Where to buy on a budget
Shop Home Decor
The stores worth checking first, what each one does best, and how to save.
You don’t need a big budget to make a room feel finished. Most of the time, the trick is knowing which store to check first. Here is how the big US home decor stores compare. Price levels go from $ (budget) to $$$ (higher end).
Amazon
$ – $$Best for: Basics like curtain rods, storage bins, lamps and frames, with fast shipping.
Read the 3-star reviews first. They usually explain the real problems with a product.
Visit Amazon →Wayfair
$ – $$$Best for: Rugs, furniture and lighting, with a huge selection in every style.
Check the Way Day and holiday sales. Big furniture is often 30% to 60% off during them.
Visit Wayfair →Target
$ – $$Best for: Affordable seasonal decor, pillows, throws and small accents.
New seasonal decor sells out fast, but leftovers are heavily marked down right after each holiday.
Visit Target →IKEA
$Best for: Budget furniture, shelving and storage, plus easy DIY hacks.
Visit the As-Is section in store for returned and floor-model pieces at lower prices.
Visit IKEA →HomeGoods
$ – $$Best for: Unique lamps, mirrors, vases and wall art at discount prices.
Stock changes every few days. If you like something, buy it, because it may be gone next week.
Visit HomeGoods →Home Depot and Lowe’s
$ – $$$Best for: Paint, hardware, light fixtures, flooring and tools for DIY projects.
Ask for oops paint, mistinted paint sold at a big discount. It works well for small projects and furniture.
Visit Home Depot and Lowe’s →Thrift stores and Facebook Marketplace
$Best for: Solid wood furniture, frames and vintage pieces to paint or refinish.
Look past the finish. Check that drawers slide well and joints are solid. Paint and new hardware can fix the rest.
Visit Thrift stores and Facebook Marketplace →We list these stores because they are useful, not because they pay us. If we add affiliate links in the future, we will mark them clearly. See our Affiliate Disclosure.