The “Sixth Sense Rule” I Use to Find Cheap Decor That Looks Expensive

I like the look of a luxury home — just not the price tag that often comes with it. So naturally, when shopping for new home decor, I tend to frequent budget-friendly stores like IKEA, HomeGoods, and, of course, my local thrift shops. Any new purchase for my home is exciting, but nothing is more exhilarating than scoring a true luxe-for-less home decor gem. 

Inexpensive pieces are easy enough to find, but what I’m really interested in are stylish, quality products that will last. I’m always on the lookout for designer mark-downs, dupes, and deals. But my favorite trick for finding the best home decor actually goes beyond just looks. I rely on one simple test to separate the true treasures from the “trash,” and it only takes a few extra seconds when shopping. I like to call it the “Sixth Sense Rule.”

My “sixth sense” in this case is simply my upper body strength. Whenever I see a piece I like in-store, I immediately pick it up to see how heavy it is. The idea is that well-made items have a decent heft to them, as they’re often made from higher-quality materials. Solid materials like wood and brass will feel heavier, look better, and last longer than pieces made from particleboard, MDF, or aluminum blends. The rule even works for textiles like curtains or tablecloths: 100% natural fibers like cotton and linen tend to feel a bit weightier than other common discount fabrics like acrylic, polyester, and nylon.

Of course, many products have tags or labels that list their materials. But that’s not always the case — especially at retailers like HomeGoods, which carries goods from countless different brands. This method is also helpful while thrifting and antiquing, as most secondhand pieces lack tags or labels altogether.  

Not only do heavier, higher-quality pieces simply look nicer, but they also often last longer. I can’t say I never purchase items made from cheaper materials, but I do try to avoid them as much as possible. Following the Sixth Sense Rule helps. It allows me to keep my shopping experience short and sweet by rooting out the lower-quality pieces right away, which prevents me from having to replace things in just a few months or years. 

It’s not 100% scientific, but I’ve found this method to be the easiest and fastest way to “gut-check” the quality of most home decor items. Now, the excitement I feel over finding a great deal is only amplified by knowing I’ve found a quality piece that will continue to bring me joy for years. And I can feel even better about my budget purchases knowing that I’m stretching the value of my dollars to the max.