So many people had raved about Garden Ridge, but until yesterday I’d never visited one. A new store finally opened in Richmond (I’d heard about the old location near the airport that closed before we moved here), so I took a first trip to the large, Costco-like warehouse filled with home goods, garden items, and an eclectic mix of other finds.
My initial thought was how huge the place is. It’s full of oversized urns and stone columns—very dramatic, the kind of store where you have to sift through a lot to find the treasures among some truly excess inventory. It’s the kind of shopping where one aisle holds gems and the next holds gag gifts.
Still, there were definite diamonds in the rough. I fell for a set of metal herons—oddly sophisticated compared with the plastic gnomes and flamingos that often populate garden sections. They felt like a slightly elevated garden accent that could look elegant when placed thoughtfully in a landscaped backyard.
My partner pulled a mock-knightly pose and joked about getting one for the new house. File that under “novelty purchases,” but the herons made a case for tasteful outdoor sculpture if you have the right setting.
One of the best finds was a natural-fiber rug—likely jute—that was modern in style and priced around $30 for a large 5 x 7′. I was impressed because discount stores often stock only traditional floral rugs, so seeing a contemporary natural fiber option at that price felt like a real win.
There was also a queen-sized bedding set that looked high-end despite being priced at about $39—something that could pass for a catalog look. The store had occasional pieces that appeared more expensive than they were.
Fabric lovers might appreciate a two-yard pre-cut piece I spotted for $5.99; it resembled much pricier yardage I’ve seen elsewhere. Small textile surprises like that were scattered throughout.
And then there are perfectly simple impulse buys: a ceramic bird for $1.99 that needs no explanation—cute, inexpensive accents like that are easy to love.
Pillows were abundant—rows and rows of styles and colors. I passed through an entire brown-and-blue aisle and still found more, which made it a good place to hunt for throw pillows without spending a lot.
Of course, every “wow” find came with a few “really?” moments. That’s part of the charm of stores like this—you never know whether the next shelf will hold a bargain or a novelty. Case in point: a decorative toilet roll holder topped with a plunger—an oddball gag item that made us laugh.
Some of the artwork showed promise, depending on the setting. A cheerful cherry print could brighten a white cottage-style kitchen paired with red accessories. Other pieces—textile-like abstract paintings—could read as magazine-chic if placed in the right space, for example above a bed in a gently colored kids’ room.
I also noticed an inexpensive mirror for about $24 that would be a great DIY project—paint it daffodil yellow or smoky gray for a pop of color. Simple updates can turn budget finds into standout pieces.
Practical items like a $79 x-back bar stool also stood out. With a little reupholstering, those seats could look custom-made and elevate a kitchen island or bar area without breaking the bank.
One of my favorite small purchases was a sleek square tray my partner held in a photo—cute and useful, and it was only $12. I’ve got a green tray I move around the house constantly, so adding another square tray felt practical and satisfying.
In short, our first trip to Garden Ridge was a mix of great bargains, quirky items, and a few head-scratching pieces. The store is perfect for treasure hunters who enjoy digging through an eclectic assortment to find standouts—whether that’s a natural fiber rug, a unique piece of art, or a silly novelty. Does your area have a Garden Ridge? Did you ever find unexpected gems there or develop a soft spot for items like square trays or metal garden birds? Share your thoughts—there’s a lot of fun in commenting on the hits and misses.