How to Prioritize Purchases When You’re Decorating a Room

(Or: What to Buy First—and What Can Wait)

Redecorating a room is exciting… until you're knee-deep in saved links, overwhelmed by choices, and unsure what to actually buy first. Should you start with the sofa? Or the rug? Do you wait on art? And what if you're trying to stick to a budget?

Take a deep breath- you’re not doing it wrong. These are exactly the kinds of questions interior designers ask every day. And good news: there’s a simple, strategic way to approach it.

This guide will walk you through how designers think about prioritizing purchases when decorating- so you can make smart choices, avoid overwhelm, and get a space that feels pulled together (even if you’re decorating slowly over time).

Whether you're decorating solo or working with a designer, here’s how to think like a pro and prioritize purchases that will keep your project on track and on budget.

1. Start with the Anchor Pieces

Before you buy a single pillow, identify the anchor pieces in your space. These are the major functional items that define how the room will be used and laid out. Think sofas, beds, dining tables, or desks.

Why start here? These pieces determine:

• Your layout

• Your style direction

• Your color palette

• Your remaining budget

If you fall in love with a bold emerald green sofa early on, great! That choice now informs your rug, curtains, and artwork. Let the big stuff guide the little stuff- not the other way around.

2. Don’t Skip the Rug or Lighting

Once you have your anchor pieces selected (or at least measured and budgeted for), the next priority is anything that sets the foundation and mood- especially rugs and lighting.

• Rugs help define zones, soften the room, and influence both texture and color balance.

• Lighting- overhead, sconces, lamps- creates ambiance and function, and is often the most forgotten piece in DIY design.

Tip: A too-small rug can shrink the feel of a room, so always size up if you’re unsure. And don’t underestimate the impact of a dim room- layering light sources is a designer’s secret weapon.

3. Invest in Storage and Function Next

Now that you’ve handled layout and lighting, move to the practical pieces that will make the space actually work for your day-to-day.

Think:

• Nightstands and dressers in bedrooms

• Media consoles in living spaces

• Bookshelves, entry benches, or bar carts

These pieces don’t always need to be flashy, but they should be functional. And if you pick the right ones, they’ll still look amazing and hide your clutter. Win-win.

4. Save Decor and Accessories for the End

We know- decor is the fun part! But don’t fill up your cart with artwork, pillows, and candles before your space is fully grounded.

Why wait?

• You may change your mind on style direction once your anchor pieces arrive.

• You’ll shop more intentionally once you see what the room actually needs.

• You’ll avoid duplicates, returns, and decision fatigue.

Save your energy- and your budget- for those final, finishing details. They’re the cherry on top, not the foundation.

Bonus Tip: Plan First, Shop Second

If you’ve ever bought a piece that didn’t quite work but kept it anyway… you’re not alone. One of the best ways to stay on track is to plan before you spend.

That means:

• Measuring your space

• Mapping out a layout

• Having a clear design direction or mood board

• Creating a basic shopping list with budget targets

This doesn’t have to be fancy. But it should be thoughtful. Because when you have a plan, your purchases become puzzle pieces- not wild guesses.

Need Help Pulling It All Together?

Our Flat-Fee E-Design Package gives you everything you need to move forward with confidence- on your schedule and budget. We’ll create a custom layout, mood board, and curated shopping list with expert selections that suit your style, space, and price point.

And the best part?You can shop at your own pace- grabbing items when they go on sale or as your budget allows. No pressure, no guesswork, and no impulse buys that don’t quite fit.

Whether you’re furnishing slowly or diving right in, our e-design plans give you a roadmap that’s ready when you are. DM us on Instagram or book a discovery call to get started!