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

September 27, 2024 by Kyle James
Updated: September 27, 2024

If you love the aesthetic of brands like Wayfair, Anthropologie, or Pottery Barn but want to save money, Amazon can be a treasure trove of similar styles at lower prices. Here’s a simple strategy: by typing these brand names into the Amazon search bar, you can uncover affordable alternatives that match the look and feel of high-end items. This can be a great way to get the designer look for less, whether you’re shopping for furniture, décor, or home accessories.

Use Amazon to Find Affordable Alternatives to Name-Brand Items

Why This Works

Many sellers on Amazon create products inspired by popular styles from top-tier brands, but without the name-brand markup.

By using keywords like “Wayfair,” “Anthropologie,” or “Pottery Barn,” you’re telling Amazon’s search engine to prioritize listings that are either similar in design or tagged by sellers trying to capture that market.

As a result, you’ll often find products with comparable features, but at a fraction of the cost.

5 Tips for Success

1. Be Broad in Your Search

Start by typing the name of the store you’re inspired by, such as “Wayfair” or “Pottery Barn.”

Then get more specific by adding terms like “sofa,” “rug,” or “lamp.”

For example, a search for “Anthropologie mirror” will pull up BOTH name-brand and similar items and they’ll ALL be cheaper than Anthropologie.

2. Use Filters

Once you see results, use Amazon’s filters to narrow down the selection.

Sort by price, customer reviews, or even materials to find the best deals.

You can also filter for “Free Shipping” or “Prime-eligible” to ensure a faster and cheaper delivery.

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

Use the brand’s original website to compare prices and styles.

Sometimes, the savings might not be significant enough to justify going off-brand.

But more often than not, you’ll be able to spot significant price differences for similar designs.

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.

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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