We all have some items that we bought on a whim or because they were trendy, but later realized that they were not worth it. Maybe they didn’t fit our style, our space, or our needs. Maybe they were just too expensive, too impractical, or too outdated. Whatever the reason, we can all relate to the feeling of buyer’s remorse.
To make you feel better, we asked four designers to reveal their trendy purchases that they now regret. From abstract art to selfie lights, these are the items that they wish they had skipped.
Abstract Line Art
Abstract line art is a minimalist and modern style of art that features simple shapes and curves in black and white. It can look chic and sophisticated in some spaces, but it can also feel impersonal and boring in others.
Mackenzie Rifkin, Senior Luxe Designer at Modsy, admits that she bought a piece of abstract line art a few months ago, but soon regretted it. “I love pieces like that in other people’s homes but it just doesn’t feel right for me. It doesn’t have any meaning, personally, to me and I’d much rather fill my precious wall space (one-bedroom apt over here!) with more unique/one-of-a-kind pieces,” she says.
Rifkin suggests that instead of following trends blindly, we should choose art that speaks to us and reflects our personality and taste.
A ‘Selfie’ Light
A ‘selfie’ light is a device that attaches to your phone or computer and provides flattering lighting for your selfies, videos, or Zoom calls. It can be tempting to buy one of these gadgets to improve your online appearance, but do you really need it?
Christiane Lemieux, designer for Anthropologie, confesses that she bought one of the ‘selfie lights’ for Zoom and Instagram live, but only used it twice. “I used it twice and then shamed myself for being so concerned about my virtual lighting. (Maybe I am too Canadian or not Millennial enough to care!) It was big, ugly, and unwieldy in my office,” she says.
Lemieux advises that instead of relying on artificial lighting, we should try to find natural light sources or use lamps that create a cozy and warm ambiance.
A Wingback Chair
A wingback chair is a classic and elegant piece of furniture that features a high back with wings on the sides. It can add a touch of sophistication and comfort to any room, but it can also be too bulky and overpowering for some spaces.
Bret Sundberg, Director of Design at Guest House, shares her regret about buying a leather wingback chair for her living room. “Although it looks large and plush online, in reality it was far too tall, bulky and upright to be a functional accent chair at all,” she says. “It’s one of those pieces that makes a really fun statement and looks great for staging but isn’t actually the best decision for comfort.”
Sundberg wishes she had chosen something like a bench or over-sized ottoman instead, to fill the space while still allowing it to feel open. She also warns that wingback chairs can cut off the room drastically.
Mod Glass Table Lamp
A mod glass table lamp is a trendy and colorful lamp that features a glass base and a fabric shade. It can add some pop and personality to any room, but it can also clash with your existing decor or look out of place.
Karina Lameraner, Creative Marketing Stylist at Modsy, reveals her impulse purchase of a mod glass table lamp that doesn’t quite work in her room. “I bought this lamp on sale because I loved the color and shape of it,” she says. “But when I got home I realized it was way too big for my nightstand and didn’t match anything else in my bedroom.”
Lameraner suggests that before buying any lamp, we should measure the space where we want to put it and consider how it will complement our other furniture and accessories.
How to Avoid Buying Trendy Items That You Regret
Now that you know some of the trendy items that designers regret buying, you might be wondering how to avoid making the same mistakes. After all, no one likes to waste money and time on things that they don’t need or love.
Fortunately, there are some tips and tricks that can help you make smarter and more satisfying purchases. Here are some of them:
Wait at least 72 hours before making a purchase
One of the best ways to avoid impulse buying is to give yourself some time to think. Instead of clicking “buy now” or rushing to the checkout, wait at least 72 hours before making a purchase. This will allow you to evaluate whether you really want and need the item, or whether you are just influenced by emotions, ads, or peer pressure.
According to Stacey Townsend, Lead Counsellor at Money Mentors, “This is a very powerful method. Give yourself the time to consider the purchase. If after this time, you still want the item then you are less likely to have remorse.”
Compare working hours to the price of the item
Another way to avoid buyer’s remorse is to calculate how many hours you would have to work to pay for the purchase. Is it still worth it? This can help you put the price of the item into perspective and make you more mindful of your spending.
Townsend suggests, “With options like tap-to-pay and online shopping, the real price of a purchase is often quite abstract. Thinking in terms of working hours helps to root your purchase in reality.”
Use the 24-hour rule for online shopping
Online shopping can be convenient and fun, but it can also lead to overspending and regret. To avoid this, you can use the 24-hour rule for online shopping. This means that you add items to your cart, but don’t check out until 24 hours later.
This can help you avoid falling for discounts, free shipping, or limited-time offers that may tempt you to buy more than you need. It can also help you weed out items that you don’t really want or that don’t fit your budget.
Budget for bigger-ticket items
If you are planning to buy something expensive, such as a car, a furniture piece, or a gadget, it’s important to budget for it. This means that you save up enough money for it and don’t rely on credit cards or loans that may charge high interest rates.
Budgeting for bigger-ticket items can help you avoid debt and stress. It can also help you appreciate your purchase more and avoid buyer’s remorse.
Do your research before buying
One of the common causes of buyer’s remorse is not doing enough research before buying. This can lead to buying something that doesn’t meet your expectations, doesn’t work well, or doesn’t last long.
To avoid this, you should do your research before buying anything. This means that you compare different options, read reviews, check warranties, and ask questions. Doing your research can help you make an informed decision and buy something that suits your needs and preferences.
Conclusion
Buying trendy items can be fun and exciting, but it can also lead to regret and dissatisfaction. To avoid this, you should follow some tips and tricks that can help you make smarter and more satisfying purchases.
Some of these tips include waiting at least 72 hours before making a purchase, comparing working hours to the price of the item, using the 24-hour rule for online shopping, budgeting for bigger-ticket items, and doing your research before buying.
By following these tips, you can avoid buyer’s remorse and enjoy your purchases more.
