A 20-YEAR-OLD mother has revealed how she really spends her Universal Credit payments.
Skye Byrne, a young mum from the UK, claimed that not only has she treated herself to a holiday, but she even splashed the cash in Sainsbury’s on a huge homeware haul.
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A young mother has shared how she spends her Universal CreditCredit: tiktok/@skyebyrnex
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As well as booking a holiday abroad, Skye Byrne also treated herself to some new homeware from Sainsbury’sCredit: tiktok/@skyebyrnex
And as well as stocking up her daughter’s wardrobe, she also indulged with a McDonald’s takeaway.
She said: “What I spend in a day, UC Benefit Britain Edition.”
Skye kicked off her morning with a Universal Credit appointment and was quick to clap at trolls who have criticised her for booking a trip abroad.
Read more on Universal Credit
She said: “For everyone that said, ‘you shouldn’t be going on holiday when you’re on UC,’ well, I told my work coach and she cried, she actually cried because she knows how much I’ve been wanting so badly to take my daughter on a holiday and she was so happy and thrilled for us, so, yeah, suck on that, everyone.”
Following this, Skye then headed to her local supermarket and stocked up on homeware buys and clothes for her daughter.
She added: “I went into Sainsbury’s and picked up these little bits and bobs for the house – I got three pillows and a blanket.”
As well as this, Skye also nabbed some tea towels and place mats, bringing her interior purchases to a total cost of £48.
However, Skye then picked up two pairs of £3.50 leggings and a pair of £7 jeggings for her child.
Following this, she also nabbed a pair of beige trousers and a PAW Patrol bottle, but was lost for words when she went to the till and saw the total cost of her haul.
I’m a ‘UC bandit’ & love the £2.7k I get, I couldn’t imagine working for minimum wage
The benefits recipient shared: “Honestly, I almost had a heart attack when I saw the price – this all came to £88, I was stunned.”
But the money spending clearly didn’t stop there, as Skye ended her day with a takeaway.
So glad my taxes are being spent wisely
TikTok user
Although Skye didn’t splurge masses on her fast food as it cost her just £2.99.
“Then went into Maccas cause I was quite hungry, so I picked up a triple cheeseburger,” she concluded.
Am I entitled to Universal Credit?
According to the GOV website, if you’re on a low income or need help with your living costs, then you could be entitled to Universal Credit.
To claim, you must live in the UK, be aged 18 or over (with some exceptions if you’re 15 to 17), be under State Pension age, and have £16,000 or less in money, savings and investments.
Other circumstances are if you are out of work, or unable to work, for example because of a health condition.
Social media users react
Skye’s TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @skyebyrnex, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 32,100 views.
But social media users were fuming by how Skye spent her money and many raced to the comments to express this.
One person said: “So glad my taxes are being spent wisely.”
I am allowed a nice home for my daughter to live in. I’m also allowed to take my daughter on holidays and enjoy her childhood
Skye Byrne
Another added: “How can you afford to shop in Sainsbury’s on UC? I’m lucky if I can afford Primark nowadays.”
Details of all your income, such as existing benefits, tax credits, earnings from employment and your pensions,
Details of your partner’s income if you’re married, in a civil partnership or living with someone as a couple. You will be assessed as a couple
Information on any savings you have,
How much you pay in council tax per year, and whether you get any discounts, reductions or exemptions,
Details of your rent or mortgage payments,
Employment and income information about anyone else living with you, such as grown-up children,
Details about your carer’s allowance if you receive it.
You’ll need to make sure that the information provided is as accurate as possible to get the truest estimate.
At the same time, one user questioned: “Isn’t UC designed to help you survive when you aren’t working? Not for pillows? And apparently a holiday.”
In response, Skye shared: “1. I am allowed a nice home for my daughter to live in. 2. I’m also allowed to take my daughter on holidays and enjoy her childhood.”
Meanwhile, someone else asked: “How on earth do you afford to go on holiday?”
Setting the record straight, Skye wrote back and confirmed: “I save. I make sure I can do these things for my daughter.”
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Other shoppers are now racing to pick one up, as one gushed: “I need.”
A second asked a loved one: “Have u any in if so please save me 2 an let me know.”
Meanwhile, a third cried: “I need a new rug!!! When we going?”
What Can You Get For Under £1 at B&M Stores
Elsewhere in store, a mum has revealed the top B&M buys you can grab now to spread the cost of Christmas shopping.
Kirsty, who jokingly describes herself as ”Christmas crazy”, recently shared the epic haul of goodies she got her teenager ahead of the festive season.
While some people reckon Christmas shopping in September is ”too early” – and even her hubby reckons she’s ”lost the plot” – sorting out the presents months in advance is a great way to spread the cost.
”I start shopping [for Christmas] straight away, soon as the year starts – especially once we get to February, March, April, I’m in full-swing Christmas,” Kirsty told her 29k followers on TikTok.
The monster haul included just some of the items the mum will be treating her 16-year-old daughter to during the festive season.
The majority of the goodies she snapped up as long as six months ago were purchased at B&M and included a range of items.
Mums are also snapping up a £10 festive buy that guarantees an hour of peace from your kids.
How to save money at B&M
Shoppers have saved hundreds of pounds a year by using B&M’s scanner app.
The scanner lets you see if an item’s price is cheaper than advertised on the shop floor label.
Products that are typically discounted are seasonal items and old stock that B&M is trying to shift.
The app is free to download off the B&M Stores mobile app via Google Play or the Apple App Store.
According to one ex-B&M manager, you’ll want to visit your local branch at 10am on a Wednesday too.
Here’s how you can join the B&M bargain hunt:
Download the B&M app for free on any smartphone with an App Store or Google Play.
Once you’ve installed it on your device, click on the option labelled “more” on the bottom, right-hand side of the app home page.
You’ll then find an option that says “barcode scanner”. Click on this and you’ll open a camera screen.
Use the camera to hover over the barcode of the product you wish to check.
If the price comes up as lower, take it to the cash desk and it will automatically scan at the lower price.
You don’t need to sign up to the B&M app to use the barcode scanner.
HOMEWARE giant Wayfair has slashed its UK workforce by more than half in just two years, as it grapples with tumbling sales and a sharp drop in profit.
The US-based furniture retailer, which operates across Britain, cut staff numbers from 847 in 2022 to just 405 by the end of 2024, according to fresh filings with Companies House.
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Retail experts say changing consumer habits, rising costs and weaker demand are continuing to batter the home and furniture sector
The dramatic reduction follows a tough period for the business, with UK turnover plunging from £83.4million in 2022 to just £59.4million last year.
Profits also took a hit, with pre-tax earnings slipping from £2.6million to £2.2million over the same period.
Wayfair said it had made a 17 per cent cut to administrative expenses and was now focused on “driving cost efficiency” and “nailing the basics” as it tried to steady the ship.
Despite the ongoing slowdown, bosses remain upbeat about the retailer’s long-term prospects and said the group is working towards maintaining profitability and generating positive free cash flow.
The wider company reported a net revenue of $11.9billion (£8.8billion) globally last year – down $152million (£112million) on the year before.
International sales fell to $1.5billion (£1.1billion), while revenue in its core US market dropped to $10.4billion (£7.7billion).
Wayfair recorded a net loss of $492million (£363million) despite raking in $3.6billion (£2.7billion) in gross profits.
There was some relief in early 2025, as first-quarter results showed a $1billion (£740million) rise in total revenue, thanks to a modest recovery in US sales.
However, international takings continued to fall, dipping by $37million (£27million) to $301million (£223million).
Iconic department store follows Macy’s and reveals it’s ‘forced’ to close down in weeks after ‘more than a century’
Wayfair isn’t the only retailer feeling the pinch on the high street. Furniture favourite MADE.com collapsed into administration in 2022 after failing to find a buyer, leading to hundreds of job losses.
Habitat also shut down all standalone stores in 2021, moving exclusively online after years of underperformance.
Even major players have been forced to adapt.
Wilko closed its doors for good in 2023 after nearly a century in business, with more than 400 stores shutting and 12,000 staff affected.
Argos has continued to reduce its physical footprint, shutting dozens of standalone shops and moving into parent company Sainsbury’s stores to save costs.
Retail experts say changing consumer habits, rising costs and weaker demand are continuing to batter the home and furniture sector.
Many shoppers have tightened their belts amid soaring bills and higher interest rates, with big-ticket items like sofas and beds often the first to be cut from household budgets.
Wayfair bosses said the company remains “resilient” in the face of economic uncertainty and is pressing ahead with its long-term strategy to streamline operations and stay competitive.
RETAIL PAIN IN 2025
The British Retail Consortium has predicted that the Treasury’s hike to employer NICs will cost the retail sector £2.3billion.
Research by the British Chambers of Commerce shows that more than half of companies plan to raise prices by early April.
A survey of more than 4,800 firms found that 55% expect prices to increase in the next three months, up from 39% in a similar poll conducted in the latter half of 2024.
Three-quarters of companies cited the cost of employing people as their primary financial pressure.
The Centre for Retail Research (CRR) has also warned that around 17,350 retail sites are expected to shut down this year.
It comes on the back of a tough 2024 when 13,000 shops closed their doors for good, already a 28% increase on the previous year.
Professor Joshua Bamfield, director of the CRR said: “The results for 2024 show that although the outcomes for store closures overall were not as poor as in either 2020 or 2022, they are still disconcerting, with worse set to come in 2025.”
Professor Bamfield has also warned of a bleak outlook for 2025, predicting that as many as 202,000 jobs could be lost in the sector.
“By increasing both the costs of running stores and the costs on each consumer’s household it is highly likely that we will see retail job losses eclipse the height of the pandemic in 2020.”
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Profits also took a hit, with pre-tax earnings slipping from £2.6million to £2.2million over the same period
ARGOS has kicked off a massive summer sale, offering huge discounts across thousands of products as temperatures start to soar.
The retail giant’s summer deals feature savings of up to 50% – perfect timing for shoppers looking to spruce up their homes and gardens for the sunny season.
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Argos has reduced thousands of products in its Easter Big Red Event sale
Argos Easter Big Red Event sale: Up to 50% off
The Argos summer sale launched earlier this week, bringing welcome discounts during the peak barbecue and outdoor entertaining season.
This is the ideal moment for shoppers to refresh their outdoor spaces, with fantastic savings on garden furniture, BBQs, and seasonal must-haves.
It’s a prime time for home improvements, and savvy shoppers can snag big discounts on everything from patio sets to indoor furniture upgrades.
Homeware, garden essentials, outdoor cooking equipment, and tech: Argos has covered all bases with its June deals and discounts.
Just remember that popular items tend to sell out fast during Argos sales, so don’t delay if something catches your eye.
We’ve picked out our favourite Argos summer deals below.
Argos summer deals this June
Habitat Kids Rory Curved Single Metal Bed Frame
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Habitat Kids Rory Curved Single Metal Bed Frame £76 (was £115)
What’s the deal? Snap up this stylish kids’ bed frame with a fab £39 discount – that’s 34% off a statement piece that’ll transform any child’s bedroom this summer.
Why it’s a great buy: This gorgeous curved metal design brings a touch of cool to your little one’s space without breaking your budget.
Available in grey, it’s sturdy enough for everyday use, while its sleek lines add a modern touch that suits any age.
The metal slats provide great support for a comfy night’s sleep during hot summer months, and the simple assembly means you’ll have it up in no time – perfect for summer bedroom makeovers while the kids are playing outside.
More Argos furniture deals: beds, mattresses, wardrobes – shop here
GreenPan Geneva 28cm Non Stick Stainless Steel Wok
What’s the deal? Snap up this premium stainless steel wok with a tasty 25% discount – perfect for whipping up delicious summer stir-fries without spending hours scrubbing pans afterwards.
Why it’s a great buy: This gorgeous Geneva wok combines style with serious cooking power.
The diamond-enhanced non-stick coating allows you to use less oil for healthier summer meals, while the stainless steel construction distributes heat evenly for perfect results every time.
It’s induction-compatible too, making it ideal for any kitchen setup.
Whether you’re tossing together a quick weeknight dinner with garden veggies or impressing friends with a summer feast, this durable wok handles it all – and looks fab hanging in your kitchen when not in use.
More Argos cookware deals: pots, pans, kitchen gadgets – shop here
McGregor 25m Compact Hose Reel with Accessories
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McGregor 25m Compact Hose Reel with Accessories £33 (was £45)
What’s the deal? Snap up this essential garden gadget with a juicy £12 saving – perfect for keeping your garden blooming through the summer heatwave without breaking your budget.
Why it’s a great buy: This compact little hero is an absolute must-have for summer garden maintenance.
The 25m hose length is perfect for small to medium gardens, while the lightweight design makes it super easy to drag around your outdoor space.
It comes fully loaded with all the accessories you need to get watering straight away, and the clever reel system means no more tangled hose nightmares ruining your sunny afternoon.
The space-saving design won’t clutter up your shed or garage, but still packs enough power to keep your garden looking lush all summer long – even during hosepipe ban season.
More Argos garden deals: sprinklers, watering cans, garden tools – shop here
LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle: Charms Class Set
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LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle: Charms Class Set £14 (was £18)
What’s the deal? Snatch up this magical LEGO set with £4 off – perfect timing for keeping little wizards entertained during the summer holidays without emptying your Gringotts vault.
Why it’s a great buy: This pocket-sized piece of Hogwarts magic lets kids recreate Professor Flitwick’s famous “Wingardium Leviosa” lesson, where everything went hilariously wrong.
The set cleverly opens up for easy play and comes packed with fun details like a tiny blackboard and potion ingredients.
It includes popular minifigures to act out all those iconic classroom scenes – ideal for Harry Potter fans who want to bring a bit of wizardry to rainy summer days.
At this price, it’s a spellbinding little treat that won’t have parents reaching for a time-turner to undo the purchase.
More Argos toy deals: LEGO, outdoor games, water toys – shop here
Shark Anti Hair Wrap & Flexology Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
What’s the deal? Bag this powerful Shark vacuum with a fantastic £75 discount, giving you a 30% saving on a top-rated cleaner that’ll make summer cleaning an absolute breeze.
Why it’s a great buy: This clever cordless wonder is a summer cleaning essential that makes tackling every corner of your home effortless.
The Anti-Hair Wrap technology prevents annoying tangles around the brush head (goodbye, scissors!), while the Flexology feature bends to reach under furniture, making it perfect for grabbing all that summer dust and pollen.
It effortlessly converts to a handheld for tackling stairs, sofas, and cars after those beach trips.
With its powerful suction that works brilliantly on both carpets and hard floors, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it, especially at this sizzling summer price.
More Argos vacuum deals: Dyson, Shark, Hoover, Henry – shop here
Oral-B iO Series 2 Electric Toothbrush
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Oral-B iO Series 2 Electric Toothbrush £45 (was £100)
What’s the deal? Snap up this premium electric toothbrush with a massive 55% discount – perfect timing to get your smile summer-ready while saving a whopping £55.
Why it’s a great buy: This clever little gadget combines gentle micro-vibrations with Oral-B’s dentist-inspired round brush head for a seriously deep clean that’s 100% more effective than manual brushing.
The smart pressure sensor glows red when you’re brushing too hard – brilliant for protecting sensitive summer gums.
With three brushing modes and a handy two-minute timer, it eliminates the guesswork of achieving a perfect smile for your summer selfies.
At less than half price, it’s the ideal time to upgrade your bathroom routine with some serious dental tech.
More Argos bathroom deals: electric toothbrushes, hair dryers, styling tools – shop here
What’s the deal? Snap up this gorgeous velvet accent chair with a whopping £57 off – that’s a stylish 33% discount on a statement piece that’ll instantly elevate any room this summer.
Why it’s a great buy: This luxurious little number is the perfect summer home upgrade that won’t break your budget.
The plush velvet upholstery feels truly premium, while the high-reclined back and deep-cushioned seat make it incredibly comfortable for those lazy summer evenings with a good book or a Netflix binge.
Available in several eye-catching colours, it’s the ideal size for smaller spaces, such as bedrooms or home office corners.
The sleek, splayed metal legs add a modern touch that works with practically any decor style.
At this price, you might want to grab two for a perfectly coordinated look that’ll impress summer visitors.
More Argos furniture deals: sofas, chairs, tables – shop here
McGregor 34cm Electric Corded Rotary Lawnmower
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McGregor 34cm Electric Corded Rotary Lawnmower £67 (was £90)
What’s the deal? Snap up this summer lawn essential with a fantastic £23 off, giving you a neat 26% discount just in time for peak grass-growing season.
Why it’s a great buy: This nifty little mower makes light work of small to medium lawns without the faff of petrol or pricey batteries.
The powerful 1400W motor and sharp 34cm steel blade slice through even the most overgrown summer grass, while six height settings allow you to pick the perfect cut, ranging from 2-7cm.
The generous 35L grass box means less emptying and more mowing, and the whole thing is lightweight enough to push around without breaking a sweat in the summer heat.
At this price, it’s the perfect upgrade for anyone whose garden’s looking a bit wild after all this sunshine and rain.
More Argos garden deals: trimmers, mowers, garden power tools – shop here
What’s the deal? Snap up this stylish garden essential with a fab £25 discount – that’s 25% off the perfect shade solution just as the summer sun really starts to heat up.
Why it’s a great buy: This clever overhanging design gives you way more flexibility than standard parasols – position it exactly where you need that cooling shade without a chunky pole getting in the way of your garden lounging.
The generous 2.5m canopy provides ample coverage for garden furniture or paddling pools, while the adjustable tilt feature allows you to track the sun throughout the day.
The sleek Habitat design looks way more expensive than its price tag suggests – ideal for instantly upgrading your outdoor space for all those summer BBQs and garden gatherings.
More Argos garden deals: parasols, gazebos, outdoor furniture – shop here
KitchenAid 5K45SSBOB Classic Stand Mixer
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KitchenAid 5K45SSBOB Classic Stand Mixer £350 (was £499)
What’s the deal? This iconic kitchen status symbol is now available with a massive £149 discount, offering 30% off one of the most coveted kitchen appliances around, just in time for the summer baking season.
Why it’s a great buy: Let’s be honest, this mixer isn’t just about whipping up cakes – it’s kitchen eye candy that’ll have your mates green with envy.
The classic tilt-head design gives easy access to the bowl while the powerful motor makes light work of everything from bread dough to fluffy meringues.
With 10 speed settings and that signature planetary mixing action, you’ll get perfectly mixed results without the arm ache.
The included accessories tackle most kitchen tasks, but true baking enthusiasts can expand their collection with the vast range of available attachments.
Available in several gorgeous colours, it’s the summer kitchen upgrade you’ve been waiting for.
More Argos kitchen deals: mixers, food processors, blenders – shop here
Argos Summer Sale: Essentials under £20
It’s not all about pricy appliances and homeware in the Argos – you’ll find some great deals on cheaper items too.
Yankee Home Inspiration Large Jar Candle, £12.75 (was £17) – buy here
Argos stores across England, Wales and Northern Ireland will open on Good Friday (April 18), Easter Saturday (April 19) and Easter Monday (April 21) in 2025.
However, stores which do open their doors on these dates will likely follow a reduced hours policy common across the UK.
On Easter Sunday (April 20), the retailer will close all stores in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, marking the Christian holiday.
Scotland will be the outlier with most Argos locations closing for Easter Sunday but a select few staying open – so remember to check opening times before you travel to your local store.
Does Argos do January sales?
Yes, Argos does hold January sales and the retailer gives shoppers the entire month to snag any deals which catch their eyes.
That’s right, the retailer doesn’t bring their January clearance sales to a close until January 31 giving you as much time as possible to get your money’s worth.
With November fast-approaching, the high street store has some advice for potential customers:
Be prepared: The store’s website advises shoppers to prepare for a day of smooth shopping by researching the products you want and writing up a list of back-up options in case you are too late.
Create an Argos account: To purchase an online order on the day you will need an Argos account set up, so you can get ahead of the game and make sure to register before the rush!
Shopping online: Finally, Argos recommends shoppers complete their hauls from the comfort of their own home by starting early, prioritising their lists, sticking to their budgets and being patient.
On the big day, all orders bought online before 5pm will be delivered by 10pm on the same day for just £5.95, subject to availability.
Or, customers can choose to pick up from a Sainsbury’s Collection Point near you.
Head to The Sun’s shopping section for more of the latest discounts we’ve spotted.
The chair is currently being advertised on the Dunelm website for the reduced price of £69.30, but one shopper spotted it in their local store with the even bigger discount.
Posting a picture of the chair reduced to £19.99, the savvy shopper, Liyana Leena, wrote in the Bargain Lovers Facebook group: “Always worth going to Dunelm”.
She claimed to have spotted the massive discount in the Cannock branch of the homeware store.
Shoppers were quick to respond to news of the discount, with one saying they “need to go have a look”.
Another said: “Love the colour if my room was big enough I would go hunting.”
Shoppers also shared other deals they’ve managed to snap up in the Dunelm sale, with one writing: “I got my curtains in the sale in Dunelm, meant to have been £160 6ftx6ft blackouts got them for £10.”
Another wrote: “I got a £60 rug last year for £6!”
The stylish chair is made from a soft-touch velvet fabric, with a soft foam seat and solid wood legs, and is available in a rhubarb colourway.
It’s 73cm high with a width of 54cm and a diameter of 64cm.
Dunelm describes the chair as boasting a “compact design perfect for adding a modern stylish touch to any room”.
Molly-Mae swears by £22 Dunelm buy she ‘can’t go anywhere without’ for great sleep & says it’s the ‘best thing’ she owns
While the item is displayed on the Dunelm website, customers will still need to visit their local store store as it’s not available for home delivery or for Click and Collect.
To find your nearest Dunelm store visit https://www.dunelm.com/stores.
How to compare prices to get the best deal
JUST because something is on offer, or is part of a sale, it doesn’t mean it’s always a good deal.
There are plenty of comparison websites out there that’ll check prices for you – so don’t be left paying more than you have to.
Most of them work by comparing the prices across hundreds of retailers.
Here are some that we recommend:
Google Shopping is a tool that lets users search for and compare prices for products across the web. Simply type in keywords, or a product number, to bring up search results.
Price Spy logs the history of how much something costs from over 3,000 different retailers, including Argos, Amazon, eBay and the supermarkets. Once you select an individual product you can quickly compare which stores have the best price and which have it in stock.
Idealo is another website that lets you compare prices between retailers. All shoppers need to do is search for the item they need and the website will rank them from the cheapest to the most expensive one.
CamelCamelCamel only works on goods being sold on Amazon. To use it, type in the URL of the product you want to check the price of.
Save on furniture at Dunelm
Dunelm often has sales and promotions offering up to 75% off, especially at certain times of the year.
It’s worth keeping an eye out for Black Friday and Boxing Day sales to bag a bargain.
You can also check the clearance page on the Dunelm website to find the latest discounts.
Other money-saving websites, such as cashback sites like TopCashback and Quidco, may also help you save by allowing you to earn money back on your spending.
Plus you can save by opting for free click-and-collect to avoid being hit with delivery fees.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
JUNE is a popular time for people to move home, hopeful of being settled before the new school term.
But making sure you get the most out of a move can be stressful.
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Liv Conlon gives her 10 tricks for making more out of your home
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Layering up in the bedroom is key
However, property expert Liv Conlon – who stages homes for a living – has shared her essential 10 tips for boosting value.
And some cost just pennies but can had hundreds to the asking price.
Liv, 26, is the CEO of multi-award-winning ThePropertyStagers.co.uk, which furnishes more than 400 homes a year, as well as a StagerBoss – a coaching business teaching other women how to do the same.
The Scots mum, who was brought up in Glasgow and now lives in Marbella with son Cash and mum Ali, says: “From posh pillows to hotel-style bedding, the right styling can make buyers fall in love and nudge them above the asking price.
“So before you stick up the For Sale sign, check out these smart, simple ways to get buyers battling to pay more than the asking price.”
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
A buyer decides in 10 seconds whether they are going to buy your home or not – so your entrance and hallway need to make a good first impression.
Make it warm and welcoming. Buy a new door mat that’s only used for viewings, with no dirty shoe marks, and place two identical plants at either side of the door – which is either clean, new or given a lick of paint. Opt for colours such as black or navyblue so it looks ‘classy’, rather than something more ‘out there’.
Clear away the clutter, and lose the smelly shoes and dumped coats.
LIVING ROOM VISION
The living room is the heart of the home – and buyers know it. It’s where they picture relaxing with a glass of wine, watching TV, or hosting friends.
Teachers told me I was runing my life leaving school at 16, now I run a seven-figure business
Get this room wrong and you risk turning off even the most interested buyer. Make it feel spacious but not sterile, styled but still homely.
Pull sofas away from the walls to create cosy conversation zones, and use a large rug to anchor the space – this helps define it and adds warmth.
Then ditch harsh overhead lights and go for soft lamps, layered lighting and oversized accessories to give a sense of luxury. Use neutral tones for your sofa and walls, then add depth with textured throws, scatter cushions and artwork.
GO BIG
Tiny trinkets and dinky lamps really don’t cut it when you’re trying to wow a buyer. One of the biggest styling mistakes sellers make is going too small with their accessories – it makes your home look underwhelming.
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Go big with accessories
If you want to create that lux, showhome feel, size matters. Think big and bold. Oversized lamps on side tables make a dramatic statement, especially when paired with plush sofas or layered cushions.
Chunky candlesticks, large framed art or statement vases add instant impact – and make the space feel styled, not stuffed.
DON’T LOO-SE OUT
Bathrooms are an important room but are often forgotten about when it comes to staging. The key to success with styling this room is to compliment not clutter.
You can do this by adding simple styling accessories, layers and textures. Consider pops of colour in your accessories, such as a soap dispenser or a toothbrush holder, which you can pick up for as little as £3 in places like Home Bargains. This draws the eye and helps your images jump off the page.
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Don’t forget to add a pop of colour in the bathroom
Add textures with towels and bath mats, but also through the type of glass or ceramic in your accessories. Small touches can have a big impact.
RIGHT RUG
Rugs are the unsung heroes of home staging – they define spaces, add texture and instantly warm up any room. In large, open-plan layouts, rugs create natural boundaries between living, dining and kitchen zones, making the space feel organised and inviting.
Don’t overlook the ‘forgotten’ spaces – utility rooms, hallways or entryways can be transformed with a well-chosen rug to feel cosy and purposeful.
Rugs can tie together the design elements, especially through colour and texture, in a space while providing a cosy and inviting atmosphere.
They can also significantly reduce noise levels by absorbing sound – a quieter home is always more appealing to buyers.
ALL WHITE
Five-star hotels use crisp, white bedding for a reason, as it exudes luxury and cleanliness, and it immediately puts a viewer at ease.
Patterned or busy linens can feel cluttered and overly personal, turning off potential buyers. Investing in high-quality, bright white sheets creates a serene, spa-like oasis that invites buyers to imagine themselves unwinding there.
The clean, neutral backdrop also lets you introduce pops of colour and texture with cushions and throws – easy updates that make the room feel stylish without overwhelming the senses.
GET DRESSED
Layering is the secret to making your home feel styled, warm and high-end – without overdoing it.
In the bedroom, start with white sheets, then double up on duvets: one laid flat, the second folded neatly at the end for a boutique hotel look. Use feather insert cushions -not flat polyfills – and build texture with velvet throws, faux fur or quilted finishes.
In the living room, mix cushion sizes and textures on your sofa – linen, boucle, chunky knit – to add depth. Coffee tables and sideboards should be styled too: think a stack of hardback books, a sculptural candle and one standout vase. Keep it intentional, not cluttered.
STAR OF THE SHOW
Not much beats getting ready at a dressing table. The feeling of space and time – rather than catching a quick glimpse in the closet mirror before rushing out the front door.
Create that same feeling in your bedroom by setting up a designated space in your bedroom to put on make-up and style your hair.
This can be a dual purpose area that could also double up as a work from home space too. To add real luxury, add a table standing mirror, and opt for a mirrored dressing table if your budget allows.
CLEAR OFF
Nothing puts buyers off faster than clutter. It makes rooms feel smaller and chaotic. When people view your home, they’re not just looking at the space – they’re imagining their life in it.
That’s hard to do if every surface is piled high with post, toys or toiletries. Start by stripping back.
Clear kitchen worktops, bedside tables and bathroom counters. Invest in clever storage: ottomans with lift-up lids, under-bed boxes and baskets for toys or blankets.
Hide away anything personal or bulky. Less stuff equals more space.
MIRROR IMAGE
Create symmetry in your rooms with matching bedside tables on either side of the bed. Not only does this add practicality and storage, but it instantly makes the room feel more polished.
Then, top each table with oversized, identical lamps – these create drama and a high-end vibe without breaking the bank.
Symmetry tricks the eye into seeing order and elegance, making your bedroom feel like a five-star retreat buyers won’t forget.
MATALAN shoppers can snap up a ‘luxury’-looking bedding set for just 50p in a limited-time deal.
The White Butterfly Duvet Cover, normally priced at £21, is available for less than £1 when new customers sign up to Top Cashback.
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Offers are also available on the single and king sizesCredit: Matalan
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The single size, usually £16, is completely free after cashback for new members, or £11.33 for existing onesCredit: Matalan
The deal is available online across the UK and applies to the double size set, which includes the duvet cover and matching pillowcases, both featuring a delicate embossed butterfly pattern.
New Top Cashback members can get the set for just 50p after claiming a £2 cashback bonus, while existing members can still enjoy a hefty saving, picking it up for £15.50 with the same bonus.
Offers are also available on the single and king sizes.
The single size, usually £16, is completely free after cashback for new members, or £11.33 for existing ones.
One happy customer wrote: “Outstanding in quality and style. Even more stunning than l was expecting.
So reasonably priced in fact l will be purchasing a second set.
I would 100 per cent recommend this product.”
Over at Dunelm, shoppers can find up to 50 per cent off selected duvet sets in a seasonal sale.
One popular waffle set now ranges from £25.60 to £41.60, down from £32 to £52, and comes in a choice of colours including sage green, black, grey, blue and white.
Meanwhile, Dusk is offering up to 25 per cent off bedding, including the 200 thread count Portofino Waffle Duvet Cover, reduced to between £27.50 and £49.50.
Matching pillowcases, usually £22, are now £11 for a pair.
Back at Matalan, more glowing reviews have poured in for the White Butterfly set.
One buyer said: “Beautiful butterfly design, excellent quality and great value. Looks like luxury item.”
Another added: “Looks good, feels good, just adds a bit of luxury.” A third commented: “Just gorgeous. Embossed butterflies on it.
“Feels nice too, very comfy feeling…..love it.”
A fifth review simply read: “Excellent value for money.”
However, potential buyers should note a couple of small drawbacks.
The set is machine washable, but there’s no mention of whether it’s suitable for tumble drying—something to consider for busy households.
And with the fabric’s raised design, pet owners may need to be cautious as claws could potentially snag the material.
For those looking to refresh their home on a budget, Dunelm is also offering significant discounts on various homeware items.
Shoppers can find up to 75 per cent off in their clearance sale, including items like curtains, bedding, and rugs .
Additionally, Dunelm’s outlet stores across the UK offer up to 75 per cent off stylish home items, including boucle chairs, sofas, cabinets, and lighting.
In the kitchenware department, Dunelm has launched a promotional offer, cutting the price of a 12-piece dinner set from £25 to just £12.50.
This floral-designed set includes four dinner plates, four side plates, and four bowls, and is both dishwasher and microwave safe.
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Over at Dunelm, shoppers can find up to 50% off selected duvet sets in a seasonal saleCredit: Getty
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And with the fabric’s raised design, pet owners may need to be cautious as claws could potentially snag the materialCredit: Getty
