I’m about to let you in on my best kept secret: my favorite sources for practically instant home décor items and ideas. Now I’ll admit I’m not afraid to spend a little bit more on something I LOVE, but I’m a frugal gal at heart so most of these places have great prices and are outstanding sources for inexpensive home decor. Here you go, my TOP TEN places to find easy decorating ideas on a dime:
1. HomeGoods
The gold standard of quick and beautiful décor is, of course, HomeGoods. I’m there every other week or so. The trick to shopping here is to buy it when you see it, otherwise it will be gone when you return. I still regret not getting a painting I spotted there a few years ago because I was being a snob and didn’t want to buy art at HomeGoods. My loss. I think of that painting often and kick myself for not buying it! This is a great source for anything from dishware to rugs to small furniture to baskets to sheets. Basically, everything. Here’s a few HomeGoods favorites in my home:
Live Wood Edge Bowl/Tray
Snakeskin Tray
Dining Room Chairs
Large basket in my basket wall (it was $14!)
Dining Room Rug
Plus the baskets for Wall Mounted Towel Storage, the striped basket for a Kid-Proofed Indoor Plant, and this post-Haven HomeGoods haul (what can I say, I was inspired…)
2. TJ Maxx and Marshalls
These two stores are in the HomeGoods family (literally), so if you get the credit card there you can earn points at all three stores and get $10 back for every 1,000 points you earn. Ahem. 😉 I found these Diane Von Furstenburg sheets at TJs for $15 and turned them into curtains!
It’s more of a treasure hunt at these two stores than at their sister HomeGoods, but there’s always something there to catch your eye.
3. Tuesday Morning
You can find the good, the bag, and the ugly at Tuesday Morning. The key is to find a good store, because individually they range in quality. I don’t buy a lot there, but Tuesday Morning is a good source for small furniture, décor accents, garden stools, papergoods (wrapping paper and napkins) and linens. There’s one next to my gym so I go in every few weeks and take a stroll. I found this lovely metal lantern thingy (that’s the technical term) and use it to display shells and rocks (“J-C, Marie, they’re MINERALS!”– name that t.v. show…)
4. Kohls
How on earth does Kohls actually make money? The deals are outrageous! So, there’s some low-end decor here but you can find a few gems if you know where to look. Plus they have AMAZING deals when you stack coupons with sales and Kohls cash. I shop at Kohls for sheet sets, throw pillows (in the bedding department, MUCH more stylish there), small furniture, frames, and poufs/floor pillows. A great place to get candles and towels too—for a deeply discounted price if you shop smart. Plus, check out my 50+ ways to save thousands of dollars on home and family post for my secret to getting the coveted 30% off coupon. Here’s a recent find that I DIDN’T buy:
… and towels that I DID.
5. Michaels Craft Store and JoAnn Fabric
Most of my DIY supplies come from these stores. They are great for craft paint, wooden dowels and tags, scrapbook paper, wire, baskets, and décor items to redo. I also like using the alphabet stickers for vinyl letters on labels, such as my DIY wooden drink tags.
I mean, a little craft paint goes a long way:
Obviously JoAnn is great for fabric, but they have craft supplies as well. Be sure to check out their burlap section, and ALWAYS use a coupon!
6. Thrift Stores, Flea Markets & Yard Sales
Most of my décor items came from a thrift / vintage store , flea market, or yard sale. Sad but true. The trick is to go often, browse each section, and think outside the box when it comes to repurposing them. Here are a few of my absolute most beloved furniture, household items, and home décor that started life on the shelf of a thrift store or yard sale, like this recent haul that cost $11 total including the white sweater for a craft project underneath:
Greek Key -ish Gold Console table
Brass Pig ($8)
Drink cart ($3)
Embroidery Hoop Wall Art ($2 for all hoops, I created the art inside with fabric)
Ceramic Umbrella Holder (now wrapping paper holder) $7
Owl ($2 or $3, can’t remember)
ReStore Chandelier ($25)
Two of the Mirrors in my Mirror Wall— the gold one and the white one ($10 total):
Plus the white wall shelf in my bathroom, his and hers wine decanter set, and the painted chowder pot to remind me of home.
7. One Kings Lane {use this affiliate link and get a $15 credit if you sign up!}
Flash sales put all the best home décor items at your fingertips. Plus, when you sign up at One Kings Lane you get a $15 credit towards your next purchase! Even if you don’t have the funds to buy right now, these sites are an amazing way to browse high-end items so you can buy them for a low-end price. That’s where a ton of my DIY inspiration comes from, simply by following the browse high end, buy low price philosophy. It’s a great place to scope out trends and I’m CRAZY for their inexpensive outdoor rugs that go on sale every few weeks that you can USE INDOORS.
Here’s two of my favorite finds, a rattan ottoman and totally random yet awesome marble mortar and pestle:
8. Grocery Stores
Okay, this one is a stretch but I had to add it because that’s where I bought the turquoise vases in my jewelry organizing display. They were about $3 each! Plus, adding a bowl of fresh lemons or a 6-pack of Pellegrino instantly classes up your kitchen and home. Not that you NEEDED classing up. You know what I mean. 😉
9. IKEA
I know. DUH. It’s hard to venture through IKEA and not come out with a million items and ideas. They have great inexpensive furniture, lighting, and tableware. The kids decor items are amazing. And the prices are great! I love to find placemats, glassware for adding my own touches, fabric, and planters. While my tastes have changed from my post-college “buy everything at IKEA!” style, there’s still great home items to be found all over that place… like these black and white pillow covers that I’m totally rocking in my home for a few dollars.
10. West Elm
If I could move into a West Elm store, I would. That place is the perfect mix if neutrals, texture, pops of perfect color, natural items, and just the right bit of quirk. My friend Jessica from Decor Adventures recently visited Philly and we snapped pics and dreamed of how we could DIY everything there. Of course, the prices are actually not outrageous so it’s definitely an affordable source for trendy home decor for modern families.
Here are some West Elm favorites in my own home:
West Elm even has an outlet in Lancaster where I spotted the motherload of Making Lemonade dreams: hexagon marble end tables! HOLD ME!
As you can see from my Instagram feed, I tend to go shopping A LOT. Usually it’s to keep my son occupied while his sister is at school. While I might be in stores all the time, the trick is I only buy something if I LOVE it. However, I always snap pics of my favorite finds (all the shopping thrill, NONE of the guilt!) so follow me on Instagram and be my virtual shopping buddy. Gosh knows I need a shopping buddy besides my 3-year-old, all he likes are trains and also nutcrackers. While you’re at it, check out the thrifting holy grail I found yesterday– a mirrored fretwork buffet at a thrift store. I haven’t bought it yet… this could be the one that gets away.
EDITED TO ADD: I totally bought that buffet, and I think it’s hands-down my favorite thrift store score ever. I’ll share a post at some point, but until then you’ll catch it on Instagram quite a bit. 🙂
I should probably include Target as a source, but I’m almost never there anymore so I don’t know what’s new. Anyone have some fun Target finds to share?
Pssst: Find more AMAZING tips and secrets for saving money on everything for your home in this roundup of 50+ tricks for saving tons of money! See how to get the elusive 30% off at Kohl’s coupon over there, too. 😉
WHEW. That was a monster post, but I wanted to spill my favorite sources for easy decorating ideas before the 31 Days series was over. Where are your favorite places to score great deals?
Favorite Sources for Easy Decorating Ideas is Day 30 in the 31 Days of Easy 15 Minute Decorating Ideas series. Subscribe in the header to get each quick decorating idea delivered to your inbox daily, and find of the rest of the 15 minute decorating ideas series here.
Amy renea says
One of my favorite posts ever from you Carrie!! We need to go shopping together!!!!!!!!
Laughing Abi says
Here’s a weird one for you: Hospital gift shops.
I know it sounds nutty but I started volunteering at a local hospital a few years ago and when I stumbled into the gift shop one day I was stunned. They had so many amazing decorative items and I found out they run sales every week, some resulting in 50 % discounts!
Every hospital is different but you may be surprised.
Carrie Higgins says
That’s not at all weird to me, I totally believe it! I used to candy stripe in a hospital in high school and remember they had good stuff– and great sales. Thanks for reminding me!
Julie@teachinggoodeaters says
A few weeks ago, I was driving down my road and saw an amazing mirror in someone’s trash… when I say amazing, I mean approximately 4 feet by 3 feet with a thick, solid, dark wood frame and glass without a single imperfection. I was already late to pick up my son from preschool, but the garbage truck was on it’s way and I didn’t have any time to waste… I could barely lift it and it *just* fit into the bag of my van (I actually damaged the frame, just a little, shoving it in… sigh. Anyways, question for you, as well. As I said, it has a thick frame of dark wood. My husband thinks we should paint it, but I’m so afraid of ruining something that is pretty nice as it is. Also, for right now, we will probably use it above our dresser in our room. But in the future, I can imagine it in a hallway. Suggestions for paint color (or should we leave it alone… Looking at your mirrors, I’m guessing you’re solidly in the paint camp, maybe metallic?
Carrie Higgins says
My thoughts on painting wood are that unless it’s a priceless antique, you should do with it what makes your heart sing. If you love the natural look, keep it as is. If it’ll make you happier in a bright color or metallic, that’s a great way to go as well. Since it was destined for the trash it’s not like you could hurt it’s value, right? If you like gold, gilding is a great way to go. Or paint it a neutral if you have lots of color in your room. If your room needs a splash of color, go bold! I can’t wait to see this mirror– show me pics if you get a chance!!!
Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says
Ummmm, Breaking Bad!! My new obsession … on the last season right now so don’t tell me how it ends. 🙂
Carrie Higgins says
I’m only on season 4, so you’re ahead of me!!! Trying to keep my ears closed every time someone mentions Walter!
Jessica @FoundtheMarbles says
HomeGoods is my happy place.
Sarah says
I’m all about thrift stores and flea markets for decor!
Alissa says
That rug! That. Rug. I love it. I used to frequent HomeGoods more often, but clearly I must get back. Soon.
Johonna says
Hi there. You have to tell me where those buffets came from so I can run right out and get it. Seriously, I spent all today looking for something very similar (white or light colored, preferably mirrored – how cool is that?) and I live in the Philly area. Not a stalker just thought it was cool to foollow someone from my home town.
Carrie Higgins says
Hi Johonna, I have to confess, I went and bought it today. So sorry! They were having a 25% off sale so I couldn’t resist. If I decide to sell it I’ll let you know. It’s actually so heavy I can’t get it out of the van! I bought it at Liberty Thrift Store in Collegeville. They sometimes get good stuff!
Becky says
Good roundup of spots to shop! We’re on a tight budget this year, but I am hoping we can make some home updates in the next year or so. These will be good spots to head to to stay frugal.
Barb @ A Life in Balance says
I’ve been shopping the clearance at Target and finding some great stuff. The vase on my dining room table was $7.88 at Target, definitely a great find.
I have to go to West Elm! And, check out the thrift stores you mention. Our tastes are similar though I like a slightly darker palette.
Barb @ A Life in Balance says
Oh, I forgot Pier One. I love shopping there, plus their clearance can be awesome, too!
Kay Shive says
Like you, I love and shop at all the stores you mentioned, including Barb’s favorites: Pier One and Target. Another store I like is Hobby Lobby. In addition to carrying craft and art supplies, they sell furniture and home decor items. Speaking of home decor, Kirkland’s has opened a store in my area and I’m anxious to check out the nearest store to see if I agree with all those who say it compares favorably with Home Goods. If anyone reading this has shopped at Kirkland’s, I’d like you hear your opinion of this company’s stores.
Carrie Higgins says
Kay, YES, Kirklands is great too! I actually did a sponsored post for them after this post (which I should edit to include them, thanks for the idea) and loved the products they sent me. Here’s the post– the huge mason jars were a big hit: https://makinglemonadeblog.com/holiday-party-tips-ideas-decor/ Let me know if you find anything good there!
Shelby says
Love all these suggestions!! Another one that I don’t frequent often but has great deals is Garden Ridge. We found some great holiday decor there last year for great prices! 🙂
Carrie Higgins says
Man, I’d LOVE a Garden Ridge! When I lived in North Carolina there was one close by and now that I’m in Pennsylvania I totally miss it. 🙂