
The Five Big Box Interior Design Products I use again and again.
- Jaimee

- 15 hours ago
- 4 min read
When it comes to buying from big box stores, it is SO important to ensure you are getting enough bang for your buck. Many customers are trending more budget conscious these days, and with the sheer number of choices—sometimes it feels easier to find dupes or low cost items for some of your favorite design styles. Unfortunately, price isn't the only indicator of value, and when you're looking for a bargain, sometimes you just get what you pay for. After designing dozens of spaces, there are a select number of products I find myself reaching for time and time again. These are the 5 bargain products that I stand by to provide great style AND great value no matter your budget!

You didn't mis-read, these modern dining chairs are only $62 dollars EACH! In most places you'd be hard pressed to find used chairs at that price, let alone brand-new stylish chairs available in tons of colors! These chairs are pretty much a unicorn - incorporating not only a great price, but also durabilty, functionality (they are all one piece and made of polypropolene so SUPER easy to clean and maintain) and great style! Available in several colors, the matching powder coated metal bases make these so sleek and cool in every finish! And they are easy to clean and lightweight to store. As an added bonus the material make these chairs appropriate for indoor OR outdoor use. These chairs obviously work great in modern decor, but I also love the juxtaposition of using them in more formal spaces - like my own dining room! Yup, you know I love them when I've used them in my own home! They now have a stackable version too, in different color options.
Fjadrar Pillow Inserts, IKEA ($12)

Throw pillows are a great way to inexpensively add color, texture or personality to your space but even though pillows can add a lot of bang for your buck, they still add up quickly! I also find that throw pillows aren't always a great VALUE, because an inexpensive filling can make them lose their shape quickly leaving you with a great pillow cover, and less pillow than you had hoped for. Additionally, many retailers will sell their inserts and covers separately, meaning you may end up paying more than you planned. You can stretch your design budget farther by avoiding those name brand inserts and instead stocking up on the IKEA Fjadrar. Looking for a hack to create an even more luxe look? Choose inserts two inches larger than the cover (so you should use a 22" insert for a 20" cover).
Blackout Aruba Curtains, Target (from $30)

It's target for the win! Seriously I cannot even count how often I recommend these Aruba curtains from Target! This is a simple rod pocket curtain available in four different lengths. The "sour cream" color is the perfect not-too-bright, not-too-cream color that works with basically every neutral wall color and absolutely pops on dark, moody blues and greens. The curtains have a blackout lining which is not only great for bedrooms but it also adds a weightiness that ensures they always hang so nicely, whether they are shirred on the rod or hung with rings. And the linen-look texture means these curtains look soooo much more expensive than they actually are!
I love to pair these curtains with bamboo blinds for a classic, simple look. They are beautiful on their own but, they also make the perfect backdrop for some personality and I've recommended them in the past with some DIY magic such as a velvet or greek key ribbon border, lush fringe, or tassel trim! I also always suggest hanging your curtains high and wide to add dramatic effect.
Stoneware dish set, Walmart ($14)

These dishes are my tried and true, they are the only dishes I purchase for staging and they have never steered me wrong. When it comes to choosing the perfect dishes, there are SO many options. Spending more on a dish set that perfectly matches your space will without a doubt elevate your home. However, often times it becomes more of a hassle when inevitably a dish breaks and you’re stuck buying a whole new set. For those of us out there who need quality at a cheaper price point (or those who might be decorating a rental) these dishes are perfect! You can never go wrong with a classic white set and these will match whatever style you are trying to achieve.
Art gallery lights, Wayfair ($68)

Bringing light in to your space is such an easy and fun way to add a fresh look to your home and floor lamps and fun vases are easy ways to achieve this. However, Gallery lights are a simple addition that are often overlooked. The best part is that you don't have to have museum quality pieces to benefit from gallery lighting! These lights are so simple to install and adding them over your favorite family photos, art pieces, or even to your bookcases will offer an instant style upgrade, depth, and dimension to your interiors. There are tons of options on the market, but I especially like these ones due to their price point, and the fact that they come with a remote control!
Honorable Mention; Sherwin-Williams Paint

Paint! When renovating, refreshing, or tackling a weekend project, a fresh coat of paint should always be considered…which is why I can’t not mention Sherwin-Williams! When it comes to adding value to a home, don't underestimate the power of paint. A fresh coat of paint can help boost a feature or fixture of your home that is less than ideal, or turn around that room you’ve been ignoring. Sherwin-Williams has an incredibly large selection of paint colors and treatments—which means you will be able to find the perfect color no matter the project. Don’t know where to start? I highly recommend checking out their full color consultation feature which you can find here! Every person has a different budget, or idea of what is affordable or accessible and although Sherwin-Williams might not be the cheapest paint option on the market, their quality and range of color selection just can’t be beat.







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