We all have those purchases that we look back on and regret. It might be a gadget that seemed cool at the time, a piece of furniture that doesn’t fit anywhere, or a kitchen appliance that we never use. The process of turning a house into a home often involves a few missteps along the way. In this blog post, I’m going to share 15 things that I wish I’d never bought for my home. Hopefully, my mistakes can save you some money, space, and disappointment!
1. Juice Extractor
Oh, the allure of the juice extractor! It promised fresh, healthy juice every morning. But what it didn’t tell me was how much fruit it would take to make that juice, how much cleaning it would require, or how much space it would take up on my countertop. In the end, I found that I was buying more fruit than I could consume, spending more time cleaning than drinking juice, and cluttering my kitchen with a bulky appliance.
The juice extractor is a perfect example of a product that’s more appealing in theory than in practice. If you’re considering buying one, I’d suggest trying to make juice with a regular blender first. You might find that it meets your needs just fine, without the extra cost and hassle.
2. Oversized Furniture
When I moved into my first adult apartment, I was thrilled to have more space. So, I bought an oversized couch and a king-sized bed. But these large pieces made the rooms look cramped rather than cozy, and I quickly realized my mistake.
Before you buy furniture, take the time to measure your space and visualize how the pieces will fit. Remember that less can be more when it comes to furniture. A few well-chosen pieces can make your home look spacious and inviting, while too many large items can make it feel crowded and uncomfortable.
3. Bread Maker
I bought a bread maker with dreams of homemade loaves every week. But in practice, I found that making bread was a time-consuming process that I didn’t have the patience for. Plus, the bread maker took up a lot of space in my already cramped kitchen.
As tempting as it might be to buy a gadget for every kitchen task, consider whether you’ll really use it enough to justify the cost and the space it will take up. For me, the bread maker was a lesson in being realistic about my cooking habits and priorities.
4. Cheap Cookware
When I first started outfitting my kitchen, I bought the cheapest pots and pans I could find. But over time, I found that they didn’t heat evenly, they were hard to clean, and they started to warp and scratch. I ended up replacing them with higher-quality cookware, which was an expense I could have avoided if I’d invested in good pieces to begin with.
When it comes to cookware, quality really does matter. It’s better to buy fewer high-quality pieces than a whole set of cheap ones. Look for cookware made of durable materials, like stainless steel or cast iron, and read reviews to make sure the pieces perform well.
5. Fancy Cocktail Equipment
Inspired by the craft cocktail trend, I bought a set of fancy cocktail tools and glasses. But I quickly realized that I rarely make cocktails at home, and when I do, I don’t need all those tools. The glasses were also fragile and took up a lot of space in my cabinets.
Before you buy specialty kitchen items, consider whether you’ll use them enough to justify the cost and the space they’ll take up. If you like the idea of making cocktails at home, start with a few basic tools and glasses and see how much you use them before investing in more.
6. Trendy Decor Items
I’ve fallen into the trap of buying trendy decor items that I later regretted. For example, I bought a faux fur rug that quickly became matted and dirty, and a set of gold geometric candle holders that didn’t match anything else in my home.
When decorating your home, try to choose items that you love, rather than items that are trendy. Trends come and go, but if you choose things that you genuinely love, you’re more likely to be happy with them for a long time.
7. Single-Use Kitchen Gadgets
From avocado slicers to egg cookers, I’ve bought a lot of kitchen gadgets that only do one thing. But I’ve found that these gadgets often don’t work as well as they claim to, and they take up valuable space in my kitchen.
Before you buy a kitchen gadget, consider whether you really need it. Could you achieve the same result with a tool you already have? If the answer is yes, you’re probably better off saving your money and your kitchen space.
8. Flimsy Shelving Units
In an attempt to add more storage to my home, I bought a few cheap, flimsy shelving units. But they couldn’t hold much weight, and they started to sag and wobble. I ended up replacing them with sturdier shelves, which was an expense I could have avoided if I’d invested in good-quality shelves to begin with.
When buying furniture, it’s important to consider quality as well as price. A cheap piece of furniture might seem like a good deal, but if it doesn’t last, it’s not really a bargain.
9. Uncomfortable Dining Chairs
I fell in love with a set of modern, sleek dining chairs. But after a few dinner parties, I realized that they were very uncomfortable. My guests were squirming in their seats, and I regretted prioritizing style over comfort.
When buying furniture, it’s important to consider comfort as well as style. Try sitting in a chair for a few minutes before you buy it. If it’s not comfortable, you’re probably not going to enjoy using it, no matter how good it looks.
10. Excessive Throw Pillows
I bought a ton of throw pillows in an attempt to make my living room look cozy and inviting. But I quickly realized that they were more annoying than cozy. I was constantly rearranging them, and I didn’t have anywhere to put them when I wanted to sit down.
Before you buy a lot of decorative items, consider their practicality. Will they make your home more comfortable and functional, or will they just get in the way? If it’s the latter, you might want to reconsider.
11. Over-Complicated Coffee Maker
In my quest for the perfect cup of coffee, I bought an over-complicated coffee maker with all sorts of features and settings. But I found that I rarely used most of the features, and the machine was a pain to clean.
When buying appliances, consider what features you’ll actually use. A simpler, easier-to-use appliance might be a better fit for your lifestyle and habits.
12. Expensive White Bedding
Inspired by hotel-style decor, I bought a set of expensive white bedding. But I quickly realized that white bedding shows every stain and requires a lot of maintenance to keep it looking fresh and clean.
Before you buy something because it looks good in a magazine or hotel, consider how it will work in your everyday life. You might find that a more practical option is a better fit for your lifestyle.
13. Plastic Storage Bins
I bought a ton of plastic storage bins in an attempt to get organized. But I found that they were bulky, unattractive, and didn’t really help me stay organized.
Before you buy storage solutions, consider what will work best for your habits and your space. Sometimes, less is more when it comes to storage.
14. Cheap Artwork
In an attempt to fill my walls, I bought a lot of cheap, mass-produced artwork. But I quickly realized that I didn’t love any of it, and it didn’t add anything special to my home.
When decorating your walls, consider choosing fewer, higher-quality pieces that you really love. Art is a great way to express your personal style and make your home feel unique.
15. Too Many Candles
I love candles, and I’ve bought way too many of them over the years. But I’ve found that I don’t use them as much as I thought I would, and they end up gathering dust on my shelves.
Before you buy something because you love it, consider whether you’ll actually use it. You might find that you’re better off with fewer, higher-quality items that you’ll really enjoy.
