Best homeware alternatives to shop as M&S cyber attack enters fourth day
Marks and Spencer has entered its fourth day of being unable to issue online orders due to a major cyber incident. The popular high-street retailer has faced significant problems since last Friday (26 April), with shoppers still unable to make online purchases from the website and app.
The brand said in a statement: "As part of our proactive management of the incident, we have made the decision to pause taking orders via our UK & Ireland websites and apps and some M&S International-operated websites." The firm previously confirmed it had reported the incident to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
While M&S remains offline, loyal customers are left wondering where to shop for their favourite homeware staples - from stylish bedding and home décor to fancy kitchenware. So, while the website is temporarily down, I'm turning to some of my other favourite homeware brands to scratch the itch.
Scroll down to reveal all the stylish homeware alternatives to browse right now.
Bedding
M&S is well known for its impressive bedding collections, including collaborations with designer Kelly Hoppen, offering stylish and comfortable options at great prices. But there are plenty of high-quality alternatives to explore in the meantime.
Dunelm is one of my top choices for stylish bedding, with a wide selection of duvet sets and bedspreads - from pretty floral prints to classic gingham designs ideal for the warmer months. It's affordable too, with prices starting from £8.
My standout pick is this reversible duvet cover with frilly detailing (£32). It's a pretty spring addition to any bedroom and its clever, reversible design allows shoppers to flip it over for a quick and easy refresh whenever the mood strikes.
Another fantastic option is Dusk. Having tried many Dusk bedding over the years, I can confidently say the brand offers incredible value for money - the bedding remains just as crisp and soft as the day it came out of the packet, washing and ironing beautifully with every use.
Right now, I love this neutral gingham duvet set (reduced to £32 from £75 for a double), which I recently picked up to give my bedroom a seasonal update. It's fresh, classic and effortlessly elevates my space.
Cooking and dining
M&S is a firm favourite for stylish kitchenware - from chic dinner sets to gorgeous glassware and handy kitchen gadgets. If you're missing your M&S kitchen fix, these brands are worth a look.
If shoppers have the budget to play with, Our Place is an excellent brand worth considering. Best known for its cult-favourite Always Pan, Our Place offers beautifully designed kitchen essentials that double up as décor.
Everything is thoughtfully made, with clever multi-use functions and a choice of stunning shades that would look right at home on an open shelf or dining table. I'm a serious fan of everything from the Perfect Pot to its kitchen linens in my home, so Our Place comes seriously recommended from yours truly. It's pricey but worth the money for its quality wares and gorgeous colourways.
Elsewhere, H&M Home offers surprisingly chic kitchen and dining pieces at fantastic prices. Shoppers will find trendy glassware, rustic table runners, and stylish serving bowls, all with a slightly Scandi-cool edge. For instance, I've got my eye on this mango wood chopping board (£22.99), a true kitchen essential and these wooden salad servers, which look much more expensive than their £14.99 price tag suggests.
Furniture
For those who love M&S' blend of timeless style and quality craftsmanship, OKA is a brilliant place to check out. Known for its design-led furniture, OKA pieces are true investment buys that balance classic and contemporary perfectly. Plus, the brand is currently running a huge sale on everything from sofas to wardrobes and side tables.
For anyone looking for a new sofa, Swyft Home is a fantastic option. The firm is known for its fuss-free, modular sofas, which can be delivered fast and assembled without tools.
Swyft's made-to-order sofas come in a wide range of fabrics and colours, from classic neutrals to bold statement shades and its flat-pack delivery system makes it easy to navigate tricky hallways and staircases. My dream pick is the 02 Sofa Bed (£2,299) in a rich green shade.
Home décor and accessories
From its viral check lamp to bobbin mirrors, M&S always nails the balance between classic and contemporary home décor. Thankfully, there are lots of other cute options out there.
Oliver Bonas is ideal for shoppers who love playful, bright home accessories; it's packed with quirky ceramics, bold cushions and eye-catching wall art that can instantly lift a space. It's fab for lighting options. I have my eye on this stripy pendant lamp shade (£25) for an instant pop of colour.
Elsewhere, The White Company is a brilliant go-to for on-trend home accessories with a luxurious feel. Its range is full of neutral tones and an understated, effortless style that M&S fans will love.
Granted, it's a little more expensive, but there are several bits on my wish list already. That includes this beautiful scalloped marble bowl (£45), ideal for holding keys and trinkets, and these seagrass storage baskets (£35) — they'll come in handy for organising my multitude of cosmetics.
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