Have you ever wanted to customize your living space but felt like your options were limited by store-bought furniture? The good news is, there is furniture you can make at home. Yes! You can DIY furniture that looks chic and stylish.
With a little know-how and some basic tools, you can create pieces that are functional and truly unique. Whether it’s a simple DIY coffee table or a statement chair, the furniture you make at home reflects your style and creativity.
So why settle for store-bought pieces when you can put your own stamp on your living space? Let’s dive in and explore the world of DIY furniture making.
The Pros of Making Your Own Furniture
As a DIY enthusiast, you know nothing beats the satisfaction of making something with two hands. When it comes to furniture, DIY has its advantages:
1: Unleash Your Creativity with Custom Designs
With store-bought furniture, you are limited to pre-made models and color schemes, whereas with DIY furniture, you have full creative control over every aspect of the piece, from the type of wood to the dimensions and finishing touches. Whether you want to create a unique statement piece or match your existing decor, making your furniture allows you to unleash your creativity and express your style.
2: Save Money and Get High-Quality Furniture
Who doesn’t love saving money? DIY furniture can be much more affordable than buying ready-made pieces, and you can often use higher-quality materials. By choosing your materials and doing the labor yourself, you can avoid the markup of store-bought furniture and potentially get higher-quality pieces for a fraction of the cost. Additionally, you can be sure that your furniture is built to last since you control the quality of the materials and workmanship. Plus, you get the benefit of knowing your furniture is unique and not mass-produced.
3: DIY Furniture is an Eco-Friendly Choice
In addition to saving money, DIY furniture is an eco-friendly choice. With store-bought furniture, you often don’t know where the materials come from or how they were produced, and you may be contributing to the industry’s negative environmental impact. By making your own furniture, you can choose environmentally sustainable materials, such as reclaimed wood or bamboo, and minimize waste by repurposing materials or only buying what you need.
4: A Rewarding and Fulfilling Experience
One of the best things about making your furniture is the sense of accomplishment and pride that comes with it. Whether an experienced woodworker or just starting, DIY furniture-making allows you to hone your skills and learn new techniques. It can be challenging, but the satisfaction of seeing your finished piece and knowing that you made it with your hands is incredibly rewarding. Plus, you get to admire your creation every day in your home and share it with others who appreciate the value of handmade furniture.
These benefits make DIY furniture-making an appealing option for anyone looking to customize their living space. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced woodworker, making your own pieces can be fun and fulfilling.
What Furniture You Can Make at Home?
With the right materials and tools, you can make almost any piece of furniture at home. Here are a few DIY furniture ideas to get you started:
📌Daybed
Do you need a cozy corner in your bedroom or living area? A DIY daybed can be the perfect addition to your home. This furniture item can serve as a lounging spot and a guest’s sleeping area. Plus, it’s straightforward to assemble and requires minimal effort to make.
In order to build a daybed, you’ll need the following materials:
- Wood planks, a saw, screws, and a drill.
- Cut the wood planks according to the measurements of your desired mattress size.
- Create a frame using four vertically standing sideboards and combine them with screws and a drill.
In about an hour or less, you’ll have your very own daybed with covers that complement the style of your home.
📌Turning Dressers into Shelves
Don’t throw away that old dresser just yet! With a little creativity, you can repurpose the dresser into a functional and unique floating shelf for pictures, books, or other knick-knacks. These DIY dresser projects are perfect for homeowners who want to put their woodworking skills to the test.
Start by removing all the drawers and dividing each dresser horizontally into the desired heights. The next step is to fix a metal bracket on the back of each floating shelf to hold it onto the wall. Finally, sand and paint the floating shelves with a design that complements your home decor.
📌Gold and Marble Table
Make a statement with a gold and marble table in your living room. This furniture item is an excellent option for anyone looking to add a bit of glam to your home decor. Best of all, it’s straightforward, and little effort is needed to achieve an upscale look.
For this DIY furniture project, you’ll need a marble slab, spray paint in gold, gold leaf adhesive, and gold leaf sheets. Cut the marble slab to your desired table size and shape. Next, paint the base of the leg with gold spray paint, then add a gold leaf adhesive to the table edges. Finally, apply gold leaf sheets to create a high-end look. Once it’s dry, you’ll have an impressive piece of furniture to impress any guest.
📌Side Table Plexiglass
Plexiglass creates an illusion that the table’s surface is floating in the air. The clear, lightweight material is perfect for a modern aesthetic. You can get creative by adding personal touches to the legs, like spray painting them a bold color.
In order to start, you’ll need four plexiglass sheets and four legs. Drill holes in the corners of each sheet and screw them together. Then, attach the legs to the corners of the bottom sheet. If you want to add decals or paint, now is the time. Once you’re finished, place the top sheet on the legs, and voila! Your unique, modern bedside table is complete.
📌Tufted Ottoman
Make a grand statement with a tufted ottoman that doubles as additional seating in any room. You can customize the size, fabric, and color to fit your style perfectly.
Start by creating a simple wood frame for your ottoman. Then, layer foam on top and cut it to the desired shape. Use a heavy-duty staple gun to wrap the foam in batting and fabric, making sure to tuft the cushion by sewing thread through the center of the foam and pulling it tight. Lastly, attach the tufted cushion to the wooden frame, add legs, and you’ve got a stunning piece that everyone will adore.
📌Wooden Cube Coat Rack
This multiple-purpose piece of furniture is perfect for entryways and incredibly simple to make. You’ll need a few pieces of 1×1 wooden posts cut to the desired height and thickness, eight to be exact. After cutting them, connect them with a circular saw, creating a cube-shaped frame. Then attach hooks on the sides and nails from the top of the cube to the bottom, making the designated spacing between each nail to hang coats or bags. Do a final sanding, add a coat of varnish, and let it dry for a day or two.
📌Stikwood Headboard
Are you bored with your plain bed? Upgrade it instantly with a creative and vibrant headboard made using stinkwood. Stikwood headboards are not only affordable and easy to make, but they also add a cozy and inviting appeal to your bedroom. The materials for this project are readily available at most craft stores, Home Depot, and Amazon. Additionally, this project will only take a few hours to complete:
- Know your bed size so you can purchase stikwood of the appropriate size and pattern.
- Clean the wall, measure, and mark where the wood will be placed.
- Using a nail gun, securely attach the stikwood to the wall, piece by piece, until you have completed the design you envisioned.
Sit back and admire your incredible creation.
📌Shoe Cubby
Tired of your shoes being scattered all around the house? Solve that problem by creating a custom shoe cubby you can be proud of. This project is very useful and great for keeping your shoes organized while adding personality to your home. You can create a shoe cubby with just a few simple tools and some skills.
Start by measuring the space where you want your shoe cubby. From there, purchase the necessary lumber for the cubby shelves and a backing. Use screws and glue to piece the sections together and then paint or stain the finished product. Lastly, put your newly made shoe cubby in the designated spot and enjoy your organized space.
📌Spice Drawer
Organize your kitchen in style with a custom spice drawer project. This DIY is an excellent way for homeowners to get creative while also being practical. This project gives you easy access to your spices, large storage, and an excellent accent piece for your kitchen setup.
Begin by measuring your drawer size, then purchase the wooden material that complements your kitchen style. Cut it to size and add spice jar holders in your preferred pattern. After that, sand, paint, or stain the finished product and assemble the parts. Once completed, fill the drawer with your favorite spices and prepare to cook up a storm!
📌Dog Feeding Station Using Old Chair
Do you have an old chair taking up space in your home and want to give it a new life? You can make a unique and practical DIY dog feeding station from it! This station is stylish and functional and elevates your dog’s feeding area, which is better for their posture and overall health.
Firstly, remove the top of the chair and recycle it if possible. You will then want to measure your dog’s food and water bowls and mark these measurements on the bottom part of the chair where you intend to place the dishes. Finally, cut out two holes in the markings using a jigsaw. Sand rough edges and fit the bowls into the cut-out holes, and then you will have a functional and stylish feeding station for your furry friend.
📌Storage Basket
We all need extra storage space for things like blankets, toys, magazines, or anything else cluttering your home. With an old wire basket and some leftover fabric, you can create a unique, aesthetically pleasing storage solution.
Start by cleaning the basket and ensuring it’s dry. Then, cut your fabric of choice into long strips and tighten those around the metal wires. Once all the wires are covered, you can add a fabric liner on the inside of the basket using hot glue. Now you have a beautiful basket that adds flair to any room while keeping your items organized.
📌Dog Crate
Are you tired of having a traditional cage for your pup but still need somewhere safe to put them? You can create a stylish dog crate from an old dresser! You will need to measure the length and width of your dog and then purchase a second-hand dresser that’s slightly larger than your dog’s measurements.
Remove the dresser drawers and cut a hole in the front panel for your dog to enter and exit. Sand rough edges, give the dresser a fresh coat of paint, and line the inside of the dresser with carpet or other soft material. You now have a beautiful dog crate that doubles as an end table.
📌Sliding Barn Door
A sliding barn door may seem daunting, but it is relatively easy, and you only need a few tools to get started. First, measure the doorway where you want to place the door and decide how you want the door to look. Do you want a rustic, weathered wood look or something more straightforward?
After deciding on the style, you can cut your wood panels to size and assemble them into the door frame. Once assembled, you can sand the wood and apply a stain or finish. Finally, attach the sliding hardware to the door and mount it on the wall. The result is a beautiful and functional sliding barn door you can be proud of.
📌Coffee Table
A coffee table is a staple piece of furniture in any living room, and making one at home is fun and easy. First, decide on the table’s size and design, and list the materials needed. You’ll need wood planks, screws, sandpaper, and a saw. Cut the planks to size, assemble them, and sand them to your desired finish. You can paint, stain, or add a natural finish to your coffee table. The result is a charming coffee table that can fit any unique aesthetic.
📌Media Box
A media box is another handy piece of furniture that can be used to hold DVDs or books. It is a straightforward project that anyone can make within a day. First, cut four wooden planks to size, and assemble them to form a box frame. Once formed, you can attach the back panel using screws, paint the box, and add your preferred design touches. Finally, attach the bookshelves to the front of the box and attach the doors. You now have a beautiful, practical media box that can hold your items while showcasing your design style.
📌Industrial Pipe Shelves
If you have a love for industrial-style furniture, then you’ll love these pipe shelves. The main advantage of industrial pipe shelves is that they are durable and can withstand heavy weights without collapsing. You can also customize the size and spacing of the shelves to suit your needs.
In order to make the shelves, you will need pipes, wood boards, screws, and a drill. First, measure and cut the wood boards to the desired width and length. Screw the pipes to the boards and then drill holes in the wall where you want to install the shelves. Attach the pipes to the wall using brackets and screws. Finally, place the boards onto the pipes and have your unique industrial pipe shelves!
📌Cat Scratcher
If you’re a pet owner, particularly of a cat, making a scratcher will be a treat to your cat and to you for creating such a beautiful piece of furniture for your feline friend. The main advantage of a cat scratcher is that it can safeguard furniture and give your cat a designated space to scratch. Additionally, a scratcher will provide your cat with an enjoyable and healthy form of exercise.
In order to make a cat scratcher, you will need a cardboard box, some rope, scissors, and glue. Cut the flaps off the box, cover the bottom with glue, and stick the rope. Continue wrapping the rope around the box until it’s entirely covered. Cut and glue off any excess rope; there you have it, a cat scratcher your cat will love!
📌Leather + Wooden Dowel Chair
The wooden dowel chair with a leather seat is perfect for your living room or study. The main advantage of this chair is that it is easy to construct, inexpensive, and stylish. The chair’s sleek and minimalist design perfectly blends function and beauty. In order to make the chair, you will need wooden dowels, leather strips or fabric, a saw, and a drill:
- Cut the dowels to their desired length, and drill holes where they will fit together.
- Tie the leather or fabric strips to the dowels, creating the seat and backrest.
- Assemble the pieces, and you will have your unique and stylish chair!
📌Nightstand
A nightstand is the perfect place to start if you’re looking for an easy furniture project. Not only is it a practical piece of furniture that everyone needs, but it can also be a great addition to your bedroom décor. One of the best things about a DIY nightstand is that you can customize it and make it perfect for your needs.
In order to start, you will need the following supplies: wood planks, screws, joint compound, a saw, and sandpaper. Begin by measuring and cutting the pieces for your nightstand. You should have two sides, a top, and a bottom. Once you have your pieces, sand them down to smooth out any rough edges.
Next, you’ll want to assemble your nightstand. Begin by attaching the sides to the bottom using screws. Then, attach the top to the sides in the same way. Your nightstand should now be taking shape. Finish off by covering it with the joint compound and sanding it to create a smooth finish. You can also add a coat of paint to add color and personality to your new nightstand.
📌Modern Planter
If you’re looking for a chic way to display your plants, a modern planter is a great way to do it. Not only is it a great way to add greenery to your home, but it also adds a touch of style to your décor.
You will need a few supplies: wooden dowels, a ceramic pot, a saw, a drill, wood glue, and sandpaper. Start by measuring and cutting the wooden dowels to your desired length and thickness. Sand them down to remove any rough edges. Then, apply wood glue to the ends of the dowels and attach them to the bottom of the ceramic pot. You should end up with a tripod-like structure at the base of your pot.
Once your wood glue has dried, it’s time to drill holes into the dowels. This is where you can be creative and make any design you want. Once you’ve drilled the holes, you can begin to thread in your plants. And that’s it! Your modern planter is now complete and ready to be displayed.
These are just some of the furniture you can make at home. With a bit of creativity and effort, you can create all kinds of furniture pieces that will complement your home and bring a unique touch to your décor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to build your own furniture?
I think building your furniture can be a great way to save some cash, especially if you’re handy with tools. Of course, building every piece of furniture you need is not always possible or practical. But for some items like bookshelves, coffee tables, or even bed frames, making them yourself can pay off.
Do I need any special tools to build my own furniture?
Yes, you will need some basic tools for most DIY projects. These can include a saw, drill, screws, and wood glue. Depending on the project you’re taking on, other supplies and tools may be required. For instance, if you are making a chair or sofa cushion, you may need a sewing machine and upholstery supplies.
How much does it cost to make a piece of furniture?
It really depends on the type of furniture being made and the materials required. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from a few dollars to several hundred for supplies, tools, and hardware. Additionally, if you’re having trouble finding certain parts or supplies, they may need to be purchased online or in specialty stores which could add extra costs to the project. However, if you’re willing to put in the time and effort, making your own furniture can be a cost-effective solution that will help you save money in the long run.
Final Words
Nothing is more satisfying than sitting on a piece of furniture you made with two hands. Regarding what furniture you can make at home, the possibilities are endless. Plenty of projects are suitable for beginners and experienced DIYers alike. So why not give it a try? Not only will you save money and reduce your environmental impact, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing that you put your personal touch on every piece of furniture in your space.
