41 Easy DIY projects to update your home in as little as an afternoon

With social media awash with interior updates and renovation projects aplenty, you might find yourself getting the DIY bug too, allowing you to transform your home, without shelling out on the costs of labour. 

But if you're a bit of a novice and are new to the DIY game, these easy DIY projects are perfect to ease you into the addictive world of home improvements. From Ikea hacks to paint ideas there's something that anyone can get stuck into and as quickly as just a few hours work.

Once you've nailed the basics, even home repairs can be tackled yourself so it's worth brushing up on your DIY skills to avoid having to get the professionals in for jobs you can take on yourself.

Easy DIY projects to update your home 

We generally spend more time thinking about doing easy DIY projects than the time it actually takes to get them done. And whether it's putting up shelves or giving the garden gate a fresh lick of paint, ticking these home improvement jobs off our lists is very satisfying. As long as you've got the essential tools, these DIY ideas are relatively easy and can be achieved on a budget.

The good news is, they won't take too long to complete. Below we've rounded up loads of simple projects that will allow you to give any room of the home a fresh new look, so you can really put your stamp on your space.

1. Paint a nautical-stripe 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 navy or if you’re feeling braver, pick 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 decorators tape or masking tape, apply to the wall in stripes, from floor to ceiling, leaving 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, navy, over the entire wall, covering the tape as well as the gaps in between.

Leave the first coat to dry, then apply a second, but before it dries completely, remove the tape to reveal your neat striped wall.  

2. 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.

3. 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. 

4. Brighten up your dressing table

Try a fun bedroom wall decor idea that will add a splash of colour to a vanity area or desk space with a collection of brightly-painted  dot wall hooks. Position on the wall in a random arrangement above the tabletop and use them to hang lightweight mirrors, jewellery, scarves or even a mini speaker.

Buy coloured dot hooks ready-made or create your own using craft wood circles and screw fixings made out of short lengths of wooden dowel. 

5. Update cabinet doors with fluted film

Use glass film like this Solyx Reeded Glass adhesive film, from £16.67 for L30xW68.5cm roll, Glass Films (opens in new tab) to transform a plain display cabinet into an up-to-date living room storage idea. The fluted glass film will also help to prevent chips and scratches. Or give it a twist by choosing a stained glass or patterned window film design, for a truly bespoke cabinet.

Be sure not to overcrowd the shelves inside. Use stacks of bowls, piles of books and objects with interesting shapes to create balance in your display.

6. Makeover a kids bed with wallpaper

Upgrade a simple Kura bunk bed, £189, Ikea (opens in new tab), 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.

7. 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. Leave 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. 

8. Paint a circular canvas in a single, flat colour

Make your fireplace feel more finished by painting a circular canvas, £19.59, Amazon (opens in new tab) and displaying it with vases and candles. This easy and cheap DIY is also a great way to fill blank patches of wall behind shelving, creating a colourful backdrop against which to display faux flowers or pussy willow branches. 

9. Elevate drawer fronts with dowelling

Give an old set of drawers a brand new look with this simple 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 a 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 a matt eggshell paint.

10. Hang ombré-effect shelves

Hang three shelves, painting them the same colour as the wall space above to create a playful and tonal look. Take colours from the same family to create a contemporary ombré effect and the perfect backdrop for decor pieces in similar colours. 

Floating shelves are a stylish and easy way of working extra storage or display space into a room. Whether it’s a shelf for crockery and plants in a kitchen or dining room or a set of shelves for books, pictures and ornaments in a living room or bedroom.

Hanging a shelf shouldn’t be too difficult a task, even if you have minimal DIY skills, and once you know how to put up a floating shelf you'll be more confident next time. You’ll simply need to make sure that the wall is sound, you have the correct fixings to secure your shelf, plus a drill and a spirit level.

11. Revamp drawers with textured wallpaper

Revive a bland, basic set of drawers with the easy addition of textured wallpaper. Anaglypta might make you shudder, but it’s been given a modern makeover and works perfectly for this task. Start by measuring your drawer fronts then source your wallpaper. WallpaperDirect (opens in new tab) has a good selection of both retro and contemporary designs. 

Cut your paper to the exact size of your drawer fronts, making sure to line up each panel perfectly, then use wallpaper paste (or a strong adhesive) to attach each panel in turn. Next up, check for any air bubbles that might have got trapped and smooth out the paper. Wipe with a damp cloth.

Finally, attach sleek new handles and to really bring it bang up to date, paint the whole set of drawers a dark green or navy shade. 

12. Jazz up a pinboard with statement paper

Pick up a basic cork pin board, £11.99,  Amazon (opens in new tab) and cover in a bold patterned wallpaper to create a practical feature for the home office, kitchen or kids bedroom. Pick 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.

13. Paint an off-centre stripe of white

Divide a wall with a stripe of white, colour blocking on either side with uplifting shades of blue. This simple paint technique emphasises the height of your ceilings and creates visual interest. It would also work with the same colour either side, meaning all you’d need is some white paint.

14. Make a fabric headboard

Interior designer Ju DePaula shared this easy headboard DIY on Instagram, using an MDF board, foam, wadding and some fabric. This is a great way to make your bedroom or a kids room feel all new again. Attach D rings to the back of the MDF as a first step so it’s easy to hang. Check her Instagram @blueberrylivingco (opens in new tab) for measurements.

15. Frame a space with a painted arch

In a plain room where there isn’t a natural focal point, use paint to create a bold look-at-me feature that will add another dimension to the space. A painted arch can be a useful technique if you want to zone a space to create a separate WFH or vanity area with a colourful arch as the backdrop for a desk or dressing table.

16. Transform plate racks into flexible shelving

Kitchen storage ideas bursting at the seams? Make use of an empty wall by mounting beech plate holders, lining them up next to each other and using planks of MDF for shelves. Not only does this give you extra space for plates, bowls and mugs, but it's also a unique and stylish feature. 

Why not paint a rectangle of contrasting colour behind the shelving to make it stand out? The lower dowels function as hooks for tea towels and kitchen utensils too, freeing up drawer space. 

17. 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.

18. Transform windows and doors with film

Window film is available 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, or to give yourself more privacy by covering the bottom half of windows. Browse all of the window film, at Amazon (opens in new tab).

19. Paint the garden gate

A brightly-painted front door can add bags of kerb appeal to a property, but if your side gate or garden gate is looking a little shabby, why not show it some love too with a creative garden paint idea? If the weather is fine, painting a gate is an easy project to tackle over a weekend, with plenty of drying time for any paint jobs indoors or out.

Opt for a cheery paint shade if you want to make your gate a focal point and team it with colourful flowers and planting that will echo the sunny theme. Try a muted colour or heritage shade if you want the gate to blend in with your property, or consider matching gate colour to the front door for a chic, co-ordinated look.

Whether your gate is wood or metal, start by giving it a light sand down to create a smooth finish. Cover up handles and hinges with tape and then apply a suitable primer on an unpainted gate, or undercoat if it has been painted previously. Finish off with a coat or two of exterior eggshell for a matt finish, or gloss to give a high-shine effect.

Why not grab a tin of Johnstone's Garden Colours paint from Amazon (opens in new tab) - it comes in a huge range of colours and comes highly rated by reviewers for painting exterior wood.

20. Line a cabinet with pretty paper

Give a plain cabinet or dresser an easy weekend makeover with a budget furniture upcycling idea, by lining the inside with a colourful paper. Using leftover remnants of wallpaper, craft paper or gift wrap will create a colourful backdrop for displaying favourite glassware and ceramics and choosing a darker shade will make display pieces stand out more.

Remove the shelves of your cabinet first and then measure up the interior. Consider using one single length of wallpaper for a uniform effect, or cut individual pieces of paper for each section in contrast colours or patterns. Secure paper to the back of the cabinet using contact adhesive.

21. Create a breakfast nook

Carve out a corner seating area that's perfect for a family breakfast nook. 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.

22. Paint an easy feature wall

Try a simple paint project that will give a breakout breakfast area added focus with a fun feature wall idea. Painting a contrast panel on a wall is a simple trick that can be a useful way of creating zones in an open-plan area. A coloured panel helps to create a focal point, whether it's a circle or a square, which can then act as a backdrop for a small arrangement of furniture.

Paint a contrast-coloured circle to echo the shape of a round dining table. To achieve a neat circle, cut a length of string measuring the radius of the circle and attach to a tack. Tie a pencil or chalk to the other end, then, holding the tack in the centre of where you want your circle, draw it out. Fill in with paint using an angled brush for a neat edge.

23. Create an ‘easy-change’ gallery wall

Got lots of pictures and prints that you haven’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 (opens in new tab) 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.

24. Try a two-tone paint treatment

If you’ve a plain white room that’s lacking a little oomph, try this easy but effective paint treatment 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.

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.

25. Add a pop of unexpected colour

Try this quick trick to brighten up a tired room – it’ll cost the price of a tin of paint and won’t take longer than a couple of hours to do.

Perfect for a neutral living room that lacks energy, simply paint the fireplace or a large piece of furniture in a bright, eye-popping shade that will grab the attention and give the room a focal point. Bring in extra touches of colour here and there to give the room symmetry and balance, but take care not to overdo it or you’ll ruin the effect.

26. Brighten up a shabby dining table

Breathe new life into old furniture by sprucing it up with a fresh coat of paint. Save on prep time by opting for an all-in-one chalk paint, rather than using traditional paint and primer which can take much longer to dry. Chalk paint is self-levelling and self-sealing, so gives excellent coverage with minimal effort.

Just give the surface of the table a quick sand down first and then wipe over with a damp cloth to get rid of any dust and grease. Paint the table and leave to dry for a couple of hours. For extra protection, if required, seal the painted surface with wax or a finishing sealer.

27. Make your own boho chandelier

Repurpose a handful of old mini lampshades and create a unique vintage-style chandelier. Go for shades in bright clashing colours or mix-and-match florals and ditzy prints and jolly them up by adding colourful trims, tassels and ric-rac edging. Just use a hot gun to glue the trims on.

You’ll need four or five mini shades to create a cluster-style chandelier pendant like this one and it will require individual light fittings and coloured cable for each pendant. If you don't already have the fittings, you'll find all the components you’ll need at Creative Cables (opens in new tab), with flex and cable sold by the metre.

28. Take a painted headboard up over the ceiling

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 (opens in new tab) 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.'

29. Give an old piece of furniture a colourful makeover

Do you have 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. 

This wardrobe transformation is the work of Ideal Home's Editor Heather Young who has upcycled an old family heirloom for her young daughter's room. See Heather's upcycled wardrobe transformation for yourself.

30. Give your shower door a steel-framed makeover

Next up, we've taken a tip from savvy DIYer Jasmine of Instagram’s @_OhAbode (opens in new tab). She gave 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 (opens in new tab), otherwise, you can use window lead adhesive for a similar effect.

31. Panel your walls

Another big trend going nowhere is wall panelling. We promise it's easy as it's now readily available in DIY stores as primed-to-paint, stick-to-the-wall panels. But you can also have 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 Homebase (opens in new tab) complete with cut-to-size FSC-certified wood, it's easier than ever. You simply stick them onto your wall and paint.

32. 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.

33. 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.

34. Organise your make-up

Spice racks can be so much more than storage for your garam masala! Be inspired by the many IKEA spice rack hacks to create an affordable storage solution. For instance, you can hang them upside down to make a rail for hanging baby clothes or jewellery. And the right way up, they can hold anything from plants to books. You can buy these IKEA spice racks (opens in new tab) directly from Amazon, to save you the trip.

35. 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.

36. 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. Browse a whole selection of worktop vinyl at Amazon (opens in new tab). If you have 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.

37. Build a living plant wall

Go green indoors or out with the ultimate plant wall. Our friends at Dobbies have explained exactly how to get wall of fabulous foliage. Embrace the biophilic trend in your outdoor seating area or kitchen and make a living plant wall that will bring all the happy vibes and make a talking point.

38. 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.

39. Swap your door handles

It's a simple job that will take less than an hour! Fitting a door handle is pretty straightforward and switching them up will make a big difference because they're things we (and guests) interact with. Choosing a new door knob that feels good quality will make the whole space feel that bit more polished.

40. Go big with indoor greenery

Tackle a tired living room with an easy project that you can get done in an afternoon. If there’s an area of empty wall space that you can’t decide what to do with, how about installing an indoor living wall? A winning idea for decorating the wall behind the sofa. Adding living, breathing greenery to your space will instantly revitalise it and having greenery indoors is a fabulous way of boosting mindfulness and well-being.

Install wall planters in multiples, with rows positioned on the wall above a sofa or sideboard to create symmetry and a stunning alternative to a regular picture wall. Fill with easy-care ferns and trailing plants that will pop against a plain colour.

These clever Eco wall planters by Wallygrow (opens in new tab) incorporate hidden watering channels so that water hits the roots directly, with perforated holes that allow plants to breathe. Otherwise, La Redoute's Ikebana Wall-mounted Flower Pots (opens in new tab) piece is super stylish and practical. It's also ideal for minimalist or modern decor schemes.

41. 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 (opens in new tab) for £10.69.