Whether you have a new baby in the house, or your growing kids' rooms are in desperate need of a refresh, it's entirely possible to amp up kiddie spaces without a major shopping spree. These 24 DIY [1] decorating hacks add personality and fun, with minimal skills required in the crafting department.
Hang Art With Clothes Hangers
Pretty clothes hangers are an easily interchangeable way to display art. It's a casual look that makes it possible to update your wall gallery on the regular.
DIY a Bargain of a Train Table
If you've ever been in the market for a toy-train table, you know that they don't come cheap. But the simple tutorial on Grace and Good Eats [2] offers an inexpensive alternative that gets the job done in style. (Side note: Ikea sells a 20-piece wooden train set [3] for $10 — the same cost as one "Thomas" character!)
A Chalkboard-Paint Dresser
Have a dresser that's boring or seen better days? Cover it in chalkboard paint [4] and add fun labels that'll keep the kids ultraorganized.
DIY Bunk-Bed Fort
Handmade Charlotte shared the instructions for this awesome bunk bed-fort conversion [5] on her site, and we're smitten.
A Crepe-Paper Flower "Chandelier"
Bring a pop of color indoors with Honestly WTF's crepe-paper flowers [6], which can be hung from the ceiling, or anywhere you please.
Hang a Rug as Wall Art
Follow Pretty Prudent's easy tutorial for hanging a rug vertically [7], a beautiful way to display a travel memento or family heirloom.
Give Them a Leg Up With a Fun Washi-Tape Step Stool
There's no paint required for this supereasy washi-tape stool makeover [8]. It adds a fun pop of color, whether your kids use their step stools in their bedrooms, playrooms, or to reach the bathroom sink.
Make Your Own Baby/Toddler Swing
It takes a slightly elevated skill level (and confidence!) to attempt this DIY [9] from A Beautiful Mess, but this indoor baby/toddler swing [10] will become your numero uno conversation piece and the coolest statement in your child's room — guaranteed.
A DIY Tree-Trunk Nightstand
Bring the outdoors in with the most magical natural nightstand [11], thanks to Couture et Turbulences.
A Glam Ombré Chest
Ikea's Tarva three-drawer chest [12] is functional, but to be honest, it's also pretty boring. Turn it into a trendy study in ombré [13] with this easy tutorial from Why Don't You Make Me? We love this for a nursery, and it could easily grow along with your little one.
Add Seating With The Cutest Scandinavian-Inspired Table and Chairs
We're simply in love with this Ikea Latt set makeover [14] featured on Apartment Therapy. Transform a drab and simple set into something that's the focal point of your playroom.
Make Your Own No-Sew Mobile
All it takes is a trip to the craft store (no seamstress skills required) to construct Pretty Prudent's sweet ribbon mobile [15].
Tone Down a Gallery Wall With Washi Tape
Alternating gold frames with casual washi tape makes a gallery wall [16] feel fresh and youthful.
Add Personality With a Yarn-Wrapped Ombré Monogram
These homespun letters [17] can be displayed on their own or as a full monogram. Depending on your level of ambition, you can even do your child's full name!
Add Embellished Pom-Pom Accent Pillows
Bleach was the magic potion that transformed Ikea's Lappljung Ruta pillow into this chic and cheerful cushion [18] that can be used on an armchair, glider, or bed.
A Slide-Out Solution to Bedside Storage
You don't have to be a master craftsman to DIY [19] this rolling storage tray [20] featured on Apartment Therapy.
DIY an Industrial-Inspired Storage Solution
Tricia of Simplicity in the South was inspired by Restoration Hardware's industrial-chic (but superpricey!) steel cabinets and decided to go the DIY [21] route instead. Starting with the Ikea PS cabinet, she transformed it with a faux patina finish [22] to get the look — for a whole lot less.
Make an On-Trend Round Rope Mirror
With just a bit of creativity and elbow grease, Ikea's superbasic Grundtal mirror is transformed into an industrial rope mirror [23] with a nautical vibe — perfect for a nursery or little boy's room.
Find Free Art
We've narrowed down our favorite sources for free, kid-friendly art on the web [24] that are as easy to access as clicking "Print!"
Stash Their Toys Within Toys
Turning a toy (one with a cool, vintage vibe, at that) into a storage solution is an idea that we'd love to snag from this playful little boy's room [25], designed for the DC Design House. This little red wagon corrals the little boy's library (and a few toys) in a creative and playful way.
Use a Filing Cabinet as Storage
Babies come with a whole lot of stuff (especially for being such tiny little people!). A sleek filing cabinet [26] in a fun color doubles as smart crib-side storage.
Turn a Favorite Photo Into a Piece of Art
Say Yes transformed a treasured family photo into a statement [27] for just $12, and she's sharing her secret!
Turn an Ikea Staple Into a Midcentury-Modern Masterpiece
One of our very own editors gave new life to Ikea's Tarva dresser with a midcentury-modern makeover [28] inspired by a much pricier piece from Room & Board.
Hang Artwork With Clipboards
Custom framing costs a small fortune, but this smart solution [29] allows you to switch artwork out frequently (and it looks really cool!).