I have never turned down a shopping spree at HomeGoods and love to stop by different stores when I travel to a new area or arrive in a new neighborhood because not every store is the same. I can’t resist the thrill of the hunt (I’m crazy about second-hand items) and the excitement of picking up great decor pieces at wallet-friendly prices. Can you blame me? That said, as a design lover, I try to be selective about the finds I bring home when I shop at big-box stores. While I love affordable finds, I still want my space to look well-curated, collected, and unique. That means I’ve learned to expertly sift through the many products that line the shelves at HomeGoods. If you’re wondering what to buy at HomeGoods, read on.
Featured image from Michelle Nash’s interview with Molly Sims.
Here are my tips for finding items that speak to me. Over the years, I’ve developed a knack for identifying timeless pieces. Below are 15 items I came across and loved while shopping at two different HomeGoods stores in New York City and suburban New Jersey. I’ll share tips on how to style each item and explain why they’re worth adding to your shopping cart. Find these bargains at a store near you before they sell out.
Wicker Tea Caddy, $9.99
When I saw this tea caddy I couldn’t help but bring it home, and now it sits beautifully on my kitchen counter. I love all things wicker, and I love how this caddy keeps all my different types of tea bags organized so I can easily access what I want to drink that night. Of course, you can also reuse the box to store more than just tea – you could store jewelry or nail polish inside, for example.
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Travel Home Book, $24.99
I can’t stop buying coffee table books, and HomeGoods makes it easy to keep growing my collection. They offer new releases at affordable prices, so if you’re looking for the latest in interior design or fashion books, you’re in the right place. Coffee table books also make the perfect housewarming, birthday, or holiday gift for any design lover. Choose a book that reflects the recipient’s interests and they’re sure to be impressed.
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Woven bench, $199
This woven bench combines beauty and functionality, making it the perfect dining bench for your breakfast nook. That said, it would also look great in your living room or at the end of your bed. The material brings instant textural interest to your space, making it perfect for those who love natural influences. Add some cushions for a cozy feel, or leave it as is for a simple, neutral look.
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Fake Tree, $129.99
Not all fake plants are the same, but this fake tree in a pot immediately caught my attention with its realism and style. I also love the pot, and the moss-covered base makes it look more realistic than other fake plants that are planted with a plastic-like “soil” material. Put this in an empty corner that needs a little tinkering and you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.
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Portable Lamp, $12.99
Mini portable lamps are all the rage these days, but when I came across this one, I couldn’t help but stop in my tracks because it’s so cute! The gold base and white shade complement many different aesthetics, so it blends in easily as you move it from room to room throughout your home. I also love that it’s battery-powered instead of rechargeable, so you don’t have to deal with annoying cords.
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Cocktail napkins, $5.99
If you love having guests over often, be sure to stock up on cocktail napkins at HomeGoods. I keep a drawer full of napkins in different styles so I’m always ready for any occasion. While browsing the latest styles in the store, I was particularly drawn to this classic block print pattern. If you’re entertaining, keep some of these napkins in your bathroom so guests don’t have to share hand towels.
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Glass Hurricane, $16.99
Curl up on the couch with a few lit candles for a romantic evening at home. This Hurricane is especially perfect for fans of coastal grandma and will instantly add charm to any dining, console or coffee table. Place a pillar candle inside (also available at HomeGoods) and it’s perfect. It also looks great on a patio or porch during warmer months.
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Marbled Taper Candle, $6.99
Speaking of candles, how beautiful are these marbled taper candles? Elevate your table with these beautiful candles. They are affordable and don’t bother you too much when they burn. I always keep extra taper candles on hand so I don’t have to worry about them when I’m entertaining. It’s also fun to think of something other than the classic solid color candles when possible.
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Scalloped Cabinet, $299.99
At $300, this scalloped two-door cabinet is the most expensive on my list, but it’s a great choice because it’s so versatile. Place it in your entryway and use it as a foyer table, turn it into a bar cabinet, or keep it in a playroom to store toys and games. It’s neutral yet playful, making it a great choice for kids’ and adults’ rooms alike.
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Ralph Lauren lamp, $119.99
This height-adjustable Ralph Lauren floor lamp for the home adds a touch of luxury to your home without breaking the bank. Elegant and sophisticated, this lamp will brighten up any living space. (And it means you don’t have to rely solely on “big lights.”) The pleated shade adds a touch of sophistication with just the right amount of traditional flair.
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Dinner Plate, $6.99
If you’re looking to upgrade your dinnerware, check out the kitchen section at HomeGoods. I fell in love with these adorable blue and white dinner plates. They’re large and have a classy feel to them. Gone are the days of basic black and white dinner plates.
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Trinket box, $29.99
The perfect trinket box doesn’t exist… oh wait! This blue marble beauty is compact yet eye-catching thanks to its deep blue hue. It’s heavy and can hold anything from jewelry to spare keys to coins. The lid slides open rather than coming off completely, which is a nice twist!
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Cushion, $16.99
Why are some cushions so expensive? I’ve fallen in love with so many beautiful cushion covers over the years, only to find that they cost hundreds of dollars. Luckily, this cute green and white cushion is under $20 (including the insert!). For anyone looking to add more pattern to their home, look no further. It looks chic on beds, sofas, and anywhere else.
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Circular Objects, $24.99
HomeGoods is chock full of (heavy!) decorative accents that can stand alone or double as bookends, like this marble sculpture. I love the muted color and striped design. Trust me, this luxe design would sell for at least three times what it sells for here.
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Blue Vase, $29.99
Vases and containers are another specialty of HomeGoods, and this vase looks like one-of-a-kind, handmade creation you’d find at a craft fair. It would look amazing filled with eucalyptus or pampas grass, but it’s also pretty enough to stand out on its own even without anything in it.
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