90% of the housewares at home goods, marshalls and tj maxx (all owned by the same company and carrying much of the same stock) are ~weird~, why? or no.

It's easy to get SO overwhelmed by the junk you can't see the gems, 

but there are certain categories of good, cheap items that are almost always in stock at these shops, that I rely on for myself and my interior decor clients.

SHOWER CURTAINS:

They sell what seem to be private label (Hotel), licensed (Vera Wang, Cynthia Rowley, Tahari etc.), and sometimes simply last-season (Kassatex, Kate Spade) shower curtains that are reliably classy, just as high quality as what I can buy at Saks, Gracious Home or ABC Carpet here in New York, and 1/5th the price. These are all $20 or $25; at Neiman's you'd be spending $85-$300.

classic white 100% cotton bedding:

For $40, there is always a pure white/100% cotton embroidered quilt, matelassé coverlet or waffle weave blanket available. This is one of the most popular types of bedding (or backup bedding) in most of the homes I decorate. Not only is each type of bedcover in unquestionably good taste, but pure white in different classic textures layers so beautifully. It's also washable, bleachable and therefore kid, pet, kink and breakfast-in-bed friendly. If a client wants the best and has the money, there's nothing wrong with getting the $600 Matouk or Sferra version. Most people prefer 4 or 5 of these in the closet for themselves or guests, though.

hangers, hampers and overdoor racks:

When Home Goods opened in New York City I knew my life would never be the same, because the baskets, hampers, velvet huggie hangers, and overdoor racks I had been purchasing at the Container Store were dethroned! Sometimes they've got good options for shoes storage or drawer organizers as well, but not as reliably.

Overdoor hangers are $7 or $8, which is no cheaper than Bed Bath & Beyond, but the selection is always on trend. Basket hampers are a far better bargain, typically priced at just 10-20% of what I would pay at Bed Bath or Container Store. Sets of 25-35 hangers are $12-$17 (about 40% cheaper than Joy Mangano huggable hangers), and again the options of goldtone and coppertone metal bits are very on-trend. 

Sheets under $50:

SO . . . cheap sheets are not my thing. Yet, I respect that expensive sheets are just not everybody's thing. If you've decided that sheets are a place where you want to conserve funds, TJ Maxx/Home Goods/Marshalls are a great place to buy them.

For  $30/40/$50/$60 they usually have Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein for about half what you'd pay at the department store; sometimes they've got Kate Spade, Donna Karan, Maurizio, other sort of higher-end of the mid-range stuff. Once in a blue moon I've seen Anichini, Frette, and Sferra. Sometimes it's still really pricey ($175, $250), but nothing compared to what you would normally pay, and it usually goes on clearance as well.

Dog Beds and Bowls:

I'm a stickler for chic pet accoutrements! People often take out their tacky on their pets, or neglect to buy their things with anything but utility in mind, though they are constantly on show in the home. Pet boutiques are notoriously expensive, and pet chain stores have woefully little variety and even less of quality. TJ Maxx/Home Goods/Marshalls represents a good balance.

White towels:

Pure white long loop terry towels are available everywhere. The only reason to buy them somewhere more expensive is if you want a specific weave (ie double satin hotel band, floral damask), or want to get them monogrammed at the same time. If you don't do monograms (or like to have really great ones done by a dedicated pro) and aren't hung up on a specific texture, these are great bang for the buck ($8 each, vs. $20+ at a department store). Like white bedding, pure white cotton toweling in different textures can layer up to provide extra style and convenience.

Tablecloths:

I repeat, I AM A LINENS SNOB! Give me Porthault or give me death! But for casual events, everyday dining, outdoor events, kids' events etc., there's a place for mid-range and bargain priced linens. Kate Spade, Cynthia Rowley, Tabitha Webb and Ralph Lauren are consistently available for $15-$30, and sometimes nice imported Italian linens as well. 

Shell and Stone Decorative Items:

Lots of their decorative accent stock seems to be imported from India. That means capiz shell, lacquered items and semiprecious stone accessories at really accessible prices. Geode bookends are usually $20-$30 each; shell trays $12-$25 and shell furniture $50-$150.

Lamps:

The lamps here are a bit more expensive, but also more conservative and better quality than Target-- sort of halfway between Target and West Elm. I can usually find a matching pair of Ralph Lauren blue and white lamps, and can always find a great individual desk or bedside lamp. Prices range from $25-$99.

KITCHEN: 

As a decorator (and terrible cook) this is an area that I typically don't handle. But for things that people tend to leave displayed (pans on an overhead rack, canisters on open shelving) I like to pick up color coordinated stuff. I also couldn't help but notice that they have a lot of the same brands sold at nice mid-range retailers like Macy's (T-fal, Cuisinart, All-Clad, Breville, Bodum, Riedel etc.) for discounted prices.

Of course, I have found various other gems at times, but these are the categories that I KNOW will not be a waste of my time.

What do you always buy at Marshalls/Home Goods/

TJ Maxx?

any recs for me?