*This post contains Affiliate Links for your shopping convenience.  For more information, you can read my full Disclosure Policy {HERE}.

Today, let’s talk shopping tips!  I’m continuing the series The Look for Less with a few more of my favorite finds that have a high-end look at an affordable price!  I mean, let’s be honest, most of us shop with a budget in mind and it can be discouraging when you find something you love but it’s not within your budget.  Thankfully, with a bit of persistence, you can almost-always find a less expensive version of a home decor item that will fit your budget!

One caveat to this post….often times {but not always}, there’s a reason one item costs less than another, whether it’s material quality, size, construction, details, etc.  Before buying a less expensive item, give thought as to whether the quality is good enough to suit your needs.  Sometimes, it really is necessary to go with the more expensive piece, but if not, why not score the look for less!  For more information on this topic, you can view {THIS POST}.

Wayfair – Makena TV Stand

I’m listing this one first because I literally just purchased this cabinet for my family room and I am in LOVE with it!  I’ve known for a while that our old TV stand just wasn’t the right fit for our room anymore because we upgraded to a larger TV and our old stand was too small.  I first saw this style of media cabinet in the Ballard Designs catalog and it was love at first sight!  Unfortunately, my budget didn’t love the price tag.

Instead, I purchased the Makena TV stand, which is 68″ long and 36″ tall, so this is a significant piece of furniture.  Plus, I’m a sucker for a cremone bolt, and although the Makena doesn’t have a true working bolt {it’s a decorative pull}, the look is perfect.  What’s nice about the Makena cabinet, too, is that it includes a mix of closed and open cabinets, allowing for hidden storage.

Get the look for less! Cremone bolt media cabinet

Shopping Tips:

  • For media cabinets, make sure the piece you’re considering includes cut outs in the back for cord management and for air circulation, to keep your components from overheating.
  • Double-check the height of your cabinet to ensure that your TV will be positioned at the appropriate viewing height for your room.
  • If your cabinet doesn’t include open shelving or glass doors, you’ll need a work-around in order for your remotes to work with your components.  {Here is one example.}

Satin Banded Sheet Set

Not all sheets are created equal, which I think most of us have unfortunately learned that the hard way!  When choosing sheets, the material and the thread count are very important, as they play a role in the feeling of the fabric, how warm they get when you’re sleeping, how much they wrinkle, and how long they’ll last.  I love the satin banded sheets from Pottery Barn, but for myself, I just couldn’t justify the price even though I knew the quality would be great.  Instead, I found similar-looking sheets at Wayfair for a fraction of the price.

These sheets are 55% Egyptian cotton, 45% polyester 1,0000 thread count.  They DO wrinkle, though, so if you want a crisp look on your bed, you’d need to iron the banding.  Also, keep in mind that thread count refers to the number of horizontal and vertical threads woven together in a square inch.  You’ve probably heard that the higher the thread count, the softer the feel and the better the quality.  In general this is true; however, the more threads that needs to fit within a square inch, the thinner each individual thread needs to be, which in some cases, can lead to wear issues and create holes.  I’ve had these sheets since August with no issues thus far, but I’ll keep you posted!  You can’t deny, though, that if it’s the look you want, these sheets are a steal!

Get the look for less! Blue satin banded sheet set

Shopping Tips:

  • Cotton sheets are generally the most popular because they wear well, are breathable, and soft.  Cotton sheets will wrinkle, though.
  • Long-staple cotton tend to create the softest feel {often referred to as Egyptian cotton, Pima, or Supima}.
  • While thread count is important, the type of thread is equally important.  A low thread count quality fiber will often feel nicer than a high thread count, low quality fiber.

IKEA – EKTORP Slipcovered Sectional Sofa

After 10+ years working as a sofa, a fort, a trampoline, a dog bed, and more, our poor sofa needed to be replaced,  but my goodness sectionals are expensive!  I love the look of the PB Comfort Roll art sofa, but not the price tag.  For a similar look, I decided to purchase the EKTORP sectional for just a fraction of the price.

For upholstered pieces in particular, quality plays an important role, especially for something that will endure a lot of daily use.  For everything I’ve read online, though, the EKTORP holds up as well, if not better, than the Pottery Barn sofa, so for $800 I decided to give it a try!  It’s supposed to be delivered Friday, so I’ll let you know!  But you’ve got to admit, the look is almost identical and to me, the price difference is worth taking the EKTORP for a test drive.

Get the look for less! The IKEA EKTORP sofa versus Pottery Barn PB Air

Arched Wall Mirror

I just can’t seem to resist a gorgeous mirror, so when I needed to fill the space on either side of my living room fireplace, I  went in search of the perfect arched wall mirror.  I was thrilled when I came across the Huaijiu De Nostalgic mirror and purchased two!  They are large, heavy, lovely, and so much less expensive than others I’ve come across!

Get the look for less! Arched leaner metal wall mirror

 

If you missed the first post, you can find it {HERE}.

Looking for a less expensive alternative to something!  Share the product with me and if I find a “Steal” I share it in the next update!

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11 Comments

  1. You’re spot on about the media center consoles! I’ve been looking for months for the perfect piece. Like you, I’m a cremole lock lover. :) when I tried to click the link for your work around, it didn’t work.

  2. Connie Bishop says:

    Please share where you bought the French bergere chair by the fireplace. I would love one of those.
    Thanks

    1. Tidbits&Twine says:

      Hi Connie! I LOVE those chairs but unfortunately, they are super expensive because I bought them at Restoration Hardware. Wayfair now has a less expensive version, but I’ve never seen it in person so I can’t speak to the quality. At any rate, here’s a link to my chair on RH and an affiliate link to the one on Wayfair:

      RH: https://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod2110857&categoryId=cat10210007
      Wayfair: https://rstyle.me/n/cwsv88bpg97

  3. We have purchased many things from Wayfair for our home. They are easy to work with, have quality pieces and great service. LOVE your arched mirrors. I want to see the 2 of them in your room!

    1. Tidbits&Twine says:

      Hi Pinky! I totally agree. I’ve had a great customer service experience with Wayfair, too. Now as for the mirrors…..as soon as I can figure out how to photograph both without catching my reflection in the mirror, I’ll post a picture! Lol! :) Kim

  4. Norma Rolader says:

    Thank you for sharing with us on your finds and deals

    1. Tidbits&Twine says:

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Norma! :) Kim

  5. Good Article !! But forgot the $400.00 pillow !! Thank You ! Happy New Year !!

    1. Tidbits&Twine says:

      Lol! A $400 pillow isn’t even in my consideration set! :) So glad you liked the article. -Kim

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