Get the Look (For Less): Can You Spot the Steals?

The gap between “finding the perfect design inspiration” and “making it a reality” can sometimes feel like the Grand Canyon. Speaking as someone who loves interior design but puts more thought into finding the best deal on a kitchen table than most people put into college applications, I’m no stranger to a good bargain hunt. And yes, that means finding affordable substitutions for any and all costlier buys (looking at you, kitchen table).

So it’s time to put your aesthetic eye to the test: each of these pairings are close matches, just the splurge and steal versions of the same item. Can you tell a good deal from the more expensive option?

Few household items are as versatile as the buffet. Whether you’re making it the convenient star of your entryway, or as a smart landing space for entertaining, it’s always a smart investment. But while both of these beauties would be right at home in any space, one comes with a couple extra numbers on the price tag.

Score with a vintage $250 steal, or stay dedicated to luxury with the $3,320 splurge.

Like with buffets, bar carts are an excellent addition to most homes: you get all of the mobile convenience of a way to entertain, without taking up a ton of space. And of course, they’re nice to look at. These two vintage brass options could definitely be the center of your next gathering, but it just depends on how much you’re looking to spend.

Would you choose the $385 steal, or the $995 splurge?

Good seating is essential, and the right accent chair can really help to tie a room together. This pretty pair of woven chairs has a nice balance of soft curves and linear edge, making it a smart pick for a range of design styles, from boho to modern. And since they’re both foldable, they can be easily and securely tucked away until you’re entertaining a bigger crowd.

Relax in a $60 steal, or commit to luxury with a $680 splurge (on sale from $800).

Lastly, I’m a firm believer that the piece you use to display your collections should be just as beautiful as the collections themselves. A bold, reflective etagere is just the right choice for anyone looking to stay organized while seriously standing out. And here’s where a little bonus comes in: both of these etageres are by Milo Baughman, but one is almost half the cost of the other. Granted, the more expensive one was used in filming some big-budget productions, but why pay that much more just for “essence of actor?”

Go all out with a $849 splurge, or stay thrifty (and just as authentically stylish) with a $425 steal.

Be sure to check out Apartment Therapy Marketplace for all the best deals (and to see if you can top the ones here)…