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6 DIY Decorating Ideas Using Items You Already Have

Decorating on a budget? Why not use repurposed items already in your home? You can easily create your own home decor by reusing or restoring items from around the house. Here are six DIY decorating ideas to get you started.

Repurpose Your Cushions

Image via Wikimedia Commons by Shiftchange

If you have furniture that’s in good condition but could use new covers, why not create your own? You can make slip covers from old drapes, sheets, or large towels. You may have to sew a few pieces of fabric together to make them fit, but you can easily recover your cushions yourself.

Re-stain Your Old Furniture

If the furniture itself needs some TLC, you can easily fix the hardware, too. Give wood furniture a new look by staining it. If you have several mismatched pieces, staining them the same color will give you a brand new set. Take a look around your home and see what furniture pieces would look best in each room, and then add a coat of stain to make new matched sets.

Use Old Sheets to Make DIY Window Coverings

Who says drapes are the only fabric that can cover your windows? If you have old sheets or blankets that you can repurpose, you can hang those on a fancy curtain rod for easy-to-make window coverings. If you choose fabrics that are thin, add some roman shades from The Shade Store for extra privacy and to keep the light out in the mornings.

Change Out Covers to Repurpose Lamps

Lamps can also be repurposed by changing out the covers. You don’t have to buy new shades. If you have old blankets lying around that you don’t use, you can wrap your shades in the fabric, and attach using fabric glue. If you want to change the color of the lamps, a can of spray paint is all you need. Repurpose your old lamps to add new life to them and update any room of your house.

Use Fabrics for DIY Throw Pillows

Sometimes all your couch needs to look updated are new throw pillows. You can cover your current pillows with fabric lying around your home, or create new ones by sewing the same fabric pieces into simple squares, and stuffing them. Make as many as you need for your couches, chairs, and even beds.

Other Ways to Accessorize

Many objects lying around your home can be repurposed to accessorize your house. Melt old candles together to make one or two new ones. Frame leftover fabric, dried flowers, ribbons, or even leftover wrapping paper to make a decorative wall hanging. Cover empty glass and plastic bottles with fabric to make decorative vases. Smaller glass bottles can be used to hold spices in your kitchen. There are endless accessories you can make from leftover materials if you just get creative.

As you can see, it’s easy to repurpose items around your house to help redecorate. You don’t have to have a master’s degree in interior design to update your home using items you already own. With a little creativity, you can create these six DIY projects, plus many others. Have fun!