As a design writer, it’s part of my job to keep a finger on the pulse of interior design trends and know all the best places to shop. It’s honestly a dream. Not only do I love writing about beautiful homes for a living, but I also love decorating my own, and HomeGoods is one of my go-to places to shop. It’s a great place to find on-trend items at way cheaper prices than you’ll find elsewhere, and it’s always fun to search the shelves for hidden gems that others may have overlooked. However, some aisles can be hit or miss, and there are certain items I tend to avoid shopping for there. Read on for a few of my favorite items to shop for (and a few things I always skip) at HomeGoods.
Shop: decorative accessories
The aisles of HomeGoods are chock-full of accessories like vases, candlesticks, bookends, and other decorative objects. It’s the perfect place to look if you want some little tchotchkes to style on bookshelves or your coffee table. These items are generally super affordable (think $20 or less), but they can go a long way in making your space feel homier and more personalized. And since they’re often organized into sections by color, it’s easy to find pieces that fit your home’s color palette.
Shop: lamps
At other retailers, lighting can often be shockingly expensive, but not so at HomeGoods. They have tons of table and floor lamps that look high-end but are surprisingly affordable. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for cordless lamps, which are great for styling on kitchen countertops or even in a bathroom. And if you happen to come across the viral dog lamp that looks eerily similar to Anthropologie’s $300 version? Grab one immediately.
Skip: kitschy seasonal decor
HomeGoods goes all out on seasonal decor, and most of it is a little too over-the-top for my tastes. I’m not necessarily saying you should avoid their fall and holiday decor altogether, but I would proceed with caution in this section. A little kitsch can be cute, but it’s easy to get sucked in by all the colorful, glittery festiveness and end up with a cart full of decor that will make your space look busy and cheap. My advice? Skip anything that looks cheaply made or overly fake, as well as anything covered in glitter (it just creates a huge mess!). Prioritize pieces that look as natural as possible—this is especially key when it comes to things like wreaths and faux pumpkins! In general, muted colors and natural materials will always look better than garish colors and cheap plastic.
Shop: coffee table books
Books are key to a home that feels cozy, lived-in, and personalized. They’re an easy way to show off your interests while adding height and dimension to surfaces like shelves, countertops, and accent tables. And, if you’re in the market for some new books worthy of display, HomeGoods is the place to look. They have a rotating selection of coffee table books on subjects like interior design, fashion, and travel that are often deeply discounted compared to the prices you’ll find online or at other retailers. It’s the perfect opportunity to add to your collection without spending a ton.
Shop: art and picture frames
Wall art is another one of those home decor items that can get ridiculously pricey, which is why I love browsing the selection at HomeGoods. I personally like to purchase frames and print my own art to fill them, but you can often find some nice pre-framed wall art as well. Either way, the prices are usually way more affordable than you’ll find at other retailers. Especially if you’re in the market for large-scale art, HomeGoods is definitely worth a look.
Skip: cheap kitchen items
HomeGoods has a huge selection of kitchen essentials like pots and pans, knife sets, and cooking utensils. And while these items may be tempting if you’re trying to outfit a new place on a tight budget, I think you’re better off looking elsewhere. The kitchen section at HomeGoods is generally full of mismatched items from random brands, so it’s hard to tell if you’re buying a quality item (and nearly impossible to find a matching set). Especially when it comes to things like cookware and knives, paying a little more can amount to a big jump in quality.
Shop: baskets
I love a basket. You can use them for just about anything, and they add much-needed texture and warmth to your space. Baskets are one of those items I always shop for at HomeGoods because they are very reasonably priced and come in all shapes and sizes. I have several throughout my home that I use for dog toys, extra blankets, and laundry as well. Woven baskets can be pretty expensive at big-box stores, but you can often snag extra-large ones for less than $50 at HomeGoods. A steal!
Shop: throw pillows
Throw pillows are such an easy way to mix up the vibe of your living room. HomeGoods always has an incredible variety of pillows in different shapes, sizes, colors, and textures, so I make sure to peruse this aisle whenever I hit the store. They organize them by color, too, so it’s easy to sift through and find what you need. You can always count on HomeGoods to have seasonal colors and prints available as well. I tend to stick with neutrals, but when I need a pop of something (whether that’s color or texture), I head to HomeGoods! Pro tip: Take a picture of your sofa and have it up on your phone as you’re browsing. It’s an easy way to help you visualize what your pillows will look like on your couch and in your living room before you purchase!
Skip: faux florals and greenery
While I never want to yuck anyone’s yum, there are a few items I generally steer clear of as I’m browsing, and one of them is the faux floral aisle. HomeGoods always has a huge section of faux florals and greenery, no matter the time of year. And while I will always recommend adding plants or flowers to a space, I tend to skip over this section because the florals always look especially fake. This is where spending a little bit more at a higher-end brand like Pottery Barn or Crate & Barrel is worth it, as their faux plants look a lot more realistic. If your space has adequate lighting, I say get a real plant, but if not, invest in a quality faux plant or floral arrangement elsewhere.
Shop: accent furniture
Furniture can be hit or miss at HomeGoods, but I always spot good accent pieces when I browse. If you’re shopping for a new side table, ottoman, or accent chair, the retailer always seems to have plenty of options available in all sorts of colors and materials. And—perhaps surprisingly—there are some great furniture pieces in the bath section, including cute vanity seats. I scooped up a white velvet seat for my vanity a few years ago that I’m still obsessed with. If you’re looking for accent furniture with a high-end look and a low-end price tag, HomeGoods is a great place to look.
Skip: decor with writing
“HomeGoods quote aesthetic” is a thing. It’s the signs that read “Hello Fall” and “Live, Laugh, Love,” along with anything made by Rae Dunn. Do yourself a favor and skip the seasonal signs, the bowls that say “ramen” on them, and anything else with unnecessary words scrawled on it. While I know most designers cringe at art or decor with lettering, I do think there is a tasteful way to include them in your home if you choose. Use decor with words sparingly (too much creates visual clutter), and choose a word or phrase that truly means something to you. Trust me, you don’t need a sign in your kitchen that says “kitchen.”
Shop: velvet hangers
Every professional organizer I know recommends velvet hangers. Swapping mismatched plastic hangers with sleek velvet ones is a simple way to streamline the look of your closet, and my go-to spot for hangers is HomeGoods. They usually have tons of different colors to choose from, but I recommend a neutral like black or beige. You can often find multipacks for less than $10, and they even offer hangers with clips for pants or skirts. Velvet hangers feel like an investment toward a beautifully organized home, but at HomeGoods, they don’t have to be a splurge.
Shop: white dishware and serving pieces
If you’re not quite ready to invest in fancy plates or serving dishes, head to HomeGoods. They always have a wide variety of plain white dishware available, and it truly never goes out of style. You can count on finding plates, bowls, serving platters, and more in classic white that’ll match any kitchen or occasion. For a little added something, look for pieces with some texture, like fluted detailing or a gold or silver trim. If you opt for pieces with metallic trim, however, be sure to check that they’re microwave-friendly. I have a few bowls with a gold trim from HomeGoods that are not safe for the microwave, and I learned that the hard way, so be sure to read the label!
Kristen Garaffo, Contributing Home & Living Writer
Kristen Garaffo is a Washington DC-area-based freelance writer. She specializes in home and lifestyle content and loves helping others live their best lives at home and beyond.
Jessica Friedhoff, Senior Lifestyle Editor
Jessica Friedhoff is the Senior Lifestyle Editor at The Everygirl, where she oversees the Home & Living category of the site. She writes and edits stories across a broad range of topics including decorating, food, entertaining, travel, and more. With a pulse on the latest trends, she uses her eye for detail and design to create timely, inspiring content for our readers.
