15 Things Designers Say Aren’t Worth Spending Money On And What They Do Instead
Ever wondered how professional designers create stunning spaces without breaking the bank? While we’re often tempted to splurge on trendy home items, design professionals have insider secrets for saving money without sacrificing style.
They know exactly which popular items aren’t worth the hefty price tags and have clever alternatives that deliver the same wow-factor for a fraction of the cost.
1. Brand-New Furniture
Smart designers hunt for secondhand treasures instead of paying full retail prices. Thrift stores, estate sales, and online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist offer incredible finds at steep discounts.
With a fresh coat of paint or new upholstery, these pieces become one-of-a-kind statements that tell stories. Plus, vintage furniture often boasts better craftsmanship than many modern mass-produced items.
2. Designer Throw Pillows
Those $100+ designer throw pillows? Professional decorators rarely buy them at full price. Instead, they purchase plain pillow covers or repurpose vintage textiles, scarves, and even placemats into unique cushion covers.
Many scout clearance sections for high-quality inserts and simply swap covers seasonally. With basic sewing skills or fabric glue, anyone can create custom pillows that perfectly match their decor for a quarter of retail prices.
3. High-End Lighting Fixtures
Lighting makes dramatic impact, but designers rarely pay those eye-watering prices for statement fixtures. The industry secret? They source lookalike pendant lights and chandeliers from budget retailers or online marketplaces.
Creative professionals also customize basic fixtures with spray paint, new shades, or added embellishments. Many even create spectacular DIY versions of designer lighting using unexpected materials like woven baskets, copper pipes, or repurposed vintage items.
4. Expensive Vases
Forget those overpriced ceramic showpieces! Design pros regularly transform affordable vessels into stunning decorative elements. Plain glass bottles from thrift stores become elegant vases with a coat of matte paint or wrapped in natural materials.
Vintage containers, tin cans, and even cement molds create distinctive vessels with character. For those special occasions when only something spectacular will do, they borrow or rent statement pieces rather than purchasing them outright.
5. Custom Window Treatments
Ready for sticker shock? Custom drapery can cost thousands, which is why designers often take a different approach. They start with basic curtain panels from budget retailers, then elevate them by adding trim, rings, or custom headers.
Height matters more than material! Hanging standard curtains closer to the ceiling creates the illusion of taller windows and greater luxury. For a truly custom look without the price tag, designers layer blinds, sheers, and panels from mainstream stores.
6. Trendy Seasonal Decor
Ever noticed how quickly seasonal trends come and go? Professional designers avoid investing heavily in items that’ll feel dated by next year. Rather than purchasing trendy holiday or seasonal decorations, they focus on timeless basics in neutral colors.
Natural elements like pinecones, branches, and fresh greenery create seasonal ambiance without waste. By investing in versatile pieces that transition between seasons with minor adjustments, they create fresh looks without repeated spending on disposable decor.
7. Brand-New Rugs
The staggering cost sends designers hunting for alternatives. Many professionals source vintage or gently-used rugs from estate sales and online auctions where authentic hand-knotted pieces sell for a fraction of retail.
Another trick? Layering smaller, affordable rugs to create the look of a larger custom piece. Some even use carpet remnants bound as area rugs or paint patterns directly onto plain flatweave rugs for custom designs without custom prices.
8. Matching Furniture Sets
Nothing screams “cookie-cutter” like purchasing an entire matching furniture set! Design professionals avoid this dated approach, knowing it lacks personality and often costs more than curated pieces.
Instead, they mix complementary styles, finishes, and eras to create dynamic spaces with character. This collected-over-time approach not only saves money but results in more interesting interiors. The key is choosing pieces that share some element—color tone, scale, or material—for cohesion.
9. High-End Wallpaper
Designer wallpaper can cost hundreds per roll, yet professionals have brilliant alternatives. Resourceful decorators use stencils, stamps, or even hand-painting to create custom wall patterns that mimic expensive papers.
Others master the art of hanging removable wallpaper, which costs significantly less than traditional options. For statement walls, some designers frame beautiful fabric or use large-scale art prints as focal points, achieving dramatic impact without the dramatic price tag.
10. Expensive Countertops
Marble and quartz countertops command premium prices, but savvy designers know better alternatives exist. Contact paper has evolved dramatically, with high-quality marble-look versions that transform laminate counters for under $100.
Concrete overlays offer another budget-friendly solution that can be tinted any color. For truly unique surfaces, some designers use butcher block, stained wood, or even penny tiles to create distinctive countertops that stand out from cookie-cutter kitchens while saving thousands.
11. Brand-New Cabinets
Cabinet replacements can consume half a renovation budget! That’s why designers often recommend refinishing existing cabinets instead. With proper prep and quality paint, older cabinets can look completely refreshed for a fraction of replacement costs.
Changing hardware makes dramatic difference too. For outdated layouts, professionals suggest keeping cabinet boxes and replacing just the doors, or removing upper cabinets entirely in favor of open shelving. These approaches deliver designer kitchens without designer price tags.
12. Expensive Decorative Books
You’ve seen those perfectly styled bookshelves with color-coordinated spines, but designers aren’t paying retail for those pretty books! The secret? Thrift stores, library sales, and estate auctions offer hardcover books for pennies on the dollar.
Some designers remove dust jackets to reveal uniform bindings underneath or flip books backward to show neutral page edges. Others wrap books in kraft paper or wallpaper scraps for cohesive color schemes. The result looks expensive but costs practically nothing.
13. New Decorative Mirrors
Professional designers regularly scout thrift stores and flea markets for mirror frames with good bones but outdated finishes.
A quick spray of gold, black, or white paint transforms dated mirrors into contemporary statement pieces. For truly custom looks, some designers create impressive oversized mirrors by combining smaller vintage mirrors in grid patterns or clusters. The reflection doubles visual space while the price stays small!
14. Designer Fabric
Fabric stores charge premium prices for designer textiles, but professionals know where to find alternatives. Many source discontinued designer fabrics from online outlets at 70-90% off retail prices.
Others repurpose vintage tablecloths, bedspreads, or even clothing into unique upholstery and drapery. Drop cloths, grain sacks, and tea towels transform into distinctive pillows and table linens. With creative sourcing, designers achieve high-end textile looks while keeping budgets intact.