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Tips for Smart Home Decorating: Save Money on These Items
In today’s world, furniture and decor can be quite expensive, making it essential for home decor enthusiasts to find areas where they can save money without sacrificing style. Interior designers share valuable insights on which home items are better to cut costs on. Here’s a rundown of what you can skip splurging on, with smart alternatives for each category.
Rugs: Beautiful but Pricey
Rugs can cost as much as a mortgage payment, but spending thousands on them is often unnecessary. Interior designer Kate Dawson advises against purchasing high-end rugs like fancy Persian or antique oriental styles, which can come with price tags upwards of $8,000. She recommends browsing online retailers such as Wayfair or Rugs USA for quality options that cost around $500. Dawson emphasizes that with a more affordable rug, homeowners have the flexibility to refresh their decor in a few years without feeling financially burdened.
Curtains and Rods: Custom Can’t Compete with Mass-Produced
Custom window treatments can also run into the thousands, but there is no need to invest so heavily here. Dawson suggests looking at popular retailers, such as Anthropologie and Etsy, which offer mass-produced curtain panels and rods at more reasonable prices. For windows that are not standard sizes, purchasing larger curtains and tailoring them is a smart way to save.
Designer Throw Pillows: Luxurious Yet Budget-Friendly Options Exist
Designer throw pillows can cost around $250 each, leading many to question the value. Dawson recommends shopping for colorful and stylish pillows at places like HomeGoods, HomeSense, and TJ Maxx, where new inventory arrives daily. For those who find a high-end fabric they love, designer Shay Holland suggests visiting fabric stores to find similar materials, which can be sewn into custom pillows, often at a fraction of the cost.
Mass-Produced Artwork: Seek Unique Alternatives
Mass-produced wall art can be overpriced, according to Holland. Instead, she encourages exploring thrift stores, local art shows, and online marketplaces like Minted for unique and affordable pieces that showcase personal style. This approach not only saves money but also lets homeowners express themselves creatively.
Seasonal Decor: Longer-lasting Options Are Better Investments
Investing in decor that can only be enjoyed for a short time, like seasonal items, is generally not a smart choice. Holland advises saving money for decor that can be used year-round, such as versatile tablecloths for various holidays. This suggests that seasonal items should only be purchased when you can justify their cost with practical use.
Hardware: Affordable Alternatives Are Available
High-end hardware can significantly inflate your budget for kitchen or bathroom renovations. Samantha Gallacher, an interior designer, suggests looking for quality knobs and pulls that are under $40, available from companies like San Diego Hardware Company and Rejuvenation. For those with tighter budgets, bulk options on sites like Amazon offer great deals.
Sconces: Affordable Lighting Solutions
Lighting can often require a hefty investment, but unique sconces don’t have to break the bank. Deana Lenz from Deana Lenz Interiors recommends searching for artisan sconces priced between $200 and $250, stating that it’s possible to find beautiful options without spending over budget. Retailers like Lulu and Georgia often have excellent selections.
Coffee Table Books: Chic but Costly
Coffee table books can bring style to your home, yet new hardcover versions can be expensive. Gallacher advises considering pre-owned books, which can be found on platforms like Amazon or at garage and estate sales. This not only makes stylish decorating more affordable but is also environmentally friendly.
By avoiding expensive items and opting for budget-friendly alternatives, homeowners can achieve gorgeous decor without overspending.
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