13 mins read
Where to Splurge and Where to Save When Redecorating Your Home
Redecorating your home can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be expensive. However, with some strategic planning and smart choices, you can achieve the look you want without breaking the bank.
In this blog post, we’ll explore where to splurge and where to save when redecorating your home, helping you create a beautiful space while staying within your budget.
We’ll cover key areas like furniture, lighting, flooring, wall decor, and more, providing tips and tricks to help you redecorate on a budget.
Furniture: Where to Splurge and Where to Save
Splurge on Sofa and Bed
- Importance of investing in high-quality, durable sofa and bed: Your sofa and bed see a lot of wear and tear, so it’s worth spending more for pieces that will hold up over time. High-quality furniture made with solid wood frames and durable upholstery will last for years.
- How to find well-made furniture that will last for years: Look for reputable brands known for craftsmanship and durability. Check that frames are made of kiln-dried hardwood and joints are corner-blocked or doweled. Inspect upholstery for tight, neat stitching.
- Examples of reputable furniture brands and where to find them: Brands like Stressless, Bernhardt, and Amish furniture makers have proven longevity. Find them at department stores like Macy’s and specialty retailers.
Save on Accent Chairs and Side Tables
- How to find affordable, stylish accent chairs and side tables: Check stores like World Market, IKEA, and thrift shops. Scour Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and garage sales.
- Tips for shopping at thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces: Be patient and persistent for best finds. Refinish or reupholster pieces to customize.
- DIY projects to customize inexpensive furniture: Paint, stain, or decoupage side tables for one-of-a-kind style. Recover accent chair cushions in new fabric.
Splurge on Dining Table
- Why a quality dining table is worth the investment: As the centerpiece of your dining area, a well-made table will be functional and flawless for decades. Opt for solid wood over veneers.
- How to find a table that fits your space and style: Measure the room and seating requirements. Choose round, square, or rectangular based on layout. Select wood stain that matches your decor.
- Tips for caring for and maintaining a wooden dining table: Use coasters, placemats, and tablecloths to protect the finish. Clean with a wood cleaner and reseal annually.
Save on Dining Chairs
- How to find affordable, comfortable dining chairs: Check stores like IKEA and thrift shops. Browse Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist for used chairs in good condition.
- DIY projects to reupholster or paint old chairs: Give worn chairs new life with a coat of paint or by recovering seat cushions in new fabric.
- Where to find discounted dining chairs online and in-store: Many big box stores offer sales on dining chairs. Watch for markdowns on floor models and discontinued styles.
Lighting: Where to Splurge and Where to Save
Splurge on Chandelier
- Importance of a statement chandelier in a room: A chandelier instantly elevates a space, providing ambient lighting and eye-catching style. Quality fixtures have visual impact.
- How to choose a chandelier that fits your space and style: Select size and shape based on room dimensions. Match metal finishes to other decor. Pick bulb type.
- Tips for installing a chandelier safely and correctly: Follow mounting instructions carefully. Use sturdy anchor bolts in ceiling. Check wiring is up to code.
Save on Table and Floor Lamps
- How to find affordable, stylish table and floor lamps: Check stores like Target, IKEA, and thrift shops for deals. Shop sales at lighting stores.
- DIY projects to customize inexpensive lamps: Upgrade lampshades or paint base for one-of-a-kind style. Install smart bulbs to add features.
- Where to find discounted lamps online and in-store: Watch for sales at big box stores, like Target and Walmart. Check Amazon and lighting sites for deals.
Splurge on Outdoor Lighting
- Why investing in quality outdoor lighting is important: Outdoor fixtures must withstand weather, so quality materials are crucial for durability. Good lighting also boosts outdoor ambiance.
- How to choose outdoor lighting that fits your space and style: Select finish and materials that complement exterior. Pick LED bulbs for efficiency. Go for smart options.
- Tips for installing outdoor lighting safely and correctly: Hire an electrician if wiring a new circuit. Use watertight fixtures. Follow codes for placement.
Save on Accent Lighting
- How to find affordable, stylish accent lighting: Shop sales at home stores for wall sconces, under cabinet lights. Check thrift stores and flea markets for unique pieces.
- DIY projects to create unique accent lighting: Turn glassware into pendant lights. Use rope lighting for display shelves. Install LED strip lighting.
- Where to find discounted accent lighting online and in-store: Watch for clearances at home stores. Check Amazon and specialty lighting sites for deals.
Flooring: Where to Splurge and Where to Save
Splurge on Hardwood Floors
- Importance of high-quality hardwood floors: Durable woods like oak resist scratches and wear. Solid planks last longer than veneers. Quality installation is key for longevity.
- How to choose the right type of hardwood for your space: Consider color, grain, and hardness based on traffic. Prefinished is easier to install than site-finished.
- Tips for maintaining and caring for hardwood floors: Sweep and mop regularly. Use felt pads under furniture. Reseal floors annually to protect finish.
Save on Area Rugs
- How to find affordable, stylish area rugs: Check sales at big box stores like Target and discount retailers like Marshall’s. Shop thrift stores.
- DIY projects to create custom area rugs: Use a rug pad with remnant carpet squares. Stencil a pattern on a solid rug. Braid rag rugs.
- Where to find discounted area rugs online and in-store: Watch for sales at home stores like Lowe’s and Wayfair. Check Overstock, RugsUSA, and Amazon for deals.
Splurge on Tile in Bathrooms and Kitchens
- Why investing in quality tile is important in bathrooms and kitchens: Tile must withstand moisture and heavy use. High-grade ceramic or porcelain tile is very durable. Proper installation prevents damage.
- How to choose the right type of tile for your space: Consider porcelain, ceramic, or natural stone. Select slip-resistant tile for bathrooms. Choose color and pattern to complement space.
- Tips for installing tile correctly and efficiently: Prepare the subfloor properly. Use a tile saw for precise cuts. Apply grout evenly and wipe immediately.
Save on Laminate or Vinyl Flooring
- How to find affordable, durable laminate or vinyl flooring: Check big box stores for deals. Shop warehouse stores for lowest prices. Look for waterproof options.
- DIY projects to install laminate or vinyl flooring: Floating click-lock planks make DIY install easy. Use vinyl tiles for simple peel-and-stick application.
- Where to find discounted laminate or vinyl flooring online and in-store: Watch for sales at home improvement stores. Check Amazon, Overstock, Wayfair for marked down styles.
Wall Decor: Where to Splurge and Where to Save
Splurge on Statement Art Pieces
- Importance of investing in high-quality art: Quality materials and craftsmanship ensure longevity. One-of-a-kind original art increases in value. It elevates a space visually.
- How to choose art that fits your space and style: Select medium, subject matter, colors, and size to complement your decor. Work with a gallery for investment pieces.
- Tips for framing and displaying art correctly: Choose archival matting and UV glass. Hang at 57-60 inches from floor to eye level. Use proper lighting.
Save on Wall Hangings and Mirrors
- How to find affordable, stylish wall hangings and mirrors: Check stores like Hobby Lobby, Target, and thrift shops for deals. Shop sales online.
- DIY projects to create unique wall decor: Make geometric hangings with paint swatches. Decoupage mirrors with scrapbook paper. Paint shadowboxes.
- Where to find discounted wall decor online and in-store: Watch for sales at Target, Kirklands, and At Home. Check Amazon, Etsy, and eBay for deals.
Splurge on Custom Window Treatments
- Why investing in quality window treatments is important: Well-made curtains or shades last for years. Custom options fit perfectly. Proper window dressing elevates a room.
- How to choose window treatments that fit your space and style: Consider style of room, window size, privacy needs, and natural light blocking.
- Tips for measuring and installing window treatments correctly: Measure precisely for custom fit. Follow mounting instructions. Use proper hardware for weight.
Save on Curtains and Blinds
- How to find affordable, stylish curtains and blinds: Check sales at Target, IKEA, and discount retailers. Shop thrift stores and flea markets.
- DIY projects to customize inexpensive window treatments: Use decorative trim, tassels, or tiebacks on basic curtains. Paint wooden blinds.
- Where to find discounted curtains and blinds online and in-store: Watch for sales at home stores and Amazon. Check Overstock, Wayfair, and eBay for deals.
Accessories: Where to Splurge and Where to Save
Splurge on Throw Pillows
- Importance of high-quality throw pillows: Down and feather pillows provide luxurious softness and support. Quality fabrics like linen last longer. Well-constructed pillows hold shape.
- How to choose pillows that fit your space and style: Select size, shape, and design to complement furnishings. Coordinate colors with decor.
- Tips for caring for and maintaining throw pillows: Fluff and rotate regularly. Follow cleaning instructions carefully. Use pillow protectors.
Save on Vases and Planters
- How to find affordable, stylish vases and planters: Check dollar stores, thrift shops, flea markets, and garage sales. Shop sales at craft stores.
- DIY projects to create unique plant holders: Upcycle glassware or cans into vases. Decorate terra cotta pots with paint or mosaic tiles.
- Where to find discounted vases and planters online and in-store: Search Amazon, eBay, and Etsy for deals. Watch for sales at Target and garden supply stores.
Splurge on Candles and Diffusers
- Why investing in quality candles and diffusers is important: Fine fragrances and clean burning wax create pleasant ambiance. Sturdy, stylish vessels can become keepsakes.
- How to choose scents that fit your space and style: Select light, fresh scents for open areas and stronger notes for small spaces. Sample before buying.
- Tips for safely burning candles and using diffusers: Never leave burning candles unattended. Clean diffuser reservoirs regularly. Ventilate room when in use.
Save on Decorative Trays and Bowls
- How to find affordable, stylish trays and bowls: Check dollar stores, thrift shops, flea markets, and garage sales. Shop sales at home stores.
- DIY projects to create custom serving pieces: Stencil, decoupage, or stencil trays and bowls. Use glue and mosaic tiles to embellish.
- Where to find discounted trays and bowls online and in-store: Search Amazon, eBay, and Etsy for deals. Watch for sales at World Market and home goods stores.
Conclusion
- Recap of key points: Redecorating on a budget is possible by strategically choosing where to splurge and where to save. Invest in quality for key furnishings and elements like sofas, beds, dining tables, hardwood floors, and statement lighting. Save on accent items and accessories for big style at bargain prices.
- Encourage readers to apply the tips and tricks to their own redecorating projects. Get creative and resourceful to stay on budget. Mix high-end items with affordable finds for a designer look.
- Remind readers that with some creativity and resourcefulness, they can create a beautiful home without breaking the bank. Splurging in the right places and saving in others is the key to redecorating success.