Do you remember my earlier post about “When to Use the Restoration Hardware Design Service”? If not, click on that link and refresh your memory before reading on.

As I was writing that post, I got curious about some of the items RH sells. I love the vibe of many of the items they carry, but I have been disappointed in the quality on more than one occasion. Especially because RH prices are often pretty steep. I don’t mind paying a chunk of change when the quality is high, but that is not always the case with Restoration Hardware.

So I started digging. And lookie what I found:

This first chandelier is from Restoration Hardware. Click on the image to go to the website to see it. This chandelier is sold to the general public (not RH members) for $2695. It’s a show-stopping metal chandelier with 16 lights, so $2700 isn’t TERRIBLY expensive, but it is still pricey. And let’s also note it doesn’t even come with the light bulbs since we’re here, shall we?

Restoration Hardware: BISTRO GLOBE CLEAR GLASS CHANDELIER

Now the fact that the $2700 chandelier doesn’t come with lightbulbs isn’t even my point. My point is that this 16 light, the metal chandelier can also be found on Alibaba for $123.50. It’s made in China, y’all. Seriously. Click the image below. I mean seriously, it’s the same image. RH didn’t even bother to re-photograph it!

Alibaba: Antique Brass Copper Wrought Iron Hand Blown Glass Globe Light

Are you in the market for a chandelier? Because you can skip RH and go directly to Alibaba.com. I’m sure you’ll find quite a few other Restoration Hardware items over there.

Oh, wait. I spent another 5 minutes and found this for you:

Restoration Hardware $149 (non-members). Not a bad price.

Restoration Hardware Clear Glass Funnel Pendant

Alibaba $6.20 (if you buy 12 pieces). Also made in China.

Alibaba: Iron Loft Decoration Black Modern Pendant Light

Well, at least RH updated the photo image of the pendant.

I have not been into RH to actually see these lights in person and give my opinion about the quality. Maybe I’ll make a field trip in the future. I’m also not claiming to know what the shipping costs are. And now that the tariffs on our imports are being increased, I’m sure the profit margin has diminished a bit for RH.

But seriously, are you not SHOCKED at the fact that RH is getting these items for literal pennies on the dollar?

RH promotes its Artisans and Artists. And I’m sure some of their products are designed & made by unique talent. In fact, I have a gorgeous dresser in my nursery that is from RH and is super heavy and made well. Just don’t buy into the fact that everything is crafted with care and quality.

And to be clear,  I’m not advocating that RH not make a profit on selling furnishings. I’d be a hypocrite if so because selling furnishings is part of my profit model. My point is rather, that you should check the quality of the items you’re buying at Restoration Hardware. Because you might just be paying almost $3000 for a $150 chandelier.

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