Have you ever immediately felt regret after eagerly buing a new item for your home, realizing it doesn’t actually serve a practical purpose and was way out of your budget? Or maybe it takes a while to realize that the item was not a good one after the initial high of impulse spending, and after some time you start to feel uneasy.
At the end of the day, the journey of home ownership is filled with decisions that could catch you off guard if you’re not careful. And it’s not only about picking the right house- the things inside might also lead to buyer’s remorse.
Check out this list of the 15 items that homeowners might jump into buying, only to wish they hadn’t later on.
1. Furniture That’s Too Big
Homeowners most often regret buying furniture that’s too big for their space. Oversized furniture can make a room feel cramped and cluttered, and finding ways to rearrange or repurpose it in a smaller space may be challenging.
Instead of following the trends, consider how your choice of furniture can uplift the aesthetics of your home. Go for what suits your preferences the most and looks attractive at the same time. And don’t forget to measure and compare when choosing a size that fits your space!
2. Cheap Artwork
While trying to decorate their new home quickly, many buyers rush into purchasing inexpensive artwork, only to regret it later. Cheap or mass-produced artwork often lacks the charm and uniqueness that makes a space feel like yours. You don’t need to break the bank for good art, but investing in valuable pieces can greatly enhance the outlook of your space.
3. Ill-Fitting Curtains
Ill-fitting curtains, whether too short, too long, or too wide for the window, can throw off a room’s aesthetic. These issues can lead to buyer’s regret, where homeowners have to decide between sticking with their choice or spending more to get something that fits better. It’s a small detail, but when measured correctly, it can save money and make your space look cozy and appealing.
4. Kids Playground Equipment
Purchasing playground equipment for your children can be exciting, but It’s common to feel regret after buying it. Oversized or unnecessary equipment can pose safety risks or become an eyesore in your backyard. Additionally, such items can be quite costly, and children, being children, may lose interest after a short time.
5. Luxury Electronic Appliances
Homeowners may also regret splurging on high-end appliances like fancy refrigerators or ovens because they cost a lot, are not very useful, and require pricey maintenance. Does anyone really need an appliance with wifi that costs hundreds to fix when a fuse blows?
6. Multiples of Everything
Shopping for your new house is fun, but in excitement, buyers often purchase more items than they need, such as multiple kitchen gadgets, towels, or even decorative pieces. Without realizing it, it can lead to clutter, overspending, and the regret of not having carefully thought through each purchase.
7. Discount Mattresses
Opting for a discount mattress may result in back pain and restless nights. Buyers might need a replacement sooner than if they invested in a high-quality option. That’s just another thing to add to the list of purchase regrets.
8. Insta-Aesthetic Décor Pieces
We all feel tempted by Instagram-inspired décor pieces that look great in photos, but it’s another source of regret for home buyers. These decor pieces only look classy in a styled photoshoot at a particular angle but might not work as well in real life. Your home should be both practical and beautiful!
9. Too Many Small Appliances
Collecting too many small appliances, such as electric wine openers, rice cookers, waffle makers, etc, often leads to buyer’s remorse for several reasons. They clutter your space, take up valuable room, and drain the finances. Each appliance should serve a purpose and fit your lifestyle to avoid waste. Opting for multi-purpose options when possible is definitely a smart choice.
10. Seasonal Decor
Investing heavily in seasonal decor may lead to regret. The real struggle hits when buyers realize they must find a spot to store the items for most of the year. Otherwise, they are just lying around, contributing to the mess.
11. Excessive Outdoor Furniture
Beautiful outdoor space is great, but too much furniture can lead to a cluttered and overwhelming backyard. To avoid regrets, buyers should stick to the essentials and avoid buying outdoor furniture on a whim, as it can quickly add up in cost and take up valuable space.
12. Outdoor Heaters
Outdoor heaters and fire pits can quickly become unnecessary purchases. Not only do they require proper maintenance and safety precautions, but their usefulness is limited to colder seasons or regions with shorter summers.
13. Cheap and Low-quality Items
The saying “you get what you pay for” certainly applies when buying a home and home items. People sometimes opt for cheap products or materials, from bed linen to furniture, to save a few bucks. It leads to regret, frustration, and expenses over time, as they may not be durable and require frequent replacements or repairs.
14. Over-the-Top Paint Colors
Choosing and purchasing bold or unconventional paint colors for walls seems like a fun way to personalize any space, but it can quickly become something homeowners regret. Colors like deep purple, red, or orange can make it harder to match the furniture and decorations, making it less appealing over time.
15. Above Ground Pools
Above-ground pools are convenient and comparatively affordable, but they often disappoint in the long run. They can be difficult to maintain and may not provide the same level of enjoyment or relaxation as an inground pool. They also break more easily and require regular disassembly and storage during colder months, making them less practical year-round.
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Aqsa is a passionate writer who loves spending her free time jotting down her thoughts. But that’s not all. She is a devoted mom to two boys and a skilled pharmacist specializing in hematology. When she’s not running after her energetic kids, you can find her lost in a good book or writing beautiful words. A nature lover at heart, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, staying active, and always seeking ways to learn new things.
Aqsa is a passionate writer who loves spending her free time jotting down her thoughts. But that's not all. She is a devoted mom to two boys and a skilled pharmacist specializing in hematology. When she's not running after her energetic kids, you can find her lost in a good book or writing beautiful words. A nature lover at heart, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, staying active, and always seeking ways to learn new things.
