Ideal v Great Deal – create a refined elegant look for your home on any budget
Whether you want to splurge or save, we've got just the thing
If you're looking to create a timeless elegance feel in your home, these simple pieces will help you get the look. Grey French-style furniture and sleek silver accessories are a great place to start for adding a touch of sophistication.
Read for more inspiration: 18 grey living room ideas for gorgeous and elegant spaces
Money no object? We've picked the ultimate chic buys to make your home ooze effortless elegance. But if you're looking to get the look on a smaller budget, we've also tracked down copycat designs with lower price tags. Because that's what we do best here at Ideal Home...
Make refined elegance work in your home
The table lamp
Add an ethereal element of light to your interior with either of these elegant looking lamps. The ideal, from John Lewis & Partners, is crafted from a high-shine chrome. The great deal, from Very, is made from a mercury glass base. Both distressed mirror finishes will enhance and reflect light beautifully.
Buy now
Ideal: Tabitha Distressed Mirror Table Lamp, £95, John Lewis & Partners
Great deal: Lindi Dual-Source Table Lamp, £59.99, Very
The dining chair
Slight difference in finish but altogether, pound for pound in style. But if you need to order four or six to seat around a dining table the cheaper option will make things far more affordable overall.
Buy now
Ideal: Pulpit Rock Upholstered Dining Chair, £259.99, Wayfair
Great deal: Antoinette Smoke Grey Dining Chair, £119.99, My Furniture
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The faux fur rug
A luxury-look sheepskin adds not only a touch of luxe but, more importantly, warmth and texture underfoot. These two grey designs create the same feel, the difference is one is 100 per cent sheepskin while the other is faux – but who's to know? We won't tell if you don't!
Buy now
Ideal: Grey Sheepskin Rug, £65, Oliver Bonas
Great deal: Luxury Faux Sheepskin Rug, £30, Next
The silver tray
Talk about silver service! Whether you're serving tea or simply using these mirrored trays to dress a sideboard, either design will ensure it's done in style. The only big difference is the price tag.
Buy now
Ideal: Cosford Round Mirrored Tray, £101, Artisanti
Great deal: Decorative Mirrored Tray, £29.99, Zara Home
The knitted cushion
A simple knitted accessory, especially in a sophisticated shade of grey, can go a long way to add effortless Scandi-chic. The ideal version is a more luxurious Lambswool blend, however the great version looks pretty spot on as a cheaper substitute.
Buy now
Ideal: Blakeney Cushion Cover, from £40, The White Company
Great deal: Basic Grey Cushion, £7, Argos
Related: Grey bedroom ideas – from the super glam to the ultra modern
Add touches of greenery for a festive flourish.
Tamara was Ideal Home's Digital Editor before joining the Woman & Home team in 2022. She has spent the last 15 years working with the style teams at Country Homes & Interiors and Ideal Home, both now at Future PLC. It’s with these award wining interiors teams that she's honed her skills and passion for shopping, styling and writing. Tamara is always ahead of the curve when it comes to interiors trends – and is great at seeking out designer dupes on the high street.
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