10 Affordable Home Decor Stores Interior Designers Secretly Shop (And You Should Too)
Ever wonder where interior designers actually shop when they're not sourcing from high-end showrooms? Here's the truth: even pros love a good deal — and they're often mixing budget finds with luxe pieces to get that perfectly layered, designer look.
Whether you're refreshing a single room or starting from scratch, these are the secret (and not-so-secret) sources designers lean on for high-impact results without the high price tag.
Ready to uncover the affordable retailers designers are quietly obsessed with? Let’s dive in.
1. H&M Home
The Designer Secret: Soft goods and tabletop styling with a fashion-forward twist.
What You Didn't Know: H&M Home quietly expanded into the U.S. with its own site and in-store sections, offering everything from textured pillow covers to modern lighting, all under $100.
Pros:
Trend-driven textiles, ceramics, and accessories
Weekly new arrivals with seasonal looks
Perfect for layering texture and mood
Cons:
Limited furniture selection
Pieces can sell out quickly
Fragile items need careful shipping
2. CB2
The Designer Secret: Clean-lined, high-design pieces at reasonable prices.
What You Didn't Know: CB2 is Crate & Barrel’s younger, edgier sibling—with frequent collaborations from interior designers like Kara Mann and Fred Segal. Expect sculptural forms and luxe materials at mid-range prices.
Pros:
Great source for coffee tables, lighting, and art
Designer collabs for unique statement pieces
Editorial-style imagery makes styling easy
Cons:
Limited deep discounts
Lead times can vary
Pricier than IKEA but less customizable than West Elm
3. The Inside
The Designer Secret: Custom upholstery without the custom price tag.
What You Didn't Know: Every piece from The Inside is made to order in the U.S. Choose your silhouette, then select from hundreds of patterns (including Scalamandré and Peter Som). Designers love the versatility.
Pros:
Tailored upholstery in designer-level fabrics
Highly customizable furniture
Fabric swatches available for planning
Cons:
No physical showrooms
Made-to-order = longer lead times
Not as budget-conscious as mass retail
4. World Market
The Designer Secret: Global finds that look like you traveled far and spent more.
What You Didn't Know: World Market is a go-to for earthy, collected design with a worldly influence. From mango wood consoles to linen pendant lights, it offers pieces that blend with everything from Boho to Transitional.
Pros:
Handcrafted look at big-box prices
Great for dining tables, textiles, and decor
Frequent sales and member rewards
Cons:
Some items are online-only
Mixed quality (read reviews)
Can be “theme-y” if not styled with balance
5. Chairish
The Designer Secret: Vintage and pre-loved treasures you won’t find at retail.
What You Didn't Know: Chairish is a curated marketplace where designers resell high-end and vintage furnishings. It’s perfect for statement mirrors, accent chairs, and one-of-a-kind finds—often under $250.
Pros:
Unique inventory updated daily
Search by era, style, or color
Supports sustainability
Cons:
Return policies vary by seller
Shipping can be pricey on furniture
Pieces can go fast—no time to hesitate
6. Target
The Designer Secret: Reliable, style-forward basics that mimic designer looks.
What You Didn't Know: Target’s partnerships (like Hearth & Hand and Studio McGee) are heavily designer-led. Many of these pieces are based on custom originals used in higher-end homes.
Pros:
Beautiful styling at accessible price points
Great for entryways, soft goods, and kids’ rooms
Easy returns and local pickup
Cons:
Can be overexposed due to popularity
Limited inventory in smaller stores
Furniture quality is hit-or-miss
7. Wayfair
The Designer Secret: Sourcing large furniture at scale.
What You Didn't Know: Wayfair hosts a massive network of vendors and "house brands" that serve both budget-conscious buyers and commercial designers.
Pros:
Enormous variety in every style
Daily deals and free shipping
Easy-to-use search tools
Cons:
Quality varies by brand
Self-assembly is often required
Returns can be inconvenient
8. Amazon
The Designer Secret: Everyday essentials and surprisingly stylish house brands.
What You Didn't Know: Amazon’s Stone & Beam line is often compared to Pottery Barn, while Rivet skews mid-century. With Prime shipping, they’re great for last-minute installs.
Pros:
Fast, reliable delivery
Quality basics and trending styles
Helpful reviews and photos
Cons:
Limited in-person inspection
Requires vetting of sellers
Style names can be confusing to browse
9. Etsy
The Designer Secret: Artisan-made details that finish a space.
What You Didn't Know: Beyond macramé and jewelry, Etsy has a booming home décor sector with affordable wall art, pillow covers, and curtain panels from small shops.
Pros:
One-of-a-kind finds and custom pieces
Supports independent makers
Great for global or organic touches
Cons:
Quality control depends on the seller
Variable shipping times
10. Hobby Lobby
The Designer Secret: Budget-friendly accents for seasonal styling.
What You Didn't Know: Hobby Lobby is a sleeper hit for mirrors, wall art, faux greenery, and wood decor. Designers often grab pieces for staging or layering.
Pros:
Excellent prices, especially on sale weeks
Lots of seasonal options
Good mix of rustic and glam finishes
Cons:
Not all stores carry the full inventory
Online stock can be inconsistent
Some pieces look mass-produced if overused
Whether you’re decorating your first home, sourcing for a rental, or simply updating your living room, these stores deliver high-impact style without the high-end price tag.
✨ Want help putting it all together? Try out Noir Home Interiors’ On-Demand Virtual Design Services to help you curate the right pieces for your space and budget.
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