Their budget-friendly picks will help you save in every room of the house.
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While everyone loves to save money, nobody likes to waste it on cheap products that don’t last. Finding that balance between price and quality is what can make shopping frustrating for some and fun for others, depending on if you know where to look. With almost 1,600 stores across the U.S., Five Below has become a popular outlet for shoppers on a budget eager to find a wide range of products, including affordable gifts, inexpensive outdoor accessories and stylish home decor.
There’s a time and place for splurging and a time and place for saving, and interior designers agree that Five Below is a great place to save, depending on the item and how you intend to incorporate it into your home.
“I always tell clients to really think about how they'll use an item, where they're using that item, and how often it's going to be used. From there, you should have a good idea of where you need to value quality (and sometimes with that comes a higher price point) versus where you can incorporate some budget-friendly finds into your home,” explains Sara Chiodo, interior designer and founder of Functional For You.
If you’ve been to one of Five Below’s brick and mortar stores, the vast quantity of items can definitely be daunting. Below, designers give their honest judgment of what products are worth buying at Five Below and how to successfully integrate them into an interior.
Adding a throw blanket to your couch or bed can give it an extra dose of color, texture and coziness. For just $5, a blanket like this one is worth it, especially if you’re looking for a simple way to elevate your space.
"This woven blanket would go great in any room and could look especially nice on a living room couch or bed! I love the look of a woven blanket to add texture and this price is great,” says Chiodo. However, if you’re looking for a specific feel, shopping in person is always the best option. Chiodo also warns that a blanket at this price may not wash as well as something a bit heftier.
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Saving money when it comes to the basics seems like a no brainer. These flocked hangers come in a few different shades within each 20-pack for easier, more visually pleasing organization.
“I am spending more time styling closets in our projects, instead of just leaving them for the client to fill up. Usin these color-coded flocked hangers can decipher pants from tops,” says Raili Clasen, interior designer and founder of RailiCA Design.
RELATED: Best Closet Organization Ideas to Improve Your Morning Routine
When it comes to storage, interior designer Meghan Jay, founder of Meghan Jay Design, enjoys saving on bins and baskets as they often play more of a supporting role in decorating the house.
"I found countless storage options — from clear bins to decorative baskets. And while I wish I could splurge on every item in my home, it just isn't possible. Nor is it worthwhile. I purchased a few of these baskets to organize the toys in a client's playroom," says Jay.
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Mrs. Meyer’s hand soap has become well-known for its plant-based formula, pleasant fragrance and stand-out packaging that looks nice next to any kitchen or bathroom sink.
Usually a bit pricier depending on where you shop, this relaxing soap is worth the $5.“What a bargain this hand soap is, especially with this cool container meant to be left out for all to see,” says Clasen.
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Whether in the closet, under the kitchen sink or inside cabinets, storage bins almost always come in handy. At this price point, there’s no harm in testing out these budget-friendly bins to see if they could work in your home.
“I have bins just like this all through our house for storage in closets, pantry, laundry, etc. Make sure to check the size to know exactly what you're getting. But you can save so much money sourcing bins like this at stores known for bargains,” says Chiodo.
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Decorating kids' rooms can be stressful, especially knowing that they go through phases with hobbies. Five Below is a great place to find affordable yet functional design picks for playrooms or children's bedrooms, according to designers.
"With kids, it often pains me to spend a lot of money on styling given their needs and interests change so quickly. But Five Below has so many adorable accessories that are reasonably priced. This over-the-door hook rack is both practical and cute," says Jay.
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Patio furniture can be expensive, but that doesn't mean there aren't areas where you can save. Layering in some affordable accessories can help save money while adding texture and color to your space.
"This is a great throw pillow to add to an outdoor patio set or outdoor chair! I could see this working well with some bigger outdoor pillows behind it. Outdoor pillows, no matter the price, always become a little worn. So at $5, this is a great option to use for the season," says Chiodo.
RELATED: Inspiring Patio Decorating Ideas to Reinvent Your Outdoor Space
On the smaller side, this glass lamp adds a pop of color and ambient light to any room while being light enough to bring with you around the house. For $5, it's a great accent piece.
"I love placing portable lamps on bookshelves. They're perfect when you don't have an outlet nearby but would like a bit of light. This one is a classic retro style and will offer just a hint of a glow," says Jay.
RELATED: 27 Best Table Lamps to Make Your Space Shine
Laura Millar
Assistant Lifestyle Editor
Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com where she covered everything from entertainment news to product reviews to pop culture updates.
