15+ Easy DIY Home Decor Crafts That Scream Luxury

Decorating your home doesn’t mean you need a big budget. With the right ideas, you can create decor that feels high-end without spending a lot. From my own personal experience, some of the best-looking pieces I’ve made were actually the cheapest, they just looked expensive. What ever you do, even if  you’re refreshing a space or styling a whole room, you can make your home look stylish, modern, and even luxurious with a few DIY crafts.

Let me walk you through the easy projects that will completely change the feel of your space. These are fun to make, cost way less than store-bought decor, and will definitely get people asking, “Where did you buy that?”

[1] Faux Ceramic Vases from Old Bottles

What makes this look expensive

There’s something about ceramic decor that always feels classy. But those trendy matte ceramic vases you see online can cost a lot. You can actually get the same look with empty glass bottles or cheap vases from thrift stores.

How to make it

Start by cleaning the glass bottles. Then mix baking soda with acrylic paint. The baking soda gives the paint a thick texture that dries with a ceramic-like finish. You’ll need about two coats, and once it dries, it looks like you bought it from a designer shop.

You can use soft beige or off-white tones if you want that modern neutral vibe. Or go bold with navy, olive, or deep brown if you’re going for something more dramatic. You can even add texture with a sponge or dry brush while the paint is still wet.

Where to use it

Display your DIY vases on shelves, entryway tables, or in the middle of a dining table. You can leave them empty or add a few dried flowers or pampas grass for that high-end boho feel.

I used to throw away wine bottles until I tried this trick. Now they sit proudly in my hallway, and people always think I picked them up from some expensive home store.

[2] DIY Framed Fabric Wall Art

Why this works

Artwork adds personality, but let’s be honest, it gets pricey. This trick lets you create big, bold wall art using just fabric and a few frames. The best part is, you get to choose the colors, patterns, and textures that match your space perfectly.

How to make it

Grab some picture frames in the size you want. Then pick out fabric, this could be old scarves, scrap fabric, or even a tablecloth you’re not using. Cut the fabric to size, place it in the frame like a photo, and you’ve got instant art.

If you want a layered effect, use multiple frames of different sizes and place them in a cluster. You can also create a dip-dye effect by hand-dyeing white cotton fabric for an ombré look.

Creative twist

Try using textured materials like linen or boucle for an added luxury feel. Or go modern with geometric prints. If you’re into minimalism, a soft monochrome palette can look super high-end.

Where to hang it

These look amazing over a couch, bed, or as a gallery wall in the hallway. If you’re going for a cohesive theme, repeat one fabric pattern in throw pillows or table runners too.

[3] Gold Leaf Accent Trays

Why this gives off luxury

Trays are one of those pieces that instantly pull a space together. Whether they’re holding candles, perfumes, or small plants, they help create that layered designer look. Add a bit of gold leaf and suddenly, it screams luxe.

How to make it

Find a basic tray, wood or plastic both work. Paint the base a solid color first (black, white, or navy look really rich). Then, once it’s dry, apply adhesive to small sections and press on gold leaf sheets. You don’t need to cover the whole thing. Random patches look more modern.

Afterward, seal it with a clear coat to keep everything in place.

Styling tips

Use your tray in the bathroom for organizing skincare, on the coffee table with a candle and a small vase, or by the bed to hold jewelry and books. Add glass or crystal items to play with light and give the whole thing a polished vibe.

I used gold leaf on an old scratched-up tray I almost tossed out. Now it sits on my coffee table and pulls everything together. It looks like something out of a hotel suite, and it only took about 30 minutes.

[4] DIY Faux Marble Counter or Tabletop

Why this looks expensive

Marble surfaces are a classic symbol of luxury, but they come with a big price tag. Luckily, you can fake the look using contact paper or paint, and most people won’t be able to tell the difference unless they touch it.

How to make it

Start with a smooth surface like a table, desk, or countertop. Clean it really well so the adhesive sticks properly. Then apply marble-pattern contact paper slowly, using a smoothing tool or credit card to push out any bubbles.

If you’re feeling bold, you can actually paint the marble look using a white base and lightly sponging on gray veins. Use a feather or small paintbrush to create the lines. Seal it with a glossy top coat for that real marble shine.

Where it works best

Try this trick on a bathroom vanity, old side table, or even your kitchen counter if you’re renting. It completely transforms the space and gives it a fresh, modern vibe.

[5] DIY Textured Canvas Art

Why this feels upscale

Large-scale textured wall art gives off that gallery, minimalist luxury vibe. It’s often sold for hundreds, but you can create your own version using things you probably already have at home.

How to make it

Grab a blank canvas and mix some lightweight spackle or joint compound with white acrylic paint. Apply the mixture with a palette knife or old credit card to create texture, think waves, arches, or geometric patterns. Let it dry fully, then hang it up.

You can leave it white for a clean, elegant look or paint over it with soft pastels or neutral tones if you want something warmer.

Styling ideas

Place this over a fireplace, behind a couch, or on a bare hallway wall. It becomes an instant conversation piece without needing any fancy frames or materials.

[6] DIY Candle Holders with a Designer Twist

Why this stands out

Candle holders are small but mighty. The right ones bring warmth and shine to a room. A DIY version lets you play with shapes and colors that match your decor—and still look like you spent a lot more than you did.

How to make it

Use air-dry clay to mold simple, modern shapes, cylinder stands, arched holders, or abstract squiggles. Once dry, paint them in matte black, soft gray, or warm beige tones. You can also try faux stone or terracotta finishes using texture paint.

If you prefer working with glass, glue together a few clear thrifted candle holders or glasses to create height and shape. Spray-paint them gold or bronze for that extra touch of glam.

Where to use them

Set them on a shelf, coffee table, or even as part of your dining table centerpiece. Pair them with taper candles in matching tones to really make the look cohesive.

[7] DIY Mirror with a Frame Makeover

Why this works so well

Mirrors open up a space, reflect light, and can instantly make a room feel bigger and brighter. But the frames can make or break the look. Upgrading a basic mirror with a custom DIY frame makes it feel like something from a high-end interior catalog.

How to make it

Take a plain mirror, round, square, or rectangular. Use wood trim, foam molding, or even rope to create a frame around it. Glue the frame pieces directly onto the edge and paint them to match your style. You can go with gold for a glam look, matte black for a modern vibe, or whitewashed wood for something more rustic.

For a sculptural style, you can use paper mache or expanding foam to create a chunky, artsy frame that mimics those trendy wavy mirrors everyone loves.

Best places to hang it

Try it above a dresser, in your entryway, or as part of a gallery wall. Mirrors reflect not just light, but your unique DIY style, too.

[8] DIY Fabric-Covered Storage Boxes

Why this feels upscale

Stylish storage makes any space look more put together. But those designer fabric boxes? They cost way more than they should. This DIY gives you the same clean, polished vibe using leftover fabric or even old clothes you don’t wear anymore.

How to make it

Grab some cardboard boxes or bins, shoe boxes work too. Cut fabric pieces to size, then use a hot glue gun or fabric glue to wrap the boxes. Fold the fabric neatly at the corners and glue it inside the box to keep it secure. You can also add handles using ribbon, rope, or leather strips for that boutique feel.

Stick with linen, velvet, or textured cotton to give it that high-end look. If you want to get really creative, stencil or stamp a simple pattern onto plain fabric before wrapping.

Where to use them

Use them in open shelving units, on desks, or in closets. They add style and function, and people will think you bought them from a home decor store.

[9] DIY Wall Sconce Using Puck Lights

Why this gives designer energy

Wall sconces add that soft lighting effect you see in magazines and hotel rooms. The great part? You don’t even need to mess with wiring. Battery-powered puck lights make this a super beginner-friendly project.

How to make it

Start with two wooden plaques or small bowls as the sconce base. Paint or stain them to match your vibe. Add a decorative element like a brass bracket, an arched piece of wood, or even a thrifted candle holder base. Mount the puck light inside using adhesive or Velcro so it’s removable for battery changes.

Stick the whole piece onto your wall with command strips or screws. Tap to turn it on, and boom—instant ambient lighting.

Where it shines best

Try these beside your bed, in a reading nook, or along a hallway. They give that hotel glow without hiring an electrician.

[10] DIY Dried Floral Wall Hanging

Why this looks fancy

Dried flowers feel soft, warm, and luxe, especially when styled the right way. You don’t have to be a florist to make it work. This DIY lets you create a boho-luxe feature wall that looks professionally styled.

How to make it

Pick a mix of dried flowers like pampas grass, eucalyptus, bunny tails, or lavender. Tie small bunches together with twine or wire. Then hang them from a driftwood branch, dowel rod, or curtain rod. Use neutral yarn or string to attach the bunches at different heights for that layered effect.

You can leave the stems as-is or spray-paint them in soft metallics like rose gold, champagne, or matte white to add a modern edge.

Best places to hang it

It looks gorgeous above a bed, in an entryway, or over a desk. And unlike fresh flowers, you don’t need to worry about replacing them every week.

[11] DIY Faux Concrete Planters

Why this adds instant style

Concrete planters scream modern luxury. They’re heavy, solid, and minimal. But they’re also pricey and not so fun to move around. This DIY lets you recreate the look using everyday items and way less effort.

How to make it

Start with plastic containers, old planters, or even large cans. Mix baking soda with acrylic paint to give it a gritty texture. Paint the outside of your container using a sponge brush, layering until it has a stone-like finish. You can go gray, taupe, or even a soft white for that clean look.

For added texture, lightly sand the surface after it dries or add a second coat with a dry brush to give it more depth.

Where to place them

Use them for real or faux plants on your windowsill, coffee table, or front porch. They bring that calm, minimal energy you usually only get from designer homes.

I once transformed a bunch of old food containers into concrete-look planters and placed them all over my living room. People kept asking where I got them from. That’s when I realized, if it looks good and fits your space, nobody cares how it started. From my own personal experience, it’s these unexpected upgrades that get the most attention.

[12] DIY Gold-Framed Mirror Upgrade

Why this looks high-end

Large gold mirrors are often the statement piece in luxury homes. They reflect light, add depth, and instantly make your space feel bigger and brighter. Instead of spending hundreds, you can hack this look using an old mirror and a few simple tools.

How to make it

Find a basic mirror at a thrift store or discount shop. Clean the surface and tape off the glass. Spray the frame with gold spray paint, go for a matte or brushed finish for that subtle richness. If the frame is plain, you can even glue on decorative wood trim or appliques before painting to mimic antique detailing.

Where to hang it

Over your console table, mantel, or leaning against a wall in your bedroom. It creates that open, airy feel and makes any room instantly more polished.

[13] DIY No-Sew Linen Curtains

Why this adds a soft, luxe touch

Linen curtains bring a natural, breezy softness to a room. But real linen ones? Usually pricey. This DIY gets you that same elegant look with a no-sew trick that’s surprisingly simple.

How to make it

Buy linen-blend fabric from a fabric store or even use linen tablecloths. Measure the length to puddle slightly on the floor for that relaxed, expensive look. Use iron-on hem tape to create neat edges without sewing. Then, clip the fabric onto curtain rings using drapery clips and hang them from a basic rod.

Choose off-white, natural, or soft taupe tones to keep the look calm and elevated.

Where it works best

Try it in your living room or bedroom to soften harsh light and bring a calm, warm feel into the space. From my own personal experience, switching to linen-style curtains completely changed the mood in my space, they make everything feel slower and more intentional.

[14] DIY Textured Canvas Art

Why this feels designer-made

Gallery-style art can totally transform a room, but buying large-scale abstract pieces gets expensive fast. Making your own textured canvas art lets you play with color, form, and texture, and people will think it came from an art gallery.

How to make it

Start with a blank canvas or reuse an old one. Mix joint compound or spackle with paint to create a thick paste. Use a palette knife, sponge, or even a fork to apply and sculpt the mixture onto the canvas. Play around with abstract waves, layered strokes, or geometric lines. Once dry, paint over the texture using neutral tones, earthy hues, or even black and white for a dramatic contrast.

You can also create a diptych or triptych by splitting one large design over two or three canvases for extra impact.

Where to hang it

Perfect above a sofa, bed, or on a blank wall that needs a visual boost. It gives that curated, collected feel with very little money or effort.

[15] DIY Faux Built-In Bookshelves

Why this screams custom

Built-in shelves make any home look thoughtful and expensive. But instead of calling a carpenter, you can fake it using flat-pack bookcases and a few tricks.

How to make it

Get multiple matching bookcases (IKEA Billy bookcases work great). Line them up along your wall, secure them together, and anchor them to the wall. Add trim along the top and sides using wood molding or MDF strips. Paint everything the same color, including the trim and wall space behind, to make it look like one continuous built-in.

Style your shelves with a mix of books, framed art, ceramics, and textured objects for that editorial, styled look.

Where to build it

Try this in a living room, office, or even a hallway. It adds both storage and sophistication, especially when the shelves are painted to match your wall or crown molding.

Other Helpful Tips for a High-End Look on a Budget

Stick to a color scheme

One way to make your DIY pieces look cohesive is to stick with a simple color palette. Choose two or three shades that repeat throughout your space. It makes everything feel more put together, even if you’re mixing lots of different textures.

Use contrast wisely

Mix soft with hard, shiny with matte, and rough with smooth. A ceramic vase next to a glass lamp or a fabric wall hanging near a sleek mirror can create a designer balance. It makes your space feel thoughtful and styled without overdoing it.

Add plants for freshness

Even fake plants work if they’re good quality. Pop them in one of your DIY vases or in a gold-trimmed tray, and your space immediately feels more alive and rich. Greenery also breaks up monotony if your room has too much neutral or black-and-white tones.

Keep things simple

Luxury doesn’t mean overstuffed or overly decorated. It’s more about clean lines, intentional pieces, and thoughtful placement. Don’t crowd your DIY crafts together. Give each item room to breathe.

Why DIY Home Decor is Totally Worth It

Decorating your home yourself gives you full control. You get to make pieces that reflect your style, fit your color scheme, and suit your budget. Plus, you can tweak and change them anytime without guilt.

When you create something yourself, it has more meaning. And honestly, it’s fun. You save money, feel proud of your space, and enjoy the process.

Wrapping it All Up

Now you’ve got 15 DIY projects that can completely shift the way your home feels, without doing a full remodel or blowing your budget. From painted mirrors to fake built-ins, these projects prove that you don’t need to spend big to make your place feel luxurious.

I’ve done several of these over the years in apartments and rental spaces, and from my own personal experience, people always assume I hired someone or spent way more than I actually did. It just goes to show that creativity, and a few smart tricks, can make your space feel totally different without a total overhaul.

So now it’s your turn. Which project are you trying first? Got any cool DIY decor ideas that make your home feel high-end on a small budget? Drop them below, I’d love to hear how you’re making your space your own.