Choosing the right home items can be trickyโsplurge or save? In this guide, Iโm sharing which pieces are worth investing in for lasting comfort, durability, and style, and which ones you can grab on a budget without sacrificing quality. Letโs get smart with our spending!
Home Items that are Always Worth the Splurge
Splurging doesnโt always mean picking the most expensive option! Some items earn their spot in the higher price tier because they truly perform, but weโve all seen pricey things that just donโt live up to the hype. (Looking at you, ugly, overpriced “collectible” sneakers!!)
My rule of thumb: If you use it every day, it needs to be the best quality you can afford. These items should work for youโnot against you. Cheap, low-quality products that are constantly falling apart just create more work for you in the long run.
Here are some home items that are always worth the splurge:
1. All Bedding
You spend a third of your life asleep! Itโs no wonder bedding is worth splurging on. High-quality sheets, duvet covers, and blankets last longer, get softer with time, and hold up beautifully after repeated washings. I didnโt even know duvet covers could be so much easier to manage until I invested in a high-end one with built-in loops or a handy zipper that hides behind a flap when closed. No more lumpy, bumpy duvets! A little extra for great sheets? Totally worth it.
In fact, I never knew how annoying it could be to struggle with duvet covers until I experienced the joy of a high-quality one that actually stays put. My duvet cover has built-in loops that attach perfectly to the duvet itself, keeping everything smooth and wrinkle-free. It’s one of those small features that makes a huge difference in daily life. Thanks, fancy cover, for successfully converting me from “what is/why even bother with a duvet cover?” to the queen of the duvet!
2. Kitchenware
Say it with me: price per use! Imagine buying three $10 can openers in a year, only to have them fall apart. Or buying a $30 one thatโll last you for yearsโforever, even. Your kitchen is a space where quality pays off, especially for tools you use daily. Splurging on good kitchenware means you’re saving yourself the headache and cost of replacing low-quality items over and over.
Here’s my master list of investment worthy pieces: measuring spoons, measuring cups (glass for liquids and metal for everything else), enameled cookware (at least a dutch oven), food processors, blenders, pizza stones, knives, salt/pepper grinders. These are some of your kitchen’s hardest working tools, useful for basically any type of cuisine, and there are reasonably-priced options that will literally last you a lifetime.
3. Custom Framing
Now, I love a good budget frameโI’m looking at you, IKEAโbut for some things, custom framing is worth the investment. Iโve framed my favorite pieces (including a cover torn from a comic book!) in professional frames that make them stand out. A pro can help you pick the right style, finish, and proportions that really elevate your cherished artwork. Itโs worth the splurge for something you’ll admire every day.
I have a lot of rough-edged pieces from my time in Asia that look absolutely amazing in their floating frames. I never would have thought to present them that way without the advice of my frame guy! Plus, he recommended anti-glare glass which, though a bit pricier, does make sure that people can admire them from any angle and in any light!
4. Anything Your Kids Use for 1+ Years
When it comes to kids’ stuff, quality really matters. Invest in items that will last, like Pottery Barn baby swaddles (theyโre the best), sturdy Diono car seats, and versatile beds that can grow with them. Your kids will use them for years, so make sure they stand up to the test.
Make sure to check my guides to the types of wood used in furniture so that you can make an educated decision about what you’re looking for in terms of appearance and durability. A quality piece of wooden furniture always looks good and can be easily styled to fit any aesthetic.
5. Bedside Lamps
These lamps get daily use and are one of the first things you reach for when you’re at your sleepiest. Donโt skimp hereโget something thatโll treat you right. A quality bedside lamp will make late-night reading sessions feel cozy, while also setting the mood for rest. Plus, itโll last you for years!
Here are some features that I think are totally worth the extra cost: dimmable bulbs, wireless charging station and USB ports. My bedside lamp is like the master controller for my bedside table and I love it. At the end of a long day (or when the day is just beginning), I’ll take all the help I can get!
6. Scented Candles
Cheap candles? Iโll pass. You know the onesโbarely smell like anything. Itโs disappointing when youโre looking for a fresh scent to fill your space, only to get a dud. A high-quality candle not only smells better, but its scent will fill the room and linger long after itโs burned out. And letโs be realโit’s a small luxury that adds instant coziness to your home.
I know there are plenty of good choices out there, but nothing beats and Bath and Body Works candle for me. I love grabbing a bundle when there’s a really good sale on (they can get marked down to over 50%, so keep an eye out if that’s what you’re into)! I keep these on hand for my personal use and for quick, easy gifting.
7. Big Healthy Houseplants
A healthy, 6-ft tall fiddle-leaf fig or a bushy monstera are more than just statement decorโtheyโve proven to be healthy specimens that can thrive long-term. Big plants are pricier than the younger ones, but they have staying power, and theyโll add beauty, texture, and oxygen to your space. Plus, the joy of nurturing a houseplant over time makes it feel even more special.
My biggest regret is not spending $40 on a tall, tall, tall fiddle-leaf at my local grocery store. I honestly didn’t feel like going all the way back into the store with my cart full of groceries to buy it, then finding a place in my car. Honestly, though, I keep finding myself staring at the lonely corner where it could have lived and cursing my shortsightedness!
8. Bird Feeders
Feeding birds should be an enjoyable activity, not a chore. Get a well-made bird feeder thatโs easy to maintain. Itโll keep you and the birds happyโminus the constant mess of refilling and the frustration of feeders that break or spill.
Don’t be like me and try to make do with the cheapest hummingbird feeder that didn’t even come with proper hanging equipment and was impossible to refill without spilling sugar water everywhere. Ugh.
9. Nice, White Dishes
White dishes have a timeless quality and will never go out of style. They also have the magical ability to make any meal look fantastic thanks to all the light they reflect back onto your food. White plates set the stage for everything you serve, from weeknight meals to elegant dinner parties. Bonus: A beautiful white gratin dish instantly upgrades your casserole game (perfect for holidays or any day). Seriously, I brought the most basic green bean casserole ever made to Thanksgiving one year and got showered in complements. Thanks to my beautiful white gratin dish for making me (and my cooking) look so fine!
Seriously, white dishes are the fancy food hack. Like the bounce board at a photo shoot, they direct light back up onto the food, making it look extra appetizing.
10. Clothes Hangers
I know this seems like an odd item to splurge on, but trust meโquality hangers make all the difference. A thin, well-designed hanger will keep your clothes in good shape, avoiding weird creases and taking up less space in your closet. Plus, a cheap, flimsy hanger can snap under pressure (and ruin your favorite outfit). Get hangers that can do the job without causing you more stress.
I like a thing hanger with a velvety coating on it to keep clothes from slipping, plus a hook that can rotate around so that all my clothes/hangers are facing the same way. It’s such a small detail, but it really helps keep your closet neat and inviting.
11. Window Blinds
If you use window blinds in your home, donโt skimp here! Higher-end options make a huge differenceโno more tangled cords, awkwardly crooked mechanisms, or flimsy aluminum shades. Invest in blinds that will actually work, look good, and last a long time.
Anyone else have traumatic flashbacks of college rentals with twisted up, cat-eaten aluminum blinds? No thank you. If you’ve got pets (or maybe kids?) that might be tempted to nibble on your blinds, cedar wood is a nontoxic pet repellent and will give your windows an elevated look.
12. Seating
I live in a cabin on a beautiful mountain ranch, and I love having guests visit. But here’s the kicker: My parents donโt like coming over because my secondhand couch is, well, bad. The cushions slide all over the place, and the back is all lumpy. Iโm still working on upgrading this one! But when the time comes, Iโm going to make sure I choose a well-made, comfortable couch. Itโs an investment that will instantly make my living room 100% more inviting.
If you’re like me and do a lot of hunting in thrift stores and clearance sections, it can be hugely helpful to save your current furniture’s measurements on your phone and keep a measuring tape in your car or purse. Yes, I am that nerd who whips out a tape measure at the furniture store. Also, I’ve saved myself a lot of time and trouble because I know what is going to fit in my smallish space!
13. Decorative Souvenirs
Travel is always worth splurging on. And when you return, bring home something meaningful. Instead of those tiny souvenirs that collect dust, go for something larger and more functional. Maybe a hand-knotted rug, a beautiful print from your favorite destination, or a piece of handmade furniture thatโll be a joy to use for years to come. Plus, a large piece reminds you of the trip in a tangible, lasting way.
Bonus Tip: Find These Items Used!
Donโt forget about the treasure trove of secondhand gems! You can find amazing items at garage sales, online marketplaces, and thrift stores. I always keep a mental list of home upgrades Iโm hunting for. It helps me walk into a thrift store and find exactly what I need, avoiding the clutter of impulse buys. Donโt be afraid to leave empty-handed if nothing fits. Itโs about quality, not quantity.
Important note: Never buy car seats used! They gradually lose their structural integrity over time, particularly if they’ve been in an accident. If you have trouble affording car seats, check with your local services. Many places in the US offer free or price-reduced car seats.
Home Items that Can Be Cheap Quality
Now, letโs talk about those items that donโt need to break the bank:
1. Seasonal Pillow Covers
These are one of my favorite budget-friendly decor hacks. You can change the look of your space for just a few bucks without needing a whole new set of pillows.
2. Anything Your Kids Use for <1 Year
Infant gear doesnโt need to be top-tier if theyโll only use it for a few months. Ditto for anything your cool-conscious older kids are going to think is gauche in just a few months. Stick to the essentials and donโt overspend on items thatโll outgrow their usefulness in no time.
3. Guest Bedroom Furnishings
No need to splurge here unless you entertain frequently. Your guest room can still be comfortable and stylish with budget-friendly furnishings.
4. Rugs Intended for Layering
You donโt need to spend a fortune on the first rug you see. Layering rugs gives you flexibility, and you can save on the base rug while splurging on the top one that catches your eye.
5. Coasters
You might think this is a weird one, but hear me outโcoasters donโt need to be expensive to be effective. I have a cute macrame coaster I bought for $2, and it works just fine for my bedside water glass. It’s cute, too! Just scroll back up to the photo of my bedside table if you want to admire it.
6. Wall Decor
Donโt get me wrongโI love a good gallery wall or statement piece. But Iโm also all about finding budget-friendly art. One of my favorite pieces on the wall? A $1 Wolverine comic book cover framed and proudly displayed. Thereโs no need to overspend on art; get creative with prints, postcards, or free gallery brochures that you can turn into art on the cheap. Enlarging small items like note cards at a print shop can be the perfect hack for creating affordable art that looks amazing.
And there you have itโsplurge and save with style!
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