When it comes to our homes, we are a nation of overspenders. This is according to new research from Tapi, revealing that almost one in 10 Brits replace their homeware every month, whilst collectively sending 22 million pieces of small furniture to landfills every year.
The study reveals some hard truths about our spending habits, and suggests that we are wasting money on pieces that either don't last, or don't suit our tastes long term. According to Tapi's research, it is our decorative accessories that we replace most often, along with soft furnishings like throws and cushions.
Top 5 homeware items people update most often:
- Decorative accessories like frames, vases, coffee table books – 36 per cent
- Soft furnishings like blankets or cushions – 28 per cent
- Bedding – 25 per cent
- Wallpaper or wall colour – 19 per cent
- Plants – 18 per cent
Below, interior design influencers Claire Moran (@claire.moran.designs) and Leanne Ward (@sixtysevenbelmont) reveal how to avoid overspending on your interior decor by finding a style that works for you long-term.
1. Consider your fashion preferences
We've all been guilty of buying into trends only to find that they don't quite suit our homes and tastes long-term. To find a style with a bit more longevity – and save yourself from buyer's remorse – Leanne suggests looking at your fashion preferences to establish the colours and patterns you naturally gravitate towards.
'Think about the type of clothes you wear, whether this be colour, texture or pattern and consider how this can be transferred into your own home. If you wouldn’t love wearing a style for years to come, don’t put it in your home!'
2. Remain true to style
Remaining true to your style and tastes mitigates the risk of investing in something you'll come to regret.
'Set out your style from the outset, remembering it doesn't need to match something you've seen a friend doing or something you've seen trending online – you could be making costly mistakes by buying something that you might want to replace in a few months' time,' says Claire.
'By sticking to one style consistently, you can try something called "shopping the home", which is where you swap existing items around to create something new,' adds Leanne. 'Soft furnishings and artwork are great for this – bring a new colour into the room by swapping over a throw or some cushions.'
3. Longevity is key
Buy cheap, buy twice, as the saying goes. A lot of overspending is a result of cutting corners on the quality of furniture and finishes in your home, only to be forced to replace them.
'Choose quality furniture that’s built to last from the outset so you can avoid having to replace it quickly in the future,' says Claire. 'Consider fitted joinery rather than freestanding pieces, as they're more secure and likely to withstand future use.'
4. Shop secondhand
'I love vintage shopping as I think this is where you can find really individual pieces, as well as a bargain!' says Leanne. 'Charity shops, car boots and Facebook Marketplace are great places to look and you could end up with something really unique– and it's more sustainable than buying into mass-produced homeware!'
'You may find an item that requires a little TLC that you could easily restore, which is another way to make your home unique to you,' says Claire.
5. Work with what you have
There is always temptation to replace furniture and accessories when you update your home – but a bit of considered upcycling will save you money and create something totally unique to you.
'Create a timeless interior by upcycling furniture you already have, says Claire. 'If you're doing this as part of a home renovation project, you can add in modern finishes with a nod to the age of the property.'
'Old pieces like ornaments, vases, trinkets etc, that are so easily disposable, are easy to upcycle,' says Leanne. 'If the colour of the room has changed, how about using some leftover paint to change up the colour of some old accessories or use wallpaper samples to create some new artwork?'
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