No-one wants to squeeze in DIY jobs in the evening after their nine-to-five - so we’ve collated a list of simple DIY projects you can complete in one weekend.
As well as being quick and easy, keeping your household maintenance up-to-date will save you a pretty penny in the long run, too.
Plus, if you’re tight on budget then that’s no problem - we’ve split these jobs into sections for under £50, £150 and £250 to take the pressure off your purse. Read on for 17 DIY tasks you can fit into a weekend:
£50 and under decorating jobs
Change the doorknobs
Shop our favourite door knobs
Keep it simple with our pick of stylish door knobs for every budget
Love your period home? Check out these Victorian-inspired door knobs
Looking for a touch of glam? These Art Deco door knobs are for you!
A simple switch that is speedy, easy and doesn’t cost the earth is changing the knobs on drawers and doors. Whether you’ve just upcycled a piece of furniture or have a new IKEA wardrobe, swapping the handles for a stylish alternative can be the finishing touch for your hardware.
Hang a shelf
Buying the shelves is one thing, putting them up is another, but make this weekend the one where you get the job done! It shouldn’t take more than an hour, so you’ll have your new storage space sorted in no time, and for £50 or less, too. Find out how to put up a floating shelf - or if you're feeling ambitious, try making your own bookshelf!
Refresh your windows
Hanging new curtains and blinds can easily be done in a few hours at the weekend and you don’t need to fork out a fortune for installation costs. Here's how to measure your windows for curtains and blinds.
Do up the front door
Has the entrance to your home seen better days? Check out our ideas to glam up your front door on a budget! The quickest way to refresh the front door is simply giving it a lick of paint. The YHS team recommend the Al Fresco paint from Frenchic, which is suitable for both indoors and out. Find out more about how to use Frenchic paint around your home.
Stencil your space
Another super quick way to do-up your digs for less is by updating your walls with a stencil design. We’ve fallen in love with this floral stencil from Annie Sloan – with a bit of practice you can renew your home with beautiful blooms for spring and summer. Get started with our guide to stencilling a wooden or concrete floor.
Upcycle your furniture
If the purse strings are tight, then rather than buying brand-new furniture, why not use your weekend to upcycle what you already have? There are plenty of gorgeous paint colours out there for you to choose from when it comes to revamping furniture. Check out some of our tutorials to get started:
Upcycling tutorials
£150 and under decorating jobs
Add character with art
Give your walls some personality by curating a collection of your favourite art. High street brands such as Matalan, Dunelm and H&M are budget-friendly options when it comes to creating a gallery wall, but you can also interweave these buys with some one-off pieces from independent shops, too – try Etsy independent makers for more stylish art on a budget.
Update the sink
Changing the bathroom taps is an easy and quick way to update your bathroom decor on a budget. Plus, once you’ve completed a kitchen or bathroom makeover, updating the taps is one of the best ways to polish off the finished look.
A slightly less exciting weekend task, but useful nonetheless, is check your home insurance is up to date. Looking for the best home insurance in 2023? We've got you covered.
Redecorate with wallpaper
Bring your walls to life by adding wallpaper. Patterns can range from as little as £10 per roll to heftier £100+ price tags from designer or independent brands. If you shop smart though, then a few rolls needn’t set you back more than £50-£100. Or, if you fall in love with a high-end design, then just buy one roll and create a few eye-catching feature panels! Here are a few of our favourite wallpaper designs on the market to get you started.
Make a feature
For a quicker alternative to paint and wallpaper, opt for a wall mural. It’s a go-to choice if you want to create a feature wall and are looking for a rapid update with a low price point.
Spruce up the walls
Painting the walls doesn’t have to be a mammoth task, especially if you invest in high-quality paint to start with. Depending on the size of your room, you should be able to paint the entire space for less than £150 - and that includes buying some basic painting equipment, too.
£250 and under decorating jobs
Polish off with panelling
Adding decorative woodwork is a fairly inexpensive option that can be done over a weekend, but how much you pay depends on the size of the room and how many sheets you need. A plus side to panelling is that there are so many styles out there, from Georgian and Edwardian to Regency and Victorian, all of which look stunning in a period-style property. Find out how to make and install wooden panelling for a period look.
Tile a splashback
Tiling your own splashback takes time and patience to get right, but it’s a good way to save a few pounds rather than hiring a tradesperson. However, if you’re happy to loosen your purse strings a little then you can make the task easier by buying a ready-made splashback and installing it yourself, which will take half the time. If you haven't chosen your tile pattern yet, check out our ultimate guide to tile styles.
And for an even speedier revamp, have you considered stick-on tiles?
Redo your flooring
You can easily update the flooring in a small area of your home, such as a utility room or hallway, in a day or two and for a reasonable price. Look for easy-to-fit options such as click system luxury vinyl tiles or, for the quickest of fixes, try peel-and-stick vinyl tiles – there are loads of designs to choose from. If you're not sure where to get started, use our guide to decide on the best flooring options for your home.
Add a headboard
This is a swift and simple job that can be done and dusted in under an hour. Plus, it will give your bedroom the finishing touch it deserves. Velvet and rattan headboards are all the rage at the moment – check out Habitat and Wayfair for some on-trend and affordable options. Discover how to choose a feature headboard for your bedroom.
Rethink your lighting
Layering your lighting not only transforms the look of your home, but also the feel of it. Soften your overhead light with a decorative shade, add table lamps for ambiance and desk lamps where you work or read. Try Iconic Lights and Homesense for budget-friendly ideas to illuminate every room.
Cover your radiators
Updating your radiators can make a huge difference, and a radiator cover can provide a space with the finesse it needs to complete a stylish and sophisticated look. It’s likely that, once you fit your first cover, you’ll want one in every room! For another easy update, try painting your radiator!
Feeling inspired? If you've got a little bit more time on your hands for your next project, check out these home DIY ideas for some super-stylish upgrades, from garden bars to tree trunk coffee tables.
