8 DIYs that refreshed my space for under $25

You don’t need to spend a fortune to breathe new life into a tired space. Sometimes all it takes is a quick weekend DIY and less than $25 to get things looking fresh again. These are the kinds of projects that don’t require a full tool bench or a contractor’s license—just a little effort and a few supplies you can grab on a grocery run.

I’ve done all of these myself, and every one made a noticeable difference. If you’ve got a small budget and an hour to spare, you can get a lot done.

Painted an Accent Wall With a Leftover Sample Can

I used a $6 sample can of paint to add color to a small wall in our hallway. It was enough to cover one side from top to bottom, and it completely changed how the space felt.

Even without painting the whole room, the contrast gave the area some depth and made everything nearby look more intentional. I already had a brush and painter’s tape, so it didn’t cost anything beyond the paint.

Built a Floating Shelf With 1x6s and Wall Brackets

I bought a couple of pine 1×6 boards and basic black brackets—total cost was just under $20. A little sanding and stain I already had on hand made the wood look cleaner.

Hanging it was easy with a drill and level, and now I’ve got a sturdy shelf above the toilet that looks like it cost way more. It’s held up great and gave the room more storage without feeling cluttered.

Spray Painted the Bathroom Fixtures

Our old towel bar and toilet paper holder were a scratched-up chrome that clashed with everything else. I took them down, scuffed them up with steel wool, and gave them two coats of matte black spray paint.

The can cost $7, and the whole project took maybe an hour. Now everything matches, and the bathroom feels more updated without buying all new hardware.

Made a Framed Cork Board for the Kitchen

I grabbed a cheap cork board from Walmart, added a thrifted frame, and gave both a coat of black spray paint to tie it together. All in, it cost around $12.

Now it hangs by the pantry for notes, lists, and mail. It looks like décor instead of clutter, and it helped keep paper piles off the counter. One of those projects that’s both helpful and nice to look at.

Upgraded Closet Handles With Leather Pulls

I had some scrap faux leather from an old bag and used it to make pull tabs for the bifold doors in our hallway. I picked up small gold screws for under $3 and used a hole punch to shape the ends.

They’re way easier to grab than the old knobs, and they actually make the closet look more finished. It’s a small detail, but it made the hallway feel more pulled together.

Painted the Inside of a Cabinet a Dark Color

The cabinet by our coffee station always looked a little chaotic. I used a $4 sample can of dark green paint and gave the inside a fresh coat.

Now when I open the doors, it actually feels intentional instead of mismatched. It hides coffee grounds and scratches better too. You don’t even notice how messy those light cabinet interiors get until you fix one.

Hung a Peg Rack for Catch-All Storage

I bought an unfinished wood peg rack at Hobby Lobby for $9 and gave it a coat of white paint I already had. Screwed it into the wall in our laundry room with wall anchors.

Now I use it to hang reusable bags, dusters, and my apron. It keeps clutter off the dryer and adds a little function to an otherwise boring wall. Took less than an hour and looks like part of the room.

Made a Faux Linen Shade With Tension Rods

I had leftover fabric from another project and used it to sew a quick faux roman shade for our laundry room window. I used tension rods—$2 each—to hold it in place.

It’s not functional, but it adds a soft layer that hides the ugly mini blinds. It cost me under $10 and made the window feel finished without buying a full curtain setup.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.