25 easy DIY projects that can be done on a budget and in a weekend or less – even if you’re a complete novice

Even if you don't think of yourself as a DIYer yet, these easy DIY projects will make one of you.

While DIY can be daunting, especially if you've not done much of it before, it's actually surprisingly easy to create an impressive impact in your home without calling in the pros, even if you're a complete beginner.

I've broken down the most beginner-friendly easy DIY projects from home maintenance tasks, decor projects incorporating some striking paint ideas and upcycling DIYs to help you choose the ones that best suit your home's needs right now. Better still, they're inexpensive, and can all be done in a weekend or less.

If you want to tackle something more adventurous than what's on this list, always make sure it's within your skillset.

Easy home maintenance DIY projects

1. Fix a leaky loo

While there are certain aspects of plumbing that are best left to, well, a plumber, others are easy to tackle on a DIY basis with a little bit of know-how, especially if you can accurately identify the source of the problem.

If you notice water dripping from the bolts at the bottom of the cistern, like I did, then replacing the old bolts with new ones can solve the issue. And it's very easy to DIY. Simply turn off the toilet's water supply, and flush it to remove the water from the cistern. Then you can access the old bolts and washers, and remove them, and replace them using an inexpensive toilet repair kit (£9 from Amazon).

2. Change a broken toilet seat

If your toilet seat is cracked, wobbly or just doesn't fit your aesthetic anymore, then it's likely time to replace it.

And when it comes to how to change a toilet seat, the good news is it's very DIY friendly. All you need to do is remove the fixings of the existing toilet seat, remove the seat and replace it with the new one, tightening the new fixings. This can be a bit tricky, especially where space is tight, so it can help to use a toilet seat fitting tool, like this £9 one from Amazon.

Make sure you check the measurements of your existing seat before buying a new one so you can be sure it fits like you need it too.

3. Replace a tap

Whether you've got a tap that won't stop dripping, or want to give your sink or bath a new look, knowing how to change a tap without calling a plumber is a very useful skill to have.

Make sure you check your water pressure before you buy new taps so you can make sure they are suitable. Then it's worthwhile checking you know where your stopcock is (or isolation valve) so you can turn the water off.

Then you'll need to disconnect and remove your existing tap by loosening the nuts and bolts underneath the sink. Then the old tap should lift off.

There may be some limescale residue left behind, so it's a good idea to clean this up before fitting your new tap.

Once you've fitted your new tap and tightened the bolts underneath, you can turn the water back on and test your tap. It might splutter a bit at first, but then the water should come out as normal.

4. Fix a sticking door

A door that keeps sticking is incredibly frustrating, but the good news is that there's usually a quick and easy DIY fix.

Depending on the cause of the sticking, the fix can be as simple as applying some WD40 or tightening the screws of the hinges to realign the door.

If you have a wooden door that's sticking the issue might be caused by swelling, in which case using a dehumidifier to help remove the moisture, and then sealing the door with a suitable varnish, oil or paint can solve the problem. Alternatively, you may just need to give it a light sand to stop it sticking.

5. Repair scratched, dented or chewed skirting boards

Skirting boards can take quite a beating from daily life, with knocks, dents and scuffs all too common. Incorporate a teething puppy into the mix and they can look worse for wear very quickly.

But before you think about replacement, there are much easier (and inexpensive) ways to get them looking good again on a DIY basis.

I recently did this in my own home and got my chewed skirting boards looking good as new using Ronseal Multi-Purpose Wood Filler in White, £6.70 from Amazon, some sandpaper and white paint.

6. Mend a chipped or cracked bathtub

If you've spotted some damage in your bath, then it may not mean you need a whole bathroom suite.

Depending on the extent of the damage and the material you're dealing with, you may be able to fix a cracked bath yourself using a bath repair kit, like this £15 one from Amazon.

If it's not cracked but you've noticed chips, then the good news is it's relatively easy to get a chipped bath looking like new too.

Easy decorating DIY projects

7. Get to grips with wallpaper

Putting up wallpaper is another one of those tasks that can seem daunting to tackle on your own. But if you invest in the right kind of wallpaper, it can be a pretty straightforward job.

‘An accent wall with peel-and-stick wallpaper is an affordable way to transform a room’s atmosphere and if you go for peel-and-stick wallpaper, you'll avoid the mess. It's also repositionable if you make a mistake,’ Violeta at Fantastic Handyman suggests.

Alternatively, you can get a bit artistic and create a geometric pattern on your wall using paint and masking tape. ‘Even a simple geometric paint pattern with painter’s tape can create a stunning look,’ Violeta says.

8. Tile a splashback

Protect the wall behind a sink or oven with a newly tiled splashback. You can give a kitchen, bathroom or cloakroom a whole new look in just an afternoon.

Watch a few tutorials on how to tile a splashback so you can approach the task with confidence.

One of our contributors tiled a splashback as part of her WC makeover, see the results.

9. Create a feature using paint

Painting a wall is within the skillset of most people, especially if you have the right tools and know how to cut in. But it's also the ideal opportunity to inject some creativity into your DIY and try a bespoke feature wall. This could be anything from using masking tape and spirit level and painting stripes or geometric shapes, trying a limewashing technique or using paint to brighten up your stairs or highlight architectural features in your home.

Or, you could create an imaginative DIY headboard idea: 'Creating a perfect semi-circle with paint is easier than you think,' says Judy Smith, Crown Paints' colour consultant. 'First of all, measure the length of your wall and mark its centre, or wherever you want the centre of your semi-circle to be.'

'Hammer a nail into the spot you’ve just marked, just above the skirting board. Depending on how wide you want your semi-circle to be, measure out some string and cut to size. The longer the string, the bigger the semi-circle. Tie one end of the string to a pencil and the other end to the nail. If you’re not allowed to use nails on your wall, extra strong tape will hold the string in place.'

'Once you’re all set, start tracing out your semi-circle on the wall from one way to the other. Making sure you’re pulling the pencil tight on the string. Once you’ve drawn the outline, use a small paintbrush to create a precise edge at the top of your semi-circle. You can then go in with a paint roller or larger brush to fill in the rest of the shape.'

10. Add character with wall panelling

Another big trend going nowhere is wall panelling. We promise it's easy as it's now readily available in DIY stores as primed-to-paint, stick-to-the-wall panels. But you can also have a go creating a bespoke look with MDF batons or strips.

There are lots of wall panelling ideas out there, and the fact you can now buy a wall panelling kit from B&Q, complete with cut-to-size FSC-certified wood, it's easier than ever. You simply stick them onto your wall and paint.

Just make sure you avoid these wall panelling mistakes.

If you're nervous to give panelling a try, you could always fake the look instead.

11. Transform windows and doors with film

Window film is available to buy online, but you can also buy designs at the likes of B&Q and Screwfix. Use it to create an on-trend fluted pattern on plain glass doors and caninets, or to give yourself more privacy by covering the bottom half of windows. Browse all of the window film, at Amazon.

12. Give your front door a new look

If you want to boost your home's kerb appeal, then sprucing up your front door is a great way to make a tired entrance look brand new.

Prep is key, especially if you are trying to refresh a peeling front door, and it's best to wait for mild, dry weather. But once prepped, a couple of coats of exterior paint that is suitable for your front door material is usually all that's required.

Easy garden DIY projects

13. Create a planter wall

If you have any outdoor space at all, no matter how small, be it a balcony or a small garden, building yourself a personalised herb or plant wall can really elevate the area and bring it to life.

‘Creating a vertical herb garden or planter wall. This project is perfect for balconies, patios or kitchen walls. All you'll need to use are wooden pallets, hanging planters or even repurpose IKEA pieces. It adds greenery and functionality in a small footprint,’ Violeta at Fantastic Handyman says.

14. Make your own mini pond

Love the idea of a pond, but don't have the time or funds to excavate a large one in your garden? Then follow this DIY to make your own mini version in a bucket.

You'll need to find a suitable spot, and dig a hole for your bucket, fill it (ideally with rainwater, but you can use tap water if needed) then add some plants, like elodea and water lettuce, and then sit back and watch your own little ecosystem develop.

Alternatively, you could keep it above ground and create more of a water feature by adding a solar water fountain.

Easy upcycling DIY projects

15. Build a mini outdoor kitchen

Stuck with a bijou balcony, cosy courtyard or petite patio? Don't let your lack of external space deter you from creating a mini outdoor kitchen. This one has a mini footprint that can squeeze into the smallest of spaces.

Start by taking a single wooden trellis panel and painting it in a colour of your choice. Next, take four wooden crates of the same size, and paint the outside surfaces of these too. Once dry, turn them onto their side, stack them together and secure them with fixings, then attach them to the bottom of the trellis panel using screws. Then simply position against a wall and adorn with all your outdoor cooking kit.

16. Upholster a footstool

If you're looking for a satisfying but incredibly easy DIY project then have ago as reupholstering a footstool. All you need is a footstool, if you don't have one you can easily pick one up using home decor discount codes, or even second-hand on eBay. You'll also need some fabric and a staple gun.

'Before buying your fabric, check the measurements of your footstool so you can make sure that it will cover the top and sides with some extra fabric leftover to conceal any mistakes,' recommends Ideal Home's Deputy Digital Editor (and DIY enthusiast), Rebecca Knight.

'If your footstool is already in good condition, I'd recommend saving your time and wrapping your new fabric on top. However, you can strip it back for a completely new start and add in some extra padding for a proper revamp.'

17. Tile a coffee table

Give an old coffee table a bold and on-trend refresh by tiling the top and repainting it. This project is best saved for a bank holiday as you'll need time for the grout to dry.

Our Deputy Digital Editor, Rebecca tried this project out recently with a secondhand table and tiles all sourced from eBay. 'What I learnt from the project is that preparation is key, and you should double and triple check that the tiles are going to fit before you start laying any of them.

'Overall, I was shocked at how easy it was to do, all my friends were really impressed and couldn't believe that I'd made it myself. However, my top tip is to use a pre-mixed tile adhesive and grout to keep mess to a minimum and speed up the make.'

18. Make a simple pillow headboard

An easy bedroom idea, update a simple divan bed base and take your headboard style up a notch, with this super-simple, super-cost effective, pillow-hanging-hack.

First, work out where you’d like your pillow headboard to hang- how high above your bed and what distance apart- then mark this in pencil on the wall. Next measure four lengths of slim leather straps around 150cm each and attach in place on the wall using metal tacks. You want to make sure the loops you make can snugly hold your pillows so they don’t fall out easily but still keep their shape. Slide your pillows into the loops and make sure they are supported evenly.

Use basic pillowcases (rather than fancy silk ones) so it means washing your headboard is a breeze.

19. Wallpaper a kitchen island

Hit refresh in your kitchen and wallpaper one side of a kitchen island to add a touch of pattern to a pared-back scheme. Start by measuring the surface area of the island so you know how much wallpaper you’ll need. You might be able to get away with leftovers from a previous project, or just buying a single roll.

Next, ensure the surface of the island side is dust and dirt-free. Give it a wash with a cream cleaner, then wipe again with a damp cloth. Leave to dry. Using a strong adhesive, (which one you use will depend on the material of the island- a permanent spray mount, strong wallpaper paste or multi-surface glue are all options) carefully attach your chosen wallpaper, smoothing out any air bubbles or lumps as you go.

Use a clear varnish to seal and protect, or cover it in a sheet of coloured Perspex for a modern, practical feel.

20. Elevate drawer fronts with dowelling

Give an old set of drawers a brand new look with this simple IKEA hack, that will take as little as an afternoon but will create a show-stopping transformation. Start by choosing a width of dowelling you like, to create this designer-look, fluted front.

The slimmer the dowels, the fiddler the hack but it will still create a pleasing update. Next measure the height of each drawer and then cut the dowels to size. Attach the dowels in vertical strips to the drawer fronts with strong wood glue, or alternatively, tiny tacks to secure them into place.

Once dry, paint the dowels to match the colour of the unit. To give it a twist, paint the whole cabinet a bold, stand-out colour by using furniture chalk paint, or matt eggshell paint.

21. Give an old piece of furniture a colourful makeover

Do you have an old piece of wooden furniture such as a chest of drawers, sideboard or wardrobe that is looking dated and in need of a new look? A simple coat of furniture paint goes a long way to make something old feel brand new. Let this fine example inspire your own DIY project.

Ideal Home's Editor-in-Chief, Heather Young has upcycled an old family heirloom for her young daughter's room, painting a vintage wardrobe a beautiful pink shade. See Heather's upcycled wardrobe transformation for yourself.

22. Give your shower door a steel-framed makeover

Next up, we've taken a tip from savvy DIYer Jasmine of Instagram’s @_OhAbode. She gave her shower screen this cool Crittall-style finish using black electrical tape.

The crittall effect shower door hack hack cost a grand total of £2, but looks super stylish. You can source your electrical tape from Amazon, otherwise, you can use window lead adhesive for a similar effect.

23. Fake a marble side table

You could revamp a side table or DIY coffee table with an easy-to-use marble effect film. The adhesive film simple sticks to your existing work surface to provide a new look in an instant.

Go for a worktop vinyl, like this one at Amazon. If you have a small old storage unit knocking around that could easily be updated as shown above – you'd never know this elegant platform was a basic display plinth covered in marble wrap.

24. Make your own 'stoneware' vases with spray paint

Become a craft potter without the mess of moulding clay. Learn how to create a stunning stone-effect vase for just £6 using a can of spray paint and give your living room shelves a stylish update. You can buy this Rust-Oleum spray paint at Amazon.

25. Switch out cabinet handles

There is probably no easier DIY project you could take on than swapping out the handles on your kitchen cabinets, wardrobes or any other furniture for that matter – and yet, it makes such a difference! Several editors and writers on the Ideal Home team have done it and can attest to its ease and transformative power – it’s also a perfect update to a rental home.

‘Swapping out cabinet handles or door hardware. This provides a quick facelift for kitchens, bathrooms or furniture and you'll only need a screwdriver and perhaps a drill if new holes are needed. It's generally a great way to modernise dated spaces with minimal effort,’ Violeta at Fantastic Handyman says.

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