25 Rustic Farmhouse DIY Decor Ideas Under $50 Each

Rustic farmhouse decor brings warmth and character to any home without breaking the bank. These DIY projects use simple materials and basic tools to create stunning pieces that look like expensive antique finds. Most projects can be completed in a weekend using items you might already have at home.

What is Rustic Farmhouse Style?

Rustic farmhouse style combines the comfort of country living with weathered textures and natural materials. This design approach features distressed wood, vintage metal accents, neutral colors, and handmade elements that tell a story.

Key elements include:

• Reclaimed or distressed wood finishes
• Mason jars and galvanized metal accessories
• Neutral color palettes (whites, creams, soft grays)
• Natural textures like burlap and jute
• Vintage-inspired signs and typography
• Fresh or dried flowers and greenery

Essential Materials for Farmhouse DIY Projects

Wood Materials

• Reclaimed barn wood or pallet wood
• Pine boards (1×4, 1×6, 1×8 sizes)
• Cedar fence pickets
• Driftwood pieces

Hardware and Finishes

• Wood stain in weathered oak or gray
• White and cream chalk paint
• Sandpaper (120 and 220 grit)
• Wood screws and nails
• Galvanized metal sheets

Decorative Elements

• Burlap fabric
• Twine and jute rope
• Mason jars in various sizes
• Vintage-style metal letters
• Fresh or artificial greenery

Easy Farmhouse Wall Decor Projects

1. Distressed Wood Pallet Sign

Create custom wooden signs using old pallets or new pine boards. Sand the wood to create texture, then apply stain or paint in layers for an aged look.

Materials needed:

• 3-4 pallet boards or 1×6 pine boards
• Wood stain or chalk paint
• Stencils or vinyl letters
• Sandpaper

Steps:

1. Sand boards to remove rough edges
2. Apply base coat of paint or stain
3. Let dry completely, then sand lightly for distress
4. Add text using stencils or vinyl letters
5. Seal with clear coat for protection

Cost: $15-25

2. Mason Jar Wall Sconces

Mount mason jars to reclaimed wood boards for rustic wall lighting or flower displays.

Materials needed:

• 2-3 mason jars with lids
• Reclaimed wood board (2×8 or 2×10)
• Hose clamps or metal jar holders
• Wood screws

Steps:

1. Cut wood to desired length (18-24 inches works well)
2. Sand and stain the board
3. Mark jar placement and attach holders
4. Mount to wall using appropriate anchors
5. Add battery LED lights or fresh flowers

Cost: $20-30

3. Chicken Wire Photo Display

Use chicken wire and a vintage frame to create a unique photo and card display.

Materials needed:

• Large picture frame (thrift store find)
• Chicken wire
• Wire cutters
• Small clothespins
• Spray paint (optional)

Steps:

1. Remove glass and backing from frame
2. Cut chicken wire to fit frame size
3. Staple wire to back of frame
4. Paint frame if desired (distressed white looks great)
5. Use clothespins to attach photos and cards

Cost: $12-18

Farmhouse Furniture DIY Projects

4. Distressed Coffee Table

Transform a basic wooden table into a farmhouse centerpiece using paint and sanding techniques.

Materials needed:

• Wooden table (new or used)
• Chalk paint in white and cream
• Dark wax or stain
• Sandpaper
• Clean rags

Steps:

1. Clean table thoroughly
2. Apply base coat of chalk paint
3. Add second color in random patches
4. Sand edges and high-wear areas while paint is dry
5. Apply dark wax for aging effect
6. Buff with clean rag

Cost: $25-40 (plus table cost)

5. Wooden Crate Storage Ottoman

Stack and join wooden crates to create functional seating with hidden storage.

Materials needed:

• 4 matching wooden crates
• Wood screws
• Foam cushion
• Burlap or canvas fabric
• Furniture legs (optional)

Steps:

1. Sand crates smooth
2. Apply stain or paint finish
3. Screw crates together in 2×2 configuration
4. Add furniture legs if desired
5. Create cushion cover from fabric
6. Secure foam cushion to top

Cost: $35-50

Farmhouse Kitchen Decor Ideas

6. Hanging Spice Rack

Create a space-saving spice storage system using mason jars and a wooden board.

Materials needed:

• Small mason jars with lids
• Pine board (1×6, cut to desired length)
• Hose clamps or jar holders
• Wood screws
• Drill and bits

Steps:

1. Cut and sand pine board
2. Apply desired finish (stain or paint)
3. Mark jar spacing evenly
4. Attach jar holders to board
5. Mount board under cabinet or on wall
6. Fill jars with spices and label

Cost: $20-30

7. Galvanized Tiered Tray

Stack galvanized metal cake pans to create a farmhouse serving tray for displaying items.

Materials needed:

• 2-3 galvanized cake pans in different sizes
• Wooden candlesticks or spindles
• Strong adhesive or screws
• Sandpaper

Steps:

1. Sand candlesticks if needed
2. Paint or stain candlesticks to match decor
3. Attach smallest pan to top of candlestick
4. Stack and secure remaining pans
5. Let cure completely before using
6. Style with seasonal items

Cost: $18-25

8. Farmhouse Bread Box

Build a functional bread storage box using simple pine boards and vintage-style hardware.

Materials needed:

• Pine boards (1×8 and 1×6)
• Hinges
• Handle or knob
• Wood glue
• Wood screws
• Stain or paint

Steps:

1. Cut boards to size (front, back, sides, top, bottom)
2. Sand all pieces smooth
3. Assemble box using wood glue and screws
4. Attach hinges to create lid
5. Add handle or knob
6. Apply finish and let cure

Cost: $25-35

Farmhouse Bathroom Decor Projects

9. Ladder Towel Rack

Convert an old wooden ladder into a unique towel storage solution.

Materials needed:

• Wooden ladder (5-6 feet tall)
• Sandpaper
• Wood stain or paint
• Wall mounting brackets

Steps:

1. Sand ladder to remove old paint or rough spots
2. Apply stain or paint finish
3. Let dry completely
4. Install wall brackets for leaning support
5. Position ladder and hang towels on rungs

Cost: $15-25 (if ladder is found/used)

10. Mason Jar Soap Dispensers

Turn mason jars into stylish soap and lotion dispensers for a cohesive bathroom look.

Materials needed:

• Mason jars with lids
• Soap pump mechanisms
• Drill and hole saw bit
• Waterproof sealant

Steps:

1. Mark center of jar lid
2. Drill hole sized for pump mechanism
3. Insert pump through hole
4. Seal around pump with waterproof sealant
5. Fill jar with soap or lotion
6. Screw on lid and test pump

Cost: $8-12 per dispenser

Bedroom Farmhouse Decor Ideas

11. Shiplap Accent Wall

Create the classic farmhouse look with DIY shiplap using inexpensive pine boards.

Materials needed:

• 1×6 pine boards
• Wood stain or white paint
• Level
• Nail gun or hammer and nails
• Spacers (nickels work well)

Steps:

1. Measure wall and calculate board needs
2. Cut boards to wall width
3. Sand and finish boards before installation
4. Start at bottom, level first board carefully
5. Use spacers between each board for consistent gaps
6. Continue up wall, checking level frequently

Cost: $2-4 per square foot

12. Barn Door Headboard

Build a rustic headboard using barn door hardware and reclaimed wood.

Materials needed:

• Reclaimed wood planks
• Barn door hardware kit
• Wood stain
• Wall mounting brackets
• Wood screws

Steps:

1. Cut wood planks to desired headboard size
2. Sand and stain wood
3. Join planks with cross supports on back
4. Install barn door hardware
5. Mount track to wall above bed
6. Hang headboard on track system

Cost: $40-60

Seasonal Farmhouse Decorations

13. Rustic Fall Centerpiece

Create a seasonal table display using natural elements and farmhouse accessories.

Materials needed:

• Wooden dough bowl or tray
• Mini pumpkins and gourds
• Dried corn stalks
• Battery candles
• Burlap ribbon

Steps:

1. Choose a weathered wood bowl as base
2. Arrange pumpkins and gourds in bowl
3. Add dried corn stalks for height
4. Place battery candles between items
5. Tie burlap ribbon around bowl edge
6. Change elements for different seasons

Cost: $15-25

14. Christmas Farmhouse Garland

Make holiday garland using natural materials and neutral colors.

Materials needed:

• Fresh or artificial greenery
• Burlap ribbon
• Twine
• Small pinecones
• Battery string lights

Steps:

1. Create base with greenery pieces
2. Weave burlap ribbon throughout
3. Attach pinecones with small wire loops
4. Add battery lights for gentle glow
5. Secure with twine every few feet
6. Hang on mantle or staircase

Cost: $20-30

Farmhouse Lighting DIY Projects

15. Mason Jar Pendant Lights

Create custom pendant lighting using mason jars and simple electrical components.

Materials needed:

• Large mason jars
• Pendant light cord sets
• Drill and metal cutting bits
• Chain or rope for hanging

Safety note: Consult an electrician for proper wiring if connecting to existing circuits.

Steps:

1. Drill hole in jar lid for cord
2. Thread cord through lid hole
3. Install light socket inside jar
4. Add chain or rope for hanging style
5. Install appropriate ceiling mounting
6. Test connections before final installation

Cost: $15-25 per light

16. Wooden Beam Chandelier

Build a statement chandelier using a weathered wood beam and pendant lights.

Materials needed:

• Reclaimed wood beam (4×4 or 6×6)
• Multiple pendant light cords
• Ceiling mounting hardware
• Chain or cable for hanging
• Drill and large bits

Steps:

1. Cut beam to desired length (36-48 inches typical)
2. Sand and finish beam
3. Mark pendant light positions
4. Drill holes for cord routing
5. Install pendant lights in beam
6. Add hanging hardware and mount to ceiling
7. Connect to electrical box (hire electrician if needed)

Cost: $50-80

Outdoor Farmhouse Decor

17. Vintage Milk Can Planters

Convert old milk cans or large galvanized buckets into charming planters.

Materials needed:

• Galvanized milk cans or large buckets
• Drill and metal bits
• Potting soil
• Plants or flowers
• Decorative stones

Steps:

1. Clean containers thoroughly
2. Drill drainage holes in bottom
3. Add layer of stones for drainage
4. Fill with quality potting soil
5. Plant flowers or herbs
6. Water and place in desired location

Cost: $20-35 per planter

18. Pallet Wood Plant Stand

Create tiered plant display using reclaimed pallet wood.

Materials needed:

• Pallet wood boards
• Wood screws
• Wood stain or paint
• Sandpaper
• Measuring tools

Steps:

1. Cut pallet wood to create shelves of different lengths
2. Sand all pieces smooth
3. Apply stain or paint finish
4. Build stepped frame structure
5. Attach shelves at different heights
6. Place potted plants on each level

Cost: $15-30

Budget-Friendly Farmhouse Decor Tips

Shop Smart for Materials

• Check construction sites for discarded lumber (with permission)
• Visit thrift stores for frames, furniture, and accessories
• Use Facebook Marketplace for reclaimed materials
• Buy basic pine boards and distress them yourself

Free and Low-Cost Resources

• Fallen branches make great decorative elements
• Old mason jars can be found at garage sales
• Pallets are often free from local businesses
• Newspaper and magazines provide material for crafting

Tool Sharing and Borrowing

Many projects require tools you might not own. Consider:

• Borrowing from friends and neighbors
• Renting specialty tools for single projects
• Joining community tool libraries
• Purchasing used tools from estate sales

Common DIY Mistakes to Avoid

Rushing the Distressing Process

Take time with sanding and painting techniques. Real aging happens gradually, so layer finishes slowly for authentic results.

Ignoring Safety Precautions

Always wear safety glasses when cutting or sanding. Use proper ventilation when applying stains and finishes.

Skipping the Planning Stage

Measure twice, cut once. Plan your projects carefully to avoid waste and ensure proper fit.

Over-Decorating Spaces

Farmhouse style works best with carefully chosen pieces rather than cluttered displays. Less is often more.

Maintenance and Care Tips

Wood Furniture Care

• Dust regularly with microfiber cloths
• Reapply protective finishes annually for high-use pieces
• Address scratches promptly with matching stain
• Use coasters and placemats to prevent water damage

Metal Accent Care

• Clean galvanized items with mild soap and water
• Apply car wax to prevent rust on outdoor pieces
• Store seasonal items in dry locations
• Check for loose connections on lighting fixtures

Advanced Farmhouse Projects

Custom Built-In Shelving

Create floor-to-ceiling storage using basic lumber and farmhouse finishing techniques. This project requires intermediate carpentry skills but provides major impact.

Farmhouse Kitchen Island

Build a functional kitchen island using base cabinets and a butcher block top. Add wheels for mobility and extra storage underneath.

Sliding Barn Doors

Install interior barn doors to separate spaces while adding farmhouse character. This project requires precise measurements and sturdy hardware.

Seasonal Project Planning

Spring Projects

Focus on outdoor pieces like planters and porch decor. Fresh paint and new plants rejuvenate existing pieces.

Summer Building Season

Take advantage of good weather for larger projects requiring outdoor work. Staining and finishing work best in moderate temperatures.

Fall Preparation

Create seasonal displays and prepare outdoor pieces for winter storage. Focus on indoor projects as weather turns cooler.

Winter Planning

Use indoor time to plan next year’s projects and gather materials. Small crafting projects work well during cold months.

Creating beautiful farmhouse decor doesn’t require expensive materials or professional skills. Start with simple projects and build confidence before tackling larger pieces. The key is patience and attention to detail in finishing techniques.

For more home improvement inspiration, check out these related guides on creating accent walls that transform any room or learn about color psychology in home interiors to choose the perfect farmhouse palette.

Many of these projects pair beautifully with DIY pallet furniture ideas and complement time-saving organization systems for a complete home makeover.

Remember that farmhouse style is about creating a comfortable, lived-in feeling rather than perfect showroom displays. Embrace imperfections and let each handmade piece tell its own story in your home.