When is a splurge worth it? I think when the thing speaks to you. Firstly I think you really need to know your style. Then you need to know what fits with your style and what doesn’t. I have a deep love of French and Italian craftmanship. I am especially enamored with old gilding. So yes I was pretty excited to see this mirror. The downside is that the mirror had been replaced. (sad news) But the wood work was in excellent condition, save one break on the bottom and a rather sloppy repair.
Those things are unfortunate, but if had the original glass and the repair had not been done, the mirror would probably have been worth well over $1,000. I got it for far less. I think because of those issues, it ended up being consigned. And because I am such a regular in certain shops, I sometimes get the first look at things. When I see plain mirrors (even if they are super cheap) I pass them up. I have mirrors. I don’t need any more. But if that mirror is this exquisite, then I am willing to sell something to make room for it.
You can see I put it in our foyer. I’ve never seen anything like it. No they don’t make mirror like this any more.
This means, what I had on the wall came down, and I’ll be rotating things. Something is going out the door. I just don’t know what yet. So my suggestion is to splurge on something that suits your style and something that you find to be amazing. I would not splurge on a trendy item that will be out of style next year. I also don’t splurge on things that look like something everyone else has. Go for that unique item that showcases your personal style.
Remember I’ve been saying gold is going to be hot this year. I saw so many gold things in the store yesterday.
Here are a few things I found that I think you will LOVE.
(affiliate links)
And now my question to you, what do you splurge on?
Fabulous mirror….yes, worth the splurge!
So unusual! Well Worth the splurge! Terri Freeman
I totally agree that if you see something unique that you love and you can afford it, you should go for it! I have a lovely print of Carolina parakeets, that is a copy of an Audubon, that my new husband and I splurged on over 40 years ago that I still love. I remember it was so much at the time, but well worth the pleasure it has brought. Enjoy your mirror.
I don’t care if gold or silver is in, if I like it, I buy it and, HORRORS, I even mix metals!
Finally someone who feels exactly like I do.
What a great mirror! It’s totally gorgeous and looks great in the entry way!
I find it so hard to get rid of something even though I just bought something that will take it’s place in my home. How do you deal with the emotional attachment. My family thinks I am a bit nuts….
Francine, have you tried giving your old things to someone who couldn’t afford to buy them? When you see the joy on their faces, you be able to part with stuff. That makes me happy.
Roosters, my house is filled with them, even the living room is themed after them lol.
Yes, an occasional splurge is worth it!!! Love the mirror and how you displayed it. =)
Wow! What an amazing splurge mirror. Rather have a quality “find”
than several okay items !
I love to splurge on wall decorations that all can enjoy!
Stunning and worth the splurge. You are right, you must know your style. I keep working on that issue!
Lovely mirror! I would have purchased that myself! ?
Beautiful mirror! I know what you mean about leaving the NC mountains. I have to drive down to Atlanta and fly home to the San Antonio heat.
Beautiful mirror!
I splurge on Persian rugs. A lovely 50 year old Persian I got a good deal on online (but still pricey for my taste) actually helped us sell our last house. The color, design, and evident luxury of well-made rug enhances any space. The buyers offered us a generous sum to include it in the house sale, but I couldn’t part with it. That same rugs looks wonderful in our current house, too.
I like to splurge on a statement piece for a room. Every room needs one. I am getting ready to splurge on rugs. I think they will make the room and bring it all together. I spent all day yesterday shopping for just the right rugs. Love your new mirror.
I love the mirror, it’s beautiful! I splurge on clocks. The last time I counted I had 15; I don’t have a problem keeping the time lol!
Thanks for the great post!
I agree something special to you makes its unique to your home
What a beautiful find.
I just splurged on a couple rugs. I have old carpet and wanted to hide it as much as I could without having to buy new carpet!! I put one in our bedroom and one in our livingroom. Love them!!
Such romantic mirror! First thing that comes to mind is Empress Josephine. Great find!
The mirror is stunning…a great buy at any price. 🙂
The mirror is gorgeous, love it!
I love pictures and photographs that speak to me and make me smile. Ones that I never tire of looking at.
What a beautiful mirror and looks lovely in the hall. Over the years we have splurged on things we still love–a chandelier for the dining room, several art works, some Fitz and Floyd reindeer (large!). You are right, if they fit your taste and make your heart sing without being just trendy, they do make your house your home. Take care in the heat…
What a find! My serious weakness is dishes. I can’t stop!
Heading to North Georgia mountains soon from hot and humid Florida. Looking forward to a change. Love the mirror, so very unusual. Can see why you chose it.
I don’t know if this qualifies as a splurge; it wasn’t expensive but I thought the price was reasonable. I needed a book case or a shelf unit of some kind for a wall in my project room. I wasn’t actively hunting, but was meandering through CraigsList one day and stumbled across the most gorgeous bakers rack that was exactly was I was looking for, even though I wasn’t looking! We hustled up the freeway to bring her back to her new home (the owner was not happy to part with it, but circumstances required it!). And I absolutely love it ! It really is critical to have a good handle on your own taste and style!
Your mirror is not my style at all and would look out of place in my home, but the craftsmanship on that frame is incredibly beautiful and unique. And I think it was just fine to splurge on it. Every time you look at it you will feel joy and that’s important to a person’s well-being.
I am prone to splurge on textiles and dishes, although I usually find them pretty reasonably priced at thrift stores and yard sales. Or I might splurge on a vintage farmhouse piece of decor or—dish! If your splurge prevents you from paying the light bill or car insurance, then it’s a bad idea. But if it doesn’t and it gives you happiness just to look at and own, your purchase, then, go ahead and really let yourself enjoy that purchase. That is my take on splurging!
I am impressed that something will leave when you introduced the mirror. I aspire to be that way. Hasn’t happened yet, but every day is a second chance. I love your tips.
A treasure! Never have I seen one as lovely. I’ll dream about it tonight. Do enjoy.
When I move into my French style cottage, I shall make that big splurge.
This is so true. Years ago, I bought a French gilt mirror from Joyce Horn. It’s moved to several homes and into various rooms within those homes. In my current home, it graces the dining room and reflects an antique crystal chandelier. It’s a great piece that I still love.
How blessed you are to have found this gorgeous piece. I would imagine every time you look into it you feel special!
Love love your blog!
I enjoy your blog so much. Thanks for all the great articles and pictures. I look forward to it every day
Your mirror is lovely! You don’t see many made so beautifully. What a lucky find.
The mountains sound good to me too. I am so looking forward to the fall leaves!
I’m trying to have a mirror in every room-love how it opens up the area
I love antique furniture and have it in almost everyone room of my house which is very small. One of my daughters told me that I will have to buy a bigger house if I don’t stop buying furniture. I won’t be doing that since I plan to move until it’s time for me to go to an assisted living home – HA!
Linens are my biggest weakness. I have no willpower when it comes to beautiful bedding. Seeing all your beautiful mirrors makes me think that perhaps I should start searching out unique and beautiful pieces for my own home.
What a perfectly perfect splurge Anita.
The mirror is beautiful. Would love to have one just like it.
An exquisite showpiece! I adore mirrors and to find a truly unique, one-of-a-kind mirror, is a treasured experience. ENJOY!
I splurged on a similar mirror about 7 years ago. We have now downsized and went from a fairly formal home to making it fit a more casual and comfortable lifestyle (my husband’s, as well). What did I do with the fancy mirror, put it in my bedroom on my side of the bed with a shelf and candle. Just for me!
Go for it!
Love the mirror. I love finding something that just shouts “I was made just for you”! I bought several things last year that I wasn’t looking for but couldn’t resist. My favorites are the large decorative urn–with a lid- an architectural pedestal and an old and very large rustic finial. The urn was perfect for the niche by my fireplace and the pedestal went on the mantle to add more height to the finial. My biggest impulse purchase –in size and in price!–was a new bench for the end of my bed. The old, much smaller tole painted bench, has been re purposed as a coffee table in my office.
Lucky you…that was a gorgeous find!