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This post is all about where to splurge vs save on home decor and furniture.
Picture this: You’re building your dream home, and it’s almost complete! You’re nearing the end of construction, and now it’s time to start selecting and ordering furniture and decor for your home.
It is important to start thinking about this ahead of time because pieces like furniture, area rugs, artwork, and accessories can have long lead times, arrive later than expected, or even show up damaged.
Having everything ordered and ready to go for move-in day will make your life so much easier.
This part of the process can be so overwhelming! Many clients have come to me for this service alone because furnishing and styling an entire home is a lot of work! Beyond figuring out sizing, space planning, fabrics, and all the other details, it’s easy to feel stuck when trying to stay within budget and decide where to splurge vs. save.
Everyone’s definition of “splurge” and “save” is different, and it all comes down to what matters most to you.
In this post, I’ll go room by room and share my recommendations on where I suggest investing versus scaling back. Think of this as a guide; a starting point to help you create your own splurge vs. save list of essentials.
where to Splurge Vs. Save: Room by room
Room #1: Entry
Your entry is the first thing people see when they walk into your home, so you want it to make a lasting impression.
Here are my suggestions on where to splurge vs. save:
Splurge
Console Table or Bench:
These are your main furniture pieces in this area, so choose something that will stand the test of time. Consider what’s most practical for your lifestyle and the size of your space. Your console could be simple, with a flat tabletop and open legs, or something with drawers and doors for extra storage. If storage isn’t a priority, a bench is a great alternative. It provides a spot to sit while putting shoes on and off, and can double as a surface for bags or decor. Either way, this is a piece worth splurging on since it becomes the foundation for everything else in the space.
Area Rug:
Because the entry is a high-traffic area, durability is key. Look for rugs made from strong, resilient fibers that can handle wear and still look beautiful. Wool is always a great choice because it wears well, naturally repels dirt, and has excellent bounce-back.
Artwork:
This one could go either way, but for the sake of this post, I’m placing it in the splurge category. The artwork you choose here sets the tone for your home and acts as a focal point. I recommend going oversized for a more elevated look and choosing a frame that complements your style. If you’re looking to save, you can absolutely print your own art or find affordable digital downloads and use budget-friendly frames.
Save
Mirror:
Mirrors are perfect for entryways. They not only let you take one last glance before heading out 😉 But they also make the space feel brighter and larger as light reflects off the glass. Since this is an item you might want to swap out over time, find something beautiful yet budget-friendly.
Accessories:
Think vases, bowls, lamps, throw pillows, and small decorative pieces. These are easy to change seasonally or as your style evolves, so save here and have fun mixing things up.
Room #2: Kitchen
Your kitchen is the heart of the home.
In this space, you’re most likely already splurging on cabinetry, countertops, hardware, lighting, and appliances. But since we’re focusing on furnishings and decor, here are my suggestions on where to splurge vs. save.
Splurge
Counter Stools:
Invest in quality counter stools that can handle everyday life. These are some of the most-used pieces of furniture in a home. Almost everyone gathers around the kitchen island, so durability and comfort matter.
Look for stools with sturdy construction and performance materials that are easy to clean. If you have young kids, vinyl or high-performance fabrics are your best friends. I also love pieces that feel substantial because a heavier frame helps prevent tipping or scratching.
Save
Runner Rugs:
Save here! While kitchen runners are in high-traffic areas, they don’t take quite the beating that entry rugs do. Many people use them simply for comfort underfoot or as a decorative accent. Because they’re smaller and easier to swap out, it makes sense to save and change them seasonally or when your style evolves.
Accessories:
Once again, save on accessories! Keep your look elevated with a few thoughtful touches, such as bowls, vases, or trays. If you want to splurge just a little, do it with cookbooks. They’re both practical and beautiful, and they make great styling pieces for your countertops or open shelves. Choose titles you actually use or ones with covers that complement your kitchen palette.
Room #3: Living Room
Your living room is where you want to feel both relaxed and inspired. It’s a space to unwind, entertain, and truly feel at home.
Here’s what I recommend when it comes to splurging vs. saving:
Splurge
Sofas, Sectionals, and Accent Chairs:
This one’s a non-negotiable for me. Investing in a high-quality sofa or sectional is something you will never regret. Think about the wear and tear these pieces endure, like daily lounging, naps, pets, and guests. They need to stand the test of time. Look for performance fabrics that are durable and easy to clean. If you have pets or kids, this is especially important. Comfort should also be a top priority. Everyone’s idea of “comfortable” is different, so sit on it before buying whenever possible. If you’re going custom, even better. Many manufacturers let you choose not only the fabric but also the fill (like down or foam density), so you can truly tailor your comfort level.
Coffee Table:
Your coffee table acts as a grounding piece and is the anchor that all your seating orbits around. It can also serve as a focal point, so choose something that’s both durable and visually balanced with your other furniture.
Area Rug:
Since your living room is a heavily used space, it’s worth investing in a quality rug that’s durable and easy to clean. A great rug anchors the room and helps everything feel cohesive. If this doesn’t concern you, you can most definitely choose to save.
If you are saving, choose an area rug with a pattern or darker tone to help hide wear and tear. Whichever way you go, I always recommend investing in a nice quality rug pad. This will protect your floors from any spills, leaks through or scratches, it prevents slipping, it prevents any ripples from furniture moving the rug around, and it feels softer on your feet.
Artwork:
Artwork sets the tone for the entire space. Go oversized when possible and choose colors and textures that tie your palette together. A statement piece here can elevate the whole room.
Save
End Tables/Accent tables:
Save here. These don’t take as much daily wear as your seating, and there are plenty of affordable, stylish options available.
Ottomans:
Ottomans can serve both decorative and functional purposes. If yours is purely for style, save. But if you plan to use it as extra seating or a coffee table alternative, consider investing in something sturdy and upholstered in a high-performance fabric.
Throw Pillows and Blankets:
One of the easiest ways to refresh your living room! Splurge on good-quality pillow inserts, but save on the covers. The covers are easy to swap out seasonally or when you want a new look.
Tip: Choose covers with zippers for easy removal and washing. As for throw blankets, they are both decorative and practical. You don’t need to overspend. Just choose something comfy, cozy, and beautiful that coordinates with your home’s aesthetic.
Accessories:
Save on accessories, too! Again, you can always swap these out, especially seasonally. If there’s ever a place to splurge on a statement piece, the living room is a great choice since it’s the heart of the home and seen by everyone.
Room #4: dining Room
Your dining room is a space meant for gathering with loved ones to enjoy a home-cooked meal. It’s also one of the most overlooked rooms when it comes to furnishing and styling.
Here’s what I recommend when it comes to splurging vs. saving in your dining room:
Splurge
Dining Table and Chairs:
These are the focal points of your dining room and the pieces that will get the most use. Meals happen in this room which can means spills, scratches, and movement, so durability is key. Invest in a well-made dining table that can withstand daily use and still look beautiful over time. For chairs, think back to what I mentioned with counter stools and choose a high-performance, wipeable fabric, especially if you have kids or plan to host often. Comfort and longevity are worth the splurge here.
Artwork:
Because this is a space for entertaining, artwork can elevate the entire room. Opt for a statement piece that ties in your color palette or reflects the mood you want to create during gatherings. Oversized art works really well here because it acts as a visual anchor on the wall and makes a lasting impression.
Save
Area Rug:
You can save on an area rug in this space. Yes, this can be a high-traffic area, but you are really only in this space during meals. Consider choosing a budget-friendly rug with a pattern to help disguise any spills, spots, or crumbs. The area rug mainly acts as an anchor piece. It grounds the dining table and chairs so they don’t look like they are floating in the room. Don’t forget to invest in a quality rug pad to protect your floors and keep the rug in place.
Dinnerware:
This one could go either way for homes. If you love switching up your table settings seasonally or using your table more decoratively when it’s not in use, affordable dinnerware makes this easy and fun. There are so many good budget-friendly options for beautiful dinnerware. But, if you are someone who loves to host and hosts often, then you might see the value in investing in high-quality dinnerware made from porcelain or stoneware. These pieces avoid any chipping. They also provide a special feeling when you use them because they are often sentimental pieces and ones you use for years and years.
Accessories:
Keep it simple here. The dining room doesn’t need much beyond your main furniture and table styling, so it’s an ideal area to save. If you have a passion for displaying beautiful dishware or decorative plates, that could be your splurge moment. Otherwise, minimal accessories will keep the space feeling intentional and uncluttered.
Room #5: Primary Bedroom
Your primary bedroom should be your sanctuary. It is a place to unwind, recharge, and feel at peace after a long day. Investing in the right pieces can make all the difference and ensure a restful night’s sleep.
Here’s where I recommend splurging vs. saving in your bedroom:
Splurge
Bed:
Your bed is the centerpiece of your bedroom and is important for obvious reasons. It is the place where you sleep and spend much of your life in, so in my eyes, it is well worth the investment. You could definitely find beautiful, budget-friendly options, save here as well, but you’ll often notice a real difference in quality, construction, and longevity when you splurge on a well-made piece.
Mattress:
This is something you should absolutely invest in! There is no doubt about that. A good mattress impacts not only your sleep, but your overall health and mood. Yes, you want your bed to look beautiful, but comfort and support should come first. Investing in a high-quality mattress is one of the best decisions you can make for your well-being.
Nightstands:
These are furniture pieces that help visually anchor your space and serve as functional pieces in the room. Because they’re used daily, it’s worth choosing something solid and well-constructed that will hold up over time.
Save
Area Rug:
I would save on an area rug in your primary bedroom. Your bedroom typically isn’t a high-traffic area, so the rugs main purpose really is just to ground the furniture and add some softness under your feet. You can find many affordable options that still feel plush and elevated. You just want something that is comfortable when you step out of bed in the morning.
Artwork:
Saving on artwork in your bedroom can be a good idea because, if your bedroom is tucked away and mostly private, it makes sense to save. But, if your bedroom is visible from a main area of your home, or you love waking up to something inspiring and beautiful, you can consider investing in a statement art piece that you love.
Bedding:
This is controversial! For some, luxurious bedding is a non-negotiable because it can contribute to a restful night’s sleep, but for others (like me) like to switch things up from time to time, so investing in something like this is not a priority and makes more sense to save here. You can still create a beautiful layered look if you decide to save.
Throw Pillows, Accessories, and Lamps:
These are easy and interchangeable which makes them the perfect pieces to save on. If you keep your bedding neutral, you can completely change the look and mood of your space with different pillows, lamps, and decorative accents over time.
Room #6: Primary Bathroom
Let’s not forget about your primary bathroom! Just like your bedroom, this space should feel calming and restorative. It’s where you unwind at the end of the day and start fresh each morning, so why not make it feel spa-like?
Here’s where I recommend splurging vs. saving in your bathroom:
Splurge
Teakwood Bench:
This is great for a shower. They are durable, water-resistant, and give you a high-end look. You could also use one as a small side table next to a free-standing bathtub for a beautiful, yet functional touch.
Towels:
You use towels every single day, so you might as well invest in high-quality ones. Soft towels not only feel luxurious, but they can also double as a decorative element when they are displayed in a beautiful, neat way.
Mirrors:
Mirrors act as a focal point, so choosing something durable and beautiful is an easy way to add character and elevate your bathroom.
Artwork:
In a bathroom, your materials and fixtures are really going to take center stage, but to add some color and life to your already beautiful space, invest in beautiful framed artwork or photography to tell a story.
Save
Soap Dishes, Trays, and Dispensers:
these are things you can easily change up from time to time when you want a refresh. Keep them cohesive with their color, material, and texture. There are many affordable options that look high-end.
Rugs:
You might want a runner or small rug in front of your vanity, shower, or tub. Since this is not a high-traffic area, I would save here. But you do want to consider moisture, so use a mesh rug pad underneath to protect your floors and prevent slipping.
Accessories:
I know I sound like a broken record at this point, but accessories are always a great way to save. Some simple accessories you might want to use in your primary bathroom are candles to create a spa-like ambiance from the flickering flame, vases with some faux greenery, and decorative trays to store jewelry or anchor your soap dishes and dispensers.
Room #7: Office
And last but not least, your office space!
If you work from home, this space is so important. You want it to be functional, but also beautiful. Your workspace should make you feel motivated and inspired. Because when things look good, they really do help you feel more creative and productive.
Here’s where I recommend splurging vs. saving in your home office:
Splurge
Desk:
You’ll spend hours working here, so your desk should be both durable and functional. But, you also want it to look good, too. Choose a design that fits your workflow and complements your home’s aesthetic.
Chair:
Having a comfortable chair that you have to sit in for hours upon hours is a must. You’re sitting for long periods of time, so it is important to prioritize ergonomics and posture. A high-quality chair will save your back (and neck!) in the long run.
Artwork:
Since most office furniture is practical, artwork is your chance to bring personality and style into the space. Investing in a high-quality piece can make the room feel more curated and inspiring.
Save
Area Rug:
Save here! It’s typically just you in the space, and the rug won’t see much wear. Choose something affordable that adds softness and visual warmth without needing to be heavy-duty.
Accessories:
Accessorize thoughtfully, and save while doing it. Your office is a space you’ll want to refresh occasionally to keep things feeling new and inspiring. Small changes like trays, vases, picture frames, planters, or bookends can make a big impact without a big spend.
Accent Lighting:
Save on decorative lighting such as sconces or task lamps. These can add warmth and style but don’t necessarily need to be high-end. You’ll likely rely on your overhead lighting most of the time anyway.
If you haven’t noticed the theme throughout this post, the goal is to splurge on your larger, anchor furniture pieces, and save on the smaller, interchangeable elements like accessories.
No matter your budget, your design vision doesn’t have to be sacrificed. With a thoughtful approach, you can still achieve a similar elevated look and feel, no matter where you decide to splurge or save.
This post was all about where to splurge vs. save on home decor and furniture.
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