The things interior designers spend more on in the living room + it’s worth it

While we all like to save money when it comes to decorating our homes, some pieces are worth spending a little extra, according to the pros.

Insider asked three interior designers which living room items are worth splurging on.

A sofa is a central element of living room furniture, so it is worth the investment

The sofa is the most important piece of furniture in the living room, according to Rachel Street, an interior designer who hosted the DIY Network show. “The Philadelphia Revival.”

“It’s a good place to spend your budget,” Street told Insider. “The perfect sofa will provide a comfortable place to sit and add to the overall design of the room.”

For a modern space, choose a leather sofa with clean square shapes. If you prefer an eclectic look, look for a bright color or a fun pattern.

A bar is ideal when you receive guests

Whether it’s a bar or a wine cellar, having a small bar area in the living room comes in handy when you have guests over. And it can really add to the design, according to Street.

Samantha Orley, interior designer at Orley Interiorsshared tips for keeping your bar stocked.

“Everyone should have a well-stocked bar with good scotch, whiskey, vodka and tequila, as well as an assortment of appetizers, to suit the tastes of all guests,” she said. told Insider.

She also suggested investing in crystal glassware.

Investing in original artwork is a great way to add character to your home

Street told Insider that original artwork adds both character and interest to a design.

You can also instantly elevate a space with quality artwork, according to Robbie Maynard, interior designer at Robbie Interiors.

“It’s a good place to invest,” Maynard told Insider. “It’s highly visible, will make a meaningful statement and set the tone for the room.”

Accent chairs can add color and uniqueness to a room

“I love researching and investing in unique accent chairs, often salvaged in a custom fabric,” Orley told Insider.

Depending on the layout of the room and the style, you can opt for two matching chairs or chairs in different sizes and colors, according to Street.

Make a statement with a beautiful rug

Area rugs are an important element that defines the style and tone of the room, so they’re worth spending a little extra, according to Maynard.

If statement rugs aren’t your thing, Street recommended opting for a basic rug that provides a neutral backdrop for other design elements.

A sound system to have to remove from design if done right

“One of my favorite upgrades to a living space is adding an integrated sound system,” Street told Insider.

Having speakers hidden in the ceilings is great for parties, and they don’t take away from the design of the room.

Window treatments are often overlooked, but well worth the investment

From custom drapes to electronically controlled blinds, window treatments really help bring a room together.

Street told Insider that you should choose a fabric and design that will complement the other elements in the room.

A coffee table can set the tone for the living room, making it something worthy of a splurge

If you’re looking for a centerpiece to splurge on, Orley recommended a coffee table.

“I usually suggest splurging on something that will give a lot of character to the space, like a two-tier travertine table or a more contemporary marble table,” she told Insider.

Light fixtures can enhance your entire living room

Proper lighting is a very important part of any room, so don’t skimp.

“When designing a living room, I pay close attention to all light fixtures, including recessed lights and accent table lamps,” Maynard told Insider.

For frequent travelers, spending money on high-quality fake plants is ideal

For frequent travelers or those who simply don’t have time to tend to real plants, it may be worth investing in some quality faux plants.

“If you spend money on good quality artificial plants, you can’t say they aren’t real and never need watering,” Maynard told Insider.

Beautiful coffee table books give insight into a person’s life

Books add personality and insight into a person’s home.

According to Orley, there is nothing more telling than an assortment of coffee table books from various trips around the world.

Accent pillows are an easy way to transform your space

“I love having a few sets of throw pillows for my living room because it allows me to swap them out and make the room look and feel different depending on the season or mood,” Street told Insider.

For winter, you can opt for softer pillows and a cozy throw, and for summer, lighter, shinier fabrics are a great choice.

Candles and incense create a warm and welcoming environment

Candles and incense are worth spending a little extra as they really help to create a warm and welcoming ambiance.

“I encourage customers to find a few scents they love that become their signature,” Orley said. “I often travel with incense to bring a bit of home and comfort wherever I am.”