Making your house your home can be tricky and that's where quality, affordable furniture comes into its own.

One of the exciting things about having your own home - whether you rent or own it - is stamping your individual mark on it to make it look the way you want.The furniture you choose is one way of giving your home a distinctive style. Whether you want to go with a traditional antique look, a country feel or a modern, contemporary style, the beauty is that the choice is entirely yours to run with.

A major factor in deciding what type of look you want is your budget. But even if you don't have money to burn, you can still achieve a suitable look for your home by shopping around to sniff out bargains. Here are some tips to help you on your way.

Built to last
For key pieces of furniture that you will have for years it can be worth paying a bit more. John Lewis offers a wide range, from affordable to slightly higher priced furniture made from more expensive materials. From classic oak dining tables to more contemporary designer beds and chairs, John Lewis is never knowingly undersold' which means if you see the same item for a lower price elsewhere, and you can prove it, you'll be refunded the difference.
www.johnlewis.co.uk

For that true country feel in your home, The Cotswold Company has traditionally styled furniture that gives a homely feel. Its hand-crafted, farmhouse-style Wiltshire dining table is made from solid pine and will see you through for years.
www.cotswoldco.com

So modern
Having a key piece of contemporary furniture that is truly iconic, will certainly be a talking point and can take your room from bland to stylish. For furniture influenced by Mies van der Rohe, including his Barcelona chair and table, visit Postmodern Designs. You'll also find chairs inspired by Mackintosh. The price isn't too bad either - most items come in at under £500.
www.postmoderndesigns.co.uk

For a contemporary look, Nest offers modern design pieces and original items such as the Moooi Pig and Zanotta Bigwire tables in hot pink.
www.nest.co.uk

Furniture fix
If you've bought a property and are looking to rent it out, you're an estate or letting agent or even a property manager, there are companies which will take the stress out of furnishing your property or properties - by doing it for you!

Making your property look stylish and comfortable will up the rental price instantly. Two companies that offer this one-stop service are Property Letting Furniture Solutions, which has offices in London and the Midlands, and Blue Glass Interiors. You tell them how you want your property to look, or let them use their expertise. They'll source the furniture, assemble it, and even provide the soft furnishings.
www.plfs.uk.net
www.blueglassinteriors.co.uk

The old favourites
If your furniture needs are more functional than designer, then Ikea is always worth visiting for some great bargains. Offering everything from beds, to kitchen equipment, to children's toys, to house plants, it has everything under one roof. And its website is a great source for room design ideas and storage solutions.
www.ikea.com

Did you know Asda has a range
of furniture that you can browse online? It offers a mixture of classic and contemporary looks, and you'll find bargains aplenty if you search. For example, you can bag two leather, two-seater sofas for £550. Once you've chosen the items you'd like, check the measurements, then take along your requirements to the customer service desk at your nearest store. Delivery is free. And even better, your furniture is assembled for you in your home - free of charge. Fabulous!
www.asda-furniture.co.uk

Designs on you
If you love designer furniture then there are some great websites that offer stylish furniture for lower prices. If you're after the real thing but can't really afford to pay full price, then why not go for lookalike designer furniture?

This Is Furniture has a wide range of pieces, including items designed by the archietect Le Corbusier, and the husband wife team Charles and Ray Eames, who designed some of the most influential examples of 20th century furniture.
www.thisisfurniture.com

If art deco is your thing, Iconic Interiors stocks furniture designs from a variety of headline-name designers including the Bibendum chair by Eileen Gray, and the Ball chair by Eero Aarnio.
www.iconicinteriors.co.uk

Homes and Bargains has an extensive directory of shops and websites that stock designer furniture and homeware all at bargain prices. Simply click on the drop-down menu and follow the links to find local stockists.
www.homesandbargains.co.uk

Creating a home that is unique and distinctive doesn't have to cost the earth. With a little careful planning and some savvy research you'll find there's so much affordable furniture out there you'll be spoilt for choice. In fact, we reckon, the hard part will be curbing your spending.

And if you're stuck for design ideas, magazines and websites offer lots of inspiration, helping you pull together a complete look, be it traditional or modern, using bold splashes of colour on feature walls and signature pieces of furniture.

words: georgina maric | photographs: istock