IKEA hit British soil from Sweden in 1987, and so started our complete love affair with stylish (and cheap) Scandi flatpacks. Oh, and those delicious meatballs you get when you go, obviously. Fresh and affordable, flat-packed furniture became all the rage, making everyone into an Allen key expert. While they're still great for homeware, wedding planning and more, if you're getting a little bit of IKEA apathy and want to shake up your home with some affordable choices, you're in luck - it isn't the only option for stylish essentials.
The first place you might look for some high-quality furniture that won't break the bank are the classic department stores, such as M&S and John Lewis, which are a go-to for homeware. In recent years, other fashionable brands have joined the home interiors stock, like H&M, Zara and Mango which are always releasing new collections to spruce up your home.
Whether you own your own home or are searching for interior ideas for rented homes, choices are brimming on digital stores. Where the Scandi import IKEA has upped the ante on the home front, happily for us, that means that there are now more shops and collections to choose from - and most are actually quite reasonably priced.
Here are our favourite places for furniture, decor, bedding and beyond.
SHOP: The Best Places To Kit Out Your Home On The Cheap 2024
AnthropologieAnthropologie is one of those places that's hard to pull yourself away from without buying the whole shop. From soft furnishings to glassware, it stocks near enough everything for any room in the house.
Our favourite place to grab everyday fashion also has a selection of homeware that's on-trend and on-budget.
Known for its affordable staples, H&M also has a delightful home section that has stylish options for every room of the house.
Mango HomeMango Home is perfect for all of your soft furnishing needs, but it also has some stunning tableware and rugs.
While you're browsing ASOS looking for an outfit, pop some bedding, towels and plant hangers from the website's homeware range into your basket. It's cheap, durable and, most importantly, uniquely stylish.
Sainsbury'sIf you've been missing out on Sainsbury's range of homeware (including Habitat), then you need to jump on the bandwagon pronto. Instantly add a unique interior twist without blowing the budget.
Oliver BonasThe home of the statement piece, Oliver Bonas is a splash of personality in a sea of beige and grey - and it's also great for gifts.
DunelmWith hundreds of stores in the UK with so much to choose from, Dunelm is suitable for various budgets. Its home accessories are particularly good for those with less cash to splash.
As well as providing us with our favourite bras, jeans and undies, M&S also has an impressive home section with products that are built to last.
John Lewis HomeJohn Lewis is, of course, where anyone would think to look when furnishing a home. But did you know about its ANYDAY collection? Packed full of budget-friendly basics, it's perfect for the essentials. Shop the ANYDAY range here or head to the full website below.
The RangeOffering everything from furniture to wall art, throws, cushions and vases, you may have to root around, but you'll find some gems.
Selling just about everything and then some, you could kit out your whole home and garden on a budget thanks to Wilko.
Graham & GreenA family-run business with unusual pieces that will really make your home stand out. This place is special.
HomesenseWith stores all over the UK, stock changes regularly but you can find some real bargains in Homesense. Although you can't shop online, which is a bit of a pain.
Decorator's NotebookDecorator's Notebook specialises in handmade home accessories from fair trade groups, social enterprises and artisan co-operatives worldwide. Its ethos is that design quality and ethics can go hand in hand and allow customers to create a beautiful home without compromising their style or their conscience.
How can I find affordable homeware without sacrificing quality?
One of our favourite tips for kitting out your home is to mix your new purchases with second-hand items, which you can find on places like Facebook Marketplace, eBay or at vintage shops and charity shops. You can usually find good-quality furniture and homeware with a very purse-friendly price tag, and you're doing your bit for the environment, too.
How can I stick to a budget when shopping for homeware?
Start by setting a realistic budget and prioritise your purchases based on what you need most. Avoid impulsive buying by making a list of essential items and sticking to it. You can also look for sales, promotions, and clearance items to maximise savings. For example, there are deals on big-ticket items like on sofas all year round, or you could wait until huge sales events like Black Friday when you're bound to find a bargain.
Jade Moscrop is the Commercial Content Editor for Grazia, specialising in lifestyle topics. When she’s not writing about beauty products, gym leggings and chic homeware items, she can usually be found on a hot girl walk, buying houseplants or listening to female-fronted rock bands.