite technique; it involves simply painting geometric shapes that blend into each other and overlap.

Don’t overthink things! Happy accidents have created some of the best DIY wall decor items I’ve ever seen. Embrace imperfections, let the paint flow and mix colors together. Naturally, your distinct style will emerge.

3. Create eye-catching wall hangings from yarn or macrame

Fiber art is all the rage right now, and texture adds depth and warmth to a space. There are easy macrame patterns that produce stunning results, even if you’ve never done it before.

You’ll need:

• Chunky yarn or macrame cord
• A piece of driftwood or wooden dowel
• Scissors
• A fringe comb (optional)

Get started:

Start with a simple design; even basic knots can create beautiful, flowing patterns. I always recommend beginners to start small. Creating your own wall decor with your own hands is a really peaceful experience that adds such natural beauty to a room.

In this case, YouTube tutorials are your best friend, and honestly, what makes these items so unique is their handmade, slightly flawed look. Each one shows the effort and attention to detail you put into creating something great for your home.

4. Turn wood parts into rustic art

One of my favorite eco-friendly DIY wall decor ideas is to create wall art from old wood that has great character. Reclaimed barn wood, beach driftwood, or even old fence pickets can be used to add instant warmth and character to your walls.

Items to collect:

• Weathered wood pieces
• Sandpaper
• Paint or wood stain (optional)
• Vinyl or stencil lettering
• Small screws or nails for hanging

Connecting the dots:

Lightly sanding your wood will preserve most of its beautiful weathered characteristics while also making it easier to handle. After that, you can paint, lightly stain or leave it natural to suit your decor.

Think about incorporating a family name, an inspirational saying or even just a basic geometric pattern. This type of DIY wall decor looks great in modern industrial, rustic or rural environments. It’s important to choose phrases or patterns that you personally like.

5. Build Floating Shelves for Useful Interior Design

The best DIY wall decor can sometimes serve as useful storage in addition to being aesthetically pleasing. Books, candles, small plants, and other valuables look great on floating shelves.

List of items to buy:

• Wood boards (1 x 4 or 1 x 6 inches are good choices)
• Brackets for the floating shelf
• Screws and a level drill
• Paint or stain the wood to suit your style.

Installation Tips:

Remember to locate wall studs for secure mounting, and measure twice before cutting! The advantage of making your own shelves is that you can vary the length and finish to exactly match your existing DIY wall decor.

Add different heights and textures to your shelves, such as a candle, a beloved book, and a small succulent plant. To keep your DIY wall decor purposeful and fresh, change up the styling each season.

Bringing Everything Together

Personality is the key to great DIY wall decor, not perfection. Every piece you create should represent your values ​​and tell your story. Don’t be afraid to mix and match projects in your home. When the gallery wall in the hallway, the macramé hanging in the bedroom and the rustic wood artwork in the living room are all created with passion and purpose, they can all complement each other.

Keep in mind that the most important aspect of any DIY wall decor project is that it brings a smile to your face. Have fun with the process, follow your intuition and don’t worry about making it “perfect on Pinterest.” The imperfections and backstory of each piece are what make it so beautiful.

What’s stopping you from starting your first project right now? Gather your supplies, pick out something you love, and let’s work together to transform those walls into a space that really feels like home.

Have you used any of these DIY wall decorating ideas? I’d love to see photos of your crafts and hear about your work! Show me your before and after photos; there’s nothing more motivating than seeing a blank wall transformed into something beautiful with a little imagination and effort.