You finally have your dream house, and now it’s time to make the space your own. But furnishing your home can easily have your budget getting away from you, and quickly. Here are a few tips and tricks to have your home looking like new, even with gently used items.

Spend on

Sofas and mattresses should be a top priority. Your living area and bedroom are the two areas where you will spend the majority of your time, so paying for comfort and quality is well worth it. You don’t want to save on these items and end up with wear and tear that will have you buying them again in two years.

Dining room tables also tend to be an important piece in a home, especially if you have friends and family gather often. This will be another item that will endure a significant amount of wear and tear, so you want to get something with durable material that will last for years to come.

Save on

Decorative pieces can add up, and let’s be honest, our taste can change with time. If you are crafty, try DIY ideas for plants, pots, and other items to spice up your home and give it an extra personal touch. The best advice when it comes to spending is splurge on what’s visible. While a wooden, handcrafted bookcase may be a beautiful piece, if it’s going to be covered in books, picture frames, and other miscellaneous items, the piece won’t really be worth the money when it won’t be seen.

Window treatments such as curtain rods and finial touches don’t need to be pricey either, because they will be covered by decorative curtains and drapes.

Side tables are another item worth saving on. If you are not physically using it, then it won’t give way as easily as a couch. Why not save on something that will last regardless of price?

Save for now and set goals for later

Work your way toward your dream items that are in less of a need in the moment, and are more of a want. Splurge on the perfect mattress now, and save up for a handcrafted wooden coffee table later. Cheap and gently used items can get you by for a few years until you have the financial freedom for your all dream items.

Keep these tips in mind to learn how to work within your budget and furnish your home to perfection!