14 Home Improvement Projects You Can Do in a Day (or Less)

If you’re tired of looking at the pile of new light switches and cabinet knobs that you haven’t gotten around to replacing, it’s time to, well, make time to complete these tasks. Whether you have an hour or a whole day, you can tackle your never-ending to-do list of home improvement projects. 

With these 14 home improvement projects, you’ll spend less than a day making impressive impacts on every room of your house.

1. Set Up a Home Gym

You don’t need much time to make an inspiring, motivational, and functional space for a small home gym. Once you place your spin bike next to the window or your bench next to a mirror, you can add shelves, benches, or baskets to store items like resistance bands and dumbbells. 

Customize your gym to your interests by installing a ballet barre along the wall or a pull-up bar in the door. Finally, hang eye-catching prints and bring in a few plants to make the space more exciting.

2. Declutter

Decluttering is probably always on your mind, but it can be hard to get the energy to tackle that pile of your kids’ art projects and stashed receipts. But decluttering will breeze by once you start. Throw on your favorite podcast or a playlist of upbeat songs, and you’ll be well on your way. 

Start with rooms that seem to need the most help, and before you know it, you’ll have a pile of items ready for donation. 

3. Create a Coffee Station

Wouldn’t heading to work in the morning be a lot less painful if you had time to spend at your own cozy cafe beforehand? Creating a coffee bar will make pouring your cup of joe quick if you're in a rush, or it will set a serene scene before you head off to the office.

4. Hang Floating Shelves

If you think you’re running out of storage spaces, you simply need to think vertically. Installing shelves is a great way to add more space, and floating shelves are popular for a minimal, streamlined look. You can even make floating shelves with pallets and install them in just about one hour, although personalizing the shelves with wood stain or paint will take a little longer.

5. Install Dimmer Light Switches

Unwinding after a long day is easier with ambient lighting that isn’t so bright. Luckily, you can install a dimmer switch for just about any light in your home. Consider adding these switches to the living room to set a relaxing mood in your bedroom to adjust when you’re trying to read a book in bed.

Before starting this project, you should have an understanding of wattage and bulb compatibility. You’ll also need to know how to disconnect and properly reconnect wires. If you’re unsure about handling these electrical components, call a local electrician to help you safely install the new switches.

6. Anchor Furnishings

Some projects are less visually exciting than, say, repainting your dining room chairs or setting up a coffee nook. That means these projects can also fall to the bottom of your list of things to do, even if they are important for safety. 

Learn how to anchor furniture, which can prevent it from falling onto you, kids, or pets. It’s an especially important task for those living in earthquake-prone zones. 

7. Replace Kitchen Cabinet Knobs and Drawer Pulls

Sure, a kitchen remodel can take weeks, but there are plenty of simple upgrades you can do in a matter of a few hours. Replace kitchen hardware, like knobs on the cabinets or handles on drawers, in just one to two hours. This easy project can give your whole kitchen a refreshed look.

8. Swap Out the Showerhead

You don’t need to tear out your shower to give yourself a spa experience. Just upgrading to a shiny, new showerhead can improve your washing experience. Choose the best showerhead for you, and then you’ll need only about 30 minutes to replace the old one. Enjoy scrubbing up, dancing, and singing in the shower once again.

9. Paint Furniture

You love the heirloom dining room set your grandmother gave you, but it doesn’t quite suit your decor. You can give any old furniture a facelift within a few hours and some cans of your favorite paint colors. After you paint the furniture, you will need an extra day or so of drying time.

10. Restore Your Leather Sofa

Leather sofas can add an upscale look to any room—that is, until the leather begins to crack and wear down. The strong afternoon sunlight coming through the window or even your sweat can wear down leather upholstery. Depending on the extent of the damage, you can restore leather sofas that have faded or cracked with some leather cleaning solution, leather conditioner, microfiber cloths, and a few extra items.

11. Upholster a Headboard

Headboards are a focal point for bedrooms, so if you’re bored with your sleeping quarters, consider upholstering the headboard. This project takes only a few hours, and you don’t have to be an expert in sewing to complete this project.

12. Craft a Bath Towel Ladder

Your plush, monogrammed bath towels deserve a better life than hiding away on some back-of-the-door hook. Put them on full display with a handmade bath towel ladder, which will also add visual impact to your bathroom.

13. Put in a New Bathroom Sink

To make some progress toward your bathroom remodel, consider taking a day to put in a new sink. This project actually takes about five hours or less—not counting the endless hours you spend picking out the perfect sink—and will make a major impact in your bathroom. 

Just be sure you know your way around the plumbing, as you’ll need to know how to shut off the main water supply, detach the P-trap, seal the gasket, and reconnect the new sink. If you are unsure of what any of that means, this project is best left to a local sink installation professional.

14. Buff Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors can start to show some wear and tear over time, but keeping up with buffing out smaller scuffs and scratches can keep the floors in good condition. Fortunately, buffing isn’t as difficult or time-consuming as sanding down wood floors. To buff hardwood floors, you’ll need six hours or less, depending on the size of the room.