In my years as an interior design enthusiast and avowed shopper, I‘ve explored every nook and cranny of Restoration Hardware. Their brand ethos of melding architectural elements with vintage inspired details, premium materials and impeccable craftsmanship has amassed a cult-like following amongst design aficionados.
However, as most RH devotees discover, building out our dream living spaces with their product offerings comes at a literal and figurative cost – specifically prices ranging from eye-watering up to small fortune territory. This unpleasant reality has sent myself and fellow decor lovers on a quest to uncover quality alternatives that emulate the RH sophistication we covet at friendlier budget levels.
Overview Of Restoration Hardware & Top Alternatives
Founded in 1980 as a home restoration supplies shop in Sausalito, CA, Restoration Hardware rapidly grew over 30+ years into a globally recognized high-end furniture and lifestyle brand. They‘ve honed a distinct identity through signature elements across product collections:
Quality Craftsmanship & Materials: Utilizing natural stones, reclaimed woods, vintage textiles and handshake-sturdy joinery across furniture focusing on heirloom longevity
Minimalist Modernism: Clean lines, blocks of color and functional forms blending seamlessly across decor accessories through lighting fixtures and floor coverings
Rustic Refinement: Understated yet dramatic living spaces exuding sophistication – think exposed brick walls paired with Belgian linen upholstered furnishings and marble topped goods bringing elegance
It is this tricky to perfect alchemy of blending utilitarianism with grandeur that makes Restoration Hardware‘s merchandise so covetable yet prohibitively costly all at once. Just for comparison, here is an overview of average price differences you can expect between RH offerings next to top alternatives explored in this guide:
| Product | Restoration Hardware | Alternative Stores |
|---|---|---|
| Sofas | $3,000-$5,000 | $1,200-$3,500 |
| Coffee Tables | $1,000-$3,500 | $300-$1,500 |
| Dining Sets | $3,000-$10,000 | $500-$5,000 |
| Lighting Fixtures | $500-$5,000 | $100-$2,500 |
| Rugs | $2,000-$8,000 | $200-$5,000 |
| Backyard Furniture | $2,000-$10,000 | $500-$7,500 |
| Decor Accessories | $100-$5,000 | $25-$2,500 |
Now that we‘ve covered the RH landscape and price expectations, let‘s uncover some phenomenal alternatives I‘ve vetted to emulate their designs across various budgets…
Stores Offering Comparable Modern & Contemporary Furnishings
My own home is a shrine to mid century Scandinavian minimalism blended with punchy hits of color and texture. If your personal style leans in this direction, the following stores provide avenues to actualize the modern Restoration Hardware look for less.
West Elm
The reinvented traditionalism coming from West Elm over the past few years provides a strong overlap with Restoration Hardware‘s tailored yet casual essence. I particularly appreciate their commitment to global artisan collaborations like hand woven textiles from Andes weavers and reclaimed timber tables from Indonesian craftsmen.
A few specific items evoking my favorite RH collections include:
Orbital Chandelier – Fraternity Glass Orb Chandelier | Dimensions: 18"Dia x 17"H | Price: $299
Reminiscent of the Heath Orb Chandelier | Dimensions: 33"Dia x 18"H | Price: $1,895
Mid Century Leather Sofa – Mid-Century Leather Sofa – genuine top grain aniline dyed leather paired with a gently sloping silhouette and tapered legs offer a casual take on luxe. | Price: $2,399
Alternative to Richardson Leather Sofa – full grain aniline leather, kiln dried wood frame and pocket coil spring support | Price: $4,395
From living room seating to lighting fixtures, West Elm stretches your dollar on stylish contemporary statement pieces in that coveted RH vein.
Joybird
Another brand I discovered through interior designer friends, Joybird jumped out for their unique modern customization options across sofas and sectionals. By selecting modular sofa configurations then tailoring materials from performance textures like water resistant polyster to supple Italian leathers and color choices, you can emulate the bespoke Restoration Hardware look through their custom lines at more affordable pricing.
For example, the Lennox sofa featuring a sleek low profile silhouette with polished stainless steel legs provides seating comparable to RH’s offered at the following value contrasts:
Joybird Lennox Sofa
Price: $1,349-$3,698 based on size, fabric and configuration selections
RH Cloud Leather Sofa
Price: $5,095 for 86” length in white oak and buffalo hide
Whether you connect multiple Lennox sections for a curved silhouette or opt for contrasting fabrics on each piece, Joybird enables you to produce that one-of-a-kind Restoration Hardware aesthetic customized around your space and budget preferences.
Stores Capturing Rustic Refinement Vibes
On the opposite end of the style spectrum, Restoration Hardware equally excels at interiors evoking cozy eccentricity blending worn woods with curated vintage decor capped off by a luxurious money piece like an ornate glass chandelier or linen upholstered sofa. If this is more your speed, these home decor havens should be your first stop.
Anthropologie
In recent years, Anthropologie home has captured that storybook whimsy and charming imperfection vibe defining Restoration Hardware’s rustic collections. Their assortment of furniture, lighting and accents sourced from global artisans allows you to infuse character within pared back contemporary spaces.
Some of my favorite recent acquisitions channelling signature RH antique inspired designs include:
Recycled Glass Candleholders – Set of 3 Recycled Glass Candleholders | Small, Medium & Large Sized in Sea Glass Green | Price: $29
Comparable to Antique Glass Candelabras – Set of 2 | Dimensions: Large – 7.5" Dia x 26"H | Price: $429
Hand Crafted Jute Rug – Odele Jute & Wool Rug in natural ivory and grey palette mimicking antique birch flooring | Price: $498 for 8 x 10 dimension
Less costly option than Restoration Hardware’s Belgian Jute Shag Rugs | Price: $2,595 for 8 x 10 size
Beyond the visual comparisons at slashed price points, I genuinely appreciate how Anthropologie curates collections around socially conscious initiatives from sustainably sourced woods to recycled glassware supporting artisans. It allows me to emulate the RH vibe I love through products made ethically and affordably.
Birch Lane
If bold character isn’t your speed, Birch Lane provides more tailored renditions of antique farmhouse furniture echoing Restoration Hardware’s heritage home goods collections. Their dedication to natural unfinished woods paired with relaxed upholstered linens offers budget friendly options across categories like:
Log Storage Coffee Table – Pasley Log Storage Coffee Table – Natural pine wood pizza style base with cast metal hardware accents | Price: $526.99 with frequent 15% off promotions
Versus Restoration Hardware’s Stafford Salvaged Wood Coffee Table with metal base | Price: $1,995
Belgian Linen Upholstered Sofa – Wynbrook Slipcovered Sofa shown in convertible Belgian linen upholstery over plush padding | Price: $934.10 on sale from $1299
Offers casual relaxed alternative to Restoration Hardware’s Belgian Furniture collections | linen upholstered Rochester Sofa price: $3,845
I especially like infusing Birch Lane’s signature farmhouse style furnishings as accent furniture to provide an approachable lived-in feel complementary to contemporary statement pieces. The quality craftsmanship and on trend finishes they offer at nearly 60% reduced price points compared to Restoration Hardware supports flexibly mixing high/low decor.
Stores Aligned On Quality Materials & Craftsmanship
As devoted RH enthusiasts, we greatly appreciate their adherence to artisanal construction methods from sustainably sourced woods to natural stone table tops and leather upholstery. Luckily other brands recognize our discernment for durable, well made furniture and deliver comparable offerings.
Arhaus Furniture
Leading furnishings retailer Arhaus focuses on heritage craftsmanship working with local artisans to produce quality furniture designed to last generations. Beyond competitive pricing often 40-50% below Restoration Hardware, they provide exceptional service through their Design Crew offering free in-home design consultations.
Through personal experience working with their team to overhaul my living room, I secured well constructed furnishings I’m confident will stand the test of time and rambunctious kids including:
Bardolino Marble Top Coffee Table – Dimensions: 54" x 28" x 18.5"H | Materials: Solid Acacia Wood base and marble tabletop | Price: $999
Comparable to Restoration Hardware’s Hancock Marble Top Coffee Table: 20"Dia x 19"H | Materials: Iron base and white Carrara marble top | Price: $1,995
Down Fill Leather Sofa– Materials: Top grain leather seating with kiln dried frame and solid maple wood legs | Customizable configurations – Price: $3,999 for 86” width
Similar to style and quality as RH Maxwell Upholstered Sofa with aniline leather upholstery and hardwood frame | Price: $5,295
As someone who does their homework before making sizeable furniture investments, I can wholeheartedly vouch for Arhaus as an RH quality and aesthetic equivalent with friendly pricing. Between the in-home design guidance and enduring merchandise not much more you can ask for!
Lulu & Georgia
For those desiring luxury furniture touches on approachable budgets, Lulu & Georgia delivers sophistication and quality craftsmanship for nearly 60% less than Restoration Hardware price tags.
They utilize premium materials from solid wood frames to natural fiber upholstery textiles across sofas, dining furniture plus decor accent categories. As a serial furniture flipper addressing evolving style preferences, robust construction provides confidence my L&G pieces will sufficiently withstand repeat reupholstering and design refreshes.
Some standout investments in the 3+ years I’ve personally enjoyed include:
Carson Sideboard – Dimensions: 76”L x 18”D x 33”H | Materials: Acacia wood frame finished in charcoal with polished brass hardware | Price: $1,598
Comparable storage and style to Restoration Hardware’s French Casement Reclaimed Wood Buffet | Dimensions: 96′′L x 23′′D x 38′′H | Price: $3,595
Cane Back Dining Chairs – Set of 2Persiphony Dining Chairs showcasing a sculpted cane back design | Materials: Solid rubberwood frame and cane seatback| Price: $698
Emulates the style of RH’s Maurice Cane Back Dining Chairs at 60% of the investment | Price: $1,995 chair price
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Lulu and Georgia pieces feel like heirlooms in quality so I never hesitate to recommend them as a budget friendly Restoration Hardware substitute to style obsessed friends.
Specialty Furniture Categories
Beyondbroad home furnishings, Restoration Hardware captivates consumers through specialty categories like all weather exteriorfurnishings and lighting collections delivering drama impact. Luckily other merchants recognize our eye for standout statement pieces in these realms and deliver quality alternatives without draining ourdecor slush funds.
Serena and Lily Outdoor Living
California based lifestyle brand Serena and Lily channelsbreezy sophistication across interior and exterior living spaces. If RestorationHardware’s backyard furniture selection captured your attention, comparable quality and styles await atfriendly discounts through Serena and Lily.
Since first discovering them for a full backyard oasis overhaul, I’ve yet to be disappointed by the durability and ease of their weather resistant furnishingslike:
Riviera Chair – Materials: Durable all-weather resin wicker in white with UV and fade resistance | Price: $348
Comparable aesthetic for 60% less than the Restoration Hardware Montecito Wicker Wing Chair | Price: $895
Santorini Sofa – Materials: Hand wrapped weather resistant foam cushions with quick dry woven base | Generous proportions for lounging – Price: $2,195
Similarly designed as RH‘s Montecito Sofa | Hemp wrapped polyfoam seat cushions and tapered profile – Price: $3,495
I particularlyappreciate Serena and Lily’s coastal chic aesthetic echoing RH’s Sherman Oaks and California origins through their iconic giant rattan bubble chairswest coast designers covet. Their furnishings perform wonderfully in salty sea air climates and feel luxurious while supporting easy wipe downs post pool days with kids.
Rejuvenation Lighting
When it comes todramatic and well crafted lighting I firmly rank Rejuvenation among my top picks for alternatives to Restoration Hardware beloved collections. They offer over 50standout fixture styles beyond thousands of vintage inspired table and floor lamps echoing core RH aesthetics.
Some recentshow stopping acquisitions including:
Axis Pendant Chandelier – Dimensions: 20′′D x 20′′H | Materials: Solid steel frame in black finish with tubular arms suspending modern filament bulbs | Price: $599
Mimics the Rotunda Pendant Chandelier silhouette I love from RH at 65% off – Price: $1,695
Vintage Marble & Brass Floor Lamp – Dimensions: 16′′D base x 63′′H | Materials: Carrera marble and antique brass finish tower base with linen bell shade | Price: $599
Comparable to quality, style and size of RH estate floor lamps at 60% savings – example: 64′′H Longwy Floor Lamp | Price: $1,595
The breadthof aesthetic variety across chandeliers, sconces and lamp options provides easy pathways to nail the restoration hardware lightinglook I covet for a range of budgets. They also masterfully blend modern and traditional material mixes so fixtures feel one of a kind. When it comes to illuminating my home with drama and elegance, Rejuvenation always delivers.
Evaluating Furniture Quality & Durability
With so many stores serving up aesthetically pleasing furnishings at tempting price points, discerning durable construction and longevity can prove tricky. Here are mytop insider tips I reference before swiping my credit card on big ticket decor scores:
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Joint Construction – examine how wood frames are joined – mortise and tenon joint, dovetail joinery and reinforced corner blocks affirm enduring strength able to withstand years of use
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Hardware – beyond joining methods, quality hardware including corner braces, screws/bolts and metal accents like hang rails should show no signs of defects or weaknesses through rubbed edges or inconsistent finishes
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Upholstery – fabric and leather hides should have tightly woven fibers without snagging or pulls. Stuffings like down feathers or high density foam provide longevity versus lower cost polyfills compressing quickly
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Natural Materials – solid wood table tops and stone surfaces signal higher quality investment pieces versus laminates which scratch and bubble over shorter time spans
While saving on big furniture purchases is undoubtedly alluring, taking a fewquick minutes to inspect key traits around build integrity steers you towards gems able to withstand everyday use plus style refreshes every 5-10 years. Trust me,as an avowed furniture flipper no one wants to prematurely replace deteriorating cornerstones of our thoughtfully designed living spaces.
Hopefully these insider alternative store suggestions help capture your dreamRestoration Hardware vibes at just the right budget threshold. I’m happy to chat more specifics around quality comparisons and personal recommendations – just DM me @Budget_Design_Guru.
