A question I often get asked as a stager is, “Where do you shop for the best deals?” There is definitely not one place. In fact, a key in the process is to diversify your shopping and to be open-minded to stores you wouldn’t necessarily think of first. One of the first staging jobs I did was for a couple that was on a limited budget. After repurposing everything I could that they already had, I purchased 90% of the accessories from (wait for it)… Wal-Mart!
Who knew, right? In recent years, Wal-Mart (probably trying to compete with Target in all its design glory) has brought brands such as Better Homes and Gardens into its home department. I decided to do a little window shopping there to show you some diamonds in the ruff.
I’ve had my eye on this super cute 5×8 rug for months now. I love how it has an intrinsic design, yet with neutral colors which would make it work in almost any space. The best part is its mere $69.96 price tag!
I know it’s a little difficult to focus on the black and white framed art with all that annoying particle board in the background, but stay with me. You know how you have those small, odd wall spaces in your home that you aren’t quite sure what to do with? A couple of these framed prints would add some style for only $10 each.
Pillows, pillows, pillows! I’ve been known to make the Marge Simpson groan whenever I find adorable pillows in stores and the price tag says it costs more than a tank of gas (which is a lot these days!). At Wally World, you can find a variety of colors and shapes that average around $10-13.
How fun are these brushed nickel finish table lamps? These would be perfect for a nightstand in a guest bedroom, child’s room or an accent table that you need to add some height to. I really like the different colors they come in and think it would be fun to find bedding that would match either the orange or green one. The black could add some drama and of course there’s always the standby cream if you’ve got bold patterns in the rest of the room – and they’re only $13.97.
I ventured over to the tabletop section and saw these dishtowels that would be perfect for adding a pop of color to a neutral kitchen. I actually got a couple of the yellow and green print ones on the right to stage a client’s kitchen. I hung one on the stove handle and draped another one over the edge of the sink. That, coupled with a small ivy plant in a red pot, added just the right amount of color I was going for and broke up all the beige.
This last weekend I was on babysitting duty while some of our friends loaded their moving truck to move to Florida. I told Ben afterwards that when we have kids, we’re going to need baskets… lots and lots of baskets (to organize all the toys that would otherwise be scattered on every square foot of our home)! These beauties would organize in style at only $10 a pop.
Do you all remember this post about our guest bedroom make-over? I talked about buying some pillowcases that were a different design than our sheets to add a fresh pattern to the mix. I actually got those brown paisley ones on clearance, but even regularly they are only $10 for queen and $14 for king pillowcases in the BH&G brand. A simple upgrade on the cheap.
I decided to save the best for last – this was my favorite find of the trip! I’ve been looking for a leaning floor mirror to use in our master bedroom to make it appear bigger, but they are always SO expensive (like this one). I took one look at this beautiful oil-rubbed bronze one and wanted to jump up and down in the aisle. Not only was it exactly what I’ve been looking for, but it was only $44! That, my friends, is a steal.
I don’t mean to sound like an episode of Growing Pains by wrapping up with the lesson we can all learn in this, but my advice is to not write Wal-Mart off when it comes to home decor. Sure, their displays and store staging leave a lot to be desired, but if you find that item you’ve been looking for then it can be totally worth your while. Has anyone else ventured out of the groceries over to the home section at Wal-Mart? What unexpected places have you found great decor? Any requests on other stores you’d like me to window shop at?
