Over the past few years, UK supermarkets and everyday retailers have become serious players in homeware, offering on-trend pieces at prices that often undercut the traditional high street. And in the spirit of the supermarket, it’s a broad church stylistically: Scandi-inspired furniture, classic soft furnishings, modern minimalism – you name it, they’re likely to have it. – here’s where to look if you want to upgrade your home without upgrading your budget.
The Big Names Doing It Best
Sainsbury’s: Habitat
When Sainsbury’s bought Habitat, it instantly became the design heavyweight of the supermarket world. You’ll still need to head to a standalone Habitat stores for furniture, but you can snap up cookware, tableware and bathroom accessories while you do your grocery shop. Expect mid-century shapes and modern classics that look more expensive than they are.
We love: Habitat Hand Painted Stripe Vase – Mustard, £14
Tesco: F&F Home
Have you ever nipped into Tesco for a pint of milk and emerged with some plump new cushions/ crockery/ a shiny new ceramic? F&F Home is perfect for the on-a-whim update – think towels, kitchen accessories, lamps and small storage that is endlessly useful. The look is unfussy and neutral, with the occasional design flourish to keep things interesting. We like how it prompts little, incremental updates while you do your big shop, without you having to think too much about them. Multi-tasking at its best.
We like: F&F Home Twist Handle Vase, £10
Marks & Spencer
M&S sits at the more polished end of supermarket homeware. It’s stronger on quality and materials, with a focus on a more classic sensibility and calm colours that don’t date. Prices are higher than most supermarkets, but so is the finish – we think the bedding is especially good.
We like: Pure Cotton Double Baratta Stitch Bedding Set, £34.30 – £55.30
Asda: George Home
George Home is particularly strong contender for affordable, trend-led pieces: playful accessories, kids’ rooms pieces, home office bits and quick style hits. Perfect when you’re looking for pleasing, fun, and low-commitment style updates to load into your trolley and go.
We like: Green Ribbed Round Mirror, £45
Morrisons: Nutmeg Home
Nutmeg Home is less about chasing trends and more about solid, practical pieces for real homes. The range is smaller and quieter, but good for classic furniture, storage and family-friendly basics that won’t show wear too quickly.
We like: Mango Wood Abstract Bowl, £20
Waitrose: John Lewis
You can always rely on Waitrose to deliver quality – and the same goes for its small selection of homewares, which come via its stalwart sister establishment, John Lewis. We tend to browse for the cookware, but its ceramic plates are simple, good quality and a bargain too.
We like: Skye Dinner Plate Light Blue, £7
Not Just Supermarkets: The High Street Heroes
Wilko
An underrated go-to for storage, organisation, practical basics and the odd decorative detail, as evidenced by this Pooky dupe.
We like: Lighting Collection Bronwyn Mushroom Pleat Shade, £23
B&Q
No longer just for paint and power tools. B&Q is a strong option for flat-pack furniture, lighting, shelving and home storage, especially if you’re doing a budget-friendly overhaul. But, best of all, we love its mid-century inspired chairs, which look like design classics.
We like; Glanna Mustard Yellow Bouclé Effect Occasional Chair, £105
TK Maxx
The champion of the unexpected, TK Maxx is brilliant for one-off pieces, statement accessories and budget-friendly finds – if, that is, you’re willing to commit to the hunt. We’re taken with this stripey armchair – it may not quite be the Studio Buchanan Studio Chair, but it is but under £200.
We like: Anna Jacobs Beige Velvet Accent Chair, £159.99.
