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10 Things Designers Always Buy at Costco When They Spot Them

These designer-worthy deals are so good you'll want to grab them if you spot them.

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Updated Sept. 30, 2025
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Whether they are transforming, recreating, or designing a space from scratch, interior designers see the potential of a room even before it's fully designed. To bring their vision to life, they rely on a variety of sources to curate decorative and storage solutions. Some are suppliers they usually keep under wraps. Costco is one of them.

Top interior designers and decorators reveal why they choose Costco for these 10 essential items. Following their lead could be a great way to make the most of your Costco membership.

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Lanterns with LED candles

Courtesy of Costco led candle set with remote control

If you're looking for an affordable way to enhance the ambiance of your living room, bedroom, or den, New York designer Jo Rich of Raydoor Sliding Walls & Doors suggests trying LED-lantern candles.

"Lantern-style LED candles are actually extremely popular when I showcase them in a space," Rich explains. "They add a beautiful, warm glow for photos and pair perfectly with our products at Raydoor."

Decorative mirrors

Courtesy of Costco chadwick round wood mirror

Costco shoppers are spoiled for choice when it comes to upscale home decor. For Evgenia Ermolaeva, founder and interior designer at ED Interior, the Mikasa Newbury mirrors are a must-have.

"Costco occasionally stocks mirrors like the Mikasa Newbury, and what makes them special isn't just the reflection — it's the frame," Ermolaeva explains. "A bold frame acts like jewelry for the room, instantly anchoring a wall. Oversized or large-framed pieces are key because small decor tends to disappear in photos."

Live houseplants

Courtesy of Costco palm tree decor planter

Houseplants are another one of Ermolaeva's favorite finds at Costco. Available in a variety of pots, sizes, and seasonal options, they bring a fresh, natural touch to any room.

She shares, "Real plants at Costco are a game-changer. Seasonal options like autumn chrysanthemums or potted orchids bring instant life and texture to interiors. Living greenery always looks fresher and more authentic than artificial, and on camera, it adds depth and vibrancy."

Plastic lumber furniture

Courtesy of Costco shellback adirondack set

"One of my favorite items to source from Costco is plastic lumber furniture," shares Kendra Hagerman, the CEO and owner of Kendra Found It. "After purchasing a set for myself and seeing how durable it is, I recommend it to everyone I work with."

Hagerman adds, "This particular Adirondack chair is backed by a 40-year limited warranty. That kind of guarantee speaks to the quality, durability, and timeless design, giving you peace of mind that this is an investment you can enjoy for decades. It's also incredibly modern and stylish, so the style won't show its age — even in 40 years."

Cotton towel sets

Courtesy of Costco towel and bath mat bundle

If you're looking to transform your bathroom into something worthy of Architectural Digest, look no further than towels. Designer Ben Kuhl, CEO of Shelf Expression, swears by Costco's towel bundles for his projects.

"The one find we can never buy enough of at Costco is their bulk packs of white bath towels," he says. "We use them constantly in bathrooms when staging a home after remodeling."

When asked how he incorporates them into a design, he said, "Rolled in baskets, stacked neatly on shelves, or hung on towel bars. They instantly create a spa-like feel. The space looks fresh and polished, and the best part is that buying them in bulk makes it easy to keep every project consistent without overspending."

Decorative throw pillows

Courtesy of Costco loop decor pillow pack

"One of the simplest and most budget-friendly ways to create a cozier space is to grab throw pillows from Costco and coordinate them with your decor," says Courtney Cole, interior designer at TileCloud. She relies on a variety of Costco items for her clients' decorating needs, and throw pillows are one accessory that delivers a luxury look at an affordable price.

"You'll create a more cohesive living room or bedroom while adding extra comfort to your couch and bed," Cole adds. "Costco's variety is huge — I recommend picking a few textured throw pillows because they pair perfectly with other textures, like knitted blankets or bed linens."

Sheet sets

Courtesy of Costco kirkland signature sheet set

Staging a bed can transform any bedroom from ordinary to stunning in an instant. Costco's Kirkland Signature sheet sets provide a luxurious foundation for your bed while staying budget-friendly.

"One of my design secrets is to use high-quality bedding to create a luxurious feel in a bedroom. And I can always count on Costco's Kirkland Signature sheets for their softness, durability, and affordability," says Robin Aebischer, founder of BUYnBLUE.

"As an interior designer, I appreciate the convenience and value that Costco offers. Not only do they have a wide range of quality products, but their prices allow me to stick to my budget while still creating beautiful and functional spaces for my clients."

Lifelike trees

Courtesy of Costco olive tree with french planter

Adding to his list of designer must-haves from Costco, the founder of BUYnBLUE highlights another secret weapon for elevating a space: oversized artificial greenery.

"One of my secret weapons at Costco is their oversized artificial greenery, particularly the fiddle-leaf figs and olive trees that rotate in season," he says.

Costco offers these trees in a range of sizes, from 10 inches to over 6 feet, making it easy to find the perfect fit for spaces of any shape or dimension.

Holiday charger plates

Courtesy of Costco stainless steel charger plates

Although he's often asked where he sources his tableware and decor, Hotel Santa Fe's top designer Joseph Naulls kept mum — until now. He shared his secret for creating an exquisitely decorated table worthy of presidential and celebrity guests: Costco holiday charger plates.

"I love that time around the holidays when Costco rolls out its holiday-themed dinnerware," Naulls says. "I try to recreate the type of decor our guests are used to at home, even though they're staying with us for just a few days."

He added, "I often incorporate Costco's Mikasa holiday tableware into our designs and buy in bulk. I've even had celebrity guests ask to take them home, but I'm just not parting with them — they fly off the shelves!"

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Picture frames

Courtesy of Costco 10 piece gallery frame set

Costco's selection of frames is a hit with both shoppers and designers. Jill Deloris, CEO of Devaraux Art Designs in Grand Prairie, Texas, frequently visits multiple locations to source just the right frames for accent walls.

"There's nothing quite like a picture wall to transform a house into a home," Deloris says. "I love to reshape an ordinary living room by adding an absolute ton of frames — it's kind of my signature. Costco has never let me down with the quality, price, or look of their bulk frame sets. They're better than Wayfair."

Bottom line

dennizn/Adobe costco wholesale store

Designers and professional organizers agree that Costco is a treasure trove of high-end, curated goods at affordable prices. In addition to buying frame sets and tableware from Costco, many designers shop here for behind-the-scenes bulk items, such as extension cords, batteries, and organizational supplies, which are perfect for installing frames and keeping cords hidden.

Before heading to the store, check out Costco's "Online Only" selection. These items are competitively priced and available exclusively online with your Costco membership. You could even earn rewards on your purchase by using a top cash back credit card, as long as it's an issuer that Costco accepts.

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