Now that we are entering ‘cosy season,’ many homeowners will be looking to improve their indoor spaces.
But with the cost of living continuing to strain our budgets, opting for designer options may not be feasible for many Brits.
In fact, renovating a standard 3-bed semi-detached house in the UK can cost anywhere between £75K to £150K, according to Fifi McGee.
This price largely depends on the scale, quality, and type of renovation work required.
Rather than spending thousands of pounds on refurbishing the house, sometimes small tweaks can make all the difference.
After all, one of the most enjoyable aspects of turning a house into a home is interior design.
However, when it comes to choosing furniture, selecting lighting, and deciding on paint colours, the costs can quickly add up, especially if you have a taste for designer items.
To help with this, B&Q’s Head of Décor, Gill Baker, has shared her expert advice and top picks for B&Q’s designer dupes that can make your home look luxurious without breaking the bank.
Gill Baker said: “As much as everyone would love to fill their house with designer items, doing so on a budget can sometimes feel impossible.
“Finding statement pieces doesn’t need to break the bank.
“At B&Q, we’re proud to offer a range of brilliant products that will give your home a designer touch without the designer price tag.”
The hardware store is currently selling five different pieces of furniture that are dupes of more expensive brands.
For those wanting to make a change to their kitchen, B&Q is selling an Antique Brass Melt light for £46.99, which looks identical to the Tom Dixon Melt LED that costs £90.
The store also offers a rustic grey vase for £26, perfect for the hallway or adding a chic touch to the living room.
It is similar to the Darcy Antique White Stone vase, which currently costs £59.99.
For a cosy setting in the living room, B&Q has a stylish cream white boucle chair for £219, a fraction of the price of the Perri Boucle Chair from Anthropologie, which sells for £1,498.
Sales and Clearance: Always keep an eye out for sales, clearance sections, and seasonal promotions.
Online Shopping: Check online retailers and e-commerce platforms like Amazon and eBay for deals.
Second-Hand Stores: Charity shops, thrift stores, and online marketplaces like Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace can offer great bargains on pre-loved items.
DIY and Upcycling: Consider DIY projects or upcycling old furniture to give your home a unique, personalised touch on a budget.
B&Q is also selling an Artichoke Ceramic Candle Holder for £8, a dupe of the Suthfield Artichoke Tea Light Holder that costs £24.
Homeowners can also kit out their bathrooms, hallways, or bedrooms with B&Q’s funky frameless asymmetric mirror for £34.99, a dupe of the Frameless Pebble Mirror from William Wood, which costs £145.
Finally, for those who want to light up their rooms without spending a fortune on big lampshades, B&Q is selling rechargeable LED Table Lamps for £15, a dupe of the cordless Modern Table Lamp from Little Jax that costs £97.
Finding stylish and affordable homeware in the UK is entirely possible if you know where to look.
Here are some great places to shop for budget-friendly homeware:
1. IKEA:
What to Find: From furniture to kitchenware, textiles, and decor items.
Bonus: They often have seasonal sales and offer a wide range of products for every room in the house.
2. Wilko:
What to Find: Affordable kitchenware, bedding, storage solutions, and decorative items.
Bonus: Frequent promotions and discounts.
3. B&M:
What to Find: Home decor, small furniture items, garden accessories, and household essentials.
Bonus: Regularly updated stock and seasonal items.
4. Home Bargains:
What to Find: Kitchen essentials, decorative items, storage solutions, and more.
Bonus: Competitive pricing and frequent new arrivals.
5. Dunelm:
What to Find: Curtains, bedding, furniture, kitchenware, and home accessories.
Bonus: Regular sales and a wide variety of products catering to different tastes.
6. Argos:
What to Find: Furniture, kitchen appliances, storage solutions, and decorative items.
Bonus: Frequent promotions and the possibility to reserve online and collect in-store.
7. Poundland:
What to Find: Basic homeware items, kitchen essentials, and decorative accessories.
Bonus: Very budget-friendly, perfect for small items and basics.
8. TK Maxx:
What to Find: Unique home decor, kitchenware, bedding, and small furniture items.
Bonus: You can find high-quality, branded items at a fraction of the original price.
9. Primark Home:
What to Find: Bedding, cushions, decorative items, and kitchen accessories.
Bonus: Very trendy designs at low prices.
10. The Range:
What to Find: Home decor, furniture, kitchenware, and storage solutions.
Bonus: Frequent sales and a broad range of styles and products.
11. H&M Home:
What to Find: Bedding, bathroom accessories, kitchenware, and decorative items.
Bonus: Trendy designs at affordable prices, especially during sales.
12. ASDA George Home:
What to Find: Bedding, kitchenware, furniture, and decorative items.
Bonus: Affordable prices and the convenience of shopping while doing your grocery run.
