High Street Heroes

A monthly perusal of High Street seasonal newness to find my Top 12 lustworthy items to add to your home or inspire you this June.

I haven’t been frequenting the High Street recently due our imminent move of house. I am currently attempting to minimise ownership of items rather than add to them but this does not, it will not surprise you to know, come naturally to me. It takes everything in my power to be strong (particularly when passing the charity shops) but NO. I have not given in. Mostly because every time I think ‘ooh, that’s nice’ I am reminded of the fact that I’m currently surrounded by eight boxes of charity shop donations with another ten - yes, ten - boxes to sift through and dispose of. Sigh. I know that I will be so happy with myself when we move in to our new (much smaller) house and I’ll be able to move freely about the rooms without ten years worth of vintage glassware or fish jugs landing on my head.

The same cannot be said for my furniture buying. I have become very au fait with the often hell on earth that is Facebook Marketplace which has multiple benefits. Never before have I been so aware that one mans trash IS another mans treasure and I’m 100% here for it, not just because I am perpetuating the recycling circle of life but also because it stops me having to drive to the tip. It takes but a few moments to post and there is barely a thing that I’ve whacked on there that hasn’t been whipped by someone sharpish. I have, however, as a result of my expert flogging bought six chairs, a side table, a lamp and a coffee table from various vintage sources with the money that I’ve made. I’ve had them all delivered to the new house so that Joe hasn’t noticed and bombarded me with abuse. The other day I had to sneak round to meet a delivery man at the back gate but couldn’t find the key, so he had to pass them to me over the wall instead as if I were receiving stolen goods. I never even saw his face. Oh, the life of a serial vintage buyer is a stressful one, I tell you.

Okay, back to business and a quick perusal at the High Street offerings show that there is much goodness to be found on the virtual shelves. So without further ado, here’s my monthly round up of the best of the best, from glassware to furniture through to lighting and textiles. And my fave find this month? The La Redoute bubble wine glasses which are an excellent price and come in six different colours.

1. Fabric Table Lamp - H&M Home, £49.99

Right, let’s kick off with a lamp and this one is a beaut. Fabric lamps are certainly having a moment (there’s some brilliant ones on the High Street) but I particularly like the whole mushroomy shape of this one. This would contrast gloriously against a tonal wall and it gives a soft, muted glow which is very pleasing indeed.

2. Toile De Jouy Tablecloth - Zara Home, £159.99

Yes, this is rather pricey for a tablecloth but LOOK at it! It’s embroidered cotton and absolutely joyous - it’s inspired by Toile De Jouy which traditionally shows people doing something or scenic sorts of views (it means cloth from Jouy which is a town close to Paris where this style originated). This one has people in cars, in swimming pools, sunbathing, ALL the stuff. So nice.

3. Palm House Picnic Tumbler - John Lewis, £4.80

Love the combo of colours and the tactile feel of this plastic tumbler which is a good size (500ml) and also comes apart so that you can stick it in the dishwasher. Perfect for those sunny garden days or when you have to go and watch your children playing sport and you want to make it fashion with a picnic blanket and snacks. It’s 20% off at the moment as well.

4. Luna Fluted Sideboard - Dunelm, £229

I very much like this little sideboard (the colour is Parchment) which also comes in a tall version as well. Nice curvy curves, fluted glass (always a winner) and made of metal so has a contemporary feel to it too. This would work very nicely as a drinks cupboard, I’d say, as it’s got an adjustable shelf. Looks super stylish for an excellent price point.

5. Totley Side Table - Habitat, £80

Much to love here. Curves - tick. Gloss - tick. Colour - tick. This is the perfect little side table for any space and has an organic feel that makes you want to stroke it, ha. Excellent for next to a sofa to pop your drink on but equally lovely in the corner with a book stack or in the bathroom with towels. I love a piece of furniture that can work anywhere.

6. Cotton Muslin Bedding Set - Marks & Spencer, £55

This is new in at M&S and it’s very lovely. I adore muslin, it’s so soft and cosy and also very breathable which makes it perfect as a Summer duvet choice. It also comes in Rust and Aqua (plus White but that’s currently out of stock). From single through to super king as well so good for all.

7. Splatter Mug - Anthropologie, £16

I don’t need any more mugs - in fact, I need to dispose of at least ten before we move house due to owning WAY too many - but if I were to buy another, this one would be top of the list. This is Portugese splatterware and it comes in five colours including white on red which I really like, but this chocolate brown is very conducive to sitting on the sofa with a cup of tea. There’s other items in the range too.

8. Fish Glass Candle Holder - Oliver Bonas, £7.50

You KNOW that it wouldn’t be a High Street Heroes without at least one fishy or oceanic style accessory and this time, it’s from Oliver Bonas (they actually are very prone to fishy things, I’ve noticed). This green glass candle holder is super cute - again, if I needed a candle holder etc etc etc - three of these down a table or grouped together would be an excellent idea. A nice gift, too.

9. Basri Hand Embroidered Cushion - Toast, £45

Toast have a Sale on which means this winner of a cushion cover is down to £45. I love their homeware - it’s so beautifully curated and well made - and this is hand embroidered linen cover is made in India by artisans. It comes in Apple as well which is a soft lime. An investment cushion cover at a good price.

10. Lilac Vase - Mango Home, £49.99

Lilac! At Mango! Not a colour I would normally associate with their homeware but I am not complaining - this wavy handled earthenware vase is a good one. It’s made in Portugal and comes in two sizes and a couple of colours; it has a nice matt finish that is very pleasing. For some reason the website doesn’t list the size but it looks fairly hefty (the price would suggest it was too).

11. Faraji Bubble Stem Wine Glasses - La Redoute, £37.99

These bubble wine glasses are an excellent buy, not least because you get six of them and you can currently take 25% off the price above. I have mentioned before that I am a big fan of a chunky wine glass, mostly because I can whack them in the dishwasher with no detriment and this set comes in six - yes, six! - colours to suit whatever your table decor. Winner winner chicken dinner (party).

12. Stockholm Rug - IKEA, £225

I am not one who particularly errs towards a patterned rug but this one made me stop and look. It’s flat woven and 240cm in length so big enough to fit under your sofa and anchor your room perfectly. Very good colours, it’s also reversible which is handy if you have kids/animals/partner prone to spillage. Part of the Stockholm 2025 collection which celebrates Scandinavian design.

So there you have my favourite finds this month. Which do you like the best? Do tell me in the comments below!

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