The Strategist Guide to Shopping at West Elm

West Elm’s bedding comes highly recommended by interior designers and decorators — and its linen sheets are among our editors’ favorites. Former Strategist senior editor Margaret Rhodes described West Elm’s European flax linen sheets as crisp and breathable, without being too scratchy. It has “a bit more of that just-washed-sheets effect,” she says. In other words, “this is dip-your-toe-in linen.” (If you want to cover your whole bed in linen, you can also get a matching duvet cover and shams.)

If you prefer bedding with a crisper feel than linen — at a not eye-popping price — consider this percale sheet set. It comes recommended by Courtney McLeod, founder and principal designer of New York City–based Right Meets Left Interior Design, who says they “are excellent quality for the price,” especially given that they’re made of organic cotton in fair-trade-certified facilities.

West Elm’s wide selection of duvet covers and quilts come as highly recommended as its sheet sets, and in a variety of styles for just about any bedroom. This one, woven from sustainably sourced cotton, has a raised geometric design that adds a nice, subtle texture to a modern bedroom, and it comes recommended by Havenly staff designer Madison Shoemaker.

If you’re looking to create a more opulent atmosphere, Decorilla designer Devin Shaffer recommends this velvet duvet cover. Shaffer calls its crushed (as opposed to smooth) fabrication “avant-garde” and says it gives the duvet cover added texture that makes it a bit more glamorous. Made from a viscose blend with cotton backing, the duvet cover is available in six colors (including blush, regal blue, and golden oak).

This quilt is on the higher end of West Elm’s price range for duvets, but it’s handcrafted, meaning that no two are exactly alike. Designer Rochelle Porter loves that “the pop of color peeks out from under the top layer” of the reverse appliqué construction.

This over-the-toilet ladder was a game changer for Strategist senior editor Crystal Martin, allowing her to transform what would otherwise be dead bathroom space into usable storage. Martin says this glossy ladder is “well made and sturdy” and spacious enough to hold towels, washcloths, and beauty products.

Professional organizer ​​Laura Cattano recommends this sleek lacquer shelf set that will provide additional storage whether you use it to display décor, store books, or keep your modem off the ground. It’s easy to install and equally chic whether mounted in your living room or bathroom. Depending on your existing look, you can choose from three finishes (brass, nickel, and bronze) and four lengths (two through five feet).

If plastic bins strike you as unsightly, Cattano suggests investing in these elegant woven baskets so that “if someone walks in, they see a beautiful basket instead of the toys.” These receptacles have a sturdy frame covered in tightly handwoven rattan peel for a natural look. At 23 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 18 inches high, they’re large enough to keep bulky linens like towels tucked away neatly.

Budget- and design-conscious shoppers might consider this end-of-bed bench that’s a favorite of Havenly designer Lauren Cox, who says she loves the price point and slim frame. At 42 inches, it can fit in nearly any bedroom to add a sense of coziness with its sturdy hardwood frame and foam cushion upholstered in twill. In addition to the light gray shown, it’s also available in indigo and graphite.

This handcrafted rug is available in eight different sizes (including round options), making it easy to select the correct dimensions to “ground the room, and make everything look more unified,” says interior designer Lisa Gilmore. You can expect less shedding (and therefore, less vacuuming) thanks to nylon yarn, which is known to be both durable and low-maintenance.

“Natural fiber adds the perfect amount of organic texture to a space,” according to Modsy lead stylist Tara Smith, who loves the “chunky weave” of this customizable sisal rug. The choose-your-own-adventure element is the wide range of dimensions, including 17 widths (from two to 16 feet and two round options) and 12 lengths (from two to 13 feet). It’s available in a classic warm tone or more modern-looking chrome and muslin colorways.

This doormat is favorite of prop stylist Cat Dash, who likes that the traditional coir (a natural fiber made from the outer husk of coconuts) has been upgraded with a “fun half-circle shape and a Memphis-inspired dash pattern.” The navy stripes appear surprisingly neutral and help camouflage dirt.

Christopher Stevens, interior designer and founder of Tipper Studio, recommends this 30-inch desk for clients who have small spaces. “Petite dimensions and a pleasing wood finish combined with ‘go with anything’ black metal accents make this a great choice for a variety of more laid-back décors.” It’s constructed from mango-wood and includes two drawers for corralling all your belongings.

For a place mat with extra personality, Alana Grim, co-owner of the now-closed Brooklyn vintage furniture store ANGL, suggests these fringed, handwoven numbers. These circular mats are made of rattan and sisal (resilient, easy-to-clean fabrics for outdoor dining and messy eaters). You can choose from white, black, or gray to match them to your tablecloth or dinnerware.

Sheer curtains “provide the ability to allow natural light into a space while still allowing privacy,” according to Modsy designer Megan Huffman. She recommends this pair, which features a subtle crosshatch pattern that adds a bit of texture. If you like the look of sheer curtains during the day but also want to keep light pollution from coming through at night, Huffman says these can easily be hung on a double curtain rod with a pair of thicker, more opaque blackout curtains.

If you’re looking for more privacy or less light than what a sheer curtain provides, this jacquard curtain is Decorilla design expert Devin Shaffer’s choice. Shaffer says the panel’s raised pattern, which is made with metallic threads and kind of resembles tree bark, reminds him of the outdoors. While noticeable, the neutral-colored pattern is still subtle enough that it won’t overwhelm a room, he adds.

Curtain rods are often metal, but this wooden rod adds a softer edge, according to Huffman, who says this rod would work in a bunch of different décor styles, including mid-century, traditional, modern, and rustic. Featuring brass-finished mounting hardware and finials (included), it adds just the slightest bit of “glam without going overboard.”

Andi Morse, founder of Morse Design in Atlanta, likes the unique shape and shimmery look of this tray, which “has a very high-end feel for the price.” Morse uses it to accessorize her living room, as “it looks good on anything and everything — leather, wood, grass cloth, even an upholstered table.”

Faux plants can often give themselves away with over-vibrant greens, but this rubber tree’s thick, textured leaves and red undertones have a more realistic appearance. Depending on your space, you can choose from a height of 68.5 or 39 inches. It doesn’t come with a planter (it arrives in a plastic pot), but the retailer has plenty to choose from.