Don’t have $1,000 to spend on an 18-inch vintage nautical pendant light or $4,000 for a textured linen weave chaise lounge?
Such mind-bending prices may make you think you have no business stepping foot inside a Restoration Hardware gallery. But if you know a few hacks and tips, you can experience the thrill of bringing home a perfect piece from a cult favorite store, and still pay less.
10 Tips for Cutting Costs When Shopping at Restoration Hardware
Here’s how to find rustic, designer Restoration Hardware pieces for a fraction of the cost. Or, RH, for those in the know.
1. Shop Sales and Certain Collections
Seasonal sales are a thing of the past at Restoration Hardware, so it pays to keep an eye on the website for sales.
Select collections are comparatively inexpensive, such as the Cloud Modular Sofas currently starting at $2095 regularly priced and $1571 for members, or the Meryem Hand-knotted Wool Rugs, selling for $1689 regularly priced and $1266 for members.
Also, check for coupon codes on sites like RetailMeNot.com.
You can even call your local store to ask about upcoming promotions.
2. Place One Order for Flat Shipping
Restoration Hardware has a flat $199 shipping fee for most furniture items within a 50-mile radius of the store (this chart outlines shipping fees beyond that distance). It doesn’t matter how heavy each piece is or how large your order is (though some oversized items might incur an additional fee). It’s wise to place one giant order and just pay for shipping once.
Got a friend who’s also picking up a few items? Combine your orders, ship to one address and split the shipping.
If necessary, you can return small items like bedding directly to the gallery, rather than shipping.
3. Leverage the Restoration Hardware Credit Card
If you use it wisely, the RH Credit Card can help you stretch your budget for large purchases.
You can choose to pay no interest for 12 months or reduced interest for a span of 24, 36, 48 or 60 months, so you could splurge on decorating your bedroom, then chip away at the total throughout the year.
Warning: Be careful here. If you don’t pay off the balance within the promotional interest period, the interest rate jumps to a whopping 24.99% on your remaining balance.
4. Join the RH Members Program
If you already spend a lot in the store (or plan to), you could save a lot by joining the members program. For an annual fee of $175, you’ll get a 25% discount on all full-priced merchandise and 20% off sale items.
Members also get VIP treatment, including early access to clearance events, preferred financing on your RH credit card and complimentary interior design help.
5. Scroll Final Sales
Final sales on the RH site feature limited deals up to 70% off and members get an additional 20% off. Hover over any of the nine categories — living, dining, bed, bath, lighting, etc. — and click the “Final Sale” option to see available sale items.
Incidentally, if you’re on the fence about a membership, the final sale member prices might just make the decision for you.
6. Shop a Restoration Hardware Outlet
Restoration Hardware sends all its damaged or clearance items to one of its outlet stores across the United States and Canada. This state-by-state list will help you locate the outlet nearest you.
Qualifications for “damaged” are liberal. It can mean a missing tag, a microscopic cushion tear or small nick. RH outlet stores do not ship or place items on hold, so you’ll have to show up in person to survey the goods, then buy on the spot.
7. Buy Floor Models
Most stores sell floor models for less and RH is no exception. Floor models can be found at the outlets and are not sold in the galleries.
Purchasing a floor model in good condition can save you money. It might not have quite the same shine as a brand new piece, and it might be necessary to break out the wood repair markers and do a little furniture rehab, but the cost savings will be worth it.
8. Sign Up for Emails
Be sure to sign up for Restoration Hardware’s email list to be notified of the next sale. Also, there’s a different registration for outlet-specific emails.
Subscribe to both and be the first to know about special promotions.
9. Connect with RH Enthusiasts
RH strategically shuns social media, so find your people and build community around your local store, or through groups run by enthusiasts like this Facebook group for RH lovers. How can these communities help you save money? Other enthusiasts are likely to post about a great find and help out when you have questions.
Similarly, but in person — make friends with the salesperson at your local store. They might be kind enough to place you on a waitlist to let you know when an item is in stock, or on sale.
10. Buy Used or Knockoffs or DIY a Look-Alike
Even on sale, most RH goods are not cheap.
But you can still get Restoration Hardware style without spending RH prices. Here’s how:
- Search Craigslist and Facebook groups to buy pieces off people who are moving or upgrading to new furniture. Score the best deals toward the end of the month, when people who are moving are eager to clean out their places. You can find gently used RH furniture from Chairish and AptDeco.
- Find knockoffs at a range of big box stores, including Target, HomeGoods and World Market. There’s even a Decor Lookalikes Facebook group that includes RH fans.
- Request an RH source book or view online for inspiration and then use Google Images to search less expensive knockoffs.
- If you’re particularly crafty or handy, get that distressed RH look with a bit of elbow grease and creativity. Check out this Restoration Hardware DIY Pinterest board for ideas.
Contributor Veronica Leone Matthews is a North Carolina-based freelance writer with 11 years of experience writing for non-profits and higher education. She covers lifestyle topics for The Penny Hoarder. Reporting from former contributor Betsy Mikel is included in this report.
