Your dining room It should be a special, inviting place to gather, but that doesn’t mean you should blow your budget during the design process. It turns out that there are many common dining room elements that simply aren’t worth considering. splurgesay the designers. Read on as the pros weigh in on where you can cut back a bit (without sacrificing style along the way!).

Fancy Cloth Napkins

While luxury cloth napkins certainly look stylish, they’re not very practical, says Colleen Waguespack. “While high-quality napkins may look gorgeous in an Instagram post, you’ll rarely use them and they’ll fall apart when a guest stains them,” she says. Save money and buy some bedding 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. Colleen Waguespack Interiors In Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Decorative Accessories

Don’t max out your budget on things like candle holders and vases, where you can find aesthetically pleasing options at much lower price points.

“You can get these from flea markets, second hand storeseven budget-friendly decor stores,” says founder Amy Switzer. 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 an advocate of keeping a nice set of dinnerware and glassware on hand for special gatherings, she notes that there are many budget-friendly everyday options that still look beautiful on the table.

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

Consider shopping small as your source for these types of parts, too. Founder: Alicia Hassen Brooklyn interiors She likes to mix and match ceramic dinner plate sets, handmade in Austin, Texas, and finds them both stylish and durable. “You might even have a ceramics studio in your area – it’s always great to support your local artisans,” she says.

Although it’s all about the nicer tiles, you never know what you’ll find when you go the second-hand route.

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

Matching Dining Chairs

Gone are the days when a matching dining table set was a must.

“I love the look of a dining room where some or none of the chairs match completely but still complement each other,” says founder Kevin Billings. Dexter and Plaid in Leesburg, Virginia. “In addition to a more interesting look, it can be more cost-effective as you can start collecting a chair or two from different antique stores until you create your own custom chair set.”

Even better, this approach will ensure that your dining room doesn’t look overly formal. “This makes the dining room feel more casual yet fun, which I personally prefer,” says Billing.

Plants and Greenery

Want to bring the outside into your dining room? Choose affordable herbs or greens.

“Whether real or faux, plants don’t need to be expensive to add that fresh, inviting touch,” says Switzer. “Small potted plants or a vase with a fresh (or faux) bouquet work well to brighten the space without breaking the bank.”

Rugs

It’s safe to say that no dining room rug will be completely resistant to stains and spills. Therefore, it is a good item to save when furnishing the dining area.

“You can use a very affordable sisal to create texture, warmth, and ground the space without breaking the budget,” says founder Bailey Ward. Bailey District Interiors in Atlanta. “Natural fibers complement a dressy or formal wallpaper well.”