It’s fair to say that for the past few months, getting some retail therapy might not have been top of your list of things to do. But with most shops opening up again and businesses trying to get back to normal, it could be time to start picking up some bits for your home. Maybe you’ve just moved into your first home and looking to get some basics like cutlery and dinner sets, or you’ve read our tips for updating your rooms and now need to hit the shops.

Don’t worry, if you’re not comfortable shopping in person just yet, many of our suggestions have online shops too so you can browse from the comfort of your own home. Whether you own or rent your home, buying ornaments, furnishings and other ‘bits and pieces’ is a great way to add some personality to your home.

Shop for your entire home

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You have to agree that big home stores like Dunelm, The Range and B&M are great for bargains. They stock everything from big furniture pieces, home essentials, decorative pieces, soft furnishings, kitchenware, electrics and more. They are one-stop-shops for everything you need for every room. Perfect for people moving into their first home and looking to get the basics on a budget. Not just for inside the home, they also do great, affordable garden furniture and plants. Plus, if you’re a big fan of Christmas and Halloween, they are great places to shop for all your seasonal decorations.

Even some big-name TV personalities like Emma Willis and Holly Willoughby have lent their names to homeware ranges in these stores. If you can’t find what you’re looking for in store, then make sure you visit their websites for even more ranges, all available either for home delivery or in store click and collect.

Best for affordable furniture

For affordable furniture we would recommend shops like IKEA and Argos. Both stock wide ranges of furniture from bedside tables, bed frames, mattresses to sofas and desks. Prices vary, but you can pick up a bedside table for as little as £15, a chest of drawers for £40 and even a king size bed frame for under £150. If you’re planning on visiting in person, we’d recommend taking a big car or van with you as you’ll be tempted to load up with bargains. But they both offer affordable home delivery too if you’re planning on purchasing some larger items.

We would also recommend keeping an eye out at your local supermarket for any good deals on furniture. The likes of ALDI and LIDL tend to run special offer events from time to time where you could pick up a bargain garden dining set or coffee table.

Supermarkets for your home

In recent years, the big supermarkets have really upped their homeware sections, making them not only convenient places to shop, but also really cost-effective. You can pick up some cushions, bedding and ornaments whilst getting your weekly shop. Our favourites are Sainsbury’s and George at ASDA so remember to give the homeware aisle a browse the next time you visit.

Great for online shopping

If you’re looking to support independent businesses, then Etsy and eBay are perfect. You can shop everything from home & living, art, furniture and even some personalised pieces like engraved chopping boards, wedding prints and handmade furniture. Great pieces to fill up your home or as heartfelt gifts for friends and family.

As many of the businesses are small, independents, you’ll find that they are really approachable and friendly, so if you find something that you love but have an idea to make it special to you, just send them a message and start a conversation.

Wayfair is one of the world’s largest online stores for homeware and is fast becoming a household name. You can find everything for your home here, from large furniture pieces like sofas to textiles, accessories and even stuff for your pet. You’ll find a huge range here from many different suppliers, often at really competitive prices. They have a whole section on Décor that includes vases, plant pots, cushions and ornaments. Worth a visit if you’re looking for some special pieces for your home but don’t want to stretch your budget.