Erica White · Inspired by Experts ·Oct 10, 2024

Mixing High and Low End Products to Create A Put Together Look

By Erica White

“A well-styled home doesn't have to cost a fortune.” - Erica White

You don’t have to spend a fortune to make your home look well-curated. The key is to mix high and low end products and select pieces that fit an overall aesthetic, by doing this you can create a space that looks curated and tasteful.

Here are some tips on how to select high and low end pieces for your home:

1. Selecting Furniture

Generally, it is a good idea to invest high-quality furniture that will last a long time. However, that is not always necessary. The items I recommend investing in include: sofas, coffee tables, desks, dining tables, and dressers. You want these items to be sturdy enough to hold up to everyday use.

This well-made sofa is almost 10 years old and still looks and feels brand new.

Accent pieces, such as console tables and chairs, are a great place to save. It is easy to find smaller or slightly less detailed accent pieces that have a similar look to higher end pieces for way less. To avoid looking cheap, I always make sure these items are solid wood or have real wood veneers. “In-style” accent chairs, that you may want to change out for a new look in a couple of years, are not always worth spending a lot of money on (unless it is chair you plan to use frequently). You can also find fairly well-made dining chairs at a low price from online retailers for a good price (if buying online, I always recommend reading the reviews).

This well-made console table was only $340 and creates a foundation for a mixture of budget and mid-range accessories.

2. Selecting Textiles & Décor

Drapes come in a variety price points. You can find a lot of really nice fabric options at a low price point. If you want an elevated look, opt for pinch-pleat curtains, there a handful of manufactures that offer these at a low-mid price.

Pinch-Pleat Curtains for Décor - Erica White

A high-end performance fabric sectional is balanced by mid-range accent tables and budget curtains & accessories

For rugs, I prefer a mid-range option as low price rugs tend to look cheap and are often poorly made. When shopping for rugs, check the look and quality of the binding, this will ensure you have a rug that not only looks well made, but will also hold up. The material of the rug is also very important, steer clear of viscose as it stains and wears out very easily. There are a lot of really well-made washable rugs out there now at a great price as well.

A low-mid range rug with a fringed binding is combined with budget accessories to create a polished yet comfortable look

Décor is a great place to save money! You can find tons of great quality accessories, throw pillows and blankets at department stores for a good price. Budget pillows often come with firm inserts, trading out a softer down alternative insert is an easy way to upgrade the look and “sit” of the pillows.

Budget pillow cases are filled with cost effective down-alternative inserts in this photo. Although the accessories here are all low-cost, they blend in nicely with the well-made furniture and mid-range rug.

It is important when shopping for items that you consider how it fits in with your overall home aesthetic. Ask yourself where the item will go and how it will fit in with the existing items in the space. Choosing a variety of textiles and colors will create visual interest, carrying those throughout your home will create a cohesive look. Creating a curated home takes time…and that is ok!

*All photographs provided by Erica White.

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