Ideal v Great Deal – get a rustic Scandi look for less
We've found our ideal Scandi buys and some great-value lookalikes. Can you tell the difference?
As the days get shorter and the nights get colder, it's a good time to take some interior inspiration from the Swedes. They know just how to make a home look simultaneously bright and airy and warm and toasty – a perfect combo for a British winter.
Make this approach work for you by using rugged textures and vintage treasures, and combine with clean contemporary lines for a relaxed feel. We've chosen a few key pieces that will get you started on the road to rustic Scandi chic. And we've also done our homework and tracked down some budget alternatives to our ideal picks.
More great deals: We've found low-cost doubles for cool, Scandi-style homeware
The rattan chair
Outdoor furniture that can be used indoors is going to be BIG in 2018, so jump on the trend bus early with one of these fabulous woven chairs.
Buy now
Ideal: Bloomingville rattan chair in Natural, £365, Out There Interiors
Great deal: Pia natural rattan armchair, £149, Tikamoon
The pendant light
A simple industrial pendant suits a Scandi scheme, particularly in silver. Our ideal is probably the more glamorous of the pair with its polished aluminium and etched glass finish, while the great deal keeps it real in raw steel.
Buy now
Ideal: Titan size three pendant light, £295, Original BTC
Great deal: Stourton raw steel pendant, £69.99, Dowsing & Reynolds
Light the way: Kitchen lighting – everything you need to know
The silver sheepskin
If you don't already have a sheepskin in your home.. well, who even are you?! But seriously, these versatile rugs can be used on the floor, draped over a chair sofa or bed, or for performing Jon Snow impressions.
Buy now
Ideal: Silver sheepskin rug, from £59, Modern Rugs
Great deal: Grey sheepskin, £34.99, Dunelm
The glass goblet
Drink and be merry with these goblet-style wine glasses. Buy the Ikea version and you'll have cash left over for a bottle of red wine – maybe even two.
Buy now
Ideal: Retreat wine glasses, £25 for four, Marks & Spencer
Great deal: Pokal wine glass, £1.50, Ikea
The festive wreath
Add a little frosted foliage to an interior or exterior door with either of these beauties.
Buy now
Ideal: Frosted Finley wreath, £45, Amara
Great deal: Linea Eucalyptus wreath, £32, House of Fraser
The kitchen table
Loaf's reclaimed timber table is extendable, so you can quickly create extra space for last-minute dinner guests. Our Ideal is from John Lewis, and has a wipe-clean top made from a heat- and scratch-resistant laminate. If you've got young children, it's a no-brainer of a choice.
Buy now
Ideal: Toaster kitchen table in Vintage White, £795, Loaf
Great deal: Clayton dining table in cream, £199, John Lewis
The decorative stag
Let's decorate... Best Christmas garlands to invite festive cheer into your home
Pretty up a mantelpiece or windowsill over Christmas with these fine fellows. Our 'ideals' come as a pair and are made of a smooth white cast that looks a lot like porcelain.
Buy now
Ideal: Doe and stag pair, £21, Eclect Design
Great deal: Sparkly stag, £2.50, Wilko
Whether you go for our ideals or great deals is up to you – either way, you'll be creating a very stylish and easy-to-live-with new scheme.
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Amy Cutmore is an experienced interiors editor and writer, who has worked on titles including Ideal Home, Homes & Gardens, LivingEtc, Real Homes, GardeningEtc, Top Ten Reviews and Country Life. And she's a winner of the PPA's Digital Content Leader of the Year. A homes journalist for two decades, she has a strong background in technology and appliances, and has a small portfolio of rental properties, so can offer advice to renters and rentees, alike.
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