Home bargains - the coolest buys from the most affordable homeware stores

published 2 November 2020

A new survey has told us where to find the best home bargains, ranking the most affordable homeware brands. It's a handy top ten, compiled by property developers Essential Living, to keep up your sleeve for when you're looking for your next buy.

But cheap home decor can still be chic, and so our editors have scoured the top ten to find the coolest things on sale. Here you'll find everything from an Ikea daybed to a marble side table at Next. Use these shopping picks as your jumping off point to discover a whole world of affordable homeware buys that don't lose out on style.

1. IKEA

Perhaps it's no surprise that IKEA ranked as the most affordable homeware brand, but there is so much more to it than tealights and Billy bookcases. And if you look past the essential storage pieces you'll find some moments of high design.

This Flottebo sofa bed, £450, (opens in new tab) is just one of those breakout stars, its strikingly shaped cushions and bold shade feeling not out of place in a modern Manhattan apartment. It also comes in grey if you're not feeling quite so bold.

2. Made.com

Made.com was a disrupter when it first launched, bringing cleverly designed modern homeware pieces to the internet at affordable prices.

It's still a go-to for desks, sofas, beds and seating, but between the larger items of furniture you'll find pretty little accessories like this Joslin wall lamp, £35 (opens in new tab). Rattan continues to be a big trend, and the slightly coastal glow this light brings creates a feeling of easy, breezy New England beachy chic.

See also: Living room colour ideas

3. Next

In at number three, Next is full of cheap home decor. Here you'll find plenty of bedding, beautiful cushions, and this very chic marble based side table, £125 (opens in new tab).

4. Habitat

Founded in 1964 by Sir Terence Conran to bring directional, affordable design to the high street, Habitat continues to do just that.

It's at Habitat where you'll find bright textiles, sleek furniture, and this very cheerful and modern Sunset rug, £95 (opens in new tab).

5. Marks and Spencer

The fifth most affordable homeware brand according to Essential Living's survey is M&S, a long-time favourite that also sells smart and beautiful accessories and furniture alongside its popular prawn sandwiches and Percy Pigs.

Particularly of note this season is this striped vase, £12.50 (opens in new tab), its handmade charm looking like it came straight out of your suitcase after a holiday in Portugal. Leven empty on a shelf or add a couple of stems of dried flowers.

6. La Redoute

The French homeware brand La Redoute does a great line in glass sand timers, but you'll also find cleverly sourced tableware, too.

The delicate ombre effect of this dinner plate, £40 for four (opens in new tab), is beautiful enough to be used as occasion ware - imagine a folded linen napkin and sprig of rosemary placed artfully atop it - or affordable enough to be everyday.

See also: Moody blue living room ideas

7. Rockett St George

Longtime Livingetc favourite Rockett St George makes an appearance at number 7, bolstered by its incredibly large line of quirky and affordable home accessories.

Browse the site for everything from doorstops in the shape of Karl Lagerfeld to these very smart champagne coupes, £9 each (opens in new tab). Just in time to add some festive Christmas cheer.

8. Maisons du Monde

You can find almost everything at Maisons du Monde - it's particularly good for bar stools.

But on the smaller end of the spectrum, we also think this charmingly ramshackle bamboo planter, £44 (opens in new tab), is the perfect place in which to stand your monstera.

9. Matalan

It can be overwhelming when walking into a vast Matalan store, so we'd recommend heading straight to the storage section online. Here you'll find perfect display units, like this wall shelf, £25 (opens in new tab), ideal for your most treasured objets.

10. John Lewis

The stalwart's famous tagline may be that it's never knowingly undersold, but that doesn't mean you can't pick up a bargain here, too.

Its selection of cushions is noteworthy, and the painterly charms of this Flux cushion, £60 (opens in new tab), in on-trend blue and green, are softly serene.

See the full results of Essential Living's survey of the UK's top homeware brands here (opens in new tab).

Shining a spotlight on the now and the next in home design and decor, Livingetc is the UK's best selling high end and contemporary home design magazine. As a brand, Livingetc showcases the world's very best homes, breaks and makes the trends, and has access to leading international designers for insight and ideas. It was first published in 1998, and is currently edited by Pip Rich.