Explore how people in the UK tackle decorating their homes and the factors that influence their furnishing decisions in our latest research.
When moving into a new home, there’s nothing more fulfilling than transforming your empty pad into a cosy living space. Either with old and sentimental belongings or new flat-pack furniture, styling your space to match how you dreamed it could be an exciting but stressful experience that often comes with practicalities to consider before you buy or borrow furniture.
At Furniture And Choice, we understand the importance of making smart choices when furnishing your home. To explore how the nation tackles decorating new homes, we commissioned a survey of 2,000 adults across the UK to investigate the costs associated with decorating common rooms and the factors that influence how we choose what to buy. Here’s a look at what we found out.
The importance of value and durability
Imagine stepping into a beautifully furnished open-plan kitchen living room. The leather sofa is comfy, the round dining set is stylish, and the overall ambience is inviting. But behind this picture-perfect scene lies a big decision-making process.
When purchasing furniture, value for money stands out as a top priority for most respondents, with a striking 80% of participants emphasising the importance of getting good value for their money. Durability and longevity are also crucial, with nearly 4 in 5 (79%) considering these factors important. Interestingly, only 37% of respondents prioritise trendy and modern designs, suggesting that timeless pieces may be more valued than those that are trending on TikTok.
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The considerations when decorating a home vary significantly across different age groups too. For instance, those aged 25 to 34 are more likely to prioritise eco-friendly materials (56%) and trendy designs (55%). People aged 35 to 44 prioritise space-saving features (55%), while respondents aged 55+ value affordability (86%) and durability (88%) more.
The average cost of decorating different rooms
Looking at the average amount spent on decorating and furnishing different rooms in a new home, people spend the most on their kitchens (£2,792) and the least on their spare bedrooms (£1,374). Regional differences also contribute to spending habits. Respondents in Greater London tend to spend the most on living rooms (£2,943), dining rooms (£2,382) and home offices (£2,324). Meanwhile, those in Northern Ireland allocate the highest budget for kitchens (£3,437) and kids' bedrooms (£2,671).
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When furnishing a home, certain pieces take precedence. Our survey found that nearly 2 in 3 (63%) respondents prioritise purchasing a sofa, making it the cornerstone of their living space. Bed frames (39%) and dining tables (29%) follow closely behind. Gender differences also play a role, with women prioritising bed frames (43% vs. 35%) and dining tables (31% vs. 28%) more than men. Interestingly, men prioritise armchairs (22% vs. 16%) and TV stands (15% vs. 11%) more than women.
The role of long-living furniture
For those purchasing furniture, nearly half (48%) of respondents intend to keep their items for five or more years. This highlights how the UK’s furniture isn’t as seasonal as the trends make it appear, and pieces are often enjoyed by several generations over their lifespan.
This theme is reflected in our use of hand-me-down furniture, with 59% of respondents sharing that they’ve relied on family members, friends or online websites for free or hand-me-down pieces. Out of those, sofas (18%), coffee tables (15%) and TV stands (15%) are the most common hand-me-down items. Younger respondents are also more likely to rely on hand-me-down furniture, highlighting a generational shift in furnishing habits (79%).
When accepting hand-me-down furniture, it’s worth finding out if the person you borrowed from expects it back after a certain period, though. Our survey found that over 1 in 4 (26%) are expected to return the hand-me-down furniture they’ve received from family members, friends or online, but 7% are unsure if they expect it back.
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Our interior design preferences
As we design our living spaces, pets play a significant role in the decision. Nearly half (49%) of respondents furnish and style their living spaces around their furry friends, using pet-friendly fabrics and arranging furniture to create comfortable spaces for their pets (19%). Those aged 25-34 are the most likely to consider their pets in their furnishing decisions (81%), and in terms of location, Greater London is home to pet lovers who are most likely to furnish or style their living spaces around their animals (68%).
If considering the cost, longevity and our pets wasn’t enough, many respondents (61%) also decorate their homes with a specific interior design style in mind. Modern (28%), traditional (22%) and minimalist (19%) styles are the most popular. The reasons for choosing these styles vary, with 45% citing a cosy and inviting feel as their main motive. Men also like their favourite interior design style more than women ‘as it reminds them of their childhood home’ (19% vs 10%).
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“Our latest survey shows that while style matters, it’s value, durability and personal meaning that truly shape how people furnish their homes,” says Amthal Karim, Head of Design at Furniture And Choice. “Whether it’s investing in a quality sofa, choosing pet-friendly fabrics or embracing a timeless design, today’s homeowners are making thoughtful choices that reflect both their lifestyle and values. At Furniture And Choice, we are proud to support that journey with furniture that’s built to last and designed to inspire.”
As Head of Design, Amthal has long-term experience in tracking and analysing the latest interior trends and working with our team of stylists to create fresh new, exciting content. Having worked in PR and marketing, Amthal puts her skills to good use by brainstorming photoshoots and planning the latest campaigns. With her eye for detail and insight, Furniture And Choice has been featured in Homes & Gardens, IdealHome and Big Furniture Group.
Decorating your dream living space involves balancing aesthetics, functionality and budget. So, whether you’re looking for durable, space-saving furniture or aiming to create a pet-friendly environment, understanding these trends can help you make decisions that align with your vision and budget.
At Furniture And Choice, we’re committed to providing high-quality, affordable furniture that meets your needs. Explore our sofas and dining sets today to start creating your dream living space.
