We Gave 2 Designers $25 — Here's Their Stylish Haul from Five Below
Whether you’re familiar with its inventory from scrolling TikTok or you’ve actually set foot in a brick-and-mortar store, it’s no secret Five Below stocks some seriously cute home decor — particularly when it comes to accessories like faux plants, trays, and even textiles. But would an interior designer shop there? Turns out the answer is yes, and the pros are just as good as (if not better than) the average person at unearthing stylish Five Below gems and figuring out how to use them to their decorative advantage.
That’s why I tapped two of my favorite maximalist-minded interior designers to shop the site, which tends to skew a little youthful and bold in terms of its aesthetic. With a budget of just $25 each, here’s what two top designers would bring home from Five Below and how they’d style every piece. You just may be surprised just how far $25 can go.
What To Shop For at 5 Below
Decorative Tray With Print Decorative Tray With Print
“A small decorative tray or catchall is always useful for a place to toss your jewelry on your nightstand, a candle, or change as you walk in the door,” says Michelle Fahmy, founder and principal designer at Haus of Meeshie. She loves the vintage-style font on this enamel-look tray. It’d also be a great place to stash a pair of sunglasses or keys.
Faux Fur Pillow 16in Faux Fur Pillow 16in
“For just $5, adding a shaggy pillow in a deep blue-green hue infuses any space with a vibrant burst of color and texture that we adore,” says Carmen René Smith, founder and principal designer at Aquilo Interiors. You could try a pop of texture like this on a sofa or desk chair, or trot a pair of these out on the top of your bed.
Leopard Shaped Rug 30in x 30in Leopard Shaped Rug 30in x 30in
Don’t sleep on the small-but-mighty rug offerings that Five Below carries; although they’re mostly welcome mat-sized, these pieces are great for layering or in front of a door or a sink, whether in the kitchen, bath, or mudroom. “A blue-eyed kitty rug is always welcomed at Aquilo Interiors!” says Smith. “We love the idea of layering this carpet over a larger one for funky charm and razzle-dazzle!”
Collapsible Fabric Storage Cube With Rope Handles 10in Collapsible Fabric Storage Cube With Rope Handles 10in
There’s no need to shell out major bucks for baskets, bins, or storage cubes — especially when Five Below has a ton of cute, collapsible options. “I’m always in need of good storage, and it's a plus when it looks great and can be stored flat when not needed to save space,” says Fahmy. “Love that these come in a variety of colors so you can functionally color-code your storage and not have it be an eyesore!” Even better, each of these fabric cubes comes with a top, so your stuff will be out of sight.
Printed Blanket 50in x 60in Printed Blanket 50in x 60in
“What a delightful throw blanket!” says Smith. “With its playful combination of soft pink, bright orange, and charming kitties, it's a perfect addition to infuse any space with lively patterns.” Try one draped over an accent chair or at the foot of a bed.
Beetlejuice® Movie Poster Beetlejuice® Movie Poster
Need large-scale artwork but on a tight budget? The poster section at Five Below has you covered — especially if you shop for an artsy movie design that speaks to you. “The Beetlejuice poster evokes the cult-classic essence that every room craves, blending a dash of history with a splash of fun to create an atmosphere that appeals to everyone (who has great taste in movies),” says Smith. All you need is a poster hanger or an inexpensive frame to give it a polished look. Thanks to their size, posters make great galley wall anchors, too.
