PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.
Run a Free PC Scan →Free scan · Windows 10 & 11
ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Cozy home DIY ideas can make a room feel more personal, comfortable, or useful without turning a weekend into a major renovation. Start with a small, visible change: paint a feature wall or headboard, add a shelf for something you use every day, refresh a basic bench with a soft cover, or give plants a place of their own. The best project depends on your room, skills, budget, and whether you rent—not on a promise that one makeover will make every home feel cozier.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteWhich DIY project should you choose first?
Choose the project that solves a small, specific problem in the room. If a wall feels blank, paint a design. If everyday items have nowhere to go, consider a shelf or cubby. If a seating spot feels bare, add cushions or update a simple bench. For a room that needs a livelier detail, try a plant stand or a display using objects you already own.
Popular on Amazon
- Great Value Paint Brush Set: Soucolor 20 acrylic paint brushes come in 10 different sizes, making them ideal for fine detailing, model painting, rock painting, nail art, face painting, DIY crafts, and general art projects. The varied brush sizes give you better control for both delicate lines and broader color coverage, while the soft bristles deliver smooth, consistent results on acrylic, oil, watercolor, canvas, wood, ceramic, and more.
- Awesome Set of Paint brushes: Professional paint brushes can cover all of your needs. The multi-purposed brushes are ideal for Watercolor, Oil, Gouache, enamel, Acrylic Painting, Body, Nail, Face Painting, Miniature, Model, Wood, Glass, Cup, Ceramic, Fine work, Art class, Craft Art Painting, DIY Art Crafts etc.
- Soft and long-lasting: The bristles are soft and strong, with nickel metal ferrules and blue wooden handles. After cleaning, the bristles will become soft and fluffy again and will not fall off.
- Easy to clean: it’s very convenient to Wash well in soap and water. Retain shape after drying. the brushes hold up very well. Nice selection to beginners and professionals. Keep them clean and they last a long time.
- Perfect for All Painters & Occasions: Suitable for art beginners, hobbyists and professional artists. Great for art class, home creation, travel painting and DIY handmade projects. A practical art gift for students, teachers, family and craft lovers.
Before gathering supplies, check three things: the job’s scope, the surface or furniture you are changing, and any permission you need. A decorative paint shape is different from repairing a wall, and a small shelf is different from altering a wall’s structure. If you rent, favor changes that are easy to undo or ask your landlord before making a lasting change.
- Painted feature or headboard: best when you want a strong visual change without adding furniture; needs careful measuring and masking.
- Shelf or cubby: useful when you need a small display surface or a place to put items; mounting requires attention to the wall and the shelf’s intended use.
- Soft seating update: suits a plain seating area that would benefit from cushions or a fabric refresh; upholstery work depends on the furniture’s shape.
- Plant stand or small decor refresh: a way to add a display point or make use of existing objects; check that materials and instructions suit the intended use.
The Home Depot’s DIY project guide lists shelf hanging as a beginner project and gives an under-two-hour estimate on its guide page. Treat that as the retailer’s classification and estimate, not a promise for every home: wall type, tools, measuring, and experience can change the work involved.
How can I paint a feature wall or headboard?
A painted shape can give a wall a focal point without adding a physical headboard or installing a feature. Stripes, geometric designs, limewashing, or highlighting an existing architectural detail are among the ideas in Ideal Home’s beginner DIY suggestions; Good Housekeeping also describes a wall-to-wall painted headboard as a renter-friendly decorating idea.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →For a first paint project, keep the design simple and plan its boundaries before opening paint. A wide painted band or a defined shape can establish a visual zone behind a bed, while a painted architectural detail can draw attention to what is already in the room. The aim is a decorative effect, not a structural change. If the wall needs significant repair or the project grows beyond paint and decoration, pause and reassess rather than treating it as a quick beginner job.
A practical planning sequence
- Choose the location and purpose. Decide what the painted area should do: frame a bed, make a blank wall more interesting, or highlight an existing detail. Consider the bed or furniture width and where the design should sit in relation to it.
- Sketch the shape and mark its boundaries. Measure the wall and make a light plan before painting. For a semicircle, Crown Paints colour consultant Judy Smith advises measuring the wall and marking its centre—or the point where you want the semicircle’s centre—through Ideal Home’s project guidance.
- Use a level and tape where they fit the design. Ideal Home recommends masking tape and a spirit level for painted designs such as stripes or geometric shapes. Painter’s tape can help mark straight edges; check that the tape is suitable for the surface and follow the product instructions.
- Step back before committing to the full design. Check the proposed placement from the usual doorway or seating position. This helps you catch a design that feels too high, too low, or off-centre before you paint it.
- Follow the paint and surface instructions. The cited project ideas do not establish one universal paint type or preparation method for every wall. Use the paint maker’s instructions for the particular surface, and do not assume that “renter-friendly” means the finish is guaranteed to come off without damage.
A painted headboard can be a useful option when you want the look of a defined bed area without installing a headboard, but renter-friendly is not the same as damage-free. Before painting a rental wall, check the lease and ask the landlord if you are unsure. A reversible layout or removable decor may be a safer choice when repainting is not permitted.
Also popular on Amazon
- COMPLETE 5-PIECE BRUSH SET FOR EVERY PAINTING TASK — Includes 1 Inch Flat, 1.5 Inch Angle, 2 Inch Flat, 2 Inch Angle Stubby, and 2.5 Inch Angle brush giving you every size professional painters use daily. Get all 5 for less than the price of a single brush from hardware store brands — professional grade performance at a fraction of the cost. Perfect for walls, trim, cabinets, doors, furniture, and detailed cutting-in work on any project.
- ZERO BRISTLE LOSS — GUARANTEED BY PRECISION ADHESIVE BONDING — Every bristle is locked in place with precision-set adhesive that keeps them in the brush — not in your paint job. The coated steel ferrule provides structural support while the adhesive bond ensures clean performance on every stroke. Premium SRT synthetic filaments load more paint and release it evenly for a smooth streak-free finish on walls, ceilings, and trim. Works with latex, oil-based paint, primer, sealer, and wood stain.
- INCLUDES THE ANGLE STUBBY MOST SETS LEAVE OUT — Professional painters know the 2 Inch Angle Stubby is the go-to brush for tight cabinet interiors, window sashes, inside corners, and detailed trim where standard angle brushes are too long. Combined with the 1.5 and 2.5 inch angle sash brushes you have precision cutting-in covered at every scale — baseboards, crown molding, door casings, and ceiling lines.
- FLAT BRUSHES FOR BROAD SMOOTH COVERAGE ON ANY SURFACE — The 1 and 2 inch flat brushes deliver even coverage on walls, furniture, shelving, doors, fences, decks, and wood surfaces. Ideal for applying primers, stains, varnishes, polyurethane, and specialty coatings. Solid wood handles provide all-day comfort and control for both professional contractors and weekend DIY homeowners tackling interior or exterior painting projects.
- TRUSTED BY PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS AND CONTRACTORS NATIONWIDE — Pro Grade delivers professional-grade results at a price that makes sense for crews who go through brushes on every job. Ideal for property managers, remodeling contractors, apartment turnover crews, maintenance teams, and commercial painting operations. Backed by thousands of verified reviews from working painters. Washable and reusable for multiple projects.
Good Housekeeping’s 2026 roundup includes a cubby-cabinet example with $15 worth of supplies. That is the publication’s reported cost for that specific example, not a general budget for painting or a current estimate for other projects. Paint, tools, surface condition, and the size of the design all affect what a project requires.
What small shelf or storage project can make a room work better?
A compact shelf or cubby can add a useful surface or give small items a more deliberate home. Good Housekeeping’s ideas include a live-edge shelf that creates a breakfast-bar surface and a cubby cabinet for stored items; these are examples to adapt to a room, not one-size-fits-all installation plans.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Start by identifying what the storage needs to hold and where it belongs. A display shelf for a few lightweight objects has a different purpose from a surface intended for regular use. Measure the available area and the objects you plan to place there, then select a project and mounting approach appropriate to the wall and intended load. The source examples do not specify universal weight limits or mounting hardware, so do not infer them from the word “shelf.”
Before you hang or build
- Confirm that the location is practical for the item’s everyday use and does not obstruct a door, walkway, or other furniture.
- Check the shelf’s instructions and the wall conditions before choosing its mounting method. If you cannot determine whether the wall or mounting approach is suitable, get qualified help rather than guessing.
- For a cubby or other storage piece, decide whether you are repurposing an existing item or making a new one. Reuse can reduce the number of new materials, but the piece still needs to suit the items it will hold.
- Keep the project decorative and small if you are a beginner. Do not turn shelf installation into wall alteration or structural repair.
The Home Depot labels shelf hanging a beginner project and lists an under-two-hour estimate on its guide page. Use that as a planning reference from the retailer, not a deadline. The time needed can depend on measuring, the wall, the mounting instructions, and whether you already have appropriate tools.
If the goal is simply to make a small room feel more organized, a cubby or existing storage piece may be a better fit than adding a new shelf. A shelf adds a surface; a cubby creates compartments. Choose based on what needs a home, rather than adding storage that becomes another place for clutter.
Also popular on Amazon
- 【All sizes of art brushes】: The 10 sizes of multi-functional brushes have various shapes, making the mixing color easier, which is very suitable for artists, students, teenagers, children and painters at all levels. Wonderful Present ideas for friends and family who like painting!
- 【general brush set】: Professional paint brush can meet all your needs. Multifunctional brush is very suitable for watercolor, oil, gouache, acrylic painting, body, nail, face painting, miniature, model, ceramics, arts and crafts painting, etc.
- 【high quality process】: It is designed with anti falling bristles, anti-rust nickel ferrule and solid wood handle. You can use the brush to focus on the painting and always be creative.
- 【easy to maintain】: After using the brush, it is very convenient to clean the brush with warm soapy water and reshape the tip of the brush. Air dry the brush and place it on top of the top for long use.
- 【100% satisfaction guarantee - buy now】1 packs of set brushes, you can also get friendly customer service, any questions feel free to contact us, within 24 hours to help you! There is no risk in buying our paint brush kit.
How do I refresh a simple bench or seating area?
A seating refresh can be as modest as adding cushions or as involved as covering a basic bench with fabric. Good Housekeeping describes adding backrests to a neutral seating area with cushions and adjustable curtain rods. Apartment Therapy’s example covers an upholstered bench with a blanket and a staple gun, a technique it presents for a basic furniture shape—not a universal solution for every seat.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFor the least involved change, try cushions first. They add softness and can make a neutral corner feel more inviting without changing the furniture. If you want a more substantial visual update, consider whether the bench’s shape is simple enough for a fabric cover. Curves, complex corners, loose components, or a piece that needs repair may make the project more difficult than the example suggests.
Decide how much of a refresh the furniture needs
- Inspect the piece. Look at its shape and condition. The cited blanket-and-staple-gun idea is for a basic furniture shape; it should not be generalized to complicated upholstery or furniture that needs repair.
- Choose between a loose layer and a fixed cover. Cushions or a blanket are easier to change than a permanently attached covering. A fixed fabric update is a more committed alteration and may not suit furniture you want to keep unchanged.
- Check the material and its intended use. Confirm that any fabric and method are appropriate for the furniture and follow instructions for the materials and tools. Do not assume a decorative blanket is designed for every upholstery application.
- Keep the work within your skill level. If the piece has complicated upholstery, damaged structure, or parts you cannot safely access, the simple example is no longer a reliable guide. Consider professional help or choose a less involved refresh.
Apartment Therapy reported that the blanket used in its cited bench example cost $20 in its 2023 article. That is the historical price of the example’s blanket, not a current price or a total project budget. The same article reported embellished wicker baskets typically costing $20 to $40 at the time; that figure is historical context, not a current price guide.
How can a plant stand or small decor detail make a room feel finished?
A plant stand creates a dedicated display point, while repurposed glassware can add color or personality to a shelf or tabletop. These are small-scale ways to change what a room draws the eye toward. Good Housekeeping’s 2026 roundup includes both a wood plant stand and repurposed colorful glassware.
Good Housekeeping reports a 45-minute build time for its wood plant stand example. Treat that as the publication’s estimate for that project, not a guarantee for a different stand, set of materials, or skill level. Before beginning, check the project’s actual instructions and confirm that the materials suit the intended use. The source roundup supports the idea as inspiration but does not establish a universal set of construction steps or material specifications.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallAlso popular on Amazon
- 【KIDS PAINT BRUSHES SET】Anezus paint brushes for kids come with 10 pcs paint brushes of 5pcs round paintbrushes and 5 flat paint brushes with colorful handles, good for the young artist to explore their creativity in painting and crafting
- 【HIGH QUALITY PAINT BRUSHES FOR KIDS】These toddler paint brushes made of soft hog bristle, bright colored handles and rust proof ferrules. The bristles are firmly fixed in the kids paint brushes and no shedding. Each children paint brush measure 6 1/4 inches (16cm) in length and ferrules 1/2"(1.3cm) diameter, large enough for the little hand to grip and control
- 【WIDE APPLICATIONS】With combination of round and flat craft paint brushes for kids, work great with washable paint, tempera paint and acrylic paint. Great for arts and craft, rock, leather, gesso and ceramic, or body, nail and face art painting.
- 【EASY TO CLEAN 】After using paint brushes for acrylic, oil or watercolor painting, it’s very convenient to clean them with warm soapy water and reshape the paint brush tips. Keep these craft paint brushes clean and they last a long time.
- 【GREAT GIFT IDEA】Perfect for students, teens, kids, children and painters of all levels. Wonderful gift idea for girls, boys and kids who love painting! These all-purpose paint brushes for kids are ideal for kids' school projects, birthday parties, painting parties, art parties, back to school supplies, classroom decoration and more.
For the quickest refresh, look at objects you already own before buying anything new. A colorful piece of glassware may work as a decorative accent, but check its condition and material compatibility before using it for a purpose beyond display. If you want to build a stand, consider the plant’s location, the stand’s footprint, and how the finished piece will be used. Do not treat an attractive display idea as proof that an item is safe for a particular load, surface, or environment.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What should beginners avoid doing themselves?
Keep casual beginner projects decorative and limited in scope. Ideal Home advises beginners to avoid structural repairs and projects involving complex wiring or plumbing. Those jobs can involve safety issues and consequences beyond the appearance of a room.
The Associated Press also reports that underestimated work, novice mistakes, and safety concerns can increase costs or make professional help appropriate. DIY may be rewarding—National Association of Realtors vice president of research Jessica Lautz told the AP, “It’s also done for the joy”—but enjoyment is not a reason to ignore a job’s risks or complexity.
Stop and seek qualified help if the work involves structural changes, complex electrical or plumbing systems, or a problem you cannot confidently assess. The same caution applies when a seemingly small project reveals damage or needs work beyond its original decorative scope. A paint shape, cushions, or a small decor refresh can be a better choice than taking on a repair you are not prepared to handle.
Recommended Free Tools
How can renters choose low-commitment home DIY ideas?
Renters should distinguish a visual idea from a permission-free project. Good Housekeeping calls its wall-to-wall painted headboard renter-friendly, but painting is still a change to a wall; the description does not guarantee a landlord will allow it or that the finish will be easy to reverse.
Also popular on Amazon
- 【162-Piece Bulk Set | Dual Brush System】Maximize versatility with 81 flat brushes (0.59 inch edge for bold strokes) and 81 round brushes (0.39 inch tips for details) – 3X more tools than standard kits! Pre-sorted in labeled compartments for instant access during painting sessions. Ideal for art classrooms, mural projects, and multi-artist households.
- 【Pro-Grade Durability | Zero Shedding Guarantee】 "Engineered with triple-crimped nylon bristles (43% higher resilience vs. standard) and aerospace aluminum ferrules tested for 10,000+ flex cycles. Lab-verified 0.01% shedding rate even with heavy impasto techniques – outperforms flimsy bristles in budget brushes."
- 【Multi-Scenario Readiness | Event & Daily Use】 Optimized for: Thanksgiving/Christmas face designs classroom projects ceramic decorating fabric printing and model painting; Lightweight plastic handles each reduce hand fatigue during prolonged sessions
- 【Effortless Maintenance | Long-Term Durability】 Clean with warm soapy water in 10 seconds; Reshape tips and air-dry vertically to preserve bristle integrity，After use, air-dry brushes thoroughly and store upright in the provided case to preserve bristle shape. The premium nylon filaments naturally regain their original form after each stroke. For cleaning, simply rinse in warm soapy water and gently reshape bristles with fingertips."
- 【Multiple Application】These acrylic paint brushes can be applied for most occasions,such as:watercolor,oil, gouache paint,face paint, acrylic paint, suitable for Thanks Giving Day, Christimas, Halloween face and body painting, canvas painting, fabric, rock, miniature, model, ceramics, arts and crafts painting, etc.
Check your lease and get permission when a project changes a permanent surface or involves installation. If the rules are unclear, choose a less committed alternative: arrange cushions to define a seating area, use an existing storage piece, or create a small display with objects you already have. A painted feature can be attractive, but the project should fit both the room and your rental agreement.
How do I keep a small DIY project manageable?
Set the project’s boundary before you start. Decide what you are changing, what the finished result needs to do, and what would make you pause. A project stays more manageable when it remains a paint design, a small storage addition, or a soft seating update rather than expanding into repairs or complex installations.
- Pick one outcome. For example: define the wall behind a bed, create a spot for a few everyday items, or make a plain bench more comfortable.
- Check the source of any time or cost estimate. The cited figures are tied to individual editorial examples. They do not establish what your own project will cost or how long it will take.
- Reuse where it makes sense. Existing cushions, decor, or storage may achieve the goal without introducing more materials. Reuse is an option, not a guarantee that an item is suitable for every use.
- Match the project to your permission and skill level. A renter’s painted wall and a homeowner’s wall still require attention to surface and project rules; complex systems and structural work belong outside a casual beginner project.
- Stop if the scope changes. A discovered repair, uncertain mounting condition, or unexpected complication is a reason to reassess—not to improvise beyond the project’s instructions.
There is no single DIY change that makes every home feel comfortable. The useful question is what one small adjustment would improve the way you use your own space. A carefully planned paint detail, a practical storage surface, or a simple seating refresh can make a room feel more considered while keeping the project at a sensible scale.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Frequently Asked Questions
Can I paint a headboard shape in a rented apartment?
Possibly, but the label “renter-friendly” does not replace checking your lease or getting permission. Ask the landlord if repainting or changes to the wall are restricted, and do not assume paint will remove cleanly without affecting the surface.
What is the easiest way to make a blank wall feel more personal?
A simple painted feature or a small arrangement of objects you already own can add a focal point without changing the room’s layout. If you choose paint, plan the placement first and use a level and suitable masking tape for designs that need straight edges.
Are DIY project time and cost estimates reliable for my home?
They are best treated as examples, not guarantees. The cited estimates describe particular editorial projects, and your materials, wall or furniture condition, tools, and experience can change both time and cost.
When should I hire a professional instead of doing a home project myself?
Consider qualified help for structural repairs, complex wiring or plumbing, or work whose risks or scope you cannot confidently assess. If a decorative project uncovers damage or expands into repair work, pause and reassess before continuing.
Quick Recap
