In an era where home décor trends are as dynamic as ever and budgets are tight for many, two high street retailers—B&M and Dunelm—have found themselves at the center of a new homeware rivalry. On December 29, 2025, B&M launched its Large Paper Rope Lamp for just £20, directly challenging Dunelm’s pricier Kylo Woven String Table Lamp, which retails for £40. For shoppers looking to upgrade their living spaces without breaking the bank, the emergence of this stylish and affordable alternative has sparked considerable interest.
B&M’s latest offering is no ordinary lamp. The Large Paper Rope Lamp features a trendy rattan base and a cream lampshade, measuring 28cm by 42.5cm. According to B&M’s product description, “Decorate your home with this natural looking Large Paper Rope Lamp. Give your space some style.” The lamp’s design is clean and modern, making it a versatile addition to a variety of settings—be it a cozy side table, a bedroom, or a hallway. For those seeking even more flexibility, B&M also offers a smaller version, the Small Paper Rope Lamp, priced at £12 and described as providing a “natural and earthy look.”
But what makes B&M’s lamp particularly noteworthy is its uncanny resemblance to Dunelm’s Kylo Woven String Table Lamp. As reported by multiple outlets, including el-balad, the Dunelm lamp also sports a rattan base, though it distinguishes itself with a patterned cream shade and a slightly different silhouette. The Dunelm lamp measures 24cm by 52cm—making it a bit taller and slimmer than its B&M counterpart. The base of the Dunelm lamp tapers at the bottom, providing a subtle but distinct visual difference from B&M’s more cylindrical design.
Despite these nuanced variations, the overall look and feel of the two lamps are undeniably similar. Both feature circular bases and neutral shades that complement a wide range of interior styles. The effect is so close that many shoppers are hard-pressed to justify the £20 price difference. As one observer put it, “For shoppers keen to save money, B&M’s cheaper lamp could therefore be a tempting choice.”
Of course, the devil is in the details. Dunelm’s Kylo lamp goes the extra mile with some thoughtful touches. Its product description highlights a “delicate natural woven string base to create a stunning finish,” and it comes complete with a matching 120cm cream fabric flex cable and an inline switch for ease of use. These practical features, combined with its distinctive patterned shade, have helped the Dunelm lamp earn rave reviews from customers.
Indeed, Dunelm’s lamp is highly rated, boasting an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Shoppers seem genuinely delighted with their purchases. One customer wrote, “Great quality lamp. I am really impressed with this lamp. It improves the feel of the whole room. Great value for money.” Another echoed the sentiment, saying, “Love love love these lamps in my guest bedroom! They’ve received many a compliment.” A third reviewer added, “This is a great lamp, which looks beautiful on my bedside table. Description on website is very accurate and I think it is very good value for money. Something to be aware of is the lightness of the base; it would be easy to topple it over! But overall, I would highly recommend.”
Such glowing feedback speaks to the importance of quality and design in homeware purchases, even as price remains a key consideration for many. The B&M lamp, while more affordable, does not skimp on style. Its rattan base and cream shade offer a fresh, natural look that fits seamlessly into the latest décor trends. The lamp’s approachable price point makes it especially attractive during uncertain economic times, when consumers are looking to stretch their pounds further without sacrificing aesthetics.
For those who want to compare both options in person, B&M stores and Dunelm locations across the UK have these lamps available for browsing. Dunelm also provides the convenience of online ordering and click-and-collect services, making it easy for customers to get their hands on the Kylo lamp without leaving home. Meanwhile, B&M’s focus on affordability and accessibility continues to draw crowds of budget-conscious shoppers to its aisles.
The broader context of this competition is worth noting. Over the past few years, retailers like B&M have carved out a niche by offering on-trend homeware at prices that undercut more established brands. This strategy has resonated with a new generation of shoppers—many of whom are decorating their first homes or apartments and want to achieve a high-end look on a modest budget. The Large Paper Rope Lamp is just the latest example of B&M’s knack for identifying popular styles and making them accessible to the masses.
Yet, Dunelm’s enduring popularity and high customer satisfaction ratings suggest that there’s still a robust market for quality and unique design, even at a higher price point. The Kylo Woven String Table Lamp, with its global-inspired aesthetic and practical features, appeals to those who are willing to invest a bit more for something special. As one reviewer noted, it’s not just about price: “It improves the feel of the whole room.”
For consumers weighing their options, the choice may come down to personal preference. Do you prioritize a lower price and a classic look, or are you drawn to the finer details and the cachet of a well-reviewed product? Either way, both B&M and Dunelm have delivered lamps that stand out in a crowded marketplace, proving that good design doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
As the competition between these two retailers heats up, one thing is clear: shoppers have more choices than ever when it comes to stylish, affordable home lighting. Whether you opt for B&M’s wallet-friendly Large Paper Rope Lamp or decide to splurge on Dunelm’s Kylo Woven String Table Lamp, both options promise to brighten up your home—and perhaps even spark a little envy among your guests.
With the holiday season just past and many households looking to refresh their interiors for the new year, the timing of B&M’s launch couldn’t be better. For now, the battle of the lamps continues, giving shoppers plenty to talk about—and plenty of reasons to visit their favorite homeware stores.
