Dollar Tree Vs Popshelf: Where Should You Shop For Kitchen Decor?

Upgrading your kitchen decor doesn't have to involve expensive vintage tile trends or splurging on a new cooking range. Sometimes, all you need is a few decor items to elevate a space's form and functionality. However, finding the right shop for your needs is the real challenge, and there are some pros and cons behind both Dollar Tree and Popshelf.

Both are great alternatives to major home goods suppliers, and while you may not see Calphalon cookingware or Marin decor items, they boast a wide range of similar products for lower prices. However, if you're looking for something highly specific, you may struggle to find what you need at either location. While both stores carry everything from holiday-specific containers to everyday table runners, neither boasts the sheer variety of online-only providers that don't need to stock brick-and-mortar stores.

Dollar Tree and Popshelf are great options for when you want an aesthetic upgrade, but aren't quite sure what you want it to look like yet. If you go into either store thinking, "I want a cute countertop container," you're bound to find something, but only if you're willing to compromise on small details like exact coloring or designs. But if your tastes have some wiggle room, each store has strengths that may appeal to you more than the other.

Right off the bat, you're more likely to shop at Dollar Tree simply because it has more locations than Popshelf. In May of 2025, it announced it had over 9,000 locations in North America, and there are only about 200 Popshelf stores in total, and absolutely no locations west of Texas.

Dollar Tree has plenty of options for an affordable kitchen glow-up and offers a less curated selection. While Dollar Tree no longer sells everything for a dollar or less, it tends to be cheaper than Popshelf on average. This is great if you're on a tight budget or looking for elegant, yet affordable holiday finds, but you may encounter more limited options than you would at Popshelf. Some Dollar Trees have a more generalized inventory, covering everything from frozen meals to kitchen cleaning supplies, while Popshelf leans more toward non-consumables, save for things like soaps and candles.

Still, this can be a major boon for one-time events, like parties. You can get all your shopping done here, from food to decorations, in one fell swoop. But while Dollar Tree offers great convenience, Popshelf offers a slightly more upscale experience aimed at people looking to make repeat visits to hunt for great finds.

Dollar General Corporation opened Popshelf to sell more items in the $5 range than closer to $1. While you may not be able to furnish a kitchen quite as cheaply, Popshelf remains plenty affordable and offers a wider range of products in exchange.

One of Popshelf's biggest strengths is its rotating inventory. While it has a great website, you never know what you might find in-store, similar to shopping at a thrift store rather than a major retailer. If you have a larger budget but fewer concrete requirements, Popshelf may be a better option for decor items than Dollar Tree. However, if you're just looking for a temporary decor solution or want something more disposable, Dollar Tree might have them beat, especially when you factor in price.

Popshelf also offers a much wider array of functional decor items. From countertop pot lid racks to dry goods decanters, Popshelf seems better able to meet a wider variety of needs rather than just offering a ton of products that fulfill the same purpose. It also has more 21st-Century functionality, offering everything from phone stands (perfect for glancing at a recipe) to strip lights for your workspace. If you have a smaller kitchen, you may want to hop over to Popshelf rather than Dollar Tree to find something a bit more specific that fits in your space better.