Decorating with what you have
A room often feels finished because of a handful of small things: something on the wall, something soft on a surface, something that gives off a little light. None of these needs specialist skills. The projects below use simple materials and basic tools, and they are chosen so that a mistake costs little and can be redone.
Even simple crafts involve hazards. Use a cutting mat and a sharp, well-maintained blade, keep fingers behind the cutting line, wear eye protection when drilling or sanding, and ventilate the room when painting or gluing. Read the label on paints, sealers and adhesives. Wear a dust mask when sanding.
Wall pieces
Framed fabric or wrapping paper
A piece of patterned fabric or good-quality paper in an inexpensive frame is a quick way to add color. Iron fabric flat first, and cut it slightly larger than the frame opening so edges do not show. A set of three or four matching frames in a grid often looks more deliberate than one lone piece.
Paper garlands and mobiles
Paper is forgiving and cheap. Cutting circles, leaves or simple shapes and threading them on string makes a garland that works in a bedroom or a child’s room. Clean folds make a big difference to the finished look, and the techniques of scoring and folding apply directly. For ideas beyond garlands, the wider world of paper craft offers much more intricate work.
Painted geometric accents
Painter’s tape, a sample pot of paint and a plain wall can produce a crisp shape, such as an arch behind a bed or a stripe at picture-rail height. Press the tape edge down firmly and remove it while the paint is still slightly wet to reduce peeling. Check with your landlord first if you rent.
Surfaces and furniture
A refreshed small shelf or stool
Sanding a worn piece lightly, wiping off the dust and applying a coat of paint or finish can change its look completely. Test on a hidden area first, as some old finishes need extra preparation. Keep in mind that older painted pieces may contain lead-based paint, so if a piece is very old and the paint is flaking, avoid sanding it dry and consider having the paint tested or choosing a different piece. This is also a gentle introduction to the broader idea of upcycling projects, where tired items get a second life.
Tile-effect trays and coasters
Plain wooden trays can be decorated with paper, fabric or paint and sealed with a clear finish. Choose a sealer that is rated for contact with heat or moisture if the tray will hold drinks.
Simple plant stands
Short lengths of timber, or even stacked sections of a sturdy crate, can raise a plant to a better height. Check that the stand is level and stable before it holds a heavy pot. If you want to go further into construction, building furniture teaches the joinery needed for larger pieces.
Soft touches
Rope or fabric baskets
A rope basket can be coiled and stitched by hand using a needle and strong thread. It takes patience more than skill. Use it for blankets, toys or magazines. A few of the hand stitches used in sewing are all you need.
Cushion covers from old textiles
A worn shirt or a remnant of curtain fabric can become a cushion cover with an envelope back, which needs no zipper. Wash and dry the fabric first so it does not shrink later. If sewing is new to you, a short look at sewing basics will cover seams, pressing and straight stitching.
Macrame or yarn hangings
Knotted cord hangings are made from a few repeating knots. They are relaxed, repetitive projects and work well on an empty wall or in a window. Natural cotton cord is common, but any sturdy cord works.
Light as decoration
Low-voltage LED string lights powered by batteries or a suitable adapter can be wound around a branch, a shelf edge or the inside of a glass jar. Use only products rated for the intended use, keep them away from curtains and paper that could get hot, and do not leave anything unattended if you are unsure of its heat output. Do not modify mains-powered lamps; if a lamp needs rewiring, have it done by a qualified electrician.
Choosing the tone of light matters, too. The same string light can feel cozy or harsh depending on its color temperature and where it sits, so a little thought about room lighting goes a long way.
Choosing materials sensibly
- Start with what you already own. Old jars, boards, fabric and frames are all workable.
- Test paints and finishes on scrap before committing.
- Ask what the piece will face: sunlight can fade fabric and paper, steam can lift glue, and children or pets may pull at low items.
- Make things in the order that avoids damage. Paint before you assemble, and let each coat dry fully.
If you plan to hang anything heavy, such as a mirror or a shelf, mounting it properly is a separate skill. Good wall mounting depends on the wall type and the right fixings, and a poorly secured heavy object is a real hazard.
Keep it cohesive
A common mistake is to make many unrelated projects that compete with each other. Pick a limited palette of two or three colors and one or two materials, such as wood and cotton, and repeat them across the room. Odd numbers of objects, grouped with a little space around them, usually look more natural than evenly spaced rows. Above all, make things you will enjoy living with, and replace them when your taste changes.