Homeware
Getting the right order to the right door, with the right item and a fair refund if it goes wrong, is what matters most to people buying for their home.
Homeware companies
794 companies
About Homeware
Homeware covers the everyday and decorative goods that furnish a house in the United Kingdom, including furniture, bedding, kitchenware, lighting, rugs, curtains, storage and wall decor. Online shopping in this area spans specialist home furnishing sites, the online arms of high street department stores, marketplaces where independent sellers list their own stock, and flat-pack furniture retailers that ship bulky items to the doorstep.
Companies in this part of the market reach customers through search engines, social media advertising, email, and marketplace listings, with many running their own showrooms alongside their websites. Delivery is a defining feature, since large items are carried by couriers or specialist haulage firms, and returns and assembly arrangements vary widely from one seller to the next.
The sector is shaped by consumer protection law, including the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, which set out rights to goods that match their description, the statutory cancellation period for online orders, and the handling of faulty items. The Competition and Markets Authority oversees fair trading and online pricing practices, while the Advertising Standards Authority regulates the marketing claims companies make in their advertising.
Questions about Homeware
How do I check a homeware retailer is legitimate before I buy?
Check the retailer's full name, registered address and company number on its website, then confirm the company on Companies House. Look for a clear returns policy, a working customer service contact and secure checkout pages that begin with https and show a padlock in the address bar.
What should I compare between homeware companies?
Compare delivery charges and delivery times, the returns window and who pays return postage, and whether the product is in stock or made to order. Check the warranty terms on furniture and electrical items, and whether the company offers a clear way to track an order.
Do I have a right to cancel an online homeware order?
Yes, under the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 you have 14 days from the day goods arrive to cancel an online order and receive a full refund. The retailer must refund you within 14 days of receiving the goods back or proof you sent them back.
Can I cancel a made to measure curtain or bespoke furniture order?
Made to measure and bespoke items are exempt from the 14 day cancellation right under the 2013 Regulations, so the order is binding once you confirm it. Read the retailer's terms before ordering and ask in writing about any changes you can still make.
What are my rights if a homeware item arrives damaged?
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 goods must be as described, of satisfactory quality and fit for purpose. For the first 30 days you can reject faulty goods for a full refund, and after that the retailer can offer a repair or replacement before a refund is due.
How long does a homeware retailer have to deliver my order?
Where the retailer gives no delivery date, it must deliver within 30 days of the contract being made under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. If a stated delivery date is missed and time was of the essence, you can treat the contract as ended and ask for a refund.
How do I complain to a homeware company that has treated me badly?
Contact the company in writing with your order number, what went wrong and what you want done, and give it a reasonable deadline to reply. If it does not resolve the problem, escalate to the company's formal complaints procedure.
What can I do if I cannot resolve a dispute with an online retailer?
If the retailer is a member of an approved alternative dispute resolution scheme, such as the Chartered Trading Standards Institute's ADR scheme or Ombudsman Services, it can refer the dispute there. You can also report the trader to your local Trading Standards office or to the Citizens Advice consumer helpline.
Can I pay by credit card for homeware and what protection do I get?
Yes, purchases over £100 and up to £30,000 paid by credit card are covered by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, so the card provider is jointly liable with the retailer. Purchases made on a debit card may still be eligible for a chargeback claim through your card provider.
How do I know if a homeware review is genuine?
Read a range of reviews and check whether they mention specific details such as the item bought, delivery experience and how a problem was handled. Be wary of many reviews posted in a short space of time with similar wording, and look at how the company replies to criticism.
What should I look for in reviews of homeware companies?
Focus on reviews that describe what happened after something went wrong, such as a damaged delivery or a refund request, as these show how the company behaves under pressure. Note recurring problems across several reviewers and give more weight to recent reviews than to older ones.
Should I buy homeware from a company that sells outside the UK?
Check the price you pay includes VAT and any import duty or charges due on arrival, as these are added at the border for orders from outside the UK. Confirm which consumer law applies to the contract, since UK protections may not apply to a trader based abroad.