20 Wayfair furniture finds that look way more expensive than they are

CNN

01-04-2025

Wayfair furniture quick picks
Accent chair: George Oliver Midcentury Solid Wood Accent Chair
Statement coffee table: Ivy Bronx Fashion Texture Design Coffee Table
Couch for small spaces: Bay Isle Home Upholstered Love Seat With a wide array of items available at prices to suit all budgets, there's very little not to love about Wayfair's furniture and decor. Whether you're overhauling entire rooms or searching for the perfect piece to complete your home design, Wayfair makes it easy to find chic but affordable furnishings that exude upscale style.
From rich velvet upholstery to sleek marble finishes to elegant wood detailing, Wayfair's selection of furniture proves that high-end style doesn't always have to come with a hefty price tag. To give your home a luxury upgrade without the luxury cost, we asked interior designers for their favorite Wayfair finds that look way more expensive than they actually are. Plus, we gathered their best tips for shopping at Wayfair, so you can make sure the styles you love online look at home in your space.
Laurel Foundry Modern Farmhouse Solid Wood Chairs, Set of 2
Krista Veikos, the senior manager of omnichannel curated merchandising at Wayfair, recommends this set of chairs that has a simple yet timeless contemporary design. Made from solid rubberwood, the chairs are based on antique Windsor chairs. If black isn't to your liking, there are five other color options to choose from.
Bayou Breeze Gianni Counter Stool
Available in three equally stylish colors, this gorgeous solid wood counter stool isn't just easy to incorporate into most decor schemes; it's super practical too. 'This stool has such a casual, coastal vibe,' says Jodi Peterman, the founder of Elizabeth Erin Designs. 'The rattan back and arm detailing adds texture, and the wood frame makes it feel warm and inviting. These stools can easily work in a modern farmhouse or a more laid-back, beachy kitchen.'
Joss & Main Donner Cane-Back Banquet Dining Chair
Just because your space is limited doesn't mean your style should be. This modern upholstered chair has a padded seat and can fold away compactly when you need some extra room. It's also a great option when you have more guests than expected. Veikos says this comfortable rattan chair is on-trend, plus it comes in three wood finishes: natural, black and brown.
Union Rustic Bench
This handcrafted, solid mango wood bench by Union Rustic has much more detail than you'd expect for an under-$200 find. Sturdy and durable, this bench perfectly fits farmhouse or boho aesthetics but can also add a rustic touch to any home. Its 48-inch width can seat three people comfortably, and it can also be neatly tucked away under the dining table for space-saving efficiency.
Kelly Clarkson Home Sydney Velvet Upholstered Swivel Armchair
Part of Kelly Clarkson's home collection for Wayfair, the Sydney velvet swivel armchair comes highly recommended by Veikos. A comfy addition to a living room, reading nook or bedroom, the Sydney has a minimal design that can easily be jazzed up with a different cushion or by swapping out the included throw pillow.
George Oliver Midcentury Solid Wood Accent Chair
Combining a midcentury aesthetic with sturdy solid wood construction and plush upholstery for a dash of retro flair, this George Oliver accent chair is a favorite of Elissa Hall, an interior designer and the founder of EDH Interiors. 'At a recent gathering, the softly curved form and lush upholstery turned heads. My friends couldn't believe I'd nabbed it from Wayfair instead of some upscale store,' Hall says. Grab it in one of 14 colors with fabric options like linen and corduroy, all of which include the cute throw pillow.
Ivy Bronx Hamberg Upholstered Side Chair
This chair from Ivy Bronx oozes sophistication. Its sculptural design, soft curves and textured upholstery create a refined, tailored look, while the sleek tapered legs add a modern touch. 'It's both stylish and practical, offering a comfortable seat for dining or as an accent chair in a bedroom or living space,' says Mina Lisanin, an interior designer and the founder of ML Interiors NYC. 'The neutral color options make it easy to coordinate with existing decor, and the durable materials ensure it holds up beautifully over time.'
Steelside Allegheny Faux-Leather Accent Chair
The Allegheny chair is sure to garner lots of compliments from visitors. Another top pick from Veikos, this accent chair is nearly identical to other genuine leather versions that cost upwards of a thousand dollars (yes, we checked). It has a solid rubberwood frame, with a faux-leather seat and back that Veikos says is a lot more comfortable than you'd think, considering it isn't padded.
Ivy Bronx Fashion Texture Design Coffee Table
A statement piece for your living room, this coffee table from Ivy Bronx looks like it came straight from a designer showroom. 'The textured finish and minimalist silhouette give this coffee table a high-end, sculptural quality,' Lisanin says. 'The durable build ensures it stands up to everyday use, while its striking aesthetic makes it a focal point in any living room.' The table comes in black, gray and white — all neutral tones that Lisanin says allow the table to seamlessly pair with various decor styles, from contemporary to boho-chic.
17 Stories Jahaira Round Coffee Table With 2-Tier Storage Shelves
Perfect for anchoring a living room with simple charm, the Jahaira coffee table is another great Wayfair find. 'I carefully stashed a variety of munchies and additional throw blankets on the bottom shelf during a recent movie night,' Hall says. 'Its elegant design and ability to keep the area clutter-free really impressed everyone.'
Steelside Thaxton Coffee Table
With its organic-shaped, solid wood top and dapper hairpin legs, this table is on Veikos' list of the most expensive-looking Wayfair furniture items. Your friends might even guess you got this table from a swanky department store or an artisanal woodworker instead of from Wayfair for under $300.
Three Posts Clintwood Solid Wood Top Coffee Table
Veikos says the solid wood construction and unique bulb-like legs are what make this coffee table look and feel a lot more expensive than its price. Its large size can accommodate several pizzas for movie night, and there are even drawers for extra storage.
CosmoLiving by Cosmopolitan Brielle Abstract End Table
Lisanin loves this Brielle end table and says it 'looks like a custom piece you'd find in a designer collection.' Although it looks more like a work of art, the table is still perfectly functional. 'The artistic, sculptural base and sleek round tabletop give this piece a gallery-worthy appearance,' Lisanin says. 'It's a statement piece that works beautifully as an accent table in living rooms, bedrooms or entryways.'
Birch Lane Amhold Solid Wood End Table
For a durable and sturdy piece that comes preassembled, Veikos recommends the Amhold end table. It's hard to believe that this handcrafted item is made from solid teak branches and costs just $100. Perfect for those who love the organic, boho aesthetic, this drum-style table has an impressive weight capacity of up to 200 pounds.
Everly Quinn Amilli Marble-Top End Table
For a more unique piece, Lisanin recommends the Amilli end table. 'The luxurious materials and clean, geometric design give it the look of a high-end piece at a fraction of the price,' Lisanin says. 'The compact size makes it versatile enough for small spaces, whether used as a side table in the living room or a nightstand in the bedroom, and it has a sturdy construction for durability.'
Archie & Oscar Southwick Ecoflex Dog Crate End Table
As all dog owners know, crates are as much a necessity as they are an eyesore. It's not every day you can find multifunctional, custom-looking furniture at a low-end price. 'This piece seamlessly blends pet care with high-end furniture aesthetics,' says Chris Hock, the founder of Colorado Homes and Designs in Denver. 'It's a clever solution typically costing $500 or more at specialty retailers.'
Orren Ellis Foyzul Rolled Arm Chesterfield Sofa
It's not hard to see why the Foyzul Sofa from Orren Ellis was on Lisanin's list of the most expensive-looking furniture items at Wayfair. Available in five neutral colors, this couch has nothing but soft, rounded lines. It's extra wide for ultimate comfort, and the bouclé fabric upholstery gives it a cozy vibe. 'This sofa is perfect for creating a polished, designer-inspired look without the hefty price tag,' Lisanin says. 'Its generous size makes it a standout centerpiece for a living room, while the durable construction and comfortable seating make it practical for everyday use.'
Willa Arlo Interiors Tyneside Velvet Sofa
The Tyneside Velvet Sofa from Willa Arlo is a modern choice that comes in eight colors to suit any taste. 'The dramatic channel tufting, elevated gold-finished base and sumptuous velvet upholstery mirror designer pieces I've seen for over $5,000,' Hock says. 'The vertical channeling detail and floating platform design are signatures of high-end Italian furniture makers.'
Bay Isle Home Upholstered Love Seat
With its 100% natural rattan arms and solid wood sides and legs, the Bay Isle Home love seat is great for small spaces. With upholstery made from luxurious linen, this compact sofa is just the ticket for filling any empty nook, Veikos says.
Rosdorf Park Evianna Velvet Sofa
Another recommendation from Hock, the Eviana sofa has features like diamond tufting, rolled arms and turned wooden legs that Hock says are similar to those you'd find on sofas costing $2,000 or more. 'This sofa delivers traditional elegance at an exceptional value. It's a timeless, aristocratic look that rivals high-end British furniture makers,' Hock says. To complete the look, you could pair it with a matching velvet Rosford Park ottoman, like the Ikia or the versatile Leni that can double as a coffee table. Check the dimensions
Before buying furniture on Wayfair — or any other giant online retailer — you'll want to get the tape measure out. 'Pay attention to dimensions,' Lisanin says. 'Online furniture shopping can be tricky without seeing the item in person, so make sure to measure your space carefully and compare it to the listed dimensions.'
To make sure the furniture will fit in your intended space, Hall says to simulate the space the furniture will take up using painter's tape. 'What seems small in a product photo might appear outsized once it's in the room,' Hall says.
Read customer reviews
Lisanin also adds that reading Wayfair reviews from real customers can give you a better sense of the product's scale and quality. To find high-end-looking items, Peterman recommends checking the materials and looking for pieces made from solid wood, metal or high-quality fabrics. 'Those small details make a big difference in how the piece feels and holds up over time,' she says.
Look for Wayfair Verified pieces
Hock advises his clients to prioritize shopping Wayfair Verified items. 'These products have undergone additional quality checks and tend to have more accurate descriptions,' Hock says. When reading product reviews, he suggests 'focusing specifically on verified buyers who've lived with the piece for some time.'
The following FAQs have been answered by interior designers Mina Lisanin, Elissa Hall and Jodi Peterman.
Is Wayfair furniture good quality?
Is Wayfair furniture good quality?
There are many high-quality furniture items available at Wayfair. As Hock suggests, it's a good idea to shop for items that are marked as Wayfair Verified, since these pieces have undergone extra checks to further vet their quality. Many customers find that the quality is great for the price, but it's always a good idea to check reviews and product descriptions before purchasing.
For a higher-end feel, Lisanin suggests shopping for pieces made from solid wood, which is typically more durable and better-looking than items made with MDF or particleboard.
Does Wayfair have free shipping?
Does Wayfair have free shipping?
Wayfair typically provides free shipping on orders over $35. However, some oversized or heavy items may have additional delivery fees, so it's best to check the shipping details for each product. Wayfair's shipping also tends to be pretty quick. 'On occasions when I wanted to create a nice reading nook or overhaul a worn-out living room set in a matter of days, the prompt shipping windows and extensive choices on Wayfair were a lifesaver,' Hall says.
What is Wayfair's return policy?
What is Wayfair's return policy?
Wayfair has a 30-day return policy for most items, but return shipping costs are often the buyer's responsibility. Custom or clearance items may be nonreturnable. 'Wayfair's generous return policy is great, but some items may come with restocking fees, so make sure to double-check before purchasing,' Lisanin says.
To prevent having to return your Wayfair items, Peterman stresses the importance of measuring twice and reading reviews. 'Double-check the dimensions to make sure it fits your space, and always read customer reviews, especially the ones with photos, as they give you a much better sense of how the product looks in real life,' she says.
How can I make my Wayfair furniture look more high-end?
How can I make my Wayfair furniture look more high-end?
To make your Wayfair furniture look more expensive than it is, you can make small changes like swapping out knobs and handles, adding decorative trims and layering pieces with other high-quality textiles. 'Adding personal touches, like throw pillows, can elevate even the simplest furniture,' Peterman says.
If you're worried about something looking cheap, Lisanin recommends sticking to 'neutral colors like beige, gray or white, as these shades tend to look more upscale.'
For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights.
Elissa Hall, interior designer and founder of EDH Interiors
Chris Hock, founder of Colorado Homes and Designs
Mina Lisanin, interior designer and founder of ML Interiors NYC
Jodi Peterman, founder and CEO of Elizabeth Erin Designs
Krista Veikos, senior manager of omnichannel curated merchandising at Wayfair
CNN Underscored has a team of writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when it makes sense to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, contributing writer Kat de Naoum interviewed home and interior design experts for insight on how to find quality furniture on Wayfair and their favorite pieces that look more expensive than they are.