As both an Interiors obsessive and a total tightwad, I’m always on the lookout for new sources of stylish yet affordable homeware goods. I don’t often buy new, as I prefer vintage and love owning objects that I know have had a ‘previous life’ somewhere else. I also prefer the quality of older pieces, that you tend to find lacking in more affordable alternatives; To me, it makes more sense to spend £100 on a second hand chest of drawers, than spend £50 on a piece of flimsy crap from the high street. That being said, when it comes to soft furnishings, I tend to always buy new, preferring the hallowed TK Maxx for my bargains, or waiting for the sales to start. God I miss ‘The Pier’. *sigh. So, being able to write the title ‘Bargain Store Interior Accessories’ came as a welcome surprise to me.
The shop that really surprised me, was Primark! I don’t usually venture upstairs to the home section, as it looks like I’m heading to buy ladies underwear… because who would think you’d find stylish things upstairs in the home section of Primark?! Not me! Until now.
Now, ‘quality snobs’ may argue that you ‘pay for what you get’… okay, sometimes, I’d totally agree. But in the case of the items that I’ve listed, I would definitely stand in their defence. I’ve bought one item, and I’m planning going back for more!
As it turns out, I seem to have inadvertently gone with a couple of themes. One board is the very trend-led ‘Copper and Blush’, whereas the other is slightly more ‘Luxury Modern’.
N.B. ‘Blush’ is just ‘Peach’ in disguise. But FFS, don’t call it peach.
Remember, if you like an item, just click on it’s name to be taken to the website. You’re welcome!
Bargain Store Interior Accessories; Luxury Modern Mood Board
(Clockwise, from top left)
Would you believe that his Teal Velvet Oblong Cushion is only £5?! Primark has come up trumps with both the colours and quality in this range. Cushions are zipped and come with quite a firm polyester fibre filling. Other colours are available, but I love the mustard and the grey.
This Zig Zag PomPom Throw from Aldi, is £16.99, and is also available in various colours and patterns. This is in store now… so I may be planning a wee trip to Aldi…
I only tend to nip to B&M Homestores for stuff like dishcloths or turpentine, but I happened to spot these Tapered Light Shades a few months ago when I was looking for a plain, neutral cotton shade. At 11″, this was the perfect size. At £3.99, it was the perfect price too!! John Lewis was going to cost £35.00 for similar. Okay, it may not be finished to the same high quality, but if you’re going to be looking that closely at your lampshade, then you may want to get a hobby.
Light Bulb Strings in brass, are really cute and would look ace round a mirror or strung from some branches. Fairy lights aren’t just for Christmas! Primark, £6.00.
THE best bargain of them all, these Grey Wire Storage/Tables from ALDI UK come as a pack of 4 and cost only £49.99!! That’s two tables and two storage containers for under 50 quid!! Also available in white and copper in store and online now. Be quick though!
Also from ALDI UK, this Kirkton House Dash Runner, is only £14.99. Have you seen the prices of nice runner rugs? This is crazy cheap for a 66cm x 200cm rug. It also comes in Chevron and Square patterns. Only available in-store.
Large Marble Effect Candle, £5.00, Primark. It’s a decent size and quite a convincing faux marble finish.
Okay, so they’re not brass, but these Gold Aluminium Tumblers, Primark, £4.00 for a pack of 2, are a great bargain alternative. I would use these as planters for succulents.
Bargain Store Interior Accessories; Copper And Blush Mood Board
Pink Ruffles and Print Cushion, Primark, £7.00. Fancy, but a very on-trend style.
This Round Hanging Mirror, £12.99 fro B&M Homestores, is 55cm, so a decent size for the price. This simple chain hanging would look better suspended from a substantial, statement hook… I would use a contemporary cupboard knob. Ikea has some great ones.
Primark again, I actually saw this Apple Shaped Votive Candle on an Instagram account, and didn’t realise it was High Street. Cute and cheap. How I like ’em. £3.50.
Again, but in copper with smoked grey bulbs, Smoked Grey Light Bulbs, Primark, £6.00.
Crofton Oven Dish, Aldi, £12.99. Random, I know… but this reminds me of 1950’s/60’s Pyrex cookware….and who doesn’t love that!
Oops! There they are again! I had to show you these tables in copper though. Copper Wire Storage/Table, ALDI UK, £49.99.
Back to Primark for this gorgeous Orange and White Print Blanket, £15.00.
Vintage cut glass style is always cool, so I love this Pink Decorative Candle Votive, Primark, £2.00. They’re doing well, eh!
And finally, back to B&M Homestores for this Moroccan inspired range. The colours, patterns and shapes are bang-on, as well as bargains. The Large Moroccan Plate is only £2.99.
Not that I’m saying to ditch the ‘designer’ in favour of bargain store interior accessories, but I’ll certainly be checking these shops more regularly to see if I can get a bargain.
…I mean…get YOU a bargain.
Whilst you’re here…
If you haven’t caught up with my last post (here), you might not be aware that I’ve been nominated for an Amara Interiors Blog Award. It’s an enormous achievement to be nominated, and would be an amazing achievement to make it to the finals. For this, I would need your help. Please, if you enjoy the blog, spare a minute to cast your vote by following the link below.
Thank you so much in advance.
Amazed by your bargainous finds, Malcolm! These are all fantastic! I’d totally buy a £4 lampshade and not worry too greatly about the finish not being completely perfect if it meant I save £31. 🙂
I was really quite impressed by some of what I found. The lampshades aren’t actually that much different to the John Lewis ones. I wee bit of excess fabric overlapping onto the shade holder and that’s it. It’s a crazy saving! 😀 X
I am the former owner of a (ffs don’t call it)
peach sitting room in the 1980s. I adored it then but am just not feeling it this time around. I do, however, wholeheartedly agree with high street cheap accessories. My very Brand Snob son-in-law once thought my mercuried votive holders were from The White Company. They were 78p from Home Bargains. Oh the satisfaction!
I’ve had a few stonking bargains from Martin Lewis’s Local Ebay Deals Finder app. I got what was supposed to be a Mcintosh sideboard for £38 and it turned out to be from Elliots of Newbury. Regardless, I just loved the big button handles and the runners instead of legs. I wouldn’t have minded who made it. If you haven’t already, you should check it out. Just don’t become my bargain rival!
Haha! I actually forgot about Home Bargains! I must have a look to see if there’s anything in now. I don’t mind the ‘blush’ trend, and I really like the copper… but I think I’ll always be a cool colour and brass/steel fan.
I’d never heard of the Martin Lewis site, I must go check it out. Thank you for the tip-off! 😀