6 secrets to shopping at West Elm only employees know

West Elm offers a hidden open-box outlet where customers can purchase returned items at significantly reduced prices, often 30 to 50 percent off. This provides an opportunity to acquire high-end furniture and decor on a budget. The outlet includes a wide range of products such as wall decor, lighting, area rugs, and sofas. It is important for shoppers to be aware that these items are open-box returns and are considered final sale. While many items are in good condition, some may have minor cosmetic damage like scratches, dents, or dings. West Elm typically provides labels and photos detailing any such issues, allowing customers to make informed decisions before purchasing. The article highlights several notable deals available in this secret outlet. For bedding, the European Flax Linen Ruffle Duvet Cover & Shams in Alabaster, originally priced at $259, is available for $182. This set offers a blend of simplicity and charm with its off-white color and ruffled trim, suitable for various bedroom aesthetics from modern cozy to cottagecore. For floor coverings, the Washable Striped Blocks Rug, reduced from $299 to $150, is presented as a versatile option for both children's and adult spaces. This 100-percent wool rug features a geometric pattern of light blue rectangles outlined in off-white. Its RWS certification indicates responsible sourcing, and a key feature is its machine-washable design, adding practicality to its style and comfort. Seating options include the Nassau Sofa, originally $2,199, now priced at $1,540. This contemporary sofa, measuring 86 inches long with a 38-inch seat depth, provides ample comfort. It is upholstered in a yarn-dyed linen weave in a soft blue and supported by chunky blonde wood legs. Its construction includes a sinuous spring suspension and a kiln-dried wood frame, ensuring durability. Another seating deal is the Viv Swivel Chair, half off at $300 from its original price of $599. Upholstered in a performance chenille fabric in warm sky blue, it features a channel-tufted back and a thick, fiber-wrapped foam seat that swivels completely. Its kiln-dried wood construction contributes to its structural integrity, making it suitable for reading nooks or additional living room seating. Further deals extend to other furniture and lighting. The Azalea Reversible Persian Rug is available for $350, down from $399. The Laughton 3-Light Chandelier, originally $399, is now $280. For console tables, the Calla Solid Wood Console is $490, reduced from $699. A bedroom essential, the Camille Grasscloth Nightstand, is priced at $348, down from $499. Larger seating options include the Harris 86” Multi Seat Sofa for $900, originally $1,499, and the Catalina Outdoor Sofa for $1,200, a significant reduction from $1,999. Lighting choices also feature the Swoop Arm Chandelier at $420, down from $599. Additional items highlighted include the Lara Floating Nightstand for $123 (originally $249), the Lucia Wing Chair for $649 (originally $929), the Fay Travertine Coffee Table for $360 (originally $599), and the Profile Small Storage Shelf for $174 (originally $249). The article encourages prospective buyers to explore these deals quickly due to limited stock, emphasizing the opportunity to acquire high-style items at reduced prices through West Elm's open-box outlet. #WestElm #OpenBox #FurnitureDeals #HomeDecor #AffordableFurniture #InteriorDesign #HomeShopping #DiscountFurniture

West Elm's Open Box Outlet Deals offer significant discounts on outdoor furniture and decor, enabling consumers to extend the use of their outdoor spaces into the fall season. These deals feature a variety of stylish and high-quality products that align with West Elm's brand reputation. The outlet's offerings include items such as lounge chaises, dining tables, dining benches, lanterns, and other outdoor seating options, all at reduced prices. One featured item is the Granada Outdoor Chaise Lounge, available for $600, reduced from $1,000. This chaise lounge is designed for relaxation, featuring a moisture-resistant solid wood frame and a stylish woven appearance. It offers three recline positions for adjustable comfort and is equipped with wheels for easy mobility, which is particularly useful for seasonal storage. The Portside Outdoor Dining Table, priced at $720 from an original $1,199, is another key offering. Constructed from moisture-resistant mahogany and eucalyptus wood, this table can accommodate six people and serves as a versatile base for various decorative tablescapes. Complementing the dining table, the Portside Outdoor Dining Bench is available for $300, down from $500. This individual bench is made from the same materials as the table and provides additional seating. While some assembly is required, a white glove service is available for full assembly. For atmospheric lighting, the Marti Mid-Century Glass & Wood Lanterns are offered at $71, a reduction from $119. These lanterns feature a glass vessel on a wooden stand, providing a neutral and stylish aesthetic suitable for enhancing outdoor ambiance. Other discounted items include the Vieste Outdoor Lounge Chair for $240 (originally $399), Sunbrella Solid Indoor/Outdoor Cast Pillows for $30 (originally $49), the Catalina Outdoor Sofa for $1,200 (originally $1,999), and the Porto Outdoor Swivel Dining Chair for $420 (originally $699). Further deals include the Premium Outdoor Patio Umbrella for $576 (originally $960), the Playa Outdoor Textilene Stacking Chaise Lounge (Set of 2) for $900 (originally $1,499), and the Pebble Indoor/Outdoor Oval Coffee Table for $239 (originally $399). It is important to note that products from West Elm’s Open Box Outlet Deals are items that have been opened and returned, making all purchases final sale. These products may not come in their original packaging and might exhibit moderate signs of use. These sales provide an opportunity to acquire designer outdoor pieces at lower price points, allowing for continued enjoyment and enhancement of outdoor living areas beyond the typical summer season. The selection covers a broad range of outdoor furnishing needs, from dining arrangements to relaxation seating and decorative accents. #WestElm #OutdoorFurniture #HomeDecor #SeasonalDeals #OutletShopping #PatioDesign #HomeImprovement #FurnitureSales

An interior designer shares her experience visiting a West Elm Outlet in Industry City, Brooklyn, for the first time. West Elm, known for its modern and high-quality home decor and furniture, is typically not associated with affordability. However, the outlet location offered steep discounts and a broad selection of items, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious shoppers and design enthusiasts alike. The designer found the outlet to be housed in a large warehouse, giving it an industrial aesthetic with tall doors. The shopping experience was described as a "treasure hunt" due to a mix of organized displays and boxes of random items, allowing for discovery of unique pieces. The designer immediately found a pillow insert for $9.97, significantly less than its usual retail price. Unable to find a suitable cover, she purchased a discounted curtain panel with the intention of sewing her own. The outlet also featured dinnerware sets with an additional 40% off their ticketed price. Sections dedicated to lighting displayed sculptural fixtures at a 70% discount, with a specific chandelier initially priced at $576 further reduced to $172 after an extra sale. The availability of all matching lamp pieces for these deals was noted as a potential challenge. The bedroom furniture section offered significant savings, with items receiving an additional 50% off the ticketed price. This included multiple aisles of nightstands and dressers, many of which appeared to be in perfect condition. The variety of designs, from drawers to doors, was highlighted, though some pieces had less practical design elements, such as a large piece with a tiny drawer. Kid-sized furniture was also available, as were numerous accent chairs for customers to test. A leather chair that the designer had been considering for months at a regular West Elm store was found at the outlet with an extra $200 discount due to a tear in the leather, suggesting that imperfections lead to further price reductions. The sofa section was well-stocked with various sectional and loveseat options, many of which had already been sold. Coffee tables were also heavily discounted, with several hundred dollars off the original price plus an additional 40% off. More popular styles were found with small blemishes, leading to significant discounts, such as an arched entry table with a 40% markdown. One of the most notable finds was a large ottoman, originally priced at $1,500, marked down to just $70, a price point the designer noted was comparable to or even better than discount retailers like Target. The designer concluded her visit feeling impressed by the selection and savings, expressing an intention to return, ideally with a larger vehicle to transport her purchases. #WestElm #OutletShopping #InteriorDesign #FurnitureDeals #HomeDecor #DiscountShopping #Brooklyn #RetailReview

An interior designer shares a curated list of ten items from West Elm that combine style and functionality to enhance any living space. The selection highlights key pieces that can elevate a home's aesthetic, ranging from distinctive lighting options to versatile furniture and decor. Two table lamps, the Fiona and the Cleo, are featured for their ability to set a mood and add artistic flair. The Fiona lamp, with its sculptural ceramic base and linen shade, is noted for its modern classic appeal and suitability for bedrooms or living rooms. The Cleo lamp, characterized by its sleek base and frosted-glass cylinder, offers warmth and glamour, making it ideal for bedside tables or entryway consoles. The article then moves into furniture, spotlighting a carved-pattern nightstand for its intricate wood detailing and stylish storage capabilities, emphasizing its role as a focal point in a bedroom. For larger spaces, the Cirrus pendant is recommended as a statement lighting piece, with its layered, frosted-glass disks providing an ambient glow, perfect for high ceilings or dining areas. Decor elements include linen-fringe pillow covers, praised for their ability to easily update a space with softness, texture, and an earthy feel. A floating-disks side table is presented as a functional art piece, its modern silhouette and stacked disks making it a versatile addition for displaying decor or holding everyday items. The Marcus Samuelsson dining table, a collaborative design, is highlighted as an entertainer's dream, featuring a bold wood grain, clean lines, and unique curved legs that can seat up to eight people, serving as a focal point for both formal and casual gatherings. The Benson chair, particularly in its leather finish, is described as a timeless investment due to its sophisticated silhouette and clean, curved lines, making it an ideal accent chair for living rooms or home offices. For ultimate comfort, the Laurent sectional, a two-piece wedge chaise, is celebrated for its modern luxury, sleek rounded silhouette, neutral color, and plush, deep cushions. Finally, the Gumdrop swivel ottoman is recognized for its playful and functional design, offering extra seating, a footrest, or even a coffee table in smaller spaces. Overall, the selection demonstrates how West Elm's offerings can cater to various design needs, providing high-quality, chic pieces that contribute to a well-designed and comfortable home. #InteriorDesign #WestElm #HomeDecor #Furniture #Lighting #AccentPieces #SectionalSofa #DiningTable #PillowCovers

An interior designer shares insights into their top picks from West Elm, emphasizing the store's focus on sustainable and unique pieces for modern homes. The article highlights that with increasing housing prices, furniture budgets are becoming tighter, making thoughtful investment in quality items crucial. The designer recently visited West Elm and identified several high-quality furniture and decor items that offer both aesthetic appeal and practical value. Pillows are identified as essential accessories that can significantly enhance a room's comfort and perceived value. West Elm offers a diverse range of pillows with various textures and patterns. The designer advises checking the quality of both the pillow cover and insert, preferring down-feather inserts for shape retention and covers with zippers or buttons for ease of cleaning and versatility. Current preferences include velvet and embroidered pillows for adding sophistication. Greenery is another key element for brightening and refreshing a space at a low cost. To maximize the impact of plants, the designer recommends investing in quality planters. West Elm provides a selection of planters in ceramic, concrete, and metallic finishes, suitable for various interior styles. Large planters are suggested for showcasing plants like fiddle-leaf figs or olive trees, transforming them into focal points. The store's coffee table collection is praised for its statement pieces that are both stylish and functional. West Elm features modern coffee tables made from natural materials. A specific mention is made of the Monti coffee table, noted for its visually interesting shape and neutral color, making it adaptable to almost any room. Bedding at West Elm is also highly recommended for its comfort, chic design, and versatility. The neutral color palettes, including muted tones of black, white, gray, brown, and tan, facilitate easy mixing and matching. The availability of duvet covers with subtle textured patterns adds dimension and uniqueness to bedroom decor. West Elm's extensive lamp collection offers diverse options for creating ideal ambiance. Table lamps are particularly favored for living rooms and bedrooms due to their ability to provide a perfect glow. The collection includes various sizes, from large lamps to smaller lights, contributing to a cozy atmosphere. The Dunham dining chair is highlighted for its elegant design, combining a solid-wood frame with leather and woven-fabric details, making it a versatile piece suitable not only for dining areas but also as an office chair, in a breakfast nook, or a bedroom corner. The Laurent two-piece bumper sofa is recognized for its modern, stylish, and comfortable design, with customization options available in various fabrics like linen, twill, tweed, and velvet. For storage, the Hargrove six-drawer dresser is noted for its quality construction, solid wood stain and finish, and black hardware detailing, making it a sophisticated addition to any bedroom. The Nils chair-and-ottoman set is presented as a standout accent piece that can anchor a room without overpowering it, combining comfort with a midcentury modern aesthetic. Finally, West Elm's rug assortment is described as spectacular, offering high-quality options with soft patterns, natural fibers, and varied textures. The selection includes wool varieties, performance rugs, and washable options, with the chess weave wool-and-jute rug and the Corboda rug specifically recommended for their statement-making potential. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #WestElm #Furniture #HomeAccessories #DecorTips #ModernHome #SustainableDesign #QualityFurniture

The demand for luxury walk-in pantries has significantly increased among homeowners, evolving beyond simple dry goods storage to function as secondary kitchens or dedicated prep areas. This trend has intensified since the COVID-19 pandemic, as extended time spent at home highlighted the importance of home cooking and increased food storage needs. Kitchen designers note that while aesthetically pleasing pantries, often seen on social media, have gained popularity, the true emerging trend is the "prep kitchen" or "mess kitchen" concept. Heather Hungeling, an Atlanta-based kitchen designer, observes that mainstream consumers are now recognizing the convenience of prep kitchens. She points out the irony in this development, given the long-standing trend of open floor plans and increased window space in kitchens, which often led to a reduction in accessible storage. The prep kitchen serves as a solution, allowing main kitchens to maintain an open, luxurious aesthetic while providing a hidden, functional workspace for daily tasks like coffee preparation, snack assembly, and appliance storage. This separation helps keep the main kitchen tidy and presentable at all times. Sarah Robertson, principal of Studio Dearborn, supports this view, highlighting the popularity of pantries that offer more than just storage, such as coffee bars, home bars, or secondary prep/cooking zones. She emphasizes that these spaces enable the main kitchen to be designed as a refined living area. Robertson's designs often incorporate highly customized features, such as a pantry with 11-foot ceilings requiring a wraparound ladder system, a cold brew coffee tap fed from the basement, and dedicated zones for children's snacks and art supplies. These personalized solutions cater to specific client needs, emphasizing luxury as tailored design that brings order to daily life. Pantries also serve diverse functions, as demonstrated by other design projects. PB Kitchen Design and Haven Design Group created a home bar in a narrow hallway of a historic home, using mirrored doors to enhance light and perceived space. This bar, featuring black custom cabinetry, a sink, and open shelving, became a focal point for the homeowners. Peter Deane designed two distinct pantries for clients who entertain: a butler's pantry for food staples and kitchen overflow, and an elegant dining pantry for fine china and accessories, located adjacent to the dining room. Valerie Corsaro and Alyson O’Hanlon showcased a glamorous butler’s pantry in the Clive Christian Furniture New Jersey showroom. This space featured high-gloss black cabinetry, deco-inspired glass mosaic tile, and a light marble countertop, complete with a self-service bar, concealed refrigeration, freezer drawers with an ice maker, and ample storage for entertaining essentials. Historically, butler’s pantries were secure rooms for storing valuables in large estates and later evolved into transitional spaces between kitchens and dining rooms, often equipped with display cabinets and a bar sink. Today, they frequently feature coffee stations or bar areas. Jere Bowden, an Auburn, AL designer, creates highly efficient and elegant butler’s pantries that rival main kitchens in their design and functionality. Her designs incorporate specialized storage for appliances, flatware, and cooking equipment, along with features like extra-deep countertops for serving. Bowden notes the historical concept of "clean" and "dirty" kitchens, with modern prep kitchens serving as the "dirty" workspace, equipped with numerous outlets for small appliances and chef's bar carts. These allow for extensive meal preparation and plating activities to occur out of sight from the primary kitchen. Sarah Barnard, principal of Sarah Barnard Design, emphasizes the wellness connection in pantry design, noting that a well-organized pantry fosters a sense of order and abundance. She highlights benefits like improved cooking efficiency, reduced sound from appliances, and enhanced pleasure in daily routines. Barnard’s work for Pacific Palisades homeowners showcases this, with a pantry area dedicated to food storage, small appliances, and refrigeration, keeping these elements separate from the main kitchen to allow for more social interaction in the primary space. Designers like Bowden encourage incorporating innovations such as concealed LED lighting, advanced accessories, and engineered hinges to maximize functionality and aesthetic appeal in these evolving pantry spaces. The resurgence of walk-in pantries reflects a broader shift towards optimizing home spaces for both practicality and luxury, addressing contemporary lifestyle needs. #LuxuryPantries #PrepKitchens #KitchenDesign #HomeStorage #InteriorDesignTrends #PostPandemicLiving #ButlerPantries #HomeRenovation #KitchenEfficiency