12 Creative Room Decor Bedroom Ideas You Can DIY

See, I understand. Right now, as you look at the walls of your bedroom, you want to make a change, but your wallet is giving you the side-eye. I’ve been there, done that, and purchased the expensive throw pillow. The thing is, though, you don’t have to pay a month’s rent to make your place a place you want to spend time in.

To be honest, I’ve been buried in craft supplies and Pinterest rabbit holes for far too many weekends. A fancy coffee run is more expensive than some of my favorite bedroom upgrades. Now grab your hot glue gun (or at least act like you know where it is) and let’s discuss 12 do-it-yourself room décor ideas that will make your bedroom look like you paid a designer, but without the designer price tag.

1. Macramé Wall Hangings That Don’t Look Like Your Grandma’s

Remember when macramé was just something gathering dust in thrift stores? Yeah, well, it’s back and actually cool now. Who knew?

The beauty of macramé is that all you need is your hands and rope. Above your bed or next to your window, you can make beautiful wall hangings that soften hard walls like nothing else by adding a bohemian texture.

Start with simple knots; half-hitches and square knots are your best bets in this situation. Cotton rope costs less than $15 at any craft store, and there are a ton of YouTube videos that will show you how to do it. In any case, I think what makes these pieces unique is their slightly flawed handmade appearance.

Pro tip: Use a wooden dowel or driftwood as your base. It adds that organic element that makes the whole piece feel more intentional.

2. Floating Shelves from Reclaimed Wood

Have you ever thought, “That wood could be mine,” as you passed a construction site? Well, maybe don’t steal building supplies, but you can find repurposed wood everywhere—old pallets, salvage yards, even the fence your neighbor is replacing.

Here’s what you need:

• Reclaimed wood boards (sanded smooth)
• L-brackets or floating shelf hardware
• Drill and screws
• Level (because crooked shelves make my eye twitch)

After sanding the wood until there are no more splinters, choose whether to stain it or preserve its weathered appearance. To preserve the original patina, I typically use a clear sealant. You’ll have display space for books, plants, or that collection of crystals you’re convinced has therapeutic qualities if you mount these beauties over your bed or desk.

The rustic-meets-modern vibe works in literally any bedroom style. You’re welcome.

3. String Light Canopy Magic

Do you want to sleep under the stars without being bothered by insects? The solution is string lights.

Make a canopy effect over your bed with some fairy lights (the soft white ones, not the harsh blue LEDs that shout “college dorm”). They can be attached to the wall in a cascading pattern, draped from ceiling hooks, or wound around a curtain rod.

Supply	Cost	Where to Get
Fairy lights	$10-20	Amazon, Target
Command hooks	$5	Hardware store
Total time	30 mins	Worth every second

This creates the coziest ambiance, especially if you’re not into harsh overhead lighting. Plus, it’s renter-friendly since you’re not drilling massive holes everywhere.

4. Gallery Wall with Your Own Photography

Why spend $200 on generic “Live, Laugh, Love” prints when your phone probably has hundreds of photos gathering digital dust?

Print your best photos, including those beautiful coffee photos you took last Tuesday, travel photos, and nature photos. Prints are extremely affordable online and at stores like Costco. Arrange them in a gallery-style on your wall, mix and match sizes, and place them in mismatched frames from secondhand shops.

The key here is planning your layout on the floor first. Seriously, don’t skip this step unless you enjoy putting 47 nail holes in your wall (ask me how I know).

This makes your space feel personal and tells your story. Way better than mass-produced art, if you ask me.

5. Painted Terra Cotta Pots as Decor

Plants are wonderful, but dull brown pots? Not at all.

Go crazy with acrylic paint on some inexpensive terracotta pots. Whatever suits your style—abstract designs, ombre effects, geometric patterns. Painter’s tape can also be used to make neat lines and patterns that look professional.

These painted pots work as actual planters or as quirky organizers for pens, makeup brushes, or that random collection of things on your nightstand. They add pops of color and personality without breaking the bank.

If you’re using them for plants, seal them with a clear acrylic sealer. Unsealed paint and water don’t mix well.

6. Fabric Wall Tapestries (The Easy Way)

You know those gorgeous tapestries that cost like $80? You can make something similar for about $15.

Go to a fabric store and pick out whatever material appeals to you, whether it’s geometric patterns or bohemian prints. Depending on the size of your wall, you’ll need two to three yards. Who has time for proper sewing? Use fabric glue instead, or hem the edges if you’re feeling fancy.

A curtain rod or even simple thumbtacks tucked along the upper edge can be used to mount it. Wall transformation in a flash. Your room will feel cozier thanks to the soft fabric’s ability to absorb sound and add warmth.

I’ve used everything from vintage scarves to bed sheets for this. The only rule? Make sure you actually like looking at it every day.

7. Rope Mirror Frame Upgrade

Got a boring basic mirror? Let’s fix that.

Using hot glue, wrap thick rope around the frame to add significant texture and a nautical-chic look. This method can also be applied to plain picture frames, clock frames, or anything else you want to zhuzh up that has a flat edge.

Choose between:

• Natural jute rope for a farmhouse feel
• Cotton rope for something softer
• Colored rope if you’re feeling bold

This takes maybe an hour and costs under $10. The transformation is ridiculous for such minimal effort.

8. Pegboard Organization Wall

Garages are no longer the only places to use pegboards. For bedrooms, these items are invaluable for organization, particularly if you have limited space.

Paint a pegboard in a color that complements your room, mount it on the wall, and use hooks, baskets, and small shelves to create a functional art piece. Display jewelry, hang plants, organize your ever-growing hat collection—the possibilities are endless.

The part about genius? Everything is available and visible. You won’t have to search through drawers to find that one necklace.

You can find pegboards at any hardware store, and the accessories are surprisingly affordable. Plus, you can rearrange everything whenever you get bored. FYI, I reorganize mine like every other month.

9. Washi Tape Wall Designs

Do you want to decorate your walls with patterns without painting or applying wallpaper? Your best friend is washi tape.

You can make stripes, geometric patterns, or even fake headboards with this decorative tape, which comes in hundreds of colors and patterns and peels off cleanly. I’ve seen people use this stuff to build whole mountain ranges on their walls.

The best part? When you get sick of it or move out, it comes off without damaging the paint. Perfect for renters or anyone who changes their mind more than I change my outfit.

You can add stripes close to your ceiling, frame out your windows, or make a feature wall behind your bed. Your creativity and patience are the only things limiting your options.

10. Ladder Blanket Display

Unexpectedly stylish decor pieces can be made out of old wooden ladders. Place one against your wall and cover the rungs with your favorite fairy lights, scarves, or throws.

You can find vintage ladders at:

• Flea markets
• Estate sales
• Your grandpa’s garage (ask first)
• Facebook Marketplace

Sand it down if it’s rough, maybe stain it if you want, but honestly, the more weathered it looks, the better. This adds vertical interest and solves the eternal problem of where to put all those blankets you impulse-bought.

Plus, it’s way more interesting than just folding them in a closet where nobody sees them.

11. DIY Upholstered Headboard

Headboards cost a lot of money. Like, ridiculously costly. However, you can create a custom-looking one for less than $50.

The basic procedure is as follows: After cutting a piece of plywood to the appropriate size, cover everything with fabric and wrap it in foam padding. You can instantly upgrade your bedroom by stapling the fabric to the back and mounting it on the wall.

Select fabric with a contrasting pattern or one that complements your bedding. I chose a deep navy velvet for mine, and I always feel opulent when I enter my room. Additionally, sitting up in bed is more comfortable due to the padded, soft surface than leaning against a hard wall.

You can also add buttons for a tufted look, though that requires a bit more patience and upholstery skills.

12. Mason Jar Everything (But Make It Cute)

Okay, I know mason jars are cliché at this point, but hear me out. When done right, they’re actually super practical.

Use them as:

• Vanity organizers for makeup brushes and cotton swabs
• Flower vases (paint or wrap them in twine first)
• String light holders for ambient bedside lighting
• Succulent planters with some pebbles at the bottom

The trick is not going overboard. One or two well-styled mason jars? Cute. Seventeen mason jars everywhere? You’ve turned your bedroom into a Pinterest board circa 2014.

Without making an effort, the small plants I keep in painted mason jars on my windowsill give them a relaxed, approachable charm.

Making It All Work Together

The thing about do-it-yourself bedroom décor is that you don’t have to finish everything at once. Determine how one or two of the projects you are most excited about feel in your space before expanding on them.

Everything is customizable, which is the beauty of do-it-yourself projects. You don’t like the color you used to paint those pots? Reapply paint to them. Is the Washi tape design not functioning? Take it off and try something different. To be honest, the fun part is that nothing is permanent.

Your bedroom should feel like your own haven, not a showroom straight out of a catalog. With these do-it-yourself projects, you can add your own flair to your room while having fun. It’s also gratifying to look around your room and say, “Yeah, I made that.”

Now go forth and create something. Your bedroom walls are waiting, and they’re tired of being boring. Trust me on this one.