23 Affordable Home Essentials From Ross Dress For Less To Add To Your Arsenal

Ross Dress For Less is known for its inventory of name-brand clothing and accessories at prices lower than those of many other department stores. While bargain hunters may flock to the store for the latest fashion trends, you can't sleep on the retailer's home section, which is stacked with practical home essentials for everyday organization and decorating. When you're looking to stock your kitchen, organize your closets, or refresh your decor, Ross Dress For Less has a variety of affordable home goods, including planters, storage containers, and seasonal decor, that are worth buying.

Although budget-conscious shoppers often enjoy shopping at HomeGoods, Ross has actually been around longer, having opened in 1982. They also tout that they are the largest off-price retail chain, and have over 2,000 stores throughout the United States, as well as the U.S. territories of Guam and Puerto Rico. Before shopping, you should compare prices online, check return policies, and look for red clearance tags when available.  Savvy shoppers have said that some of the best finds are often out on Tuesday morning after merchandise shipments arrive on Monday. No matter when you shop, inventory does vary by store. Often, bargain-hunting shoppers share their finds on social media, especially TikTok. This can send others running to their own stores to pick it up, so if you see something you love, grab it. 

The company also shares "Found in Store" posts on its official website, aggregating finds shoppers have made, so this can also inspire your hunt. Whether you're going to just browse or have a blank wall to decorate or a room to completely make over, check out these top product categories you can find at Ross.

Planters

Planters are one of the most consistent home finds at Ross Dress for Less, especially ceramic and textured styles that mimic higher-end garden center designs. When spring is around the corner, and you're looking for fresh finds for your indoor plants, Ross can be a good stop. Past planter designs at the retailer have included whimsical animal shapes such as swans and ducks. The planters often come in various sizes, with options for both floor and shelf placement. Whatever you buy, be sure to look for drainage holes unless you're using it with faux plants.

Blankets and textiles

Throw blankets, quilt sets, and seasonal textiles often feature neutral tones and soft fabrics at Ross Dress for Less. They range in style, from Boho chic to more edgy designs. Ed Hardy options have even been available in the past. When buying blankets or other textiles, read the care labels carefully to see whether they need to be dry-cleaned or can be washed at home.

Storage containers

If storage is on your mind, the Ross Dress for Less home aisle offers excellent options. Plastic bins, woven baskets, and acrylic organizers are common finds here, as are drawer organizers. Be sure to compare sizing and sturdiness to make sure they are suitable for your organizing needs. Many storage containers you find at Ross can be identical to big-box versions at a lower price. When it comes to these containers, it's hard to beat Ross for sturdy, stylish pieces.

Seasonal decor

From spring florals to holiday tabletop pieces, seasonal decor at Ross rotates quickly. Each time Halloween, Christmas, Easter, or Valentine's Day is just around the corner, the shelves of Ross offer decorating options. Merchandise such as wall hangings, doormats, and wreaths can help you dress your home for the holidays. It's best to shop early in the season for the best selection, especially since social media users share their finds, causing people to go on the hunt. When the season winds down, look for markdown tags so you can grab some items to use next year.

Dishes and drinkware

At Ross, you'll often find stoneware sets, glass tumblers, and name-brand mugs mixed in with open stock pieces. You might find kitschy plates or glasses, but Ross Dress for Less can be a solid pick for dishware staples, too, which is great if you're setting up a new apartment on a limited budget. When purchasing dishes and drinkware, check for chips and uneven glazing. Some decorative mugs may be hand-wash only, so look for those warnings as well.

Decorative pillows

Accent pillows in textured fabrics, embroidered styles, and seasonal prints are frequent finds at Ross Dress for Less. Sometimes you'll find limited-time sales, such as Ross' annual 49-cent markdown, which has included pillows in the past. Pillow sizes can vary, from small options for the couch to large 24-inch-by-24-inch options. It can also be a destination for trendy, girly pillows with clever sayings or compelling shapes, such as red lips, or anything that matches your everything-pink aesthetic. Inspect seams and zippers to make sure inserts are removable if needed.

Vases

Ceramic, glass, and sculptural vases regularly appear at Ross Dress for Less in a range of heights and finishes. Neutral pieces tend to move quickly, so inventory varies by location. You can find a range of textures, from sleek industrial styles to more mottled stucco vibes. Look carefully for any cracks or chips in the finish to ensure they don't leak if you fill with water and add florals.

Candles

If you love the warm, calming scent of a candle but don't want to break your budget, shopping at discount retailers like Ross is a good choice. Ross carries jar candles, sculptural candles, and name-brand options at reduced prices. You may find hand-poured, wood-wick candles comparable to those at Bath & Body Works for significantly less. The scents available may change by the season, so stock up if you find a favorite, or it might not be there next time.

Wall art and mirrors

Ross stocks framed prints, canvas art, and decorative mirrors in multiple sizes. Wall art can range from subtle, muted designs to bold, on-trend designs. Styles are diverse, with glittery accents to large pieces that help you make a statement.  Mirrors are an excellent way to add more light to your home, and the retailer often has many options. Before buying any art or mirrors, inspect the frames for corner damage and confirm they have hanging hardware.

Wreaths

Decorative wreaths are an underrated find in the home section. Inventory rotates quickly, but that's part of the treasure hunt. When spring is on the horizon, don't be surprised to see floral-ringed wreaths that can liven your exterior with natural accents. You may also find versatile faux greenery styles that work year-round, whether you want to brighten up a patio, porch, or interior space. When buying any decorative wreath from Ross Dress for Less, look for fullness and secure attachments, making sure pieces won't fall off before you get home.

Rugs

Rugs are one of the easiest ways to change the look of a room without replacing furniture. In the Ross Dress for Less home section, you'll typically find a rotating mix of area rugs, runners, kitchen mats, and smaller accent pieces in a range of textures and patterns. They carry large enough rugs to cover an entire room. Jute and other natural patterns are often available, as well as multi-colored options. Don't forget to check the backing material and fiber content to determine durability.

Kitchen goods

Utensils, cutting boards, bakeware, and miscellaneous small kitchen essentials are consistently stocked in the home section. If you're outfitting a kitchen from scratch — or just replacing worn-out utensils — it's worth taking a few minutes to look through this aisle. At Ross, you'll typically see just about every basic tool imaginable: peelers, measuring spoons, ice cube trays, spatulas, serving spoons, tongs, cheese graters, can openers, and even chopsticks. It's the kind of aisle where you can fill small gaps in your kitchen without committing to a full cookware set. Go for stainless steel or silicone options, if possible, over cheap plastic.

Cleaning products

It may be surprising, but Ross Dress for Less carries cleaning supplies in the home section. The retailer offers a revolving selection of household cleaners at steep discounts, including bathroom cleaners, multi-surface sprays, and sponges and cloths. If you're eco-conscious and prefer cleaners without harsh chemicals, the store sometimes stocks green cleaning supplies as well. You can also find specialty cleaning options, such as stainless steel wipes. 

Food containers

Ross offers a large variety of food storage containers at budget-friendly prices. If you are big on meal prep, the store makes it easy with a large selection of meal prep containers for your home, school, or office. They often stock BPA-free containers, including glass and stainless steel, so you can make healthier storage choices for snacks or cooked meals.

Bathroom accessories

The fact that Ross frequently carries soap dispensers, shower curtains, trays, toothbrush holders, and small storage bins in neutral finishes makes it easy to set up a new bathroom style. Having a trash bin in the bathroom is a must, but big box retailers often charge over $50 even for a small bin. At Ross, you can pick up a bin sometimes for just $15. 

Garden and patio decor

Not all of the decor and home essentials at Ross Dress for Less are for your home's interior — they often have plenty for the outside as well. As the weather warms up, the outdoor section starts filling in with budget-friendly pieces for patios, balconies, and backyard spaces. A trip to the store can be an easy way to fill empty corners on patios or apartment balconies. Ross also carries plenty of functional items, like garden hoses, paving stones, and bistro chairs.

Window treatments

Window treatments are another category where the selection at Ross might surprise you. From bold statement panels to practical blackout curtains, the inventory is frequently rotated. For an even lighter feel, styles with sheer fabrics can add softness without blocking daylight. Window panels often vary in length and width, so be sure to measure your windows first. Also consider whether you want the panels to puddle, reach the floor, or just cover the glass.

Artificial flowers and faux plants

You can still have floral accents in your home, even with a "black" thumb, with faux flowers from Ross Dress for Less. Some options come with an attached planter, while others are simply a bouquet. The same applies to fake plants, as Ross can have synthetic ferns or topiaries. Quality of the plants can vary, with some looking more realistic than others, and you'll still need to clean your fake plants, as they can attract dust, but it's a quick way to add some green. Look carefully for the most realistic faux plants.

Picture frames

Whether you are creating a gallery wall or just need to frame a few snapshots of family, you can head to Ross Dress for Less to display them in style. In the picture frame aisle, you'll find both tabletop options and wall frames, as well as frames that hold multiple photos. Materials can vary, but don't be surprised to see frames with metal or wood accents.

Lighting and lamps

If you want to add light to your space, look no further than Ross. Solar lights for the outside, elegant floor lamps, and bright desk lamps are among the lamp offerings at many Ross Dress for Less stores. Pay attention to any wattage requirements, and check the cord for fraying. It's good to know that most lamps aren't sold with a bulb.

Comforters, quilts, and sheets

A mainstay of discount stores, bedding is abundant at Ross Dress for Less. From packaged sheet sets to comforters, the bedding aisle is stocked for cozy times. The store can often have cute seasonal sheets for various holidays, as well as licensed character options. Because the retailer gets overstock items, finding a size suitable for your bed may be difficult in a certain pattern or brand. Bed pillows that are made from memory foam or down feathers may also be available. 

Trays

A well-placed tray can help you organize any space and make good use of it with only a candle or a stack of books. Coffee table trays and trinket trays are among the options, sometimes retailing for $20 or less. Trendy tiered jewelry trays can also be found at Ross Dress for Less, as well as warm wood ones that can be used throughout the year and changed with accessories for the season.

Home office needs

The inventory might be more robust around the back-to-school time, but Ross Dress for Less may have everything you need to set up your home office. Desk organizers, mail/paper trays, pencil cups, and sometimes, even chairs, are available at the retailer. Bar carts you can use for a printer or a set of floating shelves can help add a bit of style and function to your space.

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