I have been doing some CoMmErCe writing for [unnamed celebrity magazine] and as a result, Amazon and I have entered a new level of intimacy that goes beyond purchases relating to baby poo. For the most part, Amazon, as a furniture and decor marketplace, is a wasteland of faux leather club chairs with Cheesecake Factory waiting area vibes, plastic storage dressers for people who have given up, anonymous black sofas, and patio sets for retirement homes. I have also learned that Amazon “brand names” are all preposterous: Furniwell, Furologee, Sweetcrispy, Tribesigns, Gizoon.
Yet. Yet. There is some stuff that isn’t terrible. With my definition of “not terrible” being either a) something I’d be pretty stoked about if I was in my twenties and unable to spend a lot on decor, or b) a non-essential piece I’d actually buy with no regrets but with no hope for its longevity.
I’ve broken up this shopping guide into four categories: lighting, kitchen/dining, decor, and furniture.
This will probably be the last big-box shopping guide for a while (but if you are looking for more shopping content, please see my guide to Wayfair/Walmart/Home Depot or @FOR SCALE’s guest post). Coming up in the next few weeks on Schmatta: more Good Schmutz, divorce design, an architectural guide to everyone’s favorite kids’ show, an interview with someone I think is very cool, and more exclusive house tours. Yippee!
Tassel Lamp, $75
Pleated Wall Sconces, $50
Pleated Table Lamp, $39
Floral Table Lamp, $39
Metal 3-Tier Pendant, $109
Egg Tart Lamp, $44
Smoky Globe Bulb Lamp, $110
Rice Paper Lamp, $75
Blue/Wood Paper Towel Holder, $9.50
Kinto Amber Mug, $24
Quilt-Inspired Rug, $108
Marimekko Glass Pitcher, $89 (I know this is a pitcher, but clearly this is better as a vase)
Babyletto Dresser, $800
Bean Bag Chair, $73
Cane Top Bench, $113
Red Metal Bookshelf, $70
Scalloped Edge Wood Desk, $500
Wood Snake Table, $211
If you have ever scored something cool from Amazon, please let us know in the comments!
Schmatta is written by Leonora Epstein, a former shelter pub editor-in-chief. Follow at @_leonoraepstein and/or @schmattamag. For consulting and collab requests, please visit my website.
Okay I clicked on five of these straight away - great picks!!
*picks up jaw from the floor*
These are so good!