So, you’ve moved into your new rental and are ready to make it your own. You scroll through online stores, adding things to your cart left and right. When you go to check out, you see the subtotal and slam your laptop shut. The decorations you want are too pricey.
Decorating your home can be a fun experience, but it can also be expensive. Part of the art of making your place feel like home is pinpointing the items that are worth the money and the items you can find cheaper. Here are our recommendations of five items to splurge on and five items to save on when decorating your place.
Splurge
If you’re anything like me, you hate shelling out a bunch of money for furniture and housewares when there are cheaper alternatives. However, you get what you pay for, and there are a few staple items that are worth the money. Investing in higher quality for bigger purchases will keep you from buying replacements every few years, saving you more money in the long run.
Couch
The difference between a cheap couch and a more expensive couch is clear. Higher-quality couches often have a solid wood frame, higher seat cushion foam density, and upholstery fabric that’s less likely to pill. A cheap couch will start to lose its shape after only a few years, but a good-quality couch can last for 15 years if taken care of. A little extra money will give you more comfort and longevity, allowing for more cozy movie nights.
Bedding
A mattress, main pillows, and bedsheets are all important factors in a good night’s rest, so the extra money is worth it. Make sure you go to a mattress store and test out different mattresses and pillows to find the perfect one. As for bedsheets, a higher thread count will be softer and last longer. A thread count of 200 is a good baseline, but go to a store to feel the sheets yourself and make a decision.
Vacuum
A high-quality vacuum will make cleaning your rental much quicker and easier. A good vacuum cleaner has a better filtration system and can last much longer than a cheap vacuum cleaner if cared for properly. A good vacuum doesn’t have to cost a fortune; you’ll see a major difference between the performance of a $20 vacuum and an $80 vacuum.
Kitchen appliances
Splurge on a few staple appliances like a toaster, a coffee maker, and a stand mixer. High-quality kitchen appliances are practical and never go out of style, so invest in a few items you can use for years.
Statement décor
What’s work without a little play? Bigger décor pieces are worth the money, especially if they have a story. I love finding wall art at artist markets because I can support an independent artist and grab some new décor to freshen up my apartment. Handmade art is always more expensive, but a one-of-a-kind piece is priceless.
Save
Throw pillows and blankets
Throw pillows and blankets will be cute and comfy no matter how much you spend, so you can save money by buying cheaper items. Throw pillows and blankets are also often on sale, especially if they feature seasonal patterns.
Rugs
Unless you plan on deep cleaning your rugs weekly, they’ll get dirty quickly. Like throw pillows and blankets, a rug will look good regardless of how much you spend.
Dishes and glassware
You can save on dishes and glassware for two reasons: first, the quality will be about the same regardless of where you get them, and second, they can break easily regardless of quality. Ceramic dishes and glassware with thick glass can be found at any price point, so you don’t have to sacrifice quality for a lower price. I’ve found that thrift stores often sell high-quality glassware sets for a fraction of what I would pay at a big box store.
Side tables
Since side tables and nightstands aren’t the focal points of a room, small and simple tables can do the job. They also likely won’t hold excessive weight, so high-quality materials aren’t necessary. You can find cheap side tables that fit your style and save money for other things in your home.
Small décor
Since small decorations aren’t functional housewares like bedding or an electric mixer, they don’t need to be top-of-the-line to look good. Decorations go in and out of style, so splurging on trinkets may not be the best idea when you can get a trendy look without spending a fortune. You can save on wall art by ordering prints and framing them yourself. Discount stores sell tabletop decorations like vases and coffee table books that will look like you splurged, and seasonal candles are often on sale.
Decorating your place can be expensive, but the key is to pick and choose when to splurge. Save on smaller décor that won’t withstand daily wear and tear and splurge on large items that serve a functional purpose. Knowing when to be thrifty when decorating your home will give you more leeway to invest in bigger pieces that make your rental look luxurious.
