My best friend always says, "Buy once, cry once." What he means by that is when he needs something like a tool or something for the house, he buys high-quality stuff first. That may lead to a bit of crying over the price tag, because well-made things are typically more expensive than cheap stuff. But, in buying high-quality first, you're better assured that it won't break in the first week. Hence, "buy once" means that item should last you a long time. Granted, things aren't made the way they used to be, and planned obsolesce is a real thing. Just keep this in mind before you buy. If you can afford it, try to buy the best quality you can. It will help you avoid contributing to landfills if/when the item breaks. In terms of home decor, ask yourself how long you'll love that item in your home. Better yet, ask yourself if the item is high enough quality to pass on to your kids or give as a gift down the line. Obtaining bric-a-brac or curios for your home or office isn't a bad thing. But if you do collect or acquire decorative items, inquire within about the quality and potential longevity of the item.