Fast fashion (replicating catwalk trends with low-cost alternatives) has propelled the fashion industry over the last decade, with experts predicting the global fast-fashion market will reach £28 billion in 2022. However, it isn’t just the fashion industry that’s replicating expensive designs for high street consumers, it’s also taking place in the homeware space, as well…
‘Fast’ homeware
Much like fast fashion, fast homeware is the creation of cheaper and more disposable alternatives to popular and trending products in the homeware space. The popularity of fast homeware grew during the pandemic as we had more time to re-evaluate our living spaces – and more time to upgrade them whenever we wanted with cheap and cheerful homeware bits.
But our increased time spent at home also increased the speed of homeware trend cycles. While ‘Cottagecore’ was a massive decor trend last year, monthly google searches have decreased 45% since last year. In its place? New temporary trends like ‘Danish Pastel’ which has seen a 1015% increase year on year.
Have you been influenced by fast homeware?
With fast homeware taking up the majority of commercial spaces – including online fast fashion retailers like Pretty Little Thing – many would have at least seen some of these fast homeware trends come and go. And this changes significantly with age.
Despite often labelling themselves the most sustainably minded generation, furniture store Hammonds finds that yet, almost half (44%) of young people say they often buy trendy homeware pieces after seeing them advertised online. Compared to 36% of 35–44-year-olds and 12% of 55-64-year-olds, it seems the younger generation is most likely to buy new homeware items to replace their current ones to keep up with current trend cycles.
What is everyone buying?
The top 3 most-bought homeware items are throws and blankets, lighting, and candles – with younger people more likely to buy smaller home décor items more often.
And what is everyone throwing away?
Unsurprisingly, we tend to throw away a greater number of smaller, lower-cost items – and the list looks similar to the one above. The top 3 most-thrown away homeware items are cushions and cushion covers, candles, throws and blankets…
Homeware and sustainability
While keeping your home up to date to reflect your personality is important to allow yourself creative freedoms and design a space that you want to come home to, there are ways you can do this without giving into fast homeware. For example, investing in good quality lifelong furnishings such as a fitted walk-in wardrobe still makes your space feel trendy but will last much longer than cheaply made duplicates. Also, sticking to more minimalist designs will help you keep your home clutter-free, give you more space to integrate statement pieces, and will provide a timeless decor look that will never go out of style.
Recognising fast homeware habits is important if you’re trying to live more sustainably. By not giving into quick decor trends and instead investing in good quality pieces that will last, you can reduce landfill waste – and create a stylish space that benefits both you and the environment, as well.
