DIY Decorating with Hardware Store Supplies

Walking down the aisles of a hardware store looking for inspiration is one of my very favorite ways to pass a bit of extra time. This activity has led to some really fun diy budget decorating projects in my home.

Using hardware store supplies to decorate a space is often the way to replicate a look you've seen but also allows you to present your own unique twist. (And it's usually more affordable than buying ready made.) Read how hardware store supplies transformed this frame...details below.

(Photo credit Pam Irie)

like these wood shims.

I call this wall art shim chic. You can find plain wood shims at any hardware and home improvement store. It only takes a few inexpensive materials to make decorative art like this. And, just think, it's made with hardware store supplies!

Grab your glue gun and get busy. :) (Photo credit Pam Irie)

Single crochet stitches, crochet thread, and a steel crochet hook are required for this diy decorating project. Two different sizes of metal washers from the hardware store are what really gives a unique feeling and look to this table scarf.

Make sure to use the rounded side of the washers as the dress side in this project. Find similar netted material at most any fabric store.

(Photo credit Pam Irie)

Torn strips from a roll of heavy duty contractors paper, plain white glue (the kind that dries clear) , a foam paintbrush, and satin finish water-base polycrylic are used to create a faux leather look on an old thrift shop frame.

1. Lightly sand (by hand) the old frame just to scuff the surface a little.

2. Mix a little hot water into some plain white glue, stir. (It will be runny - that is fine.) :)

3. Tear lots of strips from the roll and coat individual pieces with glue mixture. Slap and overlap paper strips onto the frame.

4. Smooth any air bubbles with hand and apply more glue on top of papers.

5. Cover entire surface and allow to dry overnight.

6. Coat with polycrylic. You're done! :) (Photo credit Pam Irie)

like canvas drop cloth.

I devoted a lens to the versatility of canvas drop cloth. It's very affordable for many diy decorating budgets. Make curtains, pillows, slipcovers, etc. with this fabric often overlooked at the hardware store. More info here.

(Photo credit Pam Irie)

like electrical conduit.

Make curtain rods with an industrial look for just a few dollars by using hardware store supplies like electrical conduit. Measure window area to be covered and purchase a length of galvanized electrical conduit. (This is the piping that new electrical wiring is run through for construction.)

You can usually buy an 8 ft length for less than $2. It's easy to cut to size with a hand-held pipe cutter. File cut edges smooth with a metal file. Cap the ends of the conduit with black rubber furniture "feet" to prevent the curtain rings from sliding off (as shown in picture.)

If desired, you may lengthen this type of curtain rod by purchasing inexpensive couplings which connect one length of conduit to another. Just remember to buy the same size coupling as the conduit you are using. If the conduit is 3/4", make sure the coupling is 3/4". The couplings are attached with a screwdriver in less than a minute. (Isn't diy decorating just the best?!) :)

(Photo credit Pam Irie)