15 Weekend DIY Projects That Will Transform Any Room (Under $50 Each)

Hey there, fellow DIY lover! Imagine walking into your home after a relaxing weekend and seeing it look like a million bucks – all because you rolled up your sleeves for a few hours. You can totally do this! These 15 weekend DIY projects are designed for busy homeowners like you, each costing under $50 and taking just 2-6 hours. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, there’s something here to refresh your living room, kitchen, bedroom, or entryway. We’ll break down exact materials (with current approximate prices from Home Depot, Amazon, and Walmart), tools you’ll likely already have, difficulty levels, and step-by-step instructions. Let’s turn your home into your dream space!

Why Weekend DIY Projects Are a Game-Changer

Weekend projects are perfect because they’re quick wins. No weeks of disruption, no massive budgets, just satisfying results that make you smile every time you walk by. Mix of skill levels means beginners can start simple, while pros tackle the trickier ones. Total cost per project: under $50. Pro tip: Shop sales at Home Depot or Amazon for even better deals.

Project 1: Faux Shiplap Wall Accent (Living Room)

Difficulty: Beginner | Time: 3 hours | Total Cost: $35

Create that coastal farmhouse look without the hassle of real wood. Perfect for a feature wall behind your sofa.

Materials:

• 1 sheet 1/4-inch MDF board (cut to 4×8 ft at Home Depot): $20
• 1 quart white latex paint (Behr Ultra Pure White): $12
• Caulk (DAP Alex Plus, 10 oz): $3

Tools:

• Circular saw or table saw (rent if needed)
• Miter saw
• Paint roller and brush
• Caulking gun

Step-by-Step:

1. Measure your wall (assume 8×10 ft). Cut MDF into 12-inch wide planks (1/4-inch thick) using circular saw. You’ll need about 10 planks.
2. Sand edges lightly with 220-grit sandpaper for smooth joints.
3. Paint all planks with two coats of Behr Ultra Pure White. Let dry 1 hour between coats.
4. Starting from the bottom, apply construction adhesive (like Liquid Nails, $4 extra if needed) to the back and press planks to wall, leaving 1/8-inch gaps between for caulk lines.
5. Once dry (1 hour), caulk gaps vertically and horizontally to mimic shiplap seams. Wipe excess with damp finger for perfect lines.
6. Touch up paint over caulk. Boom – instant character!

Result: A pro-level accent wall that fools everyone into thinking you hired a contractor.

Project 2: Floating Shelves from Fence Pickets (Kitchen)

Difficulty: Beginner | Time: 2.5 hours | Total Cost: $28

Display your spice jars or cookbooks with rustic charm.

Materials:

• 3 fence pickets (Home Depot dog-ear pine, 5/8 x 5.5 x 6 ft): $18 ($6 each)
• 1-inch brad nails (500 count): $3
• Wood stain (Minwax Provincial, 8 oz): $7

Tools:

• Miter saw
• Sander or sandpaper
• Brad nailer (or hammer and finishing nails)
• French cleat brackets (2-pack, $5 hidden cost)

Step-by-Step:

1. Cut pickets to 36-inch lengths for shelves.
2. Sand all surfaces smooth.
3. Stain with Minwax Provincial using rag, two coats, dry 30 min each.
4. Cut 1×2 furring strips for brackets into French cleat shape (45-degree angle on one edge).
5. Attach cleat to wall with 3-inch screws into studs. Screw other cleat to shelf underside.
6. Hang and load up! Holds 20+ lbs per shelf.

Project 3: No-Sew Curtain Tiebacks from Rope (Bedroom)

Difficulty: Super Easy | Time: 1 hour | Total Cost: $15

Elevate any curtains with nautical or boho vibes.

Materials:

• 10 ft 1/2-inch manila rope: $8
• 2 wooden rings (1.5-inch diameter): $4
• Hot glue sticks (20-pack): $3

Steps:

1. Cut rope into two 5-ft pieces.
2. Loop rope through ring, hot glue ends together for tassel (wrap 6 inches with extra rope).
3. Pinch curtain and loop tieback around. Adjustable and gorgeous!

Project 4: Painted Rug Accent (Entryway)

Difficulty: Easy | Time: 4 hours | Total Cost: $42

Transform a cheap rug into a designer piece.

Materials:

• 8×10 ft neutral area rug (Walmart Mainstays): $30
• Fabric paint (Tulip ColorShot Navy, 2 cans): $10
• Painters tape: $2

Steps:

1. Tape off geometric pattern (e.g., 12-inch stripes or diamonds) outdoors or on drop cloth.
2. Spray paint in light coats, 3-4 layers, dry 30 min between.
3. Peel tape when tacky for crisp lines. Heat set with hairdryer 5 min.

Project 5: Gallery Wall Ledge (Hallway)

Difficulty: Beginner | Time: 2 hours | Total Cost: $25

Materials:

• 1×4 pine board (8 ft): $8
• Brackets (Everbilt black, 3-pack): $12
• Spray paint (Rust-Oleum matte black): $5

Steps:

1. Cut board to 7 ft. Sand edges.
2. Spray paint board and brackets, 2 coats.
3. Mount brackets 16 inches apart into studs, hang board.
4. Style with frames, plants, art.

Project 6: Herb Garden Window Box (Kitchen Window)

Difficulty: Easy | Time: 2.5 hours | Total Cost: $40

Materials:

• Wood planter box (Home Depot 36-inch): $25
• Potting soil (Miracle-Gro 8 qt): $5
• Herb plants (basil, mint, parsley from Walmart): $10

Steps:

1. Line box with landscape fabric ($3).
2. Fill with soil, plant herbs 6 inches apart.
3. Mount under window with L-brackets.
4. Water and enjoy fresh herbs!

Project 7: Mirror Frame Upgrade (Bathroom)

Difficulty: Intermediate | Time: 3.5 hours | Total Cost: $45

Materials:

• Lumber molding (1.5-inch wide oak, 20 ft): $25
• Wood glue: $4
• Gold spray paint (Krylon): $8
• Clamps: $8

Steps:

1. Measure mirror, miter cut molding at 45 degrees for frame.
2. Glue and clamp corners, dry 1 hour.
3. Spray paint, attach to mirror back with adhesive.

Project 8: Ottoman from Coffee Table (Living Room)

Difficulty: Intermediate | Time: 5 hours | Total Cost: $48

Materials:

• Old coffee table (thrift $10)
• 2-inch foam (44×24-inch): $20
• Fabric (upholstery gray, 3 yards): $15
• Batting and staples: $3

Steps:

1. Sand and paint table base.
2. Layer foam, batting, fabric; staple to underside.

Project 9: Peel-and-Stick Floor Tile Refresh (Laundry Room)

Difficulty: Easy | Time: 4 hours | Total Cost: $50

Materials:

• Smart Tiles 20-sq-ft peel-and-stick (hexagon black/white): $50

Steps:

1. Clean floor thoroughly.
2. Start center, peel and stick, roll with roller.
3. Cut edges with utility knife.

Project 10: Macrame Plant Hanger (Any Room)

Difficulty: Beginner | Time: 2 hours | Total Cost: $20

Materials:

• 100 ft 6mm cotton cord: $12
• Wooden ring: $3
• Plant pot: $5

Steps:

1. Cut 8 cords 13 ft each. Follow simple square knot pattern (detailed tutorial: 4 knots per section).
2. Hang from ceiling hook.

Project 11: Chalkboard Menu Board (Kitchen)

Difficulty: Easy | Time: 1.5 hours | Total Cost: $30

Materials:

• Frame (thrift picture frame): $10
• Chalkboard paint (Rust-Oleum 2-pack): $12
• Chalk: $3
• Chicken wire for holder: $5

Steps:

1. Paint glass with 3 coats chalkboard paint.
2. Attach wire to frame for chalk holder.
3. Season board by rubbing chalk side to side.

Project 12: Headboard from Fence Boards (Bedroom)

Difficulty: Intermediate | Time: 4 hours | Total Cost: $45

Materials:

• 6 fence pickets: $36
• Screws: $4
• Paint: $5

Steps:

1. Arrange vertically, screw to 1×4 horizontal supports.
2. Paint, mount to wall behind bed.

Project 13: Roman Shade from Fabric (Window)

Difficulty: Intermediate | Time: 5 hours | Total Cost: $40

Materials:

• Fabric (blackout linen, 2 yards): $25
• Dowel rods (3 x 36-inch): $9
• Cord and rings: $6

Steps:

1. Hem fabric, sew rod pockets every 12 inches.
2. Attach rings, thread cord for lift.
3. Mount inside window frame.

Project 14: Tray Ceiling Illusion (Bedroom)

Difficulty: Advanced Beginner | Time: 6 hours | Total Cost: $49

Materials:

• 1×4 boards (20 ft): $25
• Crown molding (10 ft): $15
• Paint: $9

Steps:

1. Build box frame on ceiling with boards.
2. Add crown molding inside and out.
3. Paint to match ceiling.

Project 15: Outdoor Lantern Sconces (Patio Door)

Difficulty: Easy | Time: 2 hours | Total Cost: $35

Materials:

• Mason jars (2 quart): $8
• Wood boards for mount: $10
• LED candles and wire: $12
• Screws: $5

Steps:

1. Cut wood to cradle jar.
2. Screw to wall, add jar and lights.

Final Tips for DIY Success

Measure twice, cut once. Use level for everything. Shop thrift for bases. These projects total under $600 for a whole-home refresh! You’ve got this – tag us on social with your before/afters. Happy DIYing!

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