40 DIY Summer Decorating Ideas to Brighten Up Your Home
Easy and beautiful ideas for every room in the house.
Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Summertime is upon us—time to let in the sunshine! And by that, we mean updating your home both inside and out with the best summer decorating ideas. These are all easy DIY projects that you can do no matter your skill set. Think: updating throw pillows, picking some wildflowers, and refreshing your table settings. Or if you want to spend a little more time, you could craft some new artwork or add some floral wallpaper.
Maybe you want add a pretty summer wreath to your front door to greet your guests or maybe you want to repaint your chairs to fit with the rest of your patio décor. Choose one idea or use them to upgrade a whole room! That's the beauty of this list: You can mix and match or make a day of it with summer crafts. Otherwise, go all out with the patriotic decorations. After all, you've got both the 4th of July and Labor Day to celebrate, so you could lean into red, white, and blue colors all season long.
There are lots of bright colors that feel like a touch of pure sunshine, and of course, we have a few sunroom ideas to let in all the natural light. Living room, kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms―they all deserve an update that's affordable and easy to change once fall rolls around.
Why stop there? Keep scrolling through these fun ideas:
Swap Out Your Placemats
You don't need to swap out your dinnerware to change up your tablescape. Nope, just add a few new placemats like these jute bestsellers, and you'll have a new look in just a few minutes!
Transform Your TV
Don't you love that colorful artwork on the wall? Well, guess what? It's actually the TV. That's right, you can download artwork and have it displayed on the screen when you're not watching your favorite show.
See more at Lovely Indeed.
Step Up the Color
Add a pop of color with a fun pattern on your stairs. The best part of this idea is that you can use removable wallpaper, so if you're tired of the look, just peel it off.
Get the tutorial at Alice and Lois.
Add Green to Your Bathroom
Wait, plants in the bathroom? Yes! You'll probably add some plants to your indoor and outdoor space this summer, so don't forget the bathrooms. It's an easy refresh, and plus, watering them will be super fast.
See more at Paper & Stitch.
Invest in an Egg Chair
Whether you get a hanging egg chair or a freestanding one, they open construction will feel airy and yet cozy at the same time. Curl up on your porch or snuggle up with a great book in your living room. Either way, go with an egg!
Rearrange Your Furniture
Taking your existing pieces and putting them in a different spot really can do wonders. Plus, it's super affordable! Just make sure you buy whoever helps you move the furniture some dinner as a thank you.
Get more at Home Made Lovely.
Paint a Soda Crate Planter
Match the energy of your plants with a colorful planter! This DIY soda crate has such vintage summer vibes and basically just requires a little paint to create.
Get the tutorial at Polkadot Chair.
Cover Your Chairs
Pick a pretty summer pattern and cover your dining room or kitchen chairs. It's a relatively quick way to update your color scheme without having to replace your furniture.
Get the tutorial at The Craft Patch.
Designate a Reading Nook
Make sure you always have a little staycation ready by creating a colorful reading nook. Add it to a patio or maybe in a spare room, giving you a place to escape even if you're at home.
Get more at Design Improvised.
Update Your Entryway
Greet your guests (and yourself!) every time you come home with a refreshed entryway. All you need is a few plants and some white touches like a lamp shade and plant holder to feel summery.
See more at Somewhat Simple.
Switch Out Your Mats
Be it a bath mat, door mat, or kitchen mat (or all three!), swapping your existing options for something bold is a quick way to add color. You can buy one, of course, or you can have some fun and DIY a loop mat yourself.
Get the tutorial Dream a Little Bigger.
Update Thrifted Artwork
Doesn't this piece of art remind you of those hazy hot days of summer? You can make something just like this by adding texture to an existing piece of thrifted art. You'll be amazed at the before and after!
Get the tutorial at Average But Inspired.
Bring on the Blue
Coastal and lighter shades of blue add a beachy vibe even if you're landlocked. Painting the walls, swapping out an end table, and/or simply adding a throw blanket or vase are easy ideas.
Add a Porch Sign
Hello, summer! DIY this sign and welcome the season (and all your guests!) to your home. You'll only need some wood scraps, a few stencils, and an afternoon to put it all together.
Get the tutorial at Over the Big Moon.
Put Up Some Wallpaper
There are so many fun, colorful wallpaper options out there these days. The hardest part of it all will be choosing which pattern goes in which room! If you're looking for an easy refresh, start with smaller space like this powder room.
See more at Design Improvised.
Add a Bold Rug
Make a bold statement simply by swapping out your living rug. White walls and neutral furniture get a huge color boost with just one change. Of course, you can add more art and pillows to match, too.
See more at Studio DIY.
Plant an Indoor Herb Garden
Take advantage of the sunshine by planting an indoor herb garden in a window. It will not only provide you with fresh flavor as you cook but add a gorgeous green display as decoration. That's a win-win!
Update Your Lampshades
An easy way to add a bright pop of color to your space is to update your lampshades. You could buy some or DIY them and make them as unique as you want!
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built.
Paint Your Door
Paint it on the inside, paint it on the outside, or paint it on both so you can enjoy the bright side of life all season long. Either way, painting a door a bold color will be a cheerful reminder to head outside to enjoy the sunshine!
Arrange Some Wildflowers
Take advantage of what's outside! Making a bouquet of wildflowers will add a summery touch to any room in your house. We love the idea of more rustic containers like metal pots and watering cans.
AnnMarie Mattila is the Commerce Editor for The Pioneer Woman, covering products ranging from home, fashion, beauty, and more.
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