Weekend home improvements you can do yourself

Jul 04, 2011 9:07 PM by Kori Ellis

Posted in Home / Home Improvement

DIY Projects

DIY projects don't have to take weeks or months; you can complete some simple home improvement projects in just a weekend. A small project can make a big difference in the look of your home. Take the time this weekend to complete one of these mini-makeovers.

woman painting wall

Repaint a room.

A fresh coat of paint is any easy way to breathe life into an old, tired space. Start out by choosing the right paint color for the mood you desire in the space. For something extraordinary, try one of these cheap yet chic wall treatments.

Install a ceiling fan.

A ceiling fan is both stylish and functional. It can cool off your room in the summer and circulate heat during colder weather, reducing your energy costs. With basic electrical skills, you can install a ceiling fan in an afternoon. Grab a partner for this DIY project, because you'll need another set of hands to help hang the fan. Home Depot offers this simple video on how to replace or install a ceiling fan.

Refinish a dresser.

Follow these simple tips to refinish a dresser, desk, hutch or other item of furniture:

Remove all the hardware from the dresser and put it in a safe place so you can reattach it later.
Buy a stripping agent from the hardware store and follow the directions to strip away the old paint or varnish.
Use an electric sander (or a piece of sandpaper, if you have the time) to sand the entire piece.
Wipe off excess sawdust with a cloth or brush.
Apply your stain or paint in long, even strokes.
Allow the piece to dry completely before adding a second coat.
Wait overnight, and then apply a polyurethane topcoat to protect the finish.
Reattach the knobs and other hardware.

Make your own shelves.

Shelving is a quick and easy way to organize and declutter a room. With a little planning and know-how, you can create a beautiful shelving unit for your home. To save time, ask an associate at the home improvement store or lumberyard to cut the wood to your specifications. Follow these tips to make your own shelving.

Create a new headboard.

The quickest way to give your bedroom a makeover is with a new, interesting headboard and fresh bedding. Take a look at our gallery and get inspiration from these bedroom headboard ideas. Get creative: Use an antique mirror, an old door or a picture frame, or paint a headboard directly on the wall. Check out these other ideas for beautiful, inexpensive headboards you can make this weekend.