If you’ve stared at your blank walls lately and thought, “Wow… this looks like a place where joy goes to die,” trust me, you’re not alone. I’ve done the same, usually while holding a cup of coffee and questioning all my life choices. But here’s the good news: you don’t need a huge budget or an art degree to turn those sad, empty walls into something that actually sparks a little serotonin.

I’ve spent years trying cheap DIY wall art decor ideas some have turned out amazing, and some… well, let’s just say they live permanently in the “never speak of this again” folder. But the good ones? They absolutely transform a space without draining your wallet, and that’s exactly what I’m sharing today.

Ready to upgrade your walls without selling a kidney? 🙂 Let’s do this.

1. Abstract Brush Stroke Canvas Art

Ever looked at abstract art and thought, “I can totally do that”? Spoiler: you actually can.

I’ve created abstract canvases while watching Netflix, and they’ve turned out shockingly good. The trick is to layer simple brush strokes and build color gradually.

Why It Works

• You control the colors and style.
• Mistakes look intentional kinda like modern art’s best kept secret.
• It fills a wall fast without costing much.

Tip

Use two or three bold colors and a few neutral shades. Ever wondered why abstract canvases look expensive? Because the colors do the heavy lifting.

2. Framed Fabric Panels

If you have leftover fabric scraps, you basically have free art. I once turned a $5 thrift store curtain into three wall panels, and people legit asked me where I “bought that designer piece.” IMO, this is one of the easiest DIYs ever.

Why It Works

• Bold prints instantly add personality.
• Frames make anything look “bougie.”
• No paint, no drawing, no talent needed (praise be).

Tip

Pick fabrics with texture linen, canvas, woven patterns and your wall instantly looks high end.

3. DIY Botanical Prints

I love nature prints, but every time I see their price tags online, I whisper “yeah, no thanks.” So I started making my own.

Just collect leaves or flowers, place them flat on white paper, scan or photograph them, and print. Boom: Pinterest worthy botanical art.

Why It Works

• Minimalist and timeless.
• Cheap to print.
• Every piece feels unique.

Ever wondered why botanical prints fit in literally any room bedroom, living room, bathroom? Because nature never goes out of style.

4. Washi Tape Geometric Art

Washi tape is like the fairy godmother of DIY décor. You stick it, peel it, restick it… and your wall doesn’t scream in pain afterward.

Why It Works

• Zero commitment.
• Zero damage.
• Zero effort (my favorite number).

Ideas

• Chevron designs
• Simple rectangles
• Minimalist line art

You can even outline existing frames with washi tape to make them look bigger and more dramatic.

5. Typography Prints (Super Easy!)

You know those trendy quote prints? The ones that say things like “Live Laugh Love” or “But First, Coffee”? You can create your own in Canva or even Microsoft Word yes, the same Word you used for your 6th grade homework.

Why It Works

• Customizable.
• Cheap or free.
• Looks polished when framed.

Pick a clean font, keep it bold, and don’t be afraid to use oversized text. Have fun with it add sarcasm if that’s your thing. I once made a print that said “This House Runs on Coffee,” and you know what? It’s the most accurate art piece I own.

6. Painted Arch Murals

Okay, hear me out: painting a wall arch sounds scary, but it’s basically just tracing a bowl to make the curve. I’ve done this twice now, and both times the result looked like something you’d see in a boutique Airbnb.

Why It Works

• Adds depth and dimension.
• Makes small spaces feel “intentional.”
• Costs less than a latte (if you use leftover paint).

Tip

Use earthy tones like terracotta, beige, or olive green. They bring warmth without overwhelming the room.

7. DIY Macrame Wall Hanging

Macrame looks complicated, but once you learn a few knots, you’ll create beautiful pieces while binge watching shows. Seriously, it becomes almost therapeutic.

Why It Works

• Adds texture to flat walls.
• Boho vibes without the boho prices.
• Yarn or cotton rope costs very little.

Bonus

Even messy knots look artsy… so your secret is safe.

8. Collage-Style Photo Wall

If you’re sentimental like me, you probably have 4,000 pictures stored somewhere. A collage wall helps you curate your favorites in a creative way.

Why It Works

• Personal and meaningful.
• Completely customizable.
• Works beautifully in hallways or bedrooms.

Ideas

• Print photos in sepia for vintage vibes.
• Use black and white for minimalist looks.
• Mix photos with quotes for variety.

Ever wondered why photo walls never look boring? It’s because they tell your story.

9. Dollar-Store Frame Gallery

I swear the dollar store is the treasure chest of wall-art frames. I’ve found frames that look like they belong in a luxury store after I removed the weird stock photos, of course.

Why It Works

• You get instant structure on your wall.
• Frames elevate anything prints, leaves, fabric, pressed flowers… even wrappers.
• Cheap but stylish.

Tip

Use odd numbers of frames (5, 7, 9). It always looks more balanced.

10. Canvas Drip Art

Want a DIY project that looks like you tried but you didn’t? Drip art is exactly that. Just mix paint with water and let it drip down the canvas.

Why It Works

• Visually bold.
• Unpredictable (in a good way).
• Fun and messy like life.

Tip

Use metallic paint for one or two drips. The shine makes the entire canvas look more expensive.

11. DIY Wall Basket Art

Wall baskets give that earthy, organic vibe, but buying sets online can cost a fortune. So I started creating my own with cheap woven placemats and thrift-store baskets.

Why It Works

• Full of texture.
• Perfect for boho or rustic themes.
• Cheap and super lightweight.

Idea

Combine different sizes to create a balanced arrangement.

Ever seen a basket wall in a café and instantly felt cozy? That’s the vibe you’ll recreate for like $10.

12. Shadow Box Displays

Shadow boxes make anything look precious even seashells you picked up while avoiding social interaction at the beach.

Why It Works

• 3D art feels special.
• Easy to personalize.
• Works with so many items: keys, ticket stubs, fabrics, jewelry.

Tip

Keep the background neutral so the items stand out.

13. DIY Stenciled Wall Art

If you want clean, symmetrical designs without drawing skills, stencils save the day. I use them to create patterns on canvas or directly on the wall.

Why It Works

• Results look professional.
• Great for geometric or floral motifs.
• Budget-friendly.

Tip

Use a sponge instead of a brush to avoid paint bleeding.

14. Repurposed Wood Wall Art

If you love rustic or farmhouse décor, you’ll love using scraps of wood to create art. I once made a wood sign from broken pallets, and it turned out so good that my cousin tried to steal it family, right?

Why It Works

• Adds natural warmth.
• Perfect for cozy themes.
• Very durable.

Ideas

• Vertical wood strips
• Chevron patterns
• Minimalist wood sculptures

15. Sheet Music or Vintage Page Art

If you love old books or music (or you just like pretending you do), framing vintage pages creates instant charm. You can print replicas for free or use thrift-store finds.

Why It Works

• Timeless and elegant.
• Looks curated and intellectual.
• Perfect for reading corners or bedrooms.

Tip

Choose pages with illustrations for extra visual appeal.

Final Tips for DIY Wall Art Success

Before I wrap this up, let me give you a few quick tips that I wish someone told me earlier:

1. Start With a Color Palette

Your wall art looks intentional when you stick to 3–4 main colors.

2. Mix Textures

Combine canvases, fabric, photos, and wood. Walls feel richer when they’re not flat.

3. Test Layouts Before Hanging

Ever hung something crooked and hated yourself? Yeah, me too. Lay everything on the floor first before you commit.

4. Trust Your Gut

If you like it, it works. Seriously decor rules are more flexible than people think.

Conclusion

Creating cheap DIY wall art decor doesn’t just save money it helps you express your personality in a way store bought decor never can. I’ve filled entire walls with projects that cost practically nothing, and each piece tells a little story.

Why spend hundreds on generic art when you can make something that actually feels like you? Whether you love the simplicity of fabric panels, the texture of macrame, or the boldness of abstract art, you have endless ways to decorate your walls without wrecking your budget.

So grab some paint, a frame, or even a roll of washi tape, and start transforming your space. And hey if one project turns out rough, just call it “experimental art” and hang it proudly. FYI, that has saved me more times than I’d like to admit.