25 Essential DIY Projects For Your First Apartment

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.

01
Braid a Bench
Brittany Makes

Braid a Bench

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

02
Build a Farmhouse Table
Love Grows Wild

Build a Farmhouse Table

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

03
Sew Roman Shades
Sally Wheat for Domino

Sew Roman Shades

DIY Roman Shades with our no-sew tutorial.

04
Upgrade Your Sofa
POPSUGAR Photography | Lisette Mejia

Upgrade Your Sofa

Upgrade your starter sofa with this Ikea sofa makeover.

05
Add a Hanging Pendant Light
A Beautiful Mess

Add a Hanging Pendant Light

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

06
Paint a Welcoming Mat
Sarah Hearts

Paint a Welcoming Mat

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

08
Paint a Zebra Rug
Decor Fix

Paint a Zebra Rug

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

09
Customize a Mirror
Sugar and Cloth

Customize a Mirror

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

10
Hang a Light Fixture
Hello Lidy

Hang a Light Fixture

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

11
Redo a Darling Dresser
POPSUGAR Photography | Lauren Turner

Redo a Darling Dresser

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

12
Put Together Planters
Sugar and Cloth

Put Together Planters

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

13
Create Colorful Coasters
Thou Swell

Create Colorful Coasters

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

15
Put Together a Neon Mirror
Francois et Moi

Put Together a Neon Mirror

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

16
Hang a Photo Rail
Little Green Notebook

Hang a Photo Rail

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

17
Hang Your Own Art
Brittany Makes

Hang Your Own Art

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

18
Paint Playful Placemats
The Crafted Life

Paint Playful Placemats

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

19
Add Flair to a Pillow
M Loves M

Add Flair to a Pillow

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

20
Customize an End Table
Kristi Murphy

Customize an End Table

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

22
Make a Printed Pouf
Kristi Murphy

Make a Printed Pouf

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

23
Create a Cheery Cheeseboard
Say Yes

Create a Cheery Cheeseboard

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

24
Make a Wood Table
Francois et Moi

Make a Wood Table

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

25
Create a Console
POPSUGAR Photography | Annie Gabillet

Create a Console

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