The Logic of “Buy It Nice or Buy It Twice” in Decorating

“Buy it nice or buy it twice” suggests prioritizing high-quality (the “nice”) when purchasing a new item, since otherwise you’ll likely have to buy it again. “It’s smart to invest in items for your home, rather than try to cut corners to save,” says Wemlinger. “The items consumers try to save on end up costing more because they have to be replaced sooner than quality pieces,” she says. 

Wemlinger adds that the costs associated with “buy it twice” are more than monetary. “The time spent searching for a replacement, ordering, being available for (and paying for) another delivery, and disposing of the original piece is time lost that one can’t get back,” says Wemlinger. 

Still, “buy it nice” doesn’t mean always opting for the most expensive option or applying the rule universally. “It’s less about price and more about choosing the right materials for the right purpose,” says Oda. In the realm of decorating, Oda notes that the saying is most relevant for high-use furnishings or permanent elements, such as sofas, beds, and built-in cabinetry. “When you choose well-made, authentic materials, especially those used daily or permanently attached to the home, they tend to last longer, perform better, and age more gracefully,” says Oda. “Over time, this often costs less than repeatedly replacing items that wear out or fail.”

The Saying Today

What’s changed most dramatically and has us asking the question about whether the adage still rings true is the broader context in which today’s homeowners are making decisions. “Earlier generations had fewer choices and bought furnishings intended to last for decades; manufacturers built them accordingly,” says Oda. Wemlinger adds that ideas about style and current trends were much more limited to what was available in brick-and-mortar stores. 

Today’s homeowners face a vastly different market. “There are more products than ever, faster trend cycles, and the ease of online shopping, which often encourages quick purchases and frequent replacement,” says Oda. She notes that as production moved offshore, consumers are seeing lower prices, but often at the expense of durability.

“There’s a reason parents often want to pass along their furniture to their adult children,” says Wemlinger. “The construction quality of earlier eras gave the pieces longevity. They were, in fact, touted as things they could pass on to their children. 'Buy it nice' was a big, valid selling point,” notes Wemlinger. 

The oversaturated product market has also brought sustainability into sharper focus in the decorating industry. “Homeowners are realizing that poorly constructed furnishings often end up in landfills, and that doesn’t sit well with them,” says Wemlinger. 

It’s no longer as simple as weighing cost-per-use to determine if something is worth “buying it nice.” “Modern homeowners are now balancing aesthetics, budget, longevity, and personal values, asking whether something will hold up, feel relevant long-term, and justify its environmental impact,” says Oda. “This has reshaped how we define ‘buying it nice.’”

When to Apply the Guideline and When to Skip It

The more factors we have influencing our purchasing decisions and the more decorating products we have available, the more relevant the adage feels. Even so, both Oda and Wemlinger see it as a guideline rather than a rule. “The modern interpretation is really about intentional spending,” says Oda. “Understanding where quality truly matters, where flexibility is acceptable, and what aligns with your financial reality.”

Not every purchase needs to be a “buy it nice” investment. Both designers say that trend-driven or easily replaceable items can be more budget-friendly. Decorative accents are safe places to save, especially in low-traffic or lesser-used rooms. Accent furniture, accessories, rugs, window treatments, and trendy decorative elements can be budget-based choices when longevity isn’t the goal. 

On the other hand, foundational furnishings and high-use pieces benefit most from higher quality. “I typically recommend splurging on items that see daily use or are expensive and disruptive to replace,” advises Oda, including items such as sofas, dining chairs, beds, built-in cabinetry, flooring, and hardwired lighting. Wemlinger echoes this approach, particularly when it comes to seating. Extrapolating from both designers’ input, prioritizing quality in items that directly affect a space’s comfort and durability seems like a sound investment. 

When considering a purchase, use the "rule" to inspire you to really think about how the quality weighs against how you want it to work and how long you want it to be in your home. Even in this uncertain economic climate, investing in a higher-quality, more durable piece for your lifestyle should yield a longer return on investment. Of course, sometimes you need to make a budget-friendly purchase. “The key is having realistic expectations for lifespan and performance,” says Oda.