Designers Don't Tell You, But These Home Decor Items Are a Waste of Money

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We've all bought something that ended up being worthless. Sometimes an item looks perfect on Instagram, but disappoints once it's in your home. 

Avoiding these choices helps you save budget and space for items that are truly worth it, like an antique dresser you love dearly or a lamp that becomes the focal point of the room.

Here are the items that, according to professionals, you should leave at the store:

1. Very small carpets

A rug that doesn't fit the space ruins the whole harmony. According to designer Marie Cloud of Indigo Pruitt Design Studio, the rug should be large enough for at least the front legs of the furniture to rest on. Otherwise, the room looks fragmented and visually unstable.

2. Decor with words hanging on the walls

Signs with words like "family," or "love," or some motivational saying may look cute, but designer Sara Malek Barney warns that they often feel forced and out of date. Not every corner of the house needs a label.

3. Artificial plants

Even if you're not a plant expert, there are plenty of natural alternatives that require little maintenance. Artificial plants collect dust and don't bring the energy that a real plant does. A space looks fresher and more vibrant with natural greenery.

4. Identical furniture sets

Buying a 100% matching sofa, table, and nightstand may seem like a safe choice, but designers say it makes a home look like a showroom. The beauty of decorating lies in combining elements that complement each other without being identical.

5. "Fast" and cheap furniture

Bulky, cheap, and low-quality furniture may seem like a good solution for the moment, but it doesn't last. The bottom line? Spend twice. Investing in quality, long-lasting pieces saves money and avoids unnecessary waste.

6. Impulse purchases from advertisements

An ad on social media is not a reason to immediately click “add to cart.” Designers suggest buying consciously: if you really need something, you will think twice and choose carefully. Every object in the house should have meaning.

7. Wrong curtains

Curtains that are too short or don't have a nice drape can ruin the whole aesthetic. Window coverings should be well thought out and sized correctly. A wrong choice can make a room look unfinished.

8. Messy photo frames

Family photos are precious, but too many frames in different shapes and colors create chaos. It's better to group them on one wall or on a dedicated surface, choosing frames that go for a more unified look.

9. Excessive thematic decor

A house full of nautical elements can seem overdone. Instead, choose light details that show off the style through textures and colors, without turning the house into a scenography.