Why you’ll love it: "For brand-new, first-run merchandise, they've got the lowest prices across almost any category," says Jennifer Farrell of A&E Network’s home-design program Find & Design. High-volume sales mean they can command bargain rates from manufacturers — and pass them on to customers.

Best bets: "They have a tremendous arts and crafts section, including fabrics for $1 to $2 a yard that are similar to fabrics you’d spend $12 per yard for elsewhere," says Farrell, who has used Wal-Mart bolts to make curtains for houses on her show. "For a home with 10- or 12-foot ceilings, making drapes from the fabric is a brilliant cost-cutting move," she explains.

Sewing machines are often a steal there, too, says Eva Yusa, shopping expert and spokesperson for shoplocal.com (recent example: a Singer 16-Stitch Sewing Machine for less than $90). You'll also find a variety of constantly changing consumer electronics, like high-definition and big-screen plasma televisions, as well as handheld DVD players.

Ikea

Why you’ll love it: Modern furniture used to mean either ultra-expensive and experimental, or totally cheesy and cheap looking. No more: Thanks to this Swedish retailer, decorating your home with of-the-minute styles is affordable.

Best bets: "When tested by consumer magazines, their cabinetry consistently ranks as high as the top-rated, astronomically priced brands," says Farrell, who recommends using Ikea for a kitchen makeover. Another favorite find: a tulip pendant light for around $20 ("upscale designer versions can cost up to $2,500," she says). And don’t miss their "as is" room, where lightly damaged pieces or opened packages are offered at 20 to 80 percent off — Farrell once got perfectly good flooring laminates there at one-third their usual price.

Target

Why you’ll love it:This chain is all about providing great design at mass prices. It's made a name for itself by persuading high-end designers to create exclusive and more affordable lines.

Best bets: Try to snag some of the new Thomasville furniture. "It’s a trusted brand, so being able to get it at Target prices is huge," says Yusa. Check out deals like Thomasville entertainment armoires and audio piers with solid wood frames for less than $300.

And Target’s kitchen goods are a cut above: Renowned architect Michael Graves gives a modern spin to everyday wares, such as a funky gray teakettle and a James Bond-worthy stainless-steel bar accessory kit, both for less than $25. P.S.: Don’t miss the $1 and $2 bargain bins up front for kitchen knickknacks, holiday decorations and kid treats.

Homegoods

Why you’ll love it: You can find almost everything you need to give your home an elegant eclectic look — without visiting a half-dozen different shops.

Best bets: Take your pick of upscale cookware and designer bedding: Farrell snagged a Donna Karan duvet cover for about $79 (as opposed to a retail price of $315 and up!). "They’re also fantastic when it comes to tabletop merchandise. At the holidays, for instance, they've been known to carry renowned Waechtersbach holiday china for up to 80 percent off department store prices," she says.

Big Lots

Why you’ll love it:The lucky deals are always changing at this chain. Keep checking in to grab incredible closeouts at a fraction of their original price.

Best bets: Lately, the store’s been beefing up its large-furniture departments: Well-known Ashley brand sofas are now among the offerings, usually for less than $400 versus a retail price of nearly $780.In addition, you can get a Serta mattress for $500 or less (they can go for double or even triple that price elsewhere). Hit it right and you can even score name-brand flat-screen plasma TVs for around $550, says Farrell, who did just that herself.

Kohl's

Why you’ll love it: No random treasure hunt here: Kohl's stores have a department-store layout so you’ll almost always find the item you want in stock. And the sales! "The price you see on the tag is hardly ever the real price," says Karen Hoxmeier of mybargainbuddy.com, a site that alerts shoppers to online and in-store coupons and sales. "Early-bird and night-owl sales can easily double your savings, and if you have their store credit card, you’ll receive regular offers to save 15 percent or more when you use it."

Best bets: Small appliances can be a steal, especially during sales. Recently the store ran a buy one, get one half-off sale on coveted KitchenAid stand mixers (a great deal if you want to team up with a friend!).

Other popular items, like Rival Crock-Pots, can occasionally be snagged at or near half-price. Kohl's has also teamed up with the Food Network to offer a variety of well-priced and well-made kitchen goodies, from four-piece champagne flute sets ($25, often on sale for less) to generously sized stainless-steel colanders (check for sales and you might get one for under $40).

Kmart

Why you’ll love it: The trusted chain runs regular sales, including flyer coupons good for discounts of 10 to 25 percent on purchases of $50 or more.

Best bets: Two words: Martha Stewart. Thanks to Kmart's partnership with the domestic diva, it boasts an outstanding bed-and-bath department, which it recently updated. A luxurious Nutmeg Paisley Bedding Ensemble starts at less than $80, and you'll find plenty of affordable accessories like matching throw pillows and curtain valances. And since Kmart purchased Sears several years ago, says Karen Hoxmeier of mybargainbuddy.com, you'll also find a great selection of well-regarded Kenmore small appliances (Sears’ house brand) — everything from a basic toaster for less than $15 to grills for well under $200. While there are no longer Blue Light specials, look for "Best of Blue" or "BlueLight Finds," featuring the store’s signature items and unadvertised specials.