What Interior Designers Buy at Target (And What We Skip)
Our interior designers shop at Target. Yes, really. We’re walking or scrolling those red-and-white aisles looking for Target home finds just like you, but we know exactly what’s worth buying and what to leave on the shelf.
After years of designing spaces and testing products, we’ve figured out which Target items punch way above their price point and which ones will disappoint. Consider this your insider guide to shopping Target like a designer.
Here’s a look at what we actually buy for our clients and what we skip:
Textiles: Where Target Absolutely Shines
BUY: Throw Pillows
Target’s pillow game is unmatched at this price point. The Threshold and Studio McGee collections have elevated designs that look way more expensive than they are.
What we buy:
- Linen and cotton covers (avoid anything too synthetic)
- Neutral solids and subtle patterns
- Lumbar pillows for layering
- Prices typically $15-$35
Pro Tip: Buy pillow covers only and stuff them with high-quality inserts from elsewhere. Target’s inserts can be flat. Try Pottery Barn’s inserts instead.
Oversized Square Border Pillow, $35
BUY: Throw Blankets
Target’s throws are legitimately good quality, especially the chunky knits and textured weaves. They add instant coziness without the $200+ price tag you’d pay at higher-end stores.
What we buy:
- Chunky knit throws
- Faux fur (surprisingly nice texture)
- Waffle weave cotton
- Casaluna collection throws
Where to find: Target Throws
Casaluna Oversized Throw Blanket, $80
BUY: Shower Curtains
This is one of our favorite Target home finds. Their shower curtains—especially the Threshold Waffle Weave and linen options—look high-end for $30-$40.
What we buy:
- Waffle weave in white or neutral
- Linen or linen-blend (avoid the plastic-y ones)
- Simple, textured solids
Waffle Weave Shower Curtain in Dark Teal, $25
BUY: Bath Towels (Premium Lines)
Target’s basic towels are just okay, but their premium collections are legitimately plush.
What we buy:
- Casaluna towels (Target’s luxury line)
- Studio McGee bath towels
- Neutral colors only
What we skip:
- Budget towels under $10 (they’re thin and rough)
- Bright colors (fade quickly)
BUY: Duvet Covers and Shams
Target’s duvet covers—especially the linen and cotton options—are fantastic quality for the price.
What we buy:
- Linen duvet covers (Threshold or Casaluna)
- Cotton duvet covers in neutrals
- Shams and Euro shams
- Quilts and coverlets
Where to find: Target Bedding
Pro Tip: Get a high-quality duvet insert from The Company Store or Parachute, then use Target’s affordable duvet covers.
Casaluna Rayon from Bamboo Duvet Set, From $119
BUY: Bath Mats and Rugs
Target’s bath mats are absorbent, wash well, and hold up to daily use.
What we buy:
- Cotton bath mats
- Neutral colors
- Non-slip backing
BUY: Bathroom Organization
Soap dispensers, toothbrush holders, trays, and organizational pieces from Target look clean and modern.
What we buy:
- Ceramic or stone accessories
- Matching sets in white, black, or natural materials
- Drawer organizers
- Over toilet organizers
- Under-sink storage
- Baskets
Tangkula Over The Toilet Storage Cabinet, $244.99
SKIP: Sheet Sets (Mostly)
Here’s where we’re selective. Target’s basic sheet sets can feel rough and pill quickly. However, their premium lines are decent.
What we skip:
- Anything under 300 thread count
- Microfiber (it doesn’t breathe well)
- Patterned sets (fade fast)
What we’ll buy if needed:
- Threshold Performance sheets (400+ thread count)
- Casaluna collection (Target’s luxury line)
Pro Tip: For sheets, we often steer clients to Parachute or Brooklinen for better long-term value.
Brooklinen Percale Sheet Set, From $159
Rugs: Surprisingly Good Options
BUY: Jute and Natural Fiber Rugs
Target’s natural fiber rugs are excellent quality for the price. Jute, seagrass, and woven rugs from Threshold are perfect for layering or high-traffic areas.
What we buy:
- Jute rugs (great texture, affordable)
- Flat-weave rugs
- Natural fiber runners for hallways
- Typically $80-$200 depending on size
Pro Tip: Use these as base layers under smaller patterned rugs for a collected, layered look.
BUY: Outdoor Rugs
Target’s outdoor rugs are durable, easy to clean, and hold up surprisingly well. We use these indoors too—especially in entryways, mudrooms, or under dining tables with kids.
What we buy:
- Flatweave outdoor rugs
- Neutral patterns (they hide dirt better)
- Any size under 8×10
Nourison Positano Outdoor Rug, From $29.99
SKIP: Plush/Shag Rugs
Target’s shag rugs look good in photos but don’t hold up. They shed, mat down quickly, and are hard to clean.
Furniture: Choose Wisely
BUY: Accent Chairs (Select Styles)
Not all Target furniture is created equal, but some pieces are legitimately good. The Studio McGee and Threshold accent chairs can work beautifully.
What we buy:
- Smaller accent chairs (under $400)
- Pieces with simple, classic lines
- Wooden or metal frame chairs
Upholstered Sculptural Accent Chair Brown – Threshold™ designed with Studio McGee, $360
What we skip:
- Sofas or sectionals (they don’t hold up for daily use)
- Anything that needs assembly with too many pieces
BUY: Side Tables and Plant Stands
Target absolutely nails small tables, plant stands, and occasional furniture.
What we buy:
- Wood and metal side tables
- C-tables for small spaces
- Plant stands
- Nesting tables
- Console tables (if solid wood or metal)
Where to find: Target Accent Tables
Pro Tip: Many of these tables look nearly identical to West Elm options at a fraction of the price.
Scalloped Round Side Table, $55
SKIP: Dining Tables and Large Case Goods
We skip big furniture pieces at Target. Dining tables, dressers, and media consoles don’t have the construction quality to last.
What we skip:
- Dining tables (go to IKEA, Room & Board, or Article instead)
- Dressers and armoires
- Media consoles over 60 inches
- Anything described as particleboard or engineered wood
Decor: The Hidden Gems
BUY: Vases and Bowls
This is where Target truly excels. Their ceramic, glass, and wood vessels look expensive and curated.
What we buy:
- Ceramic vases in neutral or jewel colors
- Wooden bowls and trays
- Glass vessels
- Studio McGee collection decor
- Hearth & Hand with Magnolia pieces
Where to find: Target Vases
Glass Vase from Hearth & Home with Magnolia, From $19.99
BUY: Baskets and Storage
Target’s woven baskets, storage bins, and organizational pieces are of good quality for the price.
What we buy:
- Woven baskets (all sizes)
- Rope baskets
- Wire baskets
- Fabric storage bins with handles
- Plastic storage bins in a variety of colors
Where to find: Target Storage & Organization
Pro Tip: Use matching baskets throughout a space to create visual cohesion on a budget.
Braided Water Hyacinth Basket with Faux Leather Handles, From $20
BUY: Mirrors
Target’s mirrors are shockingly good. Simple frames, clean lines, and they reflect light beautifully.
What we buy:
- Round mirrors
- Arched mirrors (very on-trend)
- Simple rectangular mirrors
- Floor mirrors (great for small spaces)
Where to find: Target Mirrors
SEVOBAL Round Mirror, $104.98
SKIP: Trendy Wall Art
Target’s wall art can look generic and dated quickly. The mass-produced prints often look cheap on the wall.
What we skip:
- Generic prints (beach scenes, “Live Laugh Love,” etc.)
- Anything overly trendy
- Multi-pack gallery walls (they look like multi-pack gallery walls)
What we buy instead: For art, we send clients to Society6, Minted, Great Big Canvas, local artists, or Etsy.
Lighting: Hit or Miss
BUY: Table Lamps
Target’s table lamps are one of the best Target home finds for lighting. The collections they carry have beautiful, timeless designs at a seriously reduced price point.
What we buy:
- Ceramic base lamps
- Wood and brass lamps
- Simple modern shapes
- Prices typically $40-$80 for single lamps
Where to find: Target Table Lamps
Pro Tip: Swap out the lampshade for a linen drum shade from Lamps Plus for an instant upgrade.
360 Lighting LED Modern Coastal Accent Table Lamps, Set of Two $139.99
SKIP: Ceiling Fixtures and Chandeliers
Target’s overhead lighting rarely looks high-end. The finishes can look inexpensive.
What we skip:
- Chandeliers
- Pendant lights
- Flush-mount ceiling fixtures
What we buy instead: For overhead lighting, we go to West Elm, Schoolhouse Electric, or Lamps Plus.
Kitchen & Dining: Surprisingly Smart Buys
BUY: Dishware and Glassware
Target’s Threshold and Hearth & Hand lines have beautiful, simple dishware that looks way more expensive.
What we buy:
- White or neutral stoneware
- Simple ceramic dinner sets
- Glassware (especially stemless wine glasses)
- Serving bowls and platters
Where to find: Target Dinnerware
Carved Edge Salad Plate – Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia, $4.99
BUY: Kitchen Textiles
Dish towels, oven mitts, and table linens from Target are excellent quality and affordable.
What we buy:
- Linen or cotton dish towels
- Neutral napkins
- Table runners
3pk Kitchen Towels Sage Green, $10
SKIP: Bakeware and Cookware
While Target’s kitchen textiles are great, their cookware doesn’t compare to specialty kitchen stores.
What we skip:
- Pots and pans (go to Crate & Barrel or Sur La Table)
- Baking sheets and pans
- Kitchen knives
The Bottom Line: Shop Target Like a Designer
Target home finds can absolutely work in a beautifully designed space, you just have to know what to buy. Stick to textiles, decor, small furniture, and organizational pieces. Skip the trendy art, big furniture, and anything that feels flimsy.
Want help figuring out what to buy for your specific space? Our designers create custom shopping lists with exact links, including the best home finds for your style and budget. We offer Consult Plans starting at $799 and Makeover Plans starting at $1,499.