7 Home Items Worth the Splurge

And 5 products where it's OK to skimp

Donna Fuscaldo and Daniel Bortz,

Updated June 09, 2025

AARP

En español

Published May 30, 2023

/ Updated June 09, 2025

AARP (Getty Images, 3)

Sometimes a bargain isn’t a bargain if it will cost you more over the long run. That’s particularly true in your home. Sure, buying something on the cheap may seem like a deal, but if you have to fix or replace it, the savings will soon disappear.

“The things you splurge on and invest in should be based on the durability of the item,” says Angie Hicks, co-founder and chief customer officer of Angi (formerly Angie’s List), the home repair referral company. “For structural and mechanical things, you want to buy items that will last.”

But that’s not to say everything in the home is worth a hefty price. For some items, cheaper tends to be the better deal. Often they’re products you will swap out or won’t use much.

With that in mind, here are seven home products where going high-end is worth the investment and five where you’ll be fine with a no-frills option.

7 home items worth the splurge

1. LED light bulbs

Although LED light bulbs typically cost 400 percent more than traditional incandescent bulbs, they tend to be well worth the extra money. Not only do they use as much as 90 percent less energy — they have a 25-times-longer life span. “You might pay more for the bulbs, but they last a heck of a lot longer,” says Hicks. “You save money over the long run, and they’re better for the environment.”

2. Smart thermostat

Properly controlling your home's heating and cooling is a surefire way to keep energy costs down. An easy way to do so is with a smart thermostat. These Wi-Fi-enabled devices let you control your home’s temperature remotely. They cost considerably more than traditional thermostats, with some models running upwards of $500 to $600, but the energy savings — and thus the return on investment — can be significant. You can save 8 percent on energy costs, or about $50 per year on average, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the DOE’s Energy Star. Savings may be greater in parts of the country that experience cold and long winters.

“A smart thermostat can control everything in your house to keep you comfy,” says Lisa Davis, a shopping expert at Offers.com. “It can learn your schedule, balance temperatures throughout the day and, best of all, ensure your home will use less energy, saving you money on your electricity bill.”

3. Energy audit

Leaky windows, doors and outlets are only a few of the energy sappers that, left unchecked, can waste a lot of money. That’s why Hicks says an energy audit can be worthwhile. An energy auditor performs a full assessment of your home to identify drafts, temperature inconsistencies, heating and cooling system breakdowns, and any other energy deficiencies. Energy audits cost between $212 and $698 on average, depending on the size of the home and the level of the audit, according to Angi. “An energy audit returns money right away. It’s one of the low-hanging fruits that let you save on every utility bill,” says Hicks.

4. Energy-efficient appliances

Washing machines cost as little as $500 to as much as $2,500 or more. A dryer is typically in the $400 to $2,000 range. And a refrigerator will set you back between $600 and $2,300 on average. Prices vary based on size, output and features. But is it worth spending more for an energy-efficient appliance? Davis says yes: “Eco-friendly smart appliances and tech are a surefire way to save money and energy in your home, while also being friendly to the environment — and they’re absolutely worth the investment." Depending on the model year, swapping out an old refrigerator for an Energy Star–certified one can save more than $220 in energy costs over a 12-year period, according to Energy Star.

5. Mattress

A good night’s sleep is important for physical and mental health, and what better way to achieve that than with a quality mattress? Sure, you may have to splurge, but you’ll have it for years. The same applies to a sofa: If that’s where your family spends a lot of time, make sure it’s sturdy and comfy.

6. Flooring

Whether you prefer carpet, wood or other types of flooring, don’t skimp, particularly for high-traffic areas like kitchens. You want something that will last, and that you won’t have to repair or replace in short order. “Your floors will take a beating, especially if you have kids and/or pets,” says Hicks, who suggests families with young children choose more durable flooring.

7. Furnace

A quality furnace that’s well-maintained typically lasts 15 to 20 years. You can get one on the cheap, but it may need repairs or replacement sooner than a pricier model. Water heaters, heating and cooling systems, and any other mechanical items vital to running your home all are areas where an up-front investment is worthwhile, says Hicks.

5 home items to buy on the cheap

1. Accent furniture

You don’t have to spend a fortune on a nightstand, bar cart or other piece of accent furniture. Tastes change. That ottoman you loved 10 years ago may be the bane of your existence today. “While it’s typically recommended to invest in quality pieces for larger items like couches, dressers or coffee tables, accent furniture is where you can find fun, affordable pieces for less to liven up your home,” says Kristin McGrath, a savings expert with RetailMeNot.

When deciding what accent furniture to go cheap on, McGrath says to think of those you rarely use and put them on the bargain list. “A coffee table in your living room might be something that needs to be durable and high quality enough to withstand kids and pets bumping into it and having drinks and snacks set down on it every day without becoming dinged up and scratched. But a small table in the corner that holds a lamp and a framed picture doesn’t need to be as high quality.”

2. Planters

You can elevate the look of your home's landscaping on a budget by buying less-expensive plant pots and stands. Instead of spending top dollar at a garden center, look for deals online or at discount retailers like HomeGoods, At Home or Marshalls. Also, consider maintenance costs when selecting products — ceramic planters offer a classic look, but metal planters are often more durable.

3. Area rugs

If you have pets, kids, lots of visitors or all of the above, there’s a pretty good chance your area rugs will take a beating, which is why this a category where it's OK to spend less. “Many retailers and brands have upped their game [insofar as]providing quality and convenience when it comes to purchasing area rugs,” says McGrath.

4. Bedsheets

Sheets are part of a good night’s sleep, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend hundreds of dollars on them. Bedding is available at all price points, and some less-expensive sheets still provide plenty of comfort.

5. Glassware

Having a nice set of glassware might be at the top of your shopping list, especially if you entertain a lot. But you don’t have to drop a small fortune to look like you did. Thrift stores, flea markets and garage sales are good places to hunt for bargains. “You can often find pieces for pennies on the dollar at your local thrift store — plus, they’ll be completely unique,” says McGrath.

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Donna Fuscaldo is a contributing writer and editor focusing on personal finance and health. She has spent over two decades writing and covering news for several national publications including The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Investopedia and HerMoney.

Daniel Bortz is a personal finance editor at AARP, where he writes and edits money content for the website, from saving and budgeting to building wealth and money management skills. His work has been published by the New York Times, the Washington Post, Consumer Reports, Entrepreneur, Kiplinger, Newsweek, Money and other national publications.

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7 Home Items Worth the Splurge

And ﻿5 products where it's OK to skimp

7 home items worth the splurge

5 home items to buy on the cheap

And 5 products where it's OK to skimp