As easy as it is to shop for home décor and furniture online, there’s nothing like walking into a brick-and-mortar store and taking a look at pieces firsthand. It can be fun to learn the story behind a specific item or discover a new favorite brand while wandering through a store in-person, after all. Luckily, there are tons of amazing home retailers in the DC area, and we’re going to guess you haven’t scoped out all nine of the following shops! Read on for our favorite places to shop in DC, Virginia, and Maryland.

WASHINGTON, DC

Photo courtesy of Salt & Sundry

GoodWood

If you love all things vintage, you won’t want to miss out on GoodWood the next time you’re in Northwest DC. Located on U Street, the store features a mix of both new and used items, and the inventory is constantly changing. This is a great place to explore if you’re in the market for a classic wooden chest to place in your living room or a beautiful hutch for your dining room. GoodWood also offers seating galore, ranging from dining chairs to sofas. Even if you don’t leave with an item in tow, the shop is always worth checking out simply to gather inspiration.

Salt & Sundry

Located just a brief walk away from GoodWood, Salt & Sundry is a colorful shop that sells all kinds of fun pieces: pillow covers, candles, cookbooks, and more. It’s a great place to browse if you’re in need of a gift for a friend or just want to treat yourself to something fun for the home or kitchen. While you’re in the area, be sure to pop into Salt & Sundry’s sister store, Little Leaf, which is every plant parent’s dream. If you’re looking to build your collection of green friends, the store is full of fabulous picks.

Sanabria & Co

Whether you live on the Hill or are just in Southeast DC for the day, make it a priority to scope out Sanabria & Co, a relatively new shop run by local interior designer Melissa Sanabria. If you’re looking for that perfect finishing touch for your home, this is definitely the place to go for decorative items big and small.

VIRGINIA

Photo courtesy of Red Barn Mercantile

Le Village Marche

Have an obsession with all things French? If so, you’re certainly not going to want to miss out on Le Village Marche, located in the Village at Shirlington. Stock up on adorable greeting cards for loved ones, swoonworthy coffee table books, art prints, and so much more. This is definitely the best place in the DC area to embrace your inner Parisian!

Red Barn Mercantile

Whether you’re looking for supplies for a cozy night in (cocktail mixers, puzzles, and more) or are in need of a darling vase or pillow to spruce up your living room, Red Barn Mercantile in Old Town is not to be missed. The shop contains kids’ gifts, too, so you can check that birthday party item off your to-do list while grabbing some fun things for yourself.

MARYLAND

Photo courtesy of Serena & Lily

HomeSense

If you’re looking for budget-friendly furnishings for your own home or your recent grad’s first place, HomeSense (which is just like HomeGoods, yet even more focused on large pieces) has recently opened up on Rockville Pike and is an excellent place to shop for stylish basics without breaking the bank. HomeSense is still not as ubiquitous as HomeGoods when it comes to locations, and this store is the most accessible within the DC area. You can find on-trend rattan pieces, oversized mirrors, entertaining supplies, and bedding galore.

Serena & Lily

Designer favorite Serena & Lily opened on Bethesda Row a couple of years back, and it’s perfect for those who love the laid back, California cool look. Embrace your inner grandmillennial by shopping the chic blue and white picks the store has to offer. With less than 20 retail stores nationwide, this is the only SL store in the DMV region.

The Blue House

Longtime downtown Bethesda boutique The Blue House is a favorite for whimsical gifts, like local-themed home decor items, cookbooks, coffee table books, SCOUT bags, and more. Note that the shop recently moved locations and is no longer located across from Tastee Diner but is further up Woodmont Avenue. It’s a great place to shop year round, but definitely don’t miss the holiday decorations!

Sarah Lyon is a New York City-based freelance writer, originally from Bethesda, MD. She contributes to a number of national design and lifestyle publications like Architectural Digest, Apartment Therapy, MyDomaine, the Washington Post, and more. Sarah also works with designers to help them style spaces for photo shoots. Find more shelfies on her Instagram page, @sarahlyon9