DIY Luxury: 6 Fancy Household Items You’ll Save On by Making Yourself

Let’s face it: We’ve all got at least one guilty pleasure when it comes to splurging on household comforts.

Maybe it’s a never-ending pricey candle addiction, or the urge to buy even more of those cute throw pillows that have you bordering on crazy pillow mania. Or you might just be like me and have a weakness for the most expensive cleaning spray and bath products in the store.

It turns out, these household items can be had without spending the big bucks—it just takes a bit of elbow grease. We spoke to the DIY experts to get the lowdown on six luxe household items you can save on by making yourself.

1. All-natural candles

A Jo Malone candle can set you back $520! But you can have all the candle varieties you want at a fraction of the cost by making them yourself.

And here’s some more good news: Some store-bought candles might not exactly be something you want in your home anyway.

“The wick core of many store-bought candles contains lead,” says Vicki Liston of On the Fly DIY. “While this practice was banned for U.S. candle manufacturers in 2003, candles imported from outside the U.S. can still contain lead. And typical candle wax contains other harmful chemicals like VOCs.”

So save money and avoid exposing your household to harsh chemicals by following this simple candle tutorial that uses all-natural ingredients.

2. Eco-friendly cleaning spray

Another expensive item you’ll be ready to ditch once you learn how easy it is to make? Cleaning sprays.

“With kids and pets in the house, it’s important to me to clean with nontoxic yet effective products, and I go through a lot so it’s cheaper to make myself,” says Liston. “I mix a solution of half-vinegar and half-water. Then I add a few drops of my favorite essential oil to cut the vinegar smell.”

Note that vinegar isn’t ideal for disinfecting. For that, you’ll want to make a spray that also has alcohol or bleach.

3. Stylish storage solutions

If you can’t walk into a home goods store without coming back out with random containers or mini shelves that drained your wallet—then this one’s for you.

“A few cheap, easy DIY storage suggestions are to use wooden pallets or crates to make rustic-looking storage or shelving,” says Aaron Green, owner of Essential Home & Garden.

Another easy storage solution that can be had on the cheap? Make your own stackable decorative hatboxes, which are perfect for storing mementos and all the knickknacks you can’t part with in the prettiest possible way.

4. Pillow covers

Sick of the way your living room looks? Learn how to sew and make pillow covers at a fraction of the cost of buying them in the store.

“Sewing your own throw pillow covers is another great DIY project,” says home and lifestyle blogger Judi Kutner, of Apartment Notes. “You pick out your fabric to match your decor and save money compared to buying pre-made covers. Plus, it’s a fun way to add a pop of personality to any room.”

Follow this simple guide to start your sewing journey.

5. Crocheted throw blanket

Cold weather always makes us want to curl up under a luxe throw. And it turns out, you can make that blanket yourself if you’re willing to learn how to knit or crochet.

“Crocheted blankets are among the most loved DIY projects because they are easy to make and can be customized with different stitches, yarn thickness, and colors,” says crochet designer Maggie Haskell, of Zamiguz.

Another bonus of a DIY blanket is that it can be as expensive or as affordable as you wish. You can choose “yarn ranging from the fancy and more expensive fibers like wool, to simpler and more affordable synthetic ones like acrylic,” adds Haskell.

Check out Haskell’s free crochet blanket pattern or this chunky hand-knit throw pattern to get started.

6. Bathroom essentials

We love fancy bath products as much as the next person. And as it turns out, all of these high-ticket items are relatively easy to make yourself.

“I love making a honey-yogurt face mask in the winter as it nourishes and moisturizes my skin,” says Liston. “It also doesn’t have all of the extra chemicals that companies have to add to keep their products shelf-stable and with extended expiration dates.”

Other things you can easily save on by making yourself? Shampoo bars, hand balm, and even deodorant.

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