River Island launches its first interiors line tomorrow, while H&M recently expanded its home range. Here, interior designer Faye Robinson-Hey gives LYNSEY CLARKE her verdict on five high-street homeware brands and rates each one.
Key to products
- River Island – Red
- French Connection – Blue
- Monsoon – Yellow
- Zara Home – White
- H&M – Green
River Island 4.5/5
FAYE SAYS: “River Island has pulled out all the stops. Its collection extends beyond accessories to tables, pouffes and rugs. Much of the range has a vibrant, opulent look – the luxe gold and metallic furniture, like the lantern and tables, are my favourites. Priced mid-range, it is great for injecting pops of colour into rooms.”
1. Lantern, £45
2. Set of two hexagonal tables, £85
3. Photo frame, £15
4. Marble and gold metal tray, £45
5. Flower vase, £30
6. Marble topped candle, £15
7. Pink glass candle, £8
8. Gold print cushion, £25
- River Island's new homeware collection will be available online soon at riverisland.com
French Connection 5/5
FAYE SAYS: “This range focuses on natural rustic materials like leather, wood and even cowhide. It has a very relaxed vintage vibe that would suit a New York loft-inspired apartment. The prices are higher than other retailers’ but the quality, shades and patterns are timeless.”
9. Cowhide candles, £14 (small) and £19 (large) – buy now
10. Large poppy field rug, £155 – buy now
11. Driftwood stool, £95 – buy now
12. Copper wire small bottle, £25 – buy now
13. Hammered wine glass, £7 each – buy now
14. Hammered mango tray, £20 – buy now
15. Woven diamond cushion, £34 – buy now
16. Cream/black cushion, £30 – buy now
17. Framed print, £58 – buy now
Monsoon 4/5
FAYE SAYS: “It is an eclectic range and, unlike some of the other high street homeware brands which play it safe when it comes to colour, Monsoon has gone bold and bright. If you’re looking for a bohemian max look, this is for you, but the price point is higher than average.”
18. Pineapple candlesticks, £20 – buy now
19. Leather pouffe, £150 – buy now
20. Round photo frame, £12 – buy now
21. Feather trinket tray, £9 – buy now
22. White sequin cushion, £40 – buy now
23. Grey/mustard cushion, £35 – buy now
24. Green coin cushion, £40 – buy now
25. Vintage wooden tray, £60 – buy now
26. Wall mirror, £30 – buy now
Zara 3.5/5
FAYE SAYS: “Theree is a subtle, pared-back colour palette and sophisticated, clean feel about Zara’s homeware range. It would suit contemporary homes with a sleek, stylish feel. When I look at the broad range of accessories, I think of a chic Ibiza villa.
"The ceramic ware is the best on the high street and would give a rustic twist to a modern home. I love the textured vase and coral tealight holder.The pieces are good quality and vary in price. This is one of the more established interiors brands.”
27. Black metal vase, £29.99 – buy now
28. Coral tealight holder, £15.99 – buy now
29. Textured ceramic vase, £29.99 – buy now
H&M 5/5
FAYE SAYS: “H&M has stayed true to its Swedish roots with its minimalist and sleek homeware range. Where it is lacking in furniture, it makes up in its superb range of home-styling accessories.
“Look out for stylish patterns and prints, and grab affordable staples such as the jacquard weave rug and stoneware vase. Great for those looking for gender-neutral decor rather than overly feminine.”
30. Black stoneware vase, £17.99 – buy now
31. Scented candle, £12.99 – buy now
32. Gold candlestick holders, £8.99 (small) and £12.99 (large) – buy now
33. Jacquard weave cotton rug, £24.99 – buy now
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