19 things you can buy at Wayfair that look more expensive than they are
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When I moved into my first apartment, I remember the distinct feeling that I was playing house. I was buying chairs! I was buying mugs! I was buying sheets!
As easy as it would be to say that age (and a million moving days) has hardened me to the joys of home goods, that would be a lie. There’s something so cozy about domestic shopping. It’s a way of reaffirming your commitment to a space by saying, Yes, this is my home. I am making a safe haven for myself here.
Growing up, I associated beautiful, well-furnished homes with two things: money and stability. Surely you only got a cool sleeper sofa once you were collecting social security. But I am delighted to say that is not necessarily the case! Wayfair, one of our favorite places to shop for home decor online, has an expansive inventory of high quality furnishings you can get for far less money than you’d expect.
Take a look at these 19 things you can get from Wayfair for cheaper than I knew was possible.
1. This memory foam mattress that costs less than $150
Reviews: 2,644
Average Rating: 4.5+
If you have ever moved anywhere other than a dorm room, you know that a mattress is the single most important thing you can buy. My mattress is my most beloved possession—and I can attest that nice ones are pricey. Even supposedly budget mattresses can run hundreds, or even thousands of dollars. So finding a queen size memory foam mattress (the golden hero among mattress materials!) under $150 is pretty wild.
Reviewers say that the mattress is compact and looks thin, but affirm once it’s fully expanded, it’s supportive for the back, and overall, “SOOO comfortable.”
Get the Queen Size Wayfair Sleep 5" Firm Gel Memory Foam Mattress from Wayfair for $146.99
2. This incredibly cozy hammock ideal for relaxing
Reviews: 991
Average Rating: 4.5+
This chair makes a super summery and cute piece of outdoor furniture, but it’s also the perfect start to a sweet indoor reading nook. The cotton hammock material is completely classic looking, so it can match with any design sense.
Reviewers have paired it with fluffy blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals for personality. They say it’s sturdy, comfy, and great for napping. They also note that the chair doesn’t come with installation hardware, so make sure you have your own tools handy!
Get the Crowell Chair Hammock from Wayfair for $48.99
3. These sophisticated drinking glasses
Reviews: 624
Average Rating: 4.5+
Do you have your life completely together? Are you interested in faking it? If you answered yes to either of those, check out this glassware set. The dappled pattern lands exactly between funky and chic. Fancy dinner appropriate, but with personality!
One reviewer, Dawn from Chula Vista, CA, noted that the glasses are, “Super nice quality glasses and very thick. I actually dropped one of them on my granite counter and it didn’t break, to my amazement. Super happy with these.”
Get the Awa 16 Piece Assorted Glassware Set from Wayfair for $25.99
4. The best cast iron skillet you can buy
Reviews: 1,550
Average Rating: 4.5+
Not only was this our favorite cast iron skillet of 2019—it was also the lowest price tag on the list. And that was before Wayfair knocked an extra 35% off! If you have already subscribed to the church of the cast iron, you can scroll past this, but if not, let me be the one to tell you: cast iron skillets are the best, and if you take care of them, they will last. There aren’t that many kitchen items you can commit to for a lifetime, but this is one.
In her review, Kate from Ashburn, VA, notes: “This little beauty is heavy, evenly balanced and the small handle gives me just the extra grip I need to get this pan in and out of the oven. I'm very pleased with the skillet. Pros: Durable, great value, classic design Cons: Heavy but then again it is a cast iron skillet :-)”
Get the Lodge Cast Iron Frying Pan/Skillet from Wayfair for $12.97
5. Our favorite affordable knife block set
Reviews: 1,287
Average Rating: 4.5+
Speaking of our favorite kitchen tools—meet our winner for 2019’s Best Knife Set Under $100! These fifteen knives should cover just about any daily activity in the kitchen, whether you’re chopping an onion or deveining a shrimp. It’s a lot of steel packed into one inexpensive price tag.
Many reviewers love the option to get the set in white, and say the knives feel durable and sharp. The steak knives aren’t serrated, though, so keep that in mind if you’re a dedicated carnivore.
Get the Cuisinart Triple Rivet 15 Piece Knife Block Set on Wayfair for $56.32
6. This one-of-a-kind sleeper sofa
Reviews: 260
Average Rating: 4.0+
This couch is definitely stylish, and definitely unique. The black and white checkered option livens up a minimal pattern, but it would also look extremely cool with some bright pillows or blankets. It’s already less than half the price of most sofas…but on top of that, it pulls out into a twin bed! No more awkward conversations asking out of town guests to bring sleeping bags.
Buyers are saying it’s very easy to assemble and makes a comfortable seat. They also point out it’s a petite couch, and fits nicely into smaller spaces.
Get the Moorhead Sleeper Sofa from Wayfair for $169.99
7. This classy full convertible sofa
Reviews: 574
Average Rating: 4.0+
This is another great sleeper sofa option for a totally different aesthetic! Where the Moorhead is quirky and modern, this couch has a vintage feel, with a microfiber exterior reminiscent of age-worn leather. It also gives you the option of only collapsing one side, which means you can sit propped up on one end of the couch, while a dog naps happily on the other side. Win-win.
Reviewer Lydia from Louisville says, “For the price I couldn't be happier with this purchase. For every day sleeping one would probably want a memory foam pad or something. But for sitting and lounging it is very comfortable. Assembly was super easy. It is a microfiber material I've never seen before. Everyone compliments it.”
Get the Full Convertible Sofa from Wayfair for $224.99
8. This rustic chest of drawers
Reviews: 206
Average Rating: 4.0
A chest of drawers is one of the most necessary‚and also one of the most expensive—pieces of bedroom furniture you can get. Cheaper options can be tacky-looking, way too small, or both (believe me, I’m speaking from experience). It’s pretty exciting to stumble across a dresser that looks cute, classy, and is actually the right size for an adult human to store all their clothes!
While reviewers love the neutral walnut finish, they do mention it can be a bit challenging to assemble. If you order this dresser, you might want to enlist a friend!
Get the Kathi 4 Drawer Chest from Wayfair for $149.99
9. This incredible area rug
Reviews: 37,843
Average Rating: 4.5
An oriental rug is one of those items that always suggests absolute decadent luxury. This might be 50% because they’re gorgeous, and 50% because they feel so inaccessibly expensive—but not this one! Price varies depending on size and color (I personally love the warm burgundy and orange options), but across the board, this rug is priced way below average.
Reviewers have great things to say about the “beautiful” look and feel of the rug, and advise getting a rug pad to place underneath it if you want additional padding.
Get the 9' x 12' Brandt Oriental Light Blue/Gray/Ivory Area Rug from Wayfair for $113.79
10. This cat tree that looks more like an obstacle course
Reviews: 1,789
Average Rating: 4.5
If you already share a home with a cat, I probably don’t need to convince you that they deserve the best. This soft, freestanding cat tree offers scratching posts and plenty of nooks and crannies for your feline companions to explore. The ramp feature is also great for older kitties, who might not be so inclined to leap several stories just to find a place to lounge.
Teila from Greenville, KY, wrote a glowing review: “This cat tree is amazing, LOVE it! All parts were sturdy and well set went together easily with me and my 11 year old daughter! The cats love it, even my big kitty loves the small house at the top and jumps all over it while it holds him up nicely. I will buy another from wayfair soon for the other room!”
Other reviewers mention that the tree is smaller than it looks in pictures, so be sure to check those dimensions before ordering!
Get the Horatio 63" Cat Tree from Wayfair for $46.61
11. A portable washer that can tackle small loads
Reviews: 155
Average Rating: 4.0+
This washer is compact, it’s cute, and it’s environmentally friendly. No, it’s not electric. It’s something better: hand-powered! That means you save on your utility bill, you use 90% less water than a standard washer, and as icing on the cake, you get a free bicep workout in while watching TV. It’s a great pick for small apartments without a laundry hookup, or for avoiding coin-operated machines.
One reviewer, Charlene from Windsor, ON, says, “I was very excited to receive my laundry pod! I found that only a couple of items at a time is best! It is made very well, the only thing that I found satisfactory is that the items needed extra wringing out of water. This is perfect for my intention of living off grid.”
Get the Portable Washer from Wayfair for $58.99
12. This single comforter that’s both cute and affordable
Reviews: 11,377
Average Rating: 4.0+
If you spend your summer nights overheating, but still want the feeling of being buried in a fluffy blanket, this comforter could be your solution. The microfiber and polyester material makes this comforter super soft, cool, and hypoallergenic. It comes in a variety of cute colors (I’m partial to the sage green), but reviewers do mention the colors don’t always match the display pictures.
Reviewers also speak highly of the blanket’s comfort, with Randi from Milwaukee saying, “So warm and comfortable! Definitely great value here.”
Get the Queen Size Wayfair Basics Down Alternative Single Comforter from Wayfair for $24.99
13. One of our favorite French press coffee makers
Reviews: 228
Average Rating: 4.5
Making a fresh cup of French Press coffee can elevate your morning routine into an act of emotional self-care. This is one of our favorite French presses, and while it didn’t take the top spot in our caffeinated showdown, it performed well throughout our tests, and held its own against stiff competition.
Reviewers say it’s durable and reliable, and recommend reading the instructions to learn how to brew the right strength.
Get the 34 oz Bodum Brazil French Press Coffee Maker from Wayfair for $19.67
14. Our favorite affordable hand mixer
Reviews: 138
Rating: 3.5
This is our choice for the best affordable hand mixer. It comes with a storage case, so you don’t have to worry about losing those multiple attachments. Easier to store and clean than a countertop mixer, this simple little guy will get the job done whether you’re whipping cream, beating egg whites, or kneading dough.
The storage case was also a favorite among reviewers, who also say the beater itself is strong, reliable, and packs a punch for its size.
Get the Black + Decker 250-Watt 6 Speed Hand Mixer from Wayfair for $21.99
15. This adorable three-piece reversible comforter set
Reviews: 1,835
Average Rating: 4.5
Once you’re sold on soft, hypoallergenic comforters, getting a matching set is a no-brainer. This one includes the comforter itself, plus two pillowcases, so your bedroom will always look pulled together without messing around trying to get a blanket to fit inside a duvet cover. Each of the ten color options is reversible, too, making it a totally versatile set.
Reviewers like that the comforter is both warm and lightweight, making it a great choice for every season!
Get the Queen Size Mota 3 Piece Reversible Comforter Set from Wayfair for $33.79
16. A stylish outdoor wall lantern
Reviews: 1,288
Average Rating: 4.5
Why stop at decorating inside your home? With small affordable touches, you can renovate the outside! These outdoor light fixtures are a nice place to start. They’re durable enough to withstand the elements, and buyers say they’re quick and easy to install. They’ll warm up your porch or yard, once you’re ready to upgrade from string lights.
Jaimie from Long Branch, NJ, says, “Works perfect in the small space available on my back porch. Needed to update an old rusted out one. Great price, does the trick, easy to install. I’m happy with the outcome. Put in a nice clear LED bulb.”
Get the Terrazas Outdoor Wall Lantern from Wayfair for $19.28
17. These solid blackout curtains that can keep your home cool
Reviews: 4,107
Average Rating: 4.5
As a person who has lived in an extremely sunny, east-facing apartment, I can tell you: the sun is only your friend until it’s not. Waking up way before you want to, or absolutely melting all summer long because the sunshine is blasting through your window? Not fun. But I put up with it way longer than I should have, because I couldn’t find any heavy, reasonably priced curtains.
Enter these guys! They’re colorful, generously sized, and seriously affordable. According to reviews, they’re beautiful hanging up—but depending on the color and where you hang them, they might not fully block the sunshine. Layer them over a simple window shade for more complete coverage.
Get the Wayfair Basics Solid Blackout Rod Pocket Curtain Panels from Wayfair for $8.86
18. Our favorite affordable dutch oven
Reviews: 659
Average Rating: 5
I’ve already sung the praises of cast iron once, but let me do it again. This is another tool that could last you a long, long time. Dutch ovens rock. They’re durable, easy to clean, and they retain heat incredibly well. You can use them to make anything from a loaf of bread to a pot roast. We’ve tested this one before, and granted it the title of best value dutch oven! It came close to taking first place overall, only falling behind for its relatively smaller size.
The enthusiasm shines through in the reviews, with many people gushing over the beautiful finish, and expressing hopes this tool can become a family keepsake.
Get the Lodge Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven from Wayfair for $59.90
19. This adorably rustic vase
Reviews: 1,970
Average Rating: 4.5+
Sometimes it’s the simplest touches that make a home feel like it’s yours. This rustic beauty is perfect for displaying cut flowers, dried herbs or really, anything else (knitting needle collection, anybody?).
The reviews show a wealth of cute and creative uses for this vase, with people especially appreciating that it comes in different sizes. Just don’t fill it with water for the flowers—reviewers say it’ll leak.
Get the Payne Table Vase from Wayfair for $21.99
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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
This article originally appeared on Reviewed.com: 19 things you can buy at Wayfair that look more expensive than they are
