The Major Home Purchases You Should Never Splurge On as a Renter (Plus, What’s Worth an Investment)

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Furnishing an empty space is no easy task, especially when it’s a rental that you might move out of one day. As you work on your design approach, try to avoid one of the biggest mistakes that renters make when investing in home decor: buying without a plan. Interior designer Amhad Freeman, who’s based in Chicago and Nashville, specifically says that  purchasing items online without thoughtful consideration or clear intent is a common misstep for renters. 

“Many renters tend to buy items just to fill space or cover walls — often things they don’t truly love,” says Freeman. “Later, when they move into their dream home, they realize those purchases were unnecessary and regret the money spent.” 

To take the guesswork out of furnishing your apartment, Freeman; Harlem-based interior designer Shareen Bailey of The Salt and Light Design Company; and Philadelphia-based Dominique Calhoun of Remix Living weigh in on whether you should save or spend on some of the most common home purchases.

Unless you’re hosting dinner parties regularly, your dining area likely sees minimal use. “If a client works from home, I’d suggest investing in a mid-priced set that’s sturdy enough to function as both a workspace by day and dining table by night,” says Freeman. For maximum flexibility, he recommends a table with a leaf. “It can expand to suit a proper dining room in their next home.”

Otherwise, consider upcycling hand-me-downs or customizing a budget find with paint or new cushions, says Bailey. 

Smaller or mismatched pieces are also easier to repurpose or part with later on. For example, the cute (but unmatched) chairs you pulled from Facebook Marketplace or your parents’ storage unit can easily become desk or entryway seating down the road. 

Calhoun shares there are ways to make your space feel luxe without breaking the bank. In her apartment, she wanted the space to feel elevated without buying a real marble table. Instead, she chose a faux marble option that captured the same aesthetic for a fraction of the price. Her hack: Upload an image of a high-end item into a visual search engine or an AI tool and look for budget-friendly dupes. 

Your couch is the MVP of rental life. It’s where you unwind, host guests, and even nap. A good-quality sofa can anchor your space — and travel with you, depending on what you buy. 

Bailey recommends one with good bones that can be reupholstered later. Look for sturdy legs and frames preferably made with solid wood, as they’re longer-lasting than MDF or particleboard.

Calhoun adds that choosing the right fabric is key, especially when you have kids or pets: “I always opt for a performance fabric, which is easy to wipe and easy to clean.” Cushion quality also matters. “I prefer foam cushions that maintain their shape once you get up,” Calhoun says.

Rugs add warmth and style, but they can wear down fast. And because layouts and room sizes can vary drastically from home to home, splurging on a high-end rug might not be worth it. Freeman recommends saving here and investing later. 

Bailey recommends buying machine-made or screen-printed styles — these are typically less expensive due to both the printing and the thinner fabric used. Instead, invest in a quality rug pad, which is usually less expensive than the rug itself, to improve plushness and comfort. Calhoun prefers sticking to low-pile rugs that are easy to clean, particularly if you have pets. She loves the washable options from vendors like Ruggable. 

A supportive mattress and breathable bedding can dramatically improve your sleep — and both travel well.

Unless you’re purchasing a bed with built-in storage, Bailey suggests saving on the bed frame and headboard, which can be difficult to move and may not fit the aesthetic of a new space. Instead, she invests in a high-quality mattress, prioritizing comfort for better sleep and longevity. A good mattress can last you at least eight years, she adds, making it one of the smartest splurges you can make.

If you’re on a tighter budget, Calhoun suggests adding a mattress topper. Memory foam or down alternative toppers, widely available on Amazon, can make a big difference in comfort. “Layering bedding — sheets, a quilt, a comforter, and good pillows — can also make your bed feel luxurious without overspending,” she adds. 

Window treatments are often overlooked but make a big impact. “They instantly make a space feel more polished and grown-up,” Freeman says. He recommends choosing neutral panels with grommet tops that are long enough to reach from floor to ceiling in your space. “That way, if you move to a space with taller windows, you’ll already have the height,” he says. If the window height is shorter, you can hem the curtains with fabric tape to preserve the length for future use. 

Calhoun agrees that curtains are necessary for adding warmth to a room. “Amazon is a great resource for affordable linen curtains or pinch-pleated curtains that definitely elevate a space,” she says. If you don’t want to drill into the walls, tension rods work wonders. For this, Calhoun suggests using a more sheer curtain — something that’s softer and lighter to avoid pulling the rod down.

Vases, trays, candle holders, and trendy extras can rack up costs fast, and most of them won’t work exactly the same way in your next place. But you can still get creative with very little investment.

“Books are the best way to add personality,” says Bailey. She also favors board games and family photo albums that look like coffee table books from The Container Store.

Bringing greenery into the room can make a space feel finished without spending a fortune, Calhoun adds. “You can opt for faux plants or pick up live ones that require very little maintenance and dress them up in a really cute pot.” 

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect the most up-to-date business name and location for Shareen Bailey.