5 Things Designers Always Buy at Homegoods When They Spot Them

Scoring a standout piece at HomeGoods often comes down to a mix of strategy and spontaneity. The most seasoned home decor shoppers know to walk in with a loose plan—but stay open to the unexpected.

“I usually go in with a loose list or a design project in mind, but I always give myself time to browse the entire store,” says home design expert Jenny Reimold. “Some of my best finds have come from turning a corner I almost skipped or checking a bottom shelf others overlooked—so yes, I scan, circle, squat, discover, repeat!”

Reimold recommends chatting with store managers to learn when your store’s shipments come in and timing your visits with the arrival of new inventory. Home style expert Ursula Carmona shops HomeGoods in a similar way. “Even when I’m shopping for a specific project, my best finds are those unexpected discoveries that are perfect for my home,” she says.

Ready to shop like a pro? These are the five items Reimold and Carmona always grab when they see them—plus how to tell if they’ll work in your space.

1. Hobnail Glass Dishware

“Hobnail glass dishware is at the top of my list,” Reimold says. “It’s vintage-inspired, adds beautiful texture to a table, and mixes perfectly with both casual and formal settings.

Often seen on milk glass—an opaque, white glassware that rose to popularity in the early 20th century—the classic hobnail pattern features raised bumps or studs, giving the glass a distinctive, tactile look.

2. Luxury-Style Pottery

Carmona is always keeping an eye out for luxury-style pottery. “Whether it’s a decorative etched ceramic vase for a tabletop or bookshelf, a statement stoneware serving dish made in Portugal, or a sleek marble catchall tray that instantly elevates an entryway,” she says.

Reimold is searching for similar items. “I’m always on the hunt for small sculptural pieces or textured objects for bookshelf styling,” she says. “Those little details can completely elevate a shelf without breaking the budget.”

3. European-Inspired Decor

Carmona has a soft spot for European-inspired pieces that bring old-world charm to modern spaces, but she doesn’t want to shell out thousands of dollars to achieve the look.

“I love European-inspired decor, like busts, but I’ll never be able to afford the real deal, so I snatch them up whenever I see them at HomeGoods,” Carmona says. “They’re always such high quality, and the price is incredible. Plus, they add that collected, lived-in feel I love.”

4. Handwoven Throw Blankets

Throw blankets are both functional and stylish, which is why Reimold always makes a point to browse the linen aisles at HomeGoods.

“I can’t resist a cozy, handwoven throw blanket with oversized tassels,” Reimold says, “They instantly warm up a space and look great tossed over a sofa or the end of a bed.”

5. Designer-Inspired Finds

It’s disappointing to fall in love with a designer decor piece—only to see a sky-high price tag. But you never know when a similar style might pop up at HomeGoods. That’s exactly how Carmona scored a black marble table lamp with a fluted shade.

“I saw a similar designer version in a magazine last year and searched everywhere online but came up empty,” she says. “Then one day I was strolling through HomeGoods and spotted this beauty with a very similar look, and the craziest part, it was under $30!”

Reimold has also found plenty of designer-esque pieces that don’t break the bank. “Great design doesn’t have to come with a high price tag—you just have to know where to look,” she says.

How to Decide If an Item Is a Good Buy

If you tend to get overwhelmed when you’re out shopping and can’t decide whether a new decor piece fits in your space, Carmona recommends creating a photo album on your phone dedicated to your design.

“Include a photo of each room in your home, along with a few inspiration images that capture the style you're aiming for,” she says. “When you're shopping at HomeGoods and come across a piece you love but aren't sure if it fits your vision, pull up the album. Comparing it to your inspiration photos and existing room images will help you better visualize how it might work in your space.”

Once you’ve got your list, Carmona encourages shoppers to avoid playing it safe. “Go for the show-stoppers—the pieces that make you do a double take. The best finds are the ones that feel so you and totally elevate your space, without breaking the bank,” Carmona says. “Let yourself be surprised—you never know what gem you’ll walk out with."