Steal the designer look for less with Kmart's $99 dupe of $500 luxury item!

For those with a penchant for chic and sophisticated interior designs for their home, bouclé chairs have become a coveted item, gracing the pages of high-end home decor magazines and social media personalities.

However, the hefty price tag of designer bouclé chairs, often upwards of $500 from Zara, can be a significant deterrent for many.

Enter Kmart, the beloved Australian retailer known for its budget-friendly finds, with a stunning solution dividing shoppers.



The Kmart Remi Boucle Lounge Chair, priced at $99, is a remarkable dupe of its designer counterparts, offering the same stylish look without the financial sting.

The chair's popularity has skyrocketed, with customers raving about its affordability and chic design.

It's not just the price that's turning heads; the chair's ease of assembly and aesthetic appeal have made it a must-have for those looking to update their living spaces without breaking the bank.


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Shoppers are obsessed with this $99 Kmart bouclé chair (left), as compared to the $500 Zara bouclé chair (right). Credit: Kmart / Zara


Interior designer Zoe Gilpin, known on social media as The DIY Decorator for her savvy decorating tips, commented on the trend.

‘I definitely think that the cheaper bouclé fabrics available now are worth purchasing for people on a budget or who like to change up their interior often and don't want to commit to a pricier piece,’ she said.

‘However, like all things cheaper, purchasers should be aware that these items just won't last as long compared to a piece that is of better quality.’

The excitement around Kmart's bouclé chair was palpable on social media, with Aussie social media personality Mel Saarinen leading the charge.



‘Hello my fellow Kmart lovers, I have to show you what I found. Do you know how long I've been waiting to find a cute bouclé chair that isn't like $500? I found one,’ she said.

‘How cute is she? I LOVE IT! I am obsessed. If you've been wanting a cute bouclé chair, go into Kmart. And not hard to put together, it took 2 seconds, and she is just stunning.’

Her enthusiastic endorsement of the chair, coupled with her followers' eager responses, highlights the growing demand for affordable yet fashionable home furnishings.

‘I think I need to run to Kmart,’ one follower said.

‘It’s so cute,’ a second added.

‘I’m buying it RIGHT NOW,’ a third commented.

One shopper even expressed their relief at finding the Kmart chair.

‘Running to Southland RIGHT NOW—been eyeing up one from Freedom Furniture for $800!’



But what exactly is bouclé, and why has it captured the hearts of design enthusiasts?

Bouclé is a woven fabric known for its looped and curled yarns, which give it a distinctive, textured appearance.

This fabric first gained popularity in the 1950s, with fashion icons like Coco Chanel incorporating it into their designs.

Today, bouclé's cosy and tactile qualities make it a perfect fit for the current trend of creating inviting and luxurious living spaces.

Zoe Gilpin explained that while bouclé is experiencing a resurgence, the quality of the fabric can vary significantly between high-end and budget-friendly options.

‘When it comes to types of bouclé fabrics, higher end boucle tends to be a denser/hardier fabric containing loops and curls, where the cheapest alternatives tend to be a softer fabric which still has that textural look, but are not likely to last as long as true bouclé fabrics,’ Zoe explained.

For those who decide to embrace the bouclé trend, whether through Kmart's affordable chair or a more expensive piece, Zoe recommended using a fabric protector to safeguard against spills and stains.

‘If using a fabric protect/scotch guard for protection, ensure to spray on and massage in the product with a cloth so that the product gets in between the loops. I would highly recommend treating any bouclé product to protect it, but especially cheaper fabrics as they are going to be harder to clean,’ she said.

You can watch Mel Saarinen’s video below:

Credit: @melsaarinen / TikTok

Key Takeaways

  • Kmart has released a $99 bouclé chair, providing an affordable alternative to designer items priced at $500 or more.
  • Interior designer Zoe Gilpin suggested that while cheaper bouclé pieces won't last as long as higher quality ones, they are worth considering for those on a budget or who like to change their decor regularly.
  • Bouclé fabric's textured, nubby appearance is part of its resurgence in modern interior design, adding a luxe and cosy feel to spaces.
  • Caring for bouclé involves using a fabric protector to safeguard against spills and stains, with special attention needed for lower-cost bouclé to maintain its appearance.
Have you jumped on the bouclé bandwagon yet? Have you found any other designer dupes that have transformed your home without emptying your wallet? Share your finds and thoughts in the comments below!
 
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