Your home was an expensive investment. When it comes time to fill it, you may feel your wallet is already tapped out. Many first-time homeowners, or even more experienced ones, fall into one of two traps — going into debt trying to purchase the best of everything to fill their space or overdoing it with inexpensive, poor-quality replacements.
You need to know you can have a good mixture of items in your home. Some things will do the trick at a low price point and last you a long time. Others are well worth splurging on. This guide will help you decide where to pay up for quality — it covers everything from furniture to linens to decor and even to your toilet.
Mattress
A good night’s sleep can make the difference between a great day and one where you drown yourself in coffee from dawn till dusk. Anything that can improve your rest quality is a worthy investment. Test out mattresses in person to find the right fit for your needs.
Spending extra in this category will mean you won’t have to resort to sleeping in a sinkhole in the middle of the bed after a few years of wear.
Bedding
Your pillows and linens can also affect the quality of your sleep. Since we spend a third of our life in bed, we should make it a comfortable experience. Shop for high thread count linens. They’ll breathe better, regulate your temperature and feel soft against your skin. Find a pillow designed for your sleep style and preferences.
Smart Alarm Clock
Is there anything worse than waking up to the blaring sounds of your phone going off? Rise up more refreshed with a smart alarm clock. You can get versions that wake you slowly by imitating the sunrise, with nature sounds or both. It’s a much more natural way to wake up and easier on your fragile morning mind.
Toilet Paper
Toilet paper may seem like an odd addition to this list of much more expensive items. However, this is a purchase many people cheap out on, choosing lower ply options. Upgrade your experience and be kind to your bum with a softer and more durable variety.
Bidet Attachment
Continuing on with the toilet, a bidet attachment turns your average bathroom ordeal into a fancy event. Bathe yourself in luxury with warm water rather than handfuls of scratchy paper. You’ll never want to use another toilet.
Towels
Think back to your dorm towels or the ones you had for your first apartment. If you’re anything like most of us, they were scratchy and barely did the job. Now that you’re older and wiser you know towels are worth spending on. You could even buy a bulk order with friends so you can get premium quality at a fraction of the price.
Before you order wholesale or head to your local store choose your favorite material — cotton is softer but terry cloth is more absorbent. You’ll also need to determine what sizes you need and the colors that’ll work best in your space.
Vacuum
Vacuums range in price for a reason. Splurging will usually get you a much higher quality machine capable of stronger suction and a longer life span. A cordless stick vacuum offers you the most versatility for your home. You can easily switch between carpet and hard flooring to sweep up any mess. If you prefer a less hands-on option, you could get a robotic vacuum and program it to clean the house for you.
Outdoor Seating
Your porch or patio are extra square footage just waiting for you. Use them to their fullest potential by investing in good outdoor seating for you or your guests. Pay up to get weatherproof pieces that’ll stand the test of time.
Office Furniture
More of us are working from home than ever before. If you’re in this boat, it’s time to move yourself from your cozy couch to a big-girl office. You’ll need several crucial pieces to pull the whole thing together. However, the most important thing to upgrade off the bat is your desk chair. Having an ergonomic option will make you more productive and keep your spine in proper alignment for less pain at the end of the day.
Knives
Having the right tools in the kitchen can drastically reduce your prep time and help you enjoy meals with your loved ones faster. Knives are one particular kitchen accessory you should splurge on. More expensive options will stay sharp longer and resist rust.
Cookware
Another way to save time in the kitchen is to splurge on your cookware. Upgrade to non-stick, so your food comes out better and clean up is a cinch. Especially in this category, you want to do your research to see if the reviews back up the claims so you get your money’s worth out of the product.
Couch
Your couch gets a lot of traffic on any given day and, similar to your bed, can begin to cave in the middle if you purchase a low-quality item. Test these in store to ensure you like the feel, and read reviews to see how the couch holds up over time. Also, pay attention to the possible fabrics — some are more hardy and stain resistant than others.
Splurge in Moderation
While many of these items are best when you pay up for them, sometimes it’s worth waiting and saving a bit. You don’t need a robotic vacuum or a bidet attachment right away. The important thing is to not waste your money on cheap knockoffs with so-so reviews.
Take your time to shop for the perfect option for each piece and save until you can afford it. In the meantime, bring in hand-me-downs, secondhand items, or furniture you had from an apartment or your childhood home.
WRITTEN BY
Ava Roman