A lot of DIY jobs can appear quite scary, especially if you don’t he a lot of experience and therefore the necessary skills and know-how – which, let’s face it, most of us don’t. But luckily, there are plenty of easy DIY projects that pretty much anyone can pull off over the weekend.
Whether it’s some creative and clever yet not at all difficult paint ideas or a way to upcycle something you already own but rarely use, these jobs take very little time, skills and tools – very rarely will you be confronted with the need for power tools when getting stuck into these beginner-friendly DIY jobs, since most of us don’t he a drill, a jigsaw and a stapler to our name.
Easy DIY projects to update your home‘Diving into DIY is one of the most fulfilling ways to make your home truly yours, se some cash, and gain a boost of confidence with every project you tackle,’ says Sienna Brooks, Flitch interior stylist. ‘It gives you the freedom to customise each space to reflect your personal style. Plus, it’s a fantastic opportunity to develop practical skills and make meaningful improvements without hing to call in professionals for every little task.’
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And on top of all those benefits, it will also give you a great boost of confidence and pride as there’s nothing quite like looking at something in your home you like and knowing you’ve made it yourself.
If you are a beginner though, Fantastic Handyman's renovation specialist, Violeta Stoyanova recommends steering clear of structural home repairs and tackling something on a smaller scale – perhaps an IKEA hack or a beginner-friendly upcycling idea.
‘There are many beginner-friendly DIY projects that deliver a big impact without requiring special skills or tools. I always advise starting with a project that doesn’t involve structural changes or complex wiring or plumbing. Confidence is key at the beginning and these early successes provide inspiration to continue. Just measure twice, cut once and watch a few video tutorials beforehand,’ Violeta says.
1. Give plain photo frames an update
Bold and fun photo and picture frames he become a big home decor trend over the last couple of years – with everything from scalloped and wiggly edges to striped and chequered patterns ailable on the market.
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By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.And while some high-street brands he nailed the affordable price points, some of the pretty designs can still be spenny! So why not upcycle some of your old plain photo frames yourself, much like Ella Meesters (@ellameesters on Instagram) has done.
‘I love finding things in the thrift store and giving them a new life by upcycling them,’ Ella says.
Pretty much all you need is some fine sandpaper, leftover paint or tester paint pots and potentially the Zinsser B-I-N primer, ailable at Amazon, if you’re using IKEA frames or ones made with a similar finish – that's an essential step when painting IKEA furniture and home accessories.
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You can take some inspiration from these pretty designs. Or if you feel like treating yourself, you can add them to your basket, too.
We could hardly believe that this pretty as a picture frame, made with mango wood no less, is only £10. Needless to say, it's already selling like hot cakes.
If you're not over scalloped edges - as most of us aren't, despite it being a trend for the past two years or so - then this glossy number should be at the top of your wish or inspo list.
Stripes are timeless - but never he they been so popular as right now. Everybody's obsessed with all things stripes and they look particularly chic on frames. This Anthropologie frame is the proof!
2. Cover a wall in wallpaper
Putting up wallpaper is another one of those tasks that can seem daunting to tackle on your own. But if you invest in the right kind of wallpaper, it can be a pretty straightforward job.
‘An accent wall with peel-and-stick wallpaper is an affordable way to transform a room’s atmosphere and if you go for peel-and-stick wallpaper, you'll oid the mess. It's also repositionable if you make a mistake,’ Violeta at Fantastic Handyman suggests.
Alternatively, you can get a bit artistic and create a geometric pattern on your wall using paint and masking tape. ‘Even a simple geometric paint pattern with painter’s tape can create a stunning look,’ Violeta says.
Vintage-inspired toile de jouy motifs are hing a moment this year as we're seeing them everywhere from the first Primark x Pinterest collection to many wallpaper designs like this one from Amazon.
If you're not a fan of pattern, you can utilise wallpaper to mimic an effect you do like. One of the most popular at the moment is wall panelling. And self-adhesive wall panelling-effect wallpapers like this Dunelm design are a great way to go.
If you're looking for some ideas for playroom walls or a children's bedroom for your little one, an illustrated animal design like this one from B&Q will bring the space alive. And the easy peel-and-stick application means anyone can put this one up.
3. Switch out cabinet handles
There is probably no easier DIY project you could take on than swapping out the handles on your kitchen cabinets, wardrobes or any other furniture for that matter – and yet, it makes such a difference! Several editors and writers on the Ideal Home team he done it and can attest to its ease and transformative power – it’s also a perfect update to a rental home.
‘Swapping out cabinet handles or door hardware. This provides a quick facelift for kitchens, bathrooms or furniture and you'll only need a screwdriver and perhaps a drill if new holes are needed. It's generally a great way to modernise dated spaces with minimal effort,’ Violeta at Fantastic Handyman says.
4. Create a planter wall
If you he any outdoor space at all, no matter how small, be it a balcony or a small garden, building yourself a personalised herb or plant wall can really elevate the area and bring it to life.
‘Creating a vertical herb garden or planter wall. This project is perfect for balconies, patios or kitchen walls. All you'll need to use are wooden pallets, hanging planters or even repurpose IKEA pieces. It adds greenery and functionality in a small footprint,’ Violeta at Fantastic Handyman says.
5. Tile a splashback
Protect the wall behind a sink or oven with a newly tiled splashback. You can give a kitchen, bathroom or cloakroom a whole new look in just an afternoon!
Watch a few tutorials on how to tile a splashback so you can approach the task with confidence. A backsplash will protect walls and add a splash of style to your decor scheme.
6. Build a mini outdoor kitchen
Stuck with a bijou balcony, cosy courtyard or petite patio? Don't let your lack of external space deter you from creating a mini outdoor kitchen. This one has a mini footprint that can squeeze into the smallest of spaces.
Start by taking a single wooden trellis panel and painting it in a colour of your choice. Next, take four wooden crates of the same size, and paint the outside surfaces of these too. Once dry, turn them onto their side, stack them together and secure them with fixings, then attach them to the bottom of the trellis panel using screws. Then simply position against a wall and adorn with all your outdoor cooking kit.
7. Make a sink curtain
The current fascination with traditional kitchen ideas and cottage kitchen ideas has seen the return of the cupboard curtain. This is the perfect budget hack for anyone looking to hide part of an unsightly kitchen, it can easily work for renters too.
Start by selecting a piece of fabric, you can repurpose some old curtains, or even an old tablecloth will work. Cut it down to size and hem the edges, then create a loop at the top to thread either a thin curtain rail or a tension rod through like this one from Dunelm. If sewing isn't your strong point, you can skip the sewing machine by hemming with hemming tape and attaching clip-on curtain rings, both also ailable at Dunelm.
8. Paint a canopy over the bed
Use a leftover tin of paint to transform your bedroom with an imaginative DIY headboard idea. This instant four-poster paint trick brings drama and a cocooning feel to your sleep space. Choose a rich, deep tone to contrast against the rest of the wall and extend it out onto the ceiling.
Or, you could create an arch-shaped painted headboard: 'Creating a perfect semi-circle with paint is easier than you think,' says Judy Smith, Crown Paints' colour consultant. 'First of all, measure the length of your wall and mark its centre, or wherever you want the centre of your semi-circle to be.'
'Hammer a nail into the spot you’ve just marked, just above the skirting board. Depending on how wide you want your semi-circle to be, measure out some string and cut to size. The longer the string, the bigger the semi-circle. Tie one end of the string to a pencil and the other end to the nail. If you’re not allowed to use nails on your wall, extra strong tape will hold the string in place.'
'Once you’re all set, start tracing out your semi-circle on the wall from one way to the other. Making sure you’re pulling the pencil tight on the string. Once you’ve drawn the outline, use a small paintbrush to create a precise edge at the top of your semi-circle. You can then go in with a paint roller or larger brush to fill in the rest of the shape.'
9. Upholster a footstool
If you're looking for a satisfying but incredibly easy DIY project then he ago as reupholstering a footstool. All you need is a footstool, if you don't he one you can easily pick one up using home decor discount codes, or even second-hand on eBay. You'll also need some fabric and a staple gun.
'Before buying your fabric, check the measurements of your footstool so you can make sure that it will cover the top and sides with some extra fabric leftover to conceal any mistakes,' recommends Ideal Home's Deputy Digital Editor (and DIY enthusiast), Rebecca Knight.
'If your footstool is already in good condition, I'd recommend sing your time and wrapping your new fabric on top. However, you can strip it back for a completely new start and add in some extra padding for a proper revamp.'
10. Tile a coffee table
Give an old coffee table a bold and on-trend refresh by tiling the top and repainting it. This project is best sed for a bank holiday as you'll need time for the grout to dry.
Our Deputy Digital Editor, Rebecca tried this project out recently with a secondhand table and tiles all sourced from eBay. 'What I learnt from the project is that preparation is key, and you should double and triple check that the tiles are going to fit before you start laying any of them.
'Overall, I was shocked at how easy it was to do, all my friends were really impressed and couldn't believe that I'd made it myself. However, my top tip is to use a pre-mixed tile adhesive and grout to keep mess to a minimum and speed up the make.'
11. Paint a striped feature wall
If you're looking for how to paint a room, an easy yet effective way to add some character and whimsical pattern to your space is with paint, in these neat, floor-to-ceiling stripes. Keep it classic with white and ny or if you’re feeling brer, pick bolder shades or even two contrasting shades like pink and red.
Start by painting the whole wall in your base colour, in this instance, crisp white. Next, using wide decorator tape or masking tape, apply to the wall in stripes, from floor to ceiling, leing the same width as the tape between each stripe. Once you're happy that the stripes are straight and in the right place, use a roller to apply your second colour, in this instance, ny, over the entire wall, covering the tape as well as the gaps in between.
Lee the first coat to dry, then apply a second, but before it dries completely, remove the tape to reveal your neat striped wall.
12. Make a simple pillow headboard
An easy bedroom idea, update a simple divan bed base and take your headboard style up a notch, with this super-simple, super-cost effective, pillow-hanging-hack.
First, work out where you’d like your pillow headboard to hang- how high above your bed and what distance apart- then mark this in pencil on the wall. Next measure four lengths of slim leather straps around 150cm each and attach in place on the wall using metal tacks. You want to make sure the loops you make can snugly hold your pillows so they don’t fall out easily but still keep their shape. Slide your pillows into the loops and make sure they are supported evenly.
Use basic pillowcases (rather than fancy silk ones) so it means washing your headboard is a breeze.
13. Create a panelled feature wall
Create a living room feature wall idea with a difference with this clever wallpaper hack. Choose a mural wallpaper that depicts a view or scene rather than an all-over pattern. Start by choosing a full-scale, floor-to-ceiling mural that you love and paste to the wall. Murals often come in 3-4 large panels rather than rolls but adhere to the wall in the same way. Next cut strips of MDF approximately 10 cm wide to create panelling and fix in place over the top of the mural, using nails. Use filler to fill the dents and holes made by the nails, then sand until smooth, before painting all the wood in the same shade. You might need two coats to cover it perfectly.
To give it a twist, paint the panelling a darker shade of grey or black, to give the illusion of a view through black steel-framed windows.
14. Makeover a kids bed with wallpaper
Upgrade a simple IKEA KURA bunk bed with a fun, jungle-print wallpaper. Simply measure and cut your paper to size, then paste the surface of the bed’s front and end panels and fix the wallpaper in place. You could even paint the frame too, but do this before you add your chosen wallpaper. Add cushions, fairy lights and books to the bottom bunk to make a hideaway reading nook.
Add a decorative layer to your kids' bedroom by painting a scalloped wall too.
15. Wallpaper a kitchen island
Hit refresh in your kitchen and wallpaper one side of a kitchen island to add a touch of pattern to a pared-back scheme. Start by measuring the surface area of the island so you know how much wallpaper you’ll need. You might be able to get away with leftovers from a previous project, or just buying a single roll.
Next, ensure the surface of the island side is dust and dirt-free. Give it a wash with a cream cleaner, then wipe again with a damp cloth. Lee to dry. Using a strong adhesive, (which one you use will depend on the material of the island- a permanent spray mount, strong wallpaper paste or multi-surface glue are all options) carefully attach your chosen wallpaper, smoothing out any air bubbles or lumps as you go.
Use a clear varnish to seal and protect, or cover it in a sheet of coloured Perspex for a modern, practical feel.
16. Elevate drawer fronts with dowelling
Give an old set of drawers a brand new look with this simple IKEA hack, that will take as little as an afternoon but will create a show-stopping transformation. Start by choosing a width of dowelling you like, to create this designer-look, fluted front.
The slimmer the dowels, the fiddler the hack but it will still create a pleasing update. Next measure the height of each drawer and then cut the dowels to size. Attach the dowels in vertical strips to the drawer fronts with strong wood glue, or alternatively, tiny tacks to secure them into place.
Once dry, paint the dowels to match the colour of the unit. To give it a twist, paint the whole cabinet a bold, stand-out colour by using furniture chalk paint, or matt eggshell paint.
17. Jazz up a pinboard with statement paper
Pick up a basic cork pin board, like this one from Amazon, and cover in a bold patterned wallpaper to create a practical feature for the home office, kitchen or kids' bedroom.
Then, choose an impactful print with nods to the room’s colour scheme to break up a wall and keep paper in one place, from tickets and postcards to bills and memos.
18. Paint inside shelving nooks in a tonal palette
Stack together inexpensive bookcases and paint the inside recesses to create a dramatic backdrop for styling everyday objects, from bowls and mugs to glass storage jars.
Safety first: ensure the bookcases are secured to the wall when stacking. Alternatively, you could use leftover wallpaper instead of paint for the interior of the shelves.
19. Transform windows and doors with film
Window film is ailable to buy online, but you can also buy designs at the likes of B&Q and Screwfix. Use it to create an on-trend fluted pattern on plain glass doors and caninets, or to give yourself more privacy by covering the bottom half of windows. Browse all of the window film, at Amazon.
20. Create a breakfast nook
Carve out a corner seating area that's perfect for a family breakfast nook idea. Take an IKEA shelving unit as the base and combine with an upholstered headboard attached to the wall to make a backrest.
Place your dining table next to it and nestle dining chairs around it for extra seating. Add cushions and blankets to cosy up the look and store baskets beneath to curb clutter.
21. Create an ‘easy-change’ gallery wall
Got lots of pictures and prints that you hen’t got around to putting up yet? This easy display idea can be sorted in less than a day and makes an alternative to a fixed gallery wall as pictures can be moved around or added to if you fancy a change later down the line.
You’ll need two or three narrow wooden picture ledges to create this effect. Either make your own using a couple of lengths of timber or buy ready-made ledges – IKEA’s MOSSLANDA ledges start at just £5 each and are ideal. Otherwise, these Amazon picture ledges come highly recommended by reviewers and they come in a pack of 3. Arrange the ledges in rows on your wall, using a spirit level to make sure that they are straight. The gap between each ledge should depend on the height of the tallest item you’ll be displaying.
Ledges can be painted to match the wall for a seamless look or opt for a contrasting colour that will stand out against the backdrop. Once up, simply prop pictures against the wall and fill in any gaps with small ornaments.
22. Try a two-tone paint treatment
If you he a plain white room that’s lacking a little oomph, try this easy but effective paint idea that can be completed in just a day, rather than tackling a full room redo. Half-painted walls are super on trend at the moment and are a clever way of giving tired rooms new focus with a bold shot of colour.
So how to paint two-tone walls then? Starting off with a white or pale-coloured wall is the simplest option. Apply a band of masking tape to the wall where you want your dividing line to be – the tape will help create a crisp edge – then fill in with darker-coloured paint. Using a dark colour on the bottom section of walls and skirting helps a room to feel more grounded and gives a darker backdrop to showcase furniture and accessories. A lighter colour at the top will make a room feel more lofty.
23. Give an old piece of furniture a colourful makeover
Do you he an old piece of wooden furniture such as a chest of drawers, sideboard or wardrobe that is looking dated and in need of a new look? A simple coat of furniture paint goes a long way to make something old feel brand new. Let this fine example inspire your own DIY project.
Ideal Home's Editor-in-Chief, Heather Young has upcycled an old family heirloom for her young daughter's room, painting a vintage wardrobe a beautiful pink shade. See Heather's upcycled wardrobe transformation for yourself.
24. Give your shower door a steel-framed makeover
Next up, we've taken a tip from svy DIYer Jasmine of Instagram’s @_OhAbode. She ge her shower screen this cool Crittall-style finish using black electrical tape.
The crittall effect shower door hack hack cost a grand total of £2, but looks super stylish. You can source your electrical tape from Amazon, otherwise, you can use window lead adhesive for a similar effect.
25. Panel your walls
Another big trend going nowhere is wall panelling. We promise it's easy as it's now readily ailable in DIY stores as primed-to-paint, stick-to-the-wall panels. But you can also he a go creating a bespoke look with MDF batons or strips.
There are lots of wall panelling ideas out there, and the fact you can now buy a wall panelling kit from B&Q, complete with cut-to-size FSC-certified wood, it's easier than ever. You simply stick them onto your wall and paint.
26. Paint the stairs
Sick of the sight of that stained old stair carpet? Tear it up and replace with a gorgeous paint job. You could try a graduated ombré effect using a range of tester pots on the risers, keeping to one colour on treads, or alternate colours.
Learn how to paint a staircase and you'll be able to dramatically transform your hallway without spending much money.
27. Hang your photos
It's one of those jobs we never get around to doing, so why not dedicate a morning to auditing all the photos on your phone, then print a few out and create a wall of photos?
Play with composition – especially in areas like stairways or hallways, where walls are often bare and uninspired. For a smarter look, stick to photo frames of the same colour, and print all photos in either colour or black and white, rather than mixing and matching.
28. Fake a marble side table
You could revamp a side table or DIY coffee table with an easy-to-use marble effect film. The adhesive film simple sticks to your existing work surface to provide a new look in an instant.
Go for a worktop vinyl, like this one at Amazon. If you he a small old storage unit knocking around that could easily be updated as shown above – you'd never know this elegant platform was a basic display plinth covered in marble wrap.
29. Upcycle a bathroom vanity unit
Be super resourceful and give an old table or chest a second chance, and potentially create more storage in the bathroom. Discover how to upcycle a vanity unit and create a super-stylish piece of furniture.
30. Make your own 'stoneware' vases with spray paint
Become a craft potter without the mess of moulding clay. Learn how to create a stunning stone-effect vase for just £6 using a can of spray paint and give your living room shelves a stylish update. You can buy this Rust-Oleum spray paint at Amazon.
Which weekend project takes your fancy?