Decorating a home can be very expensive – but it doesn’t have to
completely break the bank. The best way to decorate without
overextending your budget is to mix quality items where it really
matters, with less expensive items where it doesn’t. When it comes to
more expensive items, these are the ones you should splurge on.
Sofa
The sofa
is one of the most significant items you’ll ever buy for your home. It
takes up a lot of visual space, it’s important for comfort purposes, and
it’s something you could have for two or even three decades. Look for
something made with high-quality materials such as kiln-dried hardwood
and eight-way hand-tied spring construction, and purchase a classic
style so that over the years it can be recovered if you want to update
the fabric and give it a different look. Remember the rule that a
high-quality sofa should last around 25 years while one of average
quality should last about 10.
Flooring
Quality
flooring is a great investment and a terrific way to add value to your
home, so always buy the best quality you can afford.
Hardwood flooring throughout is usually the number
one request from people who are looking to purchase a new home, but you
can also consider other options like bamboo, cork, stone, LVT (luxury
vinyl tile) and engineered hardwood. Do your research and determine the
best material for your home and your lifestyle.
Original Art
This
is a tough one as art can be very expensive and even pretentious. But
the key is not to look for expensive items because it’s important to
have original art, but rather don’t be afraid to splurge on something
you find that you really love. The art you choose
to hang on your walls says a lot about you, and it has a huge effect on
the overall look of your home. And when you purchase original art it’s
unique to just your home – no one can duplicate it. When you choose
something you really love you can pass it down through generations,
making original art a worthwhile investment.
Custom Window Treatments
Window
treatments provide a great opportunity for adding color and pattern to a
room, and while you can opt for inexpensive curtains, there’s nothing
like perfectly tailored custom window treatments. Using high-quality
fabrics for curtains and shades will also provide you with better privacy than cheap versions.
Dining Table
Dining
tables are large pieces of furniture that can last for generations. The
key is to buy something that isn’t just good quality, but trend-proof.
Look for something classic in a medium wood tone that works with
different styles of chairs. It’s likely that you’ll change the chairs
over the years so that’s where you can stand to buy less expensive
models. Spend on the table, save on the chairs.
Mattress
Always
buy the best mattress you can afford – no exceptions. We spend a third
of our lives in bed so it’s very important to have a supportive and
comfortable mattress. Be sure to try out several different models so you
can determine what suits your body and comfort level best.
While
you'll want to spend a fair bit of money on these items fear not, there
are also plenty of ways to save money. Here are the home decor items to save on.
By Lauren Flanagan
Family & Living Rooms Expert
