5 Great Target Houseware Buys That Won't Break the Bank

My love of Target can be a problem for my checking account. Consequently, my trips to the store are few and far between (shopping there online is my usual move), and when I do go, I steel myself for a higher tab. It's the housewares section where I go weak in the knees -- what can I say, I love inexpensive home furnishings. Here's some of the best Target has to offer. (Be aware, online and in-store prices may differ, and items do go on/off sale all the time.)

1. Decorative pillows

Sure, you could just buy boring basic bed pillows and skip decorative ones, but where's the fun in that? Target has an excellent selection of throw pillows of all kinds. If you've got kids and want to dress up their space, Target's line of kids' home furnishings (called Pillowfort) has extremely cute offerings, including this throw pillow covered with pink fuzzy tassels -- and it'll only cost you $15!

There's something wonderful about hanging out on your bed to read or watch TV, or just do a little work on your laptop. For that, this sherpa bed rest pillow has you covered. It comes in four colors and is on sale for $16 at the time of this writing.

2. Bedsheets

I'm kind of a sheet snob, in that I refuse to buy anything that isn't 100% cotton -- polyester and other synthetics simply don't wash as nicely, and tend to pill over time. So I recommend Threshold (Target's in-house brand) for bedsheets. The Performance line is 400 thread count and has a nice silky feel. Check out these Ditsy Floral printed sheets -- the queen size will run you just $44 at time of writing. Going back to a kid's room, you can pick up a set of solid-colored Pillowfort sheets for just $20 in a twin size.

3. Candles

Summer isn't exactly the prime season for lighting candles in a cozy living room, but it never hurts to stock up ahead of fall and winter. If you like candles and have never tried one with wooden wicks, you're missing out. They crackle as they burn, and it's like having a tiny campfire on your coffee table. You can scoop up a 14-ounce wood wick candle that smells like citrus for just $17, and enjoy 29 hours of burning time.

If you prefer having lots of little candles to dress up your space, scope out this set of three candles in a handy gift set for just $10. They come in citrus and floral scents and the cute designs will brighten any room.

4. Coffee mugs

For a household of one, I have entirely too many coffee mugs as it is, but I still can't keep myself from browsing Target's ceramic offerings. I am very tempted by these lovely stoneware mugs with soft ombre colors. They come in six colors and are just $10 a piece. If you prefer a little encouragement with your morning brew, may I suggest this floral-print mug that tells you you're doing great? It holds 15 ounces of liquid and can be yours for just $7.

5. Blankets

By this point, you're probably starting to understand why Target can be dangerous for me. But just to drive it home, let's look at Target's blanket selection. You need a new quilt to go with new sheets, so have a look at this velvet quilt by Threshold. I love the light teal blue color, but it comes in multiple color and size options. You can get the queen size for $55.20 at time of writing, and it's even machine washable.

If quilts aren't your speed, Target offers a nice selection of other blankets. This microplush bed blanket is a favorite of mine, I've owned the pine green one for years. This blanket runs just $24 for the full/queen size at time of writing, and it comes in multiple colors to match any bedroom.

If your home furnishings are looking a little sad and dated, head to your closest Target store (or shop online from anywhere) to see what it has to offer. You can't go wrong with the above offers -- or the smaller credit card tab you'll walk out with as a result.