There’s something deeply satisfying about creating your own home accents—especially when they sit beside heirloom-quality pieces. At TN Farmhouse Furniture, we’ve found that the homes our clients love most aren’t filled with expensive accessories. They’re filled with personality. And sometimes, that personality starts with a hammer, a paintbrush, and an idea.
Whether you’re decorating a brand-new space or refreshing a well-loved room, these DIY farmhouse decor projects will bring warmth, charm, and a personal touch that store-bought pieces just can’t replicate.
1. Mason Jar Wall Lanterns
Skill Level: Beginner
Project Time: ~1 hour
Use wide-mouth mason jars, rustic wood boards, hose clamps, and battery-powered fairy lights to create charming sconces. Mount them beside your bed, near your entryway, or as a warm accent in the dining room. Sand, stain, or paint the boards to match your TN Farmhouse pieces. They glow softly and say, “Welcome home” every time you flip the switch.
2. Reclaimed Wood Floating Shelves
Skill Level: Intermediate
Project Time: 2–3 hours
Grab some barnwood planks and floating shelf brackets. Cut to size, lightly sand, and oil for a smooth finish that brings out the grain. Install on wall studs for stability. These shelves offer storage without bulk and give your walls texture that plays beautifully with wood furniture—especially in the kitchen or bathroom.
3. Blanket Ladder from a Vintage Orchard Ladder
Skill Level: Beginner
Project Time: 30–45 minutes
Track down a vintage ladder, or build your own from aged pine or poplar. Lean it against the wall near your bed or sofa. Drape quilts, throws, or even seasonal greenery. It adds vertical interest and farmhouse authenticity without taking up much space.
4. Farmhouse Table Centerpiece Box
Skill Level: Beginner
Project Time: 60–90 minutes
Build a simple wooden box from 1×4 boards—glue and brad nails make it easy. Finish it with a gray wash or aged white chalk paint. Fill with candles, flowers, or seasonal produce. It’s the perfect low-profile centerpiece that complements a long farmhouse dining table without blocking conversation.
5. Tin Can Herb Garden
Skill Level: Beginner
Project Time: 30 minutes
Upcycle coffee tins or olive oil cans by punching a few holes for drainage, adding soil, and planting herbs like basil, rosemary, or thyme. Line them up on your kitchen windowsill or a rustic shelf. Label each can with hand-painted tags or chalkboard labels. Fresh greenery and rustic charm in one.
6. Chalkboard Pantry Door
Skill Level: Beginner
Project Time: 1 hour (plus drying time)
Paint an old pantry door or cabinet with chalkboard paint. Use it to jot grocery lists, quotes, or meal plans. Pair with wrought iron handles or vintage-style knobs for a cohesive farmhouse look. Functional, decorative, and family-friendly.
7. Grain Sack Throw Pillows
Skill Level: Intermediate
Project Time: 1–2 hours
Sew pillow covers from vintage grain sacks or grain sack-style fabric. The woven texture, faded stripes, and neutral tones match perfectly with linen sofas and wooden accent chairs. No-sew versions using fabric glue and iron-on hems are just as effective.
8. Pallet Wood Coat Rack
Skill Level: Beginner
Project Time: 1 hour
Disassemble a pallet and choose a board with natural patina. Attach black or antique brass hooks evenly spaced. Mount to studs in your entryway. Hang coats, hats, bags—or leave it as a rustic art piece. It’s functional and sets the tone right when guests walk in.
9. Mini Barn-Door Wall Art
Skill Level: Intermediate
Project Time: 2–3 hours
Build a scaled-down version of a barn door (about 2 ft. x 3 ft.) from scrap wood. Add cross beams, sand lightly, and stain or paint in a distressed finish. Hang like art behind your headboard, above your fireplace, or in your hallway. Adds character instantly.
Pro Tips for Better DIY Results
- Work with what you have. You’d be surprised what’s in your garage, basement, or local flea market.
- Let imperfections shine. Nicks, uneven paint, and patina are part of the charm.
- Match tones, not everything. You don’t have to make each piece identical—just stay in the same color family to keep harmony.
- Pace yourself. One thoughtful piece at a time has more impact than a weekend of rushed projects.
Save Time & Money
DIY decor is where farmhouse style really comes alive. It’s about making your space a reflection of your creativity, your history, and your time. And when those personal touches sit beside the handcrafted furniture you’ve chosen with care, the result is a home that feels completely, unmistakably yours.
At TN Farmhouse Furniture, we’re always happy to help match a bench to your new blanket ladder—or give you advice on a finish that complements your centerpiece box. Stop by the shop or browse our collection online, we offer shipping all over the US, to see what your next project might sit beside. Because the best homes are the ones you help build—piece by piece.