Affordable DIY: 10 easy, low-cost ideas for home decor

What's wonderful about design is that it doesn't always have to be expensive to look expensive. If you're looking for affordable ways to spruce up your pad, here are some ideas, all under $10.

1. A reclaimed wood door as a headboard. Full slab doors make great, inexpensive headboards. Pre-painted door slabs are also perfect for a minimalist and modern vibe. Those aiming for a look that is more country chic may want to use a reclaimed wood door.

2. Fabric lampshade made from wallpaper and ribbon. From wallpaper to sturdy wrapping paper, color and bold graphic patterns are a great way to introduce color and interest. Looking for a quick lift? Why not create a new lampshade for your favorite lamp? This project is quick and easy, and best of all, you can make your new shade right over an existing one.

3. Make your own mirror with an ornate picture frame. From large to small, metal to wood, the possibilities are endless. Grab a paintbrush or a can of spray paint, and you can truly make a mirror your own. Looking for a bit more glam? You can always add elements such as decorative buttons, rhinestones or seashells.

4. Curtains made from dropcloths. Dropcloths are the perfect weight of cotton for a curtain, especially for those looking for privacy. Grab some drapery pins, and attach them to a rod, add grommets, and you're good to go.

5. Glass hurricane filled with a candle on a bed of coffee beans. A simple glass hurricane filled with fragrant chocolate coffee beans and a candle on top can be an elegant centerpiece for a coffee or dining table.

6. Succulents in sand. Tiny succulents are hardy enough to be around for weeks, if not months. Pair them with plain white sand in a glass jar or vessel, and you have a beautiful accent piece for your home.

8. Treasured items placed in shadow boxes. Shadow boxes are a beautiful way to display mementos and even items you may have thought about packing away for good. Postcards, treasured photos and ticket stubs all work well with multidimensional items such as buttons, coins, souvenirs and mementos.

9. Wine glasses as candleholders. Just take wine glasses, flip them over, and place a small votive on the bottom, which now serves as the base for your candle. Put something decorative under the mouth of the glass for an even more creative look.

10. Affordable art ideas. Framed wallpaper: Wallpaper isn't what you might remember as a child. Today's prints are bold, colorful and in many cases, textured. Nearly all retailers that sell wallpaper allow potential buyers to take home free samples. These sample sizes are usually substantial in size and perfect for framing.

Framed fabric: Another affordable art idea that tops my list is to frame pieces of fabric. The beauty of fabric is you can buy it by the yard. All you have to do is buy a few yards of printed fabric and stretch it over a frame made of plywood. The result is a colorful print. You can also frame smaller pieces to hang.

Cathy Hobbs is a TV host and interior design and home staging expert.