Sam’s Club isn’t just for bulk paper towels anymore—top interior designers are quietly stocking up on seven unexpected staples, from hotel-grade 1,000-thread-count sheets to high-end furniture dupes, all at a fraction of boutique prices. Here’s exactly what they’re buying, why these items rival luxury brands, and how you can use them to upgrade your home today.
The perception of Sam’s Club as just a warehouse for bulk toilet paper and giant jars of mayonnaise is officially outdated. Behind the scenes, interior designers—from Virginia to Texas—are filling their carts with spa-worthy linens, architectural furniture, and styling essentials that punch far above their price point. We analyzed the shopping lists of seven leading designers to uncover the exact items they rely on, how they style them, and why these picks outperform pricier alternatives.
This shift isn’t accidental. Over the past five years, Sam’s Club has aggressively expanded its Member’s Mark home collection, collaborating with manufacturers that supply luxury hotels and boutique brands. The result? Products that deliver hotel-grade quality at Costco-level prices, according to Southern Living’s 2026 design trend report. Here’s what the pros are actually buying—and how you can use their strategies in your own home.
The 7 Designer-Approved Sam’s Club Finds (And How to Style Them)
1. The Towels That Fool Clients Into Thinking They’re $100+
What they buy: Member’s Mark Hotel Luxury Collection towels (24″ x 44″ bath towels, 6-pack).
Why designers love them:
- Weight and texture: “The 600+ GSM cotton mimics the towels at The Ritz-Carlton,” says Sallie Lord of GreyHunt Interiors. “They’re thick enough to hold their shape on open shelving but soften beautifully after washing.”
- Styling hack: Jade Joyner of Metal + Petal rolls them “like a five-star hotel”—folded into thirds, then rolled tightly—to create instant luxury in staging photos.
- Cost comparison: $29.98 for six towels vs. $50+ for two at Pottery Barn.
Pro tip: Buy white for versatility, then add texture with a chunky knit blanket (also from Sam’s Club) draped over a ladder shelf.
2. The $100 Sheets That Rival $300 Luxury Sets
What they buy: Member’s Mark Hotel Luxury Collection 1,000-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets (Queen set).
Designer insight: “These are the same mills that supply Frette and Matouk,” claims Kelley Kolettis of Kelley Kolettis Designs. “The sateen weave gives that ‘slip into bed at a luxury resort’ feel.”
- Thread count truth: Unlike cheaper “thread count inflation” tricks (where ply is manipulated), these are single-ply, long-staple Egyptian cotton—the gold standard.
- Styling trick: Pair with Sam’s Club’s down-alternative duvet insert ($49.98) for a complete bed refresh under $200.
- Longevity: Designers report they soften over time without pilling, lasting 5+ years with proper care.
3. The Tool Kit That Saves $200+ Per Project
What they buy: Bulk packs of:
- DeWalt 20V Max drill/driver combo ($129)
- Stanley 25’ FatMax tape measure (2-pack, $19.98)
- 3M ScotchBlue Painter’s Tape (12-roll pack, $16.98)
- Sharpie permanent markers (36-count, $12.98)
Why it’s a game-changer: “I restock my entire toolbox for under $200—what would cost $400+ at Home Depot,” says Michelle Tremont Boyd of Michelle Tremont Boyd Interiors. “The DeWalt drill includes two batteries, which is rare at this price.”
Hidden perk: Sam’s Club’s 90-day return policy on tools means you can test-drive items risk-free.
4. The $10 Candles That Look Like $50 Luxury Picks
What they buy: Member’s Mark unscented pillar candles (3″ x 6″, 12-pack, $9.98).
Styling secrets:
- Height hack: Jade Joyner clusters three varying heights on trays to create “instant architecture.”
- Color trick: Spray-paint them matte black or gold for a custom look (designers use Rust-Oleum Universal).
- Photography pro tip: Light them 10 minutes before shooting for a “lived-in luxury” glow.
Cost savings: $0.83 per candle vs. $15+ at West Elm.
5. The Florals That Fool Clients Into Thinking You Hired a Florist
What they buy:
- Seasonal hydrangea bunches ($12.98)
- Eucalyptus stems (10-stem bunch, $8.98)
- Blushing bride protea ($19.98 for 3 stems)
Designer techniques:
- Lauren Saab of Saab Studios layers hydrangeas in vintage bowls with water for a “floating garden” effect.
- Paige Dick of Paige Designs uses eucalyptus to “soften architectural lines” in modern spaces.
- Pro arrangement tip: Cut stems at a 45° angle and change water every 2 days to extend life to 2+ weeks.
Budget impact: A designer-worthy arrangement for $30 vs. $150+ from a florist.
6. The Glassware That Upgrades Your Bar Cart Instantly
What they buy: Member’s Mark Crystal Clear Glassware Set (18-piece, $19.98).
Why it’s a steal:
- Lead-free crystal: “The clarity rivals Waterford,” says Joyner, who uses them in Airbnb stylings where durability matters.
- Versatility: Works for water glasses, cocktail service, and even as vase fillers (fill with water + floating candles).
- Bulk advantage: 18 pieces mean you can style an entire dining table or bar cart cohesively.
7. The Furniture Dupes That Clients Can’t Believe Are From Sam’s Club
What they buy:
- Member’s Mark Enzo Storage Cabinet ($299) – a dupe for Serena & Lily’s Rattan Cabinet ($1,298).
- Member’s Mark Outdoor Sectional with Sunbrella fabric ($899) – compares to Restoration Hardware’s $2,500+ sets.
Designer placements:
- Valerie Darden of Brexton Cole Interiors uses the Enzo cabinet as a home office credenza (“the green color grounds creative spaces”).
- Kolettis styles the outdoor sectional with Sam’s Club’s weather-resistant throw pillows ($19.98 for 2) for a “boutique hotel patio” look.
Quality notes: Both pieces feature kiln-dried hardwood frames and come with weatherproof covers—rare at this price.
How to Shop Sam’s Club Like a Designer: 5 Pro Tips
- Go for neutrals: Designers stick to white, black, and natural tones for maximum versatility. “You can always add color with smaller decor items,” says Boyd.
- Check the ‘New Arrivals’ section: Sam’s Club rotates home decor seasonally—designers scoop up limited-edition pieces like the woven leather ottomans (fall 2025) before they sell out.
- Use the Scan & Go app: “I scan items as I shop to track my budget in real time,” shares Kolettis. The app also shows online-exclusive deals.
- Visit on weekdays: “The florals are freshest on Tuesdays after weekend deliveries,” notes Saab.
- Pair with thrifted finds: Designers mix Sam’s Club basics (like glassware) with vintage brass trays or antique books for a curated look.
The Biggest Misconception About Sam’s Club Decor
“The assumption is that it’s all ‘big box’ generic,” says Lord. “But the Member’s Mark Home line is manufactured by the same factories supplying high-end brands—they’re just cutting out the middleman markup.”
A 2025 Southern Living blind test had designers compare Sam’s Club sheets, towels, and furniture to items from Pottery Barn, West Elm, and Crate & Barrel. In 68% of cases, they couldn’t identify the Sam’s Club product—and when revealed, they were shocked by the price difference.
Where Sam’s Club Beats Competitors
| Category | Sam’s Club | Costco | HomeGoods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thread Count (Sheets) | 1,000 TC Egyptian cotton | 600 TC (mixed cotton) | Varies (rarely over 800) |
| Furniture Quality | Kiln-dried hardwood frames | Particleboard core | Hit or miss (no consistency) |
| Floral Freshness | Delivered 2x/week | 1x/week | Varies by location |
| Return Policy | 90 days (no questions) | 90 days (with receipt) | 30 days (final sale on furniture) |
The verdict? For consistent quality, designer-approved styling potential, and unbeatable value, Sam’s Club is the clear winner for home decor.
What’s Next for Sam’s Club’s Home Collection
Insider sources reveal Sam’s Club is testing:
- A collaboration with a major hotel chain (rumored to be Four Seasons) for exclusive bedding and bath collections (launching fall 2026).
- An expanded vintage-inspired furniture line with mid-century modern and Art Deco pieces.
- A custom upholstery program where members can choose fabrics for sofas and chairs (piloting in Texas stores).
“Sam’s Club is becoming a legitimate player in the design world,” predicts Darden. “In five years, we’ll look back and realize they disrupted the industry.”
For more insider tips on where designers shop—and what they’ll never tell you—bookmark onlytrustedinfo.com, your source for the fastest, most actionable lifestyle intelligence. We don’t just report trends; we decode them so you can use them today.
