The mobile indoor clothes hanger (Euro29) is handy for small spaces and folds away for easy storage. As part of the M&S value range, the easy-glide steam iron and ironing board cost just Euro14 each.

Other cut-price products in the value range include bed linen, bath towels, kitchenware and storage solutions.

PRINTS CHARMING Edging plain curtains with luxury fabrics, or making scatter cushions, is an attractive way to bring classy pattern and colour to jaded winter furnishings. The names to seek out are those top of the range English brands such as Mulberry, Colefax and Fowler, GP and Baker, Liberty, Nina Campbell, Osborne and Little, and Jane Churchill most of whom have new collections of silk, damasks, velvets and linens to inspire.

Mulberry's Great Park and Romantic Heroes fabrics are among the most expensive at Euro99.50 per metre, with Jane Churchill's starting from Euro48. Stockists include Maison in Navan, Co Meath, who also specialise in opulent wallpapers (Tel 046-906 6226).

WINGING ITS WAY TO A CEILING NEAR YOU Irish product-design team Unleaded have just launched 'The Wing Thing', a new concept in lighting design that adds new meaning to the phrase 'let there be light'. Fusing antique lace with innovative lighting technology, designers Anthony Cleary and Ina Keonig have created a stunning feature pendant that will lend a touch of drama to any room.

Renowned for creating objects of vision and style, their latest product uses bold contrast, a recurring theme in the designers' work. The Wing Thing combines a central lace arc sandwiched between silica acrylic leaves, which are suspended by a fine tension cable. The floating acrylic wing is up-lit by a remote, lowvoltage halogen fitting, which projects an enlarged diffused lace shadow on the ceiling above. The interaction between light, lace and shadow creates a dramatic piece. For more contact Unleaded (01 6588127 or www. unleaded. ie).

SNUGGLE UP - OUTSIDE The days may still be chilly, but the outdoor room furnishings are starting to arrive in the home departments of the major stores, along with the beachwear in the fashion floors. Debenhams have a range of bean bags and cushions to cheer up garden seats, such as these bright designer stripes from the J by Jasper Conran collection. The white wooden bench is Euro452, the striped cushion is Euro43, the box cushion is Euro31 and the mattress cushion is Euro53. From Debenhams, Henry Street, Dublin 1.

COLOUR WITH A HEART OF WATERFORD GLASS Glass is a firm favourite with interior designers. But while the clear, crisp lines of cut-glass crystal can add style and glamour to a room, it's not a material renowned for adding colour. In an effort to satisfy a growing desire for colourful interiors, Waterford Crystal has created Evolution, an exciting glass collection that will brighten up any room.

In a bold departure for the company associated with classic, timeless creations, the range features striking designs, dynamic shapes and dramatic colour combinations, such as the Skydiver vase (Euro190). Using colours that embrace the four ancient elements - earth, air, fire and water - Evolution is an exciting collection of one-of-a-kind mouth-blown and hand-finished designs.

Compiled by Valerie Shanley and Brenda McNally