Want to upgrade your dorm or apartment without having to break the bank? If you answered “yes,” we have you covered! These inexpensive and super easy DIY projects will fool anyone into thinking you spent quite the chunk of cash.
1. Faux agate coasters
These adorable coasters will make for the perfect dorm decor, not to mention, a great gift for your roomie. Thanks to DIY Joy you’ll have this project done in no time!
2. Gold-dipped jewelry tray
Add the perfect accent to your room or bathroom with these gold-dipped jewelry trays. With a few materials, A Fabulous Fete gets this done in just three simple steps. Customize them to your taste and display your jewelry in style.
3. Laptop tray
Make studying in bed easy with this DIY tutorial from Craftsman Drive!
4. Stamped pillow
Whether you want to add some pizzazz to your bed or to your couch, stamped pillows are the way to go! If you follow the instructions by Brit + Co, you’ll be saving big bucks on a brilliant project.
5. Marquee light
Because Christmas lights just aren’t good enough when it comes to your very first apartment. Instead, make your own marquee light with the help of East Coast Creative.
6. Jewelry organizer
The only way to keep your necklaces from knotting up is by making a Free People-inspired jewelry display branch like this one by Mojo Made. Your roomies will be dying to get their hands on one!
7. Mirror tray
What better way to display those fancy perfumes? For a full tutorial, check out DIY Ready.
8. Gold leather Moroccan pouf
Thanks to You Are My Happy, this will be the best seat in the house! It’s perfect for those days when you just want to lounge around with your feet up and do some light reading.
9. Watercolor plates and mugs
Add a little color to your day with watercolor plates and mugs! For supplies and a full tutorial, check out Sugar and Charm.
10. Hexagon dining table
If you got lucky and have an apartment with enough space for a dining room, this one is for you! Hello Lidy is saying “goodbye” to traditional tables and “hello” to this new, cooler hexagon table.
11. Ladder shoe shelf
Upgrade your old bookshelves into shoe shelves with this tutorial from A Pair and a Spare. Organization never looked so good.
12. Photo wall hanging
Who wants plain walls? No one! Add some pop to solid white walls with this idea from Homey Oh My!. What a great way to display your favorite photos!
13. Solid gold letters
Add a personal touch to your dorm room with these gold letters from Fall for DIY.
14. Gold leaf ceramics
DIY these gold leaf ceramic bowls with a little help from Vitamini Handmade. Use them to hold jewelry or as your everyday cereal bowl. Who says you can’t add a little sparkle to your breakfast routine?
15. Acrylic calendar
A Beautiful Mess will help you stay organized this semester with this super cool acrylic calendar.
16. Gold foil lettering pots
Greenery has always been one of our favorite ways to decorate. And now, thanks to Nest of Posies, you can up your greenery game with glitter and gold foil lettering pots.
17. Neon letter light
How adorable is this neon letter light from I Spy DIY? It’s great for both dorm rooms and apartments. Its simplicity adds the perfect accent to any room.
18. Nail head metallic linen headboard
How divine is this headboard by Sarah M. Dorsey Designs? Now imagine how good it would look in your room!
19. Wooden dowel coat rack
Thanks to Style by Emily Henderson, we’ve never wanted a coat rack more. It’s simple yet modern.
20. Acrylic side table
You can use this as a nightstand or a side table—repurposing at its best! Check out In My Own Style for a full tutorial.
21. Kate Spade-inspired stools
Preciously Me gives the perfect tutorial for these adorable pink and gold stools.
22. Sequined monogram wall art
Feeling like marquee lights are so 2015? Switch them out for a sequined monogram! Find the full tutorial at LuLu*s.