What To Buy In The Sales

I’ve been obsessed with interiors and homeware my whole life, but it’s only in recent years- in our early thirties- that my friends have started caring about the wonderful world of shopping for homeware. For most of them, it’s born out of necessity, because they are now setting up camp and need to furnish an entire home all at once. And it’s only now that my knowledge is on the subject is becoming useful.

One of the things I’ve been asked advice on is what they should buy in the sale. I often hear them say that “There’s a really good sale on in such and such a shop. But it’s so overwhelming. What should I be looking for?”.

It’s a really good question, because cutting through the vast selection requires a lot of focus. And it’s also really easy to get taken in by the allure of a really good discount. It can be difficult to know what will stand the test of time and grow with you.

Here' are 6 things I always suggest.

Good quality white bedding

Image from Jonela.

As seen in my very dramatically-titled The Anatomy of a Well-Layered Bed blog post, having some basic white bedding is a must, no matter how much you layer and accessorise with additional colours and textures. Good quality bedding can be expensive though, so best to stock up while it’s on sale.

Statement side plates

Image from Pinterest.

You can apply the same logic as bedding to table settings; combine classic white basics with colours, textures and pattern. You may tire of the more colourful pieces, so best not to invest too heavily in them. Instead, grab a set of bright, summery side plates (or indeed bowls, napkins or placemats) in the August sales and more wintery styles in the January sales. By the next year, you’ll be ready to host for any occasion.

Baking tins

Image from The Spruce Eats.

Bakeware can be pricey, so best to build up a collection while it’s on sale. Having a variety of types will ensure you’re prepared for any spontaneous bake-offs.

Seasonal décor

Image from Balsam Hill.

Like I said about buying statement tableware, it may seem counterintuitive to buy seasonal décor as the season is ending, but it’s a genius way to build a collection of beautiful wreaths, garlands and knick-knacks that would otherwise be out of your price range. In January 2023 I bought some Christmas decorations for 75% off and by that December, I way all set to decorate with my loot.

Baskets

Image from Hydrangea Tree House

I have 73,862 baskets in my collection and it’s still not enough. There is ALWAYS a need for pretty storage.

Vases- of all shapes and sizes

Image from Ikea

You never realise how much of a selectin you need until you’re presented with a large bouquet or picked small, delicate posies. Get yourself a selection of tall, skinny, bud and wide-mouthed vases.

For some interiors advice from your truly, check out my interiors blog posts here, and keep an eye on my Instagram where I post almost daily.