Can YOU tell the difference?
For YEARS I have loved the Pottery Barn "look" but never been able to afford it. I always hoped one day I could, but lets be honest - I will probably never be able to spend that kind of money. Even if I somehow win the lottery one day, I think I will still find bargain shopping way more fun than just walking in and buying out the entire store. ***I'm sorry Pottery Barn for saying that... you know I love you.***
But yes, I try to not even walk into the store, because all I really do is get my heart broken. Mainly because I know none of it will go home with me. *tear* It's depressing really. But enough of the pity party because I've got some good news my friends! There are seriously SO many other stores out there that offer the same kind of "look" that Pottery Barn is selling. If you're working on a budget like me, you better keep reading! I am about to let you in on a little secret of mine! Well ok, it's not that much of a secret because I talk about them all the time. Their names are Marshalls, Ross, TJ Maxx, and Home Goods. Ahh just saying their name makes me happy. You want to know why? It's because they have got some great products to really make your house a home. Now don't get me wrong, you might have to dig for a little while to find just what you're looking for. But when you take a look at the price tag, you won't be disappointed. Ok now on to the good stuff! Below are some of my Pottery Barn comparisons.
Alrighty peeps, it's on! Who will win!???
Their { pricey products } vs. { my bargain finds}
Here we go!
1.) Decorative Lanterns, Candle Holders, Candles, Glass Containers, Accessories, Etc.
The Pottery Barn versions range anywhere from $39.00-$69.00. I can find similar items for a fraction of the price at the bargain stores.
Here are a few of the pottery barn examples:
Here are a few of my finds:
Not exactly the same, but it does give off the same look and feel.
This wired glass container was found at Ross for $7.00. Pretty darn good, huh? The contents inside were also found at Ross for about $6.00.
That wire basket was found at antique mall near my house for about $10. You also might be able to see the driftwood sitting inside the basket. That was also found at an antique mall for $5. Ain't too shabby if you ask me!
These beachy accessories were found at Garden ridge. I think the smallest was like $3.99 and the largest maybe around $6.99? They sell similar "found" objects at Pottery Barn that you can easily find at places like Hobby Lobby, Garden Ridge, Ross and Marshalls for much cheaper. You just gotta look!
2.) Wicker baskets or any type of storage basket
Some of the Pottery Barn examples range anywhere from $15.00 to $200. I mean... that is just RIDICULOUS. For example, the large rounded basket below is $199. I mean really?? There is just no reason for that large of a price tag. Who knows... Maybe they're like hand crafted or something, but I still can't fathom paying that much for ONE basket. Yikes!
Here are some of my bargain finds. The price range for these are about $3.99-$16.99. Much more reasonable! My largest basket here was $16.99 at Ross. It's just a bit smaller than the Pottery Barn version, but they did have a larger one in the store for about $24.00. I wanted to buy it so bad, but I just simply didn't have a space for it. But still, $24.00 compared to $200??? Amazing!!!
The baskets above were found at Ross for I think $5.99 and $7.99? The pillow inside was from Marshalls. I think it was $16 maybe.
These storage baskets were from Target at $50 a pop. I wouldn't normally spend that much on one object, but they were one of my wedding gifts from my mom a few years ago. Yay! Thanks mom!! That wire basket sitting on top of them is vintage and I think was like $14ish.
3.) Natural Fiber Rugs or Jute Rugs
Most of the Pottery Barn versions range from $100 to $500... but sometimes upwards of $1,000. They actually have BEAUTIFUL selections and I would die to have one, but that whole budget thing still gets in the way. Here are some of their examples:
Aren't they so pretty?!! Thankfully I have been able to find many natural fiber rugs (similar to these) for much cheaper - mainly at Ross. We have 2 different Ross's near my house and over the past few years I have found a hand full of bargain finds. Here are some of my favorites:
This is kind of an older picture, and not a great photo of the rug, but you get the gist of it, right? This rug is a natural fiber 9x12 rug with a black fabric border. Please guess the price. Please! Ok ok ok I'll tell you! It... was... $30!!! YES. You heard me! $30 for a 9x12 rug that looks exactly like the Pottery Barn option!! Except the PB rug was $972 for this EXACT SAME LOOK! Holy cow. I'm still amazed when I think about that. I've had this rug for about a year now and it's held up perfectly. Thank you Ross for your great deals!!
The above rug was only $19!! It is perfect for my entry way and exactly what I was wanting. I found this one at Ross.
This above rug was also from Ross and ONLY $7.00!!!! I freaked out when I found it because I knew it would fit perfectly in our guest bathroom. It will look especially great once I get the walls painted Navy! That project will get started this week {hopefully}!! The paint and supplies have already been bought!
4.) Pillows & Pillow Covers:
Ok, before I start, I have a confession to make. I own 3 Pottery Barn pillows... I know, I'm kind of ashamed. I typically just don't spend that kind of money on something I could find a similar {good enough to me} option at a bargain store. But I have to say, the 3 PB pillows that I own, I LOVE. I actually just recently bought a pair a few weeks ago, and minus the $80 price tag for just two covers, I was very happy with my purchase. They are exactly what I had been looking for and are great quality! But most of my pillows around the house are not Pottery Barn. If they were, I think I would be bankrupt by now! For those of you who don't know me... I have this strange addiction to pillows... lamps... ya know, the norm. I think I will take a head count one of these days, but that's for another post! Here are some Pottery Barn pillows that you might be able to find similar styles to at the bargain stores.
Pottery Barn pillow covers are typically pretty expensive by them selves, but then on top of that, you have to buy the pillow insert as well. So that jacks up the price even more. My advice would be to frequent your closest Marshalls, TJ Maxx, or Home Goods stores. They typically have the best copycat options out there if your looking for a good pillow. They have VERY similar looks, and they come as a whole pillow - not just the pillow cover! Here are a few pillows I have found at bargain stores over the years:
Most of these pillows are from Marshalls. I actually think all of them are! I have many many more around the house, but I'll spare you the photos!
5.) Lamps & Lamp Shades
These lamps are all beautiful, and I LOVE them. But they range from $60.00 to $200. Ahh! Ok, not affordable in my books! Here are some of my copycat lamps that give off the same look as the Pottery Barn versions:
Shockingly I found these glass lamps at Wal-Mart of all places. They were SO cheap at right around 11ish dollars and I couldn't pass them up. The shades were separate, but still only like $10 extra per shade. I've had these lamps for about 2 years and they are still my favorite set of lamps in our entire house. Thanks Wal-Mart!
This lamp sits in our office and was purchased at Marshalls. I believe it was about $36? Right around there I think. Still much better than the Pottery Barn comparison!
These lamps were from Target and I think they were $39 per lamp base. I then bought the shades separately for about $14. Pretty amazing huh? I bought these a few years ago, but I think they still have this style or something similar at least. They aren't real glass, but who cares???
So what do y'all think???
Great bargains, huh!
Ok, Ok, Ok... Now it's time to give Pottery Barn some much needed props. As much trouble as I've been giving them for their high prices, c'mon, we ALL know how much we love that dang store. Why do you think I spent all this time writing up an entire copycat post on them?? It's because we all adore their fabulous style. They are SO classic in their design yet they're always up with the latest trends. Imitation is the best form of flattery, right??
Yes, I love them, but I just can't quite afford them yet. Who knows, maybe one day, but I think as we have all learned from this post, we can all find similar items that actually fit our budget. All it takes is a bit of dedication! I hope you all enjoyed this little comparison today. Good luck finding your favorite bargains!
