DIY Decor Ideas That Look Expensive (But Cost Under $20)
Decorating your home doesn’t have to drain your bank account. In fact, some of the most expensive-looking spaces are filled with budget DIY projects that bring in character, warmth, and style—for a fraction of what you’d pay at a store.
Here are 10 high-end-looking DIY decor ideas that cost less than $20 each—and they’ll have your guests asking, “Wait, you made that?”
1. Painted Glassware with a Matte Finish
Transform dollar store vases, thrifted pitchers, or random glass jars using matte spray paint or baking soda paint for a textured ceramic look.
Supplies:
- Baking soda + acrylic paint or matte spray paint
- Old glass vessels (Dollar Tree or thrifted)
Why it works: The matte, neutral finish looks like expensive ceramic or stoneware—perfect for shelf styling or coffee table decor.
2. Framed Printable Art (with Upcycled Frames)
Skip the $200 gallery prints. Print digital art (you can find tons on Etsy or even free public domain options), and thrift a frame or spray-paint one you already have.
Supplies:
- Printable art
- Frame (thrifted or old)
- Optional: mat board or poster board as a backing
Pro tip: Print in black and white for a modern look, or choose vintage oil painting prints to add warmth and texture.
3. DIY Wood Risers or Pedestals
Create a simple wood pedestal using scrap wood, candlesticks, or small legs from a craft store. Stain or paint to match your space.
Great for: Displaying candles, plants, soap dispensers, or even on your kitchen counter to elevate decor.
Estimated cost: $8–12 depending on materials.
4. Thrifted Lamp Glow-Up
Thrift a lamp with a great shape but ugly finish, then redo it with spray paint, Rub ’n Buff, or plaster. Swap the shade for a linen drum shade or pleated one for that expensive boutique look.
Why it looks high-end: You’re recreating the $200 Anthropologie vibe for under $20.
Tip: Use Rub ’n Buff for that aged gold finish people are obsessed with on Pinterest.
5. No-Sew Linen Table Runner
Buy 1 yard of linen or gauze fabric, fray the edges slightly, and you’ve got a high-end looking runner. This works on consoles, coffee tables, or dining tables.
Bonus: You can do the same with napkins, pillow covers, or tray liners.
6. Textured Wall Art Using Joint Compound
Get a canvas from Dollar Tree or Michaels, and create a textured pattern using joint compound and a putty knife. Once dry, paint in soft white or beige.
Looks like: Those $150+ abstract art canvases from West Elm.
Optional: Add a thrifted or DIY wood frame for extra polish.
7. DIY Faux Clay Bead Garland
Using air-dry clay or large wood beads, create a neutral-toned bead garland to drape across trays, baskets, or shelves.
Finishing idea: Paint with matte paint, leave raw, or rub with cinnamon for a weathered clay effect.
8. Spray-Painted Branches or Dried Florals
Take fallen branches or dried grasses, and spray paint them in gold, black, or matte white for instant sculptural decor.
Display in: Your painted vases (see idea #1) or thrifted vessels.
Cost: Basically free—just add $5 for paint.
9. DIY Candle Tray with Handles
Use a small wood round (found at Dollar Tree or Home Depot) and screw in metal handles from the hardware store. Stain or paint it for a coffee table or bedside catchall.
Why it works: It mimics high-end trays from Crate & Barrel or Pottery Barn, but it’s easy and inexpensive.
10. Layered Cutting Board or Tray Wall Decor
Thrift wooden cutting boards or trays and mount them in a grouping on your kitchen or dining wall. Looks cozy, collected, and upscale—especially with mixed wood tones.
Optional: Add leather tabs or hanging hooks for extra visual interest.
11. Framed Fabric or Wallpaper Samples
Instead of buying expensive art, frame beautiful scraps of fabric, wallpaper, or even designer wrapping paper. Use thrifted or dollar store frames for a complete look.
Why it works: It adds pattern, texture, and a luxe feel—like something you’d see in a boutique hotel or gallery wall.
Cost breakdown: Frame $5–10, sample swatch or scrap $0–5
12. DIY Marble Tray with Contact Paper
Take a cheap tray or tile and wrap it with high-quality marble contact paper. Add gold handles or small feet for a glam finish.
Use for: Perfume display, bar cart, coffee table decor, or jewelry tray
Looks like: Something from CB2 or West Elm, but made for $10–15.
13. Vintage-Inspired Candle Holders from Dollar Tree Finds
Combine mismatched glassware, plates, and candlesticks using strong adhesive to create your own sculptural candle holders.
Optional twist: Spray paint the entire piece in a solid matte tone (white, black, or bronze) for a faux ceramic or stone look.
14. Painted Canvas Message Art
Buy a blank canvas and paint a favorite phrase or quote in clean serif or script font. Use painter’s tape and a pencil sketch to guide your design.
Inspo idea: Neutral background with tone-on-tone lettering for a subtle, high-end finish.
Where to display: Bedroom, kitchen nook, or entryway shelf
15. DIY Burl Wood Effect on a Thrifted Tray or Frame
Use a sponge and multiple shades of tan, brown, and gold acrylic paint to fake a burl wood texture on an old frame or serving tray.
Why it’s trending: Burl wood is expensive and hard to find—but this gives you the same warmth and luxury for under $15.
16. Rope-Wrapped Planter or Vase
Take a plain vase or canister and wrap it in natural rope or jute using hot glue. Leave it raw or spray paint it white for a coastal-modern look.
Bonus: Works well for pencil holders, kitchen utensil crocks, or plant pots.
Cost: Around $5–10 total.
17. Wall-Mounted Hanging Peg Rail or Hat Rack
Use a scrap wood plank and attach pegs (or use inexpensive wooden dowels) to create a DIY wall rack. Paint or stain it to match your space.
Perfect for: Entryways, bathrooms, or above a dresser for styling hats, bags, or dried florals
Under $20: Use wood scraps and budget-friendly pegs from craft or hardware stores.
Final Thoughts: Budget Can Be Beautiful
You don’t need a full renovation budget or luxury shopping cart to decorate your home beautifully. These DIYs are proof that with a little creativity and under $20, you can make your space feel custom, cozy, and elevated.
For more ideas on mixing DIY with vintage vibes, check out my post on Where to Find Chic Thrifted + Vintage-Inspired Decor Online. These projects pair perfectly with layered, collected styling.
