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Last week I talked about this in depth I recommend spending on those elements of the home when designing your homeIf you want to create a design that you will love for the next 10 years, there are things that are worth a large amount of your budget. But as I mentioned in my previous article, it doesn’t have to be expensive to beautify every area of your home. In fact, there are several elements of the home on which I recommend saving your money.
But before I get into my recommendations, I want to briefly talk about the difference between cheap and affordable finds.
Difference between cheap and economical
With every product, there is a range of quality between cheap and high end. When it comes to choosing affordable options, I try to get as close to the middle range as possible, rather than opting for the cheapest option available. This is because mid-range products are generally better made and last longer, yet still fall into the affordable category. Catherine from the School of Minimalism It was wonderfully said:
“Before you buy, stop and ask yourself, is this the best quality I can buy?”
– School of Minimalism
Of course, when you look for antiques or vintage items, there are plenty of opportunities to find well-made items that are priced affordably. This is the ultimate goal!
So, when the top line is out of the budget or not a priority, these are the pieces I recommend saving your money on.
6 things you should save when designing your home
1. Dresser
Dressers are expensive! A new solid wood dresser can easily sell for upwards of $2k while a new budget friendly dresser is usually made from chipboard for cheaper. For this reason, all of my dressers are second hand or antique. They are made of sturdy construction and (usually) they are more affordable than new dressers.
Facebook Marketplace and antique shops are great places to get second hand dressers. Look for solid wood or, if in good condition, look for wood veneer dressers. That way if the dresser needs some love, it can be sanded and stable Or painted to give it new life,
I purchased this dresser from Facebook Marketplace and gave it new life with a fresh coat of black paint and matching wood knobs. change view,
2. Throw pillows
If you were to do a quick Google search for designer throw pillows, you wouldn’t have to scroll far to find price tags of $200+. I did a quick search myself and saw a lumbar pillow for $420. Although I’m sure the clothes are fabulous and unique, you can find equally beautiful options for a quarter the price.
My personal favorite way to shop for pillows is to buy the fabric I can. sew in pillowBut I also like many unique ones, Handmade pillows that can be found on Etsy,
My one word of warning: While I have no problem buying a pillow or two from department stores, avoid buying all of your pillows from mass-produced stores as it can quickly start looking like a catalog. Besides, who wants the same pillow that everyone else has?
affordable throw pillows
3. Lamp
When I need new lamps, I look for second-hand or antique options. I love their individuality, natural decor and the fact that they usually cost a third of the price of designer lamps. If the wiring is questionable, you can get it rewired.
As far as lamp shades go, I turn to affordable second-hand stores for that too. Generally, you’ll have to do a little digging and don’t forget a tape measure to make sure you’re getting the right size. Finding good used lamp shades takes time, but it can be done!
4. Toilet and sink
There are some incredibly luxurious toilets and sinks on the market that make my heart bleed, but you don’t need an expensive option to make it look beautiful. I’m looking for affordable toilets with rectangular base and square (not round or tapered) tank. this toilet is my favorite,
As far as sinks go, when you have a beautiful natural stone countertop, an affordable sink can play a supporting role without taking away from the beauty.
5. Decoration
Almost all of my decor is either antique, handmade, or second-hand and that’s for a few reasons. I’ve found that when I use too many new decorations, the room starts to look too decorated. But when I mainly use vintage pieces and handmade pottery, the design feels collected.
Although I’m willing to spend money on antique furniture, I find myself choosing more affordable options when it comes to decor. More specifically: books, artwork, frames, vases, and pottery.
6. Pieces above or below eye level
If investing in quality eye-level pieces is recommended (which it is), the opposite may also be true. If the budget is tight, choose one or two things above or below your eye level to go the economical route.
Perhaps instead of natural stone tile, you can opt for lookalike option It’s half price. Instead of an $800 flush mount, look for one in the $200 range. This list of kitchen items that you should save on instead of splurging is very usefulThe point is, when it comes to elements of the room that aren’t the main focus, you have plenty of opportunities to save some money.
In this laundry room, W Design Collective Bought affordable floor tiles to open up budget for designer lighting, cabinetry and custom drapery.
Choosing affordable options shouldn’t mean dropping your standards
In almost every scenario where I choose affordable options, I turn to well-made antiques and second-hand options rather than cheaply made furniture or mass-produced decor from department stores. When I recommend sourcing affordable pieces, I’m not suggesting you turn to poorly made pieces. I’m suggesting that you do your research and look for used furniture that is well made, antique decor that looks stolen, or handmade pieces that you make yourself. Looking for affordable options doesn’t mean you have to lower your quality standards. It means you’re willing to get your hands dirty and find that needle in the haystack.
