Department stores like Kmart and Target are making décor and appliances more affordable than ever, but there are some items which are worth stretching your budget for.

1. Mattress

We sleep for roughly a third of our lives, so a good mattress is definitely worth the investment. A good quality mattress will support your body and maintain good back health. It will also keep you from tossing and turning all night, giving you a good night’s sleep. Don’t be turned off by the price tag, better quality materials will give you more support, making sure you don’t wake up sore and tired in the morning. Break it down to cost per use; a $2,000 mattress will only cost you 55c per night over 10 years.

2. Dining Table

Your dining table will be used every day, and you and your guests will spend a lot of time perched around it. It is worth investing in a high-quality table as it will be used for decades and will hold its value. Dining tables are often the centrepiece of an open plan home, and a cheap dining table can easily make the whole room look cheap.

3. Art

Art is an important and often overlooked part of every home. Art adds character, expresses your personality and style, and helps to tie a room together. When shopping for art, avoid mass-produced pieces and invest in something truly unique. High-quality art can be passed down through the family, and it can also become a great financial investment depending on the artist. An American man was cleaning out his garage when he found a Jackson Pollock painting worth $15 million!

4. Rug

A rug is an artwork you can touch. It will also add dimension and texture to a space. Rugs eliminate echo, define areas in open plan homes , and act as insulation, keeping you warm. Beware of cheap rugs as these will need replacing more often. Poor quality wool and synthetic materials will not fare well after months and years of footsteps, dogs and children. High-quality wool is not only more resilient but will also absorb moisture and act as an air purifier.

5. Lounge

A lounge is a piece of furniture you will use for decades. You will spend a lot of time on your lounge napping, chatting and watching Netflix, so it is worth spending a little extra for something special. To get the most use out of it, choose a high quality, neutral fabric that will suit every house and every interior design trend. There are even stain-resistant fabrics to choose from if you have children. Consider getting a lounge with a chaise which you can move around depending on your current needs. Make sure to purchase a lounge with a hardwood or steel frame that will stand the test of time.

6. Bed Linen

Nice bed linen will not only improve the look of your bedroom, but it will also improve the quality of your sleep . A warm and cozy bed will make you more comfortable and keep your body at the right temperature to help you achieve uninterrupted sleep. Consider a higher thread count for an extra soft bed or flannelette sheets to keep you warm through cold winter nights. People with eczema or sensitive skin should opt for organic linen, as synthetic fabrics are treated with harsh chemicals which can irritate the skin or cause allergic reactions.

7. Kitchen Appliances

Good kitchen appliances save time and money. Quality appliances not only make cooking easier but will save you money on takeaway meals. They will also save you from replacing cheaper appliances which are likely to break and which only serve one purpose. Appliances like a Thermomix or Instant Pot can be used for multiple things, leaving more free space on your benchtop and more money in your pocket.

8. Fridge

A fridge is a big investment, and with so many different kinds of fridges out there, it’s hard to know which one is right for you. When shopping for a fridge, consider the size of your family, your lifestyle, the size of your kitchen, and what foods you use the most (you may prefer a freezer at the bottom of your fridge if you rarely eat frozen foods). Another important factor to consider is a fridge’s energy rating. Fridges use roughly 13% of your energy bill, and the size and type of fridge you buy will affect the size of your bill. Some fridges can make life a little bit easier, with features like filtered water and ice makers. There are even smart fridges with LED screens and cameras on the inside that you can connect to when you’re at the supermarket.

9. Tapware

Tapware is often overlooked, but it can add a touch of luxury to your home. Taps are a great way to combine style and functionality. There are many different types, some with hoses and some which provide filtered water with a quick flick of a lever. Good taps will be made from high quality, durable materials that will last for decades. They will also use less water, saving you money on your water bill.

10. Bed Head

A bed head can completely change the look and feel of your bedroom. Most people keep their bedhead for years or even decades, so it is worth splashing out on a high quality, timeless piece. When shopping for a bed head, choose a classic colour and style which can stand the test of time. If you prefer your bed to make more of a statement, opt for an upholstered headboard which you can reupholster to keep up with current trends. Most importantly, look for a bed head which is sturdy and well-built.