Fabric Finds and Pottery Barn Outlet Treasures: A Weekend of Decorating Inspiration

Earlier this morning we mentioned slipping into Mary Jo’s fabric store just outside Charlotte, NC again — the same spot with bolts of discount fabric stacked higher than my 5’2″ self. We wanted to share what grabbed our attention and what we walked out with, since a lot of these fabrics are sold more widely (though Mary Jo’s prices are tough to beat). If you’re on a fabric pilgrimage, here are the highlights and product details so you can track down similar options locally or online.

The first stand-out was a yellow-and-gray ikat with a fresh, modern feel. At $13.98 per yard (marked down from $35+), it’s affordable enough to reupholster two dining chairs for under $15 total. Manufacturer: Richloom, style: Modesto, color: Charmom.

Next, a red-and-blue floral pattern that felt playful without being twee. Also priced at $13.98 per yard, two yards would be enough to make a striking headboard on a budget. Manufacturer: Richloom, style: Cornwall, color: Garden.

My favorite find was an oversized medallion fabric with rich texture and bold color that instantly lifted my mood. Manufacturer: Richloom, style: Brompton, color: Citrin. It felt joyful and versatile — the kind of textile that can anchor a room.

Another discovery was a designer suzani fabric on clearance for $16.98 per yard (originally $50.95 per yard). I picked up a yard to use as oversized wall art — essentially a tapestry — after debating between an aqua-and-green option and a gray base with yellow-green accents. I chose the latter for versatility and plan to turn it into a bold focal piece.

We didn’t find curtain fabric on this trip, so we tossed around ideas on the drive home and will sleep on the options before deciding. You can be sure we’ll share the project details once we pick a direction.

Pottery Barn Outlet: Gaffney, SC — What We Spotted

We also stopped at the Pottery Barn Outlet in Gaffney, SC. The photos are a bit grainy because my camera battery died and I used my phone, but the store had plenty of inspiring pieces and some strong discounts. Below are the items that caught our eye and a few DIY ideas inspired by them.

A petite jewelry box with gray-purple velvet lining and a crackled metallic exterior felt boutique-worthy at $34.99 (down from $50). It looked like something you’d expect to see at a higher-end shop.

An upholstered bar stool caught my eye more as a DIY idea than a final purchase. It was priced at $149 (down from $229), but similar basic stools from mass retailers can be refreshed with new fabric and a staple gun for a fraction of the cost — unscrew the seat, pull fabric tight, staple, and reattach.

Tiered plates were pretty on display and perfect for serving treats or showing off fruit on a kitchen counter. I didn’t note the exact price but they were budget-friendly.

A large round mirror had Restoration Hardware vibes and was marked down significantly (about $100 off). It’s the kind of statement piece that can instantly transform a room.

A window-style mirror was priced at $208 (reduced from $299). For a dark room or basement that needs architectural interest, a mirror like this can mimic a window and open up the space without major construction.

An oversized clock (marked down from $249 to $124) drew John’s attention, though we couldn’t find the perfect wall spot, so we left it for someone else. It was one of those pieces that would clearly make a statement in the right room.

A chalkboard easel looked like a solid DIY candidate. It was on sale, but building a similar piece would likely be much less expensive and highly customizable.

Textured urchin bowls were $9.99 each (down from $15) and made for a playful accent.

The pink kids’ vacuum with realistic sounds and moving beads was an adorable toy priced at $24 (reduced from $50). It would make a fun, affordable pretend-cleaning gift for a little one, though we left it behind due to limited car space.

A row of wooden-backed chairs at $99 each (down from $200) could be transformed with paint and cushions to become stylish island seating. We admired them but didn’t have space to bring any home.

Small silver ornament frames were just $5.99 each — a cute, budget-friendly way to add family photos to holiday decor.

Faux sea fan placemats made from flexible rubber were ideal candidates for creative upcycling — spray-paint and frame them on a burlap or linen backer for coastal-inspired wall art. They were on sale at $9.99 (down from $16).

Braided red lampshades, $19 each on sale, offered a punch of color and texture for a room that needs visual interest.

Textured, tonal pillow shams were priced around $32. They felt high-quality but weren’t quite outlet-steal level for us that day.

The lighting department had a slew of great deals. A bronze sconce with an oversized seeded glass shade was only $39. Although it wasn’t exactly our metal finish preference, it was a beautiful, wallet-friendly option for someone else’s home.

We couldn’t leave without a small hardwired pendant we loved — an 8″ wide fixture priced at $29 (marked down from $80). The mercury-glass tone and subtle honeycomb detail felt just right for our future kitchen sink area. It’s currently in the playroom waiting for the kitchen update to begin.

All told, the day was full of fabric scores, outlet deals, and DIY inspiration. We left with a few purchases and many fresh ideas for upholstery, lighting, and low-cost projects that can make a big impact. Any favorites from our haul? Have you spotted anything recently that you couldn’t resist? Let’s talk shopping and easy DIY upgrades.