Budget-Friendly DIY Living Room upgrade for under $100
If you’re looking for a simple, budget-friendly way to add character to your living room—this one’s for you. I recently gave mine a subtle upgrade using PVC shoe moulding, and the transformation was exactly what the space needed.
This is a great beginner-friendly project and perfect if you want to dip your toes into trim work without investing in heavy-duty tools or complicated materials.
before
after:
Materials I Used:
- PVC Shoe Moulding
- Wood filler
- Caulk
- Painters Tape
- Paint – I used leftover builder-grade Modern Gray by Sherwin-Williams
- 2″ Brad Nails
Tools You’ll Need: (everything is linked here)
- Laser level + regular level
- Brad Nailer
- Nail Punch
- Tape measure
- Miter saw (or use a hand miter cutter for $21.98 — perfect for this lightweight PVC moulding!)
💡 The Process:
Step 1: Tape off where you want your pieces and measure everything twice before making any cuts. I have tall ceilings so for reference, my measurements were:
Step 2: Use a laser level to keep your lines consistent around the room—it’s a game-changer.
Step 3: Start by cutting a spacer piece out of scrap moulding—this will save you tons of time. I used a 5” spacer to keep the gap consistent between the baseboards and between each section of trim, so I didn’t have to measure every single time.
Next, cut your angles at 45 degrees. You can use a miter saw or hand snips—this lightweight PVC is super easy to cut. Not ready for power tools? A simple hand miter cutter works great for this kind of trim.
TIP: To keep your lengths consistent, stack a few pieces together, tape them with painter’s tape, and mark your cut line with a pencil. It’s a quick trick that really speeds things up.
And don’t stress if your corners aren’t perfect—a little caulk goes a long way in cleaning things up and giving you a smooth, professional finish.
Step 4: Nail — since this is lightweight PVC, I used 2″ brad nails. Don’t be scared of using one, it will make your life so much easier. The first time I did picture frame moulding my husband convinced me I didn’t need one and it took me FOREVER. Now, I use my brad nauler for almost every project. So much less sweating involved.
Step 5: Fill any seams or gaps with wood filler and caulk for a smooth, finished look. Use your finger to press the caulk into the joints, then wipe away any excess with a damp cloth before it dries—especially if it gets on the moulding or wall.
TIP: You may need a nail punch to gently tap in any brad nails that didn’t sink all the way—especially if you’re working with harder surfaces. A little extra effort here makes your finish look flawless!
Step 6: Paint to match your walls or trim. I used Modern Gray from Sherwin-Williams in flat, which I already had on hand.
💰 Total Cost:
This whole project came in under $100, including all materials and optional tools. If you already have a few basics like caulk or paint, it’s even less!
It’s amazing what just a little trim detail can do—it instantly made my living room feel more finished and elevated. And the best part? It’s all super beginner-friendly.
✨ Follow along for more DIY projects and home details over at @latticeandluxe!
