“Price is what you pay. Value is what you get."
— Warren Buffett

How to Save Money When Buying Furniture and Decor (Without Sacrificing Style)

Creating a beautiful, magazine-worthy home doesn’t have to come with a sky-high price tag. If you’ve ever walked through a furniture showroom and gasped at the price of a single accent chair or accessory, you’re not alone.

The truth is, you can furnish your home on a budget — and still make it feel designer-worthy. The key? Knowing where to shop, what to look for, and how to make smart swaps without sacrificing style.

Ready to hear my secrets? Let’s get started!

Why You Don’t Need to Spend a Fortune to Have a Stylish Home:

Here’s the thing: good design isn’t about how much you spend. It’s about making intentional choices and mixing high/low pieces in a way that feels cohesive and elevated. Whether you’re decorating your first home or simply upgrading your space, saving money on furniture and decor is all about strategy — not sacrifice.

When I'm redecorating my home, I love getting inspiration from HGTV and DIY, beautiful images on Pinterest or Instagram, and all of the gorgeous options in the catalogs and in the showrooms. But reality is that most of those items aren't really in my budget. In fact, most of them are out of my price range. The good news is that as long as you have an idea of the style you're going for in a room design, you can easily find more affordable alternatives to achieve the same look. That's what I've tried to do in all of my client and personal room designs.

Rule #1: Know What’s Worth the Investment (and What’s Not)

Before you start shopping, get clear on where to spend and where to save.

Spend more on:

• A good sofa (you sit on it every day!)

• An elegant dining room chandelier or table

• Custom window treatments (think auto open/close)

• A show-stopping accent piece or focal point

Save on:

• Accent tables

• Throw pillows & blankets (change these with the seasons)

• Wall decor and art

• Trendy items (they’ll be out of style next season)

Rule #2: Shop Smarter, Not Harder.

Want to find designer looks for less? Here’s where to look:

• Facebook Groups and Marketplace — Goldmine for gently used and even brand-new items at a fraction of the cost. Be careful of purchasing couches or linens second-hand. Search on the item you're seeking and select the local area you're willing to travel for pick-up. Always inspect the item for defects before agreeing to the price, and don't forget to negotiate!

• Local thrift stores — Unique pieces and vintage gems just need a little love. Sometimes you can even find a diamond in the rough, or an expensive item that will look perfect in your space.

• HomeGoods, Target, and World Market — Great for trendy and seasonal decor, as well as awesome accessories for completing your room's look. You can also find great accent chairs, lamps and tables here, along with quality bedding.

• Wayfair, Overstock, and Amazon — Good for just about everything, from furniture to rugs, browse deals, but always check reviews and dimensions before buying, as items are harder to return. Tend to be pricier on accessories, plants and decor.

• Home Improvement Stores — These stores offer more than just appliances and plumbing. Look here for affordable rugs, lamps, wall art, plants and pottery. The paint and stain section is also perfect for sprucing up any second-hand items you plan to refurbish.

Rule #3: Get Creative with DIY and Repurposing

Sometimes all it takes is a coat of paint or new hardware to completely transform a piece.

• Paint or stain old wood furniture for a fresh look

• Swap outdated knobs for something more stylish

• Reupholster or slipcover a chair to breathe new life into it

• Pro tip: That "old" hand-me-down dresser? Could be your new favorite statement piece.

Rule #4: Don’t Buy Everything at Once

This is the hardest rule for me to follow, because when I'm on a mission to complete a room design, I want to change all the things and have a fresh new look with all new items. But the fact is that good design takes time. The best spaces are collected, not copied. So take your time and curate your collection, like a museum, and your space will feel more elevated and sophisticated rather than quickly assembled. Here are some strategies for completing your room over time;

• Focus on one room or zone at a time, rather than trying to renovate your entire house at once.

• Wait for sales (especially around holiday weekends) or coupons from your favorite stores. This will save you money in the long run.

• Make a list and stick to it — impulse buys often cost more in regret than dollars

Rule #5: Plan Ahead to Avoid Costly Mistakes

Measure your space, map out your layout, and make a plan before clicking “Add to Cart.” I've been guilty of this too and had to return items that were too big for the space (can you say Christmas tree that was too tall for our ceiling height?)

Too often, people overspend on items that don’t fit, clash with the rest of their home, or need to be returned (and returning a sofa is no one’s idea of fun). Sometimes you aren't even able to return the item, leading to a very costly mistake, or a room that doesn't function like it should because traffic flow or feel is impacted by the wrong sized furniture.

Making a mood board is a great idea as well to avoid buying items that don't fit with your space or overall design. This allows you to visualize how everything works together and see the layout of the various furniture pieces in the room.

Want More Budget-Friendly Design Help?

I’m sharing even more secrets inside my upcoming course, The Color Joy Method — your step-by-step system to confidently create a beautifully cohesive, magazine-worthy home without the overwhelm (or the overspending). You'll learn how to choose colors, decor, and furniture that reflect your style — and feel amazing every time you walk in the door.

• Click Here to Learn about The Color Joy Method and take advantage of a special early-bird discount!

• Download your FREE “Color Personality Guide” to discover the shades that suit your space and your soul — it's the perfect first step toward designing a home you love.

• Get My Free Guide: 10 Tips to Elevate your Home to a Designer Look for Less

• Join our FREE Facebook Group, The Home Makeover Society – Be part of a creative, supportive community where you can share your space and get feedback on your design challenges.

Make your space look high-end (for less).

Designing a home you love doesn't have to mean draining your bank account or second-guessing every decision. With a little strategy, creativity, and confidence, you can craft a space that looks high-end — even if your budget isn’t. Remember: it’s not about how much you spend, but how intentionally you design.

Start with your color personality — and let The Color Joy Method guide you the rest of the way.