10 things designers always look for at Hobby Lobby

Hobby Lobby is packed with home décor, but designers know how to spot the pieces that actually elevate a space. They skip the trendy clutter and focus on timeless, versatile finds that work across styles and seasons.

Whether they’re staging a home or refreshing a client’s entryway, designers use Hobby Lobby to stretch their budget without losing that high-end look. If you know what to look for, you can shop the same way and make your home feel styled, not store-bought.

Framed art and large prints

Designers love Hobby Lobby’s framed art because it looks expensive but rarely costs more than $100 when on sale. They often buy neutral landscapes, abstracts, or black-and-white pieces that can move between rooms. The scale and framing quality give the illusion of a custom gallery wall without paying for one.

Even a single oversized print can make a space feel finished. Stick with pieces that have calming colors or soft contrast—they work better long-term and blend with almost any décor style.

Woven baskets and bins

Storage doesn’t have to look like storage, which is why designers head straight for the basket aisle. Hobby Lobby’s woven, rattan, and seagrass bins add texture while hiding clutter, making them useful in living rooms, pantries, and bathrooms alike.

Designers often grab matching sets for a clean, consistent look. The mix of natural tones and sturdy materials gives warmth to modern spaces and balance to brighter rooms. It’s a small detail that makes a home look lived-in but organized.

Table lamps and accent lighting

Good lighting can make even an average room feel high-end, and Hobby Lobby has plenty of stylish lamps that fit the bill. Designers often look for ceramic or metal bases in simple, timeless shapes paired with linen shades.

For under $100, you can find pieces that look straight out of a design catalog. A single lamp on a console or side table adds soft, layered light and instantly upgrades the feel of a room.

Mirrors with character

Designers know a well-placed mirror can do more for a space than almost any other accessory. Hobby Lobby carries arched, round, and wood-framed mirrors that mimic higher-end versions for a fraction of the cost.

They’re often used to brighten darker rooms, expand small spaces, or balance a feature wall. Choose a mirror that complements your lighting or hardware for a cohesive look that feels intentional and pulled together.

Decorative vases and greenery

Every designer uses vases and greenery to fill out a space. Hobby Lobby’s faux florals and stems have come a long way, with realistic eucalyptus, olive branches, and grasses that last for years. Pair them with ceramic or glass vases in neutral tones for that effortless designer look.

You can mix and match shapes and heights for visual interest, or keep it minimal with one statement arrangement. Either way, it’s an affordable way to make your home feel styled and fresh.

Curtain panels and rods

Designers often skip custom drapes and head to Hobby Lobby for affordable curtain panels that still look elevated. The linen-look fabrics and longer lengths make windows feel taller and rooms more polished.

They also pick up matching rods in metal or wood finishes that tie into the home’s other accents. Hanging panels high and wide creates that high-end illusion without paying for custom work.

Cabinet hardware and knobs

Hardware is one of those small upgrades that makes a big impact, and designers know Hobby Lobby’s hardware section is full of hidden treasures. You can find solid, stylish knobs and pulls in finishes like brushed brass, matte black, or aged bronze for around $5 each.

They often mix styles—round knobs on drawers, sleek bars on cabinets—to give furniture and built-ins a custom look. It’s an affordable trick that instantly modernizes older pieces.

Wall shelves and ledges

Designers love using Hobby Lobby’s wall shelves to display décor, small art, or plants. The store carries wood and metal styles that can blend into nearly any design, from farmhouse to modern.

Shelves give flat walls texture and function while letting you style without overcrowding. Grouping two or three together vertically can create a simple feature wall that looks high-end but costs well under $300 to complete.

Framed quotes and typography prints

While most designers avoid overly trendy sayings, they’ll grab clean, minimal typography prints that pair well with other artwork. Hobby Lobby’s framed quotes in black, white, or wood frames work best in entryways, hallways, or home offices.

They use them sparingly—often mixed with other prints or mirrors—to create balance and add personality. The key is choosing pieces that feel understated, not overdone, so they elevate rather than dominate the room.

Seasonal décor staples

Designers rarely buy themed holiday items, but they do grab neutral seasonal staples that can transition throughout the year. Think natural wreaths, textured garlands, or muted fall stems that work across seasons with a quick switch of accents.

These staples create continuity in a home instead of starting from scratch each season. Hobby Lobby’s constant sales make it easy to stock up on quality pieces that look timeless year after year.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.