Five Things That Are Worth Buying New

At Object Lesson, we build rooms around what already exists. Our TGIF philosophy — Thrifted, Gifted, Invented, or Found — is about designing with what’s available, what has a story, and what doesn’t require another trip to the big box store.

But even in a world of secondhand treasures and creative reuse, there are still moments where buying new makes sense. Not for the sake of having something “better” or “on-trend,” but because certain things should be clean, safe, or built to perform under daily pressure.

Here are five things we believe are worth buying new — and why doing so still fits within a thoughtful, low-waste design mindset.

1. Bedding

Used textiles are a gamble — especially the ones that touch your body every night. Sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers… these are personal items. When you buy new, you’re choosing comfort, hygiene, and control over what’s closest to your skin.

Look for natural materials like cotton or linen, and avoid anything synthetic and mass-produced. You can still shop small, support ethical makers, and build your bed around pieces that will last for years.

2. Mattresses

A mattress is not where you want mystery. Even a “lightly used” one can harbor allergens, mold, or sagging support that affects your posture and sleep quality. Vintage beds may look charming, but what you’re sleeping on shouldn’t be a question mark.

Buying a new mattress doesn’t mean buying cheap or fast — it means choosing something tailored to your body and your rest. Think of it less like a purchase and more like investing in your nervous system.

3. Window Treatments (in Some Cases)

We love salvaged drapes and fabric finds, but vintage curtains don’t always translate well. Fading, sizing issues, and lingering odors can make them more hassle than they’re worth — especially if you need something to block light, insulate, or fit precisely.

In cases where privacy and performance matter, new window treatments can do the job better. Bonus points if you choose natural fibers or work with local makers instead of buying off the rack.

4. Wiring

Let’s be clear: we’re pro vintage lighting — always. The fixture is often the soul of a room. But that fixture deserves wiring that won’t start a fire or short out on you.

Old cords and sockets just weren’t built for today’s electrical loads. That’s why we always recommend buying new bulbs, rewiring kits, and plugs. You get all the charm of the past with the reliability of the present — which is exactly how good design should work.

5. Items That Touch Food or Skin, Daily

This category includes cutting boards, kitchen sponges, toilet brushes, dish towels, bath mats — the quiet workhorses of a home. These things wear out fast and don’t always clean up well when bought secondhand.

New doesn’t mean mindless. Choose well-made, reusable, and biodegradable options when possible. Just don’t feel guilty about buying fresh when freshness actually matters.

In Closing

Being thoughtful about what you buy new isn’t a betrayal of the TGIF philosophy — it’s part of it. Good design asks you to think, to edit, to know when to pause and ask, Is this a place to reuse… or replace?

Buy less. Buy with intention. And when you do buy new, make it count.