Purse-friendly homeware

But there's a growing band of frustrated homebuyers who are turning to homewares for comfort.

These home-aholics - who can't move house in these tricky economic times - are seeking to beautify their homes with everything from new kitchens to sumptuous cushions.

To prevent this addiction becoming expensive, savvy home fashionistas should note that there are a host of companies who offer cut-price kit; so indulge your passion for 'designer' living by following our blueprint for homeware bargain hunting. All you've got to do is work out your budget!

There are 29 M&S discount outlet stores throughout the UK so you probably don't need to journey far to bag a bargain.

The majority of their lines are reduced by at least 30% and you'll find homeware, as well as clothing and beauty products.

Just visit the Store Finder section on the M&S website, enter your postcode and you'll find your nearest discount outlet.

John Lewis is a well-loved brand has a home outlet store in Swindon, Wiltshire, with rapidly changing stock. Products are mainly sourced from customers' un-used returns or goods with slight imperfections.

You're most likely to find beds, bedroom furniture, sofas, chairs, dining furniture and large electrical appliances at reduced prices.

The store also has a selection of bedlinen, china, glass, cushions and pictures.

The HomeSense stores were launched just over two years ago by the same people behind TK Maxx (who specialise in discounted branded fashion) and are rapidly becoming a favourite destination for home-owners on a budget.

The store's homeware buyers travel the world sourcing products, mostly designer brands, and sell them on at massively discounted rates.

The layout of each shop resembles a slick department store so the goodies are easy to find, but stock changes daily so you're well advised to snap up what you want.

There is also an online service, which sells around 700 items - this includes homeware for every room in the house, gifts and accessories.

Named brands can include Vera Wang and Wedgwood china at a fraction of the normal retail price, and Dorma, John Lewis and Monsoon Home bedding.

There are currently 21 stores and three more opening shortly in York, Taunton and Metro Gateshead.

Yummy mummies and lovers of florals will be in shopping heaven at the two outlets stores for this brand.

Kitchen accessories, bedding, towelling, fabric and bags in those iconic flowery prints are on offer, and stock featuring older and discontinued prints sells for up to 30% off.

The stores are located at Bicester Village discount shopping centre, Oxfordshire and Kildare Village, County Kildare, Ireland.

A relative newcomer on the homeware block, this company's already attracted lots of favourable attention and been described as a "hidden gem" by Channel 4's property expert, Phil Spencer.

It sets out to prove that a stylish home needn't cost a fortune and bridges the gap between high street and high end products.

Mixing modern, contemporary and traditional furniture pieces alongside handpicked finds by independent designers - all products are sourced from around the globe and offered at competitive prices.

The website promises delivery within five weeks. Or they have a showroom, which can be visited by appointment, in Godalming, Surrey.

Home fashionistas who change their homeware like their wardrobe, but don't want to break the bank, should definitely have Dunelm Mill in their little black book.

Founded in Leicester over 30 years ago by Bill and Jean Adderley, Dunelm Mill began as a market stall selling ready-made curtains.

Still a family firm, it's grown rapidly and now has 100 stores (with more planned) and recently launched an online shopping site.

It has an extensive selection of furniture and accessories and keeps a sharp eye on trends to ensure its ranges are always bang up to date.

TJ Hughes is a leading discount department store chain which was founded in 1912 by Thomas Hughes in Liverpool.

Stores burst with bargains on homeware and electricals and it continually offers discounted prices on well-known brands such as designer Jeff Banks.

There are 54 shops throughout the UK, with the latest one opening this month in Southend-on-Sea, Essex. It also has an extremely user-friendly website.

eBay is an excellent way to source homeware with a history - and prove that one man's clutter can be another person's treasure.

There are all sorts of bargains if you're canny and enjoy an element of chance, as you'll have to bid for your chosen piece.

It can be easy to get carried away but following a few guidelines should ensure your home ends up looking more tasteful than tat.

Once you've spotted a 'bargain' do your research to find out what you could expect it to be worth. Decide what your financial limit is - and assess how disappointed you'd be if you lost something for the sake of a few pounds.

Some wily devotees swear by placing their highest bid at the last minute so no-one else has a chance to trump them!