Who says decorating your home has to be expensive or wasteful? With a little creativity, you can give your space a stunning makeover that’s both eco-friendly and budget-friendly. The best part? You don’t need fancy tools, design experience, or a huge budget — just a bit of inspiration and a love for creating something beautiful and sustainable.

In this blog, we’ll explore easy DIY sustainable home decor projects that cost under $50 — ideas that will make your home look amazing while helping the planet.

💚 Why Choose Sustainable Home Decor?

Before diving into the DIYs, let’s talk about why sustainable home decor is worth your effort.

Sustainable decor isn’t just a trendy buzzword — it’s about making conscious choices that are better for you, your wallet, and the environment. It means:

• Reusing and repurposing materials instead of buying new.

• Choosing natural, non-toxic, and biodegradable options.

• Reducing waste by giving old things new life.

• Supporting a lifestyle that’s creative, mindful, and green.

Plus, making your own home decor gives your space something money can’t buy — personality. Every handmade piece tells a story, and that’s what makes a home truly special.

🌸 1. Mason Jar Herb Garden 🌿

Cost: Around $20–$30

If you’ve got old glass jars lying around, you’ve already got the perfect start to a mini indoor garden.

What you’ll need:

• 3–5 old mason jars or glass containers

• Potting soil

• Herb seeds or seedlings (basil, mint, rosemary, etc.)

• Twine or jute rope for decoration

• Small pebbles for drainage

How to do it:

1. Add a layer of pebbles to the bottom of each jar.

2. Fill with soil and plant your herb seeds.

3. Wrap twine or rope around the jar neck for a rustic look.

4. Place them on your windowsill where they’ll get sunlight.

💡 Tip: Label each jar with a small recycled tag — it’s cute and practical!

Not only does this add greenery to your kitchen, but it also helps you grow your own herbs — sustainable and delicious!

🪵 2. Reclaimed Wood Wall Art

Cost: Around $30–$50

Turn scrap wood or old pallets into a piece of statement wall art.

What you’ll need:

• Reclaimed wood pieces or an old wooden pallet

• Sandpaper and paint (or natural wood stain)

• Nails or wood glue

• Optional: stencils or acrylic paint for design

How to do it:

1. Cut or arrange your wood pieces in a pattern — geometric, chevron, or random.

2. Sand the wood lightly to smooth rough edges.

3. Paint or stain it using eco-friendly, low-VOC paints.

4. Mount it on the wall or lean it on a shelf for a cozy farmhouse feel.

🌿 Sustainability Tip: Use leftover paint from other projects to reduce waste.

This project adds warmth and character to your space while giving new life to discarded materials.

🕯️ 3. Upcycled Candle Holders

Cost: $10–$20

Instead of buying new decor, turn old bottles, jars, or even tin cans into elegant candle holders.

What you’ll need:

• Old glass jars, bottles, or cans

• Paint or jute rope for decoration

• Tea light candles or LED alternatives

How to do it:

1. Clean and dry your jars or cans.

2. Decorate them with twine, lace, or eco-friendly paint.

3. Place candles inside and enjoy the warm glow.

🕯️ Eco Bonus: Use soy or beeswax candles — they’re natural and last longer than paraffin ones.

These candle holders look stunning on dinner tables, balconies, or bathrooms — and they make lovely gifts, too.

🪞 4. DIY Fabric Wall Hanging

Cost: $25–$40

You don’t need to buy expensive art — a simple fabric wall hanging can bring texture and warmth to any room.

What you’ll need:

• Scrap fabric, old scarves, or worn-out clothes

• A wooden dowel or branch

• Scissors and twine

• Optional: beads, tassels, or embroidery thread for embellishment

How to do it:

1. Cut your fabric into strips or shapes.

2. Tie or stitch them onto the dowel.

3. Add decorative touches like tassels or knots.

4. Hang it on your wall with twine.

✂️ Creative Idea: Mix neutral tones with one bold color for a modern boho look.

This DIY turns your old clothes into meaningful art while keeping textiles out of landfills.

🌼 5. Painted Terracotta Pots

Cost: $15–$25

Terracotta pots are cheap and durable — and with a little paint, they can look stunning.

What you’ll need:

• Terracotta pots (small to medium)

• Eco-friendly acrylic paint or chalk paint

• Brushes and sealant

How to do it:

1. Clean the pots and let them dry.

2. Paint your favorite designs — stripes, geometric shapes, or minimalist patterns.

3. Seal with a non-toxic clear coat to protect your artwork.

🌻 Style Tip: Use matching colors for a cohesive look across your balcony or living room.

These bright, hand-painted pots bring life to your plants and your decor — perfect for window sills or patios.

🪑 6. Repurposed Furniture Makeover

Cost: Up to $50

Instead of tossing out that old chair or side table, give it a second life with a little love.

What you’ll need:

• Old furniture

• Sandpaper and eco-friendly paint or polish

• Paintbrush or sponge

How to do it:

1. Sand the surface to remove old paint or scratches.

2. Repaint or stain using low-VOC paints.

3. Replace handles or add a fabric cushion for a fresh look.

🪞 Eco Tip: Check your local thrift stores — often, you can find old furniture for under $20!

This project proves that sustainable living doesn’t mean compromising on style — it means reimagining what you already have.

🧺 7. Recycled Basket Storage

Cost: $20–$30

Instead of plastic bins, make your own eco-friendly baskets from old newspapers, cardboard, or leftover fabric.

What you’ll need:

• Old newspapers or magazines

• Glue or Mod Podge

• Optional: rope or fabric strips for wrapping

How to do it:

1. Roll newspaper into tubes and weave them into a basket shape.

2. Secure with glue and let it dry.

3. Decorate with jute or paint if you like.

These baskets are perfect for organizing toys, craft supplies, or laundry — and they look surprisingly chic!

🌎 8. Glass Bottle Vase or Hanging Planter

Cost: Under $15

Empty wine or soda bottles can become elegant vases or hanging planters in minutes.

What you’ll need:

• Glass bottles

• String or twine

• Scissors and optional beads

How to do it:

1. Clean the bottles thoroughly.

2. Wrap twine around the bottle neck to create a loop for hanging.

3. Add water and fresh or dried flowers.

💐 Bonus Idea: Hang several bottles at different heights for a unique wall or window display.

This DIY looks high-end but costs almost nothing — and keeps glass waste out of the landfill.

🏡 Final Thoughts: Small Projects, Big Impact

Creating a beautiful home doesn’t mean spending hundreds of dollars or filling your space with mass-produced items. With a few creative ideas and some reusable materials, you can make your home stylish, sustainable, and totally you.

These DIY sustainable home decor projects under $50 prove that decorating on a budget can be both fun and meaningful. Every upcycled candle holder, repainted chair, or handmade wall hanging tells a story — your story — of creativity, care, and conscious living.

🌿 BlogsPrime Tip: Start small. Choose one project this weekend, and you’ll be amazed how one creative spark can transform not just your space, but your mindset toward sustainability.