Designers Share 14 Budget Furniture & Decor Gems That Are a Total Steal

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WORDS BY Rebecca Deczynski

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Published on March 20, 2023

When you uncover a real find — a piece that’s shockingly great quality for a great price, completely show-stopping, or surprisingly versatile — it’s hard not to sing its praises. The right chairs, rug, curtains, and more can completely change the overall look and feel of your space. And when a single item of furniture or decor is impactful enough to make that much of a difference, you know it’s a real gem.

The thing is, with so much amazing furniture and decorative items on the market, it can be hard to uncover those diamonds. Luckily, Havenly’s team of expert interior designers have years of experience digging through tons of options — and they’ve found plenty of pieces that are worthy of their rave reviews. 

So allow them to reveal the hidden gems they personally turn to again and again when designing stylish spaces, or refreshing their own homes. You might just find the piece you’ve been searching for yourself.

1. Lulu & Georgia Raven Side Tables

We’ve used this side table duo in countless photoshoots at the recommendation of our VP of Creative and Design Shelby Girard. “I have this set in my own living room (pictured above) and absolutely love the look,” she notes. “While I do recommend exercising caution with kids and pets because the tables aren’t the most sturdy, I love the neutral color palette, hint of texture, and sculptural touch they add. Plus, you get two tables for under $400 — a win in my book.”

2. Room & Board Mazie Dining Chair

Affordable home decor

Havenly lead designer Brady Burke swears by this dining chair from Room & Board, especially for young families. Its faux leather is stylish yet durable — so you can easily wipe it down when the inevitable spill happens. Not to mention, it’s both comfortable and sturdy, especially for a metal-framed chair. “The price point is also incredibly reasonable,” he says. “I come back to it again and again.”

3. Pottery Barn Metal Cocktail Table

Never underestimate the power of a small side table. This option from Pottery Barn is especially amazing for small spaces — plus it comes with a budget price tag. “I bought this cocktail table for my sitting room, and it essentially floats around my home whenever I need a little drink perch,” says our Content Manager Kelsey Menoian. “It’s such a cute design and at just $150, such a hidden gem.” 

4.  The Inside Modern Wingback Bed

Affordable home decor

Few things elevate a bedroom quite like an upholstered bed frame — and for Havenly lead designer Kelsey Fischer, it doesn’t get much better than this timeless option from The Inside. “I wanted something that could last as my tastes change, and I love this style,” she says. “I have taken it from house to house, and it’s easy to construct, durable and so cute.” 

5. HPD Half Price Drapes

High-quality drapery can come at a pretty hefty price tag — but this pick from Havenly lead designer Toussaint Derby proves that it doesn’t have to! Just take these faux linen curtains, which come in 31 different colors and eight sizes, as an example. “I love their feel and weight,” she says. “They look way more expensive than they are.”

6. Serena & Lily Teak Stools

Affordable home decor

“Yes, you need another tiny weird stool,” says Burke. Why? Because they’re functional and can go literally anywhere and everywhere. Seriously: Sit one next to an accent chair for a stylish place to put your drink, add them to your entry with a small dish as a place to catch your keys, or even put one in your shower or outside. (After all, teak is naturally water-resistant). “They are so versatile, so affordable, and oh so chic,” he adds. “I have this Serene & Lily set in all of my bathrooms to distract from the toilet and create a small styling moment with a candle and flowers.” 

7. Maren Home Andrea Bench

This hidden gem exudes serious style, but still costs less than $300 — the kind of piece that instantly elevates its surroundings, especially in an entryway or bedroom. “This bench adds a little drama but feels light in any space with its ghost acrylic legs and warmth of the leather,” says Havenly lead designer Kasee Smith. “It looks amazing styled with a sheepskin rug draped over it and oversized artwork hanging above it.”  

8. NuLoom Handwoven Rug

Affordable home decor

It’s hard finding the right rug. But this durable option from NuLoom might be the one for your space. “Not only is it the perfect neutral tone that’s simultaneously bright and clean yet grounded and calm,” says Burke, who has the runner version in his kitchen. “It’s also available in just about every size and shape you could need.” That means its possibilities are virtually endless: Use it underneath a smaller statement rug, add it to your entryway, or even use it as a stair runner. It holds up to heavy traffic (and pets!) and still look great. 

9. Cove Goods Ayla Rug

Want a super-lush rug that looks vintage but doesn’t come with the hefty price tag? This soft, earth-toned option from Cove Goods is the anwer. The best part? “It’s incredibly soft underfoot. Like walking on a cloud — I’m not kidding,” says Goerzen. “Both my (somewhat picky) husband and daughter are absolutely obsessed with how comfortable it is, and guests always comment on it.” Although it’s just a few hundred dollars, this piece has the quality of a far more expensive option.   

10. Cove Goods Cannes Chairs

Affordable home decor

If pictures of Parisian cafes and French Riviera hideaways appear on your Pinterest boards in spades, Cove Goods’s Cannes Chairs are well worth considering. Burke loves these classic bistro chairs, which come at a lower price point than alternatives from Restoration Hardware and Serena & Lily. With their classic black, white, and brown palette, they can be used in a dining room, kitchen, or patio. 

11. Studio Marcette Avalyn Vase

This vase from Studio Marcette is another Havenly-designer favorite for photo shoots. “It’s got a really lovely, artisanal quality, but for a fraction of the price,” says Goerzen. “Vases this size and this quality can often be upwards of $150!” With a subtle mint green finish, this ceramic is always a crowd-pleaser — which is why it’s also a Havenly Design Awards winner.

12. The Inside Channel Tufted Headboard

Affordable home decor

This tufted headboard from The Inside is a great alternative to an upholstered bed, which can get pricey! “When paired with a bed skirt, you can’t even tell it’s not a full scale bed,” says Havenly lead designer Heather Goerzen. “Plus, the tufting and fabric read as expensive!” Available in 29 lovely colors, this plush headboard makes it easy to create a high-quality bedscape that rivals that of a fancy hotel room.

13. Arlo Home Spindle Dining Chairs

A contemporary twist on spindle-back dining chairs, Fischer considers these Arlo Home chairs a go-to choice for adding contrast to a desk or dining chair. “I love their simple silhouette,” she says. “And you cannot beat the price for a set of two.” Their modern-yet-classic appeal makes them versatile enough to suit a wide range of design styles.  

14. The Inside Bobbin Accent Table

Affordable home decor

“We’ve used this little beauty on a number of our photoshoots, and it always shows up so well in a space,” says Goerzen. The spindle legs of this accent table give it a playful vibe, while its wood grain makes it look upscale and polished. At $159, it makes a stylish accent table or nightstand. Just note that it is lightweight — so it can be tipped over if you have kiddos or pets running around.

Want expert advice on your actual space, straight from an interior designer? Get started today with our style quiz.

Words by Rebecca Deczynski