The pros have spoken.

Your dining room should be a special, welcoming place to gather, but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank during the design process. It turns out there are plenty of common dining room items that just aren’t worth the effort. do crazy thingssay the designers. Read on as the pros ask where you can scale back a little (without sacrificing style along the way!).

Novelty cloth napkins

While luxury cloth napkins are certainly chic, they aren’t the most practical, notes Colleen Waguespack. “While high-end towels may look great in an Instagram post, you’ll rarely use them and have a meltdown when a guest stains them,” she says. Instead, save your money and buy linen options instead; they will always add spice to your dining room. “A simple monogram in the corner is a cost-effective way to add a personal, colorful touch to your table,” says the founder of Colleen Waguespack Interiors in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Decorative accessories

Don’t max out your budget on things like candle holders and vases when you can instead find aesthetically pleasing options at much lower prices.

“These can come from flea markets, thrift storesor even low-budget decoration stores,” explains Amy Switzer, the founder of Amy Switzerland Design in Dallas, Texas. “These little touches don’t have to break the bank to add personality to the space.”

Tableware and glassware

While Switzer is a proponent of keeping a nice set of dinnerware and glassware on hand for special gatherings, she notes that there are plenty of budget-friendly everyday options that always look great on the table.

“You can find stylish, affordable sets that do the job really well; stores like Target, IKEA, and even some thrift stores have beautiful pieces for everyday use,” she says.

Also remember to buy small because you are getting these types of pieces. Alicia Hassen, the founder of Brooklinteriors in Austin, Texas, enjoys mixing and matching handmade ceramic plate sets, finding them both stylish and durable. “There may even be a ceramics workshop near you; it’s always great to support your local artisans,” she says.

Even when it comes to premium china, you never know what you might stumble upon when going the second-hand route.

“I found a porcelain pattern that I fell in love with at an estate sale, then found other pieces to add to my collection on Etsy,” says Lauren Lowe, founder of Lauren Elaine Interiors in Atlanta, Georgia. “I love the story it brings to the use of each piece, as opposed to just ordering something on a website.”

Matching dining chairs

Gone are the days when a matching dining table set was a must.

“I love the look of a dining room where maybe some or none of the chairs match perfectly but still complement each other,” says Kevin Billings, founder of Dexter and Plaid in Leesburg, Virginia. “Besides having a more interesting look, it can be more cost effective because you can just start collecting one or two chairs from different antique stores until you have created your own custom set of chairs.”

Best of all, this approach will ensure that your dining room doesn’t appear too formal. “It allows a dining room to appear more casual but fun, which I personally prefer,” says Billing.

Plants and greenery

Want to bring the outdoors into your dining room? Opt for affordable plants or greenery.

“Whether real or fake, plants don’t have to be expensive to add that fresh, inviting touch,” says Switzer. “Small potted plants or a vase with a fresh (or faux) bouquet work well to brighten up the space without a lot of expense.”

Carpet

It’s safe to say that no dining room rug is completely safe from stains and spills. This makes it a good item to save money on when arranging a dining room.

“You can opt for a very affordable sisal to create texture and warmth and anchor the space without blowing the budget,” says Bailey Ward, founder of Bailey Ward Interiors in Atlanta. “Natural fibers complement a dressy or formal wallpaper well.”

Related: 6 Kitchen Items That Aren’t Worth Splurging On, According to Designers