12 Things Designers Always Buy at Target When They Spot Them

Target is the go-to destination for stylish and affordable home goods, offering everything from chic lighting and cozy bedding to decor that instantly refreshes any room. Whether you're updating your space for the season or searching for that perfect finishing touch, the retailer consistently delivers while helping stretch your Target budget.

It's no surprise that interior designers and home stagers often turn to Target for their final details, favoring it over pricier stores with similar-quality pieces.

We turned to several designers to discover why they keep returning to Target and to uncover the 12 must-have items they always pick up when they see them.

Nothing brings a living space together like carefully chosen throw pillows. Not only do they add a chic touch to a space, but they also add dimension and texture. Target has a plentiful supply in a variety of colors, patterns, and materials.

"They're budget-friendly and make a big visual impact without overwhelming a space. Pillows, especially, let me play with color and texture in a low-risk, high-reward way," says Lily Huang of Grandsea Building.

"My specialty is creating interior lighting designs that redefine spaces, blending function and atmosphere to bring every room to life," shared Lewis Nguyen of Indochina Light. He added, "I enjoy creating lighting solutions that also prioritize architecture and enhance everyday encounters."

Target offers a range of these lighting solutions, available in floor, table, and desk lamps, as well as wall lighting.

Target carefully curates its selection of rugs to be both durable and on trend. Whether you are looking for a small area rug to add vibrancy to your bedroom or den, or a larger area rug to make a bold statement, you can likely find something for your taste and budget.

When Hotel Santa Fe Hacienda designer Joseph Naulls was asked why he chose Target for his rug selections, he said, "They have rugs with unique patterns or textures, like a distressed Persian with muted jewel tones and chunky wool weave that begs to be touched. These details make a space feel lived-in and intentional."

The right shower curtain can transform a dull bathroom into a hotel-worthy washroom. If you have an adjustable curtain bar, raising it can create the illusion of a much larger bathtub; however, you'll need a longer curtain, too. Luckily, Target keeps a variety of shower curtain sizes in stock in different colors and prints.

Interior designer Synclaire Lawson shared her adoration for Target's shower curtains with her social media followers. "I love their pure linen shower curtains. They look like a very expensive brand and are soft and thick. I love how long these are as well. They just give that really luxurious resort feel."

Designers agree that Target is the place to go for stylish storage baskets. Lindsay of Hampton Organizers recently spoke about Target storage solutions, namely baskets, on her blog. She shared that they are perfect for elevating the look of an entryway or living room, and exclaimed, "We're obsessed with baskets with faux leather handles." She finds Target's selections to be both functional and stylish, while remaining budget-friendly.

Designers look for items that add a personal touch to a room, not just decorative pieces for the sake of design. One versatile item that can elevate a space and add personality is a picture frame. Designers Kelcy & Brooke from The Inspired Abode highlighted the Matted Gallery Frame as a top pick from the Studio McGee Collection sold at Target. When asked why, Kelcy said, "They are versatile and fit into just about any design. I really love the sleek finish."

Target offers both complete dish sets and individual dishes that can be mixed and matched. Courtney Buford of Designs on the Loop exclusively shops Target for these finds. As she explains, "I often create customized sets with Target's wide selection of loose dishes, which is ideal for decorating open bars or setting a table for an intimate gathering. The best part is that they stay on trend, so you'll usually find table linens in matching patterns and shades."

In addition to offering floor plants and smaller faux potted plants, Target carries a variety of fresh flowers. Designer Camile of Camile Styles shares her excitement for the new addition on her blog: "The win of having fresh flowers at Target means you can pick up everything you need right then and there. Shears, a vase, even flower food? Check." 

She also shared that the retail giant offers over 60 fresh and colorful options, from everyday blooms to more showpiece-style stems, ensuring each freshly arranged centerpiece is just as unique as the homes displaying them.

If you're tired of looking at plain walls and are ready to add some character to your living room, take a look at Target's variety of canvas art. Junior Designer Kevin Wilson of Sophie's World shared, "I've found canvas paintings that would cost me well over $200 to $300 at Z Gallerie on Target's clearance shelves. Before searching anywhere else, I always check Target in person and online!"

Curtains add a level of privacy and light control, enhancing the look of your space. "It's really hard to find blackout shades for large windows in other budget-friendly stores," shares Buford. "Target has a plentiful supply and not just in black-and-white." She then added, "Myself and my design partner and I are always on the hunt for blackout shades in unique patterns and designs that Target releases each season."

If you're looking for designer-worthy storage solutions, wall shelves are a great fit.

"I'm kind of an expert in space saving. Clients often hire me to maximize the space of smaller rooms in studio apartments. They're often surprised to know they have more space than they originally thought by just removing floor storage and installing wall units. Target often sells them in black or even glass, but the black ones could be painted to match the client's preference, which I like," shares Sophia Alison of Sophie's World.

Ottomans are a multifunctional storage solution for those who wish to avoid bulky storage options or storage bins. It doubles as seating and gives dimension to a room, so designers absolutely love them. "I can't get enough of these ottomans. It's become a signature of mine. I often stage homes for people with tight budgets, so I choose ottomans from Target all the time." 

Alison adds, "If I could, I'd stockpile Target ottomans and pick from my roster whenever the mood hits."

Many interior designers choose Target over higher-end stores like Z Gallerie or Wayfair because it offers stylish decor at reasonable prices. If an item isn't in stock at your local store, Target provides home delivery when items are ordered through its website. And if you use your top cash back credit cards, you could also score rewards while updating your home.