There’s nothing quite like the magic of a HomeGoods run. You walk in for one thing—maybe a new candle or a throw pillow—and suddenly you’re lost in a sea of stunning mirrors, designer-look rugs, and that one perfect decorative bowl you didn’t know you needed. But as dreamy as it is, HomeGoods can also feel overwhelming if you don’t know what to look for. With new inventory arriving constantly and every store layout a little different, it truly is a treasure hunt. The key? Knowing exactly what categories are worth scoping out and how to spot the gems among the chaos.
Over the years, I’ve developed a bit of a strategy—and honestly, a lot of my favorite home decor pieces have come straight from those well-spent HomeGoods strolls. From sculptural accent chairs to high-end-looking bathroom accessories, the right finds can instantly elevate your space and make your home feel more curated, cozy, and chic. Shopping at HomeGoods isn’t just about scoring a deal (although that part is pretty great); it’s about discovering pieces that bring joy and beauty into your everyday life.
The seven items I’m sharing below are my go-to categories—things I consistently look for and always recommend. These are the little design secrets that help me keep my home feeling elevated, organized, and blissfully put-together. If you’re craving a home refresh or want to add a dose of personality to your space without spending a fortune, this list is your starting point.
FUN FACT: TUESDAYS are the best days to shop at these stores. They typically put out all the new inventory out on Monday evening. (My friends mom has a part time job at one of these stores, so that’s how I get all the juicy details) Come to think of it, how fun would it be to have a part time gig at HomeGoods when retired and just looking for something fun to do. I love that.
Anyway, here we go…..
You should also see: 15 bohemian chic affordable finds from Wayfair
7 things you should always buy at HomeGoods:
01 | LOAD UP ON LAYERS OF PILLOWS
K, so I love velvet pillows, accent pillows with texture and the very soft and plush throw blankets they have. They come in almost every color, so you are sure to find one to fit the vibe of your home. I like the velvet pillows that come in a set of 2. They’re affordable and comfortable. So, it makes it easy to switch up your pillows for the seasons.
02 | SHOP FOR SCENTED CANDLES
Omg. This is one of my most favorite things to do in life. Smelling candles at HomeGoods. I can’t believe I actually just admitted that. Anyway, I do. Right now they have the winter candles out and they are soooooo good! I really anything by DW Home candles. Those are the best candles in my opinion, they burn the longest and have really good burn range, meaning they smell up not just one room but will linger into others. They also have Yankee Candles which are also really fragrant, too.
03 | HIT UP THE HEALTH ISLE
I am obsessed with these Lifestyle Awareness teas. I probably have about 5 at home currently. They really are so good. There are a ton of vitamins, teas, collagen powders, etc. This is a great way to get a bargain on your health needs. There are also chic containers and jars that you could use to organize all of your health essentials.
04 | DIG THROUGH THE DISHES
One of my biggest secrets for really good self care and healthy eating, is always using gorgeous dishes to eat on. When you are eating with beautiful things, you tend to focus more on the food and less on the distractions. Make eating a beautiful ritual with things that make you happy. I found these gorgeous white and gold quilted dishes which would look so glam with a breakfast, no?
05 | HEALTHY COOKING ITEMS
Wood cooking spoons are much healthier to cook with than the plastic ones. Same for strainers, get them in gorgeous copper. They have done such a good job making pretty things for kitchen. I love the wood cutting boards, spoons, etc. They look glam mixed with copper.
06 | PERSONALIZE YOUR PLACE WITH PRETTY PULLS
I spoke about this in one of my recent podcasts. When you are renting, one great way to personalize your space is through hardware. There are so many affordable options here. They are always mixing the styles up so you gotta keep going to get the good ones. I love the agate and stone pulls.
07 | VELVET HANGERS
Okay, so having matching hangers is everything. My boyfriend has so many wire hangers from the dry cleaners and I literally cringe at the sight of them. I am desperately trying to move these babies in. I have shopped everywhere for velvet hangers and HG has the best looking, most durable and most affordable ones. They keep clothes hung properly which helps your clothes last longer. Also, you can have each family member with a different color, so when sorting hanging laundry, you always know what is what. I just love these.
At the end of the day, HomeGoods is more than just a place to browse—it’s a goldmine for affordable, elevated home decor that helps you turn your space into a sanctuary. Whether you're styling a shelf, refreshing your entryway, or just want that little pop of something new, these seven tried-and-true finds are my personal musts for creating a home that feels both chic and blissfully lived-in.
So next time you head out on a HomeGoods run, bring this list along—you might just walk out with a few treasures that make your home feel even more you. Let me know in the comments below what you like to buy at HomeGoods.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT….check out the podcast I recorded about turning your home into a sanctuary. This episode will make this post make much more sense. Hope you enjoy.
