Where to find Affordable Home Décor?

With the ease of the internet, our world has become a click, buy, and ship way of life, but what if you want to experience the product before purchase.  What if you want to sit in the chair before buying?  Where do you go?  
First, you get up off the couch, put on your comfy walking shoes, and journey out your front door to the neighborhood garage sale or hop in the car and drive to the local thrift store.  But, if you can't find what you are looking for at either of those destinations or are in search of something new then visit your local home décor or furniture store.  Most towns have at least one home décor store, but if your town does not then drive to the nearest city and enjoy some much needed retail therapy.  
I personally love the thrill of the hunt and always want to see in person before I buy.  Some of my favorite stores to find just the perfect piece for my home are Home Goods, World Market, and Pier 1.   And, when time permits a day trip to IKEA.  Each one of these big box stores has something for everyone and some great deals if you take the time to look.  Now, I will share some reasons why they are my favorite.

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Home Goods offers an always changing inventory, which makes each visit new and exciting.  They carry home decor, kitchenware, towels, linens, curtains, pillows, furniture, and even items for your pets.  Their sister stores also carry clothing and shoes at deep discounts.  My only disclaimer is that Home goods is organized chaos so be prepared to hunt through the shelves, but trust me the hunt is always worth it.  You never know what treasured gem you are going to find.
Sister stores - TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeSense.

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World Market is a unique store with so much to offer.  They carry  products for every room in the house.  You will find furniture, wall art, candles, kitchenware, dining collections, lighting, pillows, rug, toys, coffee, food, wine, and beer.  The store is easy to shop and spacious.   The staff is usually quite helpful and knowledgeable.  And, they offer  free store pickup if you order something online

My big recommendation to get the most out of your visit is to first and foremost join the loyalty program. 

• It costs nothing to join
• You receive a bonus coupon upon joining 10-15% off your first purchase
•  Special member only coupons
• Coffee Perks - buy 6 bags of coffee and the 7th is free
• Shopper Reward- spend $200 you get a $10 reward certificate (no credit card required).

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Pier 1 offers an enjoyable shopping experience from the moment you enter the doors.  You are greeted with inspiration and wonderful fragrance.  You will find a large candle and home fragrance section filled with a great variety of scents for every room in the house.  Their next largest section is dining, which offers dinnerware, serveware, beautiful dining furniture, and a nice selection of table linens.   The remainder of the store consists of wonderful home decor pieces, beautiful lamps, and more pillows then you could ever dream.
My Pier 1 Recommendation is to check out the clearance section and apply for their store credit card.  You receive 15% off (sometimes 20%) when you apply and get approved for the card plus $10 for ever $200 you spend.  Also, they offer double and triple point days so you can get those rewards quicker.

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Ikea is my happy place.  I don't get there often because it is a good 3  hour drive, so it usually requires an overnight excursion, but it is so  worth it.  Ikea is an entirely different shopping experience which I  highly recommend experiencing at least once.  From the moment you  enter you know it will not be a quick in and out visit.  You need to allow  a good 2-3 hours, maybe 4 if eat some of their delicious Swedish  meatballs, mash potatoes, and always changing dessert from their crazy affordable food court.
Now, when it comes to shopping it is important to experience the store how it is designed, which means following the arrows on the floor (or you will seriously get lost) to each of the different locations.  My favorite and my kids favorite is to visit all the little specially curated rooms.  This way you are able to see all their products showcased in a realistic setting.  You will see kitchen layouts,  living rooms, bedroom, bathrooms, and even an entire apartment.   
Along you journey be sure to write down any products or snap pictures of the tags so when you get downstairs you are able to find just what you are looking for.  This process takes a little to get use to, but really helps you to enjoy "window shopping" experience hands free.  Once you get downstairs, grab a cart and start filling it full of all their wonderful goods and trust me their is something for everyone and in all price ranges.

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