Amazon is good for a lot of things: low prices, super-fast shipping, and a huge variety of items, to name a few. But one thing it’s not known for is its curated selection of products. Scrolling through Amazon is truly a lesson in patience because you have to bypass a lot of junk to find something actually worth buying, and that’s especially true with Amazon home decor. It’s not like other home retailer websites where you can browse through collections of intentionally selected items like you would in a store and have a certain idea of the style or level of quality to expect. With Amazon, it’s kind of the Wild West, but you can still find some incredible hidden gems if you know where to look.
As a home editor, shopping for furniture and decor is basically my job, but I also do plenty of shopping for my own home on Amazon. Here are all the home decor items I always shop for on Amazon, plus several of my favorite finds:
1. Artwork
If you’re looking for unique and affordable artwork, Etsy may be the first retailer that comes to mind, but I’m here to tell you that Amazon’s selection might be even better. Unlike Etsy, where most of the art comes in the form of digital downloads that you have to print yourself, Amazon has tons of art prints and framed options that arrive on your doorstep ready to display. I have found some amazing artwork on Amazon that looks like a vintage painting I might have picked up at a flea market—when in reality, I Primed it to my door in two days flat.
2. Throw Pillow Covers
Swapping out your throw pillows is one of the easiest ways to update your home decor from season to season, and Amazon is hands down the most affordable place to stock up on different options. You’ll most often find throw pillow covers that don’t include an insert, which makes them generally less expensive than the all-in-one variety you typically buy elsewhere. Plus, they fold flat, so they’re way easier to store between uses.
3. Curtains
Curtains are one of those home items that it’s easy to put off buying since they’re generally expensive, and it’s always a pain figuring out what size to buy and how exactly to hang them. But once you’re ready to take the plunge, Amazon should be the first place you look. I’ve purchased curtains from Amazon for four different rooms in my home, and I’ve been impressed every time. You can find all different sizes, materials, and levels of sheerness, so you can get exactly what you want without having to pay a fortune for custom curtains. Not to brag or anything, but I’ve never spent more than $40 on a set of curtains from Amazon, while similar options from other retailers can cost hundreds of dollars.
4. Accent Furniture
Amazon might not be the retailer you turn to when shopping for big-ticket furniture like sofas, but for smaller accent pieces? You bet. Coffee tables, nightstands, storage cabinets, and side tables are all great pieces to shop for on Amazon. There are so many different styles and sizes available, and the prices are often way cheaper than what you’ll find elsewhere.
5. Oversized Mirrors
Speaking of big-ticket items, oversized mirrors—whether you prefer the round, arched, or full-length style—can be a hefty investment. At most retailers, you can expect to pay a few hundred dollars for an extra-large one, but that’s not the case on Amazon. You can find tons of different styles that come in under $100, even for a full-length standing mirror. I personally bought one for my bedroom on Amazon, and the price I paid was an absolute steal for the size.
6. Decorative Accessories
The thing about shopping for home decor on Amazon is you kinda have to know what you’re looking for. If you’re just perusing the home decor section, waiting for something to jump out at you, you could be scrolling for hours and just barely scratch the surface. But luckily for you, I’ve done just that on occasion and have come across some really cool finds. They might not be the easiest things to find, but accessories like vases, trays, table lamps, and picture frames are some of the best items to shop for on Amazon.
7. Area Rugs
Quality area rugs that don’t cost a fortune can be hard to find, but my secret source for affordable rugs is actually hiding on Amazon. The Loloi brand has some of the most budget-friendly rugs out there (think under $200 for a large 8×10-foot size), but they’re also comfortable underfoot, easy to clean, and beautifully designed. I have one of their super-soft CloudPile rugs in my living room, and it literally feels like walking on a faux fur blanket. You can find Loloi rugs at other retailers, but the best price and fastest shipping are almost always on Amazon.
8. Faux Greenery
If you don’t have the best track record of keeping plants alive, don’t fret because faux options have gotten a lot more realistic in recent years. Although I do consider myself to be a pretty decent plant parent, even I have shopped on Amazon for artificial greenery from time to time. I like using faux plants to fill up empty corners or in spots that get basically zero natural light, like my windowless bathroom. Some of my current favorite ways to add greenery to a room are faux olive trees, eucalyptus stems, and plants with trailing vines that can cascade down a bookshelf.