6 DIY Art Projects to Spruce Up Your Living Room
Handmade masterpieces your home needs. These creative, budget-friendly DIY art projects will give your living room a fresh new look.
By:
The Good Home Daily
Posted on July 10, 2025
Your living room is where we bond with family and welcome guests, so giving it a fresh look truly matters. Luckily, you can refresh your space without spending much. One easy and meaningful way is through DIY art projects that add a personal touch.
Art can instantly elevate any room, and in the living room, the right piece can completely transform the mood and style of the space.
In this guide, we’re sharing 5 DIY art decor ideas that can help you achieve a stylish and personalized living room. No fancy tools or advanced skills needed—these projects are simple, fun, and perfect for any skill level.
1. DIY Hand Prints and Paw Prints Art
This is probably the most personalized DIY art project for your living room on this list—but trust us, it is also one of the easiest. Displaying handprint art adds a truly heartwarming and unique personal touch to your space.
Making this DIY wall art is straightforward and fun. You simply need to help each person press their hand into the paint, then onto your canvas or sturdy paper. Once dry, you can write names and the date to make it more personal and memorable.
If you have a pet in the family, you can include them too. It is a fun activity to capture irreplaceable memories.
Just a reminder to use non-toxic and pet-safe paint. Choose a washable option or specific pet-friendly ink pads. Also, be sure to clean up the paint IMMEDIATELY after making the print to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
2. Decorate and Display Kids Project
Your kids’ art projects do not belong only on the fridge. They put so much effort into creating them, so showcasing these masterpieces in your living room feels just right.
Using your children’s artwork as living room decor is simple. You can ask them to create something new or use existing school projects. Depending on the piece, you can frame or laminate the art.
You can collate their work, decorate a display area, or frame individual pieces to create a charming home gallery. A large wooden pegboard is a great option—it offers both aesthetic appeal and versatility. Just use pegs and clips to display the artwork, making it easy to rotate pieces whenever you like.
Add some lights for a warm, charming effect in the evening.
This DIY art project is a wonderful way to refresh your living room. It not only personalizes your space but also celebrates and validates your kids’ artistic efforts in a meaningful, budget-friendly way.
3. Hang a Chalkboard
Who says a chalkboard cannot be used in the living room? Believe it or not, hanging one in your space is a solid DIY wall decor idea.
It’s simple but also very unique. It offers an ever-changing canvas perfect for quotes, drawings, or messages, making it both decorative and functional.
You can update it with seasonal greetings, inspiring quotes, or even a fun “family doodle” challenge. This budget-friendly art project adds a charming, rustic vibe while keeping your space dynamic.
Just be sure to use good-quality chalk and erasers for the best experience.
4. Decorate Glass Jars
Glass jars are a perfect material for your DIY art project for living room decor. They are accessible, versatile, and budget-friendly. You can even repurpose used glass jars for this creative project.
There are many ways to style them. You can achieve a frosted effect using spray paint or Mod Podge, or add painted patterns like stripes and abstract swirls. Wrapping jars with twine, fabric scraps, or lace also adds interesting texture.
For a charming touch, place fairy lights inside to create glow jars—perfect for adding cozy evening ambiance.
Alternatively, turn them into stylish vases for small bouquets or single stems, blending your handmade decor with natural elements. This project is an easy way to spruce up your living room with personalized, adaptable pieces.
5. Arrange DIY Ceramic Mugs
This is one of the bigger DIY art projects on our list, as you might even attend a workshop to craft your own ceramic mugs. However, it’s not just a fun way to add personal touches to your living room, but also a great bonding activity for the whole family.
If you’re starting with store-bought mugs, you can decorate them using ceramic paint pens or decals. Then, display them on floating shelves or open cabinets. Try grouping them by color, size, or theme to keep the look neat and stylish.
Think of the collection as DIY wall art for your home. Just a quick reminder, if you plan to use the mugs for drinking, make sure the paint you use is food-safe.
6. Build a Living Room Control Center
A control center is a designated, central spot for managing essential household information and communication. If you do not have one at home yet, this is a perfect DIY project for your living room.
You can place your control center in your entryway using a framed board, a specific wall section, or even a sleek magnetic panel. The key is to create a visually pleasing layout for notes, calendars, or small message boards.
This project offers highly interactive and functional home decor, keeping family life organized and visible.
Plan your design carefully, choosing materials and colors that blend seamlessly with your existing decor. Consider adding small shelves for keys or hooks for notes to ensure it is both practical and visually appealing.
Why Choose DIY Art Decor for Your Living Room?
Let’s be honest—one of the best parts of having great living room decor is the bragging rights. Nothing beats casually dropping, “Oh, that? We made it.”
DIY art adds personality to your space in a way store-bought pieces just can’t. It turns your living room into something that feels real, lived-in, and 100% yours.
It is also surprisingly budget-friendly. You get to refresh your space without overspending, and often with materials you already have at home.
Plus, it is a fun activity. Whether done solo or with family, you are creating something you will actually enjoy seeing every day.
