Blank walls make even the nicest furniture look incomplete. But hiring designers or buying expensive art isn’t realistic for most budgets. The good news? You can transform your walls with simple DIY projects that cost less than PKR 5,000 and take just a weekend to complete. These ideas work whether you’re renting and can’t paint, own your home, or just want to refresh your space without major commitment.
Table of Contents
10 Budget-Friendly DIY Wall Decor Projects
1. Create a Gallery Wall with Family Photos (PKR 2,000 – 3,000)
Print your favorite family photos at any local photo shop for PKR 50-100 per 6×8 print. Buy simple matching frames from Miniso, Daraz, or local markets for PKR 200-400 each. Arrange 6-9 frames on your wall in a grid or organic cluster. Lay them out on the floor first to plan spacing, then hang using nails or removable adhesive strips.
What you need: 6-9 frames, printed photos, hammer and nails or command strips
Time required: 2-3 hours
Best for: Living rooms, hallway walls, bedroom accent walls
2. Paint a Geometric Accent Wall (PKR 1,500 – 2,500)
Pick two complementary paint colors and create geometric shapes using painter’s tape. Popular patterns include triangles, hexagons, or simple vertical stripes. One wall is enough to make an impact. Paint costs around PKR 800-1,200 per liter at local hardware stores, and you’ll need painter’s tape (PKR 300) and basic brushes.
What you need: 2 paint colors (1 liter each), painter’s tape, brushes, measuring tape
Time required: 4-6 hours plus drying time
Best for: Bedroom feature walls, home office backgrounds
3. Make Macrame Wall Hangings (PKR 800 – 1,500)
Macrame is having a moment in Pakistani home decor. Buy cotton rope from hardware stores in Saddar or online (PKR 400-600 for 50 meters). Follow simple YouTube tutorials for basic knots. You can create wall hangings, plant hangers, or decorative pieces. The boho style works beautifully with both modern and traditional interiors.
What you need: Cotton macrame cord, wooden dowel or driftwood, scissors
Time required: 3-5 hours depending on complexity
Best for: Bohemian style rooms, above sofas, bedroom walls
4. Frame Fabric or Textile Pieces (PKR 1,000 – 2,000)
Visit Liberty Market Lahore, Zainab Market Karachi, or any local fabric market and buy beautiful textile pieces like ajrak, block prints, or embroidered fabric (PKR 300-800 per meter). Stretch them over canvas boards or mount in simple frames. This celebrates Pakistani craftsmanship while adding color and texture to your walls.
What you need: Fabric pieces, canvas boards or frames, fabric glue or staple gun
Time required: 1-2 hours
Best for: Adding cultural touches, colorful accent pieces
5. Create Floating Shelves from Reclaimed Wood (PKR 2,000 – 3,500)
Buy wooden planks from local carpenters or lumber yards (PKR 500-1,000 per shelf depending on size). Sand them smooth, stain or paint if desired, and mount using L-brackets. These shelves display books, plants, small decor items, and break up large wall expanses. According to This Old House’s shelving guide, proper installation is key for weight-bearing shelves.
What you need: Wood planks, sandpaper, stain/paint, L-brackets, screws, level
Time required: 3-4 hours
Best for: Living rooms, home offices, kitchen walls
6. Design Your Own Wall Stencils (PKR 500 – 1,200)
Cut stencil patterns from thick cardboard or buy ready-made stencils from craft stores. Use acrylic paint to create repeating patterns on your wall. Popular choices include Moroccan tiles, floral motifs, or Islamic geometric patterns that complement Pakistani aesthetics.
What you need: Stencils (bought or DIY), acrylic paint, sponge brushes
Time required: 4-6 hours for one wall
Best for: Rental-friendly (paint over easily), adding pattern without wallpaper cost
7. Make a Peg Board Organization Wall (PKR 2,500 – 4,000)
Peg boards aren’t just functional—they’re trendy. Buy a wooden peg board from hardware stores, paint it your desired color, and add hooks and small shelves. Perfect for home offices, craft rooms, or kitchens. You can rearrange hooks whenever needed, making this super flexible.
What you need: Peg board, paint, wooden pegs and hooks, mounting hardware
Time required: 2-3 hours
Best for: Home offices, craft spaces, entryways
8. Create Pressed Botanical Art (PKR 800 – 1,500)
Collect leaves, flowers, or ferns from your garden or nearby parks. Press them between heavy books for 2-3 weeks. Once dried, arrange them on white or cream cardstock and frame them. This gives you custom artwork that costs almost nothing. Better Homes & Gardens has excellent techniques for preserving botanicals.
What you need: Plants/flowers, heavy books, frames, cardstock, glue
Time required: 20 minutes active time, 2-3 weeks pressing time
Best for: Minimalist decor, nature-inspired spaces, bedrooms
9. Install Decorative Washi Tape Designs (PKR 600 – 1,000)
Washi tape comes in hundreds of patterns and removes cleanly, making it perfect for renters. Create geometric patterns, frame mirrors, outline doorways, or make temporary “wallpaper” sections. Buy from Daraz, AliExpress, or local stationery stores for PKR 150-300 per roll.
What you need: Multiple rolls of washi tape in coordinating colors
Time required: 1-2 hours
Best for: Renters, kids’ rooms, temporary decor changes
10. Build a Simple Wooden Wall Grid (PKR 2,000 – 3,500)
Create an Instagram-worthy wall grid using thin wooden strips arranged in squares. Paint them black, white, or gold, then use clips to hang photos, postcards, or small plants. This modular approach lets you change displayed items whenever you want without making new holes.
What you need: Thin wood strips, paint, small clips or hooks, mounting supplies
Time required: 3-4 hours
Best for: Modern homes, displaying changing content, photo walls
Tips for Successful DIY Wall Decor
Plan Before You Start
Measure your wall space and sketch your design on paper first. Use painter’s tape to map out placement before making permanent holes. This saves you from costly mistakes and ensures everything looks balanced.
Consider Your Wall Type
Pakistani homes typically have concrete, brick, or plaster walls. For concrete, you’ll need a drill with masonry bits. For plaster, regular nails often work. Test in an inconspious spot first if you’re unsure.
Work with Your Existing Decor
Choose colors and styles that complement your current furniture and room style. If you have traditional furniture, incorporate cultural elements. For modern spaces, stick with clean lines and minimal patterns.
Lighting Matters
Wall decor looks best when properly lit. Consider adding a picture light, floor lamp, or adjusting existing lighting to highlight your new wall features. Good lighting makes even simple DIY projects look professional.
Don’t Overcrowd
One well-executed wall feature is better than covering every wall with multiple projects. Choose your most visible wall and make that your statement piece. Keep other walls simpler for balance.
Where to Shop for DIY Supplies in Pakistan
Hardware & Paint: Local hardware stores, Home Center Pakistan, Jalal Sons
Frames & Art Supplies: Miniso, Dollar Store, local markets
Fabric & Textiles: Liberty Market Lahore, Zainab Market Karachi, Jinnah Super Islamabad
Online Options: Daraz.pk, AliExpress (for washi tape, craft supplies)
Wood & Building Materials: Local carpentry shops, timber markets
If you’re looking for places to display your DIY creations effectively, check our small living room ideas for layout inspiration. And if you’re creating a gallery wall, our guide on affordable sofas can help you choose furniture that complements your new wall decor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do DIY wall decor in a rented home?
Yes! Choose removable options like washi tape, command strips instead of nails, lean large frames instead of hanging them, or use freestanding shelves. Always check your lease agreement first.
How do I hang heavy items on concrete walls?
Use a hammer drill with masonry bits, insert plastic wall plugs, then screw in hooks or brackets. For very heavy items (over 5kg), use anchor bolts designed for concrete.
Where can I learn DIY techniques if I’m a beginner?
YouTube is excellent for visual learners. Search for specific projects like “DIY macrame tutorial” or “how to create gallery wall.” Pakistani creators like “Desi Home Decor” and “Budget Decorating Pakistan” offer local-specific tips.
What if I make a mistake or don’t like the result?
Start with temporary or reversible options like washi tape or leaning frames. For paint projects, test colors on cardboard first. Most DIY mistakes can be painted over or removed without major cost.
