4 Things You Should Never Buy from HomeGoods, According to Designers

Whether you’re a professional interior designer or just setting up your very first apartment, chances are you’ve made a trip or two to HomeGoods. The store has a reputation for offering incredible prices on home decor and furnishings for every room of the house. Though there is no denying that HomeGoods is a treasure trove for all things home, not everything from HomeGoods is worth bringing home. 

“While there are gems to be found, quality and longevity can vary,” says Ayten Nadeau, founder and interior designer at i-Ten Designs. “Before you dive in, here’s a friendly reminder: Exercise caution with certain items.” 

The next time you head to your local store to stock up on home decor, these are the items designers say you’ll want to avoid.

Adding artwork to your wall is one of the best ways to make your space reflect your unique personality and taste, but not all art pieces are created equal. “You never know what you might find at HomeGoods, so I hate to disparage an entire category, but art is one I just don’t think is a good idea,” says Caroline Kopp, founder principal designer at Caroline Kopp Interior Design. She finds the pieces at HomeGoods to be generic, and suggests framing your own photos or your kids’ art instead. 

Nadeau agrees, saying, “Mass-produced art pieces at HomeGoods may lack uniqueness and originality.” Instead, Nadeau recommends finding artists in your area and giving them your business. “Supporting local artists ensures you get original pieces while contributing to the arts community.”

Steer clear of small, individual statues, sculptures, or purely aesthetic pieces of decor at HomeGoods. “Random little decorative objects basically amount to cheap clutter,” says Kopp. “If you are buying a small item, it needs to have a strategy behind it.” 

She doesn’t advocate skipping these entirely, but stresses that it’s best to make sure it’s part of a collection or a grouping of similar items. Personally, she relies on larger pieces or sticks to pairs to avoid clutter. 

It’s impossible to visit HomeGoods without taking note of the abundance of sparkling, often elaborate, glass objects and glass decor pieces. They may be tempting to add to your cart, but try to resist. 

“Look elsewhere for your glass vases and sculpture,” Kopp says. She believes that much like artwork, the glass decor pieces are mass-produced, lack originality, and many could break easily. It’s best to find retailers that offer pieces that will stand out in your home. 

Since HomeGoods doesn’t specialize in electronics, their selection can leave something to be desired. Even if you spot a good deal on a device or two, just keep on walking. “Limited technical support and warranties can leave you stranded if problems arise,” Nadeau says. “Prioritize reliability by shopping at electronics retailers for peace of mind.” 

Other stores, like Amazon, Costco, and Walmart, also offer great deals on electronics and have a wider range to choose from, so you’re not missing anything by skipping a deal at HomeGoods.