Cheap Thrills : Decor Under $30

cheap-and-beautiful-objects-under-30-for-styling-your-shelvesYou guys know I’m all about the high / low balance when is comes to decorating. I love mixing high end with affordable pieces for a curated aesthetic. When the budget is tight, I find myself gravitating towards these stores for decor and accessories to fill the gaps. Click through to browse my favorite items this month- all UNDER $30, and to get a complete list of my favorite, easy-to-shop big box stores. 

Right now, I’ve been spending so much money on silly things for the renovation (windows, doors, lumber, and drywall), it’s difficult to splurge or even think about high ticket furniture and accessories. However, fall is that one time of year I love reworking my home and making things cozy for the new season… which means buying some new accessories. These cheap thrills curb my shopping habit without breaking the bank (or the renovation budget). They also make great gifts and shelf styling props!

hm-home-finds-under-3001: round wooden bowl // 02: pair of glass knobs // 03: linen pillowcase // 04: textured glass pitcher // 05: linen cushion cover // 06: jacquard cushion cover // 07: perforated brass tray // 08: brass napkin ring set // 09: textured glass vase // 10: fringe hand towel // 11: round glass vase // 12: wooden salad servers // 13: three bud vases // 14: small glass box

H&M Home is quickly becoming one of my favorite budget friendly resources. Just because the price tag is low, doesn’t mean many of their objects look inexpensive. The key is to look for quality material, such as linen, glass, metal, or wood. I love everything from the above roundup. I can never have too many vases- they fit so easily into any space. I’m also loving the snake napkin rings (#8), perforated tray (#7), glass box (#14), and jacquard pillow cover (#6). I get so excited every time I score an object that looks high end, but costs next to nothing… who doesn’t?

target-finds-under-3001: oversized lumbar pillow // 02: agate bookend // 03: sweater knit blanket // 04: pepper mill // 05: felt and leather basket // 06: mixed materials table lamp // 07: brass wine stoppers // 08: acrylic wine rack // 09: marble serving tray // 10: faceted emerald vase // 11: live edge wood tray

Target is another store I’m commonly sucked into. I’ve mentioned this before, but I still think it’s genius- one of my friends never uses a cart at Target because she knows she’ll come home with more items than she planned. Her philosophy is this: she’s allowed to purchase whatever she can fit in her arms. Ha! Every time I walk through the decor section, I see something I like. They’ve really stepped up their interior game, and it shows! From this collage, I’m really into that faceted vase (#10), the cozy throw (#13), and the wooden tray (#11). I’ve bought nearly identical vintage decor for much much more. I also own the acrylic wine rack (#8)- it’s sitting on my bar shelf.

cb2-finds-under-3001: high gloss lacquer tray // 02: end line rug // 03: grid bowl // 04: horse door knocker // 05: turkish bath towel // 06: brass candle bowl // 07: marble tank tray // 08: marble taper candle holder // 09: brass letter opener

CB2 is usually hit or miss for me, but this month they have some affordable finds! I’ve been dreaming of quality office tools (#9), since I now have a room devoted solely to my workspace. I’m also thinking of snatching up a few more turkish bath towels (#5), and a good marble tray (#7) is one of the most versatile objects you can buy. The lacquer tray (#1) and brass candle (#6) would be fantastic styled on a coffee table. You already know I have a thing for door knockers (#4)- here’s one more to add to my wish list.

ikea-finds-under-3001: wall sconce // 02: linen napkins // 03: modern candlestick // 04: minimal side table // 05: monstera leaf // 06: whiskey glasses // 07: salad servers // 08: white vase // 09: cable knit throw // 10: lidded box set // 11: glass and wood cloche // 12: stainless accordion mirror // 13: wood bowl

I feel like people either love or hate IKEA. I have to say I fall into the first category. You can source some really great products with a miniscule budget. However, it IS important to know not all of their items are created equal. Some things look cheap… and that is never the desired outcome. Again, stick to natural materials (wood, glass, woven textures, cotton, linen, and metal). I hoard their linen napkins (#2) because they’re neutral and beautiful. I’m also loving their new fall collection: the whiskey glasses (#6) would look phenomenal styled into a bar, the cloche (#11) would make an excellent addition to a shelf or mantle, and the accordion bathroom mirror (#12) is stainless steel and would add classic charm to any powder room.

one-kings-lane-finds-under-3001: glass and brass canister set // 02: red toile matchbox // 03: live potted olive tree // 04: tocca candle // 05: lavender bath salts // 06: cozy throw // 07: handmade cereal bowls // 08: fluted bone barware set // 09: alabaster oval bowl // 10: copper moscow mule mug

You wouldn’t necessarily think to check One Kings Lane for ‘cheap decor’, would you? Well… I’m here to tell you- they have quality, chic items in their sale section with very small price tags. That bone fluted barware set (#8) is calling my name, as well as the matchbox (#2), and handmade bowls (#7). I also use the Lavande products (#5) and love them! In addition, many objects from the above roundup would make great hostess gifts.

urban-outfitters-finds-under-3001: metal planter // 02: leather journal // 03: multi wall hook // 04: circle mirror // 05: madison planter // 06: bathroom or office trash can // 07: woven tray // 08: ceramic plant tray // 09: plant mister // 10: paddywax concrete candle // 11: ginkgo leaf wall hook

I remember discovering Urban Outfitters in college and falling in love with their ‘apartment’ section. Years later, they still have relevant decor that I’m genuinely attracted to. It’s not all for the young- I spotted some very grown up looking accessories that would style nicely into sophisticated vignettes. The woven brass tray (#7), the stone planter (#5), and the gold ginkgo leaf hooks (#11) are calling my name. I could envision any of these installed alongside stunning artwork.

I think the moral of this post is you have to pick and choose. You can create a stylish space that looks like you splurged, when in actuality you saved a ton of money for a less expensive version. I have plenty of other important places I’d like to spend my hard earned money… a renovation, an experience, or my favorite- travel. You have to love where you live, but you also have to make memories along the way! In my opinion, the best designers know how to mix and match, make something out of nothing, and create a space that looks and feels like a million bucks (even if that wasn’t the actual price tag).

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8 Comments

  1. Leah Prevost says:

    I’ll be sending my family and friends this link for Christmas gifts 😀 I LOVE finding deals! Awesome round up

    1. Ha! Same here! Glad you liked this one Leah :) xo

  2. One of my favorite type of posts…. cheap = relatable lol ;-)

  3. So great! Thank you for the inspiration and the deals.

  4. I LOVE #1 under IKEA (the wall sconce) but I cannot find it on their website! What’s the name?

    1. Unfortunately, it’s no longer listed on their website- but I did see it in the store last week!! Maybe try your local Ikea? xo