How to Search Amazon to Find Affordable Alternatives to Expensive Name-Brands

September 27, 2024 by Kyle James
Updated: April 18, 2025

If you love Wayfair, Anthropologie, or Pottery Barn look, but your bank account’s not feeling it, just punch the “brand name” into Amazon. Seriously — you’ll find a bunch of stuff that looks almost exactly the same for way less. It’s not gonna say “Anthropologie” on the tag or whatever, but who cares? It looks good and it’s cheap. Furniture, pillows, whatever — it’s all there if you’re willing to scroll a little. Save your money for literally anything else.

Use Amazon to Find Affordable Alternatives to Name-Brand Items

Why This Works

A lotta sellers on Amazon straight-up make stuff that looks just like the fancy brands — they just skip the crazy price tag.

When you type in “Wayfair” or “Anthropologie” or “Pottery Barn,” you’re basically telling Amazon, “show me the knockoffs” and it listens.

You’ll find a ton of stuff that’s the same style, same vibe, but way cheaper.

It’s not gonna have the fancy label, but honestly, who’s checking? Save the cash and still get the look.

5 Tips for Success

1. Be Broad in Your Search

Start by just typing the store name you’re obsessed with — like “Wayfair” or “Pottery Barn” — into Amazon’s search bar.

Then get a little more specific, like throw in “sofa” “rug” or “lamp” whatever you’re actually looking for.

So if you search “Anthropologie mirror”, Amazon’s gonna pull up the real deal and a ton of cheaper lookalikes — and honestly, even the real ones are usually cheaper than buying straight from Anthro.

It’s stupid easy once you know how to dig.

See Also: Amazon Shopping Secrets: How to Tell a Real Deal from Hype

2. Use Filters

Once you pull up the search results, don’t just start clicking random stuff — use the filters.

Sort by price, check the reviews, pick materials if you’re picky about that kinda thing.

And definitely hit the “Free Shipping” or “Prime” button so you’re not getting wrecked on delivery costs or waiting three months for a rug to show up.

Takes like two seconds and saves you a ton of time (and money) in the long run.

3. Check Seller Ratings and Reviews

Many third-party sellers will use popular brand names to attract attention, but you’ll want to make sure their products hold up.

Always check the ratings, read reviews, and look for verified purchases to gauge quality before buying.

PRO TIP: USE AMAZON’S “CUSTOMERS ALSO BOUGHT” AND “SPONSORED PRODUCTS”

When you click on a product, scroll down to the “Customers Also Bought” section or check out the “Sponsored Products” listings.

These recommendations often lead to even more affordable alternatives inspired by top brands. With the right filters and a little browsing, you’ll be able to style your home for less without compromising on design.

4. Consider ‘Amazon Brands’

Amazon has several in-house brands, like Rivet and Stone & Beam, that offer trendy, well-designed home furnishings.

These brands are often less expensive but still provide a chic, high-end feel similar to Wayfair or Pottery Barn.

See Also: 21 Clever Tips For Savings at Wayfair

5. Compare Before You Buy

Before you pull the trigger on Amazon, it’s smart to hop over to the original brand’s website and check what they’re charging.

Sometimes the Amazon deal isn’t that much cheaper, and it’s not worth it to go off-brand just to save a few bucks.

But most of the time? You’ll see a massive price gap for stuff that basically looks identical.

Do a quick check — it can save you from overpaying or settling for something when you didn’t have to.

Popular Name Brands to Try on Amazon

Here’s a handy list of 14 name brands you can start searching for on Amazon to find stylish, budget-friendly alternatives:

1. Anthropologie Home

Anthropologie Home on Amazon

Famous for its boho-chic vibe, searching “Anthropologie bedding” or “Anthropologie wall art” can reveal similar whimsical and artistic pieces on Amazon.

2. West Elm

West Elm Nightstands on Amazon

Known for its mid-century modern pieces, search for “West Elm dining table” or “West Elm lighting” to find sleek, minimalist alternatives.

PRO TIP: WEST ELM OUTLET IS A GREAT ALTERNATIVE

If you prefer West Elm products over what you can find on Amazon, ALWAYS check out their Open Box Outlet Deals first.

It’s a little known section of their website where you can finds savings up to 75% on furniture, rugs, window coverings, kitchen products. These are all items that have been opened and returned but are still in “like new” condition.

See Also: Fool Your Kids With the Best Fast Food Dupes

3. CB2

A favorite for chic, modern décor and furnishings, try searching “CB2 bar stools” or “CB2 side table” to discover affordable look-alikes.

4. Wayfair

Wayfair on Amazon

Known for affordable modern and farmhouse-style furniture, searching for “Wayfair bed frame” or “Wayfair dining table” can yield plenty of affordable options.

5. Restoration Hardware

For luxury, industrial, and vintage-inspired items, search “Restoration Hardware chandelier” or “Restoration Hardware sofa” for similar designs at lower prices.

6. Crate & Barrel

Crate & Barrel is known for clean, modern lines and high-quality pieces.

Search “Crate & Barrel dining chairs” or “Crate & Barrel sofa” to find comparable items.

7. Jonathan Adler

With its bold and artistic designs, a search for “Jonathan Adler vase” or “Jonathan Adler furniture” can lead you to fun, colorful pieces with a designer feel.

8. Serena & Lily

For coastal and casual chic vibes, searching “Serena & Lily bed frame” or “Serena & Lily rug” on Amazon will pull up similar beachy, relaxed styles.

9. Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn on Amazon

For timeless, classic home furnishings, search “Pottery Barn sofa” or “Pottery Barn throw pillows” to find Amazon alternatives that offer similar textures and designs.

10. Herman Miller

Known for its ergonomic and iconic furniture, especially office chairs, search “Herman Miller office chair” to discover affordable alternatives to its well-designed, functional pieces.

11. Article

Article couches on Amazon

Article offers modern, Scandinavian-inspired furniture.

Try searching “Article sofa” or “Article coffee table” to find sleek, minimalistic substitutes.

12. Joybird

Joybird specializes in customizable furniture with a vintage-modern twist.

Look for terms like “Joybird sectional” or “Joybird armchair” for similar pieces.

13. Urban Outfitters Home

Urban Outfitters Home on Amazon

For trendy, youthful home decor, search for “Urban Outfitters rug” or “Urban Outfitters wall art” to uncover affordable, trendy home accents.

14. Shein Clothing

Shein clothing is very popular “fast fashion” apparel that ships straight from China.

Start searching for “Shein tops” and “Shein outfits” on Amazon and find some very similar styles and NOT have to wait over a week for it to get to your front door like you would if you ordered directly from Shein.

See Also: Shein Review: Let’s Break Down the Good, Bad, & Ugly

Ask the Reader: What other brands should we be searching for on Amazon to get some budget friendly inspiration? Let me know in the comments.


By Kyle James

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