Furniture Bargains: The Best Things to Buy at Pier 1 Imports

Pier 1 Imports is updating its image: Oh, don't worry--they still sell the Papasan. After all, that spherical chair has been a staple of dorm rooms since about the dawn of time. But now it's relegated to the back of the store, overshadowed by more sophisticated furnishings and accessories designed for homes that have never seen a bottle of Boone's Farm.

Pier 1 isn't the solution for all your decorating needs: The furnishings tend to run on the small side, making them better suited for apartments than sprawling suburban homes. And the prices are not always as low as you might expect, given the company's ubiquity and budget reputation. But there are some great designs and buys to be found, if you know where to look. Here are my suggestions for Pier 1's top offerings:

WOVEN FURNITURE: Pier 1 makes some great-looking woven-fiber furniture (wicker, rattan, etc.). I like the Bradenton Seating Collection (despite the holes in the backs), the Chahaya Armchair, the Pramana Seating Collection and the Cayman Collection. The prices are decent, but make sure you factor in the cost of the cushions before you buy, since they can run half the price of the frame.

OUTDOOR FURNITURE: I really like Pier 1's Outdoor Wicker Seating Collection. The lines are sleek and sophisticated, and the pricing is pretty decent, with the armchair retailing for $299 and the sun lounger for $599. (Again, the matching cushions add as much as $200 to the cost.) These pieces feature aluminum frames wrapped with synthetic wicker, so they should withstand the elements and look good for years.

ACCESSORIES: Pier 1 has always been a great source for accessories, especially if you have a new home and want to fill it up a bit. Their baskets and ceramic pieces often look far more costly than they really are. The mirrors are particularly attractive and affordable; I was drawn to the rustic simplicity of the Etched Wood Textures Mirror—a good deal at $125. The store also offers a nice variety of pillows, although the prices aren’t as good as the selection. For the best deals, keep an eye out for sales.

GARDEN LIGHTING: On a recent visit, my favorite find was a metal garden lantern. Generously sized and adorned with angular metal fins, it was surprisingly contemporary and kitsch-free for Pier 1 and, at $25 for the large size and $10 for the small, remarkably well priced. Buy a bunch and fill them with white candles for a chic summer patio party or wedding. They’d make great gifts, too.