Home bargains - the coolest buys from the most affordable homeware stores

A new survey has told us where to find the best home bargains, ranking the most affordable homeware brands. It's a handy top ten, compiled by property developers Essential Living, to keep up your sleeve for when you're looking for your next buy.

But cheap home decor can still be chic, and so our editors have scoured the top ten to find the coolest things on sale. Here you'll find everything from an Ikea daybed to a marble side table at Next. Use these shopping picks as your jumping off point to discover a whole world of affordable homeware buys that don't lose out on style.

See also: Modern furniture ideas – from age-old classics to the latest furniture trends

1. IKEA

(Image credit: PR/Ikea)

Perhaps it's no surprise that IKEA ranked as the most affordable homeware brand, but there is so much more to it than tealights and Billy bookcases. And if you look past the essential storage pieces you'll find some moments of high design.

This Flottebo sofa bed, £450, is just one of those breakout stars, its strikingly shaped cushions and bold shade feeling not out of place in a modern Manhattan apartment. It also comes in grey if you're not feeling quite so bold. 

See also: Modern living room ideas: 24 decorating tricks to inspire

2. Made.com

(Image credit: PR/Made.com)

Made.com was a disrupter when it first launched, bringing cleverly designed modern homeware pieces to the internet at affordable prices. 

It's still a go-to for desks, sofas, beds and seating, but between the larger items of furniture you'll find pretty little accessories like this Joslin wall lamp, £35. Rattan continues to be a big trend, and the slightly coastal glow this light brings creates a feeling of easy, breezy New England beachy chic.

See also: Living room colour ideas

3. Next

(Image credit: PR/Next)

In at number three, Next is full of cheap home decor. Here you'll find plenty of bedding, beautiful cushions, and this very chic marble based side table, £125. 

See also: Small living room layout ideas – and how to get it right

4. Habitat

(Image credit: PR/Habitat)

Founded in 1964 by Sir Terence Conran to bring directional, affordable design to the high street, Habitat continues to do just that.

It's at Habitat where you'll find bright textiles, sleek furniture, and this very cheerful and modern Sunset rug, £95.

5. Marks and Spencer

(Image credit: PR)

The fifth most affordable homeware brand according to Essential Living's survey is M&S, a long-time favourite that also sells smart and beautiful accessories and furniture alongside its popular prawn sandwiches and Percy Pigs.

Particularly of note this season is this striped vase, £12.50, its handmade charm looking like it came straight out of your suitcase after a holiday in Portugal. Leven empty on a shelf or add a couple of stems of dried flowers. 

See also: Gorgeous grey living room ideas

6. La Redoute

(Image credit: PR/La Redoute)

The French homeware brand La Redoute does a great line in glass sand timers, but you'll also find cleverly sourced tableware, too. 

The delicate ombre effect of this dinner plate, £40 for four, is beautiful enough to be used as occasion ware - imagine a folded linen napkin and sprig of rosemary placed artfully atop it - or affordable enough to be everyday. 

See also: Moody blue living room ideas

7. Rockett St George

(Image credit: PR/Rockett St George)

Longtime Livingetc favourite Rockett St George makes an appearance at number 7, bolstered by its incredibly large line of quirky and affordable home accessories.

Browse the site for everything from doorstops in the shape of Karl Lagerfeld to these very smart champagne coupes, £9 each. Just in time to add some festive Christmas cheer.

See also: Home bar ideas - how to make Christmas merry by Jonathan Adler

8. Maisons du Monde

(Image credit: PR/Maisons du Monde)

You can find almost everything at Maisons du Monde - it's particularly good for bar stools. 

But on the smaller end of the spectrum, we also think this charmingly ramshackle bamboo planter, £44, is the perfect place in which to stand your monstera. 

See also: The best house plants for your home and health

9. Matalan

(Image credit: PR/Matalan)

It can be overwhelming when walking into a vast Matalan store, so we'd recommend heading straight to the storage section online. Here you'll find perfect display units, like this wall shelf, £25, ideal for your most treasured objets. 

See also: Modern home decorating ideas: 18 striking design ideas worth copying

10.  John Lewis

(Image credit: PR/John Lewis)

The stalwart's famous tagline may be that it's never knowingly undersold, but that doesn't mean you can't pick up a bargain here, too.

Its selection of cushions is noteworthy, and the painterly charms of this Flux cushion, £60, in on-trend blue and green, are softly serene.

See the full results of Essential Living's survey of the UK's top homeware brands here.