There's nothing like coming home after a long day of work. Whether you prefer sleek modern furniture or comfy classics, you want it all to come together a welcoming look and feel. However, beautiful home décor often comes at a high price. Cheapism.com found budget-friendly alternatives for 11 items from Crate and Barrel, Pottery Barn, One Kings Lane, and Macy's.
Whether you are settling in for a family meal or entertaining guests, you want dining chairs that are supportive and well-made. For a stylish look, there's the hardwood Spencer side chair (Pottery Barn, $299 on sale), which channels the 1940s French classical revival style with its flared legs and elegant cream color. If the price doesn't sit well with you, try the Ave Six Kendal tufted inner spring chair (Amazon, $102). Like the Spencer side chair, it features solid wood legs and metal nail heads along the cushion edge.
The sofa is the centerpiece of the living room and there are many options to choose from. Sectionals, recliners, and sleeper sofas are all great choices, but you can't go wrong with the classic casual sofa. Take a peek at the softly textured Rochelle apartment sofa (Crate and Barrel, $1,999) with slim track arms and hardwood legs. For substantially less, you can cozy up on the stylish Karlstad sofa (Ikea, $499). It sports solid birch legs, removable armrests, and easy-to-clean cushion covers.
Spring is in the air and if you feel inspired by the blooming plants, you might like a colorful print pillow cover (Pottery Barn, $60). It works well to add a pop of tropical color to rooms with a neutral tone. If you love the look but don't want to spend so much on one pillow, try the Cath Kidston garden bird decorative pillow case (Amazon, $17) instead. It also features colorful birds on tree branches and will bring nature inside without the hefty price tag.
Throw pillows in a variety of quirky patterns are all the rage these days. They're easy to mix and match and add color and texture to couches, chairs, and beds. To liven up your living room, there are zig-zag embroidered pillow covers (Pottery Barn, $50) in red, yellow, and blue. For a cheaper alternative, go for a blue zig-zag pillow cover on Etsy ($18 for 18-inch square).
Nightstands are a staple in any bedroom, helping organize alarm clocks, glasses, books, and phones. The Cortina nightstand (Crate and Barrel, $499) is stylish with clean lines and antique brass decoration. For a similar but more budget-friendly option, consider a nightstand from Walmart ($40). It provides storage behind the door as well as an open compartment on top. Reviewers like the easy assembly and good looks.
Kick off your shoes and sink into the Jase fabric chair (Macy's, $799), which features a low-profile look and plenty of cushion for comfort. The subtly angled silhouette and contrast legs will add a modern look to any room. If you love the slouchy look but not the impact on your wallet, consider the Eddie Bauer track arm glider (Target, $299). It's cozy, boasts modern clean lines, and provides neck support. As a bonus, there's a gliding mechanism on the bottom for easy rotation.
If you're looking to liven up your bedroom, change your bedding set. The INC International Concepts Bloom bedding collection (Macy's, $313) presents bold colors and an eye-catching floral pattern. For a fraction of the cost, try the Better Homes and Gardens floral silhouette 5-piece bedding comforter set (Walmart, $50 for comforter, two shams, and two pillows). Like the INC Bloom bedding collection, this set features pops of vibrant color over muted blooms, set against a crisp white background.
Rugs can punch up any room's style by adding color and texture to the floor. If you like classic patterns and colors, the Bacova Elegance Fleur accent rug (Macy's, $30; rug measuring 19.7" x 32.8") could work. It features an all-over floral design against a rich chocolate brown; latex backing provides skid resistance. For less than half the price, the Better Homes and Gardens Pretty Peony Spice printed accent rug (Walmart, $13; rug measuring 1'8" x 2'10") sports a similar color scheme with a classic floral pattern and skid resistance.
Flowers and lace on the kitchen windows seem a bit old-fashioned these days, but a modern kitchen valance with oversized holes is a good substitute. The Elrene Essex Grommet kitchen valance (Macy's, $68) brings elegance to any kitchen window with minimal fuss and maximum style. If you're interested in getting this look without committing to the price, consider the Victoria Classic Addie Gorgeous 3-piece window kitchen curtain set (Sears, $15.30). It also features oversized holes that will fit any curtain rod for quick setup and revamped window style.
Poufs give you a nice place to put your feet while watching TV or rest a tray of food for a snack. The Moroccan leather pouf (One Kings Lane, $199) will bring a burst of vibrant orange to your room and serve a variety of functions. For much less money, though, you can get the Egyptian Moroccan handmade leather ottoman pouf (Amazon, $25). It doesn't come stuffed, but it's hand stitched and made of genuine leather.
An ottoman provides space to stash belongings and serves as an extra chair or low table for guests. Chevron is trendy this season, and the gray Hepburn chevron storage ottoman (One Kings Lane, $199) should suit most rooms. If you prefer something with a smaller price tag, though, consider the Sauder Soft Modern Storage Ottoman (Amazon, $39). It sports the same modern Chevron pattern and will fashionably hide any clutter.