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Design Dilemma
loblattner

Furniture and decor shopping in the UK?

Lo Blattner
7 years ago

Hi all,

I've been browsing, collecting, bookmarking furniture and interior design pieces for years - now that I have a flat to decorate and it's actually about buying stuff and not just dreamily gazing at it, I have found that my options in the UK are limited. It seems that in the US and Australia there is a wider range of styles and wallets catered for - anyone have that same impression? Whenever I like a product online or in magazines and track down the source it's from a US shop/manufacturer. In the UK I feel that, if you don't like IKEA and can't afford top end, your options are very limited. I have a list of 68 interior shops in the UK, a majority of them sell similar or the same products and those that are a bit more out there and refreshing are incredibly expensive. What are your favourite decor or furniture stores in the UK (online or offline)?

Thanks!

Featured Answer
  • Lauren
    7 years ago

    Forgot to add that Zara Home can be worth a browse too.

    Comments (61)

    • Victoria
      7 years ago
      Home Sense is good, but a pale comparison of its parent company Home Goods in the US
    • Gina Anderson
      7 years ago

      I agree, Swoon Editions is awesome for furniture. Also second Zara Home and Rockett St George for accessories and soft furnishings. I love Barker and Stonehouse for furniture and accessories.

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    • minnie101
      7 years ago

      I agree with Lauren re RSG, Cox and Cox and G&G, they're my go to places. French connection home I think is definitely work a look. Based on your style you may also like a few things from rose & grey and Alexander & pearl. For the more quirky I really like a few pieces from Mineheart.

      Lo Blattner thanked minnie101
    • Gina Anderson
      7 years ago
      last modified: 7 years ago

      I've got a few new sites to browse myself - thanks Lauren/ Minnie!!

      You might also want to try Maisons du Monde, House Junkie, Mia Fleur, and someone recently recommended to me Mullan Lighting. (I posted a design dilemma about my despair of trying to find affordable beautiful lighting and that was one of the websites recommended by fellow Houzzers!)

      I guess you are probably in the London area BUT if you are in the North of England then you ought to visit Redbrick Mill in Leeds and the interiors section at Trafford Centre in Manchester. Both have some very nice shops.

      Hope that helps!! I quite agree that you can get more different stuff in the US without paying ridiculous money... but if you do a bit of digging, there are websites over here with nice stuff too :)

    • PRO
      Ashton Bathrooms & Ashton Furnishing
      7 years ago

      We cater for all budgets, we don't have everything online at the moment as it is a never ending process so if you can't find what your looking for online we may have it in our showroom or we may have it in our supplier catalogues we have in store.

    • Lo Blattner
      Original Author
      7 years ago

      Thanks, Minnie! Mineheart is another one I didn't know (love RSG and the others).

      And Gina, thank you for Mia Fleur and Mullan - can't wait to check them out. Yes, I'm in London and without car but I'm sure other Houzzers will appreciate the recommendation, there really are some great stores across the UK. Peppermill Antiques near Wolverhampton is one of my favourites.

    • PRO
      Sofas & Stuff
      7 years ago

      Hi Lo,


      Not sure if you have come across us before but we are based in the UK. If you are looking for sofas, beds, armchairs or footstools come give our website a look. If you like what you see you can always pop into one of our showrooms.


      Hope this helps and that you find what you are after!

      Sofas & Stuff

    • teenytinyhouse
      7 years ago
      last modified: 7 years ago

      Hi, Lo Blattner

      Try these stores for budget home buys in the UK:

      Wilkinson (also known as Wilko), which is much like Target. They have everything from dishes to wallpaper, so worth checking them out.

      B&Q (UK equivalent of Home Depot) have a decent range for reasonable prices.

      Dunelm and Matalan are very good for bargains and pretty home décor (keep an eye out for the good sales!).

      Homebase is generally a bit more expensive than B&Q, but if you're looking for something specific, check them out.

      La Redoute is actually French, and online, but they have free delivery and returns to the UK, fantastic sales, and their home stuff is lovely.

      Next, Zara and Marks & Spencer all have nice, and good quality, home ranges, and fairly frequent sales and offers, so keep an eye on them!

      Anthropologie and Oliver Bonas aren't cheap, but they both have great sales, and it's worth keeping an eye on them for a little splurge.

      Finally, don't discount charity shops, particularly the Salvation Army and British Heart Foundation furniture stores. It's all good quality stuff, you can upcycle to personalise, and it serves a good cause.

      Good luck!

    • Lo Blattner
      Original Author
      7 years ago

      @teenytinyhouse I had completely forgotten about La Redoute and Anthropologie - thank you! Five minutes of browsing their sites and I'm already drooling over a few of their products...

    • msclelluk
      7 years ago
      Fab thread, very useful thanks ....!
    • PRO
      Banda Property
      7 years ago

      Congratulations -how exciting for you! We also offer a interior design service if you are still unsure. Some others that we would recommend would be French Connection (their Kings Road in Chelsea store has furniture), H&M (great for dressing items), Alter London, Another Country and Swoon Editions. Banda

      Lo Blattner thanked Banda Property
    • Laura Wheat
      7 years ago

      Totally agree with you. I've been shopping for my house for four years and still haven't found the perfect bedside tables, various lamps, dining chairs etc. I think a lot of stuff available over here is either naff or overpriced.

      Few places sell anything unique either - a quick look on World Stores reveals the lamp I've been looking at from Perch and Parrow (a new online shop you should check out) cheaper elsewhere once you know the manufacturer name.

      I like Design Vintage, which sells a curated selection of homeware that's super stylish (in my opinion) and Amara, Houseology and House Envy for the wide selection they carry.

    • alinlondon123456
      7 years ago
      As an American expat, I totally agree and have found many of the same challenges, especially around trendy vs classic. I've had pretty decent success using Gilt (the us one) for home decor. Also, I regularly look at antique sites (like 1st dibs)...

      Thanks so much for posting this thread! I'm finding it really helpful!
    • Lo Blattner
      Original Author
      7 years ago

      Thanks for your recommendations, @Laura Wheat + @alinlondon123456!


    • PRO
      Hana Waxman Design
      6 years ago

      Hi Ladies, so I have the same question as the original, but for France. Any ideas of online sources for furniture in France, besides La Roulet, Maison du Monde?

      Thanks!

    • Victoria
      6 years ago
      Alinéa
      IKEA
    • teenytinyhouse
      6 years ago

      La Redoute

    • Andrea Kaiser
      6 years ago

      would love to see the styles what you are missing from the US, can you send me links?

      I am working on a project at the moment and might be able to help you in the near future :-)


      Lo Blattner thanked Andrea Kaiser
    • PRO
      Shimu Oriental Furniture
      6 years ago

      It's certainly true that the larger, mainstream furniture stores in the UK tend to offer very similar styles but if you dig deeper there are plenty of small independents offering something different. We specialise in oriental and Chinese antique furniture, which may or may not be your thing but the vast majority is exclusive to us and not what you'll find in the larger stores (although we do sell some through Wayfair). There are many other smaller companies in the same position who have their own niches - just takes a bit of careful searching.

    • Lo Blattner
      Original Author
      6 years ago
      last modified: 6 years ago

      @Andrea Kaiser - I don't have specific items at hand right now but H.D. Buttercup, Restoration Hardware and Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams are some of my favourite retailers

    • Michelle Werry
      6 years ago

      Lo I couldn't agree with you more. The UK definitely seems under sourced in this area. I was over in the US recently with work and fell in love with Room&Board (first time I've come across that store) but have been a long time lover of Restoration Hardware, Crate & Barrel etc. Why there is a dearth of similar shops here I have no idea, especially as home improvement shows dominate the TV schedules.

    • Lisa Burdett
      6 years ago
      John Lewis is great for lighting. Very good quality.
    • PRO
      Pukka Rose Limited
      6 years ago

      Hi Lo and everyone on this thread!, I just connected with this super-useful and interesting thread. If you are interested in exclusive handmade solid wood designs, please check out the Pukka Rose collection @ www.pukkarose.com . the products are not mass-produced, but passionately handcrafted using sustainably sourced solid rosewood. Pukka Rose recently launched their furniture product-line in the UK. We are designers, manufacturers, and retailers of handcrafted furniture. Our designs can fit any decor - Antique-style, rustic, classic, luxury, contemporary etc. One of our stockists has listed our products under their 'Timeless Collection Series'. We have ready-to-ship, but limited-edition stock. Shipping will be free within the UK. We are looking to connect with interior designers, furniture retailers and homeowners with an appreciation of Solid Rosewood furniture to cherish for a lifetime. Best quality, exclusivity, and service guaranteed. You can contact me directly +44 7725222698. We are open to discounts based on the number of orders placed. The complete product listing can be found here - http://pukkarose.com/all-products.html

      Sorry, I didn't mean to go on about Pukka Rose, just wanted to let you know that we are present in the UK. Thanks, Madhumita .





    • nicolakwai
      6 years ago
      cult furniture is another good store. I think they have a shop in London too.
    • Tasha M
      6 years ago
      Awesome post! So useful.
      Cotswold Co. is a nice one for quality items...French Bedroom Company...
    • Susanna Thomas
      6 years ago

      Oka is great. But agree the nicely designed stuff tends to seem highly priced.

    • PRO
      manuel gomez roman
      6 years ago


      For decoration I could help you some works of art visit my store or contact me. Thanks Roman

    • PRO
      Mobilificio Marchese
      6 years ago

      We have many clients in UK, Switzerland and US.

      We deal with best made in Italy furniture brands at competitive price and we have a team of interior designers and architects that can help you.

      https://www.mobilificiomarchese.com/gb/

    • Aishwarya Maggi
      5 years ago

      What a great thread! I was wondering if anyone had a store of curtain recommendations? I have tried the usual dunelm, john lewis, next

    • PRO
      Lomuarredi Ltd
      5 years ago

      We are an Italian furniture company, specialized also in the middle level furnishing. We work a lot in the UK, especially in London and for that reason we have also an assembly specialized team. We also accept payments in pounds. I can recommend you these brands:


      MINIFORMS


      BONALDO


      SANCAL

    • Lo Blattner
      Original Author
      5 years ago

      @Aishwarya Maggi: Sadly I can't be of huge help as I have a strictly curtain-free home myself but if you're in or near London I'd probably try King's Rd/Chelsea (Designer's Guild) and Tottenham Court Rd (Heal's, Habitat, west elm, Dwell etc). I wouldn't rule out Wayfair as an online option either, they have a large selection of curtains. Good luck!

    • PRO
      Saltbox Interiors London
      5 years ago

      Hi, I use pieces from West Elm in a lot of my work which is at a mid range price point and started in the US. Cult Furniture is another one of my go-to's which has many design driven items - they have recently branched out into sofas, coffee tables, etc.

    • teenytinyhouse
      5 years ago

      Aishwarya Maggi you can try: https://www.curtainfactoryoutlet.co.uk/


      I made my own curtains, having bought all the materials from there, but they do a made to measure service as well. (worth noting they have a sale on at the moment, too!)


      If you can go there in person be prepared to lose half a day, but in a good way. It's a wonderland of pretty fabrics! The staff were helpful, too.

    • Evan
      4 years ago

      Living in the UK for 8 years and still 150% agree with the frustration about poor quality, expensive prices and lack of interesting designs - especially as compared to Restoration Hardware, Room and Board, etc in the US. Zero imagination and repetitive style all over.


      Good luck trying to find large items, such a rugs. Even West Elm doesn't stock basic 9x12 sizes....

      Lo Blattner thanked Evan
    • Evan
      4 years ago

      Also, for those who mentioned Dwell, Habitat, made.com. All total garbage quality.


      What I wouldn't give for Crate and Barrel.....or even CB2!

    • LTS
      4 years ago

      Avoid Made in Design. Unfortunately I had an awful experience with them. I’ve had good items/service from Cox & Cox, Amara & ferrious. Good luck.

    • Lo Blattner
      Original Author
      4 years ago

      @Evan I so agree. I wish we had Crate & Barrel, CB2, RH. Tried ordering something from CB2 before but the shipping quote made it not worthwhile.


      As for Dwell, Habitat, Cox & Cox, Amara, Graham & Green, and in fact also the UK version of West Elm - offensively overpriced considering design and quality.


      Swoon for me so far is the one place where price and quality are a bit more aligned, and they offer more creative designs.



    • Anya
      3 years ago

      I am so happy I came accross this. I know this was posted 4 years ago. But having the same issue as to where I can shop similar furniture/home products to restoration hardware here in the UK. I have been loving CoX&CoX, Swoon, West Elm. Need to check World Stores!

    • Evan
      3 years ago

      May want to check out SwivelUK as well.

    • kjas11
      3 years ago

      @Anya Worldstores UK seems to have been taken over by Dunelm now

    • Anya
      3 years ago

      oh yes i have just checked that actually. thank you!

    • Anya
      3 years ago

      Thank you! Someone also suggested Maisons Du Monde.

    • Manoj Tamang
      3 years ago

      You can check out Glassdomain - https://glassdomain.co.uk/ . They specialize in bespoke designer furniture, lighting, mirrors, and well-known brands like Tom Dixon, Porada, Cattelan Italia






    • Nekul
      2 years ago

      This is a great post. I’d be keen to hear which stores the original poster ended up sticking to.. It might help me narrow my search 🤪

    • Lo Blattner
      Original Author
      2 years ago

      @Nekul I have to be honest, the answer to my dilemma was: I stopped shopping haha

      I genuinely have bought very little since making this post, simply because I couldn't find what I'm after. The most likely places for me to spot the odd piece I like are Sweetpea & Willow (not exactly affordable), Swoon and Rockett St George. I occasionally buy from Maisons Du Monde or La Redoute but both don't offer value for money (or a great shopping experience - items lost in transit or arriving damaged). I did stumble across J N Rusticus, though, which - if that's your style - I can highly recommend. My all-time favourite is still the US based CB2 which do ship internationally but not all items and only if you spend a minimum of $5000....

    • Nekul
      2 years ago

      Thank you. I think £5k would be easy for us to achieve cos i will be fully refurbishing.

    • Alyson Jones
      2 years ago

      I echo Swoon, Rocket St George, Barker & Stonehouse, and Cult furniture
      Loaf is also good
      I like Harts of Sur for kitchen stuff
      Some other nice places for British home decor
      Dowsing & Reynolds
      Heal’s
      Being in the North l, I really liked going to Redbrick Mill

    • Hannah
      2 years ago

      Etsy is great for handmade items and vintage finds. I’ve had a couple of bespoke items made and it’s so much nicer than getting the mass produced versions

    • PRO
      ITALIANspaceWISE
      2 years ago

      What we offer is bespoke/unique Italian furniture and finishes - let me know if we can help. M_

    • francesco marchese
      2 years ago

      If you have a healty budget you can look at lema for customizable/bespoke: https://www.mobilificiomarchese.com/gb/44-lema-furniture 


      If you like a unique finish and incredible Italian design (but on a really good budget) look to Baxter, they let you choose the exact leather or marble you will have on your product, uniqueness is guaranteed:

      https://www.mobilificiomarchese.com/gb/48-baxter-sofa 

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