Decorating a house requires a delicate mix between spending on things you can’t picture your space without and snagging bargains or discovering one-of-a-kind pieces with price tags that make you want to dance. However, choosing décor might sometimes seem like a large cash outlay. Even the simplest accent items seem like they’re worth the money you just spent on a new sofa. How does one decide what is worth spending additional money on, and how does one go about saving money on other things?
You rely on the wise counsel of the experts. They know, better than anybody, what artefacts are worth spending time hunting for at the proper price, whether via trial and error or years of good findings. From enormous, comfortable beds to tiny vases and frames, we compiled a list of goods that designers, stylists, and other home professionals feel are worth saving money on. Not only that, but where to get them instead.
TurkishRug
Hemp SARIKAYA 36×58 Turkish Rug, Small
On the surface, it may seem that the original versions of décor are more costly, but this is not always the case—especially when it comes to carpets. “I prefer to get antique Murano and vintage carpets from Europe rather than from merchants in the United States,” says Maria Martin, interior designer and creator of Design Appy. She fetches a glass of wine and her laptop, then spends some time scouring Etsy for the genuine versions of these carpets rather than copies.
“Sometimes when looking at carpets, the measurement conversions are inaccurate, so I suggest verifying the proportions yourself and counting the pavers and tiles the rugs are on top of to make sure the sizes are proper,” she says. “The stunning Murano fixtures are also cheaper than 1stDibs.”
It takes a little more work, but Martin says it’s worth it. “Finding the proper objects for your house is obviously an investment in time,” she explains. “I’m in love with the items I’ve discovered.”
epoca Sculptural Ceramic Vase, Vintage
Trays, vases, picture frames, and lamps, according to Marco Bizzley, a professional interior designer and consultant at HouseGrail, are not worth paying full price for. “These may be obtained considerably less at thrift or antique shops than in other places,” he says. “And if they appear a bit weathered, a new coat of paint won’t hurt.”
While it’s tempting to spend on ornamental items, it’s more enjoyable to locate something unique and interesting—something that no one else will likely have. On the other hand, even if you find these products for less money at large box retailers, they won’t have the same quality or interesting backstory.
Sevag 67″ Arched Floor Lamp by Orren Ellis
Lamps, task lighting, and other fixtures may add up rapidly. The addition of a trendy form or trend material raises the price of that light you’ve been admiring. Martina Gieske, interior designer and creator of The Lived-in Look, does not settle for the first lighting choice she comes across. “I never pay full price for any lighting goods for myself or clients,” she says. “The profit margin is really big, and if you’re patient enough, you may discover the exact same thing or a comparable fake somewhere on the web.”
“I like searching for lights on eBay, Overstock, Facebook Marketplace, Wayfair, and, of course, Google,” she adds. “The key is to know which keywords to employ.” If you can define the sort of lighting you’re searching for (style, shape, colour, etc.), you’ll almost certainly find it.” She also mentions that she found her own dining room chandelier on eBay for a great deal.