Decorating on the cheap doesn't have to be boring. We've discoved more brilliant ways to refinish old items once destined for the trash and transform them into creative new accessories.
Tray Chic
Old cabinet door destined for the landfill? Don't be so closed-minded! With paint and a pair of drawer pulls, a salvaged cabinet door makes a great tray for entertaining. Fill any holes in the board with wood filler from a hardware store; let dry at least two hours. Sand and paint the surface; pre-drill holes and screw in handles of about four inches, as shown.
Check Out More Inexpensive DIY Home Projects from Designers
Pretty Practical
Give your dining table a cheery face-lift by making these custom, easy-care place mats. To start, gather fabric (heavier, "home decorating" weight, like the Amy Butler design shown here works best), pinking shears, and iron-on vinyl topping, which is available at most fabric stores. Cut fabric into 12"-by-17" rectangles; iron. For each mat, cut two rectangles of the same size from the vinyl. Following package directions, iron a piece of vinyl onto each side of the place mat; use pinking shears to trim the edges of your mats. You'll be able to sponge away spills.
Find Decorating Inspiration for Every Room in Your Home
Clever Cover
Disposable tissue box designs tend to (pardon the pun) blow. Here's how to DIY an attractive topper that'll last: Pick up an unfinished wooden tissue box, X-acto knife, wood veneer, decoupage glue (like Mod Podge), and polyurethane from a crafts store. Coat the box with polyurethane three times (follow product instructions). Cut four two-inch-wide strips of veneer, one to fit each side of the box. Glue on strips (ours are an inch from the bottom), coating both sides of each strip with glue, as well as the entire box; let dry. For a smooth finish, add a last polyurethane coat.
Plus, Learn How to Declutter Your Home Fast
Tack It On
The upholstery tack isn't just for sofas anymore. This fabric finisher is back in fashion - and makes an inexpensive way to add pizzazz to plain pieces of wood furniture. Buy tacks from a hardware or fabric store for about $10 a pack (we used two packs in two sizes); push or tap them in along the lines of a table, bench, or chair for an eye-catching accent.
Try These Easy (and Cheap!) Bedroom Makeover Tricks
How do you decorate your home on the cheap?
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