15 Game-Changing West Elm Shopping Secrets From an Insider

Shopping for home décor is not always easy. It can be incredibly expensive, and with so many options, it can be difficult to find pieces that work together and fit your personal style. However, with some insider shopping secrets, you can shop smarter to save money and take home the perfect items you've been searching for. All you have to do is know where to look, when to shop, and what questions to ask.

According to a West Elm insider, there are quite a few ways to save money and take advantage of little-known consumer perks at its stores and online.

Ahead, our inside source reveals 15 game-changing West Elm shopping secrets to take your home décor shopping skills to the next level. Here's what only dedicated West Elm aficionados know about snagging deals from the design brand.

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You Can Apply Gift Cards From Other Stores at Checkout

If you shop West Elm, you've likely also spent some time shopping the store's sister brands like Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma, Rejuvenation, and Mark and Graham. But did you know that gift cards from these brands can be applied to a West Elm purchase? You can get rid of any old gift cards you may have to these stores at West Elm to take a little extra off your grand total.

West Elm Phoebe Chair $499.00

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There Are Free Design Consultations

West Elm offers free Design Crew services at every storefront location. Design Crew is a design consultation program, our West Elm insider explains. It pairs you with an expert who can provide design, installation, and registry assistance. You can set up an appointment in advance or simply ask for help while you're in the store.

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Design Professionals Get a Discount

Even after you've graduated from design school, there's still one more discount you might be eligible for. If you're a design professional, you can apply for the To the Trade program, which offers approved members 20 percent off merchandise at West Elm and its sister sites.

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You Can Rack up Savings With a West Elm Credit Card

If you're a diehard West Elm shopper, you may consider signing up for the brand's own credit card. You'll earn rewards like 10 percent back, a $50 welcome reward, access to exclusive offers and events, and a $25 birthday certificate during your birthday month. Plus, if you make a bulk purchase and spend more than $750, you can choose special financing or additional rewards.

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It Has a "Furniture Flea" Section

"Each store has a designated 'Furniture Flea' section," our West Elm insider explains. This clearance section is where they sell floor models in addition to other final sale items. It's also where you'll find the lowest prices on a variety of West Elm décor.

West Elm Terrace Bar Cart $399.00

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New Products Are Released at Specific Times Each Season

If you've ever wondered when new products are released at West Elm and when the best time to buy them is, you're in luck. "We design into all four seasons, and within each season we have three refreshes—so that's 12 reasons to keep coming back to West Elm's website or stop by your local West Elm store," according to our insider.

West Elm The Arts Capsule Framed Canvas Print $300.00

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It Has a Rewards Program Called the Key Rewards

In addition to the West Elm credit card, the brand and its sister sites offer another loyalty program called The Key Rewards. Signing up is free, and you'll receive 3 percent back in rewards every time you shop.

All you have to do is say you're a Key Holder at checkout and provide the phone number you used to sign up to earn rewards.

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Joining the Mailing List Gives You Access to Special Events

While you probably don't want anything else flooding your inbox, signing up for West Elm's mailing list boasts benefits for dedicated shoppers, like early access to shopping events and new collaborations. Being a part of the mailing list is also the only way to learn about new products, promotions, and other special events online or at your local West Elm store.

West Elm Turned Wood Leg Planter $50.00

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Shop in January, March, July, and September

Four times a year, West Elm updates its selection and sells off floor models. Though they’ve been sitting in the store for a few months, most have never been touched and are discounted steeply.

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Choose In-Store Pickup

While shipping can be expensive on items such as couches, rugs, and other large or heavy pieces, West Elm offers in-store pickup for nearly everything that they offer, even if it needs to be shipped from their warehouse to a brick-and-mortar store (at no cost to you!). With West Elm stores located around the country, an in-store pickup could save you hundreds of dollars.

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Shop Fabric by the Yard

If you already have a couch but love the fabric on one that you saw at West Elm, you can reupholster the one that you already own in that very same fabric. Simply shop fabric by the yard from the company to get that West Elm look without being forced to invest in an entirely new piece of furniture.

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They Have a Cross-Brand Wedding Registry

If you want items from West Elm and its sister brands on your wedding registry, consider signing up for The One, which is a wedding registry collective across West Elm, Williams Sonoma, and Pottery Barn.

West Elm Bohemian Desert Sun Mirror $199.00

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There Are Perks for Education Affiliations

If you’re a teacher, educator, or simply work for a school, you can get 15% off everything in the shop. That includes everything from a flower vase to a sofa!

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Ask About Open Box Items

Even if it isn’t one of the four times a year that stock is replenished and turned over, always ask about open box items. West Elm often has a selection of floor items that have not yet sold but are available at a discount if you ask.

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There's a Pricing Code

If a price is marked with a .97 or .99, it’s the official final price of an item at West Elm. Even it something is on sale previously, it isn’t until the price code follows the aforementioned structure that it isn’t going to drop any further.