Where to Save vs Splurge in Your Home (and Why It Matters)
If you’ve ever stood in the middle of a furniture store wondering “Is this worth it?”—you’re not alone.
Welcome to Part I of my 3-part series: Save vs Splurge, where we figure out what actually deserves your hard-earned money… and what absolutely does not.
Because here’s the truth:
looking like you spent a fortune and actually spending one are two very different things.
Before We Start: A few “Ground Rules” 🙂
It’s important to remember—everyone’s budget is different.
What feels like a splurge to one person might feel completely reasonable to another. And that’s okay.
This isn’t about how much you spend. It’s about spending smart.
A few personal rules I live by:
Do your homework. I devour reviews and comments before buying just about anything—big or small. A little research goes a long way toward making informed decisions (and avoiding buyer’s remorse).
Think long-term. Especially for bigger ticket items, ask yourself: Will I still love this in 5–10 years?
Don’t sleep on estate sales and antique shops. Finding quality, solid wood furniture these days is getting harder and harder. Sometimes the best “splurge” is a vintage piece with great bones and a little refinishing.
The Core Principle
Splurge on comfort and longevity. Save on decor and trends.
Keep that in the back of your mind as we go.
SPLURGE: The Big Impact Pieces
These are the items that get used daily, take a beating, and anchor your space.
1. Sofa
If there’s one place to put your money, this is it.
But—and this is important—know your personality.
I had a girlfriend who loved being on trend with her sofa. In that same five-year span, she went through three sofas… while I had one.
Different priorities, different approach—and that’s exactly the point.
If you love a classic look and don’t want to keep replacing furniture, a sofa is worth the investment. If you enjoy switching things up more often, you may want to spend a little less here.
2. Mattress
The older I get, the more I appreciate a good night’s sleep.
And when you really think about it… we spend a huge portion of our lives in bed.
A quality mattress isn’t just about comfort—it can impact:
Sleep quality
Back and joint health
Energy levels throughout the day
This is one of those purchases where cutting corners can catch up with you.
Your future back will thank you.
3. Dining Table
For years, my husband and I made do with his Grandma Ida’s 8-foot card table as our dining room table—dressed up with linens, of course.
It worked for that season of life, and honestly, it kind of makes me smile thinking about it now.
When we eventually found the dining table we both loved, it felt like a true upgrade—and well worth the wait and the investment.
Lesson: It’s okay to take your time. The right piece is worth it.
4. Bedroom Furniture
A near and dear friend’s fabulous mom, Eileen, once shared this advice when we were all getting married:
“Ladies, get the ring and bedroom furniture you want NOW. Because once the house and babies come, there will always be something more important.”
She went on to tell us that her own bedroom furniture had originally been purchased as a filler—just something temporary.
Twenty-five years later… she still had it.
And honestly? That says it all. Because somewhere along the way, life happens.
Rain gutters. Dishwashers. Baby gear.
Her point? Priorities shift. Investing in pieces you’ll use every single day—like bedroom furniture—is something you’re far less likely to regret later.
SAVE: The Easy Swaps
These are the pieces that are fun, flexible, and easy to update over time.
1. Throw Pillows
This is one of the easiest places to save—most of the time.
Throw pillows are great for:
Seasonal updates
Adding a pop of color
Trying out trends without commitment
That said, if you’re styling a main living space or want a more elevated look, it can be worth mixing in a few higher-quality options.
Think of it as a balance:
save on most, splurge on a select few if it makes sense for your space.
2. Wall Art
You really don’t need to spend a fortune to have beautiful walls.
Some of my favorite options:
Printable art (Etsy is a goldmine)
DIY pieces
Thrifted frames with a little creativity
High impact, without the high price tag.
3. Trendy Decor
Trends are fun—but they’re also… temporary.
Think:
Bouclé everything
Curved mirrors
“Of-the-moment” shapes and finishes
These are the pieces that tend to come and go, so this is a great place to save.
If you fall in love with a trend, try it in a smaller, less expensive way first. If you still love it a year from now… then maybe it’s worth upgrading.
4. Rugs (Sometimes!)
Rugs can go either way, but in many cases, this is a smart place to save—especially in high-traffic areas or homes with kids and pets.
Because let’s be honest:
Spills happen
Shoes happen
Life happens
That doesn’t mean you can’t have something beautiful—it just means you may not want to stress every time someone walks in with a snack or a glass of red wine.
A good rule of thumb:
Save in busy, messy spaces—splurge in lower-traffic areas where you want something to really shine.
The Bottom Line: How to Decide
If you remember nothing else, remember this:
Splurge on what you use every day
Save on what you change often
Invest in quality when it’s hard to replace
Have fun with everything else
Coming Up Next…
In Part II, we’re heading into your closet—
where we’ll talk about what’s worth the splurge (hello, LBD) and what’s better left in the “save” category.
Spoiler Alert: not all basics are created equal.
If you’ve ever made a purchase you instantly regretted—or one you’d buy again in a heartbeat—I want to hear about it.
Because let’s be honest… most of us have learned at least a few of these lessons the hard way 😉
Wanna Stay in Touch…
Subscribe to Fun with Fun-Size below for smart, stylish home tips, clever decorating ideas, and a little budget-friendly inspiration sprinkled in.
(Quick tip: If the confirmation email plays hard to get, check your spam folder. For any issues — or just to say hello — email me at: shelley@funwithfunsize.com.)
Follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram @funwithfun_size for more tips on making your home beautiful without breaking the bank.
Golden advice. Can’t wait to hear how you apply it to the closet!
Stay tuned… 😉