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The Express Gazette
Tuesday, October 20, 2026

What Your Favorite Homeware Store Says About Your Personality, According to an Etiquette Expert

From IKEA's practical shoppers to The White Company's refined tastes, an etiquette expert breaks down what your go-to home goods store reveals about you.

US Politics • an hour ago
What Your Favorite Homeware Store Says About Your Personality, According to an Etiquette Expert

Where you choose to shop for home goods can reveal more than just your interior design preferences; it can offer insights into your personality and values, according to etiquette expert Laura Windsor.

Windsor suggests that shoppers at stores like IKEA are "practically minded," while those who frequent B&M are often seeking family-friendly and affordable selections. Meanwhile, shoppers at The White Company are described as "indulgent and refined," and John Lewis appeals to individuals who are "well-established and value quality over price."

For those who favor IKEA, Windsor notes that these shoppers are often imaginative and value products that are functional and do the job, without concern for replacing them when they eventually wear out. The brand is known for its quick assembly and stylish, affordable accessories and furniture.

<![CDATA[ ![Laura described a John Lewis shopper as an individual 'who loves to spend on good-quality products they know and trust'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2026/10/19/12/111907881-16214909-Laura_described_a_John_Lewis_shopper_as_an_individual_who_loves_-a-81_1792410933458.jpg "Laura described a John Lewis shopper as an individual 'who loves to spend on good-quality products they know and trust'") ]]>

John Lewis shoppers, according to Windsor, are individuals who appreciate good quality and trust the brands they purchase from. The department store offers reliable in-house collections, known for pieces like the Hendricks and Hoxton armchairs. The emphasis is on thoughtful ranges and quality that contributes to a stylish and affluent home appearance.

Dunelm shoppers are seen as sensible yet style-conscious, seeking a more polished look without the designer price tag. They aim for coordinated styles that feel chic while remaining budget-aware. The brand is recognized for its affordable and trendy items, including dinnerware sets and collaborations.

<![CDATA[ ![According to Laura, the White Company 'is for the shopper who obviously adores white, or anything close to it'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2026/10/16/16/111907859-16214909-image-a-50_1792163009910.jpg "According to Laura, the White Company 'is for the shopper who obviously adores white, or anything close to it'") ]]>

The White Company appeals to those who appreciate luxury and comfort, with a penchant for white and neutral tones. Best known for its Egyptian cotton sheets and home fragrances, the brand offers stylish pieces with soft, luxurious fabrics that create a sense of indulgence.

Soho Home shoppers are characterized as trendy, stylish, and aspirational, seeking a boutique-hotel vibe with their home decor. The brand offers items like oversized sofas and statement light fixtures, utilizing materials such as velvet, bouclé, and marble to create an atmosphere that shoppers are happy to invest in.

<![CDATA[ ![Laura described the ultimate IKEA shopper as someone who is 'practically minded, often imaginative and you value products that work quite well, that do the job, and you don’t mind letting go when it falls apart'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2026/10/19/12/111907779-16214909-Laura_described_the_ultimate_IKEA_shopper_as_someone_who_is_prac-a-96_1792411006247.jpg "Laura described the ultimate IKEA shopper as someone who is 'practically minded, often imaginative and you value products that work quite well, that do the job, and you don’t mind letting go when it falls apart'") ]]>

For shoppers at The Range, Windsor suggests they are curious and adventurous, enjoying the wide variety of products available, from furniture to seasonal decor. The store is known for its extensive selection, including designer-style mirrors and fragrance dupes.

B&M is presented as a destination for the whole family, offering a broad range of items at budget-friendly prices. It caters to practical needs with an eclectic mix of cleaning supplies, homeware, and seasonal items, often leading to impulse buys due to appealing aesthetics.

<![CDATA[ ['Poundland is for the budget-conscious and the resourceful - you are thrifty and unpretentious,' said Laura](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2026/10/19/12/111907829-16214909-_Poundland_is_for_the_budget_conscious_and_the_resourceful_you_a-a-106_1792411074203.jpg "'Poundland is for the budget-conscious and the resourceful - you are thrifty and unpretentious,' said Laura") ]]>

Poundland shoppers are described as budget-conscious and resourceful, characterized by their thriftiness and unpretentious approach. The store offers a range of low-cost essentials, from vases to kitchenware, appealing to those who prioritize value.

Home Bargains shoppers are considered savvy and thrifty, recognizing good deals and taking pleasure in saving money. The store is known for offering well-known brands at significantly reduced prices, making it a go-to for discounts on items like candles and cleaning products.


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