10 Clever Ways to Save Money at Restoration Hardware

Shop designer furniture affordably with insider tips and money-saving strategies at Restoration Hardware.

By Medha deb
Created on

Restoration Hardware, affectionately known as RH, is renowned for its luxury home furnishings and designer pieces that can transform any living space into a showcase of sophisticated style. However, the brand’s premium pricing can be prohibitive for many shoppers. A hand-carved alabaster pendant light might cost $1,000, while a midcentury sheepskin chaise lounge could run $7,000 or more. But don’t let these sticker prices discourage you from shopping at Restoration Hardware. With the right strategies and insider knowledge, you can bring home stunning designer pieces while staying within your budget. Whether you’re a longtime RH enthusiast or a first-time shopper, these ten money-saving tips will help you stretch your dollars further.

1. Shop Sales and Seasonal Collections

Restoration Hardware has moved away from regular, predictable sales, making it essential to monitor the website continuously for promotional opportunities scattered throughout the year. One particularly valuable sales period to watch for is the end-of-season sale heading into fall, where items can be discounted up to 60% off the regular price.

In addition to major sales events, certain collections are positioned at more accessible price points. The Belvedere Teak Furniture Collection, for example, regularly starts at $1,145 but drops to $855 for members, while the Izar High-Low Wool Rugs are regularly priced at $635 and go on sale for $475 for members. By focusing your shopping on these specially priced collections, you can enjoy authentic RH design without stretching your budget.

To stay informed about upcoming sales, regularly check the Restoration Hardware website and consider calling your local gallery to inquire about future promotions. Store staff can provide insider information about upcoming sales that may not yet be publicly advertised online.

2. Leverage Coupon Codes and Online Resources

Before making any Restoration Hardware purchase, search for coupon codes on RetailMeNot.com and similar discount code websites. These sites aggregate promotional codes that can provide additional savings on top of already-discounted items. Many times, these codes are time-limited or apply only to specific product categories, so it’s worth spending a few minutes searching for codes before checking out.

3. Pool Orders and Split Shipping Costs

Shipping costs can significantly impact the total price of your Restoration Hardware purchase, especially for large furniture pieces. If you have a friend or family member who is also shopping at RH, consider combining your orders and shipping everything to a single address, then splitting the shipping cost between you. This strategy can result in substantial savings, particularly on multiple items.

Additionally, if you’re purchasing smaller items like bedding, consider returning items directly to a Restoration Hardware gallery rather than using mail shipping services. This can reduce costs and provide immediate resolution if you need to process an exchange.

4. Scroll Final Sales for Maximum Discounts

Restoration Hardware’s final sales section is where you’ll find some of the deepest discounts available on the platform. Final sales items feature limited deals with discounts reaching up to 70% off regular pricing, and members receive an additional 20% off on top of that marked-down price. This means a member can potentially save nearly 80% on select items.

To access final sale items, hover over any of the nine main categories on the Restoration Hardware website—living, dining, bed, bath, lighting, and others—and click the “Sale” option. Browse through the available discounted items to find treasures. If you’re considering whether to invest in a Restoration Hardware membership, the final sale member prices might be the deciding factor. For instance, a stylish French Contemporary Open Nightstand you’ve been eyeing could be $300 less than the regular price when you’re a member.

5. Shop at Restoration Hardware Outlet Stores

Restoration Hardware operates outlet stores across the United States and Canada where the company sends all damaged or clearance inventory. The definition of “damaged” is quite liberal at RH outlets—it can mean anything from a missing tag to a microscopic cushion tear or a small nick in the finish. These minor imperfections shouldn’t affect the functionality or overall appearance of your furniture, yet they allow RH to mark down prices significantly.

Keep in mind that Restoration Hardware outlet stores do not ship merchandise or place items on hold. You must visit in person, survey the available inventory, and complete your purchase on the spot. However, the RH credit card offers a compelling incentive: 9 months of no-interest financing on in-store purchases, which can help you afford a larger piece. Consult the state-by-state list on the Restoration Hardware website to locate the outlet nearest you.

6. Purchase Floor Models

Most furniture retailers discount floor models, and Restoration Hardware is no exception. Floor models can be found exclusively at outlet locations and are not sold in the main galleries. These pieces have been used as display samples on the showroom floor, but they’re typically still in good condition.

Purchasing a floor model can yield substantial savings compared to buying new. While a floor model might not have the perfect finish of a brand-new piece straight from the warehouse, the cost savings are typically worth the minor cosmetic differences. You might need to do a little furniture maintenance—such as using wood repair markers to touch up small scratches—but the investment in restoration will be far less than the discount you receive on the purchase price.

7. Sign Up for Email Notifications

Joining Restoration Hardware’s email list is one of the simplest ways to stay informed about upcoming sales and exclusive promotions. Subscribers receive advance notice of sales events, flash discounts, and special offers before the general public.

If you’re shopping for younger family members, also register separately for RH Baby & Child and RH Teen email lists. Each subdivision has its own promotional schedule and exclusive deals. By subscribing to all relevant email lists, you’ll be among the first to know about special promotions across all product categories.

8. Explore Pre-Owned and Alternative Options

Even with substantial discounts, many Restoration Hardware pieces remain expensive. Fortunately, you can achieve the RH aesthetic without paying full RH prices by exploring alternative options.

Shop secondhand marketplaces: Search Craigslist and Facebook groups where people who are moving or upgrading their furniture often offer deep discounts. The best deals typically appear toward the end of the month when people are eager to clear out their homes before relocating. For curated selections of gently used Restoration Hardware furniture, check platforms like Chairish and AptDeco, where you can browse verified sellers offering quality pieces at reduced prices.

Find knockoff alternatives: Big box retailers including Target, HomeGoods, and World Market offer furniture and decor that mirror RH’s aesthetic at a fraction of the cost. Join the Decor Lookalikes Facebook group, which features Restoration Hardware fans sharing comparable items they’ve found at other retailers.

Use RH as inspiration: Request an RH source book or browse the online catalog for design inspiration. Then use Google Images to search for less expensive knockoff versions of pieces you love. This approach allows you to capture the RH look without the RH price tag.

9. DIY Your Own Restoration Hardware Look

If you’re particularly crafty or handy, you can achieve that coveted distressed Restoration Hardware aesthetic through your own efforts. Restoration Hardware’s signature style—featuring reclaimed wood, vintage finishes, and rustic elements—is highly reproducible with some elbow grease and creativity.

Pinterest offers extensive inspiration, including a dedicated Restoration Hardware DIY board filled with project ideas. You can source unfinished or inexpensive furniture from thrift stores, online marketplaces, or even your own attic, then apply distressing techniques, refinish surfaces, and add hardware to create pieces that rival RH’s offerings. This approach requires time and effort but can result in truly personalized pieces at minimal cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is a Restoration Hardware membership worth the cost?

A: A membership can be worthwhile if you’re a frequent shopper, as members receive additional discounts on sales and final sale items. The extra 20% off final sales alone can result in significant savings on premium pieces.

Q: How often does Restoration Hardware have sales?

A: Sales are scattered throughout the year rather than following a regular schedule. The most predictable major sale is the end-of-season sale heading into fall. Monitor the website regularly or sign up for email notifications to catch sales as they occur.

Q: Can I return items purchased on final sale?

A: Final sale items typically cannot be returned, so carefully review your selections before purchasing. Make sure the item is in acceptable condition and matches your needs.

Q: Are outlet store items the same quality as gallery items?

A: Yes, outlet items are the same quality as gallery items. The difference is that they have minor cosmetic imperfections like missing tags or small surface marks that don’t affect functionality.

Q: Where can I find Restoration Hardware knockoff furniture?

A: Knockoff pieces can be found at Target, HomeGoods, World Market, and other home decor retailers. The Decor Lookalikes Facebook group helps consumers identify similar items at various price points.

Q: How can I get the deepest discounts at Restoration Hardware?

A: Combine multiple strategies: shop final sales, visit outlet stores, purchase floor models, use coupon codes, and take advantage of member discounts. The combination of these approaches yields the maximum savings.

References

  1. 10 Clever Ways to Save Money at Restoration Hardware — The Penny Hoarder. September 18, 2023. https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/save-money/save-money-restoration-hardware/
Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb