Bedroom Decor Diy: Creative Ways To Transform Your Space

Decorating your bedroom can be an expensive endeavour, but it doesn't have to be. There are many DIY options that can help you create a stylish space that reflects your personality without breaking the bank. From simple upgrades to more creative projects, you can transform your bedroom into a space that sparks joy, puts your mind at ease, and promotes a good night's rest. Whether you're working with a small or large space, strategic placement of decor and a unified theme can make a huge difference. So, get ready to unleash your creativity and give your bedroom a fresh new look with these DIY decor ideas!

DIY shelving

Types of DIY Shelving

There are several types of shelving you can choose from, depending on your space and style preferences. Here are some popular options:

• Free-standing shelves: These are the most common type of shelves, typically open storage solutions, but sometimes with doors or compartments.
• Built-in shelves: These are useful for minimising clutter without taking up floor space. They are built into the walls or open spots in your home.
• Hanging shelves: These are shelves that are suspended from the ceiling or a wall-mounted rack. They are a good option if you want to save floor space and create a unique look.
• Corner shelves: These shelves are designed to fit into corners, maximising storage space in a room. They can be fixed or adjustable, and come in various styles such as curved, rotating, or angular.
• Suspended shelves: These shelves have separate hooks that you attach to a wall before placing the shelf on top. They are similar to hanging shelves but are installed with screws instead of hooks.
• Floating shelves: These are elegant and fashionable, with no visible supports, giving the impression that they are floating on the wall.
• Adjustable shelves: This type of shelving is ideal for small spaces or if you need to change your room setup often. They offer flexibility with their separate racks, making it easy to store small equipment and household items.

Once you've decided on the type of shelving that suits your needs, you can get creative with the design and placement. Here are some ideas specifically for bedroom shelving:

• If you're a bookworm, consider adding a suspended shelf above your bed to display your favourite books.
• Make use of the wall space above your bed by installing hanging shelves. Just ensure you use lightweight materials and fix them securely to avoid any accidents.
• Built-in shelving can add character and charm to your bedroom. You can build them around your bed to create a cosy reading nook or display your favourite items.
• If you have an empty corner in your room, create a dedicated shelving space with large corner shelves and a standing shelving unit that doubles as a side table.
• For a statement look, utilise an entire wall with a combination of hanging, suspended, and floating shelves.
• Floating shelves are perfect for small bedrooms, as they don't take up much space and can be easily mounted on any wall.
• Bring some greenery into your bedroom by installing window shelves for your plants to soak up the sunlight.
• Don't forget the space above the door! Adding a floating shelf there can provide extra storage for frequently used items.
• A bedside shelf is a must-have for keeping books, glasses, or a table lamp within easy reach.
• Alcoves are perfect for shelving units or open shelves to display books and accessories, adding both storage and decorative elements to your bedroom.

Materials and Tips for DIY Shelving

When creating your own shelves, you can use a variety of materials such as wood, pallet wood, plywood, rope, acrylic, canvas, or leather. Here are some additional tips to consider:

• When mounting shelves, it's easiest to stick to standard sizes: typically, shelves are 10" to 12" deep and 24" to 36" wide.
• Shelves can be hung using brackets, screws, rope, or even adhesive strips, depending on the weight they need to support.
• Always install shelves on wall studs to ensure they can bear the weight of the items you plan to store on them.
• Space your shelves 12" apart to give yourself plenty of room for styling and storing items.
• Strong and sturdy woods like maple or oak are best for DIY shelves to ensure they can withstand the weight of your belongings.

Wall art

DIY wall art is a great way to decorate your bedroom on a budget. Here are some ideas for creating wall art with a variety of materials:

Canvas and Paint

You can create your own abstract art using a blank canvas and paint. If you're not confident in your painting skills, try using painter's tape to tape off a design or guidelines on the canvas before you start. You can also use watercolours or acrylic paint to create a free-form masterpiece. Alternatively, cover a printed canvas with a canvas primer and paint over it with a new abstract design.

Paper Cut-Outs

Use paper cut-outs to create a duo of wall art pieces. Cut out various shapes from different coloured paper and arrange them until you're happy with the composition. Similarly, you can cut out your favourite quote using a paper cutting machine and adhere it to a custom-cut piece of wood, framing it with a thrifted frame.

Fabric and Textiles

Frame a piece of artful fabric that speaks to your creative side. You can also use linen and old book pages to create a textural mat for botanical images printed from the internet. Cut the linen slightly larger than the page and machine stitch it, then fray the edges by pulling out the threads. Machine stitch the page to the linen mat and hang it using bulldog clips.

Wood

Arrange pieces of reclaimed wood to mimic the lines of mud cloth for a unique way to display beautiful wood. You can also create Scandi-style wall art using simple materials like a wooden embroidery hoop, brass accents, wooden beads, and a strip of cowhide. Add colour with cotton yarn.

Other Creative Ideas

• Frame pressed dried flowers or kids' artwork for a sentimental touch.
• Use lace, embroidery hoops, and floral fabric to create a charming display.
• Create a gallery wall of decorative objects with a common denominator, such as circular shapes.
• Outline a memorable journey on a map with ribbon or twine and glue it in place.
• Hang a collection of colourful vintage items like Bundt pans, trays, or plates for a retro look.
• Display your favourite photos by printing them on canvas.
• Use copper tape to create a starburst pattern for a quick and easy wall art piece.
• Frame coloured cardstock with the printed name of the "paint" colour for a whimsical pop of colour.

Two-toned furniture

Firstly, you'll need to source a piece of furniture. This could be an existing piece you want to upcycle, or you can find something second-hand, for example, from a thrift store or Facebook Marketplace. Look for something with interesting wood grain and natural beauty that will shine through when stained.

Next, you'll need to prepare your furniture surface. Remove any existing finish from the areas you plan to stain. Sand down the furniture with 220-grit sandpaper, always sanding in the direction of the wood grain. Then, wipe off any excess residue with a clean cloth. Tape off any areas you don't want to get paint on, especially if you're staining the top surface, as it's harder to remove paint drips later in the process.

Now you're ready to start painting! Choose your colours, keeping in mind the overall style and colour scheme of your bedroom. Paint the bottom or less prominent areas first, using cardboard to protect the areas you don't want to paint. Depending on the paint and the surface, you may need to apply multiple coats. Once the paint is dry, you can apply wax to add depth and an antique finish. Use a chip brush to apply a thick coat of wax, letting it catch in the corners. After the recommended time, wipe off the excess wax in the direction of the wood grain.

Finally, it's time to stain. Re-tape any areas you don't want to get stained, especially if you've already painted them. Use an orbital sander to smooth the surface, then wipe away any dust with a clean cloth. Liberally apply stain with a clean cloth, wiping in the direction of the grain. Allow the stain to dry, then lightly sand again for a smooth finish. You can seal the stain with a matte finish polycrylic to avoid a high-gloss look.

And that's it! You now have a unique, two-toned furniture piece to style in your bedroom.

Nature-inspired decor

Wall Murals

If you love the look of wallpaper but want a more nature-inspired and budget-friendly option, consider a wall mural. You can find removable, black-and-white nature-themed murals that are perfect for renters or those who want a change. A mural of a forest or a mountain range can act as a stunning focal point behind your bed.

Plants

Small plants are an affordable and effective way to add a natural touch to your bedroom. Place them in cute pots that complement your aesthetic. You can also hang some plants to create a whimsical, forest-like feel. Consider varieties like devil's ivy, spider plants, or philodendrons, which thrive indoors and add a pop of green.

Dried Flowers

Dried flowers and grasses are a cost-effective way to bring nature inside. You only need to buy them once, and they last a long time. Tall grasses or dried flower bouquets add a natural, textural element to your bedside table or dresser. You can also try pressing flowers and framing them for wall art.

Wooden Accents

Incorporate wooden accents into your bedroom to evoke a natural, rustic feel. A simple DIY project is to use a wooden stool as a nightstand. You can also create a vanity by pairing a small wooden shelf with a mirror and a stool. Look for wooden pieces at thrift stores and give them a new lease of life with a coat of paint or some sanding.

Nature-Inspired Art

Create your own nature-inspired art by purchasing blank canvases and experimenting with abstract designs. You can paint landscapes, trees, or even press and glue leaves or flowers onto the canvas for a 3D effect. Nature-themed art will bring a sense of the outdoors into your bedroom and can be tailored to your favourite colours and styles.

Lighting

The right lighting can transform your bedroom into a warm and cosy oasis. Here are some DIY lighting ideas to elevate your bedroom decor:

String Lights

String lights are a versatile and affordable way to add a creative flair to your bedroom. They can be hung above the bed, draped over a canopy, or woven around a bed frame or headboard to create a romantic and dreamy ambience. For a fun DIY project, you can even make your own string lights using fairy lights and materials like tulle, paper, or yarn. Spray-painted Christmas lights are another option, where you paint the cord in gold, silver, or any colour of your choice.

Lamps and Pendants

For a unique and personalised touch, consider making your own lamp or pendant light. You can upcycle everyday items like plastic bottles, wine bottles, or even old leggings to create a lampshade that matches your bedroom decor. For a more natural look, a tree branch chandelier or bamboo orb pendant lamp can add a touch of elegance. If you're feeling crafty, you can also try making a folded paper lamp or a hemp string pendant lamp.

Creative Fixtures

Think outside the box with creative lighting fixtures. For a modern and bold statement, integrate lights into wall panels or artwork. You can also opt for hidden lighting above the bed or under furniture for a subtle glow. Neon lights or signs are another fun way to illuminate your bedroom with a stylish and contemporary vibe.

Mood Lighting

Create a relaxing atmosphere with mood lighting. Choose colours like green, lilac, or red to set the tone and enhance the decor. For a calming thunderstorm effect, you can even DIY a cloud light using cotton batting, paper lanterns, and LED strips. Glow jars are another easy DIY project that adds a mystical touch to any room.

Frequently asked questions