Best Places to Shop for Affordable Home Decor Online, According to Pro Designers

Good taste doesn't have to break the bank.

When the dream home on our Pinterest boards meets the reality of our bank accounts, we have to get a little creative with our design plans. Even professional interior designers have to work within the constraints of a client's budget. So to find the best sources for million-dollar decor at a price we can actually afford, we asked those who would know best: the design pros. Here, the interior designers behind the 2020 Real Simple Home (take the video tour here!) reveal their go-to sources for inexpensive (yet stylish) home decor—from vintage rugs to throw pillows. Let the online shopping commence.

2020 Real Simple Home Tour: Office
Christopher Testani
01 of 06

Urban Outfitters

modern wood dresser
Urban Outfitters

"Urban Outfitters has really developed an amazing home decor collection over the last few years," says designer Joy Cho. "While they are meant for college students and young adults, the styles are on trend and chic and offer very affordable options when you're not quite ready to invest in forever pieces just yet."

What to look for: "They have beautiful and affordable dinnerware sets, modern rugs that are super affordable, and home decor accessories that mix in nicely with what you already have."

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Etsy

2020 Real Simple Home Office: Custom Handmade Floating Geometric Shelf
Courtesy of manufacturer

"My go-to is Etsy since I'm big on vintage shopping and you can find a huge range of stuff—from vintage grain sacks to be made into pillows to mid-century furniture," says designer Max Humphrey. "I like that you're supporting individual sellers and that vintage shopping is a form of sustainable shopping since it's all about reuse."

Brooklyn-based interior designer Kate Hamilton Gray also listed Etsy among her favorites. "You can find really fun custom lighting designs, some are made to order internationally and take a little time to get, but it's reliable," she explains.

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Minted

Custom house drawing artwork
Minted

Minted is a go-to source for well-priced art, and even pro designers swear by it. "They make beautiful keepsakes like this beautiful custom art that would make a memorable housewarming or homecoming gift," says Roxy Te of Society Social.

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Zara Home

Zara Home Ceramic Vase

"They have a well-curated selection of home accessories that are a great quality for the price," says Hamilton Gray. "I buy solid linen throw pillows, and smaller decorative items from them a lot."

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eBay

From pre-used furniture to vintage rugs, eBay is an online treasure trove for home decor. "I think you can find some very affordable items for great quality," says designer and artist Rebecca Atwood. "For example, vintage linen pillowcases, cool enamel bowls, brass candlesticks, and more."

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Chairish

Atwood also recommends this online marketplace of vintage and contemporary home decor. Everything on the site is carefully curated (sorry, no pre-owned IKEA furniture here) so you're sure to find one-of-a-kind conversation pieces. While prices can get steep, you have the option of sorting the huge selection by cost, so you never go over budget.

Get a sneak peak at the 2021 Real Simple Home:

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