Hey there, design lover! If you‘re anything like me, you‘ve probably spent countless hours drooling over the gorgeous interiors in Restoration Hardware‘s catalogs, wishing you could live inside those perfectly-styled pages. The luxe materials, elegant lines, and uncluttered sophistication are enough to make any decor aficionado weak in the knees. But then you take a peek at the price tag and reality comes crashing down faster than a poorly-anchored wall mirror.
Fear not, my financially-savvy friend. I‘m here to let you in on a little secret: Getting the high-end Restoration Hardware look doesn‘t have to mean spending your entire decorating budget on a single armchair. With a little smart shopping and styling, you can easily recreate that luxurious RH aesthetic for a whole lot less.
Why Pay More? The RH Look for Less
Before we dive into the alternative shopping options, let‘s take a quick look at why Restoration Hardware‘s prices are so high in the first place. There‘s no denying the quality of RH furniture – the materials and craftsmanship are truly top-notch. But you‘re also paying for the brand name, the massive showrooms, and the elite image.
According to a retail analysis by Gordon Haskett, Restoration Hardware‘s products are priced at an average of 35% above comparable retailers. That‘s a serious markup for the RH mystique. And with the company‘s notoriously stingy sales and discounts, it‘s no wonder so many shoppers are seeking alternatives.
The good news is, plenty of other retailers have taken note of RH‘s winning style formula and are offering strikingly similar pieces at much more accessible prices. From major names like West Elm and CB2 to up-and-coming online brands like Article and Interior Define, there‘s no shortage of options for getting that effortless, upscale look without the sticker shock.
Luxe for Less: Where to Shop
Now that we‘ve established why seeking RH alternatives is such a smart move, let‘s break down some of the best places to find them. Whether your taste skews modern or traditional, glam or rustic, you‘re sure to find a retailer (or two, or five) to help you get the look you love at a price you can live with.
Crate & Barrel and CB2
For fans of RH‘s modern side, Crate & Barrel and its trendier sister store CB2 should be your first stop. Both brands excel at the clean-lined, artful aesthetic RH is known for, with plenty of neutral tones and natural materials to choose from.
Some of my favorite RH-inspired finds from Crate & Barrel:
- The Riston Leather Sofa, a dead ringer for RH‘s Maxwell, starting at $3199
- The Elke Round Marble Coffee Table, a glam statement piece for $699
- The Keane Bookshelf, an architectural storage solution for $999
And from CB2:
- The Circa Sofa, a sleek, low-profile option starting at $1699
- The Marble Pedestal Coffee Table, a sculptural centerpiece for $699
- The Virtu Brass 4-Drawer Chest, glam storage for $1199
West Elm
Another go-to for modern decor lovers, West Elm offers a similar stripped-down, streamlined aesthetic to RH, but with a slightly more eclectic, global influence. Prices are reasonable, especially if you take advantage of the brand‘s frequent sales.
West Elm pieces that capture the RH look:
- The Andes Sofa, a contemporary classic starting at $1099
- The Marble-Topped Pedestal Coffee Table, an RH dupe for $699
- The Mid-Century Nightstand, a retro stunner for $299
Pottery Barn
Prefer RH‘s cozier, more traditional side? Pottery Barn has you covered with furnishings that perfectly balance elegance and comfort. You‘ll find more warm woods, plush upholstery, and inviting textures here compared to RH‘s sleeker offerings.
Pottery Barn picks for an RH-inspired look:
- The Chesterfield Leather Sofa, a timeless pick starting at $2899
- The Banks Extending Dining Table, a rustic beauty for $1899
- The Toscana Dresser, a refined bedroom anchor for $1699
One Kings Lane
One Kings Lane is a designer go-to for curated, high-end furniture and decor at insider prices. While not exactly cheap, OKL‘s frequent sales mean you can often score pieces from top brands like Ralph Lauren and Aerin for up to 70% off.
OKL finds with RH flair:
- The Barton Sofa, a swanky, low-slung option starting at $1745
- The Renata Media Console, a luxe storage anchor for $1679
- The Mercer Table Lamp, an elegant and understated accent for $579
Interior Define
Restoration Hardware is famous for its spacious, sink-right-in sofas, but that cloud-like comfort often comes with a sky-high cost. Enter Interior Define, the online custom sofa company offering incredible quality at competitive prices. By selling direct-to-consumer, ID is able to offer a huge range of customizable sofa styles starting at around $1500.
Some of ID‘s most RH-esque silhouettes:
- The Sloan, a sophisticated, slope-armed sofa
- The Maxwell, a classic, clean-lined beauty
- The Charly, a modern take on the chesterfield
Rejuvenation
Lighting and hardware are key to getting the Restoration Hardware look just right – after all, it‘s all in the details. And no one does elevated, timeless fixtures and finishes quite like Rejuvenation. This Portland-based company offers a huge array of indoor and outdoor lighting, door hardware, and more, all with the same heritage quality and attention to detail as RH. Prices are comparable, but frequent sales make finding a deal much easier.
My recent Rejuvenation scores:
- The Haleigh Wire Dome Pendant, an industrial-chic fixture for $599
- The Tumalo Flushmount, an understated and elegant ceiling light for $399
- The Imbrie Pivot Mirror, a sleek and functional accent starting at $359
Savvy Style Tips for the RH Look
Of course, getting the Restoration Hardware look isn‘t just about knowing where to shop – it‘s also about knowing how to shop and style your space. Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks for nailing that effortless RH vibe without breaking the bank:
1. Stick to a neutral palette
One of the hallmarks of RH style is a calm, cohesive color scheme heavy on shades of white, grey, beige, and black. By keeping your larger furniture pieces within this neutral range, you‘ll build a timeless foundation that you can easily change up with small accents if your tastes change over time.
2. Opt for natural materials
From rustic woods to marbles to worn leathers, RH is all about celebrating the beauty of natural materials. Choosing pieces that showcase the organic textures and variations of these elements will instantly give your space a more collected, sophisticated feel.
3. Mix high and low
A space outfitted entirely in one brand can feel a bit staged and stale. The magic is in the mix! Pair your splurge-worthy statement pieces with more affordable basics for a look that seems effortlessly assembled over time. Think a grand, linen-slipcovered sofa paired with a vintage rug scored on Etsy.
4. Add vintage
Speaking of vintage, adding a few well-loved pieces is key to capturing the warmth and personality of Restoration Hardware‘s signature style. Scour antiques shops, estate sales, and online marketplaces for art, decor, and furniture finds with great patina and provenance. Not only will these make your space feel more unique, they‘re often better quality than big-box buys for a similar price.
5. Focus on styling
Sometimes all it takes is a deft styling touch to make even the humblest of pieces look high-end. Taking cues from RH‘s impeccable merchandising, focus on a "less is more" approach with plenty of negative space to let your furniture and accents breathe. Stack art books on your coffee table, drape a textured throw just so, and corral items on trays to make vignettes feel intentional.
Shop Smart, Live Beautifully
I hope these restoration hardware alternatives and tips have shown you just how achievable that luxe look you love can be. At the end of the day, your home should be a reflection of you – not some unattainable ideal manufactured by a brand. By making thoughtful choices and focusing on the materials, colors, and details that most speak to you (and your wallet!), you can create a space that rivals even the most photogenic RH interior.
Because true personal style is about so much more than a price tag, my friend. It‘s about surrounding yourself with furnishings and accents that bring you comfort and joy, each and every day. And that‘s something you can‘t put a price on.
