Besides offering two-for-one deals on toilet paper, big-box retailers have started to sell design-minded (but inexpensive) furnishings. Although that $300 sofa might not last a lifetime, it can serve up great style right now—or as soon as you figure out those assembly instructions.

JCPenney

Check out the Studio line in the JCPenney Home Collection, which includes bedding and accessories. Furniture will be available this month.

Kmart

With contemporary offerings by Essential Home, deal hunters — both traditional and mod — will be pleased.

Target

Thanks to partnerships with designer Thomas O’Brien and manufacturers like Smith & Hawken, Target offers signature names on a budget.

Wal-Mart

The company showed its sleeker side with the Urban Lane and Ashton Lane lines, which emphasize a contemporary look for younger buyers.