18 Cozy Budget-Friendly Home Hacks
Discover 18 creative and easy DIY home hacks to save money, add cozy charm, and simplify your life. Perfect for anyone on a budget looking to refresh their space!
18 Cozy Budget-Friendly Home Hacks
Creating a cozy, beautiful home doesn't have to mean emptying your wallet or spending hours on complicated projects. With a little creativity and some simple DIY tricks, you can refresh your space and make life a little cozier. Best of all, these 18 DIY home hacks can be done on a budget.
Let’s get right into it!
1. Repurpose Containers and Glass Jars
Repurposing glass jars won't cost you any more than you would have spent on your pasta sauce or baby food that comes in a jar. Instead of placing the jars into the recycle bin, find them a new purpose, such as a flower vase, candle holder, or food storage.
They’re versatile enough to be used in any room of the house:
Store dry goods like pasta, rice, coffee beans, or spices.
Hold cotton balls, q-tips, or homemade sugar scrubs.
Organize buttons, beads, or small sewing supplies.
Make candles and gift them to friends so they can add some cozy vibes to their space.
Quick Tip: Jars and containers can be upgraded by adding cute stickers, labels, and fabric with ribbons. Additionally, lids can be spray painted quite easily.
2. Turn Old Sweaters into Cozy Throw Pillow Covers
If you have chunky old sweaters lying around (or spot some cheap ones at a thrift store), give them new life as cozy throw pillow covers. This hack is budget-friendly and adds instant texture to your living space.
How to Make It:
Turn the sweater inside out, lay flat and cut out a square or rectangle the same size as your pillow insert.
Sew the edges together, leaving one side open. Then pull it outside in so the design is now on the outside.
Slide in the pillow insert and hand-stitch final edge.
Sweater pillows add warmth and coziness to any room, especially in cooler months, and it’s an eco-friendly way to upcycle old clothes. Plus, it’s a creative way to turn something that may have been cluttering up a dresser drawer into something useful.
3. Use Binder Clips to Organize Cables and Chargers
Messy cords can make even the coziest home look cluttered, but you don’t need expensive organizers to tidy them up. Binder clips are a cheap and clever solution.
Place a binder clip to the edge of your desk or table.
Thread your phone charger, laptop cord, or any cable through the metal loops of the clip.
This keeps the cords from falling and prevents tangling.
4. DIY Natural Room Spray for a Cozy Vibe
Nothing makes a space feel more inviting than a fresh, cozy scent. Instead of spending money on a diffuser or store-bought sprays filled with artificial ingredients, create your own natural room spray using essential oils.
What You Need:
How to Make It: Using a small funnel, add distilled water, 1 tablespoon of witch hazel, and 10-15 drops of essential oil into the small spray bottle. Whenever your space needs a little refresh, just shake your bottle and spritz.
For cat and dog mamas and papas, leave out the witch hazel and replace the essential oils with vanilla extract ( ½ t of vanilla extract with ½ cup of distilled water). Cats are highly sensitive to witch hazel and essential oils which are toxic to their liver, even in the smallest amounts.
As for dogs, they’re less sensitive to essential oils, but many are also toxic to their system. They can handle a little witch hazel as long as they don’t ingest it. Leave it out if you’ll be using the spray regularly. It’s not a necessary ingredient as it simply helps disperse the oil. Just be sure to give the bottle a good shake before use.
Here are some essential oils that are generally considered safe for dogs:
Lavender: Known for its calming properties, lavender can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
Chamomile: Chamomile is another calming oil that can help soothe both humans and dogs.
Frankincense: This oil has been used for centuries for its calming and grounding effects.
Ginger: Ginger can help with nausea and upset stomachs in both humans and dogs.
Rosemary: Rosemary is known for its stimulating properties and can help improve focus and concentration.
Pro Tip: Make seasonal blends like cinnamon and orange in the fall or eucalyptus and mint in the summer.
5. Upgrade Your Lampshade with Fabric or Paint
Lampshades often get overlooked when decorating, but a simple update can dramatically refresh the look of your entire room without breaking the bank.
For the DIY enthusiast, consider using chalk paint or acrylic paint to revitalize a plain or outdated lampshade with a fresh, custom design.
If you prefer to shop, explore your local thrift store for unique and affordable lampshade options, along with other charming home decor treasures. You might just discover a hidden gem or two!
6. DIY Floating Shelves for Extra Storage
Floating shelves are both functional and stylish, offering space for decor, books, and cherished trinkets. And the best part? You can create your own for a fraction of the cost of store-bought options.
What You'll Need:
Wooden boards (cut to your desired size)
L-brackets
Screws and anchors
Paint or stain (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the boards: If desired, paint or stain the wooden boards for a finished look.
Mark and mount brackets: Mark the wall locations for the anchors, ensuring they are level. Attach the L-brackets to the wall using screws and anchors.
Secure the shelves: Place the wooden boards on top of the brackets and secure them firmly in place.
Tip: For a rustic and cozy aesthetic, consider using reclaimed wood for your shelves.
7. Create a Relaxing Bath Tray from Scrap Wood
A warm bath is the ultimate cozy self-care moment, and a bath tray can take it to the next level. Scrap wood can be found for a few dollars at Home Depot and it’s not uncommon to find free pallets online.
Here’s how to make your own bath tray for just a few dollars using scrap wood.
Measure the width of your bathtub and cut a wooden board slightly longer.
Sand the board to smooth any rough edges.
Stain and seal the wood to protect it.
(Optional) Add rubber feet to all four corners on the bottom. Place them wider than the tub so they sit outside of the edge. This way, if you bump the tray it won’t slide off.
Bath trays can be expensive, but this DIY version is simple, customizable, and much more affordable.
8. Make a Homemade Draft Stopper to Save on Energy Costs
Drafty windows and doors can hike up your heating bill, but a DIY draft stopper is an easy fix.
What You Need:
Fabric
Rice, beans, or sand for filling
Needle and thread
How to Do It:
Measure the width of your door or window and add 1 inch.
Cut your fabric to the length x 8 inches in width.
Fold fabric in half length-wise so the design is facing itself.
Sew the open edges together about ½ inch in. Leave one short end open. Double-stitching is optional, but recommended.
Add enough filling to the tube so that it feels full but still has flexibility so it can fill in the spaces along your doors and windows.
Sew the opening shut.
Extra Tip: Use a fun fabric pattern to match your cozy decor.
9. Add Mirrors to Open Up Small Spaces
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Mirrors are a fantastic way to brighten and open up small spaces. They create the illusion of more space, especially when strategically placed across from doorways, where they become instantly visible.
While mirrors can sometimes be pricey, you can find affordable options at retailers like TJ Maxx, Ross, and Ikea. Even Amazon offers the at a reasonable price. Thrift stores are also a great resource, often offering mirrors at a fraction of their original cost.
Whether you have a spacious home or a cozy apartment, mirrors can significantly enhance any living space. However, they are truly invaluable in smaller spaces where maximizing light and creating an open feel is crucial.
10. Use Tension Rods for Hidden Storage Solutions
Tension rods are an incredibly versatile and affordable solution for creating extra storage in tight spaces. These adjustable rods require no tools to install, making them easy to use anywhere.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Under the Sink: Hang spray bottles and cleaning supplies effortlessly.
In Closets: Utilize rods to neatly organize scarves, belts, or even shoes.
In Cabinets: Create efficient dividers for cutting boards or baking trays.
11. Indoor Herb Garden
Fresh herbs not only enhance the flavor of your meals but also bring a touch of nature and coziness to your home. Instead of making frequent trips to the grocery store for basil, thyme, or oregano, you can simply reach over and snip some from your own indoor herb garden.
Growing your own herbs offers numerous benefits:
Adds delicious flavor to your meals.
Saves you money and grocery store trips.
Brings the beauty of nature indoors.
While starting from seed can have a slightly steeper learning curve, you can easily begin with established plants from your local nursery. Choose herbs you use often and transplant them into charming pots from your favorite thrift store.
12. Turn Shoe Organizers into Vertical Storage
Hanging shoe organizers aren't just for shoes – they're a fantastic space-saving solution for many areas around your home. I personally use mine to store art supplies, which can easily look cluttered when left out. This organizer keeps everything neatly contained and within easy reach.
Vertical storage is a great way to maximize space and minimize clutter on counters and floors. If you live in a smaller space, a hanging shoe organizer is definitely worth considering!
13. Make Custom Wall Art with Thrift Store Finds or Printables
Wall art is a fantastic way to elevate and brighten any room, but it can quickly become expensive. Here's a simple hack to keep costs down:
Most of the frames in my home were acquired from yard sales, thrift stores, or purchased at deeply discounted prices from Michael's. Thrift store frames often require minimal effort: a simple cleaning, light sanding, and a fresh coat of spray paint can work wonders.
For the art itself, consider painting your own or exploring the vast selection of printable wall art available on Etsy. Choose a design you love, download it, and send the file to an online print shop for professional printing. Once you receive your print, frame it beautifully.
Alternatively, skip the print altogether and create unique displays. Arrange dried flowers, book pages, or fabric behind the glass. For a cohesive and inviting look, stick to a neutral or warm color palette.
14. Use Baskets for Hidden Storage
Baskets are a fantastic way to tame clutter while simultaneously enhancing your home's style and adding a touch of texture. I utilize two matching baskets beneath my fireplace. One neatly stores my small dog's cozy hoodies and jackets, while the other holds her playful assortment of toys – you'd never guess!
I also employ a basket strategically placed under a glass shelf in my bathroom. This discreetly houses a generous supply of toilet paper while introducing a cozy element to the room's aesthetic.
I wholeheartedly embrace this simple yet effective solution for maintaining a tidy and inviting home, and I'm confident you will too!
15. Create a Cozy Reading Nook
You don't need a dedicated room to carve out a cozy escape – a little creativity can go a long way. A reading nook is a simple luxury that encourages relaxation and mindfulness, and it's surprisingly easy to create.
Start by finding a spot with good natural light, or supplement with a soft lamp. Next, add a comfortable chair, beanbag, or a pile of cushions. Don't forget plush pillows and cozy blankets to complete the inviting atmosphere.
Include a small side table to hold your current book, a warm beverage, or a comforting candle. For book storage, consider hanging floating shelves or using a stylish basket.
Having this cozy haven readily available will make it much easier to find time for relaxation and rejuvenation.
16. Use Leftover Paint for Accent Walls or Furniture
Give your walls or furniture a fresh look without necessarily buying new paint. It's surprising how a coat or two of paint can dramatically alter the energy of a room, even with a subtle color change.
If you do decide to purchase paint, consider exploring the 'oopsie' section at your local paint store. Most paint retailers occasionally make minor mixing errors, resulting in discounted paint that can be a great bargain for your project.
17. DIY Cloth Napkins
You'll significantly reduce your spending. I haven't purchased paper napkins or paper towels in years, but I remember the cost adding up quickly. Even a modest monthly expense of $10 on these items translates to $120 per year, money that could be better spent on groceries, gas, or other necessities.
Here's how to make your own:
Determine the desired size: Decide on the size of your napkins and add ½ inch to your measurements for seam allowance.
Cut the fabric: Fold your fabric in half with the design facing inward. Use your measurements to cut out the desired number of napkins.
Sew the edges: Sew around the perimeter of each napkin, leaving a 2-inch gap.
Turn and close the gap: Turn the napkin right side out through the gap and then sew the gap closed.
Press and finish (optional): Iron the edges to create a crisp finish. For added durability, consider sewing a straight stitch close to the edge of each napkin.
Making your own cloth towels follows a similar process. You may prefer larger towels for kitchen use.
By making the simple switch to reusable cloth napkins and towels, you can save money and reduce your environmental impact.
18. DIY Scented Candles
Candles have a unique ability to instantly transform any space, creating a warm and cozy ambiance. While purchasing candles can sometimes be expensive, you can often find great deals at discount stores like the Dollar Store or Ross.
However, if you enjoy DIY projects, creating your own candles is a rewarding and cost-effective option. Here's what you'll need:
Wax (soy, beeswax, or paraffin)
Fragrance oil
Wick
Double boiler or heat-safe container
Thermometer
Candle jar or container
Instructions:
Melt the wax: Melt the wax in a double boiler over low heat. If you don't have a double boiler, you can melt it in short intervals in the microwave using a heat-safe container.
Add fragrance: Once the wax has slightly cooled to around 135°F, gently stir in the fragrance oil using a chopstick.
Secure the wick: Dip the tip of your chopstick in the melted wax and use it to secure the wick to the bottom center of the jar.
Pour the wax: Carefully pour the melted wax into the jar, leaving about ½ inch of space at the top.
Cool and harden: Allow the candles to cool and harden completely.
Trim the wick: Once hardened, trim the wick to approximately ¼ inch.
Enjoy the warm glow and delightful fragrance of your homemade candles!
This list of cozy budget-friendly home hacks is just the beginning – there are countless more ways to enhance your living space. But this is an excellent starting point. Enjoy the process of transforming your home into a warm, cozy, and beautiful haven, one hack at a time.
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