14 Things You Should Never Buy at HomeGoods

Skip these HomeGoods finds the next time you shop for accessories for your home.

homegoods store
Updated May 28, 2024
Fact checked

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.

HomeGoods is probably near the top of your list when it comes to buying home furnishing and accessories. It’s a great place to save on everyday essentials for your home.

But it might be better to leave some items on the shelf when you wander the retailer's aisles.

Check your list for what you need at HomeGoods and consider dropping these items from your shopping trip to find them somewhere else.

Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account

Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!1

With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!

This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.

Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.

Apply for a Discover Cashback Checking account today

Bedding

Nomad_Soul/Adobe man and woman buying bedding

A good set of sheets can be a wonderful way to get to sleep after a long day at work or play.

So you may want to skip the sheets at HomeGoods, which could use materials that aren’t the most comfortable or most breathable when you’re trying to get some rest.

Candles

JackF/Adobe woman choosing decorative christmas candles

Set the right ambiance with some candles, or make your place smell refreshing with something from HomeGoods.

But be careful because not all candles are the same and you might find a spruce-scented candle that makes your home smell like the forest or a dud that doesn’t have much scent or won’t burn well.

Knives

Igor Kardasov/Adobe choosing set of knives

HomeGoods has a wide selection of kitchen supplies, although it can be hard to find what you need or get the best quality.

Avoid kitchen utensils like knives, especially if they don’t have a recognized brand name. You don’t want to have kitchen supplies fail while you're preparing dinner.

Get a protection plan on all your appliances

Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.

Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.

For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.

Get a free quote

Art

auremar/Adobe choosing picture for art gallery

Art is a great way to show off your personality or elevate your space with the perfect piece to tie the room together.

So don’t compromise and just grab something because it’s cheap and looks nice. Instead, consider taking some time to shop around and find some unique pieces that reflect you and your style.

Furniture sets

brizmaker/Adobe couple carrying modern chair

You can get some good furniture finds such as a chair or a table, but don’t expect to get a matching dining room set.

Mixing and matching is a fun way to find treasures at HomeGoods so stick with those one-off unique finds rather than hoping you can get a whole new dining room set.

Throw pillows

zephyr_p/Adobe customer choosing throw pillow

Throw pillows can be hit-or-miss when you’re shopping at HomeGoods, so you’ll want to be a little more discerning when it comes to what you grab to accent a sofa or chair.

It’s a good idea to grab a throw pillow that you think will work for your space but don’t be afraid to throw back any that may be low quality.

Pots and pans

JackF/Adobe couple chooses pans in shop

Like furniture sets, it can be hard to find a set of pots and pans that match at HomeGoods, so you may be better off going somewhere else if you want a set.

Stores can also be hit and miss when it comes to the quality and brand names of pots and pans on the shelf. If you don’t recognize the brand, head to another store and buy something you know you can trust.

Artificial flowers

auremar/Adobe couple buying artificial flowers

Artificial flowers are an easy option if you’re trying to bring some color or nature into a space.

But you may not be able to find a good selection at HomeGoods if you really want to step up a space that needs some color.

Small kitchen appliances

Doublelee/Adobe midea rice cookers

Small kitchen appliances can be affordable at HomeGoods, but they also come with other issues, like limited selection or no longer being covered by a manufacturer’s warranty.

Instead, pay a little more to get a small kitchen appliance at another store with more options or more choices for warranty coverage.

Stop overpaying when you shop online

Shopping online has its perks. It's super convenient, but it can be time consuming to find the best deals. Instead of hunting for coupon codes (that don't always work!) and opening tons of browser tabs comparing prices, you can try Capital One Shopping.

Capital One Shopping makes saving money effortless. Just add the browser extension and when you check out, it'll scour the internet for coupon codes to help you save cash. And before you check out at 25+ major retailers, Capital One Shopping will notify you with a friendly pop-up if the item you're buying is available cheaper somewhere else.

Capital One Shopping is free to use and won't show you ads. Add it today and stop overpaying!2

Get Capital One Shopping now

Sofas

Studio Romantic/Adobe man furnishing his new apartment

You might think HomeGoods is a great place to pick up a new sofa, but you’re going to find a sofa that may be a floor model from somewhere else with plenty of other people sitting and jumping on it before it gets to you.

HomeGoods also may not have the same protections you could get with a warranty from a furniture store so you’ll have to double-check the quality before you load it up and hope you won’t find something wrong.

Office decor

Davide Angelini/Adobe a contemporary bookshelf arrangement

You may want to spruce up your workspace now that you’re working from home more, or perhaps you just need to get more organized.

But skip the office decor at HomeGoods, which might not work well in conveying a sophisticated workspace (and can be more kitsch than chic) if that’s the vibe you’re going for.

Full-price seasonal decor

diignat/Adobe choosing and buying christmas ornaments

Seasonal decor can be great for holidays like Halloween and Christmas or just a good way to add some character to an autumn table or spring barbecue.

But wait until right after the season is over and HomeGoods is clearing its shelves of old decor for new options. You can buy the same pieces for a fraction of the cost and they’ll look just as great when the season comes along next year.

Investment pieces

vladdeep/Adobe woman chooses furniture for apartment

Do you want a set of drawers for your kids that will last them until they move out? Or perhaps you need a sturdy professional desk for your home office?

Then skip HomeGoods, which may not have the quality and selection you need for an investment piece that you’ll want to hold on to for years to come.

Matching dish sets

JackF/Adobe woman in supermarket choosing plates

Matching sets of things like cookware, dining sets, and dishes aren’t easy to find at HomeGoods.

You can find some accent pieces or decorative pieces for the center of a table but go somewhere else if you’re looking for a matching set of dinnerware for everyday use or a special occasion.

Bottom line

tanvirshafi/Adobe homegoods store front

Check out HomeGoods if you’re trying to save money, but be aware that not every piece is worth adding to your cart.

It’s a good idea to stick with a budget so you keep more money in your wallet. You should also consider making a list of exactly what you need before you go in and sticking with it so you don’t overspend.

Discover®️ Cashback Debit Benefits

  • Earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month1
  • No minimum deposit, no minimum balance, and no account fees
  • Access your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay
  • 60K+ fee-free ATMs and make cash deposits at Walmart stores nationwide