London or online shops for a complete rehaul on furniture

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After 16 years abroad, I'm finally moving back to the UK next year. I'm starting to figure out what to ship and what to buy new, and I'm looking for companies/brands you can recommend.
Back in the day, John Lewis, Habitat and Heal's were the go-to brands and after years of moving across different countries, I know Ikea inside and out! Google is throwing up Swyft, Wayfair, West Elm, Baker and Stonehouse, Soho Home, and Swoon, but I don't know any of them in terms of quality, etc.

I will likely not ship much furniture, and so will need everything from beds to dining tables and chairs to sofas. And happy to get a range of price levels as well as online vs physical shops, ideally in London.
So, if you were starting from scratch, where would you look? Thanks so much!

Depends on your aesthetic…
Oka
Atkin & Thyme
Loaf
Birdie Fortescue
Sophie Allport
Feather & Black beds
Graham and Green

The list goes on!!!!

The Cotswold Company have nice ranges, a lot of our furniture came from there.

Wayfair is a marketplace and items tend to be flatpack rubbish. We've bought a few things from there in the past and have ended up getting rid of it all before too long.

Thank you - so in a tropical country its quite modern, with a nod to mid-century in a couple of things, but very creams and blues "coastal" which somehow I don't feel will translate into London winters! I have a couple of mid-century cherry-wood chairs I'm bringing back to be reupholstered, and then a bit of art, mainly photography or inks.

So, to be honest, I'm not entirely sure what my style will be back in the UK, but thanks for the list, I'll be spending some very happy hours going through it.

I’ve always liked Heals.

I live in the south east. We used Fishpools & John Lewis. When we moved i also went to Tottenham Court Road and walked from shop to shop, but I don’t know if that’s still a thing. I’ve got bits from mainly JL and Fishpools.

Barker and Stonehouse sell excellent quality furniture from a range of makes, including Ercol, which I really like. Their own brand stuff is also very good, and great customer service.

It also depends on the age and style of house you’ll be living in. That will likely influence some style decisions.

I noticed some nice sofas when I walked through Next the other day.

We bought a bed frame online but are really happy with our Dreams mattress.

I’ve only ever bought a chair there so can’t comment on furniture but for bedding and some home furnishings I like Dunelm which is more of a budget option.

Thank you so much! Its a Victorian flat that I owned pre-marriage and kids, which I'll be heading back to as an empty nester, so it's pretty much a blank sheet and very different to how I've been living. To be honest, at this stage, a lot of this is making lists at the moment and not much will be purchased til I can see things in person. Exciting, but at the same time a bit overwhelming - every other time I've moved, its been a case of using what I had and filling the blanks!

@Recklessismymiddlename I remember walking down Tottenham Court Road too. Barker and stonehouse and loaf I'm liking and like @Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain Heal's has always been a favourite.

Friends bought mattresses from Emma recently, which are like giant clouds but I'd still need the base from somewhere

Fishpool’s store is huge. It’s all furniture, so if you can get to it I’d try there, so can try before you buy. It will also give you ideas on different styles, even if you don’t end up buying from them.

Tottenham Court Road still has decent shops for a wander.

Resbrick mill near Leeds has 20
Or 30 furniture brands including loaf , heals etc under one roof and is an amazing place to browse with nice restaurants etc

Fishpools is great for a wide range of furniture including beds. I love my Loaf sofas. Heals for stand out pieces and lighting. West Elm if you like mid-century modern. I have some storage from Swoon. Vinterior if you like vintage often has Ercol pieces.

There's an ercol factory outlet online on their own website and on eBay. I've also picked up pieces at auctions. I would say, don't rush it. It's a joy to hunt down gorgeous bits and pieces and fill your space gradually.

Thank you so much for the recommendations - even just a quick glance at all these brands has given me a great starting point. @Carriemac thanks for the Leeds recommendation, we'll be in the area this summer sounds like a good place to look around. Followed by Tottenham Court Road when I'm in London ❤

This is a really strong starting point.

id be tempted to move and gather items of fb market place until you work out the style of your home and environment.

Sofas & Stuff fgood quality sofas.