You lean on the sage advice of the pros. They know better than anyone—whether through trial and error or years of successful finds—what objects are worth spending time sleuthing for at the right price. From large, cushy mattresses to smaller vases and frames, we gathered a list of items from designers, stylists, and other home experts that they say are worth saving on. Not only that but where to source them instead, too. “Sometimes the measurement conversions are off when looking at rugs so I recommend checking the dimensions yourself and counting the pavers and tiles the rugs are on top of to make sure the sizes are correct,” she notes. “The gorgeous Murano fixtures are less than 1stDibs, too.” It’s a little bit more effort, but it’s worth it according to Martin. “It’s definitely an investment in time to find the right items for your home,” she says. “I really love the collectibles I have uncovered.” While it may be enticing to splurge on decorative objects, it feels more satisfying to find a piece that’s unique and interesting—one that no one else will likely have. On the reverse, even if you come across these items for cheaper at big box stores, they won’t provide the same quality or fun back story. “I love hunting for lighting on eBay, Overstock, Facebook Marketplace, Wayfair, and of course Google,” she says. “The trick is in knowing the right keywords to use. If you can describe the type of lighting you’re looking for (style, shape, color, etc.) then you’re bound to find what you’re looking for.” She adds that she even found her own dining room chandelier on eBay for a fantastic price. Also, look out for extra bonuses when buying a mattress: will the company take away your used mattress for free? Is there a long warranty or money-back guarantee if it’s not the right fit? These little perks can make a big difference. As tempting as it is to buy another one to leaf through, try checking a few other spots first. “The best place to find cheap books for decorating is thrift stores and yard sales,” Johnson explains. “When people are decluttering, often excess books are one of the first things to go. This means that there are a lot of great options available at very affordable prices. Most of the books I find at thrift stores and garage sales are 50 cents to $3 each.”
