It’s a design lover’s budget-friendly paradise.
When you have both space and an unlimited budget, decorating a home is easy. When you have a tiny home or even a smaller budget to work with, that’s when things get tricky. From our conversations with interior designers, though, if you know where to shop for affordable home pieces, you can still pull off any room aesthetic you see on Pinterest for less. What’s the one spot everyone loves? Target.
What one may see as a place to grab an extra workout set or snacks and games for your road trip, the pros see as a design lover’s budget-friendly paradise. Designers we spoke with share that they’ve found everything, from outdoor furniture to towels for the guest room to vases at Target.
“Although I use a lot of vintage pieces in my projects, Target is my go-to for newly made accessories. Hearth & Hand and Threshold by Studio McGee always have a vase, basket, or faux stem that feels like the perfect cherry on top of my project,” says Drew Michael Scott of Lone Fox Home. “There are always so many options. I leave with a whole cart full, planning to return anything that does not work, but the joke’s on me, because I always end up keeping it all for different places throughout my house.”
Below, several designers get specific with what they source from Target. Use their advice as a guiding light the next time you need to fill a corner or shelf in your home.
Additional copy by Yelena Moroz-Alpert.
Organization Essentials
Whether you need an extra rattan storage box or a tray for your jewelry, chances are you can find some cute options at Target. “Their collections offer practical storage solutions for chaotic spaces such as a pantry, closet, laundry, or home office, simplifying everyday living while maintaining a clean, elevated look,” says Ania Agárdy, founder of Luxury Living by Ania Agárdy. “My personal favorite is the Vasagle laundry hamper with two pull-out bags that you can place in a closet, bathroom, or laundry area.”
Outdoor Furniture
You’ll have to dig around, test out pieces, and read the reviews, but don’t sleep on Target’s furniture offerings. “We’ve had good luck with outdoor furniture from Target,” says Jeanne Hayes, founder of Camden Grace Interiors. “It’s durable and well-priced, and we often use it in indoor settings as well. On my own porch, I have black dining chairs and added a simple custom cushion to dress them up.”
Kids Furniture and Decor
Babies and toddlers outgrow their bedroom aesthetic fast, so if you don’t want to invest heavily in heirloom pieces for their room or you’re on a budget, Target is a good spot to pick up some budget-friendly pieces.
“[I think Target] offers thoughtfully designed pieces that balance playfulness with a modern look, making it easy to create imaginative spaces that still feel cohesive and well-designed,” says Agárdy. “I also appreciate the accessible price point, which allows for creative flexibility without compromising on style or quality. Their bean bags are always a hit with both my clients and the kids.”
Bedding
Take it from designers and editors, one of the best bedding lines from Target is its Casaluna collection. “When I need bedding and pillows for a project, I do not even try to shop online. I just go to Target,” says Scott. “Almost all the bedding in my house is from Target, and the Casaluna line is my favorite! When it comes to bedding, especially sheets, shopping online is so difficult because how it feels is so important. The same goes for bed pillows, I need to try them out in store!”
Throw Pillows and Textiles
Aside from bedding, the retailer has a solid selection of decorative pillows like throw pillows and blankets. “I am a big fan of using Target for my throw pillows, blankets, etc. I like to use these types of items as a simple means of adding texture, color, and/or seasonal changes to a room,” says Swati Goorha, founder of Swati Goorha Designs. “I have found many of their fabric lines contain upscale prints, patterns, materials, and can be used in conjunction with other higher-end or custom furniture and elements in your space.”
Tabletop Linens
Designer Ellie Christopher loves the tabletop items and linens the retailer offers, especially because Target has them in stock for any season and occasion.
“Target’s a go-to for seasonal melamine pieces and tablecloths for outdoor entertaining,” she says. “They also have fun printed linens that you could monogram to give them a high-end feel. The last time I was there they had rattan chargers that looked just like the ones I paid way more for. I was like, ‘dang, I wish I'd gotten these!’ They also have some super cute rechargeable lamps that would be great for tables without plugs behind them, shelves, outdoor dining tables, etc.”
Bathroom Accessories
Designer Jimena De La Torre of Inside Stories recommends perusing the Target aisles for decorative accents that add a lived-in touch to your space. “I love shopping Target's home and bath aisles for both my clients and my own home,” she adds. “I frequently source bathroom accessories like soap dispensers and countertop decor, which create a polished look without stretching the budget. They're an easy way to elevate a space without requiring a significant investment.”
Kara Childress, principal of Houston-based Kara Childress Interiors, adds, “One of my go-to items that never fails to impress me are Target's acrylic tissue box holders. Their aesthetic appeal and versatility bring an elevated touch to any powder bath or bathroom!”
Dinnerware
Emily Moss, principal of Emily Moss Designs in Anna Maria, Florida, loves the stylish and durable stoneware that she uses for styling dining tables and kitchen islands. "The quality and price point make it one of our consistent go-to Target items," she says. “The organic shape really adds to a high-end look for a finished tablescape.”
Rosanna Bassford, principal of Memmo Interiors specifically likes Hearth & Hand with Magnolia rim bowls because they remind her of a Japanese meets Scandi design look. “The vertical edge gives it a modern look while the unglazed bottoms add a bit of rustic warmth,” she says.
Rugs
Target may not be the first spot you think of to buy rugs but designers have found some hidden gems here. “My secret weapon is sourcing 100 percent wool rugs from their website," says Amy Pigliacampo of Amy Pigliacampo Interiors. “I have gotten some of the most incredible deals this way, and if they don't work out, returns are free! It's my all-time fave.”
Meanwhile, Courtnay Tartt Elias of Houston-based Creative Tonic Design is a die-hard fan of Target's outdoor rugs. “They are great quality for the price, and I’ve found them to be quite durable,” she says.
Guest Room Extras
Furnishing an entire home is expensive and one area where you can save is the guest room or bathroom, since it’s not a highly used spot.
Tartt Elias often buys towels for secondary bathrooms at Target and loves how “fluffy” they are. “They're perfect for relatively infrequent use, both price-wise and quality-wise,” she adds.
Lighting
Target surprisingly has so many different lighting fixtures from flush mounts to pendants to table lamps and cordless styles for your outdoor tablescape. “Their stylish lamps are just the right size for a small accent chest or table,” Amy Peltier, founder and creative director of Peltier Interiors, says.
Poufs and Ottomans
When you need a place to prop up your feet or a spot to double as extra seating, get a pouf. Target has plenty and this is where designer Kristin Dittmar of Kristin Dittmar Design buys hers. “They add layers to a space, are the perfect size, and add a touch of whimsy,” she notes.
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