Giving your home a makeover doesn’t have to be expensive. DIY is a great way to save money on home improvements, and there are so many easy DIY projects to find around your home. So many of them are simple enough that even people with little to no DIY skills can do them.
You don't need to be a power-tool whizz, either. Many DIY projects are achievable with just a hammer, a screwdriver, a paintbrush, some glue and a box of screws and nails.
Here are 12 DIY projects that you can do at home this weekend.
Before you start: Tips for successful DIY
It's a good idea to get yourself organised before you dive into any major or minor DIY projects. DIY is great fun, but it can also involve safety risks. Getting well prepared ahead of time is the best way to mitigate those risks and increase your chances of a successful project.
Make sure you have all the equipment and tools you need for a job before starting. You don't want to get halfway through a big task before realising you need to buy a hot glue gun or a sander! So lay everything out before you begin, and you'll avoid having to go on a supply run midway through.
If you're trying something new, watch video tutorials online before starting. This is a great way to get an idea of precisely what you need to do – and gauge how realistic it is for your skill level!
When you start a big job, make sure you have a second pair of hands available for any heavy lifting or awkward moments. It’s a good idea to have someone in the next room so you can call out if you need any help shifting something heavy. Don’t risk doing it by yourself – that’s how accidents happen.
Is your shed in good order?
DIY experts will already know the importance of a well-organised garden shed. If yours is in disarray, take the time to sort out your shed before you start on any DIY projects.
Organise your tools and equipment so you can find what you need quickly and easily. While doing this, take the time to give everything a good clean – well-maintained tools last much longer and are safer to use.
If your shed has seen better days, you can always consider making this your first DIY project. Build yourself a new one from the bottom up, or call the professionals in. Buy Sheds Direct has a range of wooden, metal and plastic sheds available for fast delivery, so you can hit the ground running.
Quick and easy DIY projects
Once you've got yourself and your equipment organised, you're ready to go. Beginners should start with small projects before diving into anything more hands-on. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
1. Makeover your front door
The front door is the first impression people have of your home, so this is a great place to start when it comes to DIY. Even just a lick of paint can give new life to your property.
Start by giving the front door a fresh coat of paint. You’ll want to lightly sand the door first, so you’ll need a sander or some sandpaper and a paintbrush and paint. If you aren't sure how to sand, read or watch a tutorial first so you don't damage the door or hurt yourself.
Once you've sanded it down a little, give it a couple of coats of paint and leave it fully dry before closing the door. This step is essential! Read this tutorial for more information on painting a front door.
You can easily swap out the door handles and the letterbox if you want to give your door a total makeover. A polished chrome letterbox will look chic and modern, and you can find weatherproof versions too.
2. Make some no-sew curtains
You can completely change the look and feel of your home with new curtains, but it doesn't matter if you aren't very good with a sewing machine. No-sew curtains exist for precisely that reason!
The first step is finding some fabric you want to turn into curtains. You can upcycle some old fabric or buy something new that matches your style.
Next, you’ll need some fusible fabric tape, some good-quality fabric scissors, a curtain rod and curtain rings, and a tape measure. You’ll also want to have an iron and some pins to hand.
Cut the fabric to size, then hem the fabric, using the fabric tape and an iron to create a crease. Now, you just need to attach the curtain rings and put your new curtains up. It's so easy! A full tutorial is available here. Give it a go.
3. Paint the walls
Giving the interior walls of your home a new coat of paint is one of the easiest ways to transform the appearance of your house. Moreover, it's an easy home decor project for total DIY beginners.
Pick a colour you love and get to work. Look online for inspiration and try something new if you’re feeling bold. If you have an artistic streak, why not paint a mural? It’s a great way to show off your skills and add some personality to your home. An easier alternative is to use a stencil instead.
Another fun idea is to use chalk paint on one wall to give your grandkids a place to scribble and draw. They'll love doodling and sketching, and you'll be able to clean up in a flash with just a quick wipe.
Bigger DIY projects
Once you get the hang of smaller DIY jobs, you can start thinking about tricker or more hands-on projects. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
4. Reupholster an old chair
Reupholstering a chair is an easy way to upcycle furniture that might otherwise go to the charity shop or the skip. It's also easier than most of us think – but it's a good idea to start with an old chair that you don’t mind experimenting with.
Ensure the chair has an easily removable seat section with fabric stapled onto a backboard, with cushioning in between.
All you need to do is undo the staples securing the fabric to the backboard, then remove it. Choose your new fabric, cut it to size, and then stretch it back over the padding and backboard. Staple it into place, and job done! All that's left is to reassemble the chair and admire your handiwork.
5. Turn a bookshelf into a bespoke storage space
Take yourself to IKEA and pick up a couple of Billy bookcases. They’re wonderfully cheap and quick to assemble, but the best thing about them is how easy it is to customise them. It’s possible to turn a simple bookshelf unit into something much more interesting.
Sand down the pieces of wood and paint them the same colour as your walls before you assemble the bookcase. If you add some extra panelling at the top or bottom, you can turn a simple bookcase into something that looks like an expensive built-in storage unit.
Check out the full tutorial here to see how you can create a beautiful and bespoke storage space for your home.
6. Tile a splashback
Splashbacks are found in kitchens and bathrooms, typically behind the cooker, sink and washbasin. Retiling yours can give new life to your space, and it doesn't have to be all that complicated.
If you’re a bit nervous, try to find new tiles that are the same size as the old ones. That way, it's just a matter of prying the old tiles from the wall, filing down the excess grout and laying the new tiles. Simple!
Make sure you read a tutorial and get everything you need before starting.
7. Craft a new coffee table
Did you know you can turn a wooden pallet into a coffee table? It’s a fantastic way to upcycle materials that might otherwise go to waste. Plus, it’s pretty easy. Look at this video tutorial to see how you can do it yourself.
Five-minute DIY crafts
Once you’ve caught the DIY bug, you’ll be hooked. If you want some super-quick and easy DIY or craft ideas, here are a few that you can do in under five minutes. They also make great gift ideas.
8. Colour-code your house keys with nail polish
9. Turn mason jars into snowglobes...
10. ...Or into plant pots for your succulents
11. Teach yourself to crochet and make a heart for your loved one
12. Make a cute pom pom to attach to cushions, bags or curtains
Home improvement for all levels
Whether you're a total novice or have a bit of practice under your belt, DIY is a brilliant way to give your home a new lease of life. If you are new to DIY, it’s a good idea to start with smaller projects and work your way up to more challenging jobs.
From painting your front door to crafting a new coffee table from wooden pallets, you can do anything once you’re confident in your DIY skills.
All you need to become an expert DIYer are tools and the right attitude. Try it for yourself and see what you can achieve.
