12 Things an Interior Designer Would (And Wouldn’t) Buy at Costco

Costco is known for selling home furnishings that are practical and durable, among other products. However, with some creativity, you can take these pieces to the next level, notes Elissa Hall, Lead Designer at RedAwning in Portland, Oregon.

"In my experience, certain items have the potential to become a good base when well-mixed and dressed in a design scheme," she says. "This view is borne by balancing cost efficiency better against quality and adaptability of such goods."

So, ready to get more out of your Costco membership with inspired design advice? Our experts have some opinions on what works — and what doesn't.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

Price: $1,899.99

Interior designer Hayley McAteer, Owner of Cushee, is a fan of this practical living room staple.

"It has deep seats, which are good for lounging, and modular means you can reconfigure it to fit your space," she says. "Plus, Thomasville usually delivers on comfort."

As for how you can make it shine? "Layer it with textured throws and contrast pillows so it doesn't look like a giant beige blob," she adds.

Price: $1,649.99

McAteer's feelings on this bed are lukewarm, though she does point out it can be practical.

"It's functional, but only if you actually need a Murphy bed," she says. "Otherwise, it's a big investment for something you might use a few times a year."

Depending on your needs, McAteer suggests there might be better options. "If you don't need the space-saving, a sleeper sofa might be the better buy," she adds.

Price: $499.99 (on sale from $649.99)

Hundreds of Costco members gave this piece 5-star reviews for its quality, functionality, and aesthetics, which McAteer also endorses.

"The cane doors add a high-end touch, and the length makes it a great media console or entryway piece," she says. "It's perfect for hiding clutter."

As for where to place it, McAteer says you have options. "Use it in a dining room for serving ware or in a living room with a framed art piece on top," she continues.

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Price: $179.99

You can definitely find a better faux plant for less, shares interior design and real estate broker Sarah Bronstein, owner of Sukkha Interior Design in Western North Carolina.

"The leaves are easily identifiable as plastic and there isn't enough variation/realistic color," she says. "The soil looks very fake as well, but I actually like to cover my faux's base with soil anyway."

Price: $249.99

These tables are on the pricey side, says home stylist Allisa Jacobs, owner of Alissa Jacobs Home Stylings in Portland, Oregon.

"But I'm always on the look out for versatile furniture, and these could be used in a variety of ways," she says. Plus, they work well in small spaces.

McAteer agrees and appreciates the aesthetics of the piece: "The marble look is a nice touch," she says. "It would look great next to a lounge chair with a textured ceramic vase and a coffee table book."

Price: $1,499.99 (on sale from $1,899.99)

While convertible sectionals can be convenient when you have guests over, Bronstein identifies several issues with this sofa.

"I only use sleepers that are actually mattresses due to comfort and ease of cleaning, putting on sheets, etc.," she says. "At this price point, I'd rather my clients invest another few hundred dollars to achieve the ultimate comfort and get as much longevity as possible."

Price: $124.99

Kitchen carts are incredibly useful for busy cooks, and Jacobs feels the price is right on this one.

"This versatile piece seems like a steal," she says. "I'd likely customize it a bit with brass hardware, but it's a great option for a small kitchen island or portable prep station."

Price: $1,999.99

While McAteer appreciates the price point of this set, it's not a must-have for her.

"The chairs look a little meh on comfort, and the table size is best for small spaces," she says. "It won't work for big family meals."

Bronstein agrees that the chairs don't look particularly plush. "I would consider this, but I don't particularly like the style of the chairs," she adds. "I'd be more inclined if it was just the table."

Price: $164.99

Tastefully minimal and appropriately sized, this piece is a solid yes for Jacobs.

"Finding a quality mirror at an affordable price is a challenge, so I'd probably scoop this up," she says. "It would work well not only in the bathroom but on those hard-to-style narrow, vertical walls."

Price: $79.99

Often, Costco sells products that can work in any home, but this antler-inspired lamp is a bit of an exception, as noted by Bronstein.

"I probably wouldn't use this unless I was working on a really rustic, over-the-top, 'Yellowstone' vibes type project," she says. "This is just too kitschy for most of my projects."

Price: $479.99

"This accent chair checks a lot of design boxes, making it a great choice for many spaces," says Jacobs. "The low back is perfect for open layout, and it has texture (which tends to be lacking) and rounded lines for contrast."

Jacobs also likes that it has storage, which is always handy in the home.

Price: $169.99

Stylish, functional, and easy to style is how McAteer describes this bookcase.

"Open shelving is great for displaying books, plants, and decor," she says. "Use a mix of books, baskets, and small sculptures to make it look intentional, not cluttered."

Bronstein is also enthusiastic about this piece: "I love the texture," she adds. "This is also a great price."

Costco's line of home furnishings has more hits than it does misses, which when combined with its practicality and savings, can make customers enthusiastic about buying their pieces. As our experts have demonstrated, many of them can be styled to elevate your home's appeal.

You can save money shopping for other products at Costco as well, including groceries, electronics, travel, and more. Just be sure to compare pricing so you always score the best deals.