25 Essential DIY Projects For Your First Apartment

Updated on May 1, 2018 at 7:05 AM

Outfitting a first apartment can be a real struggle. Spaces are often small, and budgets are likely tight. DIY projects, therefore, can be a lifesaver. With a little ingenuity and elbow grease, inexpensive materials can be transformed into special pieces. No project is too big or too small for a custom touch.

We've created the ultimate guide to first apartment DIY projects, from large furniture undertakings to intricate decor flourishes. Together, these projects will turn a first apartment into a very special home.

Braid a Bench

Create a braided coffee table or bench for your living room with Brittany Makes's tutorial.

Build a Farmhouse Table

You can even DIY furniture for your living room thanks to this tutorial from Love Grows Wild.

Sew Roman Shades

DIY Roman Shades with our no-sew tutorial.

Upgrade Your Sofa

Upgrade your starter sofa with this Ikea sofa makeover.

Add a Hanging Pendant Light

Create your own light fixture with this pendant light DIY from A Beautiful Mess.

Paint a Welcoming Mat

Give your entryway some pizazz with a customized mat like the one seen on Sarah Hearts.

Upgrade a Basket

Take a basket from basic to beautiful with Honestly WTF's DIY project.

Paint a Zebra Rug

Use a drop cloth to create your own inexpensive rug by following the Decor Fix's zebra rug tutorial.

Customize a Mirror

Create a statement mirror with Sugar and Cloth's DIY.

Hang a Light Fixture

Hello Lidy's light fixture DIY will bring brightness to your new place.

Redo a Darling Dresser

Make an inexpensive Ikea dresser look like a higher-priced option from Room & Board with these DIY instructions.

Put Together Planters

You'll be able to exercise your green thumb after building Sugar and Cloth's planters.

Create Colorful Coasters

Impress your guests by creating DIY agate coasters with Thou Swell's instructions.

Build a Bright Side Table

If you're lucky enough to have outdoor space, Hello Lidy shows how to create a darling citrus table.

Put Together a Neon Mirror

Add a pop of color to your room with this standing mirror DIY project from Francois et Moi.

Hang a Photo Rail

Prominently and proudly display your photos by making Little Green Notebook's photo rail project.

Hang Your Own Art

Customize a wall hanging by turning a bathmat into art, a project thought up by Brittany Makes.

Paint Playful Placemats

Make dinner parties colorful by following The Crafted Life's painted placemat instructions.

Add Flair to a Pillow

Customize simple throw pillows with M Loves M's tutorial.

Customize an End Table

Turn a simple end table into something special with Kristi Murphy's instructions.

Put Together a Luxe Ladder

The Crafted Life's ladder DIY project will make storing blankets and towels a breeze.

Make a Printed Pouf

Blogger Kristi Murphy's pouf DIY will give you a new seating option.

Create a Cheery Cheeseboard

Serving wine and cheese will be a breeze when you create Say Yes's platter.

Make a Wood Table

Francois et Moi's timber side table DIY would look lovely inside or out.

Create a Console

Use Ikea pieces to create a custom console by following these DIY steps.