Restoration Hardware Is Pricy. These 6 Tricks Will Help You Save
Don’t have $5,000 to spend on a 71-inch vintage Camino two-tier chandelier, or $4,400 for a T-brace rectangular extension dining table?
Such mind-bending prices may make you think you have no business stepping foot inside a Restoration Hardware store. But if you know a few hacks and tips, you won’t need to pay full price for anything at the store. Ever.
Here’s how to find rustic, designer Restoration Hardware pieces for a fraction of the cost.
6 Tips for Cutting Costs When Shopping at Restoration Hardware
1. Know the Sales Cycles
If you hold out until that salvaged wood and marble trestle dining table (asking price $4,800) goes on sale, you might wait forever.
Keep an eye out for coupon codes on sites like RetailMeNot.com.
You can even call your local store to ask about upcoming promotions. And be sure to sign up for Restoration Hardware’s email list to be notified of the next sale.
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). So 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.
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 $100, 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. Road Trip to 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.
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.
Sign up to get outlet-specific emails to be the first to know about special promotions.
6. Buy Used or Knockoffs, or DIY Your Own 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 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. Check out these tips for buying used furniture.
- 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.
- 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, and try making your own furniture.
Betsy Mikel is a contributor to The Penny Hoarder.
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