Do I Need That? 10 Questions to Ask Before Making a Home Decor Purchase

One thing I look forward to each month is the Monday evening that my book club meets. Last month’s book was Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Her writing inspired me to be more mindful of my impact on the environment, and the change I can make with my daily habits. One habit I am working on is buying less, starting with my home. Today I am sharing a list of ten questions I am trying to ask myself before making a home decor purchase.

1. Have I taken the item out of context?
   I saw someone post this online the other day and thought it was brilliant! If you are contemplating a home decor purchase, take it to the trash can isle and put it on the shelf. If you still like it in that setting, buy it. When home pieces are out of the context of their beautiful merchandising, we have a better gauge on if we truly like it.

2. Do my inspiration pictures support this?
Check your Pinterest boards. Does the item you are wanting to purchase fit into what you are trying to accomplish with your design?

3. Is there a sustainable alternative?
It can be so fun shopping for the seasonal changes! If you have enough seasonal decor but still love grabbing a pumpkin latte and going shopping, head to a garden center. Mums, pumpkins, and hay are great fall decor that won’t take up space in your basement, or a landfill when fall ends.

4. Could I find this second hand?
Cased goods and decor are great secondhand purchases! Check marketplace and your local thrift shop for unique finds.

5. Do I have something similar?
Sometimes we collect things because we like them, not because we have a use for them. Chances are, we have a collection of things we love, and don’t really need another mug (my favorite thing to collect), vase, picture frame, etc.

6. Have I waited a day?
If you are on the fence about a purchase, wait a day and then come back to it. If you still love it just as much, it is probably a good bet!

7. Do I have a place for this?
Shop when you have a specific item in mind or space you are trying to fill. It can be so tempting to buy something because it is “pretty.” Having a place for everything means less items in storage and less money wasted.

8. Is this something I would normally purchase or is it just trendy?
While our tastes are always evolving, it can be easy to get swept up in trends. Ask yourself if you would like an item a year ago, and if you think you would like it a year from now.

9. Will this bring me joy?
Sometimes things that bring you joy are a great purchase for that reason alone!

10. Is this useful?
Items like pillows, blankets, coasters, plants, candles, mirrors and lamps can add so much to a space and have a function. Knick-knacks are great additions, but don’t always have a use.

Thank you for reading! These are tips that I am working on incorporating into my life. I hope they were helpful for you too!