Our Favourite Guilty Pleasure: Dunelm Interiors
By Nicola Campbell
I’m mid-project in my new home, and to say it’s been a labour of love would be putting it mildly. My builders are brilliant, but living through it? Not for the faint-hearted. What will eventually become my study is currently my study-come-kitchen-come-bedroom (thank you, click-clack sofa bed — I will not miss you). We have no proper kitchen, nowhere to sit except our beds, and our culinary repertoire is currently limited to what can be achieved with a kettle, toaster, air fryer and microwave. Oh, and did I mention the mice?
But amid the chaos, there’s light at the end of the tunnel — and that light looks suspiciously like the glow from a Dunelm lampshade.
Because when it comes to the “prettifying” phase — that glorious point when walls are painted, floors are down and you can finally start to imagine your home coming together — I know exactly where I’m heading. I’ve always loved a wander around Dunelm, but lately? It’s gone from “reliable” to “irresistible.” Think gorgeous rugs that could pass for designer, chic furniture that looks far more expensive than it is, and finishing touches that give serious Soho Home and White Company vibes — at a fraction of the price.
And right now couldn’t be a better time to indulge — Dunelm is offering up to 50% off thousands of products until November 3rd, so if ever there was a moment to refresh a room (or five), this is it.
Whether you’re a mid-century minimalist drawn to clean lines and natural textures, or a colour-loving maximalist who lives for bold prints and layered tones, Dunelm has something to suit every taste — and prices to adore.
Dunelm has quietly become the interiors obsessive’s best-kept secret. Once the place for budget bedding and practical kitchenware, it’s now a fully-fledged homeware destination. The collaborations are clever (hello, Sophie Robinson colour pops), the designs have serious flair, and the quality feels far more luxe than the price tag would suggest.
Even in a gloomy retail landscape, Dunelm is thriving — up 6% in sales while others struggle — proof that British shoppers still crave beautiful homes, even when times are tough. And with 41% of its sales now online, it’s clear we’re all doing a little late-night browsing, adding those cushions, lamps, and artichoke tealight holders (yes, really) to our baskets.
So, while I wait for my walls to dry and my kitchen to materialise, I’m channelling my inner interior designer — Dunelm-style. Here are my top 10 picks for when the dust finally settles and I can start to make this house feel like home again.
Our 10 Best Buys from Dunelm
Festive Style at Dunelm
If you’re already thinking ahead to Christmas (and who isn’t?), Dunelm’s new Christmas Trends 2024 edit is seriously inspiring. Whether you’re planning a full-on festive overhaul or just a few subtle seasonal touches, the collections have you covered.
Crafted Christmas is all about cosy, homespun charm — think tactile textures, handcrafted details and rustic woodland touches that make everything feel warm and familiar.
If you love tradition, Heritage brings classic Christmas back in deep reds, forest greens and golds — elegant and timeless but still fresh.
Or, if you’re more about the sparkle, Kitschmas is pure joy. It’s colourful, playful and gloriously over the top — a little bit of glitter, a lot of personality, and the perfect excuse to have fun with your décor this year.