Even the most experienced interior designers experience buyer’s remorse from time to time. But what are the specific types of items that pros have come to regret purchasing?

Here, we spoke with three designers who highlight five categories of home decor that they regret picking up in 2025, and why. Make sure to think twice before you consider bringing any of these items into your own space.

Storage Pieces That Don’t Have a Clear Purpose

It can be tempting to purchase storage pieces that look promising or stylish, but if you don’t have a specific use for them in mind, you’re probably better off leaving them on the shelf. Elaine Burns, the founder of Pistachio Designs, shares that she regrets buying storage solutions with no clear plan of how or what she’s going to use them for in her home.

“If I’m not strategic and specific about what I’m putting in or on a shelf or cabinet, it becomes wasted space,” she says. “A little bit of planning can go a long way!”

The better approach is to complete your closet or cabinet cleanout first and then go to the store in search of bins and baskets—that way, you’ll have a clear sense of what sizes of containers you’ll need to purchase and what purpose they will serve.

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Faux Plants

No green thumb? Faux plants may be just the solution you’re looking for if you crave greenery in your home.

“Adding plants to a space, even faux, can connect the space with nature, add life, and make the space feel more comfortable and relaxing,” Emily Roose, the founder of Emily Roose Interiors, says.

That said, keep in mind that not all fake plants are equally convincing-looking. Roose shares that she regrets purchasing ones that looked way too fake.

Moving forward, the designer has decided that she is willing to allocate a bit more of her budget to greenery options that will truly wow her.

“If you do not have a green thumb, then it is worth paying more for faux plants because they will look more realistic and low-maintenance,” she says.

Fast Furniture

Many people fall victim to ordering fast, inexpensive furniture in order to complete a space quickly, in order to avoid long lead times and high prices. That said, Roose points out that this usually isn’t the wisest approach, noting that it’s something she has come to regret.

Roose explains how fast furniture often comes with more issues than it is worth, citing issues such as long assembly processes and missing pieces. Plus, Roose explains, fast furniture is often not ultra durable and isn’t built to last for the long haul.

If you can, the designer urges, save your pennies and pay a bit more for something that will stand the test of time—and by going this route, you’ll only have to buy an item once rather than replace it after just a few years (or even months) of use.

Plain Mirrors

Meghan Jay, the founder of Meghan Jay Design, regrets instances where she has purchased plain, utilitarian mirrors right off the bat rather than waiting to come across vintage finds filled with character.

“I’ve gone through plenty of plain vanity and wall mirrors—the kind with a thin metal frame—just to have something on the wall, especially in bathrooms where a mirror feels essential,” she says.

However, she has learned that exploring antique stores, vintage shops, and online sources like Facebook Marketplace can yield much more eye-catching, personality-filled results.

“I’d much rather hold out for one that feels unique and meaningful,” Jay says.

Mass-Produced Art

Jay notes that she has also been guilty of picking up mass-produced art pieces in order to tackle empty walls. Even though original pieces can be expensive, she has learned that she values these character-filled creations much more and it’s worth waiting a bit to place an order in order.

“I’ve realized I’d rather be patient and invest in something that resonates with me personally,” she says, noting that this, not shopping in big box stores, is now her preferred route for art.