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Original poster

Setting up a home in the UK

53 replies

mynamechangemyrules · 13/08/2021 22:40

Ok I'm not sure if this is where this should go, but hoping for some help!

I've just moved back to the uk after a total of 18 years living in other places around the world.

I've just got divorced and I've brought the kids here and ex remains in the country we were last in and has just stopped paying maintenance...

SO..! I need towels/ duvets/ kitchen crap etc.
I have the money right now to buy ok/ good stuff but I also am relatively limited in my budget as there's a lot of beds to cover! I'm getting furniture off eBay/ Facebook marketplace but want to buy new for some stuff.

Where do I buy stuff like this here..?! I used to think John Lewis was the pinnacle of reliability, but is it still?

I also want to be eco if possible- so do I 'invest' now rather than getting 'cheap and cheerful'..?

For example- bloody duvets... We will prob all be cold as I haven't had a winter for 18yrs and the kids have never lived anywhere cold. What tog do I get for a start and then I've read that wool is great and eco but it's quite an outlay. But will I regret cheap synthetic ones in a few years..?!

Sorry a bit of a ramble but I'm massively overwhelmed at all the decisions to be made just to get a home ready for the kids in a weeks' time.

Basically- which
Duvets and pillows
Towels
Bedsheets
would you recommend and also
Which one-stop-shop might sell them all (online pref as I'm clueless about my new home area too 🤪😫)?

Thank you!

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 13/08/2021 22:45

Tbh I buy from supermarkets. Duvets, pillows, covers,etc. I use 10.5 tog when it's colder and 4.5tog when it's warmer

MrsFin · 13/08/2021 22:48

Get yourself to IKEA!!

dementedpixie · 13/08/2021 22:49

Does ikea not do weird sizes?

CinderFuckingRe11a · 13/08/2021 22:49

IKEA seconded!

Dalooah · 13/08/2021 22:51

You could get an all seasons duvet- 2 duvets 10 and 4 clipped together- and then you're pretty much covered for all year/if you feel more hot or more cold.

I'd second IKEA or if you have a Costco close to you to online. Good quality, decent pricing and the best returns policy ever.

CinderFuckingRe11a · 13/08/2021 22:51

@dementedpixie

Does ikea not do weird sizes?
Some stuff is Euro sized, but some is standard uk sized
MoiraNotRuby · 13/08/2021 22:51

IKEA and Home Sense. (Do not confuse Home Sense, BRILLIANT offshoot of TK Maxx, with Home Bargains, cheap tat shop.) Good luck

Bythemillpond · 13/08/2021 22:52

Dunelm has all this stuff.

L1ttleSeahorse · 13/08/2021 22:53

Dunelm is the place.

occa · 13/08/2021 22:53

Agree, just take the pain and hit up Ikea to buy it all in one place.

TheMissingMango · 13/08/2021 22:55

Try somewhere like Richard Haworth - they sell all the bedding, towels, kitchen towels to hotels but to the public too. Cheap and top quality.
Or Ikea!

Original poster
mynamechangemyrules · 13/08/2021 22:55

Ooh yes, ikea didn't exist in my little world before- might see if it can be done online.

Will have a little search for Home Sense!

No one thinking I should invest?! Just crack on and get standard/ supermarket versions?

OP posts:
ScribblingPixie · 13/08/2021 22:59

Dunelm.com is budget-friendly and has everything you need. I rate their Egyptian cotton towels particularly. I've had the same ones in a holiday rental for more years than I'd like to admit but they still look and feel great. Duvet togs are a personal thing but I go 10.5 in winter; 4 in summer. You can order some IKEA stuff online, and I think their white china, glasses and stainless steel pans are pretty good, no need to spend more.

MrsFin · 13/08/2021 23:00

IKEA is good enough for most people!
It's a good day out too. Go to the restaurant and have the meatballs. not sure if you can buy online, but you can get absolutely everything you need to set up house under one roof.

LIZS · 13/08/2021 23:01

John Lewis do a basic Home range. Wilkos, Dunelm and Argos also do brands at low prices.

ScribblingPixie · 13/08/2021 23:04

Yes, Argos is good because the products each have a zillion reviews so you don't usually go wrong. I get most electrical stuff from there.

yikesanotherbooboo · 13/08/2021 23:05

I would buy decent quality bedding and towels from home sense or John Lewis or sale bargains. I hate waste and have been married for 30 years and am still using wedding present bedding and towels.
IKEA kitchen ware is very good for the price.
China and almost all furniture second hand.
New bed or at least mattress ; IKEA acceptable; consider new sofa but second hand might be ok.
I've had second hand electrics that have lasted me well if you are really stuck.

opulentalligatorsalt · 13/08/2021 23:05

Dunelm will sort you out. Or marks and spencers. Dunelm the best value, marks and Spencer a bit better. John Lewis good and very reliable but pricier.

But like PP said supermarket stuff also fine. Sainsburys v good. Asda very cheap and decentish.

negomi90 · 13/08/2021 23:07

IKEA for furniture and bedding - just get make sure you get the standard size version for beds and bedding.
It also has all the kitchen crap you want.
One of my siblings was complimenting my cheap white ikea bowels and plates (apparently they look posh, because they're white - even though they are cheap and basic.
Ikea has everything you need to set up a house with decent quality stuff on a budget.
Research online to see what you want (especially re furniture) but then rent a van and make a day of it. You won't see the little bit and bobs and cutlery and things online in the same way as you will in store.
It also has toilets, food and children's play areas, so you have the amenities there if you are taking time to shop.

TreadSoftlyOnMyDreams · 13/08/2021 23:12

John Lewis do a good synthetic duvet range. Warm and cozy and with kids invaluable as you can wash and spin them and they are dry in a day.

IKEA will definitely get you all the basics quickly and easily, you just have to be prepared to go there and load a few trolleys up. Glasses and China are great. I don't really rate their bed linen to be honest as I find it quite rough but it's a while since I've been there and not checked it out in even longer. Everything else is epic and great value. John Lewis has a new basic range presumably to compete but I haven't been in store to see any of it.

Whereabouts are you ?

  • some local knowledge is always helpful as IKEA is sod all use to you if you are in the West Country or don't have access to a car.

Welcome back and best of luck getting settled. I'd reserve the pennies and not get hung up on brands in your shoes right now.

Mumsgirls · 13/08/2021 23:12

Tkmaxx for towels and bedding

MamaEs · 13/08/2021 23:13

Matalan is great for home stuff

JetBlackSteed · 13/08/2021 23:16

Dunelm or IKEA as pp. tbf supermarkets are just as good for bedding although I prefer the kitchen stuff from non supermarkets

Talking of investing ... if you mean in wool for bedding you'll never get it dry once it's washed.
If you want Eco, your quilts can be cleaned in eco way in what used to be called dry cleaners if that makes sense.

Id avoid John Lewis, it's overpriced and not as good.

If kids are cold in bed get some inexpensive throws from dunelm to add to quilt on top of bed they have some lovely teddy bear soft ones.

HasaDigaEebowai · 13/08/2021 23:21

I’d say invest in a duvet because it’s the eco thing to do. A duvet should be able to last a long time. Get an all seasons one so that you can add the heavier layer in the autumn. Id also buy electric throws (which use very little energy but are a thing of wonder.

For sheets get bamboo which is much better as an eco choice than cotton.

Dunelm has bamboo bedding and a good range of duvets and pillows. Their top end ranges are way better than IKEA imo (and IKEA sizes are weird)

Quitelikeacatslife · 13/08/2021 23:22

Dunelm for soft furnishings, Have had duvets from Argos too. IKEA for kitchen stuff