Get the best tips and tricks for unexpected ways to decorate with luxury home decor for LESS! It’s possible to maximize your budget and achieve the luxurious look you love, for so much less.
You’ll find my tried and true shopping sources and techniques, giving you all the luxury you deserve at a price you can afford!
It’s no secret (to Chris) that I like the finer things in life. I’ll find myself perusing a magazine or shopping an antique store and everything I’m drawn to makes me fall over in shock when I look at the price tag. I can spot something fabulous from a mile away.
We love adding little touches of luxury to both of our homes, especially when it adds value! Some favorites include our modern motorized roller shades and Frame tvs.
For the ultimate feeling of luxury, learn how to achieve a vacation vibe at home to create the ultimate retreat you’ll never want to leave!
I allow myself to have nice things and some of my favorite luxury home decor, but I blend them with less expensive items to maintain a style I love and my budget! Keep in mind, though – it’s only a deal if it’s exactly what you want!
Luxury Home Decor for Less
Shop Outlets
Outlets don’t just carry damaged goods, they also carry overstocks and floor models. I particularly love outlets for down pillow inserts (usually 1/6 the price) and if you’re lucky, curtains.
In St. Louis we were lucky to have a Restoration Hardware Outlet for many years, along with a Pottery Barn Outlet. While the RH has since closed (a sad day!) I still love to peruse the Pottery Barn outlet every chance I get!
Tip
Get to know their sales and their staff and follow along on their social media to see new inventory. This is helpful when you’re searching for something specific!
We purchased our girls’ desks there, and we’ve bought lots of other great items over the years too.
Facebook Marketplace
I don’t reserve marketplace solely for painted furniture. I seek beautiful pieces of furniture that my favorite luxury stores try to duplicate – with veneer. Having a piece of furniture with history always adds to the beauty.
This marble-topped chest in our mud room is still one of my favorite vintage finds ever!
This tip also includes antique shops, thrift stores and garage sales.
Local Artists
Stray from galleries and seek beautiful paintings and watercolors from local artists. They’re a fraction of the price and will add even more charm to your home.
I find local artisans in my favorite small boutiques and art shows. It’s fun to walk around, connect with the makers, and learn the “why” behind their art.
Real art… fine art from local artists cannot be duplicated. However, if it’s something that you feel strongly about as a luxury home decor item, you might be surprised at how easy it is to find meaningful local art for your home!
Etsy
Another great option for art! I also look to Etsy for reproductions of popular items and antiques like this wall sink in our laundry room. It’s also a great resource for custom pillow covers in high end fabrics.
I also use Etsy for adding pretty vintage coffee table books to our coffee table decor and book shelf decor, and I’ve even bought house plants! It’s amazing the wide variety of merchandise they carry and I love knowing I am supporting smaller artists and creatives.
Another of my favorite Etsy purchases are Vintage Turkish Rugs! I’ve been amazed at the incredible styles available there, and for incredibly affordable prices compared to local rug dealers.
Purchase Used Items
One area where we have really focused on pre-owned items is our girls’ bedrooms. Kids can be so hard on furniture like beds and dressers, so it’s often much more practical and affordable to find used versions of our favorite styles.
Antique rugs not only add character and charm to your home, but can be really inexpensive. Instead of purchasing a new rug designed to look like an old rug, you can purchase a vintage Turkish rug that will add texture, depth and interest to your home.
Even the vintage rattan bed in our guest bedroom is used! Blending old and new adds so much interest.
Amazon
I can’t create a list about saving money on home decor without including this online retailer!
We’ve created a lot of shopping guides for Amazon over the years, and that’s because they really do sell everything. I’ve recently purchased the most beautiful high end drapery from Amazon, as well as beautiful Amazon wallpaper options.
Check out our curated Amazon Furniture collection for more inspiration.
Google It
Search Google and click “shopping” to compare prices of an item. This simple tip can save you so much money – especially since sales are often reflected in the comparable price shown.
When we purchased our current home, I found our refrigerator 40% off using this tip.
Craft Stores
Craft stores have honed in on duplicating high end looks for less. They offer a lot of pretty and practical luxury home decor items.
It’s a great place to source decorative accents, baskets, vases and seasonal decor.
Tip
Sometimes they offer smaller versions. Be sure to select items with proper scale for the space you’re styling.
Discount Stores
Discount stores including Home Goods, Marshall’s and TJ Maxx carry a lot of amazing home decor and furniture brands. I often see $300 lamps for just $30! They’re also a great resource to find Serena and Lily style.
Discount stores are a great source for linens, accents and rugs.
I always surprise myself the most by finding pretty and practical cleaning supplies there. Brooms, wall hooks, mops, buckets and more to make your Laundry Room and Garage feel a little more luxurious.
Retail Collaborations
High end interior designers collaborate with retailers to offer the style at a lower price point! One of my favorites is the Julia Berolzheimer Collection At Pottery Barn. Studio McGee at Target and Joanna Gaines’ Hearth and Hand lines make their styles accessible.
Tip
It can be challenging to secure your favorite items when they drop, so shop online and select in store pickup or have it delivered for the best opportunity to purchase.
Recently, I found these fabulous LED table lamps that look just like the ones at one of my favorite retailers.
Sister Stores
Stores including Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware have “sister” stores Pottery Barn Kids, Pottery Barn Teen and RH Baby and Child. Crate and Barrel owns their lesser expensive CB2.
It is one of my favorite (and little known) tips for finding luxury home decor for achieving the aesthetic you love, for so much less!
Hardware Stores
Hardware stores offer a lot of surprising finds for projects large and small, home decor and more!
I found the same wall to wall carpet a flooring store was offering at Lowe’s for significantly less. If you’re in the midst of a move, you may be eligible for a coupon when you change your address that you can save you even more!
Lowe’s, Home Depot and Menard’s are a great resource for decorative items including window coverings, lighting, flooring, vanities, furniture and appliances.
We have sourced so many of our finishes at hardware stores including our brick floors and vinyl floors. The girls’ spa bathroom is a perfect example of how to shop your hardware store for an incredible end result!
Text and Email Lists
Most retailers offer an incentive to new subscribers which can defray your costs, especially on larger purchases.
In the event you can’t find the look for less elsewhere, you can get the look at a significant discount! I saved 20% on our rattan headboard utilizing the first time subscriber discount. I also saved by purchasing the headboard and a bed skirt instead of purchasing bed!
Floor Models and Returns
A gently used floor model can often retail more than 50% off. These are particularly great for rarely used furniture, appliances and vanities.
Inspect for damage prior to purchasing. The purchase of floor models are often final. Don’t be afraid to ask a sales associate for a deeper discount, as the floor model prices are sometimes negotiable.
Tip
When considering a floor model purchase, inquire whether it comes with any applicable warranties or if they are void.
Create Your Own Art
Several years ago, I was surprised to find that most art available in stores is available free in the public domain! Art galleries, history museums and more have a wide array of art you can download and print on paper or canvas and frame.
We framed a vintage scarf for our dining room makeover! We also created a textured plaster canvas art piece for over the bed in our primary bedroom at the lake. Get more easy and inexpensive wall decor ideas here!
Reference Magazines and Catalogs
Use them as a resource to guide you in creating a luxury home for less by utilizing their styling tips! You can subscribe to your favorite magazines that fit your taste and style for very little investment, and they are bursting with inspiration.
Often, you’ll find makeovers, restorations and renovations that are exclusive to the magazines with images that can’t be found online. Plus, it’s so relaxing to sip a refreshing beverage and peruse.
Use Keywords to Find Similar Items
Use detailed search terms to look for items like the ones you’re searching for (or just get them in my shop, I’ve done all the work for you). That’s what I did with these luggage racks for the lake cottage guest bedroom.
These stools double as luggage racks and extra seating when needed. I purchased them a few years ago for just $17 apiece using the search terms “luggage rack” and “folding stool”. Wish I could find more now, I’d put them in every bedroom at the lake, they’re so handy to have.
The original, a teak stool shown in navy, is $248.
I was so excited that I found this slipcovered headboard with a French seam for 1/5th of the cost at Target using the same term. This trick has helped us save so much money through the years.
Amazon Storefront
Follow my Amazon Storefront to find more holiday looks for less.
I found you on Instagram just today. Your pictures are beautiful as is your home. These tips are great!
Thank you! Welcome! I am happy to have you!
You always have the best advice Julie! I also wanted to say for a while now that I love the new heading banner on your blog….simply stunning!
Thank you, Gilly! Happy Sunday!
You and I are soooo on the same page. Champagne taste on a boxed wine budget! I love your tips. And you have found some great discount items!
Thank you!
Thanks for sharing! Will you come decorate my house? ๐
I’d love to!
Fabulous tips, Julie! You’ve created a beautiful home for you and your family!
Thanks, Liz!