EXHIBIT 23.1


                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in Amendment
No. 1 to U.S. Industries, Inc. Registration Statement (No. 333-20183) on Form
S-4 and related Prospectus for the registration of its 7 1/4% Senior Notes and
to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated November 11, 1996,
with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of U.S.
Industries, Inc. included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
September 30, 1996, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                                     /s/ Ernst and Young LLP


New York, New York
March 21, 1997