It’s no secret that the world has been feeling a bit unpredictable lately. In the wake of President Trump’s higher-than-expected tariffs, Goldman Sachs has reportedly increased the probability of the United States falling into a recession in the next 12 months from 35 percent to 45 percent. Facing the unknown (and/or economic free-fall) is scary, and one way to cope is to find comfort where you can. For us, that typically revolves around the home. Like nail polish and lipstick, which continue to sell well during economic downturns, there are items in the home decor industry that could be defined as recession-proof. Designer Louis Duncan-He calls these “the small comforts—little shifts that offer big emotional returns without blowing the budget.” These are typically pieces that don’t cost an arm and a leg and are easy to obtain, which makes it easy to get that dopamine hit. Below, find 12 recession-proof design items that designers call out for bringing a bit of life into the home without breaking the bank.Related StoriesTextilesMary Craven DawkinsDesigner Yancey Shearouse used a vibrant and fun textile for this tablecloth, finishing it off with a pom-pom trim.“My number one purchase to bring a little light into my home when the budget is tight is textiles,” says designer Sam Sacks. She credits their versatility and liveliness for being recession-proof. Plus, you can typically find certain textiles on sale—think new sheets at big box stores and discount retailers. But you can get more fanciful and decorative with your textile purchases, too, opting to buy fabrics for mood-lifting decor rather than practical items such as towels or sheets. Sacks says, “Etsy is a fantastic resource for textiles like Turkish suzanis and Moroccan kilims, which can be used to drape a table, bring drama to the back of a sofa, or to reinvent your bedroom by using them as a bedspread.”ArtworkMatt SartainIn this room designed by Alison Pickart and Katy Polsby, this simple art piece breaks up the busy wallpaper.Though it might not immediately sound like it, art is recession-proof, according to three different designers we asked. “Art prints are a designer’s secret weapon. Personal, affordable, and they instantly elevate the vibe of any room,” Steven Graffam of Stivale Graffam Home insists. These pieces don't need to be expensive, as Duncan-He points out; anything that simply catches your eye can be a meaningful piece of art. Art can bring so much joy to your space, as well as elevate it by adding depth and texture. —JENNIFER HUNTER OF JENNIFER HUNTER DESIGNWallpaperMatt SartainWith a wallpaper this playful, you don't necessarily need to add art on the walls. Designed by Alison Pickart and Katy Polsby.“Wallpaper is the slightly more daring cousin of art—and a fantastic way to play with pattern, texture, and color in a focused way,” Duncan-He says. Whether you choose to put up traditional wallpaper or peel-and-stick for a more affordable option, this design choice is a great way to change up the aesthetic of your home without costing too much.CandlesMary Craven DawkinsYancey Shearouse added color in even the smallest details, like these uniquely shaped candles.Candles are by far the most mentioned recession-proof decor item that designers called out, and it’s because they can be found in any price range and add so much to your home’s ambiance. “A candle illuminates not just a room, but also the spirit; it sparks joy and soothes the soul in times of uncertainty,” designer Kimberley Harrison says. “It invites moments of reflection and peace that transform any space into a personal sanctuary.”Along with the aesthetically pleasing flickering candlelight, these items also emit a pleasing scent, which designer Meghan Jay says can help a person relax and find serenity—ideal in times of stress. Related StoryHouseplantsCorey SzopinskiThe houseplants in these terracotta pots take up empty space in this living room designed by Amy Pigliacampo, while reinforcing the earthy color scheme.Handmade bouquets and brilliant houseplants are another way to add life, color, and ambiance into your home for little money. Flowers elevate and bring joy to a space, as Hunter points out, and green houseplants allow in freshness and can make a room feel more inviting, Graffam says. Even faux greenery can help refresh your home, and you don’t have to worry about these plants dying on you if you don't have a green thumb. “Both live and artificial plants are typically low-cost ways to enhance home decor, providing a sense of serenity and connection to nature that is especially valuable during stressful times,” Harrison explains. Related StoryBar WareBrie WilliamsBy using glassware of different colors and styles, designer Rajni Alex created a more interesting bar space.Add a touch of magic to your gatherings (since it’s about to be too expensive to go out to eat anymore) with fun cocktail glasses and barware. Harrison says, “In a recession, these affordable pieces allow people to transform their home entertaining experience without the cost of dining out, making it easier to host enjoyable get-togethers with family and friends.” Vibrant glasses, unique bottle openers, elegant cocktail picks—these practical and fun items don't have to be expensive to add charm to your home bar.Vintage PiecesMargaret AustinThe vintage pieces you choose to display in your home don't have to be large—the team at Anderson Wier Studio gave this built-in plenty of bookshelf wealth with these smaller antiques.Thrifting and shopping for vintage pieces is a great way to save on money while still getting good quality items. John Stivale, the other half of Stivale Graffam Home, says he likes to shop for smaller vintage decor pieces, such as barware. “Fun cocktail shakers, quirky glasses—these gems not only spice up your drinks but spark conversation too,” he explains. These types of pieces can be found in any price range, and you never know: They may just become your new favorite items on your bar cart. Related StoriesThrow BlanketsEmily J FollowillDesigner Ashley Gilbreath added the throw blanket on the back of this couch for a bright pop of color.Throw blankets add comfort and style to any space, and buying one is easier to justify when money is tight because of the comfort it brings and the amount of use you get out of it. Stivale suggests sticking with natural fabrics, like cotton, wool, or linen, in neutral tones because they add warmth without the weight and provide a calming vibe while blending seamlessly with your other decor. A throw blanket is a small, inexpensive item that adds both comfort and style to a space. —MEGHAN JAY OF MEGHAN JAY DESIGN Throw PillowsRikki SnyderIn this living room designed by Becca Interiors, the throw pillows add dimension and additional tones.“Never underestimate the power of a well-chosen cushion,” Duncan-He explains. From couch cushions to throw pillows, a plush cushion in a beautiful fabric can reinvigorate your space. There are plenty of stunning off-the-shelf options out there, but you might also choose to spend a little bit more on a custom option to capture the cozy or elegant vibe you desire. Lamp ShadesChristopher DelaneyWithout this fun lampshade, this bedside table by Doreen Chambers would look a little flat.Every little detail matters when you’re trying to refresh your space, especially when you’re on a tight budget. Stivale says that switching out your lampshade is an affordable way to play with your decor. There are so many different sizes, styles, and colors you can find when shopping for lampshades—“it’s a small tweak that makes a big impact,” he adds.Small BowlsKirsten FrancisThough the small bowls on this shelf by Kerri Pilchik are purple decorative, they're so easy to move around if the homeowner so desired.Small, decorative bowls are recession-proof, according to Harrison. “Whether filled with nuts, jewelry, or simply left to enhance a shelf, these bowls serve as an invitation to pause and appreciate the little things that bring comfort and charm to our daily lives,” she says. They’re versatile and sit at a low price point, making them very accessible for those who wish to add more detail to their decor but also have budget constraints.PaintBenedetto RebeccaThe paint color does the talking in this living room designed by Charles Cohen Designs.It’s not a decor item per se, but a fresh coat of paint can immediately switch up the vibe of your home, giving each room a new look for little cost. Jay points out that this recession-proof home project is even more affordable when you complete it yourself. “Suddenly, existing furniture picks up new undertones and everything feels refreshed,” Duncan-He says. “One can of paint, whole new vibe.” Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.