Weekends are made for relaxing, yes, but sometimes a little productive DIY can feel just as good as a lazy afternoon nap. If you’re itching to give your home a mini facelift without spending a fortune, I’ve rounded up five fantastic DIY projects that each cost less than £100. I’ve personally tackled every one of these, so trust me, if I can do it, you can too!
1. Give Your Front Door a Makeover
There’s something deeply satisfying about transforming the entrance of your home—it boosts curb appeal instantly. Last spring, I decided my tired-looking front door needed some love. With about £30, I grabbed some Dulux Weathershield paint and a chic brass door handle from B&M. Sanding took about half an hour, painting another couple, and by Sunday morning, I had neighbours complimenting the bright new look. It genuinely felt like a new house.
Tip: Take your time sanding and priming—these extra steps ensure a beautiful, lasting finish.
2. Stylish Peel-and-Stick Backsplash
The area behind my cooker was previously dull, outdated tile. I dreaded hiring a pro, so when I discovered peel-and-stick tiles online, I was cautiously optimistic. Armed with a spirit level and a craft knife, I spent a surprisingly fun Saturday afternoon turning drab into fab. The result was so impressive my friends still can’t believe it’s not professionally done. Total cost? About £40. Absolute bargain.
Pro Tip: Keep a steady hand and measure twice, cut once—it’s worth the precision.
3. Install Floating Oak Shelves
Floating shelves were one of my favourite DIY projects because they combined style and functionality perfectly. For around £45, I bought oak shelves and hidden brackets from Wickes. The trickiest part was accurately locating wall studs, but once that was done, installation was straightforward. My once-empty wall now proudly showcases my collection of ceramics and books, adding warmth to the entire room.
Advice: Invest in a decent spirit level; you’ll thank yourself when everything lines up beautifully.
4. Easy Plug-in Pendant Lighting
Good lighting can transform any space, so when I saw a plug-in pendant at IKEA for just £25, it was an easy decision. One Sunday afternoon, armed with some ceiling hooks and a lovely vintage-style LED bulb, I hung the pendant in a corner of my living room. The entire process was quick and easy, instantly creating a cosy reading nook with minimal fuss.
Extra tip: Arrange your cord creatively for a visually appealing “swag” effect.
5. DIY Draught-Proofing
As autumn approached, I noticed chilly draughts sneaking through doors and windows. Determined not to suffer another cold winter, I bought a roll of draught-proofing tape from Wickes for about £10 and spent an hour sealing gaps. This simple task made a noticeable difference in warmth and comfort—my heating bills even shrank a little!
Top tip: Don’t skip surface cleaning before application. The tape sticks best to a clean surface.
Ready, Set, DIY!
All these DIY projects cost less than £100 individually and require minimal tools and skills, yet they deliver impressive, satisfying results. You don’t need to be a seasoned DIY expert—just a weekend warrior with a desire to freshen things up a bit.
What weekend DIY project is next on your list? I’d love to hear your stories and see your transformations—let’s inspire each other!
