There's trickery in shopping the H&M Home sale. Actually, there's trickery in shopping all sales, and even shopping all stores that offer stylish buys at low prices. What is it? Don't be rushed into buying something by the size of the discount (although that's a top-of-lister), bag it because it's made of good quality materials that will a) last and last, b) won't go out of fashion quickly and c) arguably most important, because it doesn't look like you got it in a sale or anywhere on a high street/trading park or in a superstore.
What works? Natural materials trump synthetics but that doesn't mean you shouldn't buy synthetics if they're easy to care for and – vitally – mean you can get the look without cruelty to animals (faux fur, we're looking at you).
Enough already – here are the best buys in H&M's Home sale. You'll find loads more on their sales pages (links below). For more great deals, go straight to our hub page. For design tips, advice and inspo, don't miss our dedicated page.
1. A tray you can display on tables or on walls
LOVING this handmade raffia tray (was £29.99, now £21) in 100% straw by Social Entrepreneurs. Perfect as a serving tray, as a place to display everything from candle sconces to house plants, and gorgeous hung on a wall, its diameter is 40cm.
2. An embroidered velvet cushion for bedrooms and beyond
The detailing on this velvet cushion cover (was £17.99, now £13) is unreal. The zip is concealed, too, so it looks way more expensive than it is. It measures 40cm x 60cm; we'd buy a pair for a bed or a single for the sofa. Or both.
3. A graphic lantern for indoors and out
This large pillar candle holder (was £12.99, now £9) is 23.5cm tall, making it a fabulous table centre piece for the dining room, kitchen and garden. Or, stand it in a fireplace or on a deep windowsill for an eye-catching accessory.
4. A pretty vase with designer looks
This tall ceramic vase (was £17.99, now £13) is gorgeous with and without flowers. We'd display some tall faux blooms in it for year-round colour. It's 29.5cm high. Get a pair for a hall table or fireplace...
5. A rug for bedrooms, bathrooms and by the back door
This patterned rug (was £12.99, now £9) is in a cotton weave with an all-over print on the front and anti-slip protectors on the back. We love the pattern – perfect for contemporary and traditional schemes... and think it could go just about anywhere.
6. A faux fur throw with sleek looks
Some faux fur looks cheap, right? This faux fur blanket (was £59.99, now £42) really doesn't. Made from acrylic with a 100% cotton solid colour back, it has luxurious looks and is perfect for a living room or bedroom.
7. A cotton tablecloth with a southern French feel
Every home should have a striped cotton tablecloth like this – the home equivalent of a little black dress. Made in 100% cotton, it's an easy buy that can transform and freshen a dining table (or garden table) in seconds. This one was £17.99, now £13.
8. A laundry basket that's better looking than it should be
This cotton laundry basket (was £39.99, now £28) takes wash day style to a new level. We can't wait to get one in the corner of the bedroom, maybe the bathroom, perhaps the upstairs landing. To be honest, it'll flatter them all. Made in sturdy cotton weave with fringing, it measures around 53cm tall.
9. A basket that's not in the sale but is a bargain
You know what happens when you go sale shopping – you always end up with something not in the sale. Our pick this time? This brilliant braided seagrass basket, £14.99. Made in patterned seagrass with two handles at the top, it measures 25cm wide and 18cm tall. One of just many baskets you mustn't miss at H&M Home this month.
- Find more living room ideas on our dedicated hub page