12+ DIYs That Can Be Done On The Cheap To Upgrade Your Home

I'll never understand why lighting is as expensive as it is! Pick up a hanging light kit from Amazon or Ikea, then choose a shade or cage for it. Boom, new pendant for under $20.

I mean, no one is going to be able to tell you used plywood, okay? Pick some up at the hardware store and have it cut to size (Home Depot does it for free), then paint and install.

Hell yeah! This is a great project for a teen or dorm room, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't want this in my grown-up room. Get the supplies and the instructions right here.

Seriously, I cannot emphasize just how cheap it is to cover up your backsplash with some vinyl tiles. You can buy them in bulk, and they come in some truly gorgeous styles these days.

Want one of those huge candles everyone seems to have, but don't want to pay for it? Hit up the thrift store and pick up two bowls. Paint them and glue them together, then pour your candle in!

No, seriously — it's possible, and it's possible to do cheaply. If you need a large frame, hit up the thrift store and start searching. Paint what you find, then pop it on your TV!

Here's a WAY more in-depth tutorial from The Sorry Girls.

Painting tile is no small change, trust me. You'll need paint specifically made for high-traffic areas, and you'll need a good sealer for it. But it's so worth it.

Meet StairCasing, the absolute coolest thing I've ever seen. Instead of laying down new hardwood, rip off the carpet and pop these bad boys on. Find out more on their website.

If you want to give your room the illusion of height, move those curtain rods up a few inches. Get some gorgeous (but reasonably priced) curtains and get ready to live your baroque fantasy!

I know, it sounds insane. But look at how chic it turned out! Pick up some placemats with different, interesting textures and layer them on a wall, then add some plants. Boom, art.

If you're a fan of metallics like I am, then you'll be thrilled to hear that the shine on this dresser is actually PAINT! I know, I was shocked, too. Add some metal flair with paint and keep it chic!

I can't begin to tell you how inexpensive this DIY is. Ask your local hardware store for tips and hit them up for tool rentals, then get to working!

Guys, lighting is insanely expensive. Instead of shelling out for a large lighting piece, design your own with wood beads and some string! How cute does this look?

Seriously, this is something anyone can do. I'm sitting at a DIY desk right now! If you can't woodwork (I certainly can't), pick up a counter from Ikea that will do the job!

Round mirrors are all the rage right now, but the framed ones can get pricey. Pick up a cheap one and DIY yourself a frame, or add some fun details to an existing one!

How cute is this? You can pick up wall decals on Amazon for around $10 a package and totally fake some wallpaper. This is a renter-friendly way to skip the wallpaper glue!

Tired of your furniture, but don't have the funds to replace it? Same. That's why I opted for this: contact paper! Buy a roll and put it on table tops and inside cabinets!

I mean, this just makes sense. It's a relatively inexpensive way to make a BIG change in your home, and keep your furniture fresh. Who doesn't love a good coat of white paint?

If you don't have the money to buy art, or just don't feel like shelling it out, then make your own! Michael's always has coupons for your supplies, and the internet is full of inspiration for you.

Layering popsicle sticks in a hexagon pattern is a great way to make those trendy shelves, without having to shell out for them. Paint them white and no one will ever know!

This is the fastest way to make your home look more streamlined and chic, trust me. Pick up a cord cover for those dangling cords and never look at those ugly things again.

Sure, you could try and buy wallpaper with that pattern, but it's going to cost you a pretty penny. Keep your money and grab yourself a sponge instead!