Ideal v Great Deal – splurge or save on a pale and interesting living room

Looking for a decorating scheme that won’t fall victim to colour trends? You can’t go wrong with white. Available in a surprisingly wide choice of shades, it suits any space – big or small – and simply will never date.

Related:  The best white paint – how to choose the right shade for your walls

There’s something so fresh and clean about an all-white scheme. It’s a surprisingly daring look to go for – and not one for the faint hearted or sticky fingered! Layering up a spectrum of white shades in natural textures and imperfect finishes creates a surprisingly soft finish – not the anonymous, stark space you might expect.

We’ve found our favourite pieces that you can put together to create a perfect rustic and neutral living room. Better yet, we’ve found them at both ends of the price spectrum, so you can get the look whatever your budget.

The sofa

Sit back and relax in either of these deep white sofas. Our ideal buy has lower arms so you can properly veg out, while our ‘great deal’ comes with extra cushions for support.

Buy now
Ideal: Eichholtz Mandate sofa in Panama natural fabric, £1,795, Houseology
Great deal: Soderhamm three-seater sofa with Finnsta white cover, £515, Ikea

The pouffe

This little chap is handy as a footrest – or extra seating when you have a houseful.

Buy now
Ideal: Bug pouffe, £85, Loaf
Great deal: Ideal Home knitted pouffe, £59.99, Very

The coffee table

Make one of these simple but stylish tables the centrepiece of your new look.

Buy now
Ideal: Around Large coffee table, £495, Clippings
Great deal: Kragsta coffee table, £75, Ikea

The lamp

Introduce texture – and light up a dark corner – with a table lamp in mixed materials.

Buy now
Ideal: Its About RoMi Melbourne table lamp, £125, Naken
Great deal: Torona desk lamp, £63.67, Wayfair

The rug

Weaves and knits are key to a cosy feel. These rugs have been created using different techniques, but both will soften up a hard floor in style. The jute option is ideal if you’re scared of going totally white.

Buy now 
Ideal: Antibes jute rug, £245, Olli Ella
Great deal: Crochet round ecru cotton rug, Dia 90 cm, £47.99, Maisons du Monde

Pick a few or use them all to curate your own calming space.