Ever heard of the phrase “shop smarter, not harder”? Ever since one of my followers asked me to find a cheaper version of a not-so-cheap accent chair I have been obsessed with looking for pieces with a better-looking price tag.
In case you missed it, you can read about why I love looking for dupes, here.
These three ways of looking for cheaper versions of expensive decor or furniture also works for finding clothes, shoes, accessories, and probably anything you else can think of. The internet is full of endless possibilities!
Google Search
A simple Google search can go a long way! I love using Google when I am looking for a chair, table, light fixture, etc. when creating designs. It’s fast and easy and allows me to look at all the different styles and types of an object. Simply type in what you’re looking for, like a “weathered coffee table” and there you have it! All the weathered coffee tables to satisfy all your coffee table needs. This method works best if you aren’t looking for something specific. If you are looking for something specific, keep reading!
Who doesn’t love Pinterest? This app is full of pictures, videos, recipes of your wildest dreams! Pinterest makes it very easy to find what you’re looking for. Most pictures have tags on the objects in the image such as paintings and prints, vases, couches, dining chairs, and so much more. If you click on a tag a bunch of results will appear of the same items or items that look just like it (dupes). For example, in the image below I clicked on the tag “coffee tables”, and on the right of the image, there are countless products that look similar to the one in this image.
Sometimes results will yield the exact piece and other times it will yield pieces that are very similar, usually with different price points.
Using Pinterest to Find Items From Other Images
This is my other favorite way to find an item using Pinterest. Sometimes I’ll see an image on Instagram and want to find similar products or where the exact product is from I’ll use Pinterest to do so.
You can pin images right from Instagram using the three dots on the top right-hand side of a post, click share to, and then open with Pinterest (this will only work if you have the Pinterest app downloaded on your phone).
You can also do this manually by creating a new pin on Pinterest and adding the image you are looking to use. Don’t forget to add the URL and give credit to the image’s creator! You can also add the URL and Pinterest will generate the image for you.
After doing this, click on the circle with a magnifying glass logo that’s on the bottom right of the image and zoom in on the item you’re looking for. You will see many options pop up!
And there you have it! simple, easy, and super efficient!
Google Lens
Saving the best for last! This is my favorite way to find a dupe! This app is similar to the last method I mentioned above using Pinterest; however, Google Lens is much quicker. Google Lens makes it easy to find a dupe. Download the Google app and click on the camera icon that’s right in the search bar, upload an image of what you’re looking for and that’s it!
It’s so easy and very efficient! I have found that this method works better if you use an image with a white background. Using a picture that has other objects next to or in the background results in the app looking for those other items rather than what you actually want to look for.
For example, in the pictures below I am using the app to look for these decorative beads but it is giving me completely different results.
Whether it be a simple Google search, utilizing Pinterest, or searching on Google Lens, I have found that all of these methods are helpful in finding the perfect dupe. I hope this is helpful in finding products you love but your bank account isn’t loving!
Until next time.
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