Bedrooms: When It's Time to Splurge

Renovating a bedroom doesn't have to send you to the poor house. There are ways to cut corners yet still achieve the desired look. That being said, there are certain areas where you'll regret not using a higher quality product. Here is a guide, inspired by decorator Kimberley Seldon, on where to save and when you should splurge.

Where to Spend:

Mattress & Bedding: A lot of people go through life never purchasing a quality mattress. They pay for it time and again with uncomfortable sleeps, and then spend more money on extra bedding to cushion the top. When you test the mattresses in the store, most will feel ok, but one will feel amazing. You'll never regret spending the extra money on 'the amazing'.

Bedding is in the same category as the mattress. We've all bought those 100-thread count sheets on sale, and after a couple of washings, they get all nubby and rough. Break down and purchase a set of 400 or more thread count sheets; you'll never go back. What to do with the old sheets? Don't worry they'll make great drop cloths when you're painting the bedroom. A high quality bedspread is also worth the investment, it will be the first thing people notice when the door is open, and goes a long way to enhancing the room's decor.

Quality Upholstery: You'll appreciate the extra dollars spent on finer fabrics when you realize, years down the road that your furniture still looks great. It won't be faded and worn, like the cheaper versions.

Original Art: This is an investment that adds character to a room and well worth the money paid. Always buy something you like; the investment is a bonus, but in the long run, you'll appreciate owning a piece that you enjoy. Don't let the high prices scare you off since affordable versions can be had in limited edition prints, art schools, local art shows, photography and carvings.

Where to Save:

Drapery: Ready-made draperies have come a long way in recent years. They have a vast array of styles, colors, and reasonable prices. You can always purchase the fabric and make them yourself. However, be sure to price it out beforehand, once you add up all the necessary bits and pieces, you may be better off purchasing the packaged version. In some cases homemade drapes can be a great saving. I recently found the perfect drapes for a bedroom I was redecorating, but at a cost of $2,500. I studied how they were made at the store, took some notes, and made them for about $200.

Lamps: Attractive, reasonably priced lamps are available everywhere. As long as they complement your decor and do the job, go for it.

A headboard frame: Now that you've spent the extra cash on your mattress and bedding, you can definitely save some money on the actual bed frame. The web has lots of do-it-yourself sites for covering your own headboard in an affordable fabric such as linen, cotton or microfiber.

Reused treasures: Sometimes garage sales or swap meets can be gold mines for side tables or book shelves that just need some tender loving care and a coat of paint. Also popping up everywhere, and offering great deals, are the stores selling reclaimed building supplies.

Accents: These are readily available, and even some of the cheapies look expensive. Hold out for the sales or scout out the source retailers such as Home Sense.