TREATING YOURSELF IS important from time to time, but with many of us operating on tighter budgets right now, it may feel like that door is closed.
Not every ‘treat’ has to come with a high price tag, however.
This week, we’ve rounded up seven typically luxurious homewares items, from scented candles to soft wool throws, and matched a high-priced purchase with a less expensive dupe. Get ready to refresh your space for a little less…
1. A high-thread count pillowcase
The splurge: Symons Oxford pillowcase, €72, The White Company
The save: Francis Brennan Oxford pillowcase, €15, Dunnes Stores
We spend around one third of our lives in bed, so it’s advisable to invest in good quality bedding. Why not start small, with some new pillowcases? The Francis Brennan Oxford pillowcase is a very fancy 300 thread count cotton percale, and is a dead ringer for The White Company’s spendier option.
2. A cast-iron casserole
The splurge: Le Creuset Oval Casserole in Meringue, €239.20 (was €299), Arnotts
The save: SENIOR Casserole in Off-White, €30, IKEA
Lockdown got you feeling like Jamie Oliver? If you’re willing to really invest in your culinary genius, you can’t go wrong with the iconic Le Creuset. These can be pretty pricey, with a casserole dish setting you back between €100 and €300 depending on the size. The oval version linked above is a classic, but Le Creuset aren’t the only companies making cast iron casseroles – you’ll pick a similar lidded version up in IKEA for €30.
3. A scented candle
The splurge: Byredo Bibliothéque Candle, €62
The save: Bare Glow Candle, €28, Clean Slate
This Byredo candle comes in a striking black ceramic jar, and would make a beautiful addition to any bedroom or mantelpiece. For less than half the price, support Dublin-based fragrance company, Clean Slate, by purchasing their Bare Glow candle, a citrus-scented soy wax burner in a matt black jar with a similar feel to its pricier counterpart.
4. A statement mirror
The splurge: Circular mirror, €163 (was €204), Amara
The save: Gold circle mirror, €72, April And The Bear
Can’t justify spending €163 on one accessory, even if it is a beautiful copper trimmed mirror from Amara? Add some style to your wall with this rose gold tinted mirror from April and The Bear for €72 – ideal for both adding a statement to your living room and looking at your reflection through rose tinted glass!
5. A rattan basket
The splurge: Woven basket, €45.99, Zara Home
The save: Lily storage baskets, €9 – €16, Woodies
Using this time to declutter? The rustic farmhouse design of these Lily baskets makes them similar to Zara’s offering, at a fraction of the price. Use these in any room of the house to organise toys, clothing or even to hide away schoolwork at the end of the day.
6. A soft wool throw
The splurge: John Hanly grey throw, €165, Brown Thomas
The save: McNutt Of Donegal Grey Cloud Blanket, €75, Kilkenny Shop
If you’re working from home via the couch, a soft blanket is essential. Add some luxury to your day with a John Hanly throw – or, for more affordable comfort, opt for a blanket from Donegal weavers McNutt in a similar grey herringbone pattern. Either of these would also make the idea gift to send to a pal or family member you’re missing right now.
7. A bedroom or bathroom vanity case
The splurge: The Correspondent pink case, €180 (was €225), Steamline Luggage
The save: Pink trunk, €47.99, Michelle Keegan Home at Littlewoods
Yes, a Steamline Luggage case is the vanity trunk of dreams, but for a lower price point, I love the vintage feel of the pink faux suede version from Michelle Keegan’s Littlewoods line. Either would be perfect to keep hair tools and accessories organised, and both are pretty enough to display on your dressing table.
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