DIY decor projects you can finish in a weekend……So, here’s the thing—I love the idea of DIY. Like, love it. The scrolling-Pinterest-at-2am, pinning-“future projects” kind of love. But if we’re being honest, most of my boards are basically digital graveyards of projects I swore I’d do “someday.” Spoiler: someday never came. Until one weekend, when I decided to actually do one.
And you know what? It didn’t suck. In fact, it turned into this whole rabbit hole where I realized there are legit DIY decor projects you can finish in a weekend—without turning your living room into a construction site or making your neighbors question your life choices. That’s why I put together this list of 10 DIY decor projects you can finish in a weekend. They’re fun, they look good, and none of them require, like, a degree in carpentry.
I promise, this isn’t one of those lists where the “easy” project requires an orbital sander, $200 worth of supplies, and the patience of a monk. Nope. These are real-life, “I’ve-got-Netflix-running-in-the-background” kinda projects.
1. Painted Mason Jar Vases
Okay, mason jars are basically the avocado toast of DIY. Everyone’s doing them, but they’re still good. Grab some leftover paint (I used this random half-empty can from my bathroom reno) and slap it inside the jars for a smooth, glossy look. Add some wildflowers or fake greenery, and suddenly you’re Joanna Gaines.
Pro tip: Don’t paint the outside. It chips. Learned that the hard way when I scratched one with my car keys.
2. Floating Shelves (but Cheap)
Hear me out—Home Depot wants like $60 for one “rustic” floating shelf. Excuse me? I made mine with two brackets, a piece of stained wood, and some stubborn determination. Whole thing took maybe an hour, and now I pretend I’m fancy because my books float.
Also, bonus: when people ask, you can casually drop, “Oh, I built those.” Instant cool points.
3. Washi Tape Wall Art
Listen, if you don’t own washi tape, you’re missing out. It’s basically stickers for adults. I made this geometric pattern on the wall behind my desk with black tape, and suddenly my Zoom background went from “sad beige wall” to “quirky creative human who probably drinks pour-over coffee.”
And the best part? Zero commitment. Peel it off when you’re over it.
4. Upcycled Candle Holders
I used old wine bottles. Don’t judge me. Chop the top off (or just stick taper candles in the opening if you’re too scared of glass cutters, which I was), and boom—instant moody dinner vibes.
Also me lighting them during Taco Bell night: “Yes, this is fine dining.”
5. Stenciled Throw Pillows
Backstory: I once spent $45 on a single pillow at Target. FOR A PILLOW. Never again. Now I just buy plain covers and stencil them with fabric paint. Polka dots, stars, even messy brush strokes—doesn’t matter. People think they’re designer.
(Reality: I made them while watching “The Office” reruns and accidentally spilled paint on my sweatpants.)
6. No-Sew Curtains
If you can iron, you can make curtains. Seriously. Fabric + iron-on hem tape = instant curtains. My landlord still thinks I bought them at West Elm. Joke’s on him. They cost $12.
7. DIY Gallery Wall
Okay, gallery walls are intimidating. But I promise, it’s just chaos disguised as art. Mix thrift store frames, random art prints, even postcards. I hung up a doodle my niece made, and someone legit asked me where I bought it. (She’s 7, so I told her she’s now a professional artist.)
8. Rope-Wrapped Mirror
This one makes you feel like you should be on HGTV. Take a plain mirror, hot glue some rope around the edges, and suddenly it’s “coastal chic.” I put mine in the hallway and every time I pass it I feel like I live in a beach house, not a rental apartment with questionable plumbing.
9. Plant Hangers (Macrame-ish, but Lazy)
Real talk: macrame is beautiful, but I don’t have the patience for 27 knots. So I just braided some rope and tied it around a pot. Is it “true” macrame? No. Does it hang a plant without falling? Yes. Done.
Also, plants automatically trick people into thinking you have your life together. One pothos and a snake plant = instant adult credibility.
10. Painted Accent Wall
This sounds scary but hear me out: it’s literally just paint. Pick one wall. Pick a color. Roll it on. Done. I did a deep green wall behind my bed, and suddenly it looked like I lived in a magazine spread instead of a room where I still sometimes eat Pop-Tarts in bed.
The Weekend Vibe: DIY decor projects you can finish in a weekend
Here’s the real kicker: these projects are fun, but they’re also a confidence booster. Like, I don’t always feel like I’m winning at this whole “adulting” thing. Half the time my fridge has only condiments and a questionable block of cheese. But when I finish a DIY project, even a tiny one, I feel like I have my life together. At least for a second.
And honestly, isn’t that the whole point?
Quick List Recap (for the skimmers, I see you 👀)
- Mason jar vases
- Floating shelves
- Washi tape wall art
- Wine bottle candle holders
- Stenciled pillows
- No-sew curtains
- Gallery wall
- Rope-wrapped mirror
- Lazy macrame plant hangers
- Painted accent wall
Outbound Links:
- Paulo Coelho interview — The Guardian
- Sylvia Plath bio & works — Poetry Foundation
- Original “Crying in H Mart” essay — The New Yorker
- James Clear’s 3-2-1 newsletter — James Clear
- Matt Haig’s blog — Matt Haig
