Bathroom Essentials You Should Skip At HomeGoods, According To Interior Designers
When it comes to sprucing up your bathroom, HomeGoods can feel like a treasure trove of possibilities. Those colorful aisles packed with towels, shower curtains, and quirky soap dispensers make it tempting to fill your cart to the brim.
However, the truth is that not everything that catches your eye deserves a spot in your sacred self-care space. Let me share which items you should absolutely walk past during your next HomeGoods adventure.
1. Mass-Produced Wall Art
Have you ever noticed how certain bathroom-themed prints seem to appear in every single HomeGoods across America? Those generic ‘Wash Your Hands’ signs and mass-produced beach scenes lack personality and scream ‘I didn’t try very hard.’
HomeGoods wall art tends to follow tired trends rather than timeless design principles. Instead, consider supporting local artists or creating your own meaningful pieces that genuinely reflect your style.
The walls of your sanctuary deserve better than cookie-cutter decor that’s hanging in thousands of other bathrooms.
2. Plastic Shower Curtains
It’s tempting to grab those inexpensive plastic shower curtains with fun patterns. Unfortunately, they’re environmental nightmares that off-gas chemicals into your steamy bathroom environment.
These curtains develop that gross orangey mildew within weeks that no amount of scrubbing will fully remove. Nobody wants to start their morning facing a chemical-scented, mold-spotted barrier!
Skip these petroleum-based products entirely and opt for fabric options made from natural materials like cotton, hemp, or linen. They can be machine-washed regularly and will last for years.
3. Trendy Countertop Organizers
Where will that rose gold geometric toothbrush holder be in two years? Probably gathering dust in your donation pile. HomeGoods excels at stocking ultra-trendy bathroom organizers that look dated embarrassingly fast.
These items often prioritize looks over functionality, with awkward compartments that don’t fit standard products or materials that can’t withstand bathroom humidity. Rather than falling for that momentarily cute soap dispenser set, look for timeless designs with proper moisture resistance.
Classic materials like ceramic, glass, or quality wood will serve your bathroom needs without becoming eyesores when trends inevitably shift.
4. Scented Candles And Diffusers
If you’ve ever wondered why that discounted HomeGoods candle smells nothing like its promised ‘Ocean Breeze,’ there’s a reason. Many of their scented products contain synthetic fragrances that smell artificial at best and headache-inducing at worst.
The quality control on these items is notoriously inconsistent. You might get lucky with one batch, then find the next purchase barely emits any scent at all.
For your bathroom sanctuary, invest in quality aromatherapy products from specialized retailers that use natural essential oils. Your nose (and anyone who uses your bathroom) will thank you for skipping the chemical potpourri experience.
5. Over-The-Toilet Storage Units
How many wobbly, particle-board bathroom storage towers have I seen collapsing under the weight of a few towels? Far too many! HomeGoods typically stocks flimsy versions that can’t handle bathroom humidity.
These units often come with inadequate hardware and vague assembly instructions, resulting in storage that feels perpetually on the verge of collapse. Nothing ruins a relaxing bath faster than the fear of shelving crashing down!
If you genuinely need over-toilet storage, invest in properly constructed pieces made from moisture-resistant materials that won’t warp or buckle after a few steamy showers.
6. Novelty Shower Hooks
Those cute dolphin-shaped shower curtain hooks might seem like a fun bathroom accent, but they’re surprisingly problematic. The novelty designs often catch on curtains, making them difficult to slide smoothly when you’re trying to get in or out.
HomeGoods typically stocks lower-quality metal versions that rust or tarnish quickly in humid bathroom environments. Within months, those adorable sea creatures develop an unattractive orange-brown coating.
Stick with simple, high-quality stainless steel hooks that will maintain their functionality and appearance for years without becoming eyesores or curtain-destroyers.
7. Decorative Towels With Embellishments
Ever notice how those gorgeous beaded or tasseled towels at HomeGoods look fabulous on the shelf but perform terribly in real life? Decorative elements on towels are rarely practical for everyday use.
The embellishments catch on jewelry, snag easily, and often detach after a few washes, leaving behind loose threads or awkward gaps. Some decorative treatments even make towels less absorbent, defeating their primary purpose!
Instead, invest in high-quality plain towels with higher GSM (grams per square meter) ratings for luxurious absorption and durability. These will serve you far better than briefly pretty but functionally disappointing options.
8. Bathroom Furniture With Paper Veneer
That seemingly charming bathroom cabinet with the suspiciously low price tag? It’s likely covered in paper-thin veneer that will bubble and peel at the first hint of moisture.
HomeGoods often stocks bathroom furniture pieces that weren’t designed specifically for high-humidity environments. The construction materials simply can’t withstand the daily steam sessions your bathroom experiences.
For furniture that needs to live in your bathroom, seek out pieces made with solid wood, properly sealed surfaces, or marine-grade materials explicitly. They’re designed to handle moisture without warping, peeling, or developing that distinctive water-damaged look.
9. Acrylic Bathroom Accessories
Those crystal-clear acrylic soap dispensers and toothbrush holders look sleek initially but quickly become cloudy showcases for soap scum and water spots. HomeGoods tends to stock lower-quality acrylic that scratches easily during regular cleaning.
The material often yellows over time when exposed to certain bathroom products or sunlight. Who wants accessories that constantly look dirty despite your best cleaning efforts?
Opt instead for bathroom accessories made from glass, ceramic, or higher-grade materials that maintain their appearance with simple cleaning. Those that won’t become permanently stained or discolored within months of regular bathroom use.
10. Flimsy Bath Mats
Though they appear fluffy and inviting on the shelf, many HomeGoods bath mats deteriorate faster than ice cream on a hot sidewalk. The initial softness quickly gives way to matted fibers and sad, flattened piles after just a few washes.
Most budget-friendly options there use low-quality materials that won’t stand up to regular use and washing. Your feet deserve better treatment after a relaxing shower!
Invest in higher-quality bath mats from specialty retailers that maintain their plushness and absorb water effectively, rather than becoming soggy disappointments within weeks.
