Want to find out when it’s okay to skimp and necessary to spend? Here are some accent decor pieces and furniture that make a home more lush, where you can hold back (and others that might require you to do some serious saving!).

When it comes to where you can save and where you should splurge, many interior designers recommend splashing out on things that you touch because you can save on items you don’t. This makes sense as high-traffic areas and functional items would be more prone to wear and tear than their purely decorative counterparts. 

Splurge on…

Statement lighting: Lighting, especially when it comes to hanging chandeliers and pendants, is usually one of the first areas people notice when they step into a room. Not only the decorative lighting, but buying good-quality light fittings is also advisable as they pose less of a risk with regards to electrical faults and fires. 

Mattress: While it will never be the most beautiful piece of furniture in your home, your mattress is one of the most important items. It’s critical that you invest in one that provides sufficient support and keeps your spine aligned while you sleep for good back health and a good night’s sleep. 

Sofa: On the rare occasion that our gorgeous climate takes a turn for the worse, most of us do the bulk of our entertaining
in our lounge or sitting room. This means investing in a durable, high-quality couch that not only looks luxe, but can handle a
lot of traffic is a smart buy.  

Real art: If you are lucky enough to be able to invest in authentic artworks and prints – and have a safe place to keep them – this is something that can be of great value in years to come based on the success of the artist. If not, at least you’ll get joy from having a beautiful piece of art within your home. 

Save on…

Trendy pieces: Just like fashion, interior design trends come and go, as do the accent pieces to match. If you think that an item is less timeless and more trendy, it’s okay to look for it for less. Most fads have relatively short lifespans, so why splurge only to replace them a few years later?

Occasional items: This refers to furniture, ranging from ottomans to side tables. The reason you can save on these is because, as their name suggests, they aren’t used on a regular basis. As such, they will probably last longer because they don’t deal with daily wear and tear. 

Soft furnishings: These are the items made from fabric, such as scatter cushions, throws and rugs. Much like trendy pieces, these are changed often as our tastes and home decorating fads change. There are plenty of low-cost alternatives available at mainstream shops that are just as good as
the real deal, too!

Hard furniture: Pieces that are not upholstered will fall into this category. While you may want to have a table or cabinet that makes a visual impact, you needn’t spend loads of money on something that performs its role adequately and, typically, only when necessary. 

Words by Helen Wallace
Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash