Want a Cozy Home? These 25 DIY Projects will bring the Charm You Need

What would you define as a cozy home? For some people it may mean rustic décor; cute bits and bobs all over the place; or full of vintage, lived-in furniture, while for others, it may mean sleek; modern; massive collections of family photos; or pops of color all over the place. By definition, cozy is the feeling of comfort and warmth, so it’s actually more of a personal matter than a clear-cut one. When you look around your home, if you get that sense of relaxation and calmness, then you’ve done well to cozy it up, but if you feel as if you’re still getting there, then these projects can certainly help you along your way.

Pallet Coffee Table

Anything that you make from reclaimed wood will always look charismatic and charming because of all the imperfections and character that you can physically see in the wood. This is exactly why I always prefer homemade (or at least handmade) over buying things brand new.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – TheMerryThought

Twinkling Room Dividers

In my opinion, there is nothing cozier than bringing the outdoors indoors, so this branch room divider is right up my alley. The branches look gorgeous and the twinkling lights make it look simply magical! I wouldn’t mind staring at these all evening.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – Instructables

Chair Covers

If your dining room chairs are looking a little worse for wear, you can simply cozy them up yourself instead of going out to buy a whole new set. A soft pillow on each chair and a faux fur chair cover really amps up the comfort. Of course, if fur isn’t for you, you can certainly try a different material.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – ABeautifulMess

Doily Bowls

I know that some of you are going to think that these bowls are a little too ‘grandma’s house’ while others will agree with me that they’re absolutely adorable. You can plop these bowls down anywhere that you need to keep little things safe, like jewelry, makeup, keys or spare change.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – ApartmentTherapy

Chalkboard Fridge

I’ve been obsessed with chalkboard paint for quite a while now, so I honestly can’t wait to do this to my fridge! The fridge usually becomes the place where little notes, photos, pictures and magnets get propped up, so why not cover the thing in chalkboard so that you can write and draw whatever you want?

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – ErinLauray

Natural Air Freshener

Make your home smell inviting and welcoming with these fantastically fragrant all natural room scents. Jars are filled with water infused with fruit, spices and herbs so that they give off a very natural, fresh and comforting aroma.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – TheYummyLife

DIY Shag Rug

When it comes to rugs, I don’t think anyone can argue that shag rugs are the coziest of them all. But hey’re also super expensive. Thankfully, here’s a great tutorial where you can make your own! This would be great laid out in front of the fire, or even in a kid’s room where it can act as a comfy play area.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – MyLoveOfStyle

Sweater Lampshade

Is your lampshade looking a bit cold and dull? Well here’s a brilliant makeover I’d never think of myself: wrap an old knitted sweater around it! You’ll be surprised at just what a difference it makes to the room – instant warmth and charm.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – UnskinnyBoppy

Sweater Pillows

If you still have lots of sweater material left after making your lampshade, then make yourself some sweater pillows to match. These are exactly the type of pillows you want to snuggle up to on a chilly night while watching a good movie.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – Tidbits

Crochet Pillow

Speaking of pillows, how cute is this crochet heart pillow? I don’t think anyone can argue that a good dose of love is exactly what you need to make your home feel cozy not only for yourself but for all your guests, too.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – MonMakingThings

Fabric Frames

I think that personal photos instantly cozy up a room; maybe it’s the thought of a house full of happy memories that gives you that sense of comfort. Instead of regular frames, though, give the plain ones some new life simply by wrapping them in fabric. There are lots of interesting ways to display your photos.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – Momtastic

Canopy Bed

So you have the softest pillow and the warmest duvet or blanket… what else can you do to make your bed even better? How about a canopy? You’ll feel like the coziest and most well-rested Queen around! Canopies are actually really easy to make yourself, just have a look though this wonderful collection and take your pick.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – DIYnCrafts

Teacup Candles

These are so adorable and so easy to make. It’s also such a clever way to display gorgeous, vintage teacups that you can find in a thrift shop, or that set that you’ve had tucked away in the cabinet for years. Don’t they just look delightfully elegant?

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – HeyGorgeous

Framed Key Holder

Oftentimes it’s a collection of little things that make a house cozy, and this is the perfect example of one of those many things. Painting a frame and hanging hooks from it so easy to do, and just look at what a wonderful impact it makes!

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – ThePurpleCarrot

Wall Vent Cover

Wall vents are ugly in a home, but proper vent covers can get really, really pricey. So what can you do to disguise these eyesores? Spray-paint a cheap rubber doormat and use that as a cover! This is such a clever way of repurposing, and without the unsightly industrial-looking vent, your house will feel so much cozier.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – DebbieDoo’s

Plants

Plants should always be welcome in the home, especially when you make or decorate your own plant pots. These cat pots are the cutest things I’ve ever seen! If you aren’t quite as cat crazy as I am, though, just get creative and paint regular clay pots.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – BruDIY and MissRenaissance

Washi Tape Shelves

If you have plain shelves mounted to the walls, you can add a pop of color with the help of good old Washi tape. This stuff is so great because it comes in so many different colors and patterns, and since it’s easy to pull off, you can change it up as often as you like.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – AuntPeaches

Upholstered Ottoman

As much as I love bare wood, it can sometimes look a little cold or maybe just too minimalistic. This fantastic project shows you how to transform a plain wooden coffee table (or side table) into a comfy, upholstered ottoman. I really love the vintage feel of this one, but of course, the color and fabric is all up to you.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – NotSoNewlywedMcGees

Photo Bookshelf

You know what really makes a home feel warm and cozy? Sentimentality. This idea of placing family photos to the back panels of your bookshelf is pure genius. I think vintage photos look the best, and keeping them in black and white rather than color won’t make it look too chaotic.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – ABeautifulMess

Chalk Paint Makeover

You can give your wooden furniture or shelving units a whole new look with some trusty chalk paint. If you follow the steps in this tutorial, you’ll be blown away at just how well you can vintage-ify the wood! It’ll give you that character that your highly glossy pieces never had before.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – AllThingsBeautiful

Shower Product Uniformity

With all the shampoo, conditioner, soap, face wash and whatever else you keep in your shower, it can easily look a little cluttered and ugly. Find yourself a collection of pretty pump bottles to decant everything in so that your shower nook looks a little more inviting and organized.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – TheChic

Chunky Knit Blanket

A chunky knit wool blanket for your couch or bed is just the thing you need to cuddle up comfortably when the cold comes in. Anything that’s chunky knit always just looks so snuggly and comfy, doesn’t it? You could actually even ditch the large needles and use the arm knitting technique instead (scroll to the bottom for a blanket tutorial).

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – LynneKnowlton

Reading Nook

This one’s for all you bookworms out there; I’m sure you’ll agree that finding that lovely peaceful and comfortable place to curl up with a good book is an absolute must. This specific project is fantastic and I love the rustic look of the planked wall, but if you don’t have an empty nook like this to work with, consider a spot right by a window.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – GrayHouseStudio

DIY Placemats

Making your own placemats is as easy as finding some attractive fabric and basically just gluing it to cheap cork mats! I actually really like the pictured fabric that looks like wood pieces, but have a good look around to find something that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – ILoveGreenGrass

Penny Countertops

I just love using everyday objects in nontraditional ways, so this penny project is something that I’m seriously considering. You can use the same idea for a coffee table or desk if your countertop won’t allow it

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – DomesticImperfection