News & Trending Shopping & Deals News

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 Dec. 16, 2025
Fact check checkmark icon Fact checked

HomeGoods is probably near the top of your list when it comes to buying home furnishings 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.

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

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.

Although HomeGoods has plenty of options, many have outdated styles or come at a high price despite the store being known for discount items. So you may want to skip the sheets at HomeGoods and try a more budget-friendly option with a review to back up the comfort and quality on Amazon.

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. 

Candles from HomeGoods are old and often burn unevenly, wasting most of the wax.

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.

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.

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.

Throw pillows

zephyr_p/Adobe customer choosing throw pillow

Throw pillows can be hit-or-miss when you're shopping at HomeGoods. Some pillows look good, but after a few months, the lining starts to open up, and the stuffing begins to come out because they're older items that haven't been moved around. 

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.

Amazon Prime members: get a $250 Amazon Gift Card!

If you're an Amazon Prime member, apply for the Prime Visa(Rates and fees) credit card here and you can get a $250 Amazon Gift Card instantly loaded into your Amazon account's Gift Card Balance upon approval (get an instant decision within 15 seconds).1

This is the perfect card to do some last minute holiday shopping, especially with the instant decision on application. There is no extra work or spending requirement and no annual fee! 

The Prime Visa credit card also lets you earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership, unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare), and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.

If you spend a good amount on Amazon this card could be worth $100s in cash back every year. Don't delay — apply today!

Good or excellent credit (typically 670 or higher) is recommended.

Click here to apply for the Prime Visa credit card today and get an instant decision in 15 seconds

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.

Earn Easy Cash Rewards at Amazon.com

Benefits

Card Details

  • $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
  • Eligible for Chase travel and purchase protections
  • Cashback rewards can be redeemed as soon as the next day
  • Apply Now
  • Limited-Time Offer: Get a $250 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members
  • Best Amazon Gift Card offer for Prime Visa
  • Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership
  • Prime Card Bonus: Earn 10% back or more on a rotating selection of items and categories on Amazon.com with an eligible Prime membership
  • Earn unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare)
  • Earn unlimited 1% back on all other purchases
  • No annual credit card fee
  • No more waiting. Redeem daily rewards at Amazon.com as soon as the next day
  • Member FDIC
Prime Visa
4.9
info

on Chase’s secure website

Read Card Review

Intro Offer

Limited-Time Offer: Get a $250 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members

Annual Fee

$0

+

Why we like it


Financebuzz logo

Thanks for subscribing!

Please check your email to confirm your subscription.