INCREDIBLE
OFFER!
$200 Bonus + Up to 5% Cash Back
Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 in your first 3 months from account opening.
APPLY NOW
Member FDIC
Sponsored
News & Trending Shopping & Deals News

11 Things You Should Never Buy at HomeGoods

Skip these HomeGoods finds the next time you shop for accessories for your home.

A HomeGoods storefront
Updated July 14, 2026
Fact check checkmark icon Fact checked
Google Logo Add Us On Google info

HomeGoods is probably near the top of your list when it comes to buying home furnishings and accessories. It's a great place to lower your financial stress when it comes to spending money on home upgrades. But it might be better to leave some items on the shelf when you wander the retailer's aisles; not every product and low price you see is worth it in the long run. 

Consider dropping these items from your HomeGoods shopping trip to find them somewhere else and avoid wasting money on low-quality products or buying something thinking it's a good deal, but in reality you can find for less elsewhere like Aldi, Walmart, or even Amazon.  

Bedding

A good set of sheets can be a wonderful way to get to sleep after a long day. Although HomeGoods has plenty of options, many have outdated styles or come at a high price despite the store being known for discount items. One of the most common "stylist brands" sold exclusively at HomeGoods is Rachel Zoe, for instance, and shoppers have complained on Reddit saying, "Don't get the Rachel Zoe! They are so thin, mine is only a month or two old and they have little rips in them already."

So you may want to avoid wasting money, 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

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.

Truth is, candles from HomeGoods are often old and burn unevenly, don't smell for as long as you'd hope, and end up wasting most of the wax without delivering the luxe smell. Aldi has great 3-wick candles for $4.99 rotating every week; consider that as an alternative. 

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

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. Wayfair, Amazon, and Walmart offer much better deals and have great customer reviews you can rely on, making it a better option overall. 

Throw pillows

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

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 or 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.

Another perk of the Aldi weekly deals on kitchen items is finding dupes of Le Creuset Dutch ovens and non-stick skillet sets for under $30 that offer great quality and a lower price than what you can find at HomeGoods these days.

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. A trip to IKEA might be a better idea.

Small kitchen appliances

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.

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

Sofas

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.

Full-price seasonal decor

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.

Matching dish sets

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

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.

Financebuzz awards badge
2026 Award Winner Best Overall Cash Back Credit Card
  • Low spend threshold for its welcome offer
  • Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
  • Apply Now
  • Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
  • Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
  • Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
  • 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
  • $0 annual fee.
  • No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
  • Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
  • Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Wells Fargo Active <span class='whitespace-nowrap'>Cash<sup>®</sup></span> Card
5.0
info

on Wells Fargo's secure website

Read Card Review

Intro Offer

$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$0

+

Why we like it


Financebuzz logo

Thanks for subscribing!

Please check your email to confirm your subscription.