Guest Picks: 20 Great Finds at Big-Box Stores

On a budget? Do low cost in high style with some of these chain store gems

Melissa Esplin
I'm the crafty gal of I Still Love You (http://melissaesplin.com/). When I'm not wiping noses & bums I'm designing, drawing, sewing, decorating & keeping my hands busy with as many creative DIY projects as possible.
I'm the crafty gal of I Still Love You (http://melissaesplin.com/). When... More »
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Typically when I'm looking for modern decor on my tight budget, I look to IKEA and vintage stores to solve all of my problems. However, I've noticed that big-box stores have actually started carrying modern items with style and color (goodbye, taupe — if I never see you again, it'd be too soon). I thought I'd share a few of these finds with you.
— Melissa from I Still Love You
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modern floor lamps by Target
by Target
by Target
Tripod Floor Lamp - $129.00 »
Yellow and gold are both very prominent colors in my home, so I could see this fitting right in to any room in my house. It could be a reading nook in the master bedroom and a bold accent piece in the corner of the living room.
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modern coffee tables by Walmart
by Walmart
by Walmart
Kale Glass Coffee Table - $79.00 »
This super-modern coffee table is inexpensive and perfect for serving a small space well. The skinny silhouette would open up any smaller area. Also, the glass top would be very easy to clean. I'd probably get paranoid about scratches, but it wouldn't be hard to clean up the spills.
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modern coffee tables by Walmart
by Walmart
by Walmart
Sauder Beginnings Collection Coffee Table - $24.00 »
I love the unorthodox shape of this coffee table. The angle of the legs is fantastic. It's the perfect kind of coffee table for someone just starting to furnish a space.
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modern side tables and accent tables by Kmart
by Kmart
by Kmart
Altha Acrylic Nesting Table Set - Clear - $179.99 »
These nesting side tables are so dynamic and versatile. I'd use these in either my living room or bedroom and mix with them warm colors and textures.
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modern serveware by Shopko
by Shopko
by Shopko
Bandeau Acrylic Tray - $29.99 »
I love the nearly neon color of this acrylic tray. And I'm always happy finding things that could be used for both entertaining and decorating. Hello, grilled pineapple in the summer and frosty miniature snow land in the winter!
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eclectic table linens by Kmart
by Kmart
by Kmart
Crochet Placemat Ivory - $4.99 »
This is an adorable placemat. I think it would look fantastic layered over a solid mat and mixed with super-modern, colorful details.
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modern cookware and bakeware by Shopko
by Shopko
by Shopko
Rachael Ray Bubble & Brown 1-Quart And 1.5-Quart Stoneware Set - $79.99 »
I love this stoneware! It could serve as home decor or bakeware for entertaining. It's good for temperatures up to 500℉, and it's dishwasher safe. I'm a fan of the bright hues available too. I'd like to have this on display behind some glass cupboards or on an exposed kitchen shelf.
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contemporary rugs by Walmart
by Walmart
by Walmart
Safavieh Soho Alura Wool Square Rug - $284.00 »
Most patterned rugs are typically in a muted/taupe colorway at big-box stores. But I love the graphic black/white palette of this one, and that it's not in a zebra motif.
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modern candles and candle holders by Shopko
by Shopko
by Shopko
Hearthstone Diagonal Cut Glass Candle Holders - $19.99 »
These simple glass candle holders are so fun. They could go with any decor style. Instead of putting candles inside, I'd use these to hold fresh-cut flowers, candies or nuts for entertaining, or they'd be great just plain too. I'd also be tempted to paint the interior with a coordinating bright opaque color.
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traditional window treatments by Target
by Target
by Target
Umbra Loft Cage Holdback - $12.49 »
While this is to cage unruly curtains, I don't see why you couldn't mount this 90º clockwise and use it as a coat rack. It would make for a very lovely one.
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modern rugs by Walmart
by Walmart
by Walmart
Natural Quatro Sheepskin Area Rug - $189.00 »
Natural sheepskin, while it may be horrible to keep clean with small kiddos, is fantastic for warming up a cold or uninviting space. At this price, I'd be tempted to dye it — maybe a pretty gray or a cool blue.
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eclectic side tables and accent tables by Target
by Target
by Target
Mirrored Side Table - $99.00 »
I've been coveting this side table for so long. I love the mirror, the tapered legs, the beveled edges and the price!
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contemporary rugs by Shopko
by Shopko
by Shopko
Retro Dot Rug - $89.99 »
Inexpensive, bright rugs are nearly impossible to find. This rug is absolutely adorable and not completely dated like every single one I see in big-box stores. At just under $90, this is a steal. I'd put this in my studio or kids' shared nursery.
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contemporary pillows by Shopko
by Shopko
by Shopko
Can Can Decorative Pillow - $39.99 »
I love this take on the ruffled pillow. Available in a bunch of different colors, it would add a lot of great texture to any couch. I'd go with an orange or gray.
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contemporary pillows by Shopko
by Shopko
by Shopko
Starburst Decorative Pillow - $29.99 »
This is a great textured pillow for under $30. It's available in a wide variety of colors and would look fantastic paired with a graphic pillow.
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modern clocks by Walmart
by Walmart
by Walmart
Retro Red Wall Clock - $25.97 »
This wall clock adds a touch of red, which I just love. The color is great in small doses. I love the typeface of the numbers and the little running guy too. It'd be perfect for the kitchen.
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modern side tables and accent tables by Kmart
by Kmart
by Kmart
Parq Clear Acrylic Modern End Table - $89.99 »
Similar to a Kartell Ghost end table, this inexpensive version would be great to add a touch of cool modernity to a warm space. I'd mix with vintage pieces for more texture.
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modern dining chairs and benches by Kmart
by Kmart
by Kmart
Eiffel Shell Chair Set - $177.99 »
Who knew you could get mid-century style at a big-box store? Looking around, it seems like $180 for two brand new shell chairs (even knockoffs) is a great price. These would be fantastic for the kitchen.
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contemporary curtains by Target
by Target
by Target
Faux-Silk Pieced Colorblock Window Panel - $20.99 »
I love that this piece is color-blocked and tricks your eye into seeing the oh-so-popular ombre effect. It's a great way to add a little style to a fairly traditional color palette.
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modern mirrors by Target
by Target
by Target
Wire Capiz Sunburst Wall Mirror - $84.99 »
Hello, mid-century modern for less! The sunburst mirror is all the rage these days. This would be a great accent piece on a hallway wall or above a dresser.

Next: 50 Great Gifts Under $50
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