Restoration Hardware is a luxury furniture and design firm, not a tax or government program
Restoration Hardware (RH) is a privately held furniture and home furnishings retailer and interior design company. They sell high-end furniture, lighting, textiles, and décor items, and they offer interior design consultation services through their Design Services division. If you arrived here looking for tax deductions, government housing programs, or financial information, this is not the right resource — Restoration Hardware is a for-profit business, and their services are paid directly by customers.
This article explains how their business model works, what their design services include, and what the typical customer experience looks like. It is meant to help you understand whether their offerings match what you are looking for, not to help you with tax filing, benefits, or government programs.
Key Takeaways
- Restoration Hardware operates physical showrooms and an online store selling luxury furniture and home goods at premium prices.
- Their Design Services division offers interior design consultation, typically for customers planning large projects or purchasing significant amounts of furniture.
- Design services are not free — you pay for consultation time, and purchases are separate from design fees, though some fees may be credited toward purchases.
- Restoration Hardware is a private company; their services are not government-run, subsidized, or tax-deductible in the way some home improvement programs are.
- If you are looking for affordable furniture, rental information, or housing support, you will need to explore other resources outside of Restoration Hardware.
What Restoration Hardware sells and where to find them
Restoration Hardware operates a chain of physical showrooms in major cities across the United States and internationally. They also sell online through their website. Their product range includes upholstered furniture, case goods (dressers, tables, cabinets), lighting fixtures, textiles (rugs, curtains, bedding), outdoor furniture, and home décor accessories. Prices are significantly higher than mass-market furniture retailers — a single sofa can cost $3,000 to $8,000 or more, and dining tables often run $2,000 to $5,000 before chairs.
You can visit a showroom in person to see and touch items, or browse their catalog online. Showroom locations are listed on their website. If you are shopping online, you can order for delivery or, in some cases, arrange to pick up items at a showroom. Shipping costs vary by item size and your location.
How their Design Services division works
Restoration Hardware offers interior design consultation through their Design Services team. This is separate from straightforward buying furniture off the shelf. When you work with a designer, they typically visit your home (or meet with you remotely), discuss your style preferences and functional needs, measure spaces, and create a design plan that may include furniture selections, layout recommendations, color schemes, and sourcing of items from Restoration Hardware and sometimes other vendors.
Design services are not free. The cost structure varies — some designers charge hourly rates, others charge a flat fee for a project, and some may credit a portion of the design fee toward purchases you make. You should ask about pricing before committing. The designer's role is to help you make selections and coordinate the project, not to reduce your overall spending.
Design services are typically offered to customers planning significant projects — a full home renovation, a major room redesign, or a large furniture purchase. If you are buying a single piece of furniture, you may not need or be offered design services.
The difference between shopping and design consultation
You can walk into a Restoration Hardware showroom and buy a chair, table, or rug without any designer involvement — just like any other furniture store. A salesperson can answer questions about materials, dimensions, and availability, but they are not providing interior design services.
Design consultation is a separate service for customers who want professional help planning a room or home. This involves a designer spending time understanding your needs, creating a plan, and guiding you through selections. This service costs money and takes time — typically several weeks from initial consultation to final design plan, then additional time for ordering and delivery.
Pricing, payment, and what is not included
Restoration Hardware does not offer financing through government programs, subsidies, or information. You pay for items and services directly — either in full at purchase, through a credit card, or through a financing option (like a store credit card with promotional rates) that Restoration Hardware may offer. These are commercial financing options, not government information.
Design fees are separate from the cost of furniture and décor. If a designer charges $5,000 for a design consultation, that is in addition to what you spend on the actual items. Some designers may offer a credit — for example, $2,000 of the design fee credited toward purchases — but you are still paying for the service.
Restoration Hardware does not provide tax deductions, rebates, or government credits. If you are looking for tax deductions related to home improvement or interior design, you would need to consult a tax professional about your specific situation — but Restoration Hardware purchases are generally treated as personal home furnishings, not business expenses or deductible improvements.
What to expect if you contact them
If you call or visit a Restoration Hardware showroom and ask about design services, a salesperson or designer will ask about your project scope, timeline, and budget. They will explain their process and fees. You are under no obligation to proceed — this is a sales conversation, and you can walk away or shop elsewhere.
If you decide to work with a designer, expect to sign a service agreement that outlines the scope of work, timeline, and fees. The designer will then begin the consultation process. Communication typically happens via email, phone, or in-person meetings. Timelines vary depending on project complexity — a single-room redesign might take 4 to 8 weeks, while a whole-home project can take several months.
After the design plan is complete, you decide what to purchase. You are not obligated to buy everything the designer recommends. Many customers use the design plan as a guide and source some items elsewhere.
If you are looking for something else
If you arrived at this page looking for government housing information, rental support, home improvement grants, or affordable furniture programs, Restoration Hardware is not the right resource. Those programs are run by local housing authorities, nonprofits, and government agencies — not by luxury furniture retailers.
If you are looking for affordable furniture, consider thrift stores, online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, IKEA, Wayfair, or local furniture rental companies. If you need help paying rent or affording housing, contact your local housing authority or call 211 to find programs in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to buy from Restoration Hardware if I use their design services?
No. A designer creates a plan and makes recommendations, but you decide what to purchase. Many customers use the design plan as a reference and buy some items from other retailers. However, designers typically expect you to purchase a meaningful amount from Restoration Hardware — they are not providing free design services for you to shop elsewhere.
Can I get a discount or financing for large purchases?
Restoration Hardware occasionally runs promotions and may offer financing through a store credit card or third-party lender. These are commercial offers, not government programs. Ask a salesperson about current promotions and financing options when you visit or call.
Is there a minimum purchase amount to work with a designer?
This varies by location and designer. Some designers work with customers on smaller projects, while others focus on larger renovations. When you contact them, ask about minimum project sizes or budgets.
What if I am not happy with the design plan?
This depends on your service agreement. Some agreements allow for revisions within the scope of the project; others may charge for additional changes. Read your agreement carefully before signing, and ask about revision policies upfront.
Can I return furniture if I change my mind?
Restoration Hardware has a return policy, but it varies by item and whether the piece was custom-ordered. Custom or made-to-order items typically cannot be returned. Ask about the return policy before purchasing, especially for high-value pieces.