I needed to buy outdoor seat cushions for some chairs the other day.
I was pressed for time and didn’t really know where to go, but I seemed to recall seeing pillows in the window of World Market, and I knew there was parking nearby. So off I went.
I don’t recall ever having set foot inside the store, but let me tell you, I WILL be back.
World Market is sort of a cross between Anthropologie and Pier One Imports, but with wine. It’s much smaller, but if you’re going for an ethnic-y, bohemian, natural/crunchy/woven vibe (or if you’re decorating a dorm room), you could start here.
The first thing that caught my eye were these semi-sheer curtains.
Aren’t they pretty? I’d put them in a bedroom or casual sitting room…they’re very breezy. You could put a crisp white roller shade underneath if you wanted to – or a light colored natural woven Roman Shade. Lots of patterns and colors –
They have cool shower curtains, too. I feel like I’m always looking for cool shower curtains for teenagers’ bathrooms. (For clients. My almost-six-year-olds only BEHAVE like teenagers.)
The throw pillow selection was impressive, especially for casual settings. I didn’t think anything there would work in my living room, for example, but for a less formal room, or a bed, or a porch…lots of bright, cheery options.
They have floor pillows, if that’s your thing. (Are the ones at the right for pets? Hard to know. They’re still cute.)
The rugs are what you’d expect: cotton flatweaves and bordered sisal – very inexpensive.
And baskets – holy cow, the baskets. I’m not a basket person, per se, but I still regret not getting a few of these for my kids’ bedroom and playroom. Imagine how many stuffed animals these suckers would hold:
I think I’ll go back for those, now that I think about it.
Anyway, here’s what sparked the comparison to Anthropologie in the first place: the funky hooks and knobs.
Not nearly as wide a selection as Anthropologie, but plenty from which to choose – and a fraction of the cost.
Finally, they were impressive on the outdoor furniture front.
Needless to say, I found cushions for my chairs, no problem.
In sum, here’s what I’d say World Market is good for:
- Antiquey hooks and knobs
- Baskets
- Outdoor furniture and chair cushions
- Curtains
- Informal throw pillows
- Wine :)
- Things to put in Easter baskets, or party favors. A little random, I know, but it’s a useful tidbit.
I would not recommend World Market for:
- Indoor furniture, such as dining room tables or chairs, or coffee tables. It’s inexpensive, but not great looking, not comfortable, and not well made.
- Lamps
- Art. Try Etsy and 20×200 instead.
So there it is: World Market in a nutshell. Or a really nice basket.