Hey, I’m Nancy, Your Sectional-Loving Design Bestie and I’m going to Walk You Through Save or Splurge Home Items
I have a big secret. My very first grown-up sofa was so cheap it squeaked every time we sat on it. One day, it wheezed its last wheeze and tilted backward like a carnival ride. Lesson learned. Since then, I ask one important question before every buy. Should I save on this home item, or should I splurge? And how do I decide on save or splurge home items?
Grab your iced coffee, friend. Let’s break it down Gen X style, minus the eye-rolls your teenager saves for TikTok.
What Does “Save or Splurge Home Items” Even Mean?
When we talk about save or splurge home items, we are really talking about value. Value is the sweet spot between price, role, and how happy the thing makes you. If it breaks in a week, it is not a value. If it makes you grumpy every day, it is not a value. This is true even if it cost five bucks at a yard sale.
Five Kid-Proof Questions to Ask Before You Hand Over Your Wallet
- Will it get daily abuse?
If your two-year-old uses it as a trampoline, splurge on quality. You may have spent less but you don’t want it snapping in half because your child stood on it. - Does it touch your body?
Mattresses, sofas, and towels hug you daily. Splurge here so you do not feel like you are napping on a pile of crackers. Trust me, your mornings will feel like a day spa after a good night sleep and soft towels. - Is it trendy?
Trendy things age faster than last year’s pumpkin-spice craze. Save on trends you will toss next season. Your money can be wisely spent elsewhere. - Can I clean it with one hand while holding a toddler?
If yes, splurge. If no, save or skip. This is a no-brainer. - Will it move with me?
If you might move in two years, a giant custom bookcase may not fit the next house. Save or buy something modular.
Items to Splurge On When You Can
A “splurge” isn’t one-size-fits-all. A red-carpet spending spree for my iced-coffee budget might just be spare-change territory for someone with champagne pockets. What feels extravagant for my iced-coffee budget could be trivial for someone with champagne pockets. If a $20 throw pillow makes you sweat, your definition of splurge is correct. If a $2,000 sectional barely dents your wallet, it’s still right on target for your bank account (and nobody else’s).
And just to be clear, I’m not saying you should swipe your way into debt when you splurge on home decor. Splurge simply means hunting down the best version your budget can handle happily. No scary credit-card hangover is required.
1. The Sofa (especially a sectional)
I’m a sectional girl for life. We spill popcorn, watch movies, and practice toddler gymnastics on it. My current sectional survived juice, markers, and one flu season. That kind of everyday heroism deserves a splurge. I found several great sectionals on Amazon that you can check out here.
2. The Mattress
Sleep is free therapy. A lumpy mattress? Not so much. Splurge so your back does not file a complaint.
3. Hard-Working Rugs
Cheap rugs look good for five minutes, then sprout mystery fuzz like a science project. A quality rug handles spills and vacuum rodeos like a champ.
4. Cabinet Hardware
Tiny knobs, big impact. Heavy, solid hardware turns a basic dresser into the Beyoncé of storage.
Items to Save On and Still Look Fancy
1. Throw Pillows
Pillows are the jewelry of the sofa. You can change them faster than your mood. Save here and swap covers whenever the vibe changes. I love throw pillows and here’s a tip…invest in pillow inserts and buy the covers. This makes them easy to store and swap out for the seasons.
2. Trendy Accent Paint
Hot pink powder room? Live your Barbie dream, but buy the smaller paint can. Paint is the fastest, cheapest way to scratch a trend itch.
3. Wall Art Prints
Digital downloads from Etsy can look like gallery pieces with a thrifted frame. Your guests will think you spent big bucks. Just wink and nod.
My Three-Step “Save or Splurge Home Items” Cheat Sheet
- Touch Test
If you sit, sleep, or step on it, lean toward splurge. - Timeline Test
Ask, Will I still love this in five years? If yes, splurge. If no, save. - Feel-Good Factor
I once bought a fancy candle that cost more than my lunch. Every time I light it, my whole day feels fancier. That joy is priceless, so I call it a splurge win.
Real-Life Example: The Dishwasher Debacle
I once saved on a bargain dishwasher. It sounded like a freight train and left spaghetti sauce tattoos on every plate. After six months of rewashing dishes by hand, I splurged on a quiet, energy-saving model. My water bill went down, my sanity went up, and I finally retired my dish gloves. Moral: sometimes splurging saves you money and therapy bills.
Final Takeaway
Choosing to save or splurge home items is not about being cheap or fancy. It is about matching your money to what matters in your real life. Pay more for the things that touch your body and sanity. Save on the bits you can swap out when the wind changes. Your home—and your wallet—will thank you.
Now go forth and shop smart. And if your sofa squeaks like my first one, consider that your sign from the décor gods: time to splurge, my friend.
Swing by my Slowly Intentional LTK shop and tap “follow.” There you’ll find bite-size boards—like my fave armchairs, pillow refresh picks, and a cheat-sheet of timeless tiles—where I park the clear budget wins right next to the “totally worth it” splurges, making it super easy to snag the right thing at the right price. Click on an image below to check it out.
Other Related Post You May Like
Creating Calm Bedrooms for Busy Moms: Sleep Sanctuary Design
How to Find Your Decorating Style (Even If You Feel Totally Lost)
How to Design a Home That Tells Your Story: Intentional Interior Styling Tips
FTC Disclosure: Some of the links on this site are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I truly love and believe will add value to your home. Your support helps keep Slowly Intentional running. Thank you!
