1. Window Coverings

Houzz.com: Home Purchases Worth the Splurge

Often it appears that your options are endless when it comes to window coverings. However, window placement, frame construction and other external factors help narrow your choices.

It's best to seek professional advice when you are confused about which option is best for your home. There's generally no way around custom window treatments when there are unusually tall windows or odd placements. Remain conservative in your choice and they will be a good investment in your home when it's time to sell.

An alternative: Take ready-made curtains to a professional seamstress to have them hemmed and/or add special trimmings that tie into your existing decor.

(Credit: Stitch Custom Furnishings)

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1. Window Coveri...

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2. Linens and To...

Consider anything that touches your bare skin an investment in comfort. Bed linens and towels with a high thread count are softer, durable and long lasting.

An alternative: Educate yourself on luxury brands and shop local home discount stores known for carrying famous brands.

(Credit: Bauhaus Custom Homes)

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3. Upholstery

Purchasing a quality sofa or other piece of upholstered furniture that stands up to the demands of your lifestyle is always a good idea. Cotton blends that have a high percentage of polyester provide optimal stain resistance and long-term wear.

An alternative: Shop local secondhand stores for pieces with solid wood construction and have them reupholstered in an upholstery-grade fabric of your choice. This can give you a high-quality item for the cost of a lower-quality new piece.

(Credit: Chloe Warner)

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4. Room-Size Rug...

It can take months to find the perfect rug, and when you do, it usually isn't cheap. Costs vary depending on the age, weaving technique, fiber content and dye method. Hand-loomed rugs wear well and have added character and charm. Minor repairs do not affect the value of the rug as long as they have been done well.

An alternative: Until you purchase your dream rug, arrange two smaller rugs side by side to emulate the look of a larger rug. When it's time to replace them with the new rug, the former rugs become available to use in other spaces.

(Credit: Muse Interiors)

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5. Mattress

Good health is one of your biggest assets, and a good night's sleep is essential to your well-being. Experts recommend buying what's comfortable for you; there is no one size that fits all. Take your time when shopping for a mattress and select one that provides optimal support when you're sleeping on your side with hips and knees slightly flexed.

An alternative: Purchase a mattress topper as a temporary fix for a mattress that is too firm. It molds to a body's contours, providing pressure relief and eliminating pain in the back, shoulders and hips.

(Credit: Design Within Reach)

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6. Original Artw...

A one-of-a-kind piece by its nature has special value. In addition to adding beauty and interest to the home, fine art gains extrinsic value as time passes.

The alternative: Seek out emerging artists and purchase pieces you love from them. Their work is likely to cost less than that of established artists, and you are still likely to see your investment grow in value over time.

(Credit: Gary Hutton)

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