The best homeware shops used to be the preserve of London's most expensive areas, and consist only of quiet showrooms, in which interior designers would browse for weighty fabrics and plush sofas. But no longer: in recent years, more accessible brands have emerged as truly excellent places for design-led homeware, without the astronomical price tag.
As Instagram popularises interiors (after all, there's nothing better for collating inspiration) and the post-pandemic interest in our homes has continued to climb, purse-friendly soft furnishings are more in-demand than ever. When it comes to seeking out great, affordable pieces, the key is to be selective; regardless of price, you should choose fabrics and designs that you’ll happily live with for years to come.
To help you source items that'll uplift any interior, we've curated an edit of our favourite affordable shopping destinations. Whether you’re into a traditional or contemporary aesthetic, there are a wealth of great stores and sites to choose from.
Faeger & Co
If you love countryside-inspired, sometimes kitsch, often chintzy interiors, look to Faeger & Co. The sister to interior design company Studio Faeger, the shop releases small collections four times a year which reflect Britain’s changing seasons. Expect frills, florals and retro patterns as well as classic, one-off antique objects.
What we’re shopping: Antique Georgian commode chair, £380; enamel mixing bowl, £45; antique mattress cover, £290; paper lampshade, £90
L’Objet
L’Objet is known for its luxury selection of design-led homeware, but there are plenty of timeless pieces that come in at a surprisingly budget-friendly price. Founded by the celebrated interior designer Elad Yifrach, the aesthetic largely takes inspiration from the Mediterranean and always has craftsmanship at its heart.
What we’re shopping: 'Beehive' scented candle, £175; coral-handled letter opener, £125; wooden salt and pepper mills, £355; 'Lips' porcelain incense holder, £86
Pooky
Pooky offers a range of stylish, affordable lampshades, pendants and bases. Originally known for its block-printed and pleated styles, in recent years the brand has expanded into the likes of jute, rattan and marbled designs as well as accessories. It's also released collaborations with brands including Morris & Co., Matthew Williamson and Liberty London.
What we’re shopping: 'Shanty' wall fitting, £69; 'Empire' shade, £47; 'Stella' pendant light, £175; 'Ruckle' empire shade, £78
Narchie
A kind of Vinted meets Ebay and Etsy, Narchie launched at the end of 2021 and is an online marketplace dedicated to homeware. You can browse one-off pieces, commission bespoke creations and sell furniture you’d like to rehome – all through the app. With an eclectic curation, you’ll find the likes of vintage gluggle jugs, Ercol chairs and 1960s Swedish sideboards alongside new pieces from independent makers.
What we’re shopping: 'Stylecraft' red jug, £5.50; vintage kilim cushion cover, £20; amber-stemmed aperitif glasses, £16; 'Nachtmann' glass candlesticks, £23
Glassette
The brainchild of Laura Jackson, Glassette is a one-stop shop for decorative items from British brands. From folk-inspired prints to etched champagne coups and frilled lampshades, each item is carefully picked by the team and exclusive to the site.
What we’re shopping: 'Putki' wall rug, £99.99; 'Cavaliere' lamp base, £390; crystal champagne saucers, £15; 'Margot' rattan wall rack, £85
Heal’s
Something of a homeware icon, Heal’s arrived on the British high street in 1810 and it has since become synonymous with traditional and timeless design. You can shop the brand’s own furniture line or find a range of other brands there, from Eames to Noguchi and Anglepoise.
What we’re shopping: 'Heritage' armchair, £490; 'The Voice Within 01' print by Mae Studio, £30; Kantha velvet bedspread, £199; 'Calvo' side table, £495
Wicklewood
Created for the ‘modern nomad’, if you’re after decorative pieces that often look like one-offs, Wicklewood is where to head. A collection of vibrant objects and soft furnishings, the curation is bursting with colour and pattern. Think hand-tufted rugs, block-print quilts and eccentric items to spruce up your mantlepiece.
What we’re shopping: 'Clavel' quilt, £235; ceramic vase, £120; handwoven gingham napkins, £95; rooster water pitcher, £132
Feldspar
Started by husband-and-wife team, Jeremy and Cath Brown – who ditched their jobs in London to become full-time potters in Devon – Feldspar began in 2016 with a mission to make ‘objects for life’. Specialising in elegant and beautifully simple bone china kitchenware, the designs feel both contemporary and classic at the same time. Recent collaborations include Fortnum & Mason and Berdoulat.
What we’re shopping: Set of four china ice-cream bowls, £127; china colander, £200; 'Bunch' china vase, £100; set of four china espresso cups, £150
The Conran Shop
Founded by the late Sir Terence Conran, The Conran Shop was credited with bringing design to the masses when it swung open its doors on London’s Fulham Road in 1972. Since then it’s become something of a beloved British interior institution and is the place to go if you want to add contemporary accents to your home.
What we’re shopping: Oak and leather chess set, £275; blue splatter stoneware jug, £85; set of four ombre-stripe glasses, £85; set of six fruit-embroidered linen napkins, £110
Toast
Staying true to the mindful feel of the brand, Toast's homeware curation is considered with a sustainable focus. Often collaborating with artisans from both the UK and around the world, the items feel unique and timeless. It’s an ideal place to buy pieces to refresh a room – like an organic cotton bedspread, for example – but also a great place to pick up presents.
What we're shopping: Stonewash cutlery set, £34; organic cotton ticking stripe quilt, £199; organic denim crossback apron, £75; 'Wonki Ware' bowl, £26.
