20 Best Alternatives to West Elm for Modern Decor
Shopping for modern furniture doesn’t mean limiting yourself to West Elm. While the brand offers appealing designs for modern homes, many other retailers provide similar styles to match your taste and budget.
Our guide explores the best stores like West Elm, helping you find options that suit your needs. From budget-friendly finds to high-end statement pieces, we’ve researched and selected retailers that offer quality modern furniture and decor.
Each store we’ve chosen takes a different approach to modern design. Some focus on affordability without sacrificing style, while others emphasize handcrafted quality or sustainable materials.
Whether furnishing your first apartment or updating your dream home, you’ll find options that work for your space and budget.
Let’s explore these alternatives that blend style, quality, and value.
Understanding West Elm’s Aesthetic
West Elm has made its mark in home design with a distinctive mix of clean lines and warm touches. The brand combines mid-century shapes with modern materials to create both current and lasting spaces.
The store’s furniture shows clear influences from the 1950s and 1960s, featuring:
- Slim wooden legs on sofas and chairs
- Simple, smooth surfaces on tables and storage pieces
- Gentle curves mixed with straight lines
- Natural materials like wood and brass
- Neutral colors with subtle texture details
What makes West Elm stand out is how it brings these classic design elements into today’s homes. Their pieces work well in various settings because they:
- Mix well with other styles
- Use materials that age nicely
- Keep shapes simple but interesting
- Focus on function and form equally
The appeal comes from how these design elements help create homes that feel put together but lived-in. People choose this style because it allows them to build planned but imperfect spaces.
Budget-Friendly Modern Basics
1. IKEA: Functional Scandinavian Designs
IKEA continues to lead the way in budget-conscious home furnishing. The Swedish retailer brings clean lines and simple forms to homes worldwide. Their furniture pairs light woods with neutral fabrics, creating open and welcoming spaces.
Most pieces come flat-packed, helping keep prices low through reduced shipping costs. While assembly is required, the trade-off means getting Scandinavian style at surprisingly low prices. Their modular storage systems and multifunctional furniture make the most of any space.
2. Target: Trendy and Affordable Home Accents
Target’s home collections, especially Project 62 and Threshold, bring modern style to everyday spaces. These in-house brands focus on current trends without the high-end prices—project 62 offers clean-lined furniture and decor that fits urban homes.
Meanwhile, Threshold brings warmth to modern designs through mixed materials and classic shapes. Both lines refresh seasonally, letting shoppers update their spaces affordably. The quality suits everyday use, making these pieces perfect for first homes or quick room updates.
3. H&M Home: Chic Decor on a Budget
H&M Home proves that Swedish design excellence extends beyond furniture. Their collection focuses on smaller items that make big impacts – from textiles to decorative pieces.
The line excels in modern basics with subtle details that elevate their look. Shoppers find sophisticated designs in neutral tones, perfect for building cohesive rooms. Seasonal collections introduce new colors and patterns while maintaining affordable price points.
4. HomeGoods: Discounted Modern Treasures
HomeGoods turns furniture shopping into a treasure hunt for modern pieces at reduced prices. Their constantly changing inventory includes items from well-known brands at significant savings.
While selection varies by store and visit, patient shoppers often find high-quality modern furniture and decor. The store excels in accent pieces, lighting, and occasional furniture that can refresh a room’s style without major investment.
Online-First Modern Retailers
5. Wayfair: A Vast Selection of Home Decor
Wayfair offers millions of furniture items and home goods in one place. Their website makes it easy to filter through options based on style, price, and size. The platform features detailed product photos, customer reviews, and room ideas to help buyers make informed choices.
They often run sales and offer free shipping on many items, making high-end looks more affordable. Their price-matching policy and easy returns give shoppers extra confidence when buying furniture online.
6. AllModern: Contemporary Furniture for the Modern Home
AllModern focuses on clean lines and fresh designs that work in today’s homes. Their collection includes furniture that looks high-end but is priced mid-range. The site excels at offering complete room solutions, from sofas to lighting.
They carefully select each piece to ensure it fits their modern style focus. Regular sales and member discounts make their prices even more appealing.
7. Amazon: Convenient Shopping for Modern Essentials
Amazon brings its familiar shopping experience to furniture buying. Their huge marketplace includes many smaller brands and design studios creating modern pieces. Prime shipping on select items means quick delivery of your chosen pieces.
The platform’s review system helps buyers understand quality and fit before purchasing. Their own brands offer styled looks at budget-friendly prices.
8. Article: Direct-to-Consumer Modern Furniture
The article cuts out middlemen to offer quality furniture at lower prices. Their focused collection includes well-made pieces that look like designer items. They test all furniture extensively before selling it, ensuring durability.
The company provides clear delivery information and setup services. Their simple return policy and customer service make online furniture buying less stressful.
High-End Modern Elegance
9. Lulu and Georgia: Sophisticated and Luxe Furnishings
Lulu and Georgia create spaces that feel both current and timeless. Their furniture combines rich materials with refined shapes, perfect for those seeking statement pieces. Each collection tells a story through carefully chosen textures and finishes.
The brand works with skilled artisans to create pieces that showcase fine details and expert craftsmanship. Their designs often mix metals, stones, and plush fabrics to create special rooms.
10. Serena & Lily: Coastal Chic with a Modern Twist
Serena & Lily brings fresh air into modern design with their beach-inspired furniture. Their pieces mix natural materials with clean shapes for an updated take on coastal style. The brand uses quality woods, handwoven rattan, and soft performance fabrics that last.
Their furniture works well in bright, airy spaces and creates rooms that feel both relaxed and refined. Each piece shows attention to detail in its construction and finish.
11. Arhaus: Sustainable Luxury Furniture
Arhaus proves that luxury can align with environmental care. Their furniture combines premium materials with responsible sourcing practices. The company works with skilled craftspeople who use time-tested techniques.
Each piece goes through strict quality checks to ensure it meets their standards. Their designs mix modern shapes with natural elements for grounded yet fresh spaces.
12. Rejuvenation: Vintage-Inspired Modern Lighting and Furniture
Rejuvenation brings historical details into today’s homes through quality craftsmanship. Their lighting fixtures and furniture honor traditional techniques while fitting modern spaces.
The brand focuses on American-made pieces built to last generations. Its designs show careful attention to scale and proportion. Each item clearly explains its materials and construction methods.
Eclectic and Artistic Modern Options
13. Urban Outfitters: Bohemian Modern Decor
Urban Outfitters stands out in furniture with its fresh take on modern style. Their pieces mix playful shapes with casual comfort, creating young and lived-in spaces.
The brand excels at combining different materials – think woven textiles with metal frames or smooth wood with textured fabrics. Their furniture works especially well for those who want their space to feel personal rather than perfect.
Room designs often layer patterns and textures while keeping shapes simple and usable.
14. Anthropologie: Artfully Inspired Modern Pieces
Anthropologie turns furniture into art through unique details and unexpected touches. Their collections often feature special finishes, hand-painted elements, and one-of-a-kind patterns. Each piece tells its own story through carefully chosen materials and skilled handiwork.
The brand’s furniture mixes well with simpler pieces to create rooms that catch the eye. Their designs often include special touches like carved details, mixed materials, or unusual shapes.
15. BluDot: Innovative and Original Modern Designs
BluDot approaches furniture design with fresh eyes and new ideas. Their pieces show how modern furniture can be both practical and interesting. The brand focuses on smart solutions that look good and work well.
Their designs often solve common problems in new ways, like storage that doubles as seating or tables that adjust to different needs. Each piece shows careful thought about how people live and use their furniture.
Traditional Retailers Offering Modern Flair
16. Pottery Barn: Timeless Designs with Modern Sensibilities
Pottery Barn blends familiar comfort with current style trends. Their furniture shows how classic pieces can fit into modern spaces through updated materials and shapes. The brand maintains its commitment to quality while offering lighter forms and cleaner lines.
Their room designs show how to mix traditional crafts with new ideas, helping to create spaces that feel both current and lasting.
17. Crate & Barrel: Sleek, Sophisticated Modern Furniture
Crate & Barrel brings polish to modern home design. Their pieces feature quality materials shaped into clean, simple forms. The brand focuses on furniture that works well and looks good doing it.
Each collection shows attention to detail in construction and finish. Its designs help create well-assembled spaces that are comfortable and useful.
18. Joss & Main: Affordable Styling for Modern Enthusiasts
Joss & Main makes current design accessible through smart pricing and style choices. Their collections include pieces that look high-end without the matching price tag. The brand regularly updates its selection to include new trends and materials.
Their furniture works well for those wanting to try modern style without a huge investment.
19. Castlery: Modern Statements for Contemporary Spaces
Castlery creates furniture that stands out while staying useful. Their pieces combine good materials with interesting shapes. The brand tests all furniture thoroughly to ensure it holds up to daily use.
Their designs work especially well in urban homes and apartments. Each piece shows careful thought about how people live today.
20. Joybird: Customizable Mid-Century Modern Furniture
Joybird lets you make modern classics your own through custom options. Their furniture starts with time-tested shapes updated for today’s needs. The brand offers many fabric and finish choices for each piece.
This personal touch helps create furniture that fits exactly what you want. Their focus on quality materials means these custom pieces last.
Tips for Choosing the Right Furniture
Making smart choices when buying furniture online requires careful attention to several key factors. Here’s what you need to know to make informed purchase decisions.
Assessing Quality Online
Buying furniture without seeing it in person means learning to spot quality through photos and descriptions. Look for solid wood construction rather than particle board, and pay attention to joint construction methods.
Metal furniture should specify the type and gauge of metal used. For upholstered pieces, research the fabric content and durability ratings.
Customer reviews offer valuable insights but read them strategically. Focus on reviews that describe long-term use and include photos. Pay special attention to comments about assembly, durability, and comfort.
Look for patterns in both positive and negative feedback rather than focusing on single experiences.
Understanding Return and Shipping Policies
Furniture returns can be complex, so know the policies before you buy. Some stores offer free returns within a set period, while others charge restocking fees.
Check if you need to keep the original packaging and who pays return shipping costs. Understanding these details helps avoid unexpected expenses.
Shipping costs vary widely among retailers. Some offer free delivery for large items, while others charge based on distance or item size. Consider white-glove delivery services for large or complex pieces.
Check estimated delivery times; some furniture may take weeks or months to arrive.
Style Matching and Design Considerations
Before purchasing, measure your space carefully, including doorways and staircases. Create simple drawings of your room to understand how new pieces will fit. Consider the traffic flow and how furniture placement affects movement through the space.
Many online retailers offer design tools or virtual room planners. Use these to visualize how pieces work together. Save photos of furniture you like and create digital mood boards to ensure your choices make a cohesive look.
Consider how colors and textures work with your existing pieces and overall room design.
Conclusion
Finding the right furniture store goes beyond following current trends. Each retailer we’ve explored offers distinct benefits, from IKEA’s smart designs to Arhaus’s lasting quality.
These alternatives to West Elm show how modern home furnishing can fit various budgets and styles.
Your perfect furniture match depends on what matters most to you. Some stores stand out for their prices, others for their materials, and many for their unique designs.
When making your choice, consider factors like delivery options, return policies, and customer service.
Remember that creating your ideal space takes time. Focus on selecting pieces that make you feel at home, whether drawn to Serena & Lily’s fresh style or BluDot’s original designs.
The right furniture store helps turn your vision into reality while respecting your budget and preferences.
