What Interior Designers Actually Buy at HomeGoods

The HomeGoods Finds We Actually Recommend to Clients

HomeGoods is not where we send clients for everything, but there are a few categories where it can be genuinely great.

We find that so many people want their homes to look finished without spending a fortune on every last accessory. The trick is knowing what to buy at HomeGoods and what to skip. Some items look much more expensive than they are. Others are better left on the shelf.

Here are the HomeGoods finds we actually recommend:

What Should You Buy at HomeGoods?

The best things to buy at HomeGoods are usually finishing pieces, not major investment items. We recommend looking for bedding, woven hampers, candles, and cozy throws, because these categories tend to offer strong value, good texture, and pieces that are easy to layer into a home.

HomeGoods works best when you shop with a plan. If you know what categories are worth checking, it becomes much easier to walk in, find the good items, and avoid buying things just because they are there.

Why Do We Recommend White Comforter Sets?

White comforter sets are one of the best things to look for at HomeGoods. We especially like them because they often come with decorative shams, which makes the bed look more complete without having to hunt for separate pieces.

The best ones usually have:

  • soft texture
  • subtle pattern
  • included shams
  • fabric that does not look overly wrinkled

White bedding also works with almost every style. It can feel crisp and hotel-like, soft and casual, or layered with color through pillows and throws.

We often recommend this to clients because it is one of the easiest ways to make a bedroom look pulled together quickly.

White textured comforter set with decorative shams styled on a bed.

Why Are Hampers Worth Buying at HomeGoods?

Hampers are one of those items people forget about until they realize the laundry situation is ruining the room. A flimsy plastic hamper left out in the open never helps.

We often recommend woven hampers because they look more like decor and less like an afterthought. And at HomeGoods, this is usually a category worth checking.

Look for:

  • large scale
  • woven texture
  • sturdy handles
  • lids, if you want a cleaner look

The bigger, the better. Tiny hampers fill up too quickly, creating more clutter around them. A good woven hamper works in bedrooms, bathrooms, nurseries, laundry rooms, and closets. It is useful, but it also adds texture, which is exactly why we like it.

Large woven hamper used for stylish bedroom or laundry storage.

Are Candles a Good HomeGoods Purchase?

Yes, candles are usually worth checking out. They are one of the easiest ways to add a little atmosphere without making a big commitment. We recommend them for coffee tables, nightstands, bathrooms, entry tables, and guest rooms.

Look for simple glass jars, ceramic vessels, soft neutral colors, and scents you would actually want in your home. Candles should add something subtle to a room, not announce themselves from across the house.

Why Are Cozy Throws Such a Good Find?

Throws are another category where HomeGoods can be very useful. We recommend keeping throws on sofas, chairs, benches, and beds because they add softness and make a room feel more lived in. They are also one of the easiest things to switch seasonally.

At HomeGoods, look for throws with:

  • soft texture
  • good weight
  • neutral or muted colors
  • subtle pattern

What we avoid are throws that feel too thin, shed everywhere, or have overly loud patterns that limit where you can use them. A good throw should look just as nice tossed over a chair as it does folded at the end of a bed.

Cozy throws styled on a living room sofa and in a basket.

Why Do Greeting Cards Belong on This List?

This one is not technically interior design, but it is a HomeGoods category we stand by. Greeting cards are often much less expensive there than they are at stationery stores, drugstores, or specialty shops. And if you are already shopping for home items, it is an easy thing to stock up on.

We recommend grabbing a few for:

  • birthdays
  • thank-you notes
  • hostess gifts
  • holidays
  • last-minute occasions

It is not glamorous, but it is practical. And having a few beautiful cards on hand saves you from the panic purchase later.

Assorted greeting cards displayed together on a desk.

What Should You Skip at HomeGoods?

HomeGoods can be great, but it is not a free-for-all. We are more cautious with larger furniture pieces, anything that needs to be perfectly matched, and decor that feels too trendy. If something looks cute in the store but does not connect to the rest of your room, it probably will not work once you get it home.

Before buying, ask:

  • Do I know where this is going?
  • Does it work with what I already own?
  • Is it useful, or am I just excited by the price?

That last question saves a lot of returns.

The Good Finds Are Better When You Know What to Look For

HomeGoods works best when you are selective. We do not recommend walking in and hoping the store tells you what your home needs. That is how carts fill up with random pieces that never quite work.

But if you go in looking for the right categories, it can be a great resource. White comforter sets, woven hampers, candles, cozy throws, and greeting cards are all items we recommend checking because they are useful, easy to layer in, and often a strong value.

And if you are not sure which finishing pieces your home actually needs, our team can help. Whether you live in one of our locations where we design in person or work with us virtually, you can book a complimentary design consultation, and we will help you create a home that works for the way you actually live.


Blog images are representative styling examples. HomeGoods inventory varies by store.

Share This On Social

Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on LinkedIn
Share via Email
Share on Pinterest
Share on Skype
Share on WhatsApp

Written by Betsy Helmuth and Suellen Meyers

June 15, 2026

Related Post

TAKE OUR
2-MINUTE QUIZ

Discover
Your Design
Style

Stay Inspired

Get the latest interior design tips, trends, and exclusive sneak peeks—delivered straight to your inbox. Join our design-loving community today!