Interior stylist Emily Maldonado told Business Insider that she regularly buys her designer blankets from TJ Maxx. Erin McDowell/Business Insider
TJ Maxx is one of the largest discount retailers in the United States, with more than 1,300 stores across the country.
One interior designer spoke to Business Insider about the items she always buys there.
She says it's a great place to get great deals on art, mirrors, trendy furniture and more.
Interior designers and professional decorators can also be proud Maxxistas.
Business Insider spoke with Emily Maldonado, owner of Styled Mi Casa, a full-service interior decorating and home styling company, about the home decor items she regularly buys from TJ Maxx for her clients and her home.
Maldonado, who worked in the mortgage, real estate and home flipping fields for 20 years, developed an interest in interiors and home styling about two and a half years after moving to Texas. She looks for many budget-friendly items to help create her “modern organic” interior style.
Here are six must-buy items at TJ Maxx, according to interior designers.
At TJ Maxx, look out for home décor accents that use natural materials like wood and metal.
“I try to incorporate wood elements to add warmth to every space I design,” Maldonado told Business Insider. “TJ Maxx is a great place to do that.”
There are usually different items that can add texture and coziness to any space, “whether it's a beautiful wood tone on a cutting board or a nice dish or pot, or even a little wooden bowl,” she says.
TJ Maxx is also the perfect place to find unique decor pieces from around the world to create an eclectic, “collected” feel in your home.
Indian ceramic vase from TJ Maxx. Erin McDowell/Business Insider
“You'll find pieces made from wood, iron, metal, and imported from India,” Maldonado said, “and those are the perfect pieces I always look for, especially at TJ Maxx.”
She said TJ Maxx “excels at importing global designs,” which create a modern, organic look that seems as if the products have been sourced and handpicked from around the world.
Kitchen and drawer organizers are also among Maldonado's favorite items to buy at TJ Maxx.
Kitchen organizer from TJ Maxx. Erin McDowell/Business Insider
“I love the selection of baskets and little containers to organize drawers and kitchen cupboards,” she says.
You can buy art pieces and mirrors at great prices.
Mirror from TJ Maxx. Erin McDowell/Business Insider
Whether you're looking to buy a full-length mirror or a large canvas print, Maldonado says TJ Maxx is one place where you might find a better deal than other retailers.
“You usually get a lot bigger than you would get at Target or Walmart for the same price,” she says.
Trendy furniture is often sold at deep discounts.
Small furniture selection at TJ Maxx. Daniel Bauter/Business Insider
Maldonado dismissed the notion that much of the furniture found at TJ Maxx is a “knockoff” of more expensive brands, saying he has instead seen pieces from luxury furniture brands like Four Hands at the store.
“I think nowadays people are starting to realise that these aren't fakes, they're the original products, just a lot more expensive,” she said.
“A few years ago I bought an outdoor chair from Marshalls. [which shares a parent company with TJ Maxx] Something that would cost $1,000 at other retailers was $299,” Maldonado continued.
You'll probably find higher quality branded blankets and pillows than you'll find at other discount retailers.
Throw blanket from TJ Maxx. Erin McDowell/Business Insider
“Target sells a 50-inch by 60-inch blanket for like $39.99, but that's just a Target blanket,” Maldonado said.
“But TJ Maxx has brands like Tahari and Tommy Hilfiger that have better quality fabrics and patterns, and they'll probably cost around $19.99 or $29.99,” she continued.
“If you're looking to splurge on a plaid blanket that you'll only use in the winter months, I recommend TJ Maxx and Marshalls because you'll save at least 30% and the brands are of high quality.”
