14 affordable bits to buy on our commerce writer’s wishlist this week

The House & Garden editor wishlists are your indispensable guides to the best new homewares, lifestyle picks, collaborations and high street arrivals to shop now.

Think of the details at home that really brighten your day; buying brand new hand soap and thrilling with joy at how it smartens up the sink, gazing upon a well framed print, setting the table for dinner using your smartest tablecloth. They’re all small things that make a big difference to how much you enjoy being at home–but they don’t have to cost a lot of money. From mood-lifting homeware to absolute staples, here’s what House & Garden commerce writer, Tilly Wheeler, is lusting after this week.

A terrific tablecloth

M&S have some lovely textiles at the moment, and this beautiful rectangular tablecloth with whimsical embroidered details is no exception.

Charming check

A strong, graphic checkerboard print is timeless, and I love these two practical pieces for the kitchen and dining room in contrasting colourways.

Adjust your lighting with ease

A rise and fall pendant is a wonderful option for lighting a kitchen, as it can be lowered for a more atmospheric feel, or raised for a broader light source when cooking. This silver one from Broughtons has a classic, slightly industrial look and what’s more, it’s under £150.

A Picasso print

Prints are a fabulous way to add art to your house in an affordable way and this sweet print by Picasso is in a limited run of 1,000, so it has an element of exclusivity too. In addition, it’s a much less famous work than, say The Weeping Woman, so it’s not too obvious or commonplace.

An unusual photo frame

This rustic piece is a sculpture in itself, with the added bonus of being a way to display small photos or other ephemera. Pop the artefact-like frame on a desk or beside other objets d’art on a shelf.

One of your 5 a day

This wonderful artichoke-shaped vessel would make a great fruit bowl, or could simply be used as a decorative item in a dining or living room.

Mirror, mirror on the wall

With a frame carved from wood to resemble bamboo, this beautiful mirror from Pooky (better known for their lighting) is available in three colours, but I particularly like this deep brown finish.

Simple shelving

This freestanding shelving unit in a vibrant red is an easy and useful storage solution for smaller living spaces, for the incredibly low price tag of just £25. Lean and display picture frames on the top shelf, and use the lower two for books and magazines.

A wonky plate

This charming wibbly-wobbly plate is made in Portugal. Complete the set with matching side plates, bowls, a decorative chopping board and carafe.

The classic Liberty print

The Ianthe print was designed by French artist, R. Beauclair around 1902, and is probably Liberty’s most iconic pattern. It has been reinterpreted in a myriad of colourways over the years. The fabric has been used to craft this lovely lampshade and cushion cover by sellers on Etsy.

Luxury body lotion

A bestselling, heady scent from Byredo that manages to be at once floral, citrusy, sweet and woody, this is an incredibly indulgent body cream.

Indulgent Easter treats

Finally, a selection of luxury chocolate treats from the experts, Hotel Chocolat, to be enjoyed over the bank holiday weekend.

Previous picks

Colourful accents for dining

An easy and affordable way to add some zest to a kitchen or dining area, this playful cutlery set pairs rather well with this checked French cotton-linen blend tea towel.

Likewise, these simple and timeless pieces, from Pomax and British heritage brand Cornishware, work well together with their complementary colours of orange and blue.

A vibrant edition of a classic

The Model 90 lamp was first released in 1973, and this dinky version has been reimagined in three new vivid hues, as part of the historic brand’s 90th anniversary celebrations.

The designer dupe

From British high street staple Habitat comes this solid oak and woven paper rattan dining chair, with echoes of Hans J. Wegner’s classic Wishbone Chair.

Decorative bedding

The balanced colour scheme of this suzani style M&S bedding set means that it will be right at home in spring, summer, autumn and winter. On the reverse of the pillowcases and duvet cover is a red striped pattern, so it can be used both ways, which essentially means you get two sets in one!

The elegant candle sconce

A sleek and minimal wall-mounted candle holder makes an elevated change from having dinner candles on a table or shelf. Its textured surface, crafted from cast recycled aluminium, reflects a soft and warm glow from a lit candle.

A pretty poster

Produced for the Musée d’Orsay’s current exhibition on turn of the century posters in Paris, this delicate Art Nouveau design from Alphonse Mucha dates from 1896. Its slim vertical silhouette would look good on a stairway or landing.

An artisanal ceramic dish

Crafted from Parisian black clay and white enamel using techniques from the Middle Ages, this beautifully crafted dish has three-dimensional face decoration and would be a lovely home for jewellery or keys.

The smart tissue box cover

An easy and practical fix to cover up unsightly branded boxes of tissues, this piece is handwoven from sustainable rattan, and is available in three different neutral shades.

The exhibition catalogues

London’s museums have been filled with 80s-themed exhibitions so far this year, and two of the best that are currently on are the Leigh Bowery retrospective at Tate Modern, and the National Portrait Gallery‘s exhibition of photography from The Face, the British style magazine that had its first issue in 1980. Two vibrant hardback tomes have been published to coincide with the exhibitions, and would look stylish on any self-respecting coffee table.

A really good rattan tray

Placed atop an ottoman, coffee table or shelf, this high street rattan tray can be used to store, tidy or display items with style.

The decorative plate for nibbles

Made in Japan from glazed porcelain, this sweet little plate could be used to serve nuts, olives, or condiments.

Marvellous marbling

The decorative effect of marbling is organic and fluid, and it is this organic quality that means no two items look the same. I love the fresh, springtime yellow of Daylesford’s enamel dish, and the elegant ink spill of the blue marbled decoration on this jug from Toast.

Seasonal blooms

Why not use your lovely new Toast pitcher as a vessel for some beautiful, rosy tulips while they are in season?

The maximalist bedding

This highly affordable, 100% cotton IKEA set is reminiscent of Josef Frank’s classic botanical designs for Swedish brand Svenskt Tenn, but at a far more accessible price point.

A green throw for spring

While the weather is getting warmer, it’s that in between time and we’ll probably see a few more chilly days yet. This checked throw in olive green would work well on the back of a sofa or at the bottom of the bed.

The sculptural 1960s design

The Tam Tam, made from moulded plastic, has been around since 1968, and has clever hidden storage space within in its hourglass silhouette. Use it as a small side table or additional seating.

The eye-catching salt & pepper mill

This multicolour edition of Addison Ross’s playful design would take centre stage on any dining table or kitchen shelf.

A clock for the kitchen

Stocked by Parisian concept store Merci, this elegant clock by Newgate would look lovely in a mid-century style kitchen.

Ready for summer

Dream of Italian holidays with this summery printed cushion, made in Scotland from a linen-cotton blend fabric and filled with feather padding.

The affordable version of a classic lamp

For under £200, this elegant chrome and marble floor lamp is an absolute steal. It is inspired by the iconic Flos Arco lamp, which will set you back over £2,000. A high street homage done well.

Colourful and compact storage

Ideal for small spaces, the drawers slide open, revealing three tiers of spacious storage within its cylindrical form. The Componibili has been around since 1967, and comes in a range of finishes, but this striking glossy red edition is particularly appealing.

The rustic planter

Cover up less than desirable plant pots, or use as kitchen or bathroom storage. Hand woven in Tanzania, these planter baskets are available online from Harriman & Co., one of House & Garden‘s top 50 independent design shops in the UK.

Architectural kitchenware

Made from stainless steel, there is a touch of brutalism to this salt and pepper set, in its weighty blockiness and angularity.

The coffee table tome

Discover a wealth of sketches and designs from the influential Italian designer and architect who founded the Memphis Group, in this impressive monograph.

The striking print

Last year’s Design Museum exhibition acquainted me with the work of Enzo Mari, and this simple print of a prowling black panther is a favourite.

The 1970s tubular table

With their Nytillverkad collection, IKEA has reissued a range of archival designs to celebrate their history. This zingy yellow table dates from 1971, and is Breuer-esque in its tubular steel frame.

Perfect pattern

Ottoline’s ‘Improvisation 1’ is my dream wallpaper, and this handmade cushion from Etsy that uses the fabric is a more affordable way to incorporate the print into the home, on a smaller scale.

The characterful knick-knack

These sweet little wooden characters were originally created by Alexander Girard in 1952, and are a lovely way to add a touch of whimsy to a shelf or windowsill.

Beautiful basketry

A lovely rustic basket that would make a delightful fruit bowl, from British independent brand Rebecca Udall.

Serving up in style

The combination of the organic shape of bamboo and sleek stainless steel will make this smart serving set the star of any dinner party table.

The plush rug

The neutral colour scheme and classic harlequin check of this thick, soft wool and cotton blend rug make it a versatile yet striking piece that would look lovely in a living room or bedroom. It sits at a very accessible price point but doesn’t skimp on quality.

Excellent enamel

This popular design from Labour & Wait has a vintage, industrial style that is ideal for curating a utilitarian style kitchen. The brown version can be seen in Matilda Goad’s London house.

The sculptural coffee pot

This hourglass coffee pot is beautiful as well as functional, and will make brewing a coffee on the stovetop in the morning even more appealing.

The cult fragrance

I’ve recently become obsessed with the long-lasting, woody scent of Le Labo’s Hinoki body wash, and this travel set of dinky Hinoki products would be a treat to take in my hand luggage on any trips this year.