24 Home Decorative Items That Are a Lost Cause

Ever spent money on home decor only to regret it later? You’re not alone. There are some home decor items that might seem like a good idea but are actually a total waste of money.

We all share the goal of transforming our homes into cozy havens. They are our special places where we relax and feel at ease. Yet, it’s easy to get carried away with buying decor. Instead of splurging on items we don’t need, let’s learn how to decorate smartly and save money.

Curious about what experts think? Here are 24 home decor items that aren’t worth your cash. Along with it are budget-friendly alternatives suggested by interior designers.

Expensive Throw Pillows

Throw pillows can brighten up a room. But when you’re spending a small fortune on them, you’re throwing money away. High-end pillows may look stunning, but they’re often delicate and prone to wear and tear.

Cheaper alternatives can give you the same visual impact without breaking the bank. And let’s face it — most people toss them aside when sitting down, so why splurge?

Overpriced Art Prints

Art can transform a space, but paying big bucks for prints is often unnecessary. Mass-produced prints, even if labeled “limited edition,” don’t justify the high cost. These prints don’t hold much value, and you can find them for much less if you shop around. Also, art tastes change over time, so what you like today might not look good in a few years.

House Beautiful says there are affordable ways to bring art into your home. For instance, you can support local artists or print your own photos. Plus, this gives your decor a more personal touch.

Trendy Furniture

Trendy furniture pieces might look great in the store, but trends fade fast. What’s hot today could be out of date tomorrow. Investing in trendy furniture often means you’ll feel the urge to replace it sooner. This will definitely leave a dent in your finances in the long run.

Instead, opt for classic pieces that stand the test of time. They’re more versatile and won’t leave your wallet hurting when the trend passes.

Designer Candles

Candles can make a room feel cozy, but designer ones cost too much. They burn out just as fast as cheaper candles, so you end up with just an empty jar. Even House Beautiful agrees that buying scented candles can be a waste. So why waste money?

Instead, buy affordable candles and put them in nice holders. You’ll get the same cozy feel without spending too much.

Faux Plants

Are you a plant lover? If that’s the case, I’m sure you’ve set your eyes on artificial plants. Well, faux plants might seem like an easy way to add greenery to your space, but they can be quite pricey. Worse, some look tacky and collect dust, making your space feel stagnant.

Real plants are a better investment. They purify the air and bring life into your home. If you’re worried about upkeep, start with low-maintenance varieties like succulents.

Wall Decals

Wall decals are often marketed as a fun and temporary way to decorate. But they can actually damage your walls and be difficult to remove. Not to mention, they rarely look as good as they do in the package.

A fresh coat of paint or some framed artwork is a more reliable and lasting way to update your walls. Plus, it gives you more freedom to change things up when you’re ready.

Excessive Rugs

Rugs can define a space, but overdoing it with many rugs can be costly and overwhelming. Large-area rugs are expensive, and smaller ones can make a room feel cluttered.

If you do need a rug, invest in one quality piece that anchors the room. It’s a better use of your budget and won’t overwhelm your space.

Overly Themed Decor

A themed room can seem fun, but it’s easy to go overboard. Overly themed decor quickly becomes dated and can be expensive to replace when you’re ready for a change.

Instead, use subtle accents to hint at a theme. This way, you can refresh your space without a complete overhaul, saving both time and money. HGTV has laid out some design mistakes and offered solutions.

Customized Everything

Personalization is a huge trend, but customizing every item in your home can add up quickly. Monogrammed towels, pillows, and even furniture all seem special. But they can limit your decor options later on. This also reduces their resale value.

The Spruce notes that it’s important to mix personalized items with simple, neutral decor. This helps you change your style easily as your taste changes. By choosing a few special personalized pieces, you can keep your home looking nice without spending too much.

Elaborate Light Fixtures

Lighting is important, but overly elaborate fixtures can be a waste of money. They’re often expensive and can quickly go out of style, making them a poor investment.

While The Spruce declares that unique light fixtures can make a room look nice, they often cost a lot and can go out of style fast. Choosing simple, classic lights is better because they last longer and can fit any style. This makes them a smarter choice.

Seasonal Decor

Decorating for the seasons can be fun, but buying new seasonal decor every few months is a waste. Not only is it costly, but storing all those decorations can become a headache.

According to This Old House, wall-mounted fireplaces cost a lot to install and take care of. They also might not give off enough heat to be worth the money. A cheaper option is a freestanding electric fireplace, which still gives you that warm, cozy feeling.

Bathroom Towels as Decor

 

Have you ever dreamt of using a towel as decor? Neither have we. Displaying fancy towels in your bathroom can be a dream. But they often come down with a high price tag and rarely get used. They’re just for show, collecting dust and taking up space.

Stick with functional, high-quality towels that you’ll actually use. Look for stylish options without paying for ones that are purely decorative.

Wall-Mounted Fireplaces

Wall-mounted fireplaces might seem luxurious, but they can be a major waste of money. They’re often expensive to install and maintain. They also don’t always provide enough heat to justify the cost.

Are you craving that cozy fireplace feel? Consider a freestanding electric fireplace instead. It’s more affordable and portable, but it can still create the same warm ambiance.

Expensive Curtains

Curtains can dramatically change a room, but spending a lot on them isn’t necessary. High-end curtains might look luxurious, but they can fade in the sun and quickly go out of style.

Better Homes & Gardens emphasizes that high-end curtains can fade over time, and may also fall out of style. Instead, pick affordable options that suit your decor. Choosing the right fabric and color is key to achieving a high-end look on a budget.

Decorative Bowls

Decorative bowls serve little purpose beyond collecting dust. They’re pricey and take up space without adding much to a room’s appearance.

Real Simple points out that many decorative bowls take up a lot of space without adding functional value. Instead, go for bowls that can serve a dual purpose. They provide both utility and style, thus avoiding unnecessary clutter.

Oversized Clocks

Large, decorative clocks can be a statement piece, but they’re not always practical. They can be expensive, and if they don’t work well with the rest of your decor, they can feel out of place.

Consider smaller, more versatile clocks or even a well-placed wall art piece instead. It’s a more flexible choice that won’t overwhelm your space.

Specialty Kitchen Gadgets

Singe-use kitchen gadgets like butter dispensers might seem fun, but they can be a waste of money and take up precious kitchen real estate! These items often end up collecting dust in a drawer after the novelty wears off.

Stick with multipurpose tools that you’ll use regularly. They’re more cost-effective and won’t clutter your kitchen.

Decorative Ladders

Decorative ladders are trendy, but they can be a waste of money if you don’t have a practical use for them. They take up valuable floor space without adding much function.

The Spruce highlights that decorative step ladders look nice but don’t do much. They can take up space without being useful. Instead, you might use a regular ladder for a similar look or pick something that’s more practical.

Fancy Table Runners

Table runners can be elegant, but they’re often unnecessary. These runners can also be a hassle to clean, particularly if you have children or pets.

Instead of splurging on fancy runners, invest in a good tablecloth or placemats that offer more protection and are easier to maintain. Martha Stewart recommends choosing simple table settings that are practical and easy to clean.

Excessive Throw Blankets

Throw blankets are cozy, but having too many can be a waste of money and storage space. They’re often impulse buys that don’t get much use.

Limit yourself to a few high-quality blankets that match your decor’s functionality. This way, you won’t feel the need to constantly buy new ones.

Designer Kitchen Towels

Designer kitchen towels might look cute, but they’re often overpriced and not durable. They’re meant to be used, not just displayed, so spending a lot on them doesn’t make sense.

Food & Wine emphasizes that kitchen towels are for practical use, not mere decoration. Investing in high-end towels can lead to disappointment as they may wear out. Instead, go for affordable durable towels. They can withstand daily use without the financial burden of designer options.

Themed Bedding Sets

Themed bedding sets might be fun, but they can be expensive and quickly become outdated. Kids’ rooms are especially susceptible to this, as their tastes change frequently.

Opt for neutral bedding that can be easily updated with accent pillows or throws. It’s a more cost-effective way to keep a room looking fresh without constant purchases.

Excessive Picture Frames

Picture frames are a great way to display memories, but buying too many can clutter your space and drain your wallet. They’re often impulse buys that don’t add much value to your decor.

Sunset Magazine says that it’s better not to have too many picture frames. Instead of buying a lot of frames, choose a few that match your home. You can change the photos in them from time to time. This way, your home looks neat, and you can still enjoy your favorite memories.

Outdoor Decor Statues

Outdoor statues might seem like a nice touch, but they’re often expensive and can become weathered or damaged over time. Plus, they can be difficult to move or store if you change your mind.

Instead, invest in planters that you can grow your favorite flowers in; you’ll be able to save money, change flowers out with the seasons, and easily move them if you sell your home.