5 Tips for Shopping Home Decor at ROSS

Oh hello there! It's been a while, huh? Well, I am going to give this blogging thing a go again, so I figured I'd talk about something I have been doing for a while and that I think some people might find interesting and useful, and that is shopping at Ross (Dress for Less) for home decor. If you already knew, then here is my gold star for you (*sparkle*) if not, and you do have a Ross in your area - keep reading!

If you aren't familiar with Ross, it's a discount "variety" store that has all sorts of apparel, shoes, accessories and home items for a cheaper price than you would find at a typical department store. While they don't have an online shopping option, their site does offer a store locator here. Sometimes you will find name brand items that even still have their original tag with the merchant's MSRP - and then Ross has a separate tag with their price. Savings galore!

I think that most people only associate Ross with clothing, but they actually have A LOT of items at excellent prices (often cheaper than Amazon even) so I'll run through my top 5 categories within the home decor realm, but I'll include a few honorable mentions because it's just SO GOOD and also a few things I think you can avoid. I want you all to get in on the hidden gem or discounted shopping...

So here goes. Top 5 home decor sections to shop for at Ross:

1. Baskets. I feel like these days, baskets are EVERYWHERE and used for EVERYTHING. They are cute and practical and you can never have enough. What I love about buying them at Ross is the PRICES. They range from $3.99 to $12.99, come in all different sizes and shapes (if you are lucky to get there when they just put them out, you can often find 3 or more piece nesting sets but they are sold separately) and come in a variety of weaves, material and styles. Check out some that I found at my store recently. You can easily find similar styles to those at Target or World Market, for at least 50% less. I have tons of baskets from Ross and I have to say - they hold up SO well! It's a great value, and a bonus tip - they make great vessels for gift gifting! Cut back on wasting paper and plastic and give your friends a gift in a basket that they can then reuse or easily regift.

2. Frames. I know that a lot of people default to Target or IKEA for plain picture frames, but you can also find them here for a fraction of the cost! Depending on the size and style, they often range from $4.99 to $12.99 and hold up well from my experience (I haven't had the frames warp, they are sturdy and the photos or prints stay put). For under $50, you can put together a very well appointed gallery wall. Paired with a printed photo or print, you also have a very affordable and personal gift!

3. Rugs. Now hear me out - quality is a big part of what makes me recommend the above items (I wish I could have a rating system where quality + low price = A+, and so on...) but the situation with rugs at Ross is that the cost is SO low that it honestly offsets the occasionally sketchy quality. What I mean by this, is that most rugs at Ross feel a little thinner, the fibers are always synthetic, and they generally have a "this is cute until you get real close vibe" compared to maybe what you would find at Target - but also you're paying $30 vs $80, so take that into consideration. The sweet spot here is in the 2x3, 4x6, and 5x7 sizes where the prices land right around $9.99 to $29.99.

4. String Lights/Candles/Hurricanes. This section is a bit lower on the list, because I have noticed this is the category that varies THE MOST from store to store, but no matter what - you will find any one of these things (just maybe not all 3, at once). String lights, whether battery operated, solar or plug in are almost always available for a few bucks, in various sizes, shapes and styles. Candles are a no brainer, though I'm not a huge fan of their scented options, there are some gems. I mostly pick up plain votives, pillar and tealight candles here for a couple dollars. Excellent deals! Lastly, the hurricanes/candle holders - I almost always find plain glass containers, metallic, wood, or marble candle pedestals and lanterns. I guarantee that with any combo of these three items, you can leave the store with a super glowy and chic lighting situation for under $25.

5. Seasonal. This is probably the most surprising, and my biggest tip is ACT FAST. Halloween goes up in August, garden in February, Christmas in October. Ross has no shame about putting out the upcoming seasonal goodies way earlier, and this is my biggest tip for shopping seasonal - go early and often, and you will be rewarded with amazing finds. Especially Halloween decor, I don't know what it is but it's so spooky (everything from talking skeletons to potion bottles) but I absolute LOVE Ross for this. If you wait until the month of the holiday, it's going to be slim pickins so don't sleep on the seasonal and holiday decor!

Honorable mention...

Pet supplies and household cleaning utilities! Now I love my pets as much as anyone, but I can't justify paying top dollar for toys and beds that are going to get thrashed in a year. Ross has SO many options for leashes, collars, food bowls, toys, food bins - I mean you NAME it, they got it. Especially buying poo bags and pee pads are a steal here, even cheaper than Target or Costco! The only thing I avoid is treats because sometimes I'm suspicious about the companies since I usually don't recognize them and they're not made in the US (but this is entirely up to you!) You can even find really nice shampoos and grooming supplies like nail clippers and brushes.

And of course if you're into dressing up your pooch - they have a whole rack of shirts and sweaters (another bonus tip - check here for costumes before Halloween and you'll probably find something funky and cute for around $10!)

What to avoid...

I contemplated whether or not to include this, and which I will probably stan Ross harder than anyone you meet, there are SOME things that I just don't buy here. This is solely based on my experience and preference, BUT by all means don't skip out on something if you love it and the price is right! In general I think you will see that my reason for downgrading these sections is due to 1. quality and 2. proximity to my body (if I will be eating off it, sleeping on it, or putting it on my skin - I want only the best, even if it means paying a little more).

1. Dishes/Kitchenware. While there can be some awesome finds in this category, I have found that as a general trend the quality is quiet poor even for the low prices. I think I am extra sensitive to this because we use these to cook with and eat off of, so you don't want to get something that will have the paint start to chip off and crack after a few uses (I have had both happen). Just something to keep in mind!

2. Linens/Blankets. Again, the quality is really what gets me on this one! I am not a fan of fleece or microfiber (really most synthetic materials) being on my bed or body unless I absolutely have no choice, so having said that - I think it's pretty tough to find 100% cotton sheets here at a reasonable price (if at all). Most are microfiber or faux satin, and if that's what you're into - go for it! It's just not for me. I'd add the same caveat for their duvet/comforter sets and even throw blankets. They really just don't hold up well and for $4-5 more, you can usually go to TJ Maxx or Homegoods and find quality throws that will last you a much longer time and look a lot better.

3. Beauty. I feel like TJ Maxx and Marshall's have a pretty good reputation for carrying high end make up, hair, skincare, and beauty products. I wish I could say the same for Ross, but in my experience the quality again falls short - and this is an area where I don't like to cheap out TOOO much (you can always find deals, just generally not here!) Like I mentioned earlier - these products are going on your body and soaking into your skin - unless you feel 100% confident in the brand/ingredients - I wouldn't risk it! Besides, we all know Ross has a reputation for being in a constant state of disarray, and you wouldn't want to buy something the has been open and used or played around with. 

I hope this little guide helps you on YOUR next shopping trip at Ross. Let me know if there is anything else you love to find here, I'd love to hear from you!

Xx,
Vita