"By no means do you need to splurge on every single item in your home to design a place that’s beautiful and reflects who you are. We’re big proponents of snagging deals when you can or even finding cheaper solutions you can DIY. That said, when a higher price tag means a better quality piece that’ll last you for years, it’s worth investing a little more. So which home items should you spend a little more on and where is it worth cutting back? Figuring out how to allocate your decorating budget can feel like a puzzle. We spoke to design experts to determine which home items are worth investing in and where you should save your cash. Here’s how to get the most for your money when decorating your home:
Splurge On: Your Sofa
For something you’ll use as often as a sofa, spending a little more can go a long way. You’ll want to choose a comfortable, high-quality sofa that can last you through years of lounging, hosting friends, and couch-rotting. Cheaper options are often lacking in comfort and durability, so it’s a good idea to purchase the best quality sofa your budget will allow. When it comes to choosing a specific style, interior designer Patrice Stephens has some additional tips. “It would need to be a timeless piece that isn’t trendy and will carry you through the years,” she explained. But that doesn’t mean your overall setup has to look bland. “Adding textiles will help in changing up the vibe, and you can for sure go a little trendier there,” Stephens added.
Save On: Accent Furniture
Accent pieces like side tables and nightstands don’t receive nearly as much use as the major furniture components in the room, so it’s a good idea to save your budget in this category. This rule can even extend to accent chairs that you don’t sit in very often. If it’s mostly just for style purposes or something you only use on occasion, you can find plenty of affordable options that’ll work just as well as more expensive pieces.
Splurge On: Area Rugs
Trying to save a little money by opting for a smaller-sized area rug is one of the most common design mistakes I see people make. A rug that’s too small for the space can make the whole room look awkward and cheap. So when I say you should splurge on rugs, I don’t mean you need to spend thousands on a fancy hand-tufted one. There are plenty of affordable rug options out there with beautiful, high-quality designs. But when it comes to choosing a size, definitely leave room in your budget to purchase one that’s big enough for your space.
Save On: Artwork
Unless you’re really passionate about art, there’s no need to spend a pretty penny on that one-of-a-kind piece (at least not quite yet). There are plenty of other options that will be friendlier to your budget. “Original art can be very expensive, and while I definitely think that, at some point, investing in art is the move, beautiful art absolutely does not have to be expensive,” design influencer Hattie Kolp said. “My favorite hack is to download art for free on a museum website like the Met, then have it printed on canvas. It gives it a textured look that is pretty convincing!” You can also find affordable art at retailers like Target, Amazon, and Etsy. With these tactics, you can easily create an entire gallery wall for less than the cost of one pricey piece.
Splurge On: Statement Light Fixtures
“Lighting sets the tone for a room, and a beautiful light fixture above can have a big impact, so that’s where I splurge,” design influencer Hannah Hamburger said. If you’re swapping out light fixtures that are hard-wired in (like a chandelier for your dining room or pendants over your kitchen island), it makes sense to spend a bit more on something you’ll love for years to come. However, Hamburger also noted that lighting can be a prime category in which to save. Though she shells out more for statement pieces, she spends less on table and floor lamps, which are easier to switch out.
Save On: Decorative Accessories
Trust me: No one is going to be able to tell the difference between a $20 vase and one that costs $200. “Save on easily replaced accessories such as lamps, decorative items, throw pillows, and any trendy items that you will eventually tire of once the trend is over,” interiors photographer Linda Holt advised. There’s no need to spend a huge chunk of change on accessories that are just for display or that you might want to swap out seasonally. Thrift stores and retailers like HomeGoods or Target are excellent resources for scoring these types of accents for a low price.
Splurge On: A Mattress
According to sleep experts, a mattress can last up to 10 years, so aim to choose one you’ll be comfortable sleeping on for the next decade. A good quality mattress is an investment in your sleep, which we all know is vital to your overall health and wellness. I can personally attest that an amazing mattress makes all the difference—I’ve had mine for the past eight years, and while it was a bit of a splurge upfront, I can’t imagine parting with it anytime soon. It’s truly the comfiest and has moved with me to five different apartments!
Splurge On: Your Bed Frame
After you find the perfect mattress, go ahead and tackle the next item on your list: a bed frame. “Your bed is the main focal point of your bedroom, so you want to invest in a beautiful frame,” design influencer Lidia Salazar said. Quality is also key here—you don’t want something that squeaks or wobbles when you get into bed. In terms of style, think carefully about which styles will prove most versatile in the long run should your aesthetic change in a few years’ time. You can’t go wrong with a classic upholstered bed in a neutral color or a sleek frame made from solid wood.
Splurge On: Pieces You Love
This is your home after all, so you should fill it with pieces that you truly love and that bring you joy. If that means spending a little extra on that furniture item you’ve had your eye on for months, then so be it! As long as you’re still operating within your budget, consider it an investment in your happiness and buy the thing you love.
Sarah Lyon, Contributing Beauty & Lifestyle Writer
Sarah Lyon is a freelance writer and interior design enthusiast who currently lives in New York City. Her work focuses primarily on design and lifestyle topics ranging from decorating tips to beauty advice to travel guides.
Jessica Friedhoff, Senior Lifestyle Editor
Jessica Friedhoff is the Senior Lifestyle Editor at The Everygirl, where she oversees the Home & Living category of the site. She writes and edits stories across a broad range of topics including decorating, food, entertaining, travel, and more. With a pulse on the latest trends, she uses her eye for detail and design to create timely, inspiring content for our readers. Jessica also holds a certificate in interior design from the New York Institute of Art + Design.