Aurelia Butler

1Store pantry itemsA Beautiful MessBring in wicker baskets to corral back-up ingredients, like coffee grinds, seltzer water, or bottles of liquor. The key is to store items you won’t need until your current bottle or bag runs out. See more at A Beautiful Mess »2Show off artworkStyle by Emily HendersonAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below3Arrange cookbooksAmy Bartlam Open shelving above upper cabinets is the perfect place to display cookbooks—remember it’s more about decor, it will be too difficult to pull them down on a regular basis. Designer Jenn Feldman also hangs picture lighting above. Photo by: Amy Bartlam4Add baskets to hide clutterPretty in the PinesNot only do wicker baskets add texture to any space, they’re great for storage. Tuck infrequently used items (think small appliances or seasonal dishtowels) into baskets to keep them out of sight. See more at Pretty in the Pines »Advertisement – Continue Reading Below5Display vases and sculpturesStyle by Emily HendersonCountertops should be clear for cooking, which means there aren’t many spaces to showoff art and decor in the kitchen. Arrange decorative vases, sculptures, and wood cutting boards on top of cabinets. See more at Style by Emily Henderson »6Let houseplants growChristopher SturmanIn this sunny kitchen, designed Proem Studio, houseplants thrive on top of kitchen cabinets. The fresh greenery fills dead space and creates a calming effect.Photo by: Christopher SturmanAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below7Layer in small decorChristene Holder HomeMake the most of vertical space and add charm. Going for a “cottagecore” vibe, this blogger weaves in cozy decor, including wicker bins, faux houseplants, and vintage books. See more at Christene Holder Home »8Fill food storage containersJane Merritt/The House That Lars BuiltStore extra ingredients on top of kitchen cabinets—ideally in pretty storage jars, like these pink and bronze ones. Think flour, sugar, and grains that you don’t use on a daily basis. See more at The House That Lars Built »Advertisement – Continue Reading Below9Organize wicker basketsTidbits & CompanyAfter organizing every cabinet and drawer, this blogger takes it a step further: wicker bins on top of the cabinet for hidden storage. It also adds a much-needed pop of texture.See more at Tidbits & Company »10Build in cubbies for storageAaron ColussiIf you have dead space over kitchen cabinets, add dividers to create cubbies for baskets. It’s a great place to stow away back-up items, like unopened spices or boxes of pasta. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below11Embrace natural materialsStanislav Uvarov//Getty ImagesNatural textures—pampas grass, wicker, or rattan—add warmth to an industrial space. A statement light fixture also draws attention to the ceiling, to create the illusion of a larger space. Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowReaders Also ReadAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

Even the most hard-working cleaners can fall into bad habits. We tapped cleaning pros to tell us about the bad cleaning habits to break, from overloading the dishwasher (okay, guilty!) to mixing different cleaning agents. While it may seem tedious to follow some of these good cleaning habits, like reading the product instructions before getting started or sweeping before mopping, these expert-recommended practices will save you time and even money in the long run. By building good habits, you won’t have to re-do areas of the home you’ve already cleaned or replace appliances earlier than you’ve budgeted for. Bad habits like leaving damp towels in the dryer or putting too many items in the dishwasher can leave you with bigger messes or funky smells — things that no one really wants to deal with. Here are the bad cleaning habits pros say you should break. Not reading the instructions. Sure, there are plenty of great multi-purpose sprays out there that can safely be used on a variety of surfaces, but it pays to always double-check the package instructions. And if you’re using DIY cleaners, be sure you’re schooled on what solutions are compatible with the various surfaces in your home. For example, you shouldn’t use dish soap or vinegar on natural stone, says Chris Willat, founder of Alpine Maids in Denver. Using too much cleaner. More isn’t better, either, says Ryan Knoll, owner of Tidy Casa, a cleaning company in Phoenix. “Overusing products, especially on floors, leaves sticky residue that can actually attract dirt,” he says. “A small amount goes a long way, and it’ll help your surfaces stay cleaner longer.” Mixing different cleaning products.A duo of bleach and ammonia might sound like a powerhouse for a tough mess, but this combo creates dangerous gasses, says Knoll. “Leave the chemistry experiments to the pros.”Overloading the dishwasher.Many think they’re saving time, water and energy by cramming their appliance full of stuff, but dishes need some breathing room for a sparkling clean finish. “A good rule of thumb when loading the dishwasher is if the water can’t reach it, it won’t get clean,” says Carolyn Forté, the Executive Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Cleaning Lab. Vacuuming without changing the filter.“A lot of people forget to clean out the filters, but a clogged filter sends dirt back into the air and around the home,” says Knoll. It also reduces suction power, increases energy consumption and can even ruin your machine over time. “Replacing the filter or washing it out only takes a few minutes and will get the vacuum working like new again,” says Knoll.Leaving wet towels or clothes in a pile.When wet, towels — or any fabrics for that matter — are breeding grounds for mold, especially in humid climates. Hang towels or other laundry up to dry after use to prevent that musty smell and keep bacteria from multiplying.Mopping without sweeping first.Yes, even if you don’t see visible dirt, you need to sweep or vacuum prior to mopping. “Routine sweeping and vacuuming prevents grit from scratching up your floors,” says Knoll. Not maintaining your cleaning tools.“All supplies should be taken care of as soon as a clean is completed,” says Joseph Passalacqua, CEO and owner at Maid Sailors Cleaning Service in New York. “Rags should be cleaned, bottles wiped off (this is especially true if using bleach-based cleaners and vacuums cleaned out.” It’s not just a good habit — it keeps everything in good, working order and even extends the life of your supplies. Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter. More

Even the most organized and diligent cleaners can fall into bad habits. But if you’re wondering about the cleaning mistakes pros never make, you’re in the right place. From the things you’re probably cleaning wrong to those TikTok-famous cleaning hacks that aren’t all they’re cracked up to be, here are the mistakes that experts say most of us are making when we clean. After all, no one’s perfect! Some mistakes — like vacuuming first or ignoring nooks and crannies— create more work for you, which is never fun. Other mistakes, like mixing incompatible cleaning agents or using the wrong cleaner for the wrong surface, can damage your home or even be dangerous for your health. These cleaning tips will save you time, energy, and money — consider it a win-win-win! Here are the bad cleaning habits that the pros say you should break, and what you should do instead when you’re tidying. Using too much of a cleaning product“Many people think that using more cleaning solutions or sprays will lead to cleaner surfaces resulting in cleaner areas,” says Ryan Knoll, owner of Tidy Casa in Phoenix, Arizona. “Overusing cleaning sprays, solutions or bottled products can leave behind heavy residues on surfaces that may attract debris and dirt or cause streaks that you never want.” Mixing cleaning products”People often think that if one product works, mixing it with another one will make it even better,” says Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab. But certain duos that can pose a serious threat to your health and the environment when mixed together. Take bleach and vinegar, for example. “Together, they produce chlorine gas, which even at low levels, can cause coughing, breathing problems and burning, watery eyes,” says Forté.Using the wrong cleaner for the wrong surfaceYou know how most carpet cleaning products come with a disclaimer that suggests you try a test spot before tackling a larger area? That’s because some cleaning products aren’t compatible with certain fabrics or surfaces and can cause irreparable damage. For example, when cleaning your laptop screen, you should never use a glass cleaner, says Forté. Another example? Though vinegar may sound like a gentle and all-natural cleaner, you should never use it to clean natural stone surfaces, as the acid can damage the stone, she says.Cleaning out of orderA lot of people take out the vacuum first, but you should really start at the top, says Knoll. Clean the curtains, the fan in the living room, the pictures, the TV, the entertainment center… everything else goes before the floor. Why? While you’re cleaning these spots, dirt will inevitably fall, littering your freshly vacuumed or mopped hardwood floors or carpeting, says Knoll. In the end, you’ll have to repeat a task you thought you’d already completed — a complete waste of time. FotoDuets//Getty ImagesNeglecting high-touch spotsHigh-touch spots are areas in the home that get touched by hands constantly throughout the day: door handles, light switches, remote controls, gaming controls, refrigerator door handles, microwaves, etc. These small areas may seem insignificant, so they often go overlooked, but can harbor a significant amount of dirt and bacteria because of how much they get used, says Knoll, who recommends cleaning these areas at least weekly. “Wipe them down with a solution of soap water, or disinfecting product or wipe,” he says. Steaming hardwood floorsEven though some steam mop manufacturers claim it’s safe to clean hardwood with steam, Forté does not recommend these appliances for use on wood (sealed, waxed or unfinished) and laminate floors — even on the lowest steam settings. Since most wood floors are not completely sealed, steam can penetrate the finish and warp the wood. When cleaning wood floors, we recommend a good old-fashioned wet mop instead. sefa ozel//Getty ImagesIgnoring nooks and cranniesWhen you ignore hard-to-reach spots — like the space behind the toilet — the dirt builds and may even get embedded into floors or woodwork, making it much more difficult to clean, says Joseph Passalacqua, CEO and owner at Maid Sailors Cleaning Service in New York. Buying into all of the cleaning hacks out thereYou could easily find yourself scrolling TikTok’s #CleanTok for hours on end, but our pros say you shouldn’t believe everything you see on the internet. Take laundry stripping, for example. While it is technically safe for sturdy white, off-white or colorfast fabrics, Forté says the process of laundry stripping can be time-consuming and inconvenient — and that there are other, better ways to avoid build-up in your fabrics. Using dirty cleaning toolsAlways clean your tools immediately after using and replace them as needed. Dirty cloths, mops, and full vacuum cleaner bags won’t effectively remove dirt and debris, Forté, who says you’ll end up working extra hard with minimal results to show for it. Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter. More

Clean windows make your whole house feel fresher and brighter. We’ve got expert-backed tips on how to clean windows without streaks. We tapped Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care & Cleaning Lab, for her best tips on how to clean your windows at home. First things first, you’ll want to ensure you’re cleaning both the inside and outside of your windows. Clean windows let more light in, which is great for your indoor houseplants and your overall mood. But if you clean your windows without using the proper tools and techniques, you may find they have streaks and grime left behind even after they’re freshly cleaned. Avoid the frustration with these tips from our resident cleaning pro on how to make your windows sparkle. We’ve got insights on the best products to use and how to avoid the most common window cleaning mistakes. How to clean windows — inside and outsideFollow Forté’s expert tips below, including effective window-cleaning products (there’s even a homemade window cleaning solution!) and methods to enjoy sparkling windows once and for all. Start by removing dust from the window frame, tracks and sill with a vacuum, duster or cloth. Do the same with blinds or shades. If you have curtains, this is a good time to remove and wash them, following the care instructions.To clean window screens, remove them and vacuum or brush them to get rid of dust. If they need a deeper clean, wash them with a warm, sudsy mix, then rinse and allow them to dry completely.Spray the windows with a generous amount of glass cleaner.Using a lint-free paper towel or microfiber cloth, wipe the windows from top to bottom. If you see any streaks, give them another wipe until the glass is clear.While the screens are drying, wipe the outside of your windows and frames with a soft brush or disposable cloth to remove loose dirt and dust.Repeat steps 3 and 4 on the outside window glass. You’ll probably have to use a little more elbow grease (or just a few extra rounds of spraying and wiping) to get rid of all the grime from outside. Depending on the design of the windows, you may be able to clean both sides from inside the house, or if you have removable storm windows, take them off completely for cleaning.Pop your screen back in, hang your curtains and step back to marvel at the shine! What is the best window cleaner?Don’t hold back on the spray, especially if the windows look extra dirty. “You need plenty of cleaner to dissolve and suspend the dirt so it can be completely wiped away — skimp and you’ll be seeing streaks,” Forté says.She recommends Invisible Glass Cleaner. The aerosol mist stays where you spray it for fewer drips and mess. Check out more of our top-tested cleaners, depending on the job:Homemade Glass CleanerIf you would rather go the DIY route, try whipping up this homemade vinegar cleaner:Combine the ingredients and pour them in a spray bottle. If you have kids or pets, write the ingredients on the outside of the bottle for safety.If you live in an area with hard water, consider using distilled water to make a DIY glass cleaner. By the way, the vinegar in this DIY cleaner will also help with those stubborn stains. The U.S. Geological Survey says it’s the acidity of vinegar that allows the minerals left behind from hard water to be washed away.Common window cleaning mistakes Mistake #1: Cleaning windows on a sunny day. When it comes to cleaning your windows, an overcast day is your best bet, according to Forté. “Do this job in the blazing sun and the cleaner will dry onto the hot windows before you get to wipe it off, leaving hard-to-remove streaks,” she says. Consider beginning on the shady side of your home if the weather fails to cooperate. Mistake #2: Failing to remove dirt and dust before spraying cleaner on top. Use a handheld vacuum, a good brush or your machine’s dust attachment to remove dirt from the window frame. That way, it won’t turn the dirt into a goopy mess once you spray your cleaner. If your window screen still appears quite grimy, pop it out and use a soft brush and hot, sudsy water to wash it well. Once you’re done, rinse it and leave it to dry before placing it back in the window. Whenever you need to dust blinds or shades quickly, Forté suggests using a microfiber duster on both sides. You can also open the slats and pass over each one with a damp cloth. Finish the job with a dry cloth. LAB TIP: Refresh curtains at the same time by putting them in the dryer for 15 minutes on an “air-only” cycle and rehanging quickly to keep wrinkles at bay. Mistake #3: Using an old cotton rag to dry windows. Some people like drying panes with newspaper, but you’re better off using reusable microfiber cloths. “They are super absorbent, washable and leave the glass shiny and streak-free,” Forté says.Try Casabella Microfiber Glass Cloths, which have a special honeycomb texture to nab water spots, smudges and dirt from mirrors and glass without scratching. If you would rather use paper towels, choose a brand that’s up to the task. Weak paper towels can shred and leave lint behind. In our test of the best paper towels you can buy, Bounty Regular held up the best when wet.Another favorite of the Good Housekeeping Institute: is the E-Cloth Window Cleaning Kit, which won a 2023 Good Housekeeping Cleaning Award. All you have to do is dampen the waffle cloth to get rid of any build-up and then use the included polishing cloth to remove streaks.Mistake #4: Wiping with a squeegee. “Professional window cleaners swear by them, but you have to know how to use them correctly,” Forté says. “You squeegee down and where does the water go? On the floor.” Because of the potential mess and drip factor, she avoids using squeegees, especially for small panes, but they can be more helpful on bigger, picture windows. Mistake #5: Cleaning all of your windows in one day. You only need to clean your windows once or twice a year, Forté says, but it’s even easier if you divide the job room by room. When you’re cleaning, wipe one side of the window horizontally and the other vertically. If any streaks do form, you’ll easily know whether they’re on the outside or the inside.From 2021 to 2023, Jodhaira (she/her) was a product reviews analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care & Cleaning Lab, where she tested and wrote about home appliances, cleaning products and cleaning tips. Prior to joining GH, she graduated from Hofstra University with a bachelor’s degree in forensic science and spent two years as an analyst in an environmental lab in Queens.Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.”Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter. More

Reddit users are debating the right way to load plates into the dishwasher.Some face all their plates in one direction, while others place them so that the dirty side of the plates face the center of the machine.How do you load your dishes in the dishwasher?If you’ve ever lived with a few roommates or even a partner, you’ve probably debated the “right” way to do a number of household chores that you didn’t think twice about in the past. Whether it’s as simple as how to store mugs in a cabinet or the putting utensils in the dishwasher, there are always multiple methods to get the same job done—and plenty of ways to argue about it.After debating with a family member, @BarterBardTales took to Reddit to discuss the most effective way to load plates into the dishwasher. “Which is the proper way to load the dishwasher? I understand in the grand scheme of things this is trivial, but I’d like to know your opinions, in hopes it eases my mind,” they wrote in r/CleaningTips.All Plates Facing the Same DirectionThe Reddit user who started the thread shared a photo of how they load the dishwasher, with all plates and bowls facing the same direction, compared to how their family member loads it. While plenty agreed that they load it similarly, many mentioned their concern with how close the plates are to one another. Bohdan Bevz//Getty Images”Your way, but my instinct is to double-space the bowls. Looks a bit too tight for the water to pass through that stack,” wrote one user. “You need way more spacing. Skip a couple of rungs,” wrote another.Others had an entirely different concern, sharing that plates should actually face towards the center, meaning ones loaded on the left should face the ones loaded on the right so that all dirty surfaces are facing the sprayer in the middle of the dishwasher.Plates Facing the Center of the MachineOne user felt particularly passionate about all plates facing the center of the machine, claiming they called their manufacturer for proper details: “The food-contacting sides of plates should be facing the center of the dishwasher… so if you have a bunch of plates ( ( ( ( ( (, they should be put in like this: ( ( ( ) ) )”Hazal Ak//Getty ImagesWhile some users expressed their gratitude for this important tip, others shared they’ve been doing the same thing their whole lives. “The insides of plates should be facing inwards toward the nozzles,” wrote one user. “Face the plate eating surfaces towards the center for better spray,” shared another. The VerdictAs long as your plates are coming out of the dishwasher clean, there’s not too much to worry about. But if you’re wondering if there really is a “right” answer, we asked our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute for their opinion.”While it’s always best to follow your dishwasher manufacturer’s loading guidelines, if they can go in either way (some racks only allow loading in one direction), it’s best to face the dirty surfaces toward the center for the best cleaning,” says Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Home Care & Cleaning Lab.So if you don’t currently follow this technique and have noticed residue on certain items after running the dishwasher, you might want to give it a shot.More Dishwasher TipsLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.  More

Some nights, the sink garbage disposal might be the MVP of your kitchen. But there are several common items that cleaning pros say you shouldn’t put down your garbage disposal. Experts from the Good Housekeeping Institute have weighed in and told us what to keep out of the garbage disposal. While some might seem obvious, others may surprise you. The good news is that many of these no-go items can be tossed in the trash or composted instead before you put the plate in the dishwasher. Some scraps shouldn’t be put down the garbage disposal because they’re too hard for the blades to handle. Others are prone to creating blockages in your pipes, which can lead to a truly unpleasant situation — and a costly one if you need to have the appliance repaired. Keep reading for expert insight on which items should never be put in the garbage disposal.1. BonesThis one may seem obvious, but big bones from chicken carcasses, ribs and other animal proteins shouldn’t make their way into your disposal. They’ll simply spin around, possibly even damaging the blades. And while some may say small bones from food like fish can go down the disposal, we caution against it and suggest taking these items to the trash instead. 2. ShellsSimilarly, you should never put oyster or clamshells down the disposal — they’re much too hard for the blades to tackle. The hard exoskeletons of other shellfish, including crabs, lobster and shrimp, are also better off in the garbage can, as they can cause damage to both your system’s blades and pipes. 3. Coffee groundsYou may have heard conflicting advice on coffee grounds — there’s a common misconception that they can help clean your disposal. And while they do seem innocent enough, our experts say they can actually pile up in the system, leading to a sludgy mess that could potentially clog your pipes.4. EggshellsEggshells are another item that gets tossed around as a good way to clean your machine or even sharpen the blades, but we advise against this as well. The membrane lining inside the shell can also build up, leading to trouble. 5. Fibrous vegetablesGarbage disposals make quick work of discarding veggie scraps, but foods like celery, asparagus and corn husks should never make it into your disposal. The long, fine strands that compose these items can get tangled up in the blades, wreaking havoc on the machine’s efficiency. 6. Produce stickersYou know those little stickers that detail the food’s PLU code for reference at the grocery store? Make sure to peel those off and toss them in the trash before discarding any food scraps in the garbage disposal. They can attract other bits of debris that could eventually causing a blockage. 7. PitsThe pits from fruit like peaches, plums, mangos and avocado should never make their way down your drain. Like bones, they’re much too tough for the blades and can cause damage. They may also get lodged in pipes if they happen to make their way through. 8. Pasta and riceKids left some macaroni, a hunk of lasagna or remnants of fried rice on their plate? Scrape that right into the trash before rinsing the dish — starchy foods like pasta and rice expand when exposed to liquid, even after they’ve been fully cooked. This can cause buildup in your disposal, eventually leading to plumbing problems. 9. Potato peelsSimilarly, the starch from potato peels can swell and get gummy in your garbage disposal, causing issues down the line. Liudmila Chernetska//Getty Images10. OatsDon’t dump the last bits of your morning oatmeal into the disposal, either. Like other starchy foods, this seemingly innocent item expands and can create a sticky mess inside the appliance. 11. BeansChickpeas, white beans, black beans… whatever legume you enjoy, they should end up in the trash rather than the disposal. Like starches, these items have a tendency to get sticky inside the machine and may even coat the blades, leading to efficiency issues and even full malfunction. 12. Onion skinsSimilar to eggs, the thin membrane on the inside of an onion’s skin can get lodged in the drain, which can trap other food that would otherwise make it down the pipes and cause clogs. Onions and their skins also tend to be stringy and can wrap around the blades. 13. NutsNuts are not only hard and can eventually dull your garbage disposal’s blades, but they can also create a muddy mess inside that can eventually lead to blockages. Think about it: Nut butters, like peanut and almond butter, are made by grinding the nuts into a paste! 14. Grease, oil and other fatsGrease, oil and other fats like melted butter should never go down your sink — regardless of whether you have a disposal. It’s the same concept as what fat can do to your arteries. When it hardens, it can cause stubborn clogs in your drain and pipes. Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York. More

Never underestimate the power of layered lighting. Since relying on your overhead lighting can quickly veer into interrogation territory, a handful of lamps, pendants, and sconces are crucial for creating an atmosphere that’s warm, welcoming, and oh-so-cozy. Problem is, many design lovers become fixated on the fixture itself or the perfect lightbulb temperature—no clinical white here!—and overlook a lampshade. The topper that comes with your lamp might be sufficient, but if you’re looking to level up your home decor, take a cue from Joanna Gaines and opt for a white, pleated lampshade. The HGTV alum might be known for her signature modern farmhouse style, but there’s more to her design perspective than shiplapped walls. Over the years, we’ve seen Gaines experiment with moody colors, florals, and loads of texture. Most recently, she’s been sprinkling pleated lampshades in her kitchen, bathroom, and even Hoda Kotb’s new office. In fact, the Magnolia mogul even sells one through her home decor brand. It’s a small detail—one that could arguably go unnoticed—but it’s an easy and virtually effortless way to elevate your space. There’s a reason why a plain white lampshade is one of the most common toppers around: The airy shade diffuses the light beautifully and creates a light source that’s bright, but not blinding. Plus, you have to admit that white looks good with every decorating style and color palette. Not only does Gaines’s version tick off all the boxes, but the simple fold brings a thoughtful finishing touch. It’s as if someone took a few extra minutes to make their space feel more curated—and it shows. The result? Special, not store-bought. Small Pleated Lamp ShadeFabric Empire Lamp ShadeWhite Mushroom Pleated SetThat said, most lamps come with a plain white shade, so you’ll likely have to find your own topper. The trick? Perfecting proportions. As a general rule of thumb, a shade should be wider and about half as tall as the base. The right shade should also cover the lamp’s harp, though it’s worth mentioning a lamp’s hardware can typically be adjusted.As for where to place your pleated lampshade? The ceiling’s the limit. Whether you place one on a hallway scone or top it above a living room table lamp, one thing’s for sure: This design idea is equal parts bright and beautiful. Related StoriesKelsey Mulvey is a freelance lifestyle journalist, who covers shopping and deals for Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, and ELLE Decor, among others. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos. More

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