DIY Church Set Design: How to Create Stunning and Functional Set Designs for Your Church

Creating an impactful church set design doesn’t always have to be expensive or complicated. In fact, with the right approach, you can turn your church’s set into a powerful visual experience that enhances the worship atmosphere. Davi Lema, the production manager and scenic designer for SALT 2024, teamed up with Chris Kulow to create a set inspired by wonder and curiosity—proving that with a little creativity, simple materials can go a long way in transforming your space.

Key Elements of a Creative Church Set Design:

1. Using LED Panels in Unique Ways
   LEDs are often used as backdrops or simple lighting elements, but in the SALT 2024 set, the team wanted to push the boundaries. Instead of using the LEDs traditionally, they incorporated them into the design as more of a scenic element and lighting fixture. They created Gothic-style window panels with diffusion on the front, which softened the LED content, giving it the appearance of frosted glass. This innovative use of LED screens can inspire your next DIY church set design, allowing you to create stunning visual effects without overloading on technology.
2. Utilizing Simple Materials
   Church set designs don’t need to be complex or costly. Davi and Chris relied on basic materials like 3/4-inch plywood, PVC, and twin-wall polycarbonate (or Lexan) to build the key components of the set. By focusing on simple, readily available materials, you can achieve professional-looking results without breaking your church’s budget.
3. Adding Texture for Depth
   The team also focused on bringing out the natural textures of the space—like the brick wall behind the stage—adding layers to create depth and visual interest. Whether you’re working with brick, wood, or fabric, finding ways to incorporate texture into your set design can enhance its visual impact and create a more dynamic atmosphere for your worship services.
4. DIY Set Design for Flexibility and Creativity
   One of the standout features of this set design was its flexibility. Davi and Chris kept the materials simple and effective while ensuring the design could be easily modified and adapted to fit the SALT’s unique needs. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for a DIY church set or want to customize a look that reflects your church’s vision, starting with the basics—materials, texture, and lighting—can set you on the right path.

Tips for Building Your Own Church Set:

• Keep it Simple: Your set design doesn’t need to be overly complicated. Focus on the materials you already have and work with textures that can create depth and interest.
• Play with Lighting: Don’t just use LED screens for graphics and lyrics. Get creative by using them as architectural elements or with diffusion to soften the light.
• Incorporate DIY Elements: Use simple tools and materials—wood, PVC, and polycarbonate—to build functional set pieces that look great without costly installation or fabrication.

If you’re looking for church set design inspiration, remember that a little creativity and a good plan can transform your church space into something spectacular. Whether you’re designing a stage for a big event or just need a new look for your worship services, these DIY tips can help you build a set that stands out and enhances the worship experience.

Looking for more great resources and learning for you and your team? Join us at SALT Conference this year!