Bedroom items that are totally worth the splurge

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You might believe it’s pretty simple to put together a bedroom. What do you really need? A bed frame, a mattress and a nightstand, right? You’ll be more than covered with those useful bedroom items.

In reality, it’s a bit more complicated than that. To set up a bedroom that feels truly cozy and addresses all your needs, you’ll need to also consider things like clothing storage, a reading nook where you can power down at night and good lighting.

 

It can be overwhelming to think through the items needed for a bedroom and then purchase all of them, pondering what you absolutely need versus what you can skip. So we asked designer Kate Hume, director of Kate Hume Design, for her expert opinion on which pieces are worth the splurge and which ones you don’t have to spend a fortune on.

Bedroom items that are worth the splurge

The nice thing is that if you have a budget you’re keeping in mind, you can certainly go “high” and “low” with your bedroom purchases to even everything out. Just because you’re sticking to a budget doesn’t mean you have to scrimp on luxurious, comfortable pieces.

1. Mattress

When it comes to must-have bedroom items that you should feel good about investing in, a mattress is at the top of the list, something that Hume agrees with. It’s the centerpiece of your bedroom, the place where you’ll lay your head down at the end of a long day — and it should cradle your body comfortably so you can get a good night’s sleep.

Hume says that if you consider your upcoming mattress purchase to be your “forever bed,” it’s wise to go “as high as possible” when buying your mattress since you will spend so much time lying on it. “It’s a central piece in everyone’s life,” she says.

2. Sheets

Hume believes that it’s key to spend a little more on sheets “because they touch your body.” She prefers what she calls “crispy cotton sheets,” which are worth the splurge “because they feel so great.” Hume adds that she always goes with plain neutral sheets in the bedroom since they’ll be able to go with whichever comforter and additional linens you pick out in the future.

3. Lighting

Lighting is important in every room of the home, but it’s even more important in the bedroom. You’ll need adequate lighting for bedroom activities like reading and generally winding down, but it shouldn’t be so much that it’s oppressive. After all, it’s beneficial to keep the lights low before bed to prepare your body for sleep. Since it’s such a careful balance, it makes sense to splurge on bedroom lighting.

Hume loves “good reading lights,” preferring directional lights that will illuminate only certain areas of the bedroom. She also considers “lovely lamps with shades on the nightstand” to be worthy of a splurge.

“We source vintage vases and have them converted into lamps,” she adds. “You can actually find great options on eBay.”

4. Robes

Is there anything more luxurious than settling down into a soft, comfy robe right before bed? According to Hume, it’s a splurge-worthy addition to be included in any bedroom. For herself, Hume loves to splurge on something she calls “toweling robes,” made up of thick fabric typically reserved for luxe bath towels.

“They are so big they can double as an overcoat if you need to let the dog out,” she says.

Bedroom items you should save your money on

Then there are those bedroom items that won’t require you to break the bank. The moral of the story? Mostly, it’s wise to splurge on anything that touches your skin or can impact the quality of your sleep. Otherwise, for furnishings and decorative items, you can save your cash.

1. Textiles and throw pillows

Hume refers to bedcovers and decorative pillows as “soft furnishings,” otherwise known as items you don’t need to splurge on since you’ll want to give yourself the option to change them frequently according to your decor whims and preferences.

“Bedcovers can be an affordable way to provide a quick update,” she says. “I layer a couple of throws per bed and add matching pillows.”

2. Seasonal items

For decorative pillows and bedcovers, Hume prefers to have a winter and summer set that will fit each seasonal color palette.

“I love to switch, as the same old thing can get boring,” she says.

For this, you can be economical, purchasing budget-friendly throw pillows and comforters in darker colors and heavier textures for fall and winter and light-colored, breezy coverings for spring and summer.

3. Nightstands and other furniture

Since they won’t directly impact your sleep quality, surprisingly, furniture is an area where you can strive to save money, even though they seem like big-ticket items.

When it comes to nightstands, for example, good ones can be hard to find and might be too large for your space, notes Hume. Instead, turn to a budget-friendly option like a flat-topped stool, “which can double as a nightstand and you can find them at several price points,” she says.

How can you make sure your bedroom is set up for catching Zs? Follow these tips for designing your bedroom for better sleep.

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This article originally appeared on Saatva.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.

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10 home improvements that are totally worth it

 

Home has always been where the heart is, but lately it has been where everything is. For many people, work, play, family time, and basically every moment is taking place at home while social distancing recommendations are in place. Creating a home you love and feel comfortable in has never been more important than it is now.

 

Lots of homeowners have been tackling home repairs as of late or doing major remodels. It’s understandable you may want to give your home a refresh after not leaving it for months, and you also may have in mind the long-term financial gains associated with home projects.

 

Keep reading to see what improvements deliver the highest return on investment.

 

Please note that the cost estimates and expected ROIs for the following projects can vary with specific project needs, location, and other factors.

Related: A guide to remodeling your closets

 

Feverpitched/ iStock

 

Who doesn’t dream of having a shiny new bathroom that gives off major spa vibes? In a recent National Association of Realtors survey, 19% of people who renovated a bathroom did so because it felt like time for a change, and 41% wanted to simply upgrade worn-out surfaces, finishes, and materials.

 

After completing a bathroom renovation, 58% felt an increased sense of enjoyment at home, and 80% felt a major sense of accomplishment. Many real estate agents are fans of this project, too, with 33% recommending sellers renovate a bathroom before putting their home on the market.

 

  • Cost Estimate: $35,000
  • Expected ROI: 57%

 

Feverpitched / istockphoto

 

There’s nothing quite like spending time in the great outdoors, especially now. Adding a deck to your backyard can be a great way to enjoy the fresh air and your outside space.

 

The cost of a deck can vary based on the type of material used (wood generally costs less than composite materials, for example) and the size. But generally, homeowners can expect the below cost estimate and ROI when adding a deck.

 

  • Cost Estimate: $14,360 – $19,856
  • Expected ROI: 66.8% – 72.1%

 

WoodysPhotos / iStock

 

Admit it: You’ve lusted after the dream kitchens on HGTV. Shiny new backsplash, countertops, and appliances—we want it all. Considering that we all spend a decent amount of time in our kitchens, it seems fair to want a beautiful room to cook, eat, and entertain loved ones in.

 

If you’re unsure whether you want to remodel your kitchen or not, consider that 85% of homeowners who completed the project reported feeling a stronger desire to spend time at home, according to the Realtors survey.

 

  • Cost Estimate: $38,300
  • Expected ROI: 52%

 

Feverpitched/ iStock

 

Selling a home? Improving curb appeal can’t hurt. Not to mention, this project is one of the more affordable ones on this list. If your front door is looking a little worse for wear, consider swapping it for a shiny new one.

 

  • Cost Estimate: $1,881
  • Expected ROI: 68.8%

 

mirsad sarajlic / istockphoto

 

Not all home reno projects are fun. Some are just a necessity, whether you plan to stay in your home or sell it. Rain or shine, you need a solid roof over your head, and if you’re looking to sell, your buyers will need one, too.

 

In fact, the roof and structure are part of the four-point inspection that gauges homeowner’s insurance risk. Replacing a roof before snow or storm season rolls around or before you sell a home can be advantageous.

 

  • Cost Estimate: $24,700 – $40,318
  • Expected ROI: 61.2% – 65.9%

 

DepositPhotos.com

 

Basements are tricky. They can be a great extra living space if set up properly, or can be kind of creepy if left to their own devices.

 

Which is why a renovation may be in order. Want a home gym or a winter play area for your children? What about a quiet home office if you’re working from home?

 

Converting a basement to living space has allure, as 85% of people surveyed who had remodeled their basement felt a greater desire to be at home since completing the project, the Realtors Association reported. We could all use a little extra motivation to stay home right now.

 

  • Cost Estimate: $46,900
  • Expected ROI: 64%

 

DFTidrington / istockphoto

 

Giving what’s underfoot a refresh can feel pretty good, considering how much wear and tear our floors get. New wood flooring can majorly make over a home, which is probably why 78% of consumers reported feeling a major sense of accomplishment whenever they reflected on the project.

 

Adding new wood flooring can be expensive, depending on the size of your home and type of wood you’d like to use, but this isn’t one of the most expensive home upgrades on this list.

  • Cost Estimate: $4,700
  • Expected ROI: 106%

 

hanohiki / istockphoto

 

While this home project isn’t one you can see, it’s one you can feel both physically and financially once it’s complete.

 

When asked why they were motivated to upgrade their insulation, 93% of consumers said they did so to improve energy efficiency. After completion of the project, 47% reported that the upgrade led to better functionality and livability.

 

  • Cost Estimate: $2,400
  • Expected ROI: 83%

 

brizmaker / istockphoto

 

For those who have discovered the joy of tidying up, a closet overhaul is likely high on their dream list of home projects. A perfectly organized closet does sound pretty darned convenient. A big closet renovation can set you back a bit, but for those who crave organization, it can be an investment worth making.

 

  • Cost Estimate: $6,300
  • Expected ROI: 40%

 

PC Photography/istockphoto

 

In a perfect world, we would all build our dream homes immediately. Tackling a fixer upper can sound ideal, but let’s face it, home projects cost money and take time to execute.

 

Funding home projects can be challenging, and you may need to carefully consider what adds value to a home before you start a renovation project. Luckily, there are financing options out there that can help you tackle home upgrades in a manageable way.

 

Homeowners who are looking to make improvements may have the option of taking out a home equity loan. The home is used as collateral in order to borrow money. It’s worth noting that if the borrower can’t pay back the full loan amount, the lender can foreclose on the home.

 

 

Jelena Danilovic / istockphoto

 

For low-income households looking to improve their heating, cooling, or electrical systems, the Weatherization Assistance Program  provides free weatherization services. You can learn more about the Department of Energy’s general eligibility guidelines and application procedures.

 

A variety of personal loans are available to help consumers finance large purchases. Generally with personal loans, a borrower pays back the money over an agreed-upon time period. Secured loans require property as collateral, similar to a home equity loan. Unsecured loans don’t require collateral, which makes them riskier for lenders, so they often charge a higher interest rate.

 

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SoFi.comand was
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