Ugly home features? They’re inevitable. But you don’t need to spend a fortune or hire a designer to hide them.
Most home flaws can be concealed with simple DIY hacks. In fact, over 70% of homeowners report feeling frustrated by unsightly fixtures and finishes they can’t seem to fix. But here’s the kicker: hiding them doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. These 25 DIY projects you can do today that will transform your space—and your mood—with minimal effort.
1. Conceal Pipes
Ah, the dreaded visible pipes. Whether it’s plumbing or gas lines, exposed pipes are a real eyesore, especially in the living room or kitchen. But don’t grab that duct tape just yet! You can hide them with stylish, custom-fit wood panels.
Not only will this hide your pipes, but you can also turn the paneling into a decorative focal point. Choose a stain or paint that complements the room’s color scheme to keep it sleek and stylish.
You’re not just hiding pipes; you’re adding a rustic or modern touch to your space. Plus, custom-fit panels can be installed without damaging your walls, making it an easy DIY win.
2. Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
Not all walls are created equal – some are outdated, cracked, or simply too dull. Instead of spending a fortune on a full wall makeover, grab some peel-and-stick wallpaper. It’s available in a myriad of designs from florals to geometric patterns, giving you endless options to hide imperfections. Just peel and stick, and in minutes, your wall goes from drab to fab.
Peel-and-stick wallpaper is affordable, easy to apply, and can be removed without damaging the wall if you ever want a change. It’s like a temporary makeover that you can swap whenever you like!
3. Wooden Beams
Ceiling cracks are a homeowner’s nightmare, especially if they’re wide or hard to repair. Instead of staring at them, embrace the rustic charm of wooden beams. Installing faux wooden beams across your ceiling can easily cover those imperfections, giving the room a more grounded, cozy vibe.
This is a great solution for larger cracks that might need more than just a little patch-up. Plus, it brings a trendy farmhouse or industrial touch to your home.
4. Tile Decals
Old, grungy tiles, especially in the bathroom, can make even the cleanest of spaces look shabby.
But instead of ripping them out and dealing with the mess, why not cover them with peel-and-stick tile decals? They come in stunning patterns, from subway tiles to intricate Moroccan-inspired designs.
It’s affordable, less labor-intensive than a full renovation, and allows you to choose a design that fits your style. It’s like giving your tiles a fresh new personality.
5. Curtain Hack
Not every home is blessed with a hidden laundry room – and some laundry areas are… well, less than photogenic.
If your laundry space is visible in your kitchen or hallway, consider using a floor-to-ceiling curtain to close it off. Opt for a fabric that fits your home’s aesthetic, and voila, instant privacy!
Curtains are versatile, easy to install, and can be replaced when you’re feeling like a change. You can also play with color or pattern to make it a stylish accent in your space.
6. Stair Storage
If you’re lucky enough to have a staircase in your home, then you already have the perfect opportunity to hide things away.
Convert the awkward space beneath the stairs into a clever storage solution by installing a built-in bookshelf or even a hidden cabinet. No one will ever know your secret!
It’s a smart, space-saving hack.
Plus, you get extra storage while transforming an underused area into a functional part of your home.
7. Big Plants
Sometimes, the easiest way to hide something ugly is with a big, lush plant. An overgrown Ficus or fiddle leaf fig placed in a corner can easily cover up that awkward space or unsightly utility box.
Plants don’t just hide things – they bring life into your home, purifying the air and adding texture to any room.
Plants are the ultimate decor hack: they hide imperfections, improve air quality, and add color without any heavy lifting or installation. It’s a total win-win.
8. Matching Doors
Do you have doors that stand out in all the wrong ways?
Maybe they’re outdated or clash with your decor. Instead of replacing them, paint your doors the same color as your walls to create a seamless, unified look. This makes the door blend in, allowing the rest of the room’s design to take center stage.
It’s an inexpensive and simple DIY solution that instantly modernizes any room. Plus, it makes your space appear bigger and more cohesive.
9. Contact Paper
Your kitchen cabinets might have seen better days, but replacing them can be pricey.
Instead, try contact paper – it’s a quick, budget-friendly way to give them a fresh look. There are tons of colors, textures, and finishes to choose from, so you can easily find one that matches your kitchen style.
Contact paper is one of the most cost-effective DIY hacks for transforming outdated furniture. Plus, it’s easy to remove if you ever get tired of the look.
10. Barn Doors
Closets can be a nightmare when it comes to aesthetics.
But you don’t have to deal with that boring, clunky door anymore. A sliding barn door is a beautiful way to hide your closet and give the space a rustic, farmhouse-inspired look. It’s functional, stylish, and surprisingly easy to install with the right tools.
Sliding barn doors are all the rage right now. Not only do they hide your storage space, but they also double as a gorgeous piece of decor that can enhance any room.
11. Repurposed Windows
If you have old, unused windows lying around, don’t toss them out!
You can repurpose them into chic wall art by turning them into frames for family photos or adding a coat of paint to make them pop. This upcycling project is simple, eco-friendly, and adds character to your space.
Old windows are an easy way to bring vintage charm into your home without spending a ton of money. They’re versatile enough to fit into any room.
12. Modern Trim
Dated baseboards can make your space feel outdated, but replacing them doesn’t have to break the bank.
A DIY modern trim upgrade is a great way to make your room feel fresh without ripping everything out. Choose a sleek, simple trim style to complement your room’s aesthetic.
It’s a budget-friendly upgrade that will make your whole room feel updated and polished. Baseboards are easy to install with the right tools and some patience.
13. Faux Fireplace
Maybe your home has an ugly, non-functional fireplace, or worse – no fireplace at all!
A faux fireplace made from inexpensive materials can add a cozy focal point to any room. Plus, you get all the aesthetic benefits without the cost of a real fireplace.
A faux fireplace creates ambiance, can be used as storage, and serves as a stylish addition to any room. It’s a great DIY project that elevates the overall feel of your space.
14. Upcycled Mirrors
Mirrors can often be found in homes with outdated frames that clash with modern décor.
Instead of throwing them away, consider upcycling the frame to create a custom look. You can add paint, wrap it with fabric, or even use wood to match your interior style. A custom mirror can instantly become a unique, statement piece in your home.
Upcycling a mirror is an affordable way to get a completely new look without replacing the entire piece. You can personalize it to match your exact aesthetic.
15. Floating Shelves
Clunky cabinets that crowd your walls? No thanks.
Floating shelves are a great way to declutter a room while hiding electrical outlets or any other awkward wall features. They provide functional storage, and with the right placement, you can make them a stylish addition to any room.
Floating shelves are practical, sleek, and give a minimalist feel to any space. They allow you to display items you love while cleverly hiding anything you want to keep out of sight.
16. Built-in Storage
If your room has awkward alcoves or unused nooks, turn them into custom storage.
Built-in shelving or cabinetry can disguise these spaces and give your home a seamless look. These solutions not only hide clutter but also increase your home’s functionality.
Built-in storage is a perfect way to use underutilized space efficiently, creating both a practical and visually appealing solution.
17. Patterned Curtains
A standard curtain can do wonders to hide unsightly windows, but go the extra mile with bold, patterned curtains to add some character to your space.
Whether it’s floral, geometric, or striped, patterned curtains can add texture while also camouflaging any windows that are too small, large, or uneven.
It’s a stylish and simple way to hide imperfections while incorporating a fun design element into your home’s décor.
18. Rugs to the Rescue
If you’ve got stained or ugly flooring, don’t fret – rugs are here to save the day. A large rug can cover an entire floor and completely hide any imperfections underneath.
It can help define areas of a room, making the space feel cozy and put together. Rugs are versatile, easy to swap out, and come in all types of colors, textures, and designs.
19. Statement Lighting
If your home has outdated light fixtures or exposed wires, even the most beautiful room can feel off.
Instead of leaving them exposed, install statement light fixtures that complement the room’s vibe. From an industrial chandelier to a sleek pendant light or a retro lamp, lighting not only covers up unattractive wiring but also elevates your décor.
Lighting serves both a functional and aesthetic purpose, setting the mood of the room while hiding unsightly fixtures or wires.
20. Baskets and Bins
It’s all too easy for clutter to pile up, especially if you have open shelving or storage areas.
Instead of leaving everything out in the open, use stylish baskets and bins to hide the mess. Not only will this keep your space tidy, but it’ll also create a cohesive, organized look.
Baskets and bins are a quick fix for hiding clutter and offer a rustic, boho, or minimalist vibe depending on the style you choose.
21. Sliding Panels
If you’ve got something you want to hide but still need easy access to, try using sliding panels.
You can install sliding panels over awkward areas, like an old AC unit or storage spaces, and they’ll glide open and closed whenever needed.
Sliding panels allow you to conceal unsightly features without losing accessibility, giving you an efficient and stylish solution.
22. Accent Walls
If you have an entire room with mismatched colors or wall flaws, create a statement with an accent wall.
Choose a bold color, wallpaper, or textured material to create a focal point. This can draw attention away from imperfections and add a creative touch to the room.
Accent walls make a bold statement while drawing the eye to something beautiful, distracting from any ugly areas you’d rather hide.
23. DIY Wall Art
If your walls are full of cracks, peeling paint, or holes, don’t let it get you down or feel frustrated.
Instead, cover them with some creative DIY wall art! Whether it’s a vibrant collage, a beautiful canvas, or a personalized photo gallery, these artworks can easily mask imperfections while adding style and character to your space.
DIY wall art not only allows you to express your creativity, but it’s also a budget-friendly and effective way to hide unsightly flaws and refresh the entire room.
24. Area Dividers
Do you have one giant room with areas you wish you could hide?
Use area dividers or screens to separate parts of the space and hide unsightly features. Whether it’s a bookshelf divider or a fabric screen, this can be a great way to segment areas without the cost of installing permanent walls.
Dividers provide both function and style.
They’re also portable and easy to move when you need to change the layout.
25. Textured Walls
If your walls are looking too plain or have cracks that need concealing, adding texture is an easy solution.
Plaster, drywall, or fabric panels can create textured walls that give your home a sophisticated and unique look while covering up unsightly imperfections. Textured walls not only add dimension but also mask small blemishes that would otherwise stand out. They’re a great way to give a room depth, personality, and a more polished feel without the need for costly repairs.
Living in a space that feels ‘off’ can be draining. You know those things in your home—the awkward layout, the outdated fixtures, the peeling paint—that always seem to be in the back of your mind?
You don’t need to completely renovate your entire home to fix these issues.
Often, the smallest DIY projects can make the biggest difference. With just a little creativity, you can turn those eyesores into stylish solutions—without the hefty price tag or the hassle of hiring professionals.
