Home Decor Items Not Worth Spending a Lot of Money On

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It is so easy to spend a lot of money today on interior design, especially on the items I will be sharing with you in this video. In this video, I will show you which items you should NOT spend a lot of money on as well as some designer dupes.
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Lighting:
➤ Wayfair - Schoolhouse Mount:
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➤Rejuvenation - Cedar & Moss Mount:
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➤ Wayfair - Shaded Drum Flush Mount:
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➤ Target - Bubble Lamp
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➤ Cb2 - Brass Table Lamp:
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➤ Cb2 - Walnut Table Lamp:
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➤ Cb2 - Black Table Lamp:
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➤ Cb2 - Warner Table Lamp:
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➤West Elm - Asymmetry Ceramic Table Lamp:
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➤ Target - Pane Floor Lamp Black:
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➤West Elm - Roar & Rabbit:
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Pillow Covers and Throws:
➤Etsy - Baby Pink Soft Velvet Pillow Cover:
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➤ Etsy - Round Velvet Throw Cushion:
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➤Etsy - Green Velvet Pillow:
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➤Neiman Marcus - Alpaca Throw:
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➤Etsy - Luxury Warm 100% Alpaca Blanket
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➤Neiman Marcus - Giraffe Throw:
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➤Etsy - Black Velvet Tassel Throw:
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➤Old Navy - Cozy Bouclé Blanket Throw
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Glassware
➤Harrods - Pérignon Champagne Flutes
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➤Versace - Champaign Flute:
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➤Cb2 - Tasting Glasses
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➤Cb2 - Cocktail Glass:
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Hardware
➤ Cb2 - White and Gold Marble Knob
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➤Cb2 - Black Marble Knob
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➤Etsy - Gold Brass Contemporary Handle Pulls
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➤Etsy - Solid Brass Cabinet Handles
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Accent Tables
➤Target - Round Accent Table
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➤Target - End Table with Drawer
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➤Cb2 - Marble C Table is GORGEOUS
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Storage Baskets
➤All Modern - Bread Metal/Wire Basket:
bit.ly/3e2SBja
⏱ Timestamps:
00:00 - Items Not Worth Spending A Lot Of Money On
00:57 - Our Sponsor - Karma!
01:59 - Lighting
04:48 - Pillow Covers And Throws
07:13 - Glassware
09:46 - Hardware And Other Metals
11:37 - Accent Tables
13:44 - Storage Baskets
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➤ West Elm - Bar Cabinet
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➤ West Elm - Media Console
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➤ Crate and Barrel - Dining Room Table
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➤ Crate and Barrel - Dining Room Chairs
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➤ CB2 - Marble Coffee Table
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📸: Photo Credit: Kelly Nan, Etsy, Cb2, Neiman Marcus, William Ashley, Target, Ikea, All modern, Casson hardware, the Bay, Facebook Marketplace.
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My videos, descriptions, and comments may contain affiliate links! If you buy something through one of the links, you won't pay a penny more, but I'll get a small commission, which helps me keep the lights on! Thanks!

[@pinkystores9451]

1950's is the bomb era for glass ware. "Antique" Malls are absolutely filled with gorgeous vintage glass ware.

[@diana6842]

Nick, what gets me is places charging $75+ for throw pillow covers but the good fabric is only on one side of the pillow! They use a solid, plain canvas on the back of the pillow. No matter how much I love the fabric on the front of the pillow, I refuse to spend that kind of money for half a pillow. smh

[@koalaeucalyptus]

Thanks for saying that, I thought I was the only one who found that outrageous! I see a cover, fall in love with the colors and texture, only to discover that, placed at whatever angle other than exactly in front of you, you're gonna see that the back doesn't match...

[@loverlyme]

This is why I've given up on buying some of the ready-made cushion covers. I now buy fabric that I like and make the pillow up to my specification. It's so easy to make covers for yourself and you can choose to make the two sides with different but coordinating fabrics. You get two covers for the price of one just by turning the cushion over. If you're just doing them for yourself you can easily hide some velcro hook & loop tape inside to make the covers removable. If I were making these to sell I'd put in a zipper or some swanky buttons.

[@verreal]

Exactly!

[@katrussell6819]

Glassware is really good in Thrift shops. Cheap and often very high quality. And if you break something you just say, "oh, well..."

[@Nick_Lewis]

Totally - great place to find some funky glassware!

[@purplelucrezia]

Yes I got a whole set of beautiful champagne glasses thrifting- plus I don’t stress if they break!

[@gloria8093]

My mom loves the fancy etched, or rigged or embossed glassware. My mom has never spent more then 10 bucks per glass, possibly less.

[@phillydragonfly]

I collect vintage glassware from thrift stores

[@MelissaThompson432]

This is one category where eclectic can save you a lot of money as well. I'm that person who buys one-off items at thrift stores and sets a table with mix and match. I try to stay in the same aesthetic, but if I love it, it comes home with me.

[@sparklie962]

There's also the discount/floor-model section hidden in the back of lots of retailers - e.g. Crate & Barrel, CB2. I got the most beautiful table lamp at CB2 for half price just because it was the end of season and they were moving into a new colour theme for spring. I got a returned solid wood sideboard from Crate & Barrel for 60% off simply because it was a return. Not a speck of damage on it. I always head to the sale room first whenever I go home decor/furniture shopping. You never know what you might find!

[@SeekoGT]

Good tip

[@erinmoore9681]

👀

[@selinaburford6771]

I always go to those sections first! Often the items are brand new just returns customers didn’t want.

[@thedustwhispered]

good tip! there are also outlets for some retailers depending on where you are. i lived near one that carried UO and anthropologie, and was able to buy two area rugs, an accent chair, a vinyl stand, champagne glasses, and more at ~1/4 of the price. unfortunately, they closed down but it's always worth scoping out outlets!

[@TheIcecoldorange]

So you’re saying you bought a 800 dollar table lamp for 400? 400 is still a rip off tbh.

[@j.m.7056]

Etsy is THE place for pillow covers. Many excellent vendors.

[@HannahCrier]

I second this. So many talented artists on Etsy😊

[@natashahomestead]

Thank you

[@elysia5379]

It's the place for so many cool, unique things! Also, you can get fairly cheap designer fabric offcuts on eBay, if you fancy making your own.

[@jd9351]

This video is a prime example of why I love your good sense and sensibilities. Way to go, Nick.

[@GoogleUser-wx8mw]

Yes, Nick, preach about the ridiculous prices charged for cabinet pulls and baskets! Sometimes, the emperor is just naked. Thanks for this common sense video. Bravo!

[@biazacha]

I just bought cotton rope and made my own baskets during the lockdown cause my cats can’t see a box without trying to destroy it lol

[@GoogleUser-wx8mw]

@@biazacha That's awesome!

[@maggiemctoon3018]

Finally a design video that doesn't encourage me to spend more money 🤣

[@marylhere]

Most of these high end drawer pulls, pillows and throws are introduced by interior designer/decorators. My sister in law had stuff show up at her house and her husband would get the bill. The last straw was a SouthWestern ceramic statue for $800 to sit in a window. That was in 1985. They fought bitterly about it, but my sister in law didn’t want to insult the decorator’s taste. Saw it recently in a thrift store for $5.99. Thrift stores are good for memories…good and bad.

[@anabhousen7159]

I always start off checking out thrift stores before I pay retail for anything I'm looking for. I wanted a pale pink glass lamp and the first goodwill I looked in had exactly what I was looking for and it was only $5.

[@sharischmidt4712]

I no longer purchase cheap rip-off items , aka Ikea/ Home Sense,/ Home Goods, ect. I now go to the small business in my own city and area. What l find is original ,hand crafted beautiful pieces that l won't look at and regret in a month or two. As for lighting, go to antique , vintage stores where you can find everything from the early 1900's , art deco, the fab 60'&70'!, Just have them rewired and your good to go, with an item that you won't find in your friends home.

[@BethanySchmidtEsthetics]

I appreciate you saying that about crafters. I spend hundreds of hours on a throw. (Knitting and crocheting) And they are definitely an investment and in a lot of cases, heirlooms ❤️

[@marigeobrien]

Thank you for mentioning artisan-made (handmade) throws. Some can take months, even years to make, as well as costing upwards of $150 for materials. I only make them for friends because I could not possibly charge what they're worth. And, considering they will last 20-30 years (in good repair; 40-50 years altogether), I think it is worth it. Most of the time. However, be careful about some of the newer ones made with "super-bulky" yarns. While the materials are pricey, many of these can be made in hours... bonus? They fall apart in the laundry.

[@KatieCunningham]

When my mother remarried, she put SO MUCH stupidly expensive stemware on her registry. You know what we drank out of for every special occasion? Dollar Tree glasses. Not even, like, IKEA. Holidays, promotions, engagements, birth announcements: We got those wonky glasses that were way too big and never sat quite right. If we asked, she'd rattle off how much each glass was worth and say they were 'too nice.' I'm fairly certain that when she died, she still hadn't broken any of them out. I went with IKEA for my glassware because they actually have some legit options if you do classic cocktails.

[@HeronCoyote1234]

My favorite glasses for everyday (I don’t drink, so no need for bar or wine glasses) are Dollar Store Irish Coffee mugs. Sturdy, and they have handles! I also love their regular drinking glasses, the ones with etching on the outside, making them easier to hold, especially when washing.

[@khills]

We explicitly didn’t ask for nice glassware at our wedding for this reason. We still got some. 🙄 We’re going to set them out when we build our bar, and freaking use them. They get broken? Oh well, at least we used them.

[@vaderladyl]

Yeah why buy fancy ware when you are never going to use it.

[@frenchiegirlintheusa]

i just happen to inherit the barware from my dad. His have gold rim from 1960's very retro.

[@nataliebutler]

I have crystal glassware (which I bought second-hand) and I use them everyday as I believe in enjoying them rather than keeping things for best.

[@angellynn7701]

I agree with a lot of other ppl. Its crazy not to try a thrift store first. I have even seen amazing paintings & mirrors.

[@Notcoral89]

I saw this huge mirror, at least 6ft tall at thrift store the other day for $12. Unfortunately it was already sold or I would have grabbed it myself!

[@NikkieN1992]

A lady at the thrift store told me that a lot of people drop off the wedding gifts they don't want. Got so may thing all brand new!

[@mnmatte]

I have a beautiful, hand painted (and beautifully framed) photo I got at the thrift store for $10. Definitely a steal at the thrift store

[@arielshuffield4188]

On the storage basket category I will say from my own mistakes: a lot of those cheap woven baskets don't work great if you want to use them for laundry or carrying stuff from room to room. so definitely go to a folk arts festival and buy a more expensive one that will last decades and doesn't poke and scratch if it's going to do more than sit unmoving in a corner. Also: those fabric baskets barely last a day before getting unusably flattened if you own a cat who likes sitting in the thing. It is adorable though.

[@fleurdelis2976]

I’m so glad that you mentioned Etsy. They are small business owners supporting their families on what they sell. Great video as always!

[@vaderladyl]

Same with Ebay and other platforms.

[@raccoonfederation]

Be careful on Etsy especially but also eBay, amazon, and others cuz you might be buying “handmade” “small business” etc etc when really it comes from AliExpress/China and they’re charging you a markup for it. A few things I pay attention to to avoid this is 1. If multiple sellers have the exact same item, chances are it’s from China. 2. If they sell an extremely wide variety of things and they’re not like vintage with only 1 available, it’s probably from china. Most legit shops on Etsy specialize in something. Too much random unconnected inventory clues me in that it might be a drop shipping scheme

[@katie7748]

@@raccoonfederation Yes!

[@snowwhite5842]

Most of the time. The China crap has infiltrated Etsy and it’s a shame they allow it.

[@verreal]

Some are. And some are factories straight out of mainland China. Shop with discretion.

[@accordionbabe]

Crate and Barrel Chicago store back in the day was THE PLACE to buy inexpensive glassware! The basement was a treasure trove of inexpensive gorgeous items. Your video reminded me of how much fun it was to get design quality for a song! Sigh. Only memories exist, but your video is a great reminder of shopping for great bargains.

[@buildergradetocustommade]

When I get ready to make a purchase and find that AMAZING item I want, I will check all my favorite alternative stores and Etsy and FB marketplace first. Then, if you really can't find something cheaper to meet your needs, you'll feel better about spending that money.

[@barbaracooper767]

I am in the wholesale furniture industry. Here are my thoughts on what to spend money on. Upholstery….your sofa and chairs are a big part of your life. Your mattress and sheets. Your towels. Products that effect your daily life as far as comfort and that touch your skin. Be it a luxurious feel or extreme comfort that enhances your life. If you have to make a choice spend your money on those items. Decorative items can be found fairly inexpensive in our current times with all the Homegoods type stores. Love your videos Nick!

[@dobetterwithchristian4472]

Would love to see a lighting video on how to choose fixtures that 'go together without matching exactly

[@bakerfritz4681]

I don’t know if this advice applies to lamps but, extremely generally speaking, if you use matching colors you can play with materials, if you match materials you can play with color, and that way things are visually interesting (so not all matchy-matchy) without being chaotic.

[@MelissaThompson432]

Stay inside an aesthetic, such as period or design school. You can mix ginger jar table lamps with tulip floor lamps if both are Tiffany, both are mid century, etc. And the contrasting shapes, fat and comfy vs slender and elegant, provide variety for the eye. Or go eclectic and just match color. 😏 The easiest way to make something look natural is to stay within a time frame; a normal life consists of disposing of things as they wear out and bringing new things in as they enter the market. If your items are either heirloom quality, like my Arts and Crafts dresser and blanket chest that are about a century old, but hardwood and dovetail jointed, or more tightly clustered within a time frame of what was popular within the last, say 30 to 50 years, and it all looks like the same person's taste, it's probably going to fly. Especially if you love every piece, which is the one indispensable design element.

[@MelissaThompson432]

Unless you're having an open house, you don't have to complete a "look" all in one fell swoop. Take your time. And if you ARE having an open house, rent. You only have to like it for a week.

[@kates8183]

The thing I picked up the most or the underlaying theme is, these are all items that if you want to update your room, you would switch out. It won't break your budget to get a fresh new look. Definitely yes on the glassware topic!!!!

[@Nick_Lewis]

Exactly. Invest in those items that you use regularly and you know will be with you for YEARS.

[@Zapporah85]

Thank you for pointing out that it's worth it to splurge if you want to support an artist. I think that's the only time that I would want to spend that kind of money on any of these things. Otherwise, I can head to the thrift store and come back with a full set of dishes, a nice wicker basket, and probably a coffee table 🤣

[@Spoks_left_ear]

I have a ton of hand woven baskets from a fair trade business out of Nigeria and they have never exceeded $70, and they're super versatile, and come in a million colors and sizes!

[@Loki-fl1rk]

Would you be so kind to tell me where you got them?

[@Spoks_left_ear]

@@Loki-fl1rk the produce stand that i work at buys them, but I'll double check the name of the company and post it

[@Spoks_left_ear]

@@Loki-fl1rk Baskets of Africa is the name of the company, and i done goofed they're from Ghana not Nigeria

[@Loki-fl1rk]

Thank you so much! They are gorgeous, exactly what I am looking for.

[@lxine1868]

My local favourite thrift shop sells full sets of dishes and glassware - the special stuff that’s barely used, then the owner passed and their treasured tableware ends up there. It’s sort of sad but it’s also fascinating to think about the history of these beautiful items that someone treasured.

[@WhatsBliss]

For anything in your kitchen, it's always worth checking out resteraunt supply stores. Pint glasses, wine glasses, tumblers, water glasses, plates, bowls, flatwear... You can get sturdy, cheap tablewear that is often surprisingly attractive and its a good option if you want everything to match. Biggest downside is needing to buy a case, but it's often still cheaper and it's not hard to find someone who will split the cost or sell it off.

[@sarahnelson8836]

My family got our drinking glasses from Target that I think was also in warehouse brands. I once dropped one down an ENTIRE flight of (carpeted) stairs where it fell end over end hit the hardwood floor BOUNCED and dented the drywall….. I still have it. Nothing beats well designed glassware. Interestingly they were the same ones they used on sets for a while like big bang theory and others… I really don’t have to wonder why 😂

[@sarahnelson8836]

Also I’ve looked at some but I haven’t found ones that ship to homes easily, do you have any recommendations?

[@rachelgilbert3164]

Thrift stores are the best place to get glassware, because you can get great vintage sets from people who have passed, but also if a piece breaks, it’s completely fine because it cost you 50 cents!!!

[@colettegjuka9604]

When my kid moved out I got her a whole set of glasses (minus one that broke) for about $5.00. They were lovely and in a soft pink she loved. There were tall glasses, and short glasses and even the old fashioned tiny juice glasses. Thrift shops are wonderful for this stuff.

[@wyominghome4857]

Absolutely! Years ago I found some beautiful cut crystal sherry glasses in a thrift shop that were 6 for $10 instead of $35 a stem. I still have them and use them. I make it a rule never to pay a lot of money for anything that is breakable.

[@lxine1868]

I agree! Especially the fancy stuff that has spent years in a cabinet. By buying and using the glasses it’s like they’re finally getting the chance to be used and enjoyed!

[@quantumphysicax9004]

Yes! All my glassware is real crystal (Waterford and Crystal D'Arques), and I haven't spent more than 100 dollars *in total* on what amounts to a huge collection, including beautiful vintage martini glasses and champagne flutes, by thrifting and buying secondhand online. Most of it came in the original boxes, from estate sales. Beautiful glassware is dirt cheap secondhand, especially if you love vintage, more ornate designs.

[@berry7939]

@@quantumphysicax9004 old glasses, especially crystal, can contain very high amounts of lead

[@superfacch]

For more affordable items, be sure to check the fiber content. Stay away from acrylic and faux leather as they will look and feel cheap, go with cotton, cotton/poly, or wool blend instead!

[@KaciCallahan]

i thought you were talking about dietary fiber i was so confused

[@yvonneschermerhorn866]

You always make sense, plus you make me chuckle with your honesty. eg " Stupid end tables." You are careful not to insult anyone's taste, but you also clearly state your opinion! Thx!

[@gailremp8389]

I bought a white wicker shade at Goodwill about six months ago. I paid $1. I saw the same thing in some magazine that I get and it was on sale for $99. Sure.

[@elvisneedsboats3714]

We were updating our bathroom (cabinets, sinks, shower enclosure, etc). While my husband was looking for something at the hardware store, I was just wandering around. I found a package of 10 cabinet pulls for $30 (we needed 9). They were a name brand, great quality and the the exact color and design I was looking for. SCORE!

[@christinamac4828]

Shopping victory! Those are the best! :D

[@GBEZ]

I just really wanna go shopping together and go get brunch. Unbeknownst to you, you’ve become my breakfast bestie and we hang out and chat design over coffee every morning. Lol! Thanks for the fun content!

[@Loki-fl1rk]

Für Cabinet Pulls: look for a local pottery, some of them have beautiful ones or do custom ones, way cheaper and you know who you support

[@bridgethanchek4324]

I bought a 12 piece set of wine glasses from World Market. They come in their own perfectly-sized box that I keep in a closet. I only need four of them on a regular basis, but I have the rest in reserve for parties or if some of them break. Easy peasy!

[@chuckandmax7313]

I spent a lot of money on all my glassware, it’s Waterford crystal, but I picked a discontinued pattern and bought them all on eBay for 1/3 the price, and I bought them 2 glasses at a time over a period of 3-4 years a month at a time. So I did the same thing with my fine china. I got great deals

[@vaderladyl]

Awesome!

[@cliftonmcnalley8469]

I lusted over my china for more than a decade at a local discounters. Originally almost $500 for 4 place settings. I needed 12. Was NEVER going to happen. Finally found 8 sets for $100 at another store and went to the first store to see if they'd price match. They had marked theirs down to $99, but all they had left were the very pieces I'd been picking up and lusting over for years - and they would need to hunt down all of the pieces, could I come back later?. Yes, though I was nervously calculating what Replacements would charge me for the additional missing/broken/damaged items. I return 2 hours later to a retail store full of giddy salespeople - they are SOOOO excited and one shrieks, "She's here! She's here!" and they all come running. On the counter they had displayed for me every piece of that china collected from all over the store - that had been out on display for over 10 years for the general public to view, pickup, break, chip, scratch and even steal. Four complete place settings - not a scratch or a chip in site. They'd never seen anything like it. We were all in awe of that moment. I love my china to this day. If I cook something special just for me, I get it out - no need to wait for a holiday.

[@valsanverghese]

@@cliftonmcnalley8469 That is such a great story and I’m so glad you’re using them. Seen too many fine china and glassware bought and kept on display in a glass cabinet that almost never gets used.

[@cliftonmcnalley8469]

@@valsanverghese I can't handle wasting things because they're too special. Spent the summer with a friend several years ago. She and I have been friends since highschool. Was helping in the kitchen my first night there and went to dry my hands on a towel. She freaked! "Those are decorations!" I'm like, this isn't going to work. I'm the Interior designer and you're an engineer. Everything in a kitchen MUST be functional!

[@valsanverghese]

@@cliftonmcnalley8469 🤣👍

[@cs4849]

Absolutely! I was a little astounded at how easy it can be to rack up huge costs on a build over details. I’m super frugal, and scouted around to find inexpensive cabinet pulls that matched my style, for instance. And there are so many reasonably priced lighting options now - I love every light fixture we bought and we didn’t break the bank on them. That freed up money in the budget for splurges like granite in the kitchen.

[@janis902]

I break wine glasses often. So, now I go to the Goodwill & find simple classic styled glasses for like a dollar each. I was able to piece together a set that's so close to matching. If someone ever wants fancy etched glasses when they come over, they're not my type anyway.

[@jjpp2216]

On the end table point, I totally agree. The thing to remember is that they are often tucked into a corner, and generally covered with things (a lamp, a book, magazine, drink coasters, whatever) and thus hardly even seen. I have a fairly expensive den setting with $20 Homesense tin end tables and it all works. Now, the coffee table, athts where I’ve spent 4 figures.

[@plantsoul1605]

Regarding side tables...I am up cycling an old Humidor (cigar cabinet) to use as a side table in my living room. I think side tables are probably the easiest piece to up cycle if you can find something on marketplace or at a yardsale. We have done at least 3 for our home and they were either free or super cheap. All are wood and came out beautiful. I am looking forward to creating something amazing with Humidor cabinet. It is a special piece.

[@MelissaThompson432]

I favor the idea of end tables that are actually storage; small drawer chests or pigeonhole pieces (drawers win for me.) I recently gave away an unmatched table that had a pigeonhole section at the top and a large open shelf underneath that turned out to be quite useful while I had it. I think it was actually a telephone table, but I didn't have the chair that should have been with it.

[@dorenandsara]

I am 63 years old and I have never had end/side table alongside my sofa. For me it was just too cluttered and was another space to pile more stuff. I always put a small scale side table next to an side chair. Also, in 1989 my mother gave me a beautiful 4 piece wine glass set. They were one of the first really nice things that I owned. I've never removed them because they are so pretty. I have this sick feeling that, at this point, if I do use them then one of them will be broken within the first month of use.

[@MelissaThompson432]

Always. 😕

[@lillyrose3545]

I think you should use and enjoy them for every meal! Make memories with them and if they brake at least you had wonderful moments with them.

[@Psykel]

Counterpoint: I don’t mind spending a bit more on a lamp made, for example, in my native Sweden over one of a lower quality made in China. Same goes for the rest of the tips in this vid. I’d rather pay 100-200 euros for a 100% wool blanket/throw made in Europe than a 10-20 euro polyester one made in China. Imo, handmade stuff made from quality materials is always worth the premium. It’ll last you a lifetime.

[@alienflower7651]

This is def true, it’s frustrating how many things are made in China in non ethical terms. I always check where an item is made and even super expensive furniture comes from factories in China.

[@wallihaley5194]

@@alienflower7651, “even super expensive furniture comes from China?” Can you be more specific about that?

[@TheKaurK]

Alright alright. I can’t believe I have to spell out the obvious here but we live in a world with silly creatures obsessed with stupid categories. There’s high quality stuff that’s made in China as well. Yes, there are regulation issues there that lead to bad production practices and inconsistent quality control.. but having only damn well 5 brain cells should guarantee that you understand that not everything made in China can be equated to poor quality. There’s a lot made there. Some of it is bad. Some of it is good. Just be a more mindful person before joining the cult of stereotyping others.

[@TheKaurK]

@Walli Haley plenty of furniture stores that are technically big name companies from the west still have their furniture produced in countries with lower GDP and lower regulations. Crate and Barrel, Anthropologie to name a couple. It’s incredibly common. And guess what- most of it is really high quality furniture. So there’s that. Although of course, they pay the artisans there barely anything. So it’s an ethical concern regardless of the quality.

[@aroha9090]

I have two gorgeous vintage pottery lamps from Germany that I will never ever replace. They were definitely NOT cheap. But they'll outlive me easily. However, I'm also lucky to live in a place where fair-trade, natural fibre throws/cushion covers aren't expensive enough for me to freak out when someone catches their nail on the thread, or spills some wine. Soft furnishings won't outlive me, so I compromise a bit more on that.

[@dianeguy7452]

My hubby can attest : I am addicted to accent tables. I love yard sale treasures to paint or rattan cubes or wrought iron legs. Heaven!!

[@rabbitgregory9289]

The right end table can add a lot of charm to a room. Check out thrift stores. Wooden tables are particularly easy to alter-repaint, add castors, stencil, etc. One of my favorite end tables is an old metal barrel roller that I topped with a thick piece of salvaged glass. It’s beautiful and functional.

[@TommyAlanRaines]

The crazy thing that sometimes can happen in design is an expensive item can be a knock off of a low cost product. I even seen low cost items that had better quality than pricey. Yesterday I seen a $20 Dinnerware set for four that looked high end. Point totally agree you don’t have to brake the bank to have great design

[@MelissaThompson432]

You mean like "boho" that is made to look like something somebody found in a barn? Yes; too many barns where I live for me to be lured in by designer "boho."

[@TommyAlanRaines]

@@MelissaThompson432 for BoHo you can go to an actually Farm Supply company or a farm sale and get the real thing hahaha

[@Kimberlyk12]

I love buying the open box lighting fixtures at places like wayfair! I have saved so much money buying 50, 40, sometimes 15 dollar lights that are normally 400 or more! If you're patient you can even find everything to be cohesive throughout your home!

[@seaside2001]

As long as the glassware is crystal you can't go wrong. Lots of lovely plain crystal is out there and a huge difference to drink from then cheap cardboard pack sets. Also crystal does not "sweat" all over your beautiful teak table, leaving rings, when you have ice in the drink. That is the main point for me. After all you can't be Hyacinth Bucket watching every guest with their drink and making sure they are using coasters. Oh coasters, how I hate those.

[@haphazardgardener8651]

100% agree. Google lens is my friend when I want the look but not the price point.

[@canuckviolet3322]

Good thinking!

[@seretamage4547]

Your expression in your thumbnail. Absolutely precious.☺️

[@GenRN]

💯 % agree with all of it! Also, I can’t stand mass produced art so for some big pieces (like over my fireplace (50 in x 60 in) I made a piece myself. I enjoy it so much more than something mass produced -especially that size and the cost was about $100. If you aren’t artistically talented but want to try something, look into pour art or other DIY art projects. Another great thing to look to thrift off of FB marketplace and the like are mirrors. The more things I thrift the better I feel when I want to change things up. It can go right back where it came from for someone else to enjoy and it stays out of the landfill. Agree with how great it is to thrift for side tables. I love older furniture that is solid and high quality. What one finds may need some updating. I got my stunning end table and coffee tables for about $30 each at Goodwill. One got stripped and restrained, the other got painted red and I added feet to it; they are very high quality that I could never make myself pay retail for nowadays. I search for dovetail joinery and solid wood. If the shape and construction are good, you can’t go wrong. Also I didn’t freak if my 3 boys wanted to crawl on it, jump on it, or build a fort under it.

[@biazacha]

Something that is also a great idea is commission illustrators/artists you like and frame their art… you support someone you enjoy the work and gets a piece that matches your taste and personality pretty well.

[@Neenerella333]

@@biazacha Thank you. -a professional artist

[@TheOrganizedSoprano]

HomeGoods is the BEST for baskets! The only pricey organizing products I do think are worth it are Yamazaki designed products. They are pricey but *CHEF’S KISS*

[@Klehan]

Things to save money on in home decor? Yes please, sign me up! As someone who is frugal with her money and likes to save it, this video is great. And big yes to glass/stemware. The restaurant I used to work at bought their glasses from the dollar store and they worked great.

[@danahowes8145]

I love that you included the Marketplace : ) There is so much out there already, it is a nice way to find exactly what you need (hopefully, you're getting a deal too) while taking some steps towards sustainability!

[@jemccoy7246]

Nick, it would be so much fun if you showed truly high- end prices. Look at some of the items shown in aspirational decor videos like "behind the curb" or "homeworthy". Also, what guidance you have for splurging. The throw pillow that is the jumping off point for the whole palette. And the whole concept of Jewelry for the home.

[@Bostonbob3]

Several of the upscale online lighting sites have an "open box" section. The pieces are all inspected and still have their full, original warranty, but they're heavily discounted.

[@marylhere]

End tables story. My mother bought an Ethan Allen coffee table (which didn’t hold up to the go go dancing in the 60s) but bought maple end tables from Grants (a 5&10) temporarily….40 years later were still standing. I see those exact tables intact often at thrift stores….65 years later.

[@barbarak2836]

I remember Grants; I haven't thought of it for years!

[@MelissaThompson432]

My father grew up during the Depression, and was a genius at refurbishing and reclaiming. I have him to thank for teaching me what to invest in and what to let go by.... I have an ingrained love for "good bones."

[@HeronCoyote1234]

End tables: check out consignment shops, especially in higher income areas. We purchased a Stickley nightstand/end table for $175. In perfect condition. If you know Stickley, you know that’s a steal.

[@stephenj7137]

sensible stuff.. I do think that "You have at it" is Canadian for "Bless your heart" in the south

[@onehumanwoman]

You've become a comfy person to watch for me ☺️ and inspired me in my first home! Thanks Nick!

[@francesh3423]

As a Canadian, very happy how loved you are, here and across the border and beyond. Little things like listing in CAD brings out that homegrown pride! A little bummed you had to change your $ price listings to USD.

[@Nick_Lewis]

I hear you - but half my audience is in the US and even if you are outside Canada and the US, most other countries roughly know how to convert to USD over CAD. I made the choice to communicate in USD as it's as close to an international standard as I can get. I do throw in a lot of local Canadian items and small retailers though as well.

[@antiquesrestoration3874]

"Ummm...I'm sorry. No ma'am." I had to laugh, because I couldn't agree more.

[@makeapositivedifference]

Definitely thrift stores for lighting, and glassware. Tuesday Morning and Marshall's are my go to around the holidays for throws.... glassware is also about half the price at both places if you are looking for something special.

[@cathycorrea541]

Target has great baskets too. Found mine on sale for 20 dollars! It was easy a 50 dollar basket. Love it 😀

[@losdawg6265]

As a homeowner who is a single, straight man…I say thank you so much for your help!

[@leidysunday5990]

I love how humble you are 👏🏽

[@sarahterry2140]

Great point on the end tables - expensive ones probably won’t be noticed and there are many good looking ones for less money.

[@silviaterracciano4513]

I enjoy your videos. I love buying vintage for my home. In Milan we have very nice antique/vintage auctions where you can buy quality glassware or lamps which are wonderful and often also signed by big designers. Much better than buying new ones at cheap places.

[@kathybaker1478]

Marketplace, I love Marketplace! I found original, unused teak recessed drawer pulls from the 1950s for $2 each! Perfect for our renovation!

[@MrsJBoddy]

Hi Nick! Do you have ideas for a mucky pet friendly home? I'm about to move, getting new furniture and I am looking for ideas for easy to clean but stylish furniture.

[@halpen]

I'm also curious about this!! The one thing I've finally learned in this area is that performance fabrics are our friends. And oddly enough - some texture helps. I've got 2 chairs done in a linen texture, and a couch in a much smoother cloth. They're the same grade of performance fabric, and they both clean like a dream, but that smoother fabric shows absolutely everything that accumulates between cleanings. It doesn't help that I went with a darker grey for it. Dumb move on my part! Anyway....hope this helps!!

[@ziggy9700]

@@halpen thank you for replying to me Kris

[@MelissaThompson432]

Tbh, my instinct says, avoid fabric on furniture. Scotchgard everything that IS fabric; keep their claws trimmed and get leather or pleather (or, do they still make Naugahyde?) And decorate it with pillows and throws they can sit on that will go in the wash. We have very sheddy pets (not messy, though, thankfully) and the washing machine is our best friend.

[@valsanverghese]

As my kids would say, that was a totally sick video. Agree with everything you’ve said; seen too many glassware sitting in display cabinets and almost never used. End tables: the simpler the better, people only notice the table lamp on it anyway. For table lamps, throws, pillows and covers and hardware, agree with going the artisanal route if you wish to splurge a little but finally it’s the big furniture pieces that people notice and love, especially if they are comfortable. If friends have favourite places to plonk themselves on when they visit, you know you’ve done something right.

[@ah5721]

100% with you no reason to spending absorbent amounts on these items ! I worked at a Pier One back in the day and so many of the expensive items were the most poorly made and fragile things that didn't make it past on month on the floor. let alone 2 weeks sometimes ..

[@beglitchery]

I can vouch for that. I got that big circular bamboo(?) chair and I cracked it within a week.

[@ah5721]

@@beglitchery the papasan ? the plastic woven ones were poorly made for sure. they always unraveled

[@aprilangland4595]

I definitely saved on pillows, throws, glassware, baskets, side tables, mirrors, vases, trays, and most lamps. I did splurge on the moooi ramdom light in large, because dupes are all smaller, and I really need that size to fill up the very big and tall dining room. Definitely spend on mattress and office chair, and some solid wood dresser/sideboard/console table.

[@goodgirl_goneglam6173]

Great video! A hack for end tables in larger spaces- shop for small dining tables instead. I have 36 inch wood bistro tables with a turned pedestal as my end tables. I think they were maybe $150 each (and handmade locally) but trying to find end tables in a comparable size was about $600 each.

[@angellynn7701]

Great idea!

[@gailremp8389]

For nothing else, I love your online name. Just perfect. Thank you.

[@goodgirl_goneglam6173]

@@gailremp8389 lol thank you! I used to post makeup looks on IG so the name fit.

[@tylerbrown4483]

It’s always useful to put into perspective what else you could spend the money on. If you love and have the money for a $765 lighting fixture that’s a 10/10 but you can find a dupe for $70 that’s 9.5/10, you still have $695 to spend on lighting. You could redo one fixture for 10/10 or you could redo all or nearly all your fixtures to 9.5/10 for the same price.

[@TheDenisedrake]

The Sass is strong with this one.

[@Kenjiro5775]

For me, if something is more than ten times the price of an alternative, it had better be more than ten times better in whatever criteria that matters. Good advice for choosing alternatives. 😁👍

[@victorhawkins3461]

Here in Palm Springs/the Coachella Valley, thrifting is a way of LIFE! We have GREAT thrift stores (Revivals, Collector's Corner, Angel View) where you can find some fantastic stuff across a myriad of price points. Save for the sofa, my whole living room is from thrift stores...and it looks and works fine to me.

[@cristinagarcia1652]

Good timing! Just the other day I went to your favorite store (HomeGoods ;) to in fact buy those huge catch-all baskets very similar to the ones that my Modsy designer wanted me to spend more than 100 bucks each on!

[@shinybugg9156]

On the topic of saving money- have you ever tried a clothes shaver on upholstery/pillow covers that might be pilling or have loose strings? I've really been able to extend the lifeapan of my stuff with my clothes shaver.

[@rachaelbruesch6306]

I love a good dupe, lighting especially. Agree with 💯 about glassware! I personally don't need the fancy etching/frosted glass, I prefer a cocktail or wine glass that can go with any of my dinnerware.

[@DeoxysRibos]

I wish I found this video sooner, but it was still exactly what I needed because I didn't know the price points I should be looking for with throw pillows and floor lamps. Thanks!

[@martah5369]

For storage baskets it might be worth buying from fair trade shops though, there are many small crafters around the world whose baskets actually are worth to pay for and buying them for fair prices will do much for their families. Also, if you have a fair trade shop in your city they are often run by volunteers and really need your occasional visits.

[@wordscrafter]

I love feeling cozy and throws are a necessity in my life. They're also great touches for seasonal decor.

[@ginacirelli1581]

I've always found great inexpensive baskets at Michael's craft store.

[@megand576]

Etsy is also a great place for vintage rugs at affordable prices!

[@adhareropshori]

Thanks for the reminder about side tables 😂 I am planning my new formal living room and was going crazy on where to cut the cost

[@dawnelder9046]

Bought a lovely floor lamp at the re store for 20 dollars. More complements on it. Pillow covers are really easy to sew. Had left over leather from recovering chairs. I now have leather pillows. Easy to clean.

[@patriciakelly2714]

I agree with you Nick. I feel that as consumers we are often being drawn into items that are far too expensive. I just love your sense of humour, you always make me smile. Thank you. Xx

[@reptilianbaby]

I can’t wait for your balcony tour!

[@tessarion6984]

Agree about side tables. But if you get something like Holden Side Table from RH.. that’s not just a side table but also a beautiful statement/ art piece. Got mine 4 years ago and all my friends are obsessed with it

[@karinscott4455]

Some of those prices are crazy! For one drawer pull? no words.

[@Nedinska]

Canadian Tire Libby stemless wine glasses - box of twelve, six red and six white. Great for everyday use!

[@meletcl]

Love your down to earth practicality! Great tips much appreciated. I have gotten some great glassware, lamps and furniture at thrift stores - things I would never ever buy full price.

[@elaineburroughs5471]

Un autre item à ne pas payer trop cher: les nappes! Ça stress moins quand tes invités les tâchent avec du vin rouge 🍷

[@danielshinkle2808]

My tip for all of these estate sales. Just bought some gorgeous glassware from sale where I knew the woman and she had great taste. Was even about to buy 3 small Lalique figures for $25 each. It's was differently one of the better ones.

[@pixie3760]

I always mostly purchase dupes because designs change so often, I also like the house to look nice but I tend to buy something boho which is more my style and doesn't particularly date

[@dkirk5814]

I always value and enjoy your content and you seem especially up beat just now. Hint about throws. The knitted and crocheted ones can be very expensive, so I made my own. I was an absolute beginner but there are simple patterns most people would be able to do.

[@dija5578]

I attempted it once and ended up with a triangle! LOL :)

[@Halbmond]

I really like the drawer pulls and handles from Superfront, even though they are crazy expensive

[@cvonsutphen]

*Side tables* . I have four side tables in my living room, two were purchased new, one thrifted and one DIY. While none of them "match", they all coordinate beautifully with my style. My DIY is a wicker ottoman that I refreshed with spray paint. I bought a $12 wood round and stained it to match my other wood tones. I did not permanently attach the top, therefore it is dual purpose if needed. My other side side table is actually a plant stand with wood and cane detailing and black metal legs. No one has ever said, "nice $30 plant stand".

[@theschnauz2138]

Grandma likes to buy those wine glasses…well, grandma and me. The thing about Waterford is, they have a very long warranty. They do replace if broken or chipped.

[@HeronCoyote1234]

Target has great, sturdy, affordable woven fabric baskets.