The whole save versus splurge construct is undeniably intriguing, especially when it comes to the notoriously expensive task of furnishing your home. But because so many items quickly fall into the “splurge” category by nature (sofas and sectionals, accent chairs, dining tables, even mirrors and high-quality coffee tables — the list goes on), we decided to spotlight the less anxiety-inducing group.

“While overall, home items have gotten more expensive, there are so many retailers, manufacturers, and brands these days, that with a little digging, you can almost always find a steal,” says Havenly lead designer Brady Burke. “Plus, a higher price point doesn’t even guarantee higher quality.”

Ahead, find Brady’s list of the 11 home items you shouldn’t splurge on, simply because there are well-made alternatives at a much lower price point. Keep scrolling for his selects.

1. Non-performance upholstery

What’s the point of shelling out for an expensive sofa if you feel too nervous to even use it? Or worse, if it’s in terrible shape a few short years later? Fortunately, performance fabrics have come a long way in the last decade — you can now invest in a crisp white sofa that will stand up to messy kids, muddy paw prints, spilled wine, and beyond. Save yourself the money and headache and go the performance upholstery route from the get go — you’ll have it for years. (Our favorite source for durable performance fabrics? Interior Define.)

2. Expensive throw pillows

You can easily spend an arm and a leg on throw pillows, but you don’t have to. For high-traffic areas like the living room, focus instead on quality inserts that make affordable pillow covers feel luxe. You can splurge on bed pillows, but throw pillows get so much use, that it’s best to save your budget for other items. 

2. Luxury rugs

If you really wanted to, you could spend your entire renovation budget on one rug. While antique or designer rugs are unquestionably stunning, you can absolutely find stylish, high quality rugs at a reasonable price! Maybe you splurge on your bedroom rug while keeping the kitchen runner and living room rug on the affordable side. 

3. Pricey decor

Small decorative items do not need to break the bank. Not only can you find an affordable version of nearly any vase, tray, or decorative knick-knack, you can easily shop your home for “new” decor. Take the covers off coffee table books or re-style existing vignettes for a new look and feel. If you’re dead-set on something new, you can find high-quality, one-of-a-kind pieces at thrift or vintage stores for a fraction of the price. 

4. Florals & houseplants

Flowers can be wildly expensive, but grocery store florals are beautiful and affordable — you can create a beautiful arrangement with blooms from Trader Joe’s in minutes. As for houseplants, skip the trendy boutique where plants are pushing $200 — you can get the same thing at Home Depot, Lowe’s, or even Costco for a fraction of the price. 

5. Glassware

Having some nice dinnerware is wonderful, but you don’t need to be using expensive items on a daily basis. Most popular home brands have beautiful drinking glasses, coffee mugs, and wine glasses that won’t make your heart stop when they inevitably break. Even Amazon and IKEA have great options! Thrift stores have so much priceless, beautiful drinkware if you’re looking for a vintage feel.  

6. Drapery

We can’t overstate the importance of proper window treatments. Drapes, shades, and blinds effortlessly add warmth and depth to a space and truly make a home feel complete. But, you can easily get away with simple cotton or linen drapes that don’t cost one paycheck per panel. For a custom feel without the custom price tag, simply double up on panels for a full, luxe look. 

7. Art and photo frames

I think all of us have walked into a custom frame shop only to be utterly shocked by the price of wood and glass. Skip the custom job and opt for stocked frames from your favorite home brands, from CB2 and Lulu & Georgia to Target, IKEA, and Amazon. Or, hit a thrift store and buy framed art you love, and simply replace the print. You really just need something that complements the piece and keeps it protected — there’s no need to splurge here. 

8. Storage baskets

From hiding kid or dog toys to storing extra blankets and throw pillows, every home needs aesthetically-pleasing storage baskets that won’t throw off the look of your space. But you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars — the wicker and woven varietal are inherently durable and incredibly popular — they’re stocked at nearly every home retailer imaginable. 

9. Kitchen linens

Let’s face it: your kitchen linens will get dirty and need to be washed thousands of times. They’re supposed to work hard for you, not collect dust on your stove. Skip the expensive silk, embroidered, display-only towels and invest in simple linens that match your aesthetic and come in multi-packs so you can wipe up spaghetti sauce without having anxiety. 

10. Light fixtures

Let us preface this by saying that yes, an oversized pendant or crystal chandelier will get expensive fast. And depending on the size and scale of your home, it may be worth the splurge. But like rugs, lighting is now sold at nearly every retailer at every price point — you can 100% find an affordable fixture that still makes a beautiful statement. Or, complement your pricey chandelier with understated, budget-friendly accent lamps, sconces, and pendants. It’s all about balance!

11. Rug pads

Rug pads quite literally live on the floor. They’re never visible, or at least they shouldn’t be. Their sole purpose is to hold your rug in place, add extra cushion, and stay out of sight — they do not to be fancy. Amazon, Overstock, or Rugs.com have quality, affordable options that get the job done without the three-figure price tag. 

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