Nate Berkus says the best way to decorate is to buy nothing new. The celebrated interior designer takes a firm stand against the relentless churn of home trends. Instead of chasing the next viral look, he advocates for a quieter, more intentional approach: editing what you own and investing in a few exceptional pieces that will serve you for decades. For families looking to build a home that feels both personal and enduring, his philosophy offers a refreshing escape from the pressure to constantly refresh. He has identified specific categories of items that are truly home pieces worth buying for the long haul.
Why Nate Berkus Says No to Trends
Berkus argues that the home decor industry often profits by making consumers feel inadequate. “I think the issue with trends in general is that they’re designed to make people feel bad about what they ‘missed out’ on or what they think everybody has that they don’t,” he explains. This pressure can lead to impulsive buying and a home filled with items that lack personal meaning.
His advice is to tune out the noise. If a style genuinely resonates with you, it is worth exploring. But the decision should come from personal joy, not social pressure. He suggests asking yourself whether you will still love a piece a decade from now. If the answer is no, it is probably not one of the home pieces worth buying for your future self. This anti-trend stance is not about deprivation. It is about making room for what truly matters.
The Spring Edit: Less Buying, More Editing
When the seasons change, many people feel the urge to shop for new decor. Berkus does the opposite. “My whole thing around spring is not bringing anything new in. It’s getting everything out,” he shares. He focuses on the physical and mental act of refining his family’s belongings. This process of editing, donating, cleaning, and organizing creates space—both in the home and in the mind.
Before adding a single new object, he recommends taking everything off shelves, out of closets, and off tables. This allows you to see what you truly need and what is just taking up space. He notes that his family of four manages to accumulate a surprising amount of clutter over a single season. By resetting the space first, you gain clarity. Only after this intentional purge should you consider what home pieces worth buying might fill the gaps left behind.
The 5 Home Pieces Worth Buying, According to Nate Berkus
So, what does Berkus actually recommend you spend your money on? He has narrowed down the categories to items that combine function, beauty, and longevity. These are not disposable decor items. They are foundational pieces that define a home and resist the pull of fleeting trends.
A Well-Made Sofa
The sofa is the anchor of most living rooms. It is where families gather, guests sit, and people relax. Berkus emphasizes that this piece needs to be structurally sound. While you do not need to spend a fortune, you should prioritize a sturdy frame and a solid, durable fabric. A high-quality sofa in a neutral fabric can be dressed up with pillows and throws, adapting to changing tastes without needing to be replaced.
He specifies that a well-made sofa does not have to be expensive, but it does need to be well made and in a solid fabric. Options like a corduroy upholstered sofa offer a plush, inviting feel that is perfect for lounging while maintaining a sophisticated look. This is a classic example of a home piece worth buying for the long term.
A Gilded or Iron Mirror
Mirrors are the secret weapon of interior design. They bounce light, make rooms feel larger, and act as functional art. Berkus specifically calls out gilded or iron mirrors as pieces that transcend any specific home. “A beautiful gilded mirror or an iron mirror is something that you’ll always find a place for no matter where you move,” he notes.
Whether it leans against a wall in a bedroom or hangs above a console table in an entryway, a striking mirror is a versatile investment. The Wall Mirror with Raised Edge Frame, made with solid metal construction, is a perfect example of this timeless category. Its slight raised edges add an extra touch of craftsmanship that elevates any room. An arched baroque wall mirror with intricate scrollwork can also serve as a stunning focal point.
Candlestick Holders
Candlestick holders might seem like a small detail, but Berkus sees them as essential sculptural objects. They bring an element of ritual and warmth to a dining table or mantlepiece. Collecting them in varying heights and materials—brass, ceramic, wood—creates visual interest and a sense of history. They are a low-stakes way to start collecting decorative objects that add character to a space.
The flicker of candlelight changes the entire atmosphere of a room. It signals a shift from the busyness of the day to a more relaxed evening. By investing in a few beautiful candlestick holders, you are investing in the daily ritual of slowing down. Like the other items on this list, they are home pieces worth buying because they never go out of style and add warmth to any gathering.
High-End Stemware and Wine Glasses
Berkus believes that the world of high-end tabletop has been unjustly ignored in recent years. He advocates for investing in beautiful stemware, such as the Reserve Nouveau Crystal Wine Glasses. These pieces elevate everyday routines and special occasions alike. A well-designed wine glass feels good in the hand and enhances the drinking experience.
By choosing quality glassware, you bring a sense of occasion to a Tuesday dinner, making the everyday feel special. This is a category where craftsmanship truly matters. The thinness of the crystal, the clarity of the glass, and the way it rings when gently tapped all contribute to a more refined experience. Investing in a set of four or six high-quality glasses is a simple way to upgrade your dining table instantly.
Vintage or Antique Furniture and Lighting
This is the cornerstone of Berkus’ philosophy. He advises buying vintage or antique furniture or lighting, which he says “stays with you forever.” These pieces carry a history and a patina that new items simply cannot replicate. A vintage leather ottoman, like the Atley Upholstered Modern Ottoman with Storage, or an antique brass lamp adds soul to a room.
Because they have already survived decades of changing trends, you can trust they will continue to look good for decades more. The warm and inviting cognac upholstery of a vintage-inspired ottoman, paired with solid wood legs, hints at a mid-century aesthetic that feels both nostalgic and current. This is the ultimate definition of home pieces worth buying — items that connect you to the past while grounding your present.
The Best Deals in Tabletop and Entertaining
Berkus points out a unique market opportunity for savvy shoppers. “When young people aren’t paying attention to a category like silver or porcelain or napkin rings or stemware, that’s when you can get the best deals,” he says. Because these categories are currently out of fashion with younger generations, the prices on high-quality vintage tableware have dropped significantly.
This is the perfect time to invest in heirloom-quality pieces for a fraction of their original cost. He reminds us that entertaining is about more than just food. “Entertaining is obviously about food and setting the environment and all those things, music and lighting, but it’s also about the ability to set a beautiful table,” he explains. Starting a collection of silver, porcelain, or stemware now means you will have a stunning tablescape ready for years of gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if a sofa is well-made without spending a fortune?
Look for a solid wood frame and a high-density foam core. Avoid sofas that rely solely on sinuous springs for support. Berkus advises that a well-made sofa does not have to be expensive, but it does need to be in a solid fabric. Performance fabrics like corduroy or tightly woven linen are excellent choices for families because they are durable and easy to clean.
What is the difference between buying a trendy item and a timeless piece like a gilded mirror?
Trendy items are often designed to capture a fleeting moment in culture, which means they can look dated in a few years. A timeless piece, such as a gilded mirror, possesses classic proportions and craftsmanship that allow it to adapt to various decor styles. Berkus notes that a beautiful mirror is something you will always find a place for, no matter where you move, making it a long-term investment rather than a short-term expense.
Is it worth investing in expensive wine glasses if I am just starting to build my home?
Yes, especially if you enjoy hosting. Berkus believes that the ability to set a beautiful table is a key part of entertaining. High-end stemware elevates the dining experience, and because younger generations are currently overlooking this category, you can often find excellent deals on quality pieces from estate sales or vintage shops. Starting small with a set of four crystal glasses is a practical way to build a collection over time.
Nate Berkus’s approach to home decor is a masterclass in intentionality. By resisting the pull of fast trends and focusing on quality, vintage, and craftsmanship, you can build a home that feels both elegant and deeply personal. The five categories he highlights—a solid sofa, a stunning mirror, candlestick holders, fine stemware, and antique furniture—are not just purchases. They are investments in the life you want to live and the home you want to build for your family.
