Retail Therapy

Back when I made the coveted transition from dorm to first college apartment, my living room consisted of a Walmart futon, curbside coffee table, and my roommate’s gigantic, cheetah print shoe chair lovingly transported from Long Island. And even though I’m well into early adulthood, I’m still slowly but surely building up to having a fully furnished, grown up apartment.

Room & Board’s new catalog is here and we’ve just pored through its pages to find all of the treasures. With a modern spin put on classic mid-century and arts and crafts designs, the catalog shows off how the brand makes it possible for a broad array of different design tastes to be satisfied with their collections, making it easy to find something you love for every room of your house.

If spending so much time inside this season has you feeling like your home could use refresh, look no further. When opening the windows is out of the question, treating your space to a little something new can offset the winter blahs like nothing else. Here are eleven things we’re loving right now, that just happen to also be on sale for under $50.

Have a few things hanging out in your cart at Amazon? Need to pick up some gifts, goodies or possibly even some groceries? Well, Amazon is celebrating their #1 position in a reputation ranking poll, with a record high score of 86.27, by offering shoppers $8.63 off their $50 or more purchases today. Just use the code “BIGTHANKS” at checkout to have the discount applied to your order.

There’s no shame in admitting that you look forward to sleep. Speaking as someone constantly surrounded by traffic noise, a packed schedule, and a not-for-the-faint-of-heart commute, having a cozy bed to jump into at the end of the day is crucial and much appreciated. But even more important than what you sleep on is the overall environment you’ve created for yourself. Looking to turn your room into a place you’ll be really excited to escape to?

Here’s a nightmare scenario for you: after a long day of work and a hellish commute, you’re beyond ready to dive into bed. But just as soon as your head hits the pillow, you and that fluffy essential have slid right off. What could be standing between you and a much-deserved peaceful night’s sleep? Hello, headboards! For those not looking to place their bed frame directly against a wall, headboards are an absolute must.

There are some IKEA items that hit stores for a single season and never reappear, and then there are those that remain popular year after year, can be found in 50-percent of all house tours, and that we would 100-percent buy again. A few ubiquitous items pop to mind—the RENS sheepskin, the BILLY bookcase. I always assumed they were the most popular items at the store, but are they really?

Thanks to Postmates, Seamless, and Amazon Prime Same-Day, it seems like almost everything can be delivered (at least if you live in a major city). However, this baker’s dozen of delivery services might surprise you—and inspire you to never leave the house again. Spoiler alert: Speaking of bakers, cupcake delivery is a thing… What Do They Deliver?: Wine, beer, liquor, mixers, snacks, and even ice Where Do They Deliver?: L.A.

If your bedroom could use some sprucing up, IKEA’s current sale is right up your alley. The Swedish Giant has bedroom furniture, mattresses, and bedding on sale for the remainder of the month of February. From now until February 28, select bed frames and mattresses are on sale for 15% off, and several duvet sets are 25% off (what better way to get your hibernation on?). To access the sale prices, you have to be a member of IKEA’s free loyalty program, IKEA Family.

In most homes, people either gather in the kitchen or the living room so make them welcoming. You can pick up furniture essentials like sofas, dining tables and more on the Apartment Therapy Marketplace for less than $500. Because I know a good deal when I see one, I’ve scoured the latest listings to bring you a few items that’d save you money as well as those worth the splurge.

When you need a hammer, nails or other hardware supplies — home improvement behemoth Home Depot is one obvious place to turn. But when you need a dining table, baskets or a bar cart? It certainly isn’t the first place that comes to mind, however the hardware superstore’s growing selection of furniture (especially the Home Decorators Collection) has beautiful pieces if you’re willing to hunt for them. To jumpstart your search, here are 20 of my top picks.

Well, Valentine’s Day has come and gone, and whether you are coupled up, single, or somewhere in between, it’s always a wonderful reminder to celebrate all the love in your life. We had a blast rounding up our favorite “flower” delivery services for this exact purpose: to show every type of Valentine that you love them! Best of all, these companies deliver year-round and for all occasions — because why should one day have all the fun?!

Can you tell your Knolls from your knockoffs? While I’ve been working my way through essential designers that everyone should know, I’m feeling a little more confident that you’ll recognize this one. The king of the Tulip chairs and your neo-futuristic dreams, Eero Saarinen. Way before the Finnish phenom left his mark on the world of design, he had some big shoes to fill.

Stylish sofas are easy to find at lower price points; a quick search on any online marketplace such as Amazon will result in some good-looking options. An affordable, stylish and comfortable sofa? Well, that’s another (trying) story. In an effort to find these unicorn sofas, test them and report back, we started the Apartment Therapy Sofa Squad, in which we go retailer to retailer (and sofa to sofa) doing IRL tests and giving each an overall rating.

The cards are sent, the flowers have been exchanged, and all the candy’s on sale. Valentine’s Day may be over, but there’s still a thing or two that we can carry with us throughout the year. Mainly: all things pink. Before you object, hear me out. Despite what your preconceived notions may be, pink can look surprisingly modern (and yes, adult) when you know how to work it in. As much as moody hues and minimalism are having their moment, who can say no to a happy dose of color?

Tomorrow, IKEA is launching the official press site for the new STOCKHOLM 2017 collection. But today, I received an advance paper copy of the catalog in the mail and just had to share some favorites ASAP: there are some really strong designs (some classic, some more funky) at very good prices. The pieces in the collection will be available in the US starting in April and I can tell you, I’ve definitely got my eye on that rattan cabinet. I see a trip to Schaumburg in my future.

It doesn’t have to be Valentine’s Day to appreciate a good loveseat, but they do offer an added intimate appeal today: sometimes the best V-Day plans are just you, your boo, and a cozy night in. Rather than sprawl out on a sectional feeling worlds away, why not throw a new loveseat into the mix to really get comfy? Since today is all about love, we’ve done the hard work for you and found some great options on Apartment Therapy Marketplace.

With well over 48 sofas (not counting custom pieces, sectionals and all size options) in their catalog of products, Room & Board has a dizzying assortment of furniture. When we visited their Manhattan showroom in Chelsea, we were honestly taken aback by the vastness of the store, not even knowing where to start our tests. So we can understand how anyone considering a R&B sofa might have a similar plight. How do you narrow down what you’re looking for?

Our sense of smell is the one most strongly tied to memory. So it’s no wonder that this company that makes candles that smell like different states is growing in popularity amongst those who are far away from home. What does home smell like to you? Your mother’s baking, wafting from the kitchen and through the house? A shaggy old dog napping on a rug in front of a woodsy-smelling fireplace?

You don’t have to drop thousands of dollars when shopping for one-of-a-kind vintage finds. These mid-century and industrial retro finds are all available for under $300 a piece. Head to the Apartment Therapy Marketplace for a glimpse of all the goodies you can get on a budget. Looking for a good refurbishing project? This drop front desk from the Bassett Mayan Collection is priced well because it needs some work.

If you’re among the makeup obsessed but would rather not drop whole paychecks at Sephora, here’s a store you need to know about. Miss A is the first and only online dollar store devoted to beauty products. Not that we’re knocking Sephora; even as a card-carrying VIB Rouge member, I got excited by Miss A‘s plethora of bargain beauty deals.

Apple is unveiling its new phones tomorrow, and it’s basically confirmed now that prices will start at $1,000. That, as the New York Times puts it, is “luxury territory,” and it’s about what the cost of their entry level laptop retails for. While we surely have love for the design-driven brand (full disclosure: currently typing this from my beloved Macbook Pro as my iPhone 7 Plus sits within arm’s reach), four figures can buy a lot.

Whether you’ve been dating for a month or cohabiting for years, there’s nothing wrong with choosing a Valentine’s Day gift that’s in the best interest of your significant other’s home—or even better—the home you share together. All the gifts here will surely please their recipient (even if that recipient is you, or a Galentine’s Day pal) while improving the quality of your home.

Many of us have been there: You’re on the hunt for a new sofa but you’re tired of the options at your local stores, so you go online to wrangle some fresh ideas. Plenty make your “maybe” list and grace your dedicated Pinterest board, but you just can’t bite the bullet without sitting on the sofa yourself. We get it…that’s a tricky position to be in.

A welcome mat is just the start. When your guests walk into your home, it needs to make an introduction. A foyer should reflect your personality while still being approachable. All while also offering a landing spot for mail, keys and the array of stuff you bring home daily. It is possible to achieve the grand entrance without a grand budget.

Have you been eyeing a sofa at Crate & Barrel but can’t make it into one of their locations to test it out for yourself? Or maybe you have a few contenders on your list, but need help narrowing them down? That’s where the Apartment Therapy Sofa Squad comes in. We had eight of our editors hit up C&B (as well as four other stores) to couch surf through all 20 models on the floor of the retailer’s SoHo location, taking note of vital sofa-buying criteria: How deep is it?

I am a firm believer in “too much of a good thing.” Despite being a dedicated modernist through and through, you can only dig through so many mid-century designs before it starts to feel a little repetitive and over-saturated. In a world of sharp edges and sometimes cookie-cutter design, it’s nice to find some respite: the relaxed, grounded look of bohemian style.

CB2’s newest collection is calm, cool, and collected. The modern retailer partnered with designer Ross Cassidy, who took his inspiration from Japan for the luxe-meets-minimalist line. The LA-based, South African-born Cassidy—whom you might recognize from Bravo’s 2011 show Million Dollar Decorators—has worked with the likes of Sia, actor Alex Pettyfer, and model Amber Valetta, and his collection adds a refined twist to utilitarian design.

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching. And while you’ve probably got the actual gift covered for your design-loving bae, what about the wrapping? Wrappu, a Munich-based design company, is making it easy to forego the cheesy hearts and cartoon bears this year for wrapping that says, “I love you as evidenced by my knowledge of immaculate taste.

Mid-century modern style isn’t hard to come by these days; when you’re just starting out and need to furnish a new space, low-cost reproductions can be a huge design (and life) saver. But when you’re finally ready to say goodbye to the imitators and move onto the real deal, an authentic vintage desk is the best way to enter the world of established adults. And there are a ton currently listed for way less than you may think.

If you hit snooze this weekend and missed the peak scavenger hours at your local flea market or neighborhood garage sale, never fear. The Apartment Therapy Marketplace is a great resource to browse value finds in your area. To lead the way, I’ve picked out some listings priced to move quickly. Custom sofas can cost as much as a car. A crazy thought when you think about the milage you put on each. This Milo Baughman custom sofa for Thayer Coggin is a steal of epic proportions.

This month, we are kicking off a new series: The Apartment Therapy Sofa Squad. Internally known simply as “Sofa Squad”, our editorial team converged on New York City to couch surf our way through a hefty helping of retailers. We sat. We lounged. We plopped. We cocooned. We nestled. We faux napped (some may have actually napped.) All in the name of Sofa Squad. SS’s mission is to do the sitting and rating for you.

Without robbing the bank, it is possible to furnish your home with pieces of high style and quality. Apartment Therapy Marketplace is full of mid-century finds for sale. See what picks you should splurge on, save or steal. Putting your feet up is one of life’s little pleasures. If there was ever a reason to drop almost $200 on a foot rest, this would be the one. The classic mid-century ottoman has shed its old, faded vinyl covering for a lovely blue woven upholstery fabric.

IKEA is working on a sofa that’s sure to be a hacker’s dream; DELAKTIG is a customizable platform that will have a variety of third-party add-ons. And according to the Wall Street Journal, it will be available early next year. DELAKTIG will feature an aluminum frame and slatted base so that it can be fully flat-packed—more like a bed instead of a sofa.

Tropical prints like banana and palm tree leaves, monster plants and beyond have been hotter than the climates they normally reside in over the past year, and are still going strong. These leafy motifs make a space eternally happy, playful and perfect for daydreaming about lounging on the beach all day, even in the dead of winter. Be made in the shade with these 11 picks and sources.

Ready for a vacation? If you’re thinking of traveling in the next couple months, today’s the day to book your flights. Both Southwest and Virgin America have some pretty sweet deals going on, but they’re ending soon! There are are over 80 origin cities included in Southwest’s Spring Break sale—from Akron to Wichita—so chances are, there’s one near you.

You know a beautiful piece when you see it, but can you pick a Saarinen from a Baumritter? In an ongoing effort to bring a little background into the world of design, I’m sharing some favorite old-school designers who’s pieces are still being coveted to this day. So diehard minimalists, I’d like to introduce you to your new favorite person: Paul McCobb.

If you’re as obsessed with Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day and their garden-fresh smelling cleaning products as we are, the news we’re about to tell you is going to brighten up your world like a beautiful spring day.

The holidays are long over, but whether you’ve got a New Year’s Resolution to support charities more or you just want a unique gift that gives right back, there are some options out there. From candles and decorative trays to jewelry and tees, here’s a round-up of some great home goods and clothing items that donate part of proceeds to organizations doing good works across the country and globe.

A common concern when designing your home can be accidentally creating The Over-Editorialized Space: you’ve added so many well-styled elements that it begins to read as more of a “look, don’t touch” setup, rather than a comfortable home. Any easy remedy for this? Taking a more natural approach. Reclaimed wood is kind of an interior design savior.

While everyone was ogling at the new PS 2017 collection that debuted last week, IKEA also released another line, a collaboration with fashion designer Kit Neale. SPRIDD is full of bright colors and bold patterns, and is inspired by youth culture and music. The SPRIDD collection features pieces that are lightweight and meant for an on-the-go lifestyle—think dorm living and music festivals.

After my roommate moved out and took almost everything (save many candle stubs and decorative dish rags), I was left table-less. And since there’s nothing more depressing than eating a microwaved dinner in bed, hunting down an appropriate kitchen table became my number one priority. The point of this sad tale is that for something as important as eating and entertaining, you need to find the right dining setup. ASAP.

All Mondays are tough, with the last Monday of January even more so. Who can remember those resolutions we made weeks ago or even what warm weather feels like? Don’t allow the mundane routine of start of the week get to you; let your imagination run wild as you browse the Apartment Therapy Marketplace. Scoring one of these new listings is a surefire way to make your Monday just marvelous. Swedish Westnofa Leather Chair Statement chairs like this one don’t come around every day.

Anytime IKEA announces a new line of furnishings and home accessories, we find that cause to celebrate (or at the very least squeal with delight). Available this February, the PS 2017 collection speaks to what we know and love about the Swedish retailer; each piece is playfully and smartly designed, most doing double duty.

Picture this: you’re about 10 rows deep into the vintage furniture warehouse of your dreams. The walls are closing in. You’re surrounded by options but no clear path, with an Eames sofa, Baumritter dresser and a 1970’s painting of cat clouding your vision. You know you want to add vintage pieces, but where to begin?!

Buying furniture can be intimidating, even if you know what you’re looking for in terms of style (if you don’t, that’s an entirely different mountain to climb.) For instance, how do you really know what you’re spending your valuable dollars on will last? What materials are best for wear-and-tear? What questions should you be asking a sales person before committing to a purchase? We turned to the pros (i.e.

One of the things I love about small spaces is the way they encourage creativity. When you don’t have a lot of room, you’re forced to think outside the box, and this can lead to all kinds of interesting solutions. Szymon Hanczar, the denizen of an almost frighteningly efficient 140-square-foot apartment in the Polish city of Wroclaw, has come up with a solution I’ve never seen before: swapping your couch for a hammock.

Don’t let the Monday doldrums get you down! We’re back this week with five oh-so-good listings fresh to the Apartment Therapy Marketplace. Nab one of these deals before they’re gone. Mid-century Danish Rocker in Los Angeles, CA Don’t fight the deep jewel tones drawing you to this find. The Mid-century Rocker made by Lawrence Peabody for Nemschoff is comfortable and well-made. Tuck it into a reading nook with a standing lamp and throw.

Courtney Cox is redecorating her Malibu home, so it’s out with the old to make way for the new. The “Friends” & “Cougar Town” star’s sale on One Kings Lane is chock full of vintage gems. Cox tells OKL that the property she’s owned for a decade is her forever home: “This is a house I’ll never move from; it really is so special to me. But because I like to move more than I’m able to—because now I’ve found the perfect home!

Here are three Apartment Therapy Marketplace listings worthy of splurging on, saving on or simply stealing. (Not that we condone criminal acts for the sake of good style.) Weigh in with your picks but don’t stop there! Take a look at the plethora of chairs available for sale. Splurge At $350 a pop, these custom stools are definitively a splurge and one you can feel good about making. Built with old barn wood reclaimed from all over the United States, the construction is sustainably made.

The way I see it, there are two stages to getting into the world of design: learning names, then attaching them to specific works. It’s one thing to be certain that someone named Florence Knoll designed something at some point, but would you be able to pick her work out of a lineup? Close that search bar, because Design 101 is in session.

Thanks to leaps in innovation, televisions with flat screens, curved screens, and super high resolution are getting more affordable by the day. Unfortunately, buying a TV is more complicated to navigate than ever, with all the acronyms, jargon, and numbers that mean…what, exactly? It’s as if the tech is evolving so fast that no one’s taking the time to explain it to the average buyer. So let’s break this all down into plain english.

We live in a world of easily accessible knockoffs: for every authentic Eames chair, chances are you can find hundreds of cheap plastic counterparts. And while I’m never opposed to saving, some things are definitely worth investing in, both for the look and quality that you’re guaranteed. Kilim rugs are the perfect example of this. Turkish in origin, the flat-weaving technique behind these rugs produces crisp lines and bold patterns.

Well into the thick of January, it’s time to reward yourself for working on resolutions past the first week of the month. Treat yourself by shopping Apartment Therapy Marketplace, including the interesting, funky fresh finds newly listed finds below. Go ahead, you deserve it. At first glance the tapered lines and creamy Naugahyde upholstery gives this Danish Teak Rocker a contemporary appearance.

Forget about dryuary. It’s now during these cold, dreary nights that we most enjoy a cocktail to lift our spirits. Mixing Old Fashionds is easy when you house the liquor collection and glassware on a bar cart. I’ve rounded up the best options you’ll want to reach for whether you’re pouring for several or just you. From: I Like Mike’s Midcentury Modern in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn This Brooklyn dealer only sells Mid-century furniture in pristine condition.

Birch wallpaper just keeps on keeping on, not really ever losing style steam, and for good reason: it works with almost any decor, can range from delicate and natural to bold and minimalist, makes for a great statement wall but can be used on all four walls without being overwhelming, and it’s simply irresistible. Birch trees are beautiful and magical and most of us don’t get to see them too often!

If there’s one thing every tenant and homeowner can agree on, it’s that you can always use more storage options. Everyone, I’m here to introduce you to your new, multifunctional life saver: the wall unit. While standalone hutches and credenzas can take up valuable floor space, the wall unit keeps everything tucked neatly away against (and often elevated onto) the wall.

Most of the country is snowed in and whether you are or not, start the week with some deals. From the comfort of your own home, shop the Apartment Therapy Marketplace. See what’s newly listed and hot for the picking. Z Gallerie Stella Chair in Chicago, Illinois Imagine spending the rest of winter curled up in this oh-so-comfortable easy chair with a good book. Note the seller’s warning that you will not want to get up.

Truth time: I really hate fabric bathmats. They get wet, and moldy, and they never fail to soak your socks when you walk into the room after someone has just showered. Not realizing that there was a better option, I continued to replace one mildewy, formerly-fluffy mat after the next. Until one day, I went to the Turkish baths and spotted my solution sitting in front of the aromatherapy room: the wooden slated mat. It dried quickly, excess water could drip through, it smelled like fresh cedar.

Let’s play a game. In the spirit of F#@K, Marry, Kill—I’m bringing you three finds from the Apartment Therapy Marketplace you won’t get anywhere else. See what’s worthy of blowing your budget and what deals are so good that it’s almost criminal. Splurge Blush is so hot right now and these dining chairs have glam appeal. The scallop fan backs and heavy brass material are worth the price tag.

The reclaimed wood look is still trending and rightfully so. Not only is it a more environmentally-friendly option, but each piece comes with an interesting history. Plus, if you get a water mark or a scratch, it just adds more character. The Apartment Therapy Classifieds is full of reclaimed wood tables to peruse at your leisure. However if you’re looking for the best, these sellers are making some truly special tables.

Emily Waldman‘s Austin house is full of treasures—vintage and antique gems she’s scoured from many different places. As a true treasure hunter, Goodwills and Craiglist prove to be fertile decor hunting ground for her, as well. Below, in her own words, Emily shares some of her top tips for vintage treasure hunting. At thrift shops I am happy to pay $3 for a vase, since most thrift stores benefit nonprofits.

It happened by accident, really. When Mante and Alex first fell in love with Mid-century furniture, they had no intention of opening their own shop—MCMBKNY. Having grown weary of the wasteful culture plaguing interior decor, they began looking for vintage pieces with quality craftsmanship. “Most of the things that are produced today have very temporary lifespan,” said Mante.

I know we’ve just come off the busiest shopping season of the year, but you wouldn’t be alone in buying something for yourself today. Dubbed “Holiday hangover day,” retailers have started to see an uptick in purchases on that first day back from vacation. And it makes sense—people have gift cards to spend, resolutions to uphold (new workout clothes totally make going to the gym easier), and unfulfilled wish lists to tick off.

With a new year upon us, most people are looking to get their lives downsized and organized. And if you’re anything like me, chances are your clothing (and bedroom storage in general) are going to be a big priority. So while checking the Apartment Therapy Marketplace for the best new deals of the week, I stumbled upon our solution to this universal problem: the highboy. If clean design and optimal storage had a baby, it would be the highboy.

The presents may be unwrapped, but some of the best deals are just starting. The last week of the year is a time when retailers want to clear their inventory for new merchandise, and we reap the benefits. We gathered the best after-Christmas sales from around the internet and put them all right here, for your bargain hunting convenience.