It is, of course, a double-edged sword. Inspiring, certainly – but when budgets don't quite stretch to Soane or Soho Home, it can begin to feel like an exercise in admiring from afar and feeling the ensuing thud of disappointment when one's own home doesn't quite match up. The good news is that a well-judged alternative can go a surprisingly long way.
The trick is knowing what to look for. Strip back the label and it is often the fundamentals that matter most: proportion, material, finish. Get those right, and the effect is much the same – and none the worse for being achieved at a fraction of the cost.
The Ceramic Vase
The Hero:
Vauban Hand-Glazed Ceramic Vase by Astier De Villatte, £275
Astier de Villatte is all elegance, whisking us off to Provence in all its most perfect pared-back simplicity. What could be lovelier, after all, than the Vauban Hand-Glazed Ceramic Vase spilling over with long-stemmed flowers and dotted down a table in the sun? At £275 a piece, though, it is a look that quickly adds up.
The Swap:
Large Reactive-Glaze Terracotta Vase by H&M, £24.99
What this H&M dupe lacks in handmade artisanal craftsmanship, it makes up for in elegant proportions and stylish restraint. Picture it on a mantlepiece replete with spring foliage and then marvel at its being but a tenth of the price of the Astier De Villatte version. That Provencal-style al fresco table is calling.
Striped Table Linens
The Hero:
Linen Stripe Tablecloth by Summerill & Bishop, £395
Summerill & Bishop has made an art form of the laid-back table – all sun-washed stripes, generous proportions, inviting just another crisp glass of rosé as afternoon tips into dusk.
The Swap:
Tablecloth Red Pink Stripe by Domestic Science, £80
Hand block printed and full of character, this has the same relaxed, slightly sun-faded appeal. The palette is just offbeat enough, and at a fraction of the price, it is an easy way to bring that long-lunch mood to the table.
Block Printed Picture Frames
The Hero:
Table Top Pictures Frame by Pentreath & Hall, £55
Ben Pentreath's patterns always strike that elusive balance between classic and playful – instantly recognisable, and endlessly charming.
The Swap:
Block Printed Photo Frame - Ditsy Floral Blush by Paper Mirchi, £16
A convincing alternative. The hand-printed finish gives it warmth and individuality, and once styled on a shelf or bedside, the difference is far less apparent than the price suggests.
Kilim Runners
The Hero:
Safari Yellow Hallway Rug by Sophie Cooney, £1,050
Oh the superlatives we have exclaimed over Sophie Cooney's sensationally beautiful rugs and runners. They instantly bring cheer to any hall or staircase, no matter how dingy it might otherwise be. In short, a sheer delight, though not one that comes without a hefty price tag.
The Swap:
Kilim Runner by Carpet Empires, Etsy, from £51.53
Etsy is a goldmine here. This version lacks some of the refinement, sure, but the palette is soft, the pattern pleasing, and the impact on a hallway just as immediate.
Colourful Table Lamps
The Hero:
Wilma Table Lamp In Turquoise by Pooky, £58
Pooky sits in that sweet spot between style and price – cheerful, well-made and endlessly useful for adding small pops of colour.
The Swap:
Bibury Table Light by My Green Lighting, £29.68
One of the better alternatives. The shape is perfect, the colours just as cheerful, and dotted around a room, it gives the same effect for a shade under half the price.
Relaxed Bed Linen
The Hero:
Top Sheet by Once Milano, £323
Once Milano has built a cult following for good reason. Their stonewashed linen is weighty without feeling heavy, with that perfectly relaxed, slightly rumpled finish that makes a bed look inviting rather than over-styled. It's the sort of piece that improves with age, softening over time while retaining its structure.
The Swap:
Mustard Yellow 100% Linen Flat Sheet by Secret Linen Store, £119
No, it's not a rock-bottom price – but if you can, good quality bed linen is worth the investment, both in terms of longevity and your sleep quality cocooned within breathable materials. You categorically need not spend more than this, however.
Rattan Chairs
The Hero:
Sydney Cane Armchair, Washed Linen Flax by Soho Home, £1,695
Soho Home does this look exceptionally well – generous proportions, soft upholstery, and an old-school club look that is fitting given the brand.
The Swap:
Templecombe Rattan Armchair by Garden Trading, £560
A strong contender. The silhouette is similar, the materials feel robust, and styled with a cushion or throw, it holds its own with ease.
Garden Parasols
The Hero:
Terrace Umbrella by Business & Pleasure, £901
The appeal here is obvious – scalloped edges, vintage-inspired stripes, and a slightly Riviera feel that instantly elevates a garden.
The Swap:
Beige 2.6M Octagonal Crank and Tilt Parasol with Grass Green Scalloped Edge by Daals, £159.99
The scalloping does most of the work. From a distance, and particularly in a garden setting, the effect is remarkably close – at a fraction of the cost.
Pleated Lampshades
The Hero:
The Gathered Shade "14, £720
Soane's gathered shades have become something of an interiors shorthand – instantly signalling a certain level of taste and discernment. Each one is handmade in Britain by specialist makers, with perfectly judged proportions and a softness to the pleat that gives a gentle, flattering glow. It's a deceptively simple piece that adds easy refinement to a room.
The Swap:
Handmade Gathered Lampshade by Hopp Embroidery Co, £108
A strong alternative. The hand-blocked fabric and gathered finish capture much of the same charm, while the slight irregularity in the pleating gives it that all-important sense of character. Once in situ – particularly on a wooden or ceramic base – the difference is far less pronounced than the price might suggest.
FAQs: Interiors Dupes
What makes a good interiors dupe?
It should replicate the essence of the piece – proportion, material and finish – rather than just the general look.
Where is the best place to find high-quality dupes?
Etsy is invaluable for handmade pieces, while brands like La Redoute, Nkuku and Pooky consistently deliver strong alternatives.
Are cheaper versions always worth it?
Not always. For items you use daily (sofas, dining tables), it can be worth investing. Accessories are where dupes really shine.
How can I avoid my home looking generic?
Mix sources. Combine high street finds with vintage and artisan pieces to create depth and personality.
Is 'dupe culture' in interiors a good thing?
Handled thoughtfully, yes. It opens up design to a wider audience – but the best results come from adapting ideas, not copying them outright.
