Balance, movement, precision – these principles define the game of tennis as much as they speak to the art of interior design. And for athlete-turned-designer Venus Williams, they’re the hallmarks of her debut collection with Crate & Barrel.

Though many of us recognize Venus for her accolades on the court, she’s just as much of a force with her interior design firm V Starr – where she fuses her knowledge of tennis with her design sensibilities to develop interior schemes that are as thoughtfully driven as her hundred-mile-per-hour serve. This Crate & Barrel collection is Venus' latest endeavor – just after her recent stint at the US Open – and in a way, it’s a synthesis of her passions, sophisticatedly and tastefully joined together.

‘The inspiration came from a lifetime of loving design,’ Venus tells Homes & Gardens about the 128-piece collection, complete with everything from lighting and accent chairs to pillows and even kids' decor. ‘I’ve always been drawn to pieces that feel artful, architectural, and timeless; pieces that make a statement and that you can envision living with forever,’ she continues.

Venus drew from a vast range of influences to develop the range. You’ll notice natural woods and earth tones that speak to Venus’ passion for mid-century style, as well as organic curves and sculptural forms that reflect her love of Brazilian modernism. The collection's sophisticated, quietly luxurious undertone speaks to Venus’ appreciation for Italian design, having been inspired by it on a trip to Italy with Crate & Barrel’s Head of Design, Sebastian Brauer.

Tennis, of course, is a central theme of the range. Though some obvious references are evident – the ball-clad Motion Stone Pendant and the lined Court Throw Pillow Cover being two of them – the sport’s inclusion is a bit more nuanced than that.

‘In tennis, precision matters, but so does knowing when not to overdo something. I approached this collection in a similar way,’ Venus muses. There’s a strong push and pull between balance and restraint through the collection’s details – for instance, the curves and the angles, the softness and the rigidity, and even the sophistication and the playful edge. Getting that balance right, according to Venus, makes the collection feel ‘intentional and artful, and still comfortable.’

Venus and her design team worked with a range of materials and textures to make this collection come to life. You’ll find everything from smooth Italian marbles and grainy oak woods to nubby chenille fabrics and even high-gloss finishes. Consider it Venus’ masterclass in mixing, matching, and thoughtful contrast.

As for color, the collection’s palette is relaxed and sophisticated, composed of rich browns, maroons, ivories, greens, and soft tans. These shades are a nod to traditional tennis colors, but also give the collection its sense of longevity and timelessness. Clearly, Venus wants these pieces to stay desirable in your home for years to come.

Venus Williams’ collection with Crate & Barrel is an artful blend of sport and style – built from years of skillful play, immense design knowledge, and Venus’ own repertoire of references. It’s Venus’ hope that these pieces become personal objects that you treasure, ‘bringing a sense of beauty and individuality to your home while feeling enduring enough to live with you for many years,' she remarks.

Shop the highlights of Venus' timeless, tasteful, and inspired collection below.

Shop Venus Williams' Collection at Crate & Barrel

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I spend a significant portion of my day cooking, testing, and reviewing kitchen appliances. By the time dinner rolls around, I’m usually desperate for something quick and convenient, which means my air fryer gets plenty of use.

While cooking is streamlined, however, cleaning up afterward is another matter. It’s a chore I could do without. Not to mention that I don’t yet own one of the best non-toxic air fryers and remain conscious of potential PFAS exposure from coated baskets.

That was until I discovered the Snuggery Glass Air Fryer Dishes on Amazon. These removable glass liners offer a simple way to reduce contact with the air fryer basket while making cleanup and food storage considerably easier. They’ve gone straight into my shopping basket – here’s why.

I have previously been skeptical of the best air fryer liners, as the tough silicone bases seem to block the airflow that the included crisper plates were designed for. While glass itself is not much different, the Snuggery glass baskets come with a removable silicone tray insert, maintaining the necessary airflow for crisping while catching juices and crumbs. When baking in an air fryer, the liner can be removed, for a dish perfectly suited for everything from cakes to lasagnas.

The thick borosilicate glass is non-toxic and non-reactive, too, meaning that my food has far less contact with the PFAS lining of my current air fryer basket. This makes it a quick and affordable fix for making a kitchen less toxic if you are working on a budget or are looking to avoid creating unnecessary trash at home.

If that wasn't enough, the easy-grip silicone handles make removal easy (although I would still use oven mitts, such as the Cuisinart Mini Oven Mitt Set from Walmart) to protect your fingers. Once out, you can eat right from the dish, serve, or cap off leftovers with the included lid, making it perfect for easy food storage and reheating leftovers, especially since the dish is also safe for the oven and microwave, adding to the versatility.

It is a simple yet smart upgrade any air fryer chef should have on hand.

What Else to Shop

I have curated a selection of alternatives and other air fryer accessories that I cannot live without to help you perfect the art of healthier convenience cooking.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Next, brush up on the air fryer mistakes to avoid to ensure even cooking and wonderfully crisp results.

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The Opening Note

Fall is one of my favorite times of year, and after the many heatwaves we’ve had this summer, I have to admit I’m more than ready for it. There’s something about the change in season that makes me want to slow down, spend more time at home, and make everything feel a little warmer and more inviting.

I’ve always thought that getting a home ready for fall should be less about decorating for the season and more about adjusting the way we live in our spaces. I’m not particularly interested in filling a room with obvious fall motifs or making everything feel themed.

The easiest place to start is with texture. As the days get shorter and the temperature drops, I find myself reaching for wool throws, linen cushions, heavier blankets, and anything else that adds a little softness. Swapping lighter summer textiles for pieces with more weight and texture can completely change the atmosphere of a room, without requiring a complete redo. These Lulu & Georgia Molloy Vases were the first on my list for a quick and easy update.

Fall color is another simple way to make a home feel ready for the season ahead. I love bringing in deeper, warmer shades at this time of year – burgundy, olive, rust, ochre, camel, and rich browns are all particularly appealing. But I think restraint is important. You don't need to turn your home into a sea of autumnal color. A single pillow, a lampshade, a piece of pottery, or even a small accessory can introduce enough warmth to shift the mood of a room.

In fact, I’m increasingly drawn to seasonal decorating that doesn't look overly seasonal at all. The best additions are the ones that make sense in your home long after fall has passed. A beautiful wool throw will still be useful in January; an earthy-toned ceramic vase will work just as well in spring; a well-made basket can hold blankets now and beach towels next summer. I think the most successful homes are built around pieces that can evolve with them rather than things that only have a place for three months of the year.

Fall is also the perfect time to rethink storage. There’s something very satisfying about putting away the things that belong to summer and making room for what we’ll actually use over the coming months. Outdoor cushions, picnic blankets, lightweight throws, and summer accessories can all be packed away, while baskets and storage boxes keep everything organized without making a room feel overly functional.

And I think beautiful storage is particularly important here. We spend so much time thinking about the things that are on display, but the pieces that help a home function deserve just as much consideration. A well-designed basket or a beautiful storage box can make a practical corner feel intentional rather than like somewhere you've simply run out of places to put things.

As we move into fall and winter, our homes inevitably become more hardworking. We spend more time indoors, cook more, entertain at home, and rely on our living spaces in a different way. Lighting becomes more important. Cozy living room ideas and snug rooms matter more. Blankets need to be within easy reach. Even the way we organize an entryway can make a difference when coats, boots, and umbrellas suddenly become part of everyday life again.

I’m a firm believer that these practical considerations should be part of decorating rather than something we think about afterward. A home shouldn't have to choose between being beautiful and being functional.

There’s also an opportunity to have a little fun. Because some of these seasonal changes are relatively small, fall can be a good time to experiment with a color or material you might not want to commit to more permanently. A richer paint color, a patterned fabric, a vintage piece will make your home all the more charming.

The Edit: Fall Favorites

The Very British Edit is a shoppable guide to beautiful living with a distinctly British twist. From heritage patterns to timeless decor inspirations, each edition blends personal insight, design expertise, and a love of craftsmanship. It is stylish, trustworthy, and endlessly inspiring.

Fall and winter are my busiest seasons of the year. Between the holidays, an onslaught of family birthdays, and my busiest months at work, every day can feel non-stop. That’s why I’m always looking for quick tricks to make meal and snack times as frictionless as possible.

Meal prepping is my superpower during these months, but making food in bulk can quickly become messy – particularly when it comes to portioning and finding food storage solutions that keep the whole process streamlined.

While hunting for new approaches, I stumbled across this pre-portioned brownie pan on Amazon and had a light-bulb moment. Its 18-section design means I can pour in batters, layer pasta dishes, and portion out snack mixes before cooking, then easily lift each serving from the pan in perfectly portioned slices, ready to be stored.

While things such as Souper Cubes, also from Amazon, can be great for portioning out leftover soups, rice, and sauces, the silicone molds are not the best for chunky foods, be it pre-prepped sweet treats for a mid-week pick-me-up, or pre-prepared lasagnas or frittatas for quick, reheatable lunches.

This 18-hole brownie pan lets you prepare an oven-baked dish as usual, then slot the perfectly measured divider into place before cooking to separate the food into 18 evenly portioned blocks. The individual portions lift out easily, thanks to a removable base designed to prevent sticking, and can then be stacked in containers, such as the Caraway glass storage dishes from Crate & Barrel, or transferred into silicone food storage bags, such as Stasher from Amazon, ready for the fridge or freezer. You can also use the tray without the divider for everyday cooking, making it a two-in-one and saving space in your kitchen storage.

Better still, the pan is dishwasher-safe, making post-meal-prep clean-up much less of a chore. When you’re cooking in bulk, anything that makes meal prepping quicker and speeds up cleaning a kitchen after cooking is a win in my book.

Shoppers love the tray, with an average of 4.5/5 stars from over 2,000 reviews, with many claiming that despite the higher price, it is more than worth the investment and that you get what you pay for. One verified shopper, Joanne C, shared in their five-star review, ‘What can I say, what a great item. I love the pull-out tray and the perfect cutter. I love to cut them as soon as they come out of the oven. Saves a lot of time. No stickiness and cleans up really well; the size is great.’

Another reviewer, Viren B, had a similar idea to mine. In this five-star comment, they labelled the tray ‘game-changing ’, adding, ‘OMG this product is an absolute game changer; use it for multiple purposes. I used it to make tray bakes, and this made perfect quadrants and extremely professional and clean bars. Makes products look like they were purchased from a high-end store.’

What Else to Shop

To help you master meal prep and take the stress out of the back-to-school and hosting seasons, I’ve curated a selection of non-toxic meal prep essentials designed to make quick, healthy meal planning easier.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Feeling swamped by the holiday season? Fret not. Design and lifestyle expert Shea McGee has shared her top fall hosting hacks to survive the season.

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Side sleepers rejoice; the Brooklinen Down Alternative Pillow is the perfect fit for keeping your neck and spine aligned for comfortable rest all night long. Since I started testing it over five months ago, I've slept with nothing else − I even took it on a four-night camping trip.

As the fill is hypoallergenic, it's a breathable pick that's suitable for sensitive sleepers and those who prefer to avoid any animal-derived products. It's also easier to care for than traditional down, as it's machine washable, OEKO-TEX-certified, and available in a range of support options.

It's quickly become my best pillow, and I don't see it being knocked off that pedestal anytime soon.

Brooklinen Down Alternative Pillow: Specifications

Who Would the Brooklinen Down Alternative Pillow Suit?

The Brooklinen Down Alternative Pillow will suit all sleepers and sleep positions, provided you choose the right level of support. As mentioned, I sleep on my side, so the soft support option keeps my neck and spine aligned without lifting my head too high.

I also prefer a pillow that’s as flat as possible, although it’s worth noting that the soft option is exceptionally soft and flat. That’s perfectly suited to my preferences, but it may feel too low-profile for some sleepers. It’s also the best choice for stomach sleepers, as a flatter pillow helps prevent the neck from being pushed into an uncomfortable position.

Back sleepers, meanwhile, will likely benefit from the medium or firm support options, which provide more of the structure needed to keep the head and neck comfortably supported. If you fall somewhere between the two, the medium option offers a useful middle ground.

What is the Brooklinen Down Alternative Pillow Like to Sleep On?

Perfectly soft and squishy, the Brooklinen Down Alternative Pillow keeps me comfortable all night long, and I've not once woken up with neck or back pain since I started using it.

I'm not a particularly hot sleeper, but the hypoallergenic fill hasn't caused any overheating, either. This is particularly impressive as, while down is naturally temperature-regulating, synthetic alternatives often trap heat. I'd put this down to the fact that this pillow uses a fluffy, fibrous filling which enhances breathability, rather than a solid block of foam or something similar.

Either way, it's not marketed as a cooling pillow pick, and I certainly wouldn't go so far as to say it's actively cooling. That being said, the cotton sateen shell also works to wick away moisture as you rest. If, unlike me, you are a hot sleeper, I'd suggest something like the Sleep Number TrueTemp Plush Pillow instead.

How does the Brooklinen Down Alternative Pillow Rate Online?

The Brooklinen Down Alternative Pillow boasts an average rating of 4.4 stars across 1,664 reviews on the Brooklinen site, with shoppers praising its comfort, support, and quality.

'A nice upgrade for everyday comfort,' reads one recent five-star review, left by Kristiina. 'I've always preferred the feel of down pillows, so I wasn't sure how a down alternative would compare, but this one completely exceeded my expectations. It's incredibly plush and has that soft, cloud-like feel I love, while still providing enough support to keep its shape throughout the night.

'The biggest difference I've noticed is that I no longer wake up needing to fluff or adjust my pillow to get comfortable. It stays supportive from the moment I fall asleep until I wake up.'

Another, from Natali, even goes as far as to call it the 'perfect pillow,' adding, 'Love the pillow − super comfortable and just like down. An actual down alternative for once. Love it!'

As with anything, there are a couple of more negative reviews, which mainly refer to the pillow being too flat, too squishy, and too thin. Of course, each sleeper's perfect pillow is entirely subjective − what works for me may not work for you, and vice versa. Besides, it is available in three different supports, so there should be something suitable for everyone.

Others also mention that they were expecting more from a pillow at this price point, but I disagree. For a hypoallergenic pillow from a premium, well-rated brand like Brooklinen, I think $59 is more than fair.

If you're hesitant about investing, my best advice would be to always go into a store to see and feel them in person before purchasing. That way, you'll know exactly what you're getting to avoid any disappointment.

The Brooklinen Down Alternative Pillow: Final Verdict

For sensitive sleepers and those looking to avoid animal-derived materials, you really can't go wrong with the Brooklinen Down Alternative Pillow. The fill perfectly mimics the feel of traditional down, and the sateen cover is certified to meet the OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100, too. While that doesn't make it organic bedding, the fill is certified to the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), to ensure it's ethically sourced and produced, and the whole pillow is certified free of any harmful substances.

I also appreciate how easy it is to wash, dry, and care for this pillow: Simply machine wash cold and tumble-dry low. Considering you should be washing your pillows every three to six months, this kind of convenience is particularly important.

I'd also be more than happy to pay full price for this pillow, though I have frequently seen it reduced in the bedding sales.

If I lost mine, or anything happened to it, I would be on the Brooklinen site ordering a new one the very next day, which speaks for itself. For that reason, my final verdict is nothing but positive − it's my perfect pillow for comfortable side sleeping.

More to Shop

Looking to browse for more pillows, pillowcases, and sleep accessories? I've handpicked six of my favorite Sleep Editor-approved picks below.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

These 6 ways your pillow is ruining your sleep quality could be affecting your rest.

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As summer winds down, many of us start packing our ice cream makers and slushie machines back into their boxes, ready to collect dust until late spring. But these appliances deserve a place in your kitchen year-round.

The best ice cream makers can work just as hard through fall and winter, churning out fresh, homemade ice cream to serve alongside comforting seasonal desserts. Think warm apple crisps, pecan pie, and bubbling fruit crumbles, because your favorite fall bakes deserve more than plain whipped cream.

One of our favorites is the Ninja CREAMi Scoop & Swirl. And with $50 off in the end-of-summer sale, now is the perfect time to pick one up for fall hosting while getting ahead for next summer, too.

We usually think of the Scoop & Swirl as one of the best appliances for summer entertaining, but these workhorse machines can be just as impactful in the coldest months of the year.

Comforting fall menus, packed with warming, wholesome desserts, can make perfect use of both soft serve and scoopable gelato as a contrasting accompaniment to warm pies, cakes, and puddings. While you can buy store-made options, the Scoop & Swirl makes it easy to customise your flavors with a range of ice cream recipes to try, whipping up warming cinnamon serves, or experimenting with pumpkin spice.

With the ability to add your own mix-ins, the Scoop & Swirl also gives you a new, fun way to use up any leftover Halloween chocolate and candy, helping to avoid unnecessary waste at home.

With settings for regular and lite ice cream, frozen yogurt, fruit whip, frozen custard, milkshakes, sorbet, and gelato (as well as a protein CreamiFit setting for those gym-goers on a winter bulk), there is a setting for everyone, helping to ensure every guest at your holiday parties gets the treat they love most.

With $50-off at SharkNinja, and five delicious colorways to choose from (including the particularly fall-esque Plum and Mocha), there's never been a better time to treat yourself.

What Else to Shop

From alternative ice cream makers to the perfect bakeware for fall desserts, I’ve curated a selection of frozen-treat essentials to see you through a busy hosting season.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

With your cozy season dessert menu set, check out our design editor's recommendations for fall table decor to set the mood for your feasts.

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Using the right pruning tool makes every task easier and helps prevent unnecessary damage to your plants. Different tools are designed for different jobs, from cutting thin flower stems and shaping topiary to trimming hedges and removing large tree branches. Using the correct tool for the job also protects your plants – and your tools – from damage.

When choosing a pruning tool, consider the thickness of the branch or stem and whether you need additional reach. Comfortable ergonomic grips, cushioned handles and replaceable blades are also worth looking for.

Below, we look at six common pruning jobs and the best tools for each.

Jump to the Best Pruning Tools for the Job You're Doing

Cutting small stems and flowers

Cutting thicker stems and branches

Cutting large tree branches

Cutting high branches

Cutting hedges

Cutting topiary

Cutting large numbers of stems or branches

Best Pruning Tools for Small Stems and Flowers

A strong, dependable pair of pruning shears is likely to become a go-to pruning tool, as they are suited to a wide range of tasks. From deadheading summer flowers to cutting back shrubs and trimming perennial plants, pruning shears are very versatile indeed.

Pruning shears, or secateurs, are suitable for all manner of routine garden pruning, for any tasks where you are cutting stems up to half an inch wide – though some can cut stems up to ¾ inch.

Pruning shears do come in two types: anvil and bypass. For most general pruning, choose bypass when you buy pruners. They make clean cuts on live wood, while anvil pruners are suited to cutting dead wood and can damage live stems.

For the most delicate pruning jobs, like cutting flowers, deadheading, harvesting herbs, and picking crops, you can get micro-tip pruning shears with long, straight blades. They can get into tight spaces, but only have a maximum cutting width of less than 10mm.

Best Pruning Tools for Thicker Stems and Branches

For thicker, older stems of shrubs, climbers, and trees that are too large for pruning shears, the best pruning tool for the job is a pair of loppers.

Loppers are essential gardening tools that cut similarly to pruning shears, but they have long handles and you grip them with both hands – which ramps up their cutting power. They are ideal for stems between ¾ and 2.5 inches.

The long handles of loppers allow you to reach difficult places, such as into the center of a thick shrub to remove older stems. Gardeners can also get extendable, or telescopic, loppers that are perfect for pruning taller shrubs and trees without needing to work off a ladder.

Like with pruning shears, you get both anvil and bypass loppers. Bypass loppers are the best pruning tools for trimming roses, hydrangeas, or other shrubs with green growth, while anvil loppers are suited for dead wood.

You also get ratchet loppers, which tend to have anvil-style cutting blades and have a built-in gear to increase your cutting power for stems over two inches thick. Again, these are best for thick dead stems and branches rather than live wood.

Best Pruning Tools for Large Tree Branches

For branches that are too thick for loppers, the best pruning tool is a pruning saw. There are different types of pruning saws to choose from

A manual pruning saw is a lightweight, single-bladed tool with either straight or curved blades that can cut branches between two and four inches thick.

Shorter-bladed examples tend to fold, with the blade stored in the handle, while longer pruning saws come with a protective sheath. A general guideline is that the longer the blade, the thicker the wood it can cut.

However, a pruning saw with a shorter blade is ideal for pruning in tighter areas, and the folding blade offers better safety when climbing up and down a ladder to prune trees.

Powered pruning saws are more powerful than manual ones and can cut branches up to six inches thick. These tools definitely require protective items like goggles and gloves for safety.

These can be vital winter pruning tools for bigger jobs like old, established shrubs and trees, but they do mean an added investment compared to manual pruning saws.

Best Pruning Tools for High Branches

When faced with a need to prune high branches, safety is paramount. The best pruning tools for this task are pole pruners that allow you to tackle the job from the ground. These tools remove the need to climb ladders or stretch awkwardly (and dangerously) when pruning tree branches.

With a lightweight telescopic pole pruner, you can stay on the floor and comfortably reach branches in tall shrubs or trees.

There are different types of pole pruners. Some have a pruning blade mounted on the end of an adjustable pole, while others have a bypass-style cutting blade that you engage with a sliding mechanism or a rope. You can also get pole pruners that have both types of cutting heads.

Alternatively, you can get electric pole pruners that are cordless or corded. These can be heavier to handle and are more expensive, but can make cutting jobs quicker and easier.

When buying a pole pruner, compare different lengths and cutting options to see which you feel most comfortable with and what works best for your yard.

Best Pruning Tools for Hedges

The best pruning tools for hedges fall into two categories, namely manual hedge shears or mechanical hedge trimmers. What works best depends on the type and size of the hedge, and both come in different blade lengths suited for different styles.

Hedge shears are manual pruning tools you use two-handed like scissors to slice through the greenery of hedges, shrubs, or perennials.

Shorter-bladed hedge shears are good for small hedges, or low hedging in formal gardens, while longer blades are better for cutting larger hedges quickly. You can find hedge shears with straight or wavy blades and ones with extendable handles.

Hedge trimmers are the quickest option for pruning hedges. They can be corded or cordless (you can get petrol-powered ones, but it is better to stick to electric power) and have blades ranging from 12 to 20 inches.

Longer blades cut larger hedges quicker, and they make light work of denser hedging plants, but they are heavier and require more confidence to use. Shorter blades are perfect for small gardens and inexperienced gardeners, thanks to their closer control. Consider what works best for you and your garden when buying a hedge trimmer.

Best Pruning Tools for Topiary and Fine Trimming

Hedge shears are built for cutting large swathes of foliage quickly, whereas topiary shears are designed for more detailed and precise work.

If you have any topiary that is clipped into neat balls, cones, spirals, or other intricate shapes, you want shears that offer control. Topiary shears are lightweight tools that have long, narrow blades for precise cutting and shorter handles for greater control.

There are one-handed and two-handed topiary shears. The latter are similar to hedge shears, but more compact. One-handed topiary shears are spring-mounted and smoothly bounce back open after each squeeze. They are good for intricate topiary plants, but do take a bit of getting used to if you’ve never used such one-handed pruning tools before.

Best Pruning Tools for Lots of Repetitive Cutting

If you regularly do a lot of pruning, powered pruners or electric pruning shears offer a way to trim for long periods with less physical effort. These pruning tools offer a fast way to cut large numbers of stems or small branches by just pulling a trigger and letting the powered mechanism do the work.

It requires less effort than manual pruning shears. You can happily prune for many hours without experiencing the hand or wrist fatigue you may usually get from repetitively squeezing the handles of manual tools together.

If you have a large garden and do lots of pruning of shrubs and trees, a powered pruner can help you work quickly and efficiently. Powered pruners are also ideal for gardeners who struggle with grip strength or suffer from arthritis.

Battery-powered pruners are the best option as they can be used across the garden without any need for trailing wires. The downside to powered pruners is that they are more expensive, heavier than manual pruning shears, and need to be used carefully due to their powerful cutting mechanism.

All the best pruning tools work better and last the longest thanks to maintenance. Our guide to cleaning and sharpening pruning shears contains all the information you need to look after your tools. Giving your tools some regular TLC will make pruning easier, and your plants will benefit as they’ll make clean cuts rather than crush or tear stems.

If you love inspiring garden ideas, outdoor advice, and the latest news, why not sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox?

One thing about me: I can be very picky about lighting. It’s an essential element in a room’s design scheme; a detail that creates comfort, sets the mood, and provides practical illumination, all at the same time.

Because of my particular taste in lighting ideas, I usually gravitate towards expensive styles that are way out of my price range. But recently, I came across an outlier – a $30 lamp that impressed me so much more than the high-end designs I have saved on my web browser.

Enter: the VARPTROSS Wall Lamp from none other than IKEA.

This lamp's effortlessly elegant design stopped me in my tracks when I was scrolling on IKEA's new arrivals page, and when I glanced down at the price, I was even more drawn to it. With its sleek, slatted form, it radiates a luxurious modern organic aesthetic, and when turned on, it diffuses light in a stylishly moody manner.

Not to mention its plug-in capabilities – a design element that makes this lamp even more desirable. Unlike standard sconces that require thoughtful planning and hardwiring, this wall lamp can hang practically anywhere – so long as it's within seven feet of an outlet.

Ideal for renters or those who aren't interested in hiring an electrician, the VARPTROSS Wall Lamp is a great way to bring tasteful, artful light to your walls without spending a fortune.

Clearly, IKEA's design team took careful consideration when developing this wall lamp. Every detail is intentional – from the soft, curved silhouette to the tactile fabric cord that trails below the lamp itself. This attention to detail is probably why it is so highly rated on IKEA's site – boasting only 5-star reviews.

I'm already envisioning how I want to style it in my rental apartment – beside the bed in my small bedroom, next to my couch, or even on the wall above the dining nook in my kitchen. Not only will this wall lamp bring tasteful, mid-level illumination to any corner of my home, but it'll double as wall decor when turned off.

IKEA's VARPTROSS Wall Lamp has convinced me that sometimes, the best lighting styles aren't the most expensive ones. When practical design, chic style, and affordability converge (as they do here), it's hard to find something better.

Shop More Plug-In Wall Lights

Plug-in sconces and corded wall lights are convenient features for any home – rental or not. Shop three more that are just as chic as IKEA's VARPTROSS Wall Lamp.

Shop More Lighting From IKEA

Aside from the VARPTROSS Wall Lamp, IKEA has many more lighting styles that are just as chic, affordable, and practical for the home. Find a few of my favorites below.

IKEA's VARPTROSS Wall Lamp is proof that luxurious style and practical design don't have to come with a high-end price tag.

In fact, IKEA has many more lamps that look upscale but are surprisingly affordable. My favorites are the HALGATT Lamps – made in collaboration with interior design icon Ilse Crawford.

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Making your bedroom feel inviting and restful has as much to do with how it smells as how it looks. You might reach for a favorite candle or add a diffuser, but according to fragrance experts, some of the most effective ways to freshen your space are surprisingly simple and entirely natural.

While we’ve all filled vases with fresh blooms to brighten our nightstands and shelves, there’s an even easier, more affordable way to bring the freshness of the outdoors inside.

Adding sprigs of fresh rosemary is a simple, little-known way to make a bedroom smell like a luxurious hotel suite, without the luxury price tag.

'One of the easiest and most affordable ways to scent a room is by adding fresh rosemary sprigs into a jar of water,' says Jennifer Pressimone, Holistic Clinical Aromatherapist and Founder of JennScents. 'It is a non-electric option with nothing to turn on or off, and no stimulating lights or humming sound,' unlike even the best essential oil diffusers. 'Just the pure fresh herbal scent of rosemary that brings nature inside and has a visual aesthetic appeal.'

As Jennifer points out, it's also a gentler scented option than, say, candles, and is therefore better suited to those with strong fragrance sensitivities. It costs very little to try, too.

'Most people associate rosemary as a culinary spice in the kitchen,' she continues. 'It brings fond memories of making certain food dishes with family, and it puts a genuine smile on your face.'

And, in terms of non-toxic ways to make your home smell nice, you couldn't get more natural. 'It's just basic ingredients you have on hand, which is the part I care the most about,' adds Michelle Simmons, Home Fragrance Expert and Founder and CEO of Slow North. '"Fragrance" on a label can legally hide hundreds of ingredients under that one word,' she warns.

The Benefits of the Aroma of Rosemary

The benefits of adding this humble herb to your sleep space extend far beyond helping avoid any bedroom scenting mistakes.

'Rosemary is best known to support focus, concentration, and alertness,' explains Jennifer. 'Research studies show it has promising circulatory benefits to sharpen memory and mental clarity.

'I also find it helpful to clear up sinus congestion, enhance deep breathing, and boost energy.'

Despite its ability to make you feel energized and revitalized, rosemary has also been found to help you sleep better, too. In a study of 63 participants, inhaling the herb, coupled with lavender, was observed to improve cognitive function, sleep quality, and reduce anxiety levels. So, you could always add lavender alongside the rosemary (or grow your own lavender indoors in your bedroom).

How to Prepare a Jar of Rosemary and Water

It couldn't be any easier to introduce fresh rosemary to your bedroom ideas. Of course, you can just add some sprigs to a vase, but to really make the most of this fragrant herb, Jennifer shares her method:

'Choose a four-ounce or eight-ounce glass jar with a cap,' she says, like these Mason Jars with Airtight Silver Lids, available at Amazon. 'Fill the jar about three-quarters full of water and add in four to six fresh rosemary sprigs.' Michelle recommends rolling them between your palms until you can smell them on your hands beforehand, to better release the oils. 'Cap the jar and let it sit on a countertop for one to two hours so the rosemary can infuse into the water.'

Then, when you want to enjoy the scent, simply open the jar and leave it open on the counter or table. 'Keep out of direct sunlight to preserve the fresh scent longer,' she adds.

For a brighter, more vibrant scent, Michelle also recommends adding a strip of lemon peel. Citrus may be a mood-boosting aroma typically associated with spring, but there's no reason not to bring those same notes into fall.

What to Shop

If you'd like to try this natural way to scent your space, you can shop some essentials you'll need, along with some of my tried-and-tested best home fragrance recommendations, below.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Experts

Switch out your rosemary for other aromatic herbs throughout the year to experiment with what's in season.

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We’re officially entering ‘soup season’, when cooler temperatures have us reaching for hearty stews, comforting soups, and slow-cooked favorites. But as the days grow shorter and darker, finding the energy to cook from scratch every night can become a challenge.

That’s where Souper Cubes (available on Amazon) come in. This clever food-storage solution helps reduce waste by dividing leftovers into individual portions before they go into the freezer, making them easy to store, defrost, and reheat whenever you need them.

They’re ideal for everything from soups and stews to pasta and rice, helping to make meal prep simpler during the busiest time of year and beyond.

I’m always looking for simple meal-prep essentials that make cooking feel a little easier. As a cookware editor, I spend so much time in my kitchen that, by the end of a long day, there are plenty of nights when I want dinner to involve little more than opening the freezer and turning on the oven.

Previously, I found myself relying on bulky glass food-storage containers, scooping whatever was left into one large dish where sauces, sides, and grains would inevitably get mixed together. Not only did that make reheating uneven, but it also meant defrosting more food than I actually needed.

Souper Cubes, at Amazon, are changing the way I think about leftovers. Instead of freezing everything together, I can portion sauces, grains, sides, and even individual servings of soup separately, then pull out exactly what I need.

I am not the only one who loves this simple freezer organization hack, either. Our Ecommerce Content Director, Lindsey Davis, has sworn by Souper Cubes for years. She shares, 'I love soup season, but storing my big batches of home-cooked soup was always tricky. Leakproof pots take up so much space in the freezer, and I don't like freezing in bags – it's fiddly, and I'm trying to reduce single-use plastics in my home.

'Souper Cubes have given me an easy and efficient system for storing my soups and stews. I find the one-cup trays perfect for portioning, and once frozen, I transfer them to some BPA-free freezer bags (these Oggi ones on Amazon are a good price) and stack them neatly in the freezer with little wasted space. I estimated I could get four times the number of prepared meals in my freezer by making this switch – plenty to see me through fall.'

Made from food-grade silicone, this kitchen storage must-have is a simple way to make a kitchen less toxic, too, helping to cut back on BPA-containing plastics in your home. They're a no-brainer in my eyes.

What Else to Shop

From Souper Cubes sets to affordable alternatives, these are the winter food-storage staples you need to see you through the busiest cooking months of the year.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Not every portioning organizer is worth your money. Allow me to de-influence pantry restocks for you to save you time, energy, and money in the long run.

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The Opening Note

I love the idea of ‘beautiful utility’ – taking the everyday things we use around the home and choosing versions that are as lovely to look at as they are useful. There’s something incredibly satisfying about making even the most practical corners of a house feel considered – such as the always-used but oft-forgotten laundry room.

A pretty laundry basket (the Calista Skirted Faux Rattan Hamper from Anthropologie recently replaced my well-loved but worn-out one), a well-designed drying rack (Target’s Wall Mounted Drying Rack is perfect for small spaces), open shelving for neatly storing everyday essentials, or beautiful jars and containers (The Container Store’s Glass Jars with Acacia Lids are a must if you want to bring in a touch of warm minimalism) may not sound particularly exciting on their own. But when these small, practical choices are thoughtfully brought together, they can completely transform the feel of a room.

I think we’ve become very good at making the rooms we spend time entertaining and relaxing in feel beautiful, while the spaces that quietly keep our homes running are often treated as an afterthought. Kitchens and living rooms get the beautiful lighting, thoughtful finishes, and carefully chosen accessories, while utility rooms, laundry spaces, and cupboards tend to be designed purely around what needs to fit inside them.

But why shouldn’t these rooms be just as lovely?

A utility room is still part of your home, after all, and one you probably use far more often than you realise. There’s no reason it can’t have a beautiful paint colour, patterned tiles, good lighting or even a piece of artwork. In fact, I rather like the idea of bringing some of the same attention to these hardworking spaces as we would to any other room.

Perhaps because utility and laundry rooms are often smaller, they can also be a brilliant place to have a little more fun. A bold color, unexpected wallpaper, patterned tiles, or a pretty fabric can bring personality to a practical space without requiring quite the same commitment as using them throughout a larger room. There is an opportunity when designing a laundry room to experiment and make somewhere functional feel a little more joyful.

And I think there’s something to be said for choosing practical things that you genuinely enjoy looking at. If a laundry basket is going to sit in the corner of the room every day, why not choose one that’s beautifully made? If shelves are going to be left open, why not decant everyday essentials into jars and containers that add something to the space rather than detract from it? Even the most mundane objects can become part of how a room looks and feels.

Of course, beautiful utility isn’t just about making things prettier. There’s a very practical side to it too. The best pieces solve a genuine problem while making everyday life a little easier. Good storage, sensible layouts, easy-to-clean surfaces and clever laundry solutions can make those endless household jobs feel much less of a chore.

Personally, I'm drawn to anything that works hard but doesn’t necessarily look like it. The kind of things you can leave out rather than hide away because they’re useful and beautiful in equal measure. There’s something particularly appealing about a home where the practical elements haven’t been disguised, but have instead been thoughtfully chosen and incorporated into the space.

I also think this approach fits with the way I want our homes to feel more generally. Not overly perfect or designed down to the last detail, but considered. A place where everyday life is allowed to be visible, while the things that make that everyday life easier have been chosen with a little care.

Because ultimately, we use these things every day. We handle them, look at them, move them around and rely on them to make our homes work. So why should beauty be reserved for the things that are purely decorative?

Beautiful utility is about finding that balance between form and function – choosing things that do their job brilliantly but also bring a little pleasure to the everyday. It’s a reminder that even the most practical corners of our homes deserve some attention.

And with Labor Day in the US today, it feels like the perfect moment to give those hardworking rooms a little attention of their own. It’s a good excuse to shop for the practical pieces that make a home function better – the things that deserve our attention, even if they don’t necessarily get the biggest share of the budget. A laundry basket you actually like, clever storage that makes a cupboard work harder, or a beautiful light that makes doing the washing feel slightly less mundane can all make a difference.

So this week, I’m sharing an edit of the utility and laundry room essentials I’m loving now – from clever storage and laundry solutions to useful accessories and hardworking pieces that prove that the most practical things in our homes can be beautiful too.

The Edit: Beautiful Utility

In the Queue

Fall is one of my favourite times of year, and after the many British heatwaves we’ve had this summer, I have to admit I’m more than ready to hunker down. There’s something about this time of year that makes me want to slow down, spend more time at home and make everything feel a little warmer and cozier.

Getting the home ready for fall doesn’t mean completely redecorating. It’s about those small seasonal changes that make a room feel more inviting – bringing out warmer textiles, introducing richer fall colors and swapping lighter summer pieces for things that feel a little more substantial.

It’s also the perfect time for a little seasonal sort-out. Summer throws, pillows, picnic blankets and outdoor bits and pieces can be packed away until next year, while beautiful baskets and storage boxes make it easier to keep everything tidy without sacrificing how the room looks.

And then there are the colors. I love bringing in deeper, warmer shades at this time of year – think burgundy, olive, rust, ochre and rich browns. A new cushion, throw, lampshade or piece of pottery can be enough to completely change the feel of a room without making it look overly ‘seasonal’. I’m also drawn to warmer, more tactile materials as the evenings get darker. Wool, linen, leather, wood and aged metals all add that layered, lived-in feeling that makes a home feel particularly inviting.

Next week, I’m sharing an edit of the pieces I’m loving for getting the home ready for fall – from cozy textiles and rich colors to clever storage ideas for putting away our summer things and those little additions that make hunkering down at home feel even better.

After the summer we’ve had, I’m very ready for it.

The Very British Edit is a shoppable guide to beautiful living with a distinctly British twist. From heritage patterns to timeless decor inspirations, each edition blends personal insight, design expertise, and a love of craftsmanship. It is stylish, trustworthy, and endlessly inspiring.

Fall is the time for relaxed candlelit meals around the dinner table with friends and family, but dirty glassware can quickly spoil the mood. This can usually be avoided with a dishwasher, but what if, like me, you don't have one? I've always just relied on a dish brush − until I spotted the Joseph Joseph Brush-Up Glass Brush on Amazon.

Cleverly suctioning onto the bottom of the sink, it makes cleaning wine glasses properly, without scratches, smudges, or breaking, easier than ever.

At just $15.99, it's an affordable little addition to your kitchen that can help keep your glassware sparkling and your tablescapes looking their best throughout the hosting season – without the worry of cloudy glasses ruining the mood.

Growing up without a dishwasher may have made me something of an expert at washing dishes, but removing the cloudiness from drinking glasses is another story. I know the usual tricks: fresh, hot water, plenty of dish soap, and a careful polish with a kitchen towel, available at Walmart, to banish water spots – a habit I picked up while working in a restaurant.

The real problem is using the same brush on delicate glassware that I use for scrubbing pots, pans, and plates. Even when I'm careful, it feels like an unnecessary risk when I'm trying to keep wine glasses looking their best. That's why I'm picking up the Joseph Joseph Brush-Up Glass Brush, available on Amazon ahead of hosting season. I love putting together seasonal menus and welcoming friends and family, but I don't want lackluster glassware stealing attention from the table.

The brush has a curved design and durable bristles that make it easy to clean the inside and outside of glasses, while a strong suction base keeps it firmly anchored to the bottom of the sink. An easy-release tab makes it simple to lift away when you're finished, and it's suitable for glassware and crockery up to 5.5 inches tall.

That secure suction also helps prevent the brush from shifting or slipping as you scrub, giving you much more control and making those heart-stopping moments with delicate glassware far less likely.

'Another quality Joseph Joseph product,' says one shopper in a five-star review. 'I have multiple Joseph Joseph products, and this one doesn't disappoint. I like their innovative designs and build quality. 'I usually use this as a handheld brush rather than stand it up with the suction cup in the sink. Either way works great. [I store it] standing up on the suction cup.'

Another reviewer, Paula, agrees: 'This is a wonderful product. It is easy to use, and glasses sparkle after use.'

To get the best results, I'd also pair it with a dedicated glassware dish soap. The enzyme-based Method Super Shine Liquid Dish Soap, available at Walmart, is designed to cut through grease while leaving glassware with a sparkling finish.

With my new brush on the way, I'm already looking to expand my glassware collection to complement all my fall table decor ideas. Just make sure you know how to store glassware properly, because a chipped glass can be just as disappointing – if not more so – than a cloudy one.

What to Shop

Below, shop a selection of essentials for sparkling glassware and other Joseph Joseph kitchen favorites.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

It’s worth taking a little time to organize your glassware before the holiday hosting season gets into full swing, so everything you need is clean, polished, and easy to reach when guests arrive.

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We spend around eight hours a night with our pillows, seven nights a week, so it’s hardly surprising that they can start to show the signs of everyday use. Over time, a buildup of sweat, body oils, moisture, and skincare products can leave once-bright pillowcases looking stubbornly yellow.

But there’s no need to reach for harsh chemicals just yet. A simple, all-natural soak using two pantry staples could be all you need to bring yellowed pillowcases back to their bright, fresh-looking best. It’s an easy way to clean pillowcases and tackle stubborn discoloration at the same time.

And the best part? You probably already have both ingredients at home. Here, laundry and sleep experts explain why pillowcases turn yellow in the first place, and how to restore them with this surprisingly simple method.

What Causes Yellow Staining on Pillows?

As Rechelle Balanzat, Founder and CEO of Juliette, an NYC-based premium laundry service, assures, 'Yellow staining on pillowcases is really common.'

While you sleep, your pillowcase absorbs sweat, body oils, saliva, and traces of the hair and skincare products applied before bed. 'Over time, all of that builds up in the fabric and can leave behind that yellow color,' she explains.

Given that pillowcases and pillows are often among the things we’re not washing enough, it’s little wonder that yellowing can seem almost inevitable.

'While pillowcases provide a protective barrier, these substances can still gradually transfer through the fabric and affect the pillow over time,' adds Drew Miller, Vice President at Sit 'n Sleep. 'For sleepers, this is also a reminder that pillows require regular care and replacement. Even with proper cleaning, pillows naturally collect oils, allergens, and moisture throughout their lifespan.'

How to Whiten Pillowcases

Whitening your pillowcases and other bedding can be as simple as reaching for two hardworking pantry staples: vinegar and baking soda. For this method, I’d recommend this affordable White Vinegar, available at Amazon, and ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda, available at Walmart.

'Baking soda and white vinegar are commonly used household cleaning ingredients that can help refresh bedding materials,' explains Drew Miller. 'Baking soda can help absorb odors and loosen some residue, while vinegar can help break down certain types of buildup and mineral deposits.'

There’s an important catch, though: these ingredients work best separately, not together. 'When you mix the two, they basically cancel each other out, so the fizz isn’t really what’s cleaning your pillowcase,' advises Rechelle.

For a washable cotton pillowcase, she recommends soaking it in warm or hot water with around half a cup of baking soda for approximately 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly, then wash as normal with your usual detergent. If the care label allows it, you can add a cup of distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle.

'I wouldn’t pour the vinegar directly into the baking soda soak,' Rechelle cautions. Instead, using vinegar in laundry can help brighten and deodorize fabrics.

'And don’t put it straight into the dryer if you can still see the stain,' she adds. 'Heat can make stains harder to get out. I always recommend checking the care label first,' particularly when dealing with delicate fabrics. As Drew highlights, always make sure your pillowcases are completely dry before putting them back on the bed.

For a gentle, low-energy option, air-dry them on a Clothes Drying Rack, available at Amazon. Thorough drying helps prevent moisture buildup, which can contribute to mold, mildew, and further yellow staining. 'The best thing you can do is stay ahead of the buildup,' concludes Rechelle. 'Wash your pillowcases regularly and consider using a pillow protector. Once those oils sit in the fabric for a long time, they become much harder to remove.'

What to Shop

Below, shop pillow whitening essentials, Sleep Editor-approved bedding favorites, and pillow protectors to keep yours looking their best for longer.

It's equally important to regularly wash, dry, and care for your bed linen.

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After the long summer months and extended periods of warm weather, your mattress is in need of a refresh. If you're not quite ready to embark on the deep clean, though, a quick spritz of a designated cleaning spray will breathe new life into your sleep space, with virtually no effort required.

For this, the GEODE Mattress Cleaner & Deodorizer, available at Amazon, is perfect.

With a non-toxic formula and sweet lavender fragrance, it's an easy way to clean and care for your mattress in a matter of minutes.

Even if you air your bedding every morning and use one of the best mattress protectors, your mattress will still become periodically musty. You should give it a deep clean every six months, which will subsequently help you to sleep better, but what about those instances when you simply don't have time?

Enter the GEODE Mattress Cleaner & Deodorizer, available at Amazon. This natural enzyme cleaner breaks down tough odors and leaves your best mattress looking (and smelling) as good as new.

To get the best from it, I'd suggest stripping your bed (which offers the perfect opportunity to wash your bed linen) and giving your mattress a quick once-over with a handheld vacuum, or a Mattress Vacuum Cleaner, available at Amazon. This will remove any dust, debris, and pet dander that may have settled on the surface over spring and summer.

Afterwards, spot-treat any stains you may have missed when they occurred, either by cleaning with a baking soda and water paste, or with a dedicated Stain Remover, available at Walmart. Let these spots air-dry fully with the windows open.

Then, all that's left to do is mist your entire mattress with the GEODE Mattress Cleaner. This will banish any lingering stubborn stains and leave your mattress refreshed and scented with a soft, soothing floral fragrance.

'Fresh scent and it really works,' assures Anne, alongside a five-star review. 'I was very happy with this mattress cleaner and deodorizer. My mattress had developed a light sour odor, and after using this product, the smell was completely gone.

'It left behind a fresh, clean scent that wasn't overpowering. It worked exactly as advertised and was easy to use. If you're looking for a natural product that effectively removes light odors and freshens your mattress, I would definitely recommend trying this one.'

Kayla agrees. 'I was truly shocked when I walked back into the room after using this; [I] couldn’t believe the work on the stain removal!' they add. 'Have no idea how it works, but I’ll never buy another cleaner. Smells great too, which is just a bonus. I love it! Cannot recommend enough.'

Once your mattress is clean and refreshed, you can then remake your bed and get started on these other cleaning tasks to refresh your bedroom for winter.

What to Shop

Whether you regularly vacuum your mattress or hardly give it a second thought, you can shop from a selection of six handpicked cleaning essentials for refreshing your sleep space below.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Next, tackle the things you're forgetting to clean in your bedroom.

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Every home needs an ironing board, but not every home has space for one. Even with legs that fold flat, ironing boards can still be tall and cumbersome to store, while a clothes steamer can’t always smooth wrinkles from every garment.

Instead, the Joseph Joseph Tabletop Ironing Board, available at Amazon, is specifically designed with small spaces in mind. It's compact, foldable, and easy to store, yet there's still ample space to efficiently iron and keep your items looking their best.

It's the simplest, smallest addition to any home or small laundry room where you've been struggling to iron without an ironing board (or the space to house one).

Whether you are living in a small rented home or need to maximize space in a small laundry room, you can't get around the fact that an ironing board is a laundry essential. For compact spaces, or if you just don't want a large ironing board causing a visual eyesore in your home, this folding ironing board and organizer is ideal.

Rather than having to balance a big board against the wall or upright in a closet, with the iron squashed in haphazardly somewhere nearby, this hanging solution keeps them both together, compact and accessible, while making use of vertical storage to save space.

Then, when it's time to iron your clothes, which is undoubtedly one of the things people who are good at laundry always do, all you need to do is take it off the wall, fold it out on a table or countertop, and tackle your ironing. Despite the small size, the board provides plenty of space (35.4 x 13 inches) for effortlessly ironing shirts, trousers, dresses, and more.

With a 4.6-star rating across over 2,600 reviews, this indoor laundry accessory is impressively popular with shoppers.

'Compact, lightweight, and easy to use,' says Robert. 'This ironing board is super slick! It’s about 20 inches shorter than a full-size board.

'For those who want a compact and lightweight ironing board, this is it! [It] folds up neatly, has a bungee clip that keeps it secure once folded, and even has a little compartment that will easily hold a full-size iron.

'Easily slides under our bed when we want to hide it. Sets up in seconds and feels super high quality. If you’ve ever opened up one of those old school ironing boards and heard that metal grating sound, rest assured there is none of that here!'

Another five-star reviewer, Jen, adds, 'It makes me WANT to iron! My built-in board is actually blocked by a more useful shelving unit in the laundry room, and it has taken me years to finally buy another. I was actually shocked by the price for an ironing board, and the size of a traditional style just turns me off when I think about storing it and having to lug it around for setting up.

'This little unit is PERFECT! It’s lightweight but extremely well made and sturdy. I love that it requires very little space to store and can easily be popped up just about anywhere, at any height my heart desires. I appreciate the spot to place the iron onboard as well. The cover is nice and thick, too.'

With this little board, ironing in small spaces and keeping a laundry room organized is easier than ever.

What to Shop

Below, shop more Joseph Joseph laundry essentials, along with a few other compact favorites.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

If you're in need of more Joseph Joseph inspiration and recommendations, this Joseph Joseph AirFrame rack is perfect for winter laundry.

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There's something so comforting and ritualistic about lighting a candle and letting the fragrance fill your home with the soft flicker of a flame. It's a small act of self-care and indulgence − and Diptyque's brand new collection, Les Rituels de Soin, has been designed to elevate that sensorial experience from morning to night.

Inspired by the philosophy of ancient bathing and restoring the connection between body and soul, one candle, Le Matin, is for awakening and refreshing your home in the morning. The other, Le Soir, can be lit as you wind down in the evening to help soothe, comfort, and relax.

Part of the wider Les Rituels de Soin wellness collection, these new designs are set to become one of my best candles for burning throughout the day as temperatures start to drop and fall sets in.

Les Rituels de Soin, or the ritual of care, begins in the morning. The Le Matin Classic Candle, available at Diptyque, features lively vegetable notes to awaken the energy of you and your home, connecting it to the brightness of the new day.

It's light and fresh, with scents of crushed mint leaves mingled with ginger, and, in my opinion, has a gorgeously herbaceous undertone of basil. It's exactly the type of smell I'd like to burn first thing in the morning, either in my bathroom to make my bathroom smell like a luxury spa as I get ready for the day, or in the entryway. Like all Diptyque candles, which are my absolute favorites and always counted among my best home fragrances, it burns beautifully clean and is suitable for small and medium-sized rooms.

That clean burn also makes Diptyque candles the best for getting the candle wax out of them, allowing you to reuse these iconic candle jars around the house. These vessels always look effortlessly chic on a bathroom sink or shelf, and there are plenty of refills also available at Diptyque (though not in this particular scent).

Then comes evening − and time to light Le Soir. The soothing fragrance, with notes of chamomile, sage, and warming cedar, is comforting, calming, and a signifier to relax and unwind. I can also smell layers of lavender in this one, which is a great fragrance to have in your bedroom – my Le Soir candle is currently sitting pretty on my nightstand.

While each candle is sold individually for $90, you can also find the matching scent in the Energizing Morning Ritual Discovery Set and the Soothing Evening Ritual Discovery Set. Both are $92 each, and would make the most beautiful gift idea this holiday season.

It's not just things to make your home smell nice that are included in the new collection, either. There's also Nurturing Cleansing Gel, Comforting Moisturizing Lotion, Perfecting Satin Oil, Rich Soothing Balm, and Invigorating Scrub, among other gorgeous new additions.

For the home, the limited edition Mediterranean Essences Oval Tray, Apothecary Jars, and Mirror Box are all equally as luxurious, and there's even a Diptyque Tissue Box which is absolutely beautiful, if you have $315 to spare.

Shop the Collection

If I'm burning a candle at home, it's usually Diptyque. If I'm gifting a candle to a friend or family member, it's also usually Diptyque. The Paris-based brand is my favorite for all four seasons and all times of day, and you can shop six handpicked offerings from the brand-new Les Rituels de Soin collection below.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

With the start of September, I'm transitioning my home to embrace cozy fall fragrance with the best fall candles.

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Back in April, H&M Home surprised with a first-ever Salone del Mobile debut and an even more shocking announcement: a collaboration with none other than contemporary interior designer Kelly Wearstler. After months of ogling what we at H&G believe will become one of the buzzier drops in design history, the time to buy has officially arrived, with the collection dropping 3rd September.

The 29-piece collection plays in Kelly’s expert oppositions – raw with refined, old with new – spanning home decor, lighting, and modular furniture designed to shift with daily rituals, from sipping water to getting dressed, and changing environments, be it a city move or 'just a few people' revelry that keeps on growing.

Two impressively padded Poma Accent Chairs transform into a compact loveseat, organically elegant on their own and even more editorial together. The Soluna Lounge Chair? It's only the beginning of a cloud-like, family-ready sofa. The marble-topped Ortra Sofa Table fits snugly into a small living room or, multiplied, forms a semi- or complete circle to anchor a larger one once and for all.

Since this is a Kelly collaboration, the accessories aren’t ordinary either. The Cyma Vase and Aurex Table Lamp have strikingly flat, nearly 2D silhouettes, as if flattened beneath the rolling pin of the design gods – the sort of capital 'S' statement pieces that could make an ordinary thrift shop console look an octave more interesting. The squiggle-bottomed Mona Clothing Rack holds coats, sure, but doubles as sculpture. Meanwhile, the Etrine Tray has all the makings of the moodiest marble mosaic you, and surely your dining table, have ever seen.

The design stands on its own. The prices, however, deserve some context: a sofa from Kelly’s eponymous studio could run you around $50,000. Here, push a few modular spheres together, and you can build one for less than $1,500. Stools that might otherwise hover around $1,500? Now $269. Her most similar table lamp on-site is about $2,500. H&M Home now has a worthy adversary for $219. You get the picture. It’s a majorly democratic move for fans of Kelly and her avant-garde oppositions.

‘The opportunity to challenge both my own skills and those of my studio, while creating something artisanal yet accessible, was incredibly exciting. We began by questioning how objects can shape a space – creating sculptural pieces that feel expressive, tactile, and designed to endure,’ says Kelly Wearstler.

It’s a relatively tight collection, but still, nothing’s missing. From the side table to the carafe set crowning it, you could essentially furnish an entire Kelly-style living room from this collection alone. ‘We aimed to create a complete collection that could furnish an entire room,’ Kelly adds. ‘It’s about offering inspiring and important pieces that can also become part of our everyday moments.'

We’re looking at Off-White x IKEA-level resale fodder. Do with that information what you will. Shop Kelly Wearstler x H&M Home online or in select stores.

Who says sculptural can’t be snuggly? Take Kelly's signature cool into fall with our guide to cozy modern design.

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I use my Dutch ovens all the time. They’re one of those genuinely useful kitchen staples that can go from stovetop to oven and handle everything from browning meat and making soup to slow-cooking stews and Sunday roasts. The best Dutch ovens also retain heat exceptionally well, which is why they’re so good for low-and-slow cooking.

I own both the Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Cast Iron Dutch Oven from Target and the Our Place Perfect Pot from Amazon, so I know the benefits of both. The Our Place is lightweight and easy to handle, while my cast-iron pot has the heft and heat retention that make it ideal for slow cooking. That’s why ALDI’s new Crofton Dutch oven caught my eye.

At $29.99, it’s an affordable way to try cast-iron cooking without making a big investment. The green and cream versions are both priced at $29.99 and are due to be available from September 2.

That price is particularly appealing when you consider that similar cookware can cost considerably more. The Our Place Perfect Pot, for example, is $50, while a Le Creuset Dutch oven can run into the hundreds. And the colors make the ALDI versions even more appealing. The green and cream finishes have a refined, heritage feel that makes them look like cookware you’d happily leave on the stovetop.

Why Cast Iron Is Worth the Investment

The appeal of cast iron is really quite simple: it holds onto heat exceptionally well. Once the pot is hot, it stays hot, which is particularly useful when you're cooking something slowly and want a steady temperature throughout.

That's where a Dutch oven earns its keep. I use mine for everything from soups and stews to braises and one-pot dinners. You can brown your ingredients directly in the pot, add everything else, and let it simmer away without having to dirty another pan. It's also the sort of cookware that makes sense for colder months. A Dutch oven is practically an invitation to make something slow and comforting – a bubbling stew, a roast, or a casserole that can go straight from the oven to the table.

'A Dutch oven is one of those pieces that can really earn its place in a kitchen because of how versatile it is,’ says Chiana Dickson, Kitchen Appliances Editor at Homes & Gardens. ‘Cast iron is particularly useful for recipes that benefit from steady, retained heat, and having a good Dutch oven doesn't mean you need lots of other specialist cookware.’

If you've been tempted by a Le Creuset and the price has stopped you, the Crofton makes a compelling case for starting with something considerably more affordable. It's also a great non-toxic cookware option, too.

Le Creuset-Inspired Colors for Less

The other thing that stood out to me about ALDI's latest offering is the color palette. The green is the obvious choice for me – I already know how good a green Dutch oven can look sitting on a kitchen counter – but I also like the cream. Both have that slightly old-fashioned, heritage feel that makes cast-iron cookware so appealing in the first place.

This is where the Crofton Dutch oven feels more expensive than its $29.99 price tag. It doesn't look like a brightly colored piece of cookware designed to grab attention for a season. The green and cream are relatively restrained, so they should work just as well in a traditional kitchen as they would in a more modern space.

That's something Le Creuset has always understood particularly well. Its Dutch ovens aren't just functional; the colors are part of their appeal. They're pieces you leave out because they look good.

ALDI seems to be taking a similar approach here, just at a much more accessible price.

Shop Dutch Ovens

As a Cookware Editor, I have accumulated quite the collection of pots and pans. Between pieces I’m testing and tried-and-true favorites I can’t part with, my kitchen cabinets are packed to the brim.

That collection finally caught up with me the other day, when a cabinet shelf gave way under the weight of my best non-toxic cookware. Apparently, even sturdy stacks of cast iron can be too much for a few flimsy shelf pins.

I was in desperate need of a better solution, and luckily, I found one at Amazon: An adjustable, heavy-duty pan stand that slots neatly into a cabinet to offer reinforced support. It’s sturdy enough to hold even my heaviest Dutch ovens and bakeware, giving me considerably more peace of mind.

From my prized Le Creuset Modern Heritage Dutch Oven to my Hexclad Saute Pan, I own a lot of heavy-duty, high-quality cookware. They outperform more affordable options by a landslide, with their heritage craftsmanship to thank for delivering easy, delicious results night after night.

However, that craftsmanship means these pans are far from lightweight. Whether they are solid cast iron or tri-ply stainless steel, they are heavy enough on their own, let alone stacked together on a shelf. Really, I should have seen the collapse coming – the pins supporting my pan storage were holding on by a hope and a prayer.

When they nearly all came crashing down, I knew something would have to change. The answer is getting rid of the shelf entirely and replacing it with a standing cookware organizer from Amazon instead. The adjustable rack is designed to hold heavy cookware, with each shelf supporting up to 10.6 lbs. They are movable, too, to accommodate any pan and its lid without stacking, preventing scratches, chips, and damage in kitchen storage.

Because the stand holds one pan per shelf, it will also make organizing pots and pans a breeze. I will no longer have to take things out of the cabinet to reach a pot in the very back corner, for example.

When it comes to organizing and decluttering kitchen cabinets, this is one of the best investments you can make. It helps protect your heirloom cookware for years to come while making everyday cooking a little more streamlined. What’s not to love?

What Else to Shop

From clever storage solutions to the care tools I swear by, these are the essentials I keep on hand to clean, protect, and care for every type of cookware.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Running short on storage elsewhere in your kitchen? Consider the experts' tips for using vertical storage to save space.

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I've often said that adding a reed diffuser to a shelf, corner, or coffee table is one of the simplest ways to add elegance, style, and scent to a space. Recently, though, I found myself searching for something a little different and more interesting.

That's when I spotted the Lava-Stone Diffuser Set, available at H&M − a chic lidded stoneware pot filled with lava stones for dropping essential oils into. It's a clever (and non-toxic) way to make your home smell nice, without flames, reeds, or any risk of spills.

It's the luxurious addition your space is missing this fall, yet it costs just $19.99.

While there's nothing like the flicker of a flame during fall, sometimes it's necessary (or more convenient) to make a home smell nice without candles. When your best reed diffusers won't cut it, the Lava-Stone Diffuser Set, available at H&M, offers the ideal alternative.

It couldn't be quicker, easier, or a more effortless way to avoid any home fragrance mistakes − simply add a few drops of the included essential oils onto the lava stones and enjoy the way the fragrance subtly fills your home. It's suitable for any space, but I'd primarily use it to make my bathroom smell like a luxury spa.

The brown ceramic pot, my favorite, comes with an essential oil fragranced with smoky incense, spicy cardamom, and warm cedar − perfect for fall and winter − while the white option blends rich patchouli and sweet hints of orchid and fig.

This clever scenting trick works because lava stone is naturally porous, soaking up and holding onto fragrance. That's why you may have heard of using lava rock to water houseplants.

As you can reuse the ceramic vessel and rocks over and over again, paired with essential oil, this is also a non-toxic, zero-waste way perfumers scent their home for fall. And, as non-toxic ways to make your home smell nice go, it's also far less complicated and fussy than making a fall simmer pot, for example.

More to Shop

From the best fall candles to alternative ways to make your home smell like fall, I've handpicked six fragrance favorites to shop below.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Evening scenting and transforming my home with different notes throughout the home is the fragrancing trend I'm embracing this fall.

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When you don't have room for a shed, it can be hard to find a home for all the gardening tools you've collected over time. Not only that, but keeping them organized can be a hassle, resulting in a tangled pile that isn't so convenient for grabbing what you need – nor does it look great.

But there are actually plenty of backyard storage ideas for small spaces that work well for tools. This Amazon garden tool wall rack is one of the best for not only storing tools out of the way, but keeping them in a logical arrangement. It simply attaches to a wall and has hooks to hang up your tools, maximizing vertical space.

Of course, you want to make sure a wall mount is sturdy before trusting it to hold all your essential gardening tools. This Amazon one reassures me as reviewers share: 'The heavy-duty quality allows me to store all of my landscape tools without any clutter.' I particularly love that the hooks can be adjusted for the spacing and height you need for your specific tool set. Even better, it's currently 10% off in the Labor Day sale, so now is the time to upgrade your tool storage.

Why Store Tools Vertically?

Whether you opt for collapsible gardening tools or standard ones, hanging them up vertically is much more space-saving and organized than shoving them in a corner, where they may get damaged – especially if you don't have a shed.

'If you don't have a shed or garage to store your tools in, then my biggest tip is to stop thinking about the floor space that you don't have and start thinking about how you can use vertical space,' says homesteader and DIYer from The Waddle and Cluck, Ryan Chastain.

'Vertical space is the best option for small spaces. You could pick a small section of an interior wall, a covered porch, or even the back of a gate.

'You can use simple rails and hooks to hang your tools. I hang long-handled tools like shovels and rakes instead of leaning them in the corner because they're just going to fall over and become a tangled mess,' he explains.

Even these sturdy individual hooks from Amazon would work well if you want to create a more bespoke arrangement than a rigid wall rack. Either way, you can then organize your tools by function or length, e.g. one hook for pruning tools, another for trowels.

Storing tools under cover is preferable, as it will protect them from the elements.

'Moisture is going to cause rust, so it doesn't matter how good your storage is if it's just going to get wet,' Ryan explains.

If needed, something like this narrow patio cabinet from Wayfair makes a great alternative. Or, move your tools indoors for fall and winter when you aren't using them as frequently.

'Before you store your tools away for the winter season, you need to clean them thoroughly, get all the soil off, and then make sure that they are dry, especially anything with a metal blade,' Ryan advises.

Why Shoppers Love the Amazon Organizer

The Amazon garden tool wall rack seems like a good option for hooks to store your garden tools vertically. According to the reviews, it's sturdy and has a good capacity.

'[It's a] heavy-duty and reliable storage solution for keeping tools neatly arranged. The steel construction feels solid and durable, and it holds a good amount of weight without bending or shifting,' one five-star reviewer writes.

This Amazon garden tool wall rack can hold up to 480lbs, so it's a good choice for heavy garden tools, such as shovels, rakes, and long-handled weeding tools, as well as the smaller hand tools.

It has six hooks to work with, all of which are rubber-coated for a non-slip finish that keeps the tools in place. Meanwhile, the steel material is rust-resistant.

Arguably, the best feature about it is the fact you can customize the spacing and height of the provided hooks to personalize your tool organization.

'The adjustable hooks make it easy to customize spacing for different tools like rakes, shovels, and other long-handled equipment,' a shopper shares.

As for installation, the mount can just be drilled and attached to a wall, whether it's in your garage or on a covered porch.

'I thought the fact it came in 2 pieces would make it harder to install and use l, but we used a level, and it works flawlessly,' one person writes.

Perhaps the only downside is the fact there are only six hooks on this wall mount. But there is an option to purchase bigger mounts with more hooks, such as this 64" garden tool wall rack with 10 hooks on Amazon.

At just $35.99 ($32.39 on the current deal), it's a super affordable solution if you don't have a shed and want a bit more organization for your tools.

How I'd Style It

If you don't have a shed but still want that Pinterest-worthy potting shed look, then you can use the Amazon garden tool wall rack.

I would dedicate an area of your garage, covered porch, or even conservatory to create a one-stop tool station.

With the wall mount as the centerpiece to organize your tools, add a shelf or two above it. I would personally choose wooden shelves for rustic charm, displaying stacked terracotta pots on it (like this pack of small terracotta pots from Amazon).

You could even drill these hooks from Walmart into the shelf to add even more hanging space for lighter hand tools.

As an extra, pick up a potting bench from Amazon to create some workspace.

For a final touch (and if lighting your chosen area allows), don't forget to bring over some of your container garden plants to add some greenery and seasonal blooms.

What to Shop

If you're looking to expand your tool collection, we have guides to the best bulb planting tools and harvesting tools. If you're short on space, especially, our guide to the garden tools every small-space gardener needs might inspire you.

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Without a tumble dryer at home, I rely on clothespins to hang my laundry on my clothesline to air-dry. This may seem inconvenient, but I prefer the fresh scent that this slower process offers. What I don't appreciate, though, is how often my pins end up broken or lost on the journey from my washing machine to my yard and back.

That's why, when I spotted the Joseph Joseph PegStore, available at Amazon, I knew I had to invest. Complete with 30 pins and a handy storage stand to conveniently keep them all in one place, it's the useful laundry day addition I never knew I needed.

Now, doing laundry is easier than ever.

The benefits of air-drying laundry can't be disputed. It's more eco-friendly, gentler on fabrics, andcosts absolutely nothing to do. That is, unless you have to keep replacing lost or broken pins.

Introducing the Joseph Joseph PegStore, available at Amazon − a simple solution to make organizing a laundry room and hanging out washing easier than ever. It's undoubtedly one of the things organized people have in their laundry rooms, and for good reason.

With a compact size and handy hanging hook, this sturdy stand comes with 30 pins, each of which features ridged teeth for a secure grip on clothes. They, along with the stand, are also durable and UV-resistant, so are built to withstand heavy use, both indoors and outside, throughout all four seasons.

If working towards a more sustainable home is top of your priority list, both the stand and the pins are made with at least 70 per cent post-consumer recycled plastic, too. And, as they're built to last, you should also find yourself replacing them far less often than more affordable alternatives.

Shopper May, alongside a five-star rating, assures they're 'Great quality.' 'I was finally able to purchase the product and didn't regret it,' they explain. 'It is not only pretty but also has great quality; the pins are sturdy, [and] the holder is a great idea to have the pins in one place if not used. I really love the brand, did not disappoint with this product.'

Another, Nathan, even goes so far as to say the Joseph Joseph PegStore adds 'joy to laundry.'

'My overall experience with Joseph Joseph products has been beautiful and efficient design, so I was expecting exactly that from this product, and these delivered,' they share. 'I love that they come with an storage organizer that hangs from the line for easy access. They feel durable with a solid spring and texture and ergonomics that inspire use.

'While this product doesn't have me falling in love with the chore of laundry, it adds ease and even joy to hanging clothes to dry. My other wood and plastic pin options were far cheaper than this $25 option; however, this is a product I would actually consider buying again if it went missing... it adds that much value to an otherwise humdrum task.'

And, if you're already looking to get organized for Christmas, with gifting season just around the corner, John adds that the 'compact and convenient laundry solution' would 'make a good stocking stuffer [for] the organized person in your life.' Inspired and useful.

More to Shop

Below, shop from my handpicked selection of alternative Joseph Joseph favorites and useful laundry accessories.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Cleaning pros swear by these secret laundry ingredients for fresh and soft results every time.

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Labor Day is here again, and with it are some incredible deals from our favorite retailers. As summer comes to an end, it's a great time to reflect on what struggles you had in the garden this year and what could make it easier. For small gardens in particular, you may be thinking about space-saving solutions that will allow you to make the most of your courtyard, balcony, or patio.

To help you navigate the Labor Day deals, I've compiled my favorite small garden upgrades that actually work and elevate your outdoor space. From tools to create a vertical garden to this multipurpose potting bench with storage from Amazon, there are some great pieces you can pick up now to give yourself more room to grow next year. You might even want to pick up some collapsible garden tools to save even more storage space.

So, keep reading. Here are my top picks of small-space gardening upgrades that are actually worth buying this Labor Day – grab them while the sales last.

1. Vertical Garden

Vertical gardening is often the first point of call when it comes to maximizing limited outdoor space. By growing plants vertically, you gain ground space to grow even more.

While there are ways to create a DIY vertical garden, I have seen so many innovative products in recent years that do the work for you. From wall-hanging pocket planters (like this from Walmart) to outdoor tiered plant shelves, they all look quite attractive, too. You could even use trellis ideas to grow some of the best fast-growing climbers.

2. Outdoor Storage

If you don't have a shed or garage, it can be really hard to find a place to store all your essential gardening tools. That's why space-saving outdoor storage solutions are so handy.

I always look for storage boxes that not only have a large capacity but also look good. I love this Amazon 2-in-1 seat storage box, for example, which doubles as a garden bench. This tool hanger from Amazon is also useful; you can install it on your wall to hang up tools neatly and out of the way without damaging them.

3. Multipurpose Potting Bench

If there's just one small garden upgrade to spend a bit more money on, it's a potting bench that not only has a work surface but also storage, a potted plant display shelf, and even a sink area to rinse homegrown vegetables.

The good news is there are so many options on the market in different styles and designs, so you can opt for one that has all the features you need while matching your garden aesthetic.

Even better, in the Labor Day sales, these potting benches are amongst some of the best deals I've seen – this Amazon potting bench with a sink is just $85.98.

4. Portable Greenhouse

As a renter, my portable greenhouse is one of the best things I've purchased for my yard. They can easily be moved and are generally much smaller and cheaper than a more permanent greenhouse (though you can find large ones, like this walk-in portable greenhouse on Amazon).

A portable greenhouse offers you somewhere to shelter plants from frost in winter, extends the growing season, and makes it possible to grow your own food even in a limited space.

There are also portable cold frames (like this from Walmart) that are even more compact solutions.

5. Raised Planters

There are so many benefits to raised bed gardening, as it improves drainage for plants and means you don't have to rely on your yard's soil quality.

When it comes to small-space gardening, the other bonus is that it doesn't take up much space, usually comes with extra storage, and you don't even need ground soil to work with – perfect for patios and balconies.

I particularly like this wooden raised planter on Amazon, which divides the planter into planting pockets, similar to how square foot gardening works.

Whatever you choose, there are a few raised gardening mistakes to be aware of if you want to ensure your efforts are successful.

As well as investing in some new garden upgrades this Labor Day, you can start planning for next year's garden. There are several plants that work particularly well in small gardens and tricks to make a small patio feel more expensive.

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If there's one area of your home that deserves more attention, it's your entryway. This space sees more footfall than any other, with you, your family, and guests coming and going year-round. With this constant stream of people comes an accompanying flow of dirt, dust, debris, and moisture.

This only gets worse in the fall and winter, but cleaning daily can be overkill. In between more thorough cleans, there is one affordable home hero that cleaning experts suggest spraying around your front door and entryway: vinegar.

Ahead, cleaning experts explain why a quick spritz of this household staple is one of the things people with clean entryways always do.

As Karina Toner, Cleaning Expert and Operations Manager at Spekless, explains, 'Shoes track in dirt, people touch the front door and handles constantly, and outdoor odors, dust, and moisture all tend to collect right around the entrance. A diluted vinegar spray can be a useful little trick for keeping that area fresh between more thorough cleanings.'

Of course, vinegar is by no means a replacement for a full-on disinfectant, but cleaning with vinegar is a tried-and-true, all-natural and non-toxic alternative. 'Its acidity can help break down grime and cut through lingering odors rather than simply covering them up with fragrance,' she adds.

Spraying vinegar on the front door is also an effective hack to remove ants and other pests. 'Ants are repelled by it,' explains Ashley Torres, Cleaning Expert and Team Leader at Karen's Green Maids. 'Ants travel long distances based on chemical trails. When you use vinegar to wipe down the entranceway, you’re removing the chemical trail they’ve been using to find their next food source.'

'Since you’re removing their ability to track their next meal, they’ll go searching elsewhere. Spraying vinegar on your doors and entryways keeps them constantly searching for their next food source; however, it doesn’t eliminate them. Therefore, you will need to repeat this process weekly or biweekly.'

Keep in mind, also, that this natural pest control method is a deterrent, not a cure. If you're dealing with a significant pest problem, as with any, it's best to call pest control instead.

How to Apply Vinegar to Your Front Door and Home Entrance

To freshen your entryway, Karina advises mixing white vinegar, available at Walmart for under $3, with water, and adjusting the vinegar-to-water ratio depending on the cleaning task at hand.

'For a reliable everyday spray, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a reusable spray bottle,' she says, adding, 'I prefer a reusable glass bottle because vinegar is acidic and glass holds up well over repeated use.' For this, we recommend the Vivaplex Amber Glass Spray Bottles, also available at Walmart. 'For lighter cleaning or for sensitive surfaces where you might be concerned about a lingering vinegar smell, you can dilute it further and go with one part vinegar to two parts water.

'Give the bottle a quick shake before spraying, then mist the solution onto a microfiber cloth rather than soaking the front door itself. Wipe the door, handle, and nearby hard surfaces, then allow them to dry.

'Misting onto the microfiber cloth instead of directly on the door gives you much better control and prevents liquid from running into seams, hardware, or areas where you don’t want moisture sitting.'

That being said, so long as you're careful, you can also spray this solution (from a distance) directly onto your doorsteps, doorframe, and around the entryway.

'I’d also give the door frame, nearby baseboards, light switches, and the wall area around the entrance a quick wipe, since these spots collect plenty of fingerprints, dust, and grime from people coming and going,' adds Karina. 'If you have a console table, bench, or other hard surfaces in the entryway, those can get the same treatment as long as the surface or material is vinegar-safe.

'Then there’s the part of the entryway that takes the biggest beating: the floor. You can use a more diluted vinegar solution on some hard flooring, but the material matters here, so always check the manufacturer’s recommendations first. I’d also wipe down shoe trays and the area underneath them regularly, since they’re often catching water, salt, mud, and whatever else gets tracked inside.'

There's just one important caveat to cleaning your entryway with vinegar − don't just reach for it blindly to apply on every surface, and always test it on small, inconspicuous spots first.

'Do not apply vinegar to marble or unsealed wood flooring as it will cause discoloration that cannot be reversed,' warns Ashley. 'Test a small section of paint near the bottom of your door to see if it affects the finish before applying vinegar to the entire door. Lastly, do not mix vinegar with bleach as it creates toxic fumes that are difficult to ventilate effectively in small spaces such as entryways.'

What to Shop

If you'd like to try your hand at this all-natural way to get rid of musty smells in your entryway, you can shop the essentials, along with other recommendations, below.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Experts

'The nice thing about this routine is that it doesn’t have to become another big cleaning project,' adds Karina. 'A quick wipe of key points in the entryway every week or two can help keep the spot looking great, particularly during muddy or rainy seasons.'

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