The 12 Best Cold-Weather DIY Projects to Do

The cold weather may keep you inside, but it doesn't have to slow you down when it comes to home improvement projects. Whether you dream of a large home remodeling project or some small upgrades to your space, here are 12 of the best cold-weather DIY projects to focus on this winter.

1 / 12
shutterstock_658288114 finish attic diy projects
PlusONE/Shutterstock

Finish the Attic

If you have the space and the time, tackle that attic remodel you’ve been dreaming about. Turn your space into a playroom, the ultimate man cave, an extra bedroom or just a quiet retreat.

Photo: PlusONE/Shutterstock

2 / 12
shutterstock_686348935 organized closet
AlesiaKan/Shutterstock

Give Your Closet a Makeover

Use the weather as an excuse to get your closet organized for good. Build a low-cost custom closet complete with drawers, shelves and a rack for hanging clothes.

Photo: AlesiaKan/Shutterstock

3 / 12
shutterstock_551801428 paint the wall
Stokkete/Shutterstock

Add Some Color

Goodbye drab, hello fab. Painting is one of the best DIY projects for big impact. Now is the time to update that room with a hot new color. Try a green in your bathroom or add black as a dramatic accent wall in your living room or bedroom.

Photo: Stokkete/Shutterstock

4 / 12
shutterstock_41905756 mudroom lockers
pics721/Shutterstock

Organize the Mudroom

Make messy a thing of the past. There are plenty of ways to organize your mudroom or entryway. This is a good way to repurpose some pieces you may already have and transform them into a great storage solution to keep dirty shoes and all those jackets and bags in order.

Photo: pics721/Shutterstock

5 / 12
FH98DJA_01234LEAD bookcase with rolling ladder
Family Handyman

Build a Bookcase

A floor-to-ceiling bookcase will add some class to your living room, office or den. The design can be adjusted to fit your space and style. DIY projects like this become an instant focal point in any room.

6 / 12
shutterstock_116518936 install tile backsplash
Brian Chase/Shutterstock

Install a Backsplash

Add a tile backsplash to your kitchen for a new look. Depending on the size of your space and the tile you choose, you may be able to complete this project for a $100 or less.

Photo: Brian Chase/Shutterstock

7 / 12
shutterstock_580574560 bathroom remodel update
CapturePB/Shutterstock

Update Your Bathroom

Whether you dream of a total bathroom renovation or just a new vanity, there are plenty of DIY bathroom remodeling projects you can tackle during the colder months. Retiling the shower, upgrading the sink or even just replacing the faucet will add new life to the room.

Photo: CapturePB/Shutterstock

8 / 12
shutterstock_425002525 install laminate hardwood floors
2xSamara.com/Shutterstock

Tackle Flooring

That living room carpet lived a good life, but perhaps it’s time for an upgrade. Cold weather is the best time to tackle flooring projects, such as laying tile, installing hardwood or replacing the laminate.

Photo: 2xSamara.com/Shutterstock

9 / 12
shutterstock_63069544 organized hand tools
Carlos Caetano/Shutterstock

Declutter and Reorganize

Probably every room in the house could use a little decluttering and reorganizing. Try organizing your basement workbench, add some shelving to your laundry room or get rid of all those old paper files you no longer need in your home office.

Photo: Carlos Caetano/Shutterstock

10 / 12
shutterstock_73540969 start your garden plants
withGod/Shutterstock

Start Your Garden

Get a head start on the growing season by starting your plants indoors. Set aside some space and grab some clean containers and seed packets—your garden will thank you come spring.

Photo: withGod/Shutterstock

11 / 12
shutterstock_367966736 photo memories
IVA SHstudio/Shutterstock

Sort Through Old Photos

Go through all those old photographs you’ve been shoving away in the closet and get them organized. Pick out some favorites to put in frames and hang in a gallery wall. DIY projects like this are so satisfying to check off of your to-do list.

Photo: IVA SHstudio/Shutterstock

12 / 12
Family Handyman

Rethink Your Kitchen Organization

Now’s a good time to go through your pantry, cabinets and drawers to toss anything that’s expired and needs to be replaced. Try adding some cabinet rollouts for more storage space.

Rachel Brougham
Rachel Brougham spent years working in newsrooms, for television and newspapers, and has won several awards for her writing. In 2015, she left her full-time job as a newspaper editor to focus on freelance writing and editing. She has been a Family Handyman contributor since 2017.
In 2019, Rachel lived through a major remodeling project on her home, and she uses that experience to inform her Family Handyman content. She's also an avid gardener (both native plants and vegetables), enjoys keeping up with decor trends and spends a lot of time traveling, cooking and hanging out with her family and their giant dog.