HEY! What if I told you that there was an online-only home decor retailer that’s been putting out well-made, affordable products and flying under the radar for years? BECAUSE IT’S BEEN HAPPENING, and it’s time we all had a serious conversation about H&M Home. I mean…they have something going on over there. Is it witchcraft? Is it magic? I DON’T EVEN KNOW! But I do know that they’re one of my go-to resources for budget-friendly gifts, chic lamps, cheap and sturdy porcelain tableware, modernist planters, graphic vases and trays…you get the drift. It’s been one of my secret sources for years – via knowledge passed on to me by Julie, who featured H&M pieces in her bedroom makeover! – and I’m excited to spread the word.
But before we get started, there are a few notes for the class: throughout the post, I’m going to recommend a few small business alternatives to the pieces shown. If your budget allows, go for the splurge! Some of us aren’t there yet, and that’s okay – we have H&M Home to decorate our houses. As a side note, H&M lists sourcing details and materials used for every single piece featured below. It’s a detail I really appreciate – the older I get, the more I prioritize learning about the folks who make the things I use. (GEEZ. This isn’t even a sponsored post, but it sure sounds like one. H&M, do you SEE how I write about you?!) Onwards to the goods…
For The Trend-Forward Decorator
Charming Wavy Mirror ($74.99)
Would I love to own an authentic, made-to-order Flora mirror in a punchy lacquered hue? OBVIOUSLY. But my budget doesn’t currently include line items like “fifteen hundred dollar mirrors,” so I’ve had to hunt elsewhere to get the look for less. This H&M version fits the bill – it’s a fraction of the price and I love the cheery green finish. It comes in beige and black, too.
Angled Metal Table Lamp ($67.99) | Organic Modern Lamp ($101)
Allow me to be extremely online for a sec: this is totally a decor version of the kiki/bouba effect, right? (If you’re not familiar pretty much everyone worldwide agrees that “kiki” refers to sharp, spiked shapes and “bouba” applies to soft, curved ones. Like, everyone. All languages. Neat, huh?)
ANYWAY. These affordable statement lamps can totally transform the look and feel of your home – the angled version can add some edge to an overtly feminine space; the soft, plush version can bring some interest to a boxier, more industrial space. (And yes, both come in a selection of different colors.)
Scalloped Linen-Blend Cushion Cover ($19.99)
She’s 55% recycled linen, 45% cotton, and 100% ON TREND. (ICYMI, Jess walked us through a few of our 2024 trend predictions last week, which included our pick for color of the year: light blue.) At under $20, this pillow cover is a great way to test a new tone in your home without breaking the bank.
Graphic Ceramic Tray ($34.99) | Recycled Aluminum Candlestick ($34.99)
No one’s ever said minimalism had to be boring, you know? Wrangle your coffee table essentials with an impactful tray! Set a table, jazz up a mantel, or create a calming bedroom sanctuary with a sturdy recycled candlestick! (And honestly, if you told me you bought these from Lulu & Georgia for hundreds of dollars, I’d totally believe you.)
Textured Glass Vase ($34.99)
PSST. The youths are taking these rectangular vases, throwing in a few tulips (or similarly hardy blooms), and throwing the finished product right into their bookshelves amongst the tomes. It’s fresh, it’s unexpected, and it’s VERY COOL. Good job, design-minded kids!
For The Gardener
Scalloped Plant Pot ($12.99)
This little scalloped number is only the tip of the iceberg – H&M’s selection of budget-friendly plant pots and vessels is SO, SO, GOOD right now. If you’re in the market for something a little more design-forward (think stoneware and ceramics in fresh, modern silhouettes), take a second to peek at their inventory here. And did I mention that they’re currently carrying an itty-bitty mini version of this pot for only $5.99?
Easy-to-Hang Metal Planter Boxes ($49.99) | Plant Pot on Pedestal ($39.99)
OBSESSED. I’m eyeing two of those planter boxes for my own balcony refresh – it feels like it’s about time I brought a little more life into that space and these are the perfect size (not too big, not too small. Price doesn’t hurt, either!).
And if you’re trying to capture the mid-century look on a budget, might I suggest this elevated plant pot? These actually come in a variety of heights (and colors, of course, you get the drill at this point!) and they look SO GOOD mixed-and-matched together. It’d be fun to create a harmonious little plant corner, don’t you think?
Metal Plant Pot ($74.99)
Can you imagine a pair of these square pots flanking your front door, housing some big ol’ topiaries? “Are those from Ballard?” your guests will ask. “They must be Frontgate,” they’ll whisper to each other, assuming you’ve paid a fortune. JOKES ON EVERYONE – THEY’RE FROM H&M! Who would have guessed?
For The Host
Punchy Cotton Placemats (2 for $17.99) | Scalloped Tablecloth ($17.99)
Grab a bistro table, grab a date, and throw these on top – it’ll look like you tried (and technically, you did!) but they’ll never know that it was SO DANG EASY. Will you do pink placemats and a green tablecloth, as seen above? Green placemats on a yellow tablecloth? Or maybe green ON green, for a little tonal moment? Dressing the table has never been simpler.
Stoneware Oil Container ($19.99)
I mean…COOL. It’s just cool. If I see this at your house, I just assume that you have taste and have befriended some chic underground ceramicist. (Added bonus: you’re supposed to keep your olive oil in the dark, because light can accelerate the aging process. So now I’m assuming that you’re cool AND smart, you know?)
Stoneware Mini Vases ($5.99) | Champagne Coupes (2 for $19.99)
STOP WHAT YOU’RE DOING. Look how they styled a tablescape with a few of these minis! Bud vases by day, the CUTEST DANG CENTERPIECE by…other times in the day, I guess. Or night? The point stands: these are sweet when scattered around your home and they’re even sweeter when they come together to anchor a table (no matter the time!).
And some quick real talk: if you can afford the coupes from Estelle Colored Glass, please patronize that business over H&M! Estelle is owned by a Black woman and the quality and variety of their product is unmatched. But if the pricing feels untenable for you – and it’s totally okay if it does! – this H&M two-pack is a nice alternative.
Porcelain Serving Plate ($13.99)
Something about this pattern feels very Luke Edward Hall to me (scroll down to the 2019 era projects – feels kinda Greco-Disco, no?). Love the hand-drawn charm, the classic motifs with a modern refresh, and the playful hues. 10/10, would eat crackers or treats or whatever you’re serving off this little plate.
For The Parents Of Littles
A Hoppy Easter Basket ($3.99) | Little Mouse Hook ($9.99)
Did looking at H&M’s kid section give me baby fever??? Or is it just my hormones, finally kicking in at the ripe old age of 32? That’s a question for another day! Today, we’re talking cute and affordable kid stuff, which H&M is carrying in SPADES. I mean…$3.99 for a felted Easter basket with stellar reviews? $9.99 for a tender, cheap alternative to the solid bra$$ hook$ in Sara’s bathroom? (They’re not going to develop the same patina, but they’re also not $87 dollars, so I think that’s okay.)
Kids Hang-it-All ($12.99)
Eames who? I kid, I kid. (Can you imagine?!) The original Eames Hang-It-All is an iconic design with 14 hooks, a 7-week lead time, and a $300 price tag. This modern interpretation costs $12.99 and won’t cause any family-wide emotional turmoil if a child accidentally bends it out of shape. (Take it from me: leave the high-end pieces to the grownups.) Plus, this one comes in a few other shades – including beige, sage, and more – so it’s chic enough for adult spaces, too.
Toy Storage Box ($17.99 – $19.99) | House-Shaped Book Storage ($29.99)
These storage pieces are classic, simple, and they’ll make great neutral backdrops for the metric ton of brightly colored plastic toys, books, and supplies that will inevitably be strewn around your home. (PS. If you’re on the hunt for a sweet baby shower idea, partner up with some friends to fill up that book storage with a few classic – or oddball – kids’ books. Guaranteed winner. I GO TO SO MANY BABY SHOWERS NOW, GUYS.)
For The Classic Type
Refined Knotted Mirror ($34.99)
Do you have a vanity area? Is it swathed in a classic William Morris wallpaper? WHY ISN’T THIS MIRROR ALREADY ON YOUR VANITY TABLE? (I mean, you can picture it, right?) That knot detail on this piece is so simple and elegant – it’s the perfect bit of quirk to bring some sparkle and interest to any classic, timeless space in your home.
Tassled Cushion Covers | Blockprint Cushion Covers (2 for $9.99)
If you can splurge on textiles and pillows from St. Frank, do that first. But if you also can’t justify spending hundreds on a pillow – yet, at least – then these may be a welcome alternative. Love the asymmetric design of the tasseled cover; charmed by the modern block-print on that set of two covers. (That stylist really did their job, too – they look LUXE when paired with a textured blanket.) The vibe is very “Oh, I just found these on my travels,” don’t you think?
Large Marble Box ($34.99) | Marble Tray ($36.99)
You can never go wrong with a classic marble box or tray. I don’t make the rules. (And I definitely don’t follow most of them, but I will agree: you can’t go wrong with marble.) Enough said.
Floral Shower Curtain ($19.99) | Flounce Trim Shower Curtain ($36.99)
HEY, IT’S SPRING. Does your bathroom know? It does so much for you – don’t you think it deserves a little seasonal refresh? The floral print is quiet and simple and clean (albeit not totally groundbreaking, by Miranda Priestly’s standards), but I’m really drawn to the curtain with the flounce trim: it could go super farmhouse OR super glam, which is a pretty hard-to-find combination.
For Those Who Do Their Own Thing
Coconut Fiber Doormat ($17.99) | Rattan Basket ($34.99)
This section should just be called “things I put in my cart while assembling this post,” TBH. Let’s talk about it! The doormat is scratching that same Luke Edward Hall itch – he’s obviously got a really specific style and this isn’t a perfect match by any means, but it has the same spirit. And HOW COOL are the handles on that basket? It’d make some great shoe storage by the front door in an entryless apartment like mine, methinks.
Stoneware Clamshell Bowl ($29.99)
I’m on a HUGE clamshell kick right now. If you see a vintage clamshell on Facebook Marketplace, please buy it. (Or email it to me, so I can buy it.) I saw this picture a year ago and haven’t stopped thinking about it since – this bowl feels like it might have the right proportions to try something similar. What say you?
Lemon Salt & Pepper Shakers ($17.99) | Celery-Shaped Jar ($17.99)
WELL, DUH. I’m going to be real: I know my shaped tableware pretty well, and I think both of these would have fooled me at a flea market – they have a great saturation and a texture that’s reminiscent of a lot of classic vintage veggieware. The celery jar seems like it’d be a perfect tonal match with my collection of cabbageware! (I may or may not have ordered those salt and pepper shakers to go with my lemon kitchen. I just love kitsch, guys!!!)
Taper Candles ($20.99)
Hot Tip: swapping out candles is WAY more high-impact than you’d think. If you’re not much of a seasonal decorator, you can still add a lot of color and interest and sense of time and place by JUST SWAPPING CANDLES! (I mean – the dinner party with the graphic striped candle and the girl’s brunch with the precious floral candle are two totally different vibes, you know? It really is the little things!)
…so, uh, whaddaya think? See you in the comments? Any other affordable retailers you’d like to share with the class? I’m ready to hear about them. xx
THIS POST WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED HERE.
