15 DIY Projects To Make Your Rental Home Look More Expensive

Since my first post about how to make your home look more expensive on a dime was such a huge hit... I decided to finally curate another awesome list of amazing DIY projects to inspire you to make your home look more expensive.
This one can be for anyone in their space, but I really wanted to reach out to my fellow renters to show you all that their are simple and effective projects you can replicate to make your home look more expensive. I did my best to find only budget friendly projects to suite tighter budgets.
Distressed Floating Shelves
1. Distressed Floating Shelves - As I stated in my last post, the use of vertical space is crucial especially if you are renting a small apartment. I have seen some rentals where there isn't even much built in storage space which is crazy. Floating shelves are a perfect solution to this problem.
Decorative Mirror Set
2. Decorative Mirror Set - The use of mirrors really helps with making your space look larger. This DIY project is a very cost effective way to create a large mirror set. This would be a great entry way or dining room decor.
Kate Spade inspired Storage Boxes
3. Kate Spade inspired Storage Boxes - By taking some inexpensive ikea storage boxes, you can transform them into something more chic looking for your home. I love concealed storage. This would be perfect for a bookshelf, or for crafts, supplies, or stationary.
Classy Curtain Tiebacks
4. Classy Curtain Tiebacks - I love the use of elegance to tie back these curtains. This is such a simple DIY that anyone can make within an hour. Simplicity it key to some of the most elegant decor.
Twinkle Light Faux Canopy Bed
5. Twinkle Light Faux Canopy Bed - The illusion of a canopy bed with the extra sparkle from the sheers draped in holiday string twinkle lights. It adds an element of romanticism to a space and really upgrades it. It creates a new focal point which is perfect if you have a small or odd shaped room.
Chanel "N03" Perfume Vase
6. Chanel "N03" Perfume Vase - Easiest DIY ever and totally adorable. I love the inspiration behind this project. With the right flowers, it really dresses up this conversation starter.
Lace Framed Accent Wall
7. Lace Framed Accent Wall - I never would have thought to do this but I love this idea. I think the crown moulding used to frame the accent wall is what makes this wall so special. It looks finished and polished.
Trellis Stenciled Accent Wall
8. Trellis Stenciled Accent Wall - I did a DIY accent wall similar to this one and it took a lot of work but was totally worth it. It saved me a lot of money and I just used what I had to make it work. It turned out looking much more elegant and chic than my start white wall.
Faux Entry Table With a Floating Shelf
9. Faux Entry Table With a Floating Shelf - I love this project so much! With the help of a little paint, and a floating shelf, you can create a faux entryway table. This is such a clever illusion and solution for a small space or a rental space.
Vinyl Decal Wallpaper
10. Vinyl Decal Wallpaper - Vinyl decals are great for temporary decorating. Vinyl decals are easy to apply and line up and easier to remove. Just peal without worrying about any damage to the wall it was stuck to.
Pedestal Sink Skirt
11. Pedestal Sink Skirt - I have a pedestal sink and I would love to create a DIY like this skirt. I have a little box hidden under my sink and creating a more tailored skirt would make it look much prettier. It polishes it off.
Faux Built-in Bookcase
12. Faux Built-in Bookcase - I am head over heals for this DIY project. Nothing says fun like and Ikea hack. See how these billy bookcases were transformed into a beautiful (temporary) built in. I love the addition of the library ladder to the front of the bookcase really is what won me over.
Chevron Cork board
13. Chevron Cork board - If you are looking to create a cute command center or perhaps liven up your home office, this is the DIY for you. Not only is it easy to do, but it is also really budget friendly.
Glam Beverage Cart
14. Glam Beverage Cart - Another amazing Ikea hack. This cart costs $29.99 at Ikea and will a little spray paint, this cart adds more beauty to a space, especially with the right bar cart accessories. I have seen other bloggers use marble contact paper on this bar cart and the results came out amazing.
Faux Marble Table
15. Faux Marble Table - This is another fun marble contact paper project. This project came out amazing and I think it adds a lot of sophistication to a space.


What did you think of this round up? Which of these DIY projects would you actually do? Let me know in the comments below.
Meredith - Arts & Classy
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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  1 question
  • Mariam Mariam on Feb 08, 2019

    I cannot see the floating shelf bracket - Do you glue the bracket? I have a small cloakroom and I think this will solve the problem of storage. I am an artist, what type of painting would suit this small bathroom? Neutral wall, Tom's Baker (Earth Born Clay Paint) and Periwinkle Lino floor. Any idea or ideas would be very much appreciated.

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 2 comments
  • Lori Lori on Jan 02, 2016
    Gosh, I really liked them all, what great ideas. The faux table, the faux canopy and the storage boxes are probably my favorites, but the shelves, and faux marble table were good too. Great little post, thanks.
  • Kathy Kathy on Nov 26, 2021

    I love the Ikea bookcase, with the ladder. How clever. I absolutely love your style, something as simple as tying back drapes with pearls and flowers. Gorgeous!!!

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