9 Dollar Store DIY Projects That’ll Make Your Home Look Bougie on a Budget
We know what it’s like trying to decorate and organize on a tiny budget. Between paying bills and buying groceries, there’s not much left over for making our homes look pretty. That’s where dollar store DIY projects come in to save the day!
With just a few simple supplies from the dollar store, we can create beautiful home decor, storage solutions, and craft projects that look way more expensive than they actually are.
Let’s get creative together and turn those budget-friendly dollar store finds into amazing DIY projects that’ll make our homes look fabulous without emptying our wallets. We’ve tested tons of dollar store craft ideas and picked out 9 of our absolute favorites that are super easy to make and look totally gorgeous when they’re done.
1) Mason Jar Candle Holders
Let’s get crafty with our favorite budget-friendly container – the mason jar! We’re obsessed with how these DIY mason jar candle holders can transform any space into a cozy haven.
Want to add some color? We love mixing food coloring with white glue to paint the inside of our jars. It creates the prettiest tinted glow when lit!
For outdoor use, swap the white glue for outdoor Mod Podge – trust us, it’s way more durable.
We’re all about that nautical vibe! Try wrapping some jute string around the neck of your jar and adding cute little charms. You can dress up your mason jars with whatever matches your style.
Want to take it up a notch? We love turning these into hanging lights! Just grab some wire or nylon cord from the dollar store, measure around the jar’s neck, and create a simple handle. Perfect for summer parties or adding some sparkle to your porch!
These cuties work great as centerpieces too. We like grouping different sizes together and adding some dollar store flowers around the base. Super cute and totally budget-friendly!
2) Popsicle Stick Picture Frames
We’re obsessed with this adorable DIY that turns plain old popsicle sticks into the cutest picture frames ever! Trust us, this craft is super simple and budget-friendly.
You’ll need popsicle sticks from the dollar store, some glue (hot glue works great!), and paint or decorations of your choice. We love that these supplies cost next to nothing!
Dollar Tree craft sticks can be transformed into amazing frames with just a little creativity. Paint them, add glitter, or try that trendy boho look – the possibilities are endless!
Let’s be real – making these frames can get a bit messy, but that’s half the fun! We recommend laying down some newspaper before you start crafting. Your kids will have a blast helping out too.
These DIY popsicle stick frames make perfect gifts for grandparents or teachers. Plus, they’re a great way to display those precious family photos without breaking the bank.
We’ve made tons of these frames, and they’re seriously addictive! Each one turns out unique, and there’s something so satisfying about creating something pretty from such simple materials.
3) DIY Rope Basket
Who’s ready for a super cute storage solution that looks way more expensive than it actually is? We’re obsessed with this DIY Dollar Tree rope basket that’ll make your home look totally Pinterest-worthy!
Grab these budget-friendly supplies from Dollar Tree: a plastic bucket with handles, about 10 bundles of rope, and your trusty glue gun. That’s literally all you need for this amazing transformation!
We love how simple this project is – just wrap the rope around the bucket, securing it with hot glue as you go. The handles need about 2-3 packages of rope to look perfect, but trust us, it’s worth it!
You can make different sizes too! Smaller baskets use about 4 rope bundles, while larger ones need 6. The best part? Even with making two baskets, you’ll spend less than $20 total!
These cute baskets are perfect for storing blankets, toys, or even as a gorgeous gift basket. We’re not kidding when we say everyone will think you spent big bucks at a fancy home store!
4) Wine Cork Coasters
Ladies, if you’re like us and enjoy a glass of wine now and then, we’ve got the perfect project to put those corks to good use! Making wine cork coasters is super fun and budget-friendly.
Grab your dollar store supplies – all you need is a hot glue gun, some plain coasters as backing, and those wine corks you’ve been saving (or borrowing from friends, wink wink!).
We love that this project is totally foolproof. Just slice those corks lengthwise and start gluing them onto your coaster base. It’s like playing with a tiny cork puzzle! The end result looks amazing and so professional – your friends won’t believe you made them yourself.
These coasters aren’t just cute – they’re actually super practical too! The cork naturally absorbs moisture from your drinks, protecting your furniture from those annoying water rings.
We’ve made these for hostess gifts, housewarming presents, and even crafting nights with our girlfriends. Trust us, once you make one set, you’ll be hooked on this easy DIY project. Plus, it’s a great excuse to drink more wine – you know, for crafting purposes!
5) Tin Can Lanterns
Ready to turn trash into treasure? We’re obsessed with these super cute DIY tin can lanterns that will light up your backyard parties without breaking the bank!
Start by saving those empty soup and veggie cans – just give them a good wash and remove the labels. Trust us, your kitchen “trash” is about to become the star of your patio or home decor show!
Creating patterns on your cans is where the magic happens. Fill them with water and freeze them solid (this prevents the can from denting). Then grab a hammer and nail to punch cute little holes in any pattern you want. We love doing stars, hearts, and swirly designs!
Want to make them extra fabulous? Give them a quick coat of weather-resistant spray paint. Pick colors that match your outdoor space or go wild with metallic finishes – we won’t judge!
Pop in some tea lights or LED candles, and watch these beauties shine! They’re perfect for summer BBQs, dreamy garden parties, or just jazzing up your porch. The best part? Each lantern costs practically nothing to make!
6) Decorative Pebble Vase
Looking for a way to turn a basic dollar store vase into something stunning? We’ve got the perfect DIY that’ll make your friends think you spent way more than a dollar!
Start with a plain glass vase from the dollar store and grab some stone texture spray paint. We love using Rustoleum’s stone texture spray because it gives such a gorgeous pebbled finish that looks totally real.
First, give your vase a quick coat of white protective enamel spray paint. This helps the stone texture stick better. Let it dry completely – we usually wait about an hour to be safe.
Now comes the fun part! Spray on that stone texture paint in even layers. We’ve found that two light coats work better than one heavy coat. The transformation is seriously amazing – it looks just like an expensive stone vase!
Pop some bright flowers in there and boom – you’ve got yourself a gorgeous centerpiece that looks like it came from a fancy home store. Our favorite part? The whole project costs less than $5 and takes about 10 minutes of actual work time.
7) CD Mosaic Tray
Got a stack of old CDs collecting dust? Let’s turn them into something fabulous!
We’re obsessed with this gorgeous mosaic tray project that’s perfect for serving drinks or displaying candles.
Breaking up CDs into small pieces is easier than you might think!
Just put on some safety glasses and carefully break them into mosaic-sized chunks. Trust us, the shimmery rainbow effect is totally worth it.
You’ll need a plain tray from the dollar store, some old CDs, and craft glue. We love using clear resin to seal the finished project.
It gives such a professional look and protects all those pretty pieces.
The best part? When light hits your tray, it creates the most amazing colorful reflections on nearby walls. It’s like having your own mini disco ball!
Plus, we’re totally saving these CDs from the landfill, which makes us feel extra good about this craft.
8) Paint Chip Bookmark
We love a good upcycling project, and this one is super cute and practical! Those free paint chips from the hardware store 1 month ago can become adorable DIY bookmarks for all our fellow book lovers.
Grab some paint chips from your local hardware store – look for ones with pretty color gradients and minimal text. We usually find the best selection at Home Depot or Lowe’s. The long rectangular ones work perfectly!
Want to make them extra special? We can add cute heart punches along the edges or cute stamps on the front. A hole punch at the top with a colorful tassel gives them that perfect finishing touch.
These make the sweetest little gifts! We’ve used them as Valentine’s Day cards for classmates by writing messages on the back. Our kids absolutely love helping with this craft.
The best part? This whole home decor you made project costs practically nothing since paint chips are free!
Just grab some basic craft supplies like scissors, hole punches, and maybe some ribbon or string for tassels. Easy, easy peasy!
9) Scrapbook Paper Wall Art
Want to add some personality to those boring walls without breaking the bank? Scrapbook paper wall art is our favorite budget-friendly solution!
We love heading to the dollar store to grab some colorful scrapbook paper – they have so many fun patterns to choose from.
Pro tip: Pick thicker paper since the thin stuff tends to wrinkle super easily.
All you need are some coordinating but contrasting papers and a diy few cheap frames from the dollar store.
We like to mix up show less bold patterns with more and show less subtle designs to create visual interest.
Can’t find enough paper patterns you love at the dollar store? We’ve got you covered!
You can snag Colorbok scrapbook paper pads at Walmart for $5-10, and each pad comes with 50 sheets of bright, pretty patterns.
The best part? This project is totally customizable to your style and space.
Whether you’re decorating a nursery or spicing up your living room, scrapbook paper wall art adds the perfect pop of color without the designer price tag.
Creative Ways to Use Everyday Items
Who doesn’t love turning basic dollar store finds into something amazing? We’ve found some super fun and easy ways to give new life to common items that’ll make your friends say “Wait, that’s from the dollar store?!”
Upcycling Old Picture Frames
Let’s turn those basic picture frames into something fabulous!
We love grabbing cheap frames from the dollar store and giving them a total makeover.
Start by removing the glass and backing. Give the frame a quick coat of spray paint in your favorite color – we’re obsessed with metallic gold or matte black!
Add some fun touches like:
Small hooks to create a jewelry organizer
Chicken wire for a rustic photo display
Cork board for a cute memo station
Mirrors for a glam gallery wall
Transforming Tin Cans into Stylish Planters
Get ready to create the cutest DIY planters from tin cans!
Clean those cans super well and remove any labels. Safety first – smooth down any sharp edges with sandpaper.
Paint your cans in pretty colors or patterns. We love using:
Chalk paint for a vintage look
Spray paint for a modern finish
Twine wrapping for rustic charm
Add drainage holes in the bottom using a hammer and nail. Pop in some cute succulents or herbs, and you’ve got adorable planters that cost next to nothing!
Pro tip: Group different sized cans together for an eye-catching display on your windowsill or patio.
Budget-Friendly Home Decor Hacks
We’re obsessed with transforming our homes without breaking the bank! These genius dollar store tricks will give you that Pinterest-worthy look for less than your morning coffee.
DIY Wall Art on a Dime
Let’s get crafty with high-end looking frames that only look expensive!
Grab some cheap, basic wooden frames and jazz them up with cheap metallic leaf pens – trust us, your guests will never guess they’re from the dollar store.
Want to create a statement wall? Pick up some plastic charger plates and spray paint them in your fave metallic shade.
Arrange them in a circular pattern, and boom – you’ve got yourself a stunning wall installation!
Pro Tip: Mix different sizes and textures to create depth and visual interest. We love combining matte and shiny finishes for extra drama.
Crafting Chic Table Centerpieces
Y’all, we’re about to spill the tea on budget-friendly centerpieces that look like they came straight from a home decor boutique!
Start with dollar store glass vases and give them a glow-up with some metallic spray paint. Add some artificial flowers (yes, they have those too!) and you’re golden.
Our Fave Simple Centerpiece Recipe:
3 glass cylinders of different heights
River rocks or glass beads
LED pillar candles
Greenery or flowers
Mix and match these elements to create your perfect tablescape. We love switching things up seasonally – it keeps things fresh and fun!
