Here's How to Shop Amazon Like a Designer

These days, you can get just about anything on Amazon: appliances, the latest cookbooks, and even groceries. But, especially in light of the pandemic, the e-commerce behemoth has become a major source of pieces for the home, be it outdoor lighting, wall decor, bedding, or practically anything else. Thanks to speedy shipping in the midst of a broken supply chain and easy returns if a piece no longer fits your creative vision, shopping on Amazon is often the fastest way to give your guest room an instant refresh before a surprise trip from your in-laws or upgrade your bathroom without being disappointed by unprecedented lead times.

However, Amazon shoppers know how overwhelming it can be to wade through seemingly endless pages of flush mounts and fixtures, which means, if you don't know exactly what you're looking for, time can easily be wasted. We've asked 13 top designers for their best advice on navigating the mega-retailer to get just what you need to create the space of your dreams. From designers' go-to products to simple yet effective tips for navigating the site, these brilliant insights will help you make the most out of that Prime membership beyond cleaning supplies, last-minute birthday gifts, and movie rentals.

Mayflower Products

$22.99

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"I’m on Amazon more than I should admit. I get last-minute decorative accents here such as vintage oil lamps and loads of citrus to fill a fruit bowl—my favorite is an oversized Moroccan textile filled with artichokes or citrus fruits of all different colors. I also love Carthusia candles and room diffusers. If I'm in in a time crunch and need quick delivery, I buy them direct from Amazon." — Christina Nielsen, Christina Nielsen Design

Brand: Rizzoli

$85.79

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“I love to shop on Amazon and have an Amazon storefront where my followers can view all my favorite finds! Two of the items I buy most frequently for myself and clients on Amazon are coffee table books and cookbooks. I love scoring out-of-print books from small Amazon sellers. It’s the perfect way to add unique, hard-to-find books to your home while simultaneously supporting independent retailers.” — Lisa Henderson, Lisa Henderson Interiors

Crane & Co.

$39.99

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"I’m a huge Amazon shopper! I use Amazon for most of my office needs, from organization products to high-end paper goods for client gifts. The vast selection of the best coffee table books are great for work inspiration, gifts for clients, or for myself! Amazon is also my go-to for exquisite candles." — Avery Frank, Avery Frank Designs

Carved White Bone Beads

The Bead Chest

$31.50

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Designer Mikel Welch adores these fair-trade artisanal beads offered in four varieties. They add a hint of global flair and can dress up your collection of coffee table books.

Bamboo Reed Diffuser

Nest Fragrances

$50.00

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“When it comes to shopping on Amazon, I like to focus on small items that will enhance the overall look and feel of my home. Add products to your cart from trusted brands that have positive reviews, like a fragrant Nest diffuser, favorite candle, velvet hangers to create cohesiveness in your closet, all of which can be delivered virtually overnight.” – Marie Flanigan, Marie Flanigan Interiors

Modern Brass Chandelier

BootsNGus

$550.00

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"I’m constantly sourcing unique, one-of-a-kind pieces for my clients and just recently discovered AmazonHandmade. From hand-thrown pottery to chandeliers and hand-painted textiles, we’re being connected to master artisans and small-business owners across the globe. The platform even allows you to select specific regions you want to shop so that you can support local makers in the areas you love most." – Emily Spanos, Emily June Designs

NF105B Natural Premium Jute (5' x 8') Area Rug

Safavieh

$124.56

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This stellar Amazon find is another favorite of Welch's and works for a variety of design tastes. The handwoven rug is made with naturally softened fibers for a delightful experience.

$44.99

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"When you’re a coffee table book fanatic like me, Amazon is the place to find the perfect collection for a client or yourself. Searching for what you need is so easy, and you get a ton of variety. I also love that they show images of the inside of the book and offer suggestions for other titles underneath the listing. With the holidays approaching, I love giving a beautiful book to people as a gift and signing the inside with the year and a message." –Amanda Lantz, A.Lantz Design

Dapu

amazon.com

$69.99

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"We love sourcing linen bedding from Amazon. The pricing is great, and you really can’t go wrong with 100 percent linen. We also love finding coffee table books, mirrors for powder rooms, hardware, acrylic organizers (if you've watched The Home Edit on Netflix, you know you need these!), throw pillows, and woven baskets." –Gillian Segal, Gillian Segal Design

Minka Lavery

$344.95

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"One way I find good quality pieces is by looking at the reviews. The beauty of reviews is that you can get an idea of the product quality from others' experiences, which is great because you can't see the item in person before purchasing. Another tip is to find a reliable item that you or someone else has purchased and then go to the item's brand page to view the rest of their collection. Overall, Amazon has quick shipping and free returns, so it makes it convenient to try out items and find those great, quality pieces." –Nina Magon, Nina Magon Studio

K&K Interiors

$78.98

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"With the current COVID-19 environment, I am ever-grateful for the variety and flexibility that Amazon provides in all areas of our home life: food, ribbons, hardware, accessories, and now home fashions. A few years back, I bought some outdoor furniture on Amazon one night after exploring [K&K Interiors's] site just because I thought it was so cute, and it's one of the most loved and commented-on pieces on our patio. I also just recently purchased some topiaries for outside." – Sara Hillery, Sara Hillery Interior Design

Monaco Cake Set

Anchor Hocking

$28.00

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"Amazon is my go-to for linen-like guest towels for powder rooms. I order at least three boxes for every project. Additionally, I order a long rectangular white tray to place them on. The second thing I order is Anchor Hocking cake stands. I always leave a nice cake on the island for clients to enjoy. Who doesn’t want a sweet treat in their new kitchen?" – Joy Moyler, Joy Moyler Interiors

Deep Wooden Dough Bowl w/ Handles-Batea

Deep Wooden Dough Bowl with Handles

$45.97

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Welch has a special place in his heart for these handmade, one-of-a-kind bowls that offer some rustic charm to your entryway table or éteragè.

Treasures of Morocco

$49.99

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"Don’t be shy about typing in exactly what you’re looking for. I was able to source Moroccan furnishings on Amazon by keying in exactly what I needed, and a shop offering the most fabulous selection of hand-painted Moroccan tables popped up and made my day! The key is to be discerning and pay close attention to the product reviews. Check out Treasure of Morocco for a selection of Moroccan tables that beautifully complement any design, much like a dreamy pair of earrings that makes any ensemble feel complete." – Lauren Wills, Wills Design Associates

Picardie Glass Tumbler Set

Duralex

$42.95

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"We love stocking up on tabletop items via Amazon. Maybe it’s our wishful thinking that, once again, we’ll be able to entertain large groups, but for now, we love setting a pretty table for our small family gatherings. We also buy a ton of design books via Amazon, making it so easy to add color to a coffee table in a split-second." —Melissa Warner Rothblum and Julie Kleiner, Massucco Warner