From Deep Thoughts to Deep Discounts: A Hard Pivot to the Wayfair Way Day Sale
Because I refuse to gatekeep Wayfair any longer—and in a world where we all need something to look forward to, most of this ships in under 24 hours. Happy decorating!
Okay, so in a hard pivot from yesterday’s deeper conversation, it is time we talk about something equally important (kind of): the Wayfair Way Day sale. It ends tonight, after all.
One thing about me is that I am a realist when it comes to money. Believe it or not, I actually have a stronger grasp of it than most would think. Because of that, I am always on the hunt for a great deal. As much as I love beautiful, special pieces, there is no greater thrill for me than finding something incredible for a steal, whether online or at HomeGoods. It is the best feeling.
Lately I have been thinking: should we feel guilty when those great finds fall into the category of "fast fashion" or, in this case, "fast furniture"?
My answer is no. Not if you are shopping intentionally.
If you are investing in something you plan to keep for two to three years or longer, and it brings you real joy, then there is nothing wrong with it. Truly. Just like I said a few posts ago when talking about the stigma around mental health, addiction, and eating disorders, there is also this strange stigma around where and how we shop. And honestly, it is exhausting.
Not every purchase needs to be a forever purchase to be worthwhile.
Just like I mix high and low in my wardrobe (a Sue Sartor or Alemais dress alongside a Zara sweater is very on brand for me), I mix high and low when it comes to furniture too. The right combination is where the magic happens.
Which brings me here: these are some of the pieces I am loving from the Way Day Sale. And no, this is not sponsored. (Although Wayfair, if you are reading this, my inbox is open.)
Wayfair has been such a useful resource when furnishing rental spaces, including my own apartments in New York. These spaces may not be "forever homes," but they still deserve to feel chic, beautiful, and welcoming.
Would I recommend furnishing your entire home with Wayfair? No. However have I practically done so (re: DUMBO)? Yes.
Just like you would not build your whole wardrobe from one brand, you should not source everything for your home from one place. Layering is everything. New with vintage. High with low. Splurge with save.
Still, there are some truly great pieces to be found. A lot of my favorites from my DUMBO apartment have already sold out, so I am including a few alternatives as well.
I know this is a hard shift from yesterday’s topic. But one thing I have learned in business is that consistency matters.
If you say you are going to post about a sale, you post about it.
If you commit to posting twice a week on Substack, you show up.
You build trust not by being perfect, but by being reliable.
And also, if we are being honest, this sale is just really good.
And sometimes, a little fun is exactly what we need.
A few of my favorite WayDay finds
I went through what feels like the entire site so you do not have to. These are pieces I would genuinely use in a rental, a guest room, or layered in with vintage finds to create that lived-in, collected feeling I always love.
Before you dive in, a few quick tips for shopping Wayfair like a pro:
Always read the reviews.
Wayfair reviews are often very legitimate. People do not hold back. They are brutally honest about quality, about how difficult something is to put together, and about whether it looks like the photos.Always check real customer photos.
I rely on these even more than the professional product shots. Real-life installation photos show you the true finish, the real color, and the actual scale.Consider the cost of assembly.
This is a huge one, especially if you live in a metro market like New York. Even if something is a steal at $100, the labor to put it together can cost you just as much. If your boyfriend is not handy (mine is, but after a long day in finance, I am not about to hand him an Allen wrench) or if you have to hire a TaskRabbit, know that there is often a two-hour minimum. In New York, that can easily be $45 or more. Sometimes I group a few tasks together to make it worth it. Other times, I just bag the idea altogether.Go in with a plan.
You need at least a rough idea of how you are going to use what you are buying. Otherwise, it is way too easy to order something beautiful that ends up living in the corner unopened.MEASURE MEASURE MEASURE.
Do not order anything without measuring first. Wayfair almost always includes detailed schematics with the length, width, and height. Tape it out on the floor if you have to. Double check. Triple check. It will save you a massive headache.
My WayDay Picks
Blue Four Poster Bed
This is my beloved blue four-poster bed that I miss every single day. I sublet my apartment fully furnished and am counting down the days until I get it back in August. It is the ultimate Serena & Lily dupe and the queen size is currently selling for $1,140. An absolute steal and it looks so beautiful in person.Blue Gourd Lamps
I have preached the power of a good lampshade forever. My advice: save on the base, splurge on the shade. I bought these for our West Village apartment and they are beautiful.
Emerald Gourd Lamps (DUMBO Version)
These are the original emerald green lamps I used in my DUMBO apartment. I adore them. The color is so rich and layered beautifully into that space.
Burlwood Credenza
Sadly this has sold out so many times, but if you ever see it available, grab it. It is stunning and looks so much more expensive than it is.Burlwood Nightstands
These have been a longtime favorite. They have two velvet-lined drawers and acrylic hardware similar to Luxholdups. I have the lighter color in DUMBO and the classic burl version in my Vero Beach home.
Glass Coffee Table (West Village Apartment)
I sourced this for our West Village apartment. Was it annoying for the gentleman in our building to put together? Yes. Was it absolutely worth it? Also yes. Great scale, real glass shelves, and the perfect spot to style books.Black Bistro Dining Table (Larger Version)
At 35 inches, this is perfect for a city apartment and comfortably seats four. It also comes in a glossy white finish that is apparently gorgeous in person.
Tulip Bistro Table (Small Version)
This is an ideal small-space table. At 31.5 inches in diameter, it comfortably seats two. It also comes in black if you want something a little moodier.Raffia Coffee Table (Cheaper Version)
The ultimate Serena & Lily dupe for under $250. We seriously debated getting this for our new apartment.
Raffia Coffee Table (More Expensive Version)
Slightly pricier, but a tiny bit better reviewed. Both options are strong depending on your budget and how much wear you expect.Chelsea House Dupe Coffee Table
I used the real Chelsea House version for a client project. If I were decorating for myself on a budget, I would buy this in two seconds. The OG is below:
Happy WayDay hunting- you can find all of my picks here!. Let me know what you snag so I can live vicariously through your finds.
With gratitude,