5. DIY Linen Bed Pillow Covers
Throw pillows are the jewelry of a bedroom, but a full set of designer pillows can easily cost more than your monthly rent. Making your own covers from washable linen is one of the smartest budget upgrades you can make, and no sewing machine is required.
Buy a few yards of washed linen by the yard. Look for a soft, slightly rumpled texture in colors that complement your bedding. To make an envelope-style cover, measure your pillow insert and add one inch to each side. Cut a rectangle, then cut a second piece for the back that’s a few inches shorter in height to create the envelope fold.
Hem the edges with iron-on hem tape, then attach the front and back pieces together right sides facing in, leaving one short side open. Flip the cover right side out and insert your pillow. The whole process takes about fifteen minutes per cover once you get into a rhythm.
Time required: about an hour for two covers. Difficulty: beginner-friendly. Cost: usually under $10 per cover, compared to $40 or more for store-bought versions. The slightly wrinkled, lived-in look of linen is very on-trend right now and adds instant warmth to a modern bedroom.