Venturing into HomeGoods without a list can be a dangerous game, and often times you end up spending money on something that looking back, just wasn’t worth it. But at the same time, some stuff just looks so cute in that HomeGoods lighting and staging that you can’t help but think it’ll look just as great in your own home, too. Which is why we consulted with two different experts, Ayten Nadeau, founder and interior designer at i-Ten Designs, and Caroline Kopp, founder principal designer at Caroline Kopp Interior Design, to find out what’s best left on the HomeGoods shelves.
1. Seasonal Knick-Knacks
First up is knick-knacks, specifically seasonal knick-knacks. Right about know is when we all fall victim to the fun Halloween decor that line the shelves at stores like Homegoods, but according to Nadeau, they're better left behind. Aside from it most likely being out of style by the next year, "Random little decorative objects basically amount to cheap clutter." Instead, be intentional with your home decor, even if it means looking for more expensive items, because timelessness and quality will always trump something cheap and likely to be off-trend soon.
2. Glass Decor
Next is glass decor, and this includes everything from glass coffee tables and wall art to vases or other glassware. "Look elsewhere for your glass vases and sculpture," Kopp says. "The glass decor pieces at HomeGoods are mass-produced, lack originality, and many could break easily." Plus, often times a very similar vase to the one you found in HomeGoods is for sale in a thrift store or consignment shop for less than $5. Check there instead!
3. Artwork
The stacks and stacks of canvas framed artwork that line the walls at HomeGoods are fun to look at in store, but the likelihood they'll look just as good in your home is low. And, according to Kopp, "Mass-produced art pieces at HomeGoods may lack uniqueness and originality." If you're looking to add a touch of personalization or luxury to your home, you're better off following Nadeau's advice: "Support local artists, which ensures you get original pieces while contributing to the arts community."
4. Electronic Decor
And finally, electronic decor. This includes anything that lights up or moves, and it's because it's not a HomeGoods specialty, and will likely be faulty, especially if it's recycled from a year or two ago. "Limited technical support and warranties can leave you stranded if problems arise," Nadeau says. "Prioritize reliability by shopping at electronics retailers for peace of mind." Even Amazon, Costco, and Walmart have better options in this category.
