6 Dining Room Items Not Worth Splurging On

Your dining room should be a special, welcoming place in which to gather, but that doesn’t mean you need to break the bank during the design process. It turns out that there are many common dining room elements that simply are not worth the splurge, designers say. Keep reading as pros weigh in on where you can cut back a bit (without sacrificing style along the way!). 

Fancy Cloth Napkins

While luxe cloth napkins are certainly chic looking, they aren’t the most practical, notes Colleen Waguespack. “While high-end napkins might look stunning in an Instagram post, you will rarely use them and fall apart when a guest stains them,” she says. Instead, save your money and purchase some linen options instead; they’ll still add pizzazz to your dining room. “A simple monogram in the corner is a budget-friendly way to add a personal, colorful accent to your tablescape,” says the founder of Colleen Waguespack Interiors in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Decorative Accessories

Don’t max out your budget on things such as candle holders and vases when you can instead find aesthetically pleasing options at much lower price points.

“These can be sourced from flea markets, thrift stores, or even budget-friendly decor shops,” says Amy Switzer, the founder of Amy Switzer Design in Dallas, Texas. “These little touches don’t have to break the bank to add personality to the space.”

Dinnerware And Glassware

While Switzer is a proponent of keeping a nice set of dinnerware and glassware on hand for special gatherings, she notes that there are plenty of budget-friendly everyday options that still look nice on the table.

“You can find stylish, affordable sets that do the job just fine; stores like Target, IKEA, and even some thrift stores have beautiful pieces for everyday use,” she says.

Consider shopping small as your source these types of pieces, too. Alicia Hassen, the founder of Brooklinteriors in Austin, Texas, likes to mix and match handmade ceramic dinner plate sets, finding them both stylish and durable. “There may even be a ceramics studio local to you; it’s always great to support your local artisans,” she says.

Even as it pertains to nicer china, you never know what you might come across when going the secondhand route.

“I found a china pattern I fell in love with at an estate sale and then found more pieces to add to my collection on Etsy,” says Lauren Lowe, the founder of Lauren Elaine Interiors in Atlanta, Georgia. “I love the story it brings to using each piece, as opposed to simply ordering something from a website.”

Matching Dining Chairs

Gone are the days where a matching dining table set is a must.

“I love the look of a dining room where maybe some or none of the chairs completely match but they still complement each other,” says Kevin Billings, the founder of Dexter & Plaid in Leesburg, Virginia. “Along with a more interesting look, it can be more cost effective as you can just start to collect one to two chairs at different antique stores until you’ve created your own bespoke chair set.”

Better yet, this approach will ensure your dining room doesn’t appear overly formal. “It allows a dining room to lean more casual but fun, which I personally prefer,” Billing says.

Plants And Greenery

Looking to bring the outside into your dining room? Opt for some affordable plants or greenery.

“Whether real or faux, plants don’t need to be pricey to add that fresh, inviting touch,” Switzer says. “Small potted plants or a vase with a fresh (or faux) bouquet works well to brighten up the space without much expense.”

Rugs

It’s safe to say that no dining room rug is going to be completely immune to stains and spills. Therefore, it makes for a good item to save on when furnishing a dining space.

“You can go with a very affordable sisal to create texture and warmth and ground the space without blowing the budget,” says Bailey Ward, the founder of Bailey Ward Interiors in Atlanta. “The natural fibers complement a dressy or formal wallpaper well.”