If you love rustic farmhouse decor but your budget is limited, you can still have that Fixer Upper look! Check out these 25 trendy, budget-friendly DIY rustic farmhouse home decor projects!
Updated: March 7, 2020
Rustic Farmhouse Decor – Coziest Look Out There
I’m typically late to the game to catch on to things that are trending. If you can believe it, it was only recently that I was introduced to Joanna Gaines (not literally) and the rustic, farmhouse cult following. And it was sort of by accident.
We had an oil burner issue that required us to pack up our whole house and empty it so it could be cleaned, repainted and the floors replaced. The upside of that saga is that we basically had a brand new interior to our house that needed decorating!
As I was scoping out decor and styles, I landed on rustic and farmhouse decor and loved it. I didn’t know it was a ‘thing.’ I didn’t even realize it when, months earlier, my sister (The Girl Creative) said she was decorating her house for Christmas in a farmhouse theme. It never hit me that it was a popular trending style. (I’ve pretty much been buried in all things baby and toddler for a few years now). I just knew that I loved the entire look.
And to be honest, when I look back at pictures of my 1st apartment back in 2005 or so, I already had a lot of rustic look going on, so, in my opinion, there’s definitely a timeless factor to the whole farmhouse rustic look. It just gets a little updated as time goes one. So, it’s a look that’s definitely worth the investment!
DIY Rustic Farmhouse is the Way to Go
Since then, I have upped my game, drank the Kool-Aid and joined the cult. Since that initial oil burner issue, we’ve sold our house in NY and moved to Tennessee. So now, I’m doing the whole home decor project all over again. I’ve since learned that while I adore farmhouse, it can be a little pricey sometimes. It can be overwhelming trying to pull this off when you are on a budget.
That’s why I’ve really explored some budget-friendly ways to decorate a house, and DIY, for me, has been the way to go. When I see something I really like, I just head to Pinterest or Google and see who has a DIY project. And just about 100% of the time, I can find a DIY knock-off of what I love. You can find DIY projects for decorating every season, too – fall farmhouse DIY projects, fall DIY wreaths, spring farmhouse DIY projects, spring DIY wreaths… and holiday DIY projects for Christmas and for Valentine’s Day, too – all in farmhouse style!
Encouragement for DIY Beginners
I’m by no means a pro-DIYer, but it honestly gets easier the more you do it. I had a fear of messing things up when I first started, but the cool thing about doing farmhouse, rustic type DIY projects is that because there’s usually such a worn, distressed look, you really can’t mess it up. Imperfection is sort of built into the style.
I recommend starting with some smaller, easier farmhouse DIY projects – ones that don’t require a lot of building or power tools if you aren’t used to using those. Anything with chalk paint is great for newbies because chalk paint is so forgiving, and usually, a distressed effect is part of the look.
Start simple, and work your way up. As your confidence grows, you’ll be tackling building furniture and raising your own she-shed pretty soon!
There are lots of creative types out there who can help with the budget-DIY-side of things. There are so many gorgeous options (repurposing old windows is one of my favorite DIY projects – can’t get enough!), but here are some of my favorites! And they’re especially perfect if you’re on a tight budget but really want the rustic, farmhouse look!
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FUNCTIONAL AND FABULOUS KITCHEN RACKS
I love the contrast of the black and white with the splash of green. Such a clean, pretty design for the kitchen! This blog post also has lots of other pictures showing how you can use this kitchen rack! This is a very popular look right now!
DIY Farmhouse Message Board
Having a pretty, organized space is one of my challenges. This is such a practical way to have your important information and reminders accessible while at the same time being highly fashionable! I've been in the market for a while now for a message board that works for what I need. I think I hit the jackpot with this one!
DIY Wood Tote
This is gorgeous for both an indoor and outdoor table centerpiece. It would also look super-pretty on a console table or in an entryway area.
Salvaged Wood Chalkboard
I hated dealing with chalk during my teaching days (pre-wipe-board), but a farmhouse decor chalkboard is another thing altogether! These boards are great for family messages, lists, inspirational sayings - or even to keep the little ones busy while you're cooking dinner.
DIY Pallet Coffee Cup Holder
My favorite thing about this piece is that it can make a mish-mosh of coffee mugs look eclectic and stylish! I've never had a matched set, and I sort of have an affinity for collecting random mugs. This piece makes it look like I did it on purpose! There are so many pallet wood projects, but this is a super-easy one!
My Version of a Photo Ladder
What struck me about this piece is that it is made from actual tree branches. I love when a project has materials that come from nature (i.e. free!). What a great way to display pictures, especially pictures with a common theme.
Old window to chalkboard calendar
Another spin on the chalk-board walling hanging. I love this use of an old window pane (look for a future post on that idea!). This is so functional, too - a space for every day of the week, extra boxes for other notes, plus more hooks. I don't think you can have enough hooks. Ever.
Enamel Mug Organizer
What a clever idea for coffee mugs! The mix of wood and enamel is an excellent combination! If you look at the blog post, there are some great options for other ways you can use this piece!
Paint Stick Basket
This would be a wonderful smaller, simpler alternative to the Farmhouse Tote. And paint sticks!!! Who would have thought?!? You can get those for free - and if you're like me, you have a ton laying around your shed.
Rustic Necklace Holder
This is such a pretty, feminine spin on rustic decor. What a clever use for doorknobs! My necklaces usually end a tangly mess, so this would be a perfect solution! And the driftwood sends it over the top for me.
DIY Floating Shelves
This is such a terrific option for shelving. The simple, clean lines would be an excellent fit when contrasting with some distressed pieces. One of my favorite looks! These can be pricey in the store, so if you can make them yourselves, you'll definitely save yourself a chunk of change.
DIY Farmhouse Produce Rack
This is such a win in my book! Not only does it use produce as decor, but it gets fruit and vegetables off my counters. Anything to eliminate counter clutter is a score for me! I love multi-functional items!
DIY Farmhouse Picket Fence Wall Hooks
This piece has so much charm! I love the burst of color from the blue Mason Jars. If you're not into Mason Jars, those hooks are perfect for whatever you want to dangle! And baby's breath is such a good choice - they hold up so well!
DIY Farmhouse Wood Signs
These letter signs are so popular - and they're super easy to make, too! They look fantastic and it's perfect for custom decor!
DIY Easy change frame
I LOVE this idea! I actually have a small frame from Target, but I love that you can make a larger one for any size sign. It's really so genius!
Easy DIY Farmhouse Candlesticks
This is another brilliant idea! These candlesticks when store -bought are so expensive. This is a super-easy and cheap alternative! And they look amazing!
DIY Wood Bead Garland with Tassels & Tag
These wooden bead garlands are so popular right now! I love that you can make them so easily and inexpensively - and the best part is that you can totally customize it to your decor!
Painted Doormat DIY: Oh Hello
This is another fantastic money-saving idea! These are super popular today too, and once you learn the technique, you can make a stencil to say anything you want!
DIY pallet wall decoration
How cute is this? These planters are made from mason jars and soup cans! I love, love, love, upcycling!
Hand Stamped Farmhouse Coasters
There's so much you can do with hand-stamping! These coasters are so cute and practical!
DIY Pizza Board Kitchen Decor
I love this pizza board! It would look amazing hanging from a towel bar or curtain rod for a perfect farmhouse look! And you can get similar small pizza boards at Dollar Tree, too!
DIY Metal Flower Market Bucket
You can make this amazing rustic aged pail with a little paint and a stencil! So easy, and it looks fantastic!
Distressed Mason Jars
This is such a versatile project! Mason jars are the perfect flexible decor that you can customize for every season. I can't get enough of these!
DIY Wood Arrows
Wood arrows are perfect decor for wall galleries, even for boy bedrooms! This is a fun project to make your own!
Faux Succulent Centerpiece DIY
Succulents are very popular and versatile decor. I think this is so unique when it's placed on this wood slice! Just love it!
Fantastic Rustic Farmhouse Options on a DIY Budget
I seriously would love every single one of these pieces in my house. Truth be told, I’m not crafty enough to pull off all these farmhouse projects, but a handful of these budget-friendly DIY rustic home decor pieces definitely are a good place to start. For sure, they serve as great inspiration.
For the rest, there’s always Hobby Lobby. 🙂
Thoughts? I’d love to hear them – leave a comment!
And if you create any of these projects, I’d love to see them! Please tag me on Instagram at @100affections so I can check it out!
And if you think others might enjoy this post, I’d be so grateful if you shared!
LOTS More Farmhouse Inspiration – Check Them Out!
Budget Friendly Decorating:
How to Decorate Your House on a Tight Budget
15 Genius Ways to Update Your Kitchen
7 Super-Easy Living Room Makeover Ideas
Fall DIYs and Decorating
25 DIY Fall Farmhouse Decor Projects
Fall Farmhouse Home Decor Ideas and Inspiration
Spring DIYs and Decorating
Spring Farmhouse Home DIY Projects
21 Must See Spring Rustic Farmhouse Home Decor Ideas
30 Spring Farmhouse Porches You’ll Fall in Love With
Winter DIYs and Decorating
25 Rustic Farmhouse Christmas DIY Projects
40 Scandinavian Christmas DIYs & Decorating Ideas (Perfect for Minimalists!)
30 Classy Farmhouse Christmas DIY Wreaths
Cozy Winter Rustic Farmhouse Home Decor Ideas
30 Farmhouse Valentine’s Day Decor Projects
Summer DIYs and Decorating
How to Create Your Perfect Summer Backyard
How to Decorate Your House for Summer on the Cheap
I LOVE the pallet coffee mug holder.
Me, too! It was one of my favorites! Now my mess of mugs will look like I did it on purpose! 🙂
I need to get one so I will have more room in my cupboards
Lol! Exactly! 🙂
Love these! We are about to remodel a house and cannot wait to try out some of these ideas!
That’s so fun!!! We are getting ready to move as well, and I am planning to do our new home all in farmhouse! Super-excited!!! So glad you could find some inspiration! 🙂 Loved your blog – followed your FB page! 🙂
Love these ideas!
So glad! I really loved pulling this roundup together! 🙂
what a great round up! thank you for all of these!
Truly my pleasure! I loved doing this one! 🙂
What a wonderful list! I especially love the enamel mug holder, too cute!
Thanks, Kathryn! Aren’t these amazing ideas?? I’m always so impressed by these talented people! 🙂
I want all of these things in my new apartment!!! Especially the farmhouse bench or the mirror. UGH. I wish they didn’t take an initial upfront cost to all these things haha.
I totally here you!!! I think the DIY is cheaper in the end, but there def is some upfront costs! I’ve learned to go little by little, even though I want it all now! ha ha!
I like the message board and ladder a lot!
All so cute!!! Any one of them would be perfect. (Praying for you and your family and all of your babies!)
I love the centerpiece idea! I’m planning a wedding with a rustic theme. I’m so glad I came across this because I have been running out of ideas!! This is absolutely great!!
Oh, awesome!!!! I tried to do a ‘rustic’ theme wedding – but mine was in March and a lot was indoors. But that was my dream! I’d love to see what you end up with! Please tag me on IG or FB! Congrats on your wedding! 🙂
Such a beautiful and informative article. i love your budget ideas. thanks for sharing
Oh, I’m so glad, George! Thank you! I appreciate you stopping by and for letting me know! 🙂
Wonderful article! We will be linking to this particularly great content on our site. Keep up the good writing.
I appreciate that so much! Thank you, David!
This is amazing! I’ve been wanting to add rustic farmhouse decor to my home for ages, but never wanted to pay a fortune to make sure the room pulls together! I love the small things that make it feel more rustic like the distressed mason jars or the wood pallet wall decorations! I am definitely going to need to figure out where to put some of those floating shelves because I am in love! Thank you for sharing!
I’m glad you found some ideas you can use, Alex! Thanks for stopping by!