10 Creative DIY Wood Decor Ideas for Any Skill Level

Turn that piece of scrap wood into a home decoration with these easy DIY wood decor projects.

Have you ever wanted to make your own wooden decor or piece of furniture? Woodworking projects don't have to be difficult or intimidating! With a few simple tools, a little know-how, and easy steps to follow, you’ll be able to start on simple DIY wood projects that you can do at home.

One of the best things about these DIY projects is that you don’t need to be an experienced carpenter to create. In this article, we’ll go through a few easy wood projects that anyone can do, from building basic shelves to stunning wood pieces for your coffee table. And let's not forget the necessary tools and materials you need to get started on your first wood craft or project. You'll be on your way to becoming a woodworking master in no time!

Basic Tools for DIY Wood Decor

• Wood - reclaimed wood, scrap wood pile, old pallet wood, barn wood
• Finish nailer and nails
• Rapid Fuse or another wood glue
• Chop saw
• Skilsaw (circular)
• Measuring tape
• Drill
• Level
• Sand paper

Easy DIY Wood Decor Projects

I love wood crafts because they are a great way to use up leftover wood boards from projects. And not to mention, it is perfect for enhancing the living space in your home. Avoid paying for costly decor and see what you can make yourself with some of these simple wood crafts.

Reclaimed Wood Table Tray

If you're looking for easy DIY wood home decor ideas, this is a good place to start. Everyone can use stylish decor for their table, and this wooden tray is no exception. It definitely helps when you can use wood scraps to make stunning farmhouse decor, like how I utilized leftover wood pallets for some other fast projects.

This wooden tray is pretty simple, but when used correctly it is the perfect addition for displaying decor on your table, a bed or even a side board. The handle makes it easy to transport while also adding a stylish design element. Add a wood stain for a pop of color or leave it in its natural state. You can see the full post here with step-by-step instructions.

And of course, here is a video tutorial for all the visual learners.

Simple Wood Lanterns

There is nothing more versatile than decorative lanterns. You can place them anywhere! Use wooden lanterns for:

• Use as a centerpiece on a table.
• Fill with holiday trinkets - ornaments, fall foliage, pumpkins, etc.
• Place a small vase inside with greenery or flowers.
• Throw in your favorite faux candle or light source.
• Use it for outdoor spaces like your front porch decor.
• Put a light inside.
• Place on a mantel in your living room.
• Use as a filler for anywhere you have decorating space!

There are many creative ways to style these simple wooden crafts. They are an ideal choice for neutrality. But, as much as I love utilizing lanterns in my home decor, I can't justify the price tag for some of them I see in store. This one was super easy to make myself and I love the rustic charm that goes well with a farmhouse touch.

Any of these woodworking items are easy to leave in their natural state, apply a wood stain, or apply a coat of paint if you want color. For example, a layer of black paint can turn this beautiful rustic look into a modern gem. It all depends on personal style.

Don't forget the full tutorial in video form here!

But if building isn't your thing and you still want to try out a stylish lantern for your decorating, here are a few of my Amazon favorites too.

Classy Candle Centerpiece

This DIY Candle Centerpiece is a great addition to any table and a replica of a traditional sugar mold. For less than $20 bucks to make, I'll take it. And because this is another one of our DIY wood decor ideas to paint, it can cost even less if you already have stain or paint on hand to use up.

Pro Tip: Not a fan of using it for candles? Make the holes bigger with a larger drill bit and use it to store craft supplies for the kiddos! What a lovely rustic touch to sit on your counter or table.

This easy project is a fun one for customizing for your needs. It may have been used once or twice to house makeup brushes too. The options are endless if you have the right tools and a personal touch.

And take a look at the simple steps in this video tutorial.

DIY Wood Wall Art

Looking for more of an artistic flair in your DIY wood wall decor ideas? This wood sign is one of many options for displaying your unique wall art. Plus, this awesome Boho inspired wood sign is something that you can do at home with a piece of plywood and scrap lumber or dowels you already have.

It's the perfect project for my daughter's room that is Boho inspired, but it would also be awesome displayed in a living room or on an empty wall in your front entry. You can customize this with paint colors or leave it neutral.

Shop her Boho bedroom decor here.

Follow along with the video tutorial below.

Wooden Scroll Art

Let's take a look at another type of DIY wood wall art projects with this simple wall scroll hanging. The best part about this easy project is that it requires very minimal supplies: a print out, hemp or string and two pieces of thin wood.

I did this one to hang up in my daughter's bedroom and it works really well on a collage wall. It's a great idea to spruce up an empty wall with one of these simple wood craft ideas that you can customize. Free digital printable included.

Open Shelves

If you find that you are getting pretty comfortable with your wood working skills and are up for something that requires a tad more work, try out these open shelves we installed in our kitchen. We made our own shelving a few years back in place of cupboards that were ripped down. Open shelves are perfect for having dishes or decorative items on display.

This is a different way to change up your living space so it is more usable. Plus, the added custom personal touch is very appealing. I find that more and more people are converting to open shelves in kitchen for ease of use as well as style. See the instructions and detailed post here for this awesome DIY wood decor.

Easy Plant Stand

Next up is our easy wooden plant stand. This is a great project that appeals to rustic charm and use of natural materials. Show off your vase decor indoors with this touch of natural beauty. Grab the instructions here.

Simple Wooden Frames

If you are looking for some easy decor, take a look at these picture frame posts for DIY Plaid Signs with Napkins or DIY Wood Wallpaper Signs. These are very simple and can be styled as a rustic piece or more modern.

You can use these old-style wood picture frames as wedding decor, for art to hang on the wall or as a simple prop against a table or fireplace mantel.

And here is another option for creating beautiful wood frames out of a pallet project or even barn wood. These ones are a little more time consuming but also perfect for adding DIY wood decor into your home.

Wooden Candle Houses

This wood decor idea takes practicality and decor and combines it into one. Use any leftover wooden blocks to create these adorable wooden houses that are customized to use as candle holders. I love that these can be styled as cute decorations while serving a purpose too. It's a unique way to style a candle holder.

You can paint or spray paint these wooden houses to match your decor or stain them for natural wood coloring. Style them on your dining table, coffee table or on the fireplace mantel.

Wooden Door

And last, but not least, this wood door project is amazing but does require a bit more use of wood. But for a door that is custom fit and styled, this sliding barn door is a fraction of the cost of one you would need to order.

Shop this master bedroom here.

With the right tools and know-how, anyone can tackle woodworking projects at home. From functional furniture to artwork that will impress your friends and family, a few materials and some sweat equity can go a long way.

As you learn the basics of working with wood, you will develop your own unique style and skills along the way. And with practice, you will become an expert DIYer who can transform wood and build pieces that you can proudly display. So don't be afraid to get creative and explore the possibilities of woodworking.

Happy DIYing!

Brooke