Home Ideas

Shelves are the unsung heroes of home design; they do it all, from showcasing treasures to corralling chaos. Whether you’re looking to maximize storage space in a city apartment, or want to proudly show off your plant collection in a spacious sunroom, adding a few shelves to any space can be a great way to declutter and bring interest to virtually every part of your home. If you’re ready to take your display game to the next level, read on for five smart — and stylish — shelving tips from Los Angeles-based interior designer Hema Persad, plus ideas for what to stock up on from The Home Depot (bonus: You can shop everything online!).Select complementary elements for a cohesive lookBy definition, shelves bring together disparate options—vases, frames, coffee table books. In order to make sure all of these items stick together, Persad has some key words of advice. “Choose a color palette and stick to it,” she says. “Choose no more than three main colors — for example black, white and green — and make sure all of the items you’re displaying fall within these color families.” You’ll get a similar effect by working within the same design references; if your style is rustic, you have a weakness for all things Mid-century Modern, or you love Art Deco, let that aesthetic guide you. That way, says Persad, “no matter what’s on each shelf, everything seems like it belongs together without looking too matchy-matchy.”Banish clutter to create more spaceWhen you’re using shelves as display space or decor similar to wall art, less is definitely more. Persad advises that wall-mounted shelves should definitely have some blank areas. “If I am styling a set of shelves, I’ll typically do one with three or four items on it, and the next one down or up might have one statement item on it,” she explains. “You have to give your eyes a chance to rest on something.” Above all, she says to listen to your own instincts. If you feel anxious when your eye lands on the shelf, it’s a sign to edit your collection. Litton Lane Multi Colored Metal Contemporary TraysCosmoLiving by Cosmopolitan Gold Metal Contemporary Geometric SculpturesLitton Lane Aluminum Gold Jacks Sculptures Artistic Weavers Serena Pink Glass Decorative VaseTurn storage containers into stylish decorIf you’ve got a lot of stuff to wrangle, “baskets and cute stacking boxes are your best friends here,” says Persad. “They can be used to corral items like photos, trinkets, or games,” reducing the amount of objects on display while still keeping all of your beloved things handy. You can also rotate souvenirs in and out of the boxes to mix up your decor when you’re ready for a change; think of your home as a gallery with seasonal “exhibits.”Trays are another fun addition to shelves — in bedrooms, use them to show off a pretty collection of perfume bottles (and keep liquids from dripping onto, and staining, your furniture). In the kitchen, arrange some of your most colorful spices on trays as art you can use. Bring your shelves to life with plantsIf you have a green thumb, shelves are an ideal way to display that plant collection. (And if you don’t have plants already, consider starting with one or two to bring greenery and oxygen into your home—or go for faux.) For maximum impact and healthy foliage, choose plants based on the shelf location. “Pothos and other trailing plants tend to do really well on shelves because they don’t need a lot of water or light, and they trail as they grow instead of getting taller,” says Persad. “If your shelf sits high on the wall and beyond arm’s reach of a window, think about going for a faux option or a succulent like a string of pearls or a small echeveria.”Peach & Pebble Tan Ceramic Planter SetNearly Natural Artificial Pothos with Decorative VaseFlora Bunda Artificial String of PearlsPeach & Pebble Ceramic Indoor Planter Plus Medium Wood Stand Save some headspace above your books and objectsWhen assembling shelving, “I leave a minimum of 16 inches between shelves, which leaves enough room for taller items. You want that variation on heights of things to add interest,” Persad explains. “If there’s not enough space between shelves, you end up with a bunch of short items which can fall flat, visually.” A certain amount of blank space serves as a frame, spotlighting the objects on display and making the whole room look more serene. More

There’s nothing like a big score — you see “the one,” place a bid and wait. After refreshing and refreshing (and refreshing some more), the auction ends and the treasure is yours. Whether you shop eBay to build your library of 1950s comic books or you’re on the hunt for more Depression-era milk glass, investing time and money in a collection of objects you love can be a hobby that sparks both joy and decorating inspiration. Your treasures should have pride of place in your home, but incorporating dozens of antique teapots seamlessly into your decor can pose a challenge.To help you parlay your collectibles into a stylish display — and give guests the pleasure of marveling at your online shopping prowess and your excellent taste in vintage movie posters — we turned to Washington-based interior designer Jessica Nelson. Here are her expert tips on how to best show off a beloved collection.Play favoritesNelson recommends starting with what you love the most. For her, that would be a collection of vintage mirrors in her hallway that she regularly updates. “It’s so fun to keep adding to this and building it out with new finds,” she says. HomeSquare Stratton Home Decor Metal Eye Wall MirrorMoe’s Home Collection Remi MirrorGDFStudio McKay Contemporary Bell Shaped Wall MirrorIf your weakness is European posters for American movies, choose the most special few pieces and hang them — nicely framed, of course — in the living room. When the mood strikes, swap out the posters so the display is always fresh. That way, you’ll get to have some of your prized possessions on display without turning your space into a poster museum. Put like items with likeOne souvenir plate from Portugal is, well, one souvenir plate from Portugal. But 10 souvenir plates from countries all over the world? That’s a collection.“Try to find something in common with the pieces — like color or texture — and display them in an interesting way,” says Nelson. “Hanging things in a group can make something feel cool and fresh.” Another method is to dedicate an entire shelf or bookcase to your treasures. For a modern look, eschew the dated glass-door cabinet and opt for open shelving. Keep the display from looking cluttered by placing items in a single row per shelf, evenly spaced. Boom! You just turned your pepper mills into artful sculptures.Bridgevine Home Fully Assembled Home Office BookcaseMoe’s Home Collection Vancouver BookshelfGDFStudio Jahzir Scandinavian Design EtagereColor coordinateAn easy, impactful way to make a small collection feel cohesive and a large one feel organized is to keep things grouped by color, says Nelson. That doesn’t mean you have to set an eBay alert exclusively for books with blue spines, of course, but arranging your vintage cookbook collection by color can be a great way to focus the eye — and help you keep track of which books you already have before you click “Buy It Now.” Take your timeCollections aren’t built all at once, even when the item you seek is in steady supply. Take jadeite, for example. It’s a highly collectible material, often seen in kitchen wares — think salt and pepper shakers, butter dishes, and cake plates in that signature shade of pale green. It’s wildly popular, and also easily accessible (there are usually more than 100,000 listings for jadeite items on eBay at any given time). But you don’t want any piece of jadeite you can find — picking the ones that are most beautiful to you, or that fit in with your current favorites, is what makes collecting fun. If your collection is getting started, says Nelson, don’t rush to fill it up. “It’s okay to build your home as you go,” she says. “It doesn’t have to be perfect or totally finished, in my opinion. Part of the beauty of the home is layering and creating spaces over time. If you think your collection isn’t ready yet, don’t let that stop you from displaying it.” More

Working from home presents a lot of challenges — namely, the fact that your comfortable bed, super-cuddly pup, and smart TV with all your favorite streaming services are mere steps away. A snooze-inducing space may not be the best for your productivity. A quick curation and creative thinking to personalize your WFH space and fuel creative thinking can also help keep you focused. All it takes are a few simple styling tricks, from adding key organizational accessories to setting the scene with color-changing smart lights from Philips Hue. Check out these dynamic setups for tips on how to turn your desk into your favorite part of the house.For focusCody UlrichDecluttering your workstation is an easy way to help maximize productivity and reduce distractions. Similarly, quiet lighting and sleek lines can also enhance your focus. Simplify your lighting with a slender Philips Hue Signe Table Lamp. It blends multiple colors together to paint the walls with a unique gradient for a calming ambient light. Level up a regular lamp with a Philips Hue smart LED bulb, which can emit different shades of white and colored light depending on your needs or mood — use a bright task light for writing or a warm orange for after-hours emails. Keep a Philips Hue Smart Button on your desk so you can turn both lights on and off with a single click. You can even program it to turn on your preferred color and brightness based on the time of day.When you’re comfortable it’s easier to concentrate, so it’s worth creating an ergonomic setup with a laptop stand, wireless mouse, and supportive pillow for your chair. Add mood-boosting personal touches, like a potted succulent, as well as a bulletin board to help you stay on top of your to-do list.For inspirationCody UlrichA vibrant setup can help spur out-of-the-box problem solving. Let your inner maximalist run wild by surrounding yourself with everything from abstract prints and unique floral arrangements to a bold, textured throw blanket in your favorite shade. Incorporate even more color by using the Philips Hue Go Portable Light and Philips Hue smart LED bulbs in the space. The brains of the Philips Hue smart lighting system, the Hue Bridge allows you to connect and control up to 50 lights and accessories. Simply plug it in and use the Philips Hue App to set routines and easily personalize your lighting using pictures, custom colors and varying brightness levels.Feeling uninspired during a painting or brainstorm session? Switch on some blue light. Struggling to focus while editing your latest short story? Try red. According to a study by the University of British Columbia, blue can boost our ability to think creatively while red can help improve performance on more detail-oriented tasks. For organizationCody UlrichYou don’t have to waste time looking for supplies when everything has its own place. Keep your workspace neat and tidy with storage cups, folder organizers, and stationary boxes. You can also clip loose papers and your running to-do list onto a wire wall frame for visibility. Spruce up the space with a small leafy plant in a chic ceramic pot.Need ambient light that doesn’t eat up desk space? Tuck a Philips Hue Lightstrip behind your desk. You can personalize it based on your needs by cutting it down to the right length or extending it up to 10 meters with connectors. Turn one of your favorite lamps into a smart lamp with a Philips Hue LED bulb, and easily control all the lights in your home office with a Philips Hue Smart Button.Art direction and production by Arminé Altiparmakian and Sabrina Contratti. Photography by Cody Ulrich. Prop styling by Karin Olsen. More

Whether it’s checkers, a classic ’round-the-board-style game of strategy, or an all-hands-on-deck team event, a game night is a great way to turn an ordinary Friday night into an epic battle for bragging rights.But to make game night legendary, don’t just throw down a board game and rip open a bag of pretzels. With some fun lighting from Philips Hue, the right accessories, and a few unexpected touches, you can take even a casual get-together to the next level. Here’s how to make your next game night a winner. Set the stageWhile your typical entertaining mantra may be “the more, the merrier,” when you’re hosting a game night, you need to consider the game and how many players are optimal before sending the invites. Think about whether it’s something you could play in teams, and consider who would bring the best vibes (sore losers or overly competitive types can bring down the mood). Once it’s time to email or text out the invites, snap a picture of what you’ll be playing and send it to your friends so they can get their game faces ready. Cody UlrichCustomize your lightingYou want to design a game night lighting scheme that won’t require you to spend the whole evening rushing around your living room turning lights on, off, up, and down. You can sync up to 50 lights and accessories with the Philips Hue Bridge and control everything from the app on your phone. Tap into the 16 million (yes, really) colors and shades of white available in Philips Hue bulbs and lamps by creating preset scenes for different stages of the night: warm orange and pink for the welcome, blues and purples for the competition, a kaleidoscope of colors to celebrate the winner. To keep things even simpler, use the Philips Hue Smart Button, which dims and brightens lights with a simple click — a must-have for trivia buffs who insist on a no-phones policy.Cody UlrichKeep it comfy, yet elevatedMix things up by moving the center of the party from the dining room table to the coffee table for a more relaxed vibe. Choose a colorful assortment of cushions to set on the floor to keep guests comfortable. You’ll have to clear off your perfectly styled coffee table books and objets d’art, so make the game itself part of your decor. Many board games come in luxe editions made with real wood and leather accents. If cards are the game of choice, choose an artsy or colorful deck. Extra games, like hand-carved tumbling blocks or a vintage backgammon board, make for stylish accents and also give guests something new to play when the main event is over. Spotlight key areasMake things feel special by shutting down the overhead lights and using Philips Hue table lamps to illuminate key parts of the room. Set a Philips Hue Flourish globe next to the snack table for a colorful glow; use a Philips Hue Go to highlight the game table; and spotlight the prize with a Philips Hue Iris — even a stuffed animal will look like an Academy Award with the right lighting.Cody UlrichFocus on finger foodsWhen it comes to the menu, focus on snacks your friends will be able to eat with their hands — think a gorgeous charcuterie display, mini samosas or seasonal skewers with fruit and veggies. Popcorn and pretzels even have a place when served in chic bowls. Look for dishes made from melamine, a durable material that won’t scratch or shatter if accidentally dropped. For drinks, make things feel fancy by setting up a DIY soda and seltzer bar with fresh herbs, syrups and sliced citrus. Place a sturdy set of acrylic glasses in bright primary colors and add a handful of reusable straws with a kitschy bamboo look.Art direction and production by Arminé Altiparmakian and Sabrina Contratti. Photography by Cody Ulrich. Prop styling by Karin Olsen. More

Jeffrey Westbrook

The results are in for this year’s Good Housekeeping Cleaning & Organizing Awards! Because it’s hard to keep a home clean without a little organization, for our fourth annual Cleaning Awards, our experts decided to include cleaning and organizing products. With over 1,000 of our GH+ consumer testers, our experts evaluated 209 products across dozens of different categories, including vacuum cleaners, washing machines, laundry detergents and dish soaps, plus organizers for your kitchen drawers, closet organizers and more. Here are our 65 all-star winners.MEET THE EXPERTS

How We TestedOur Institute experts and 1,036 of our consumer testers worked their way through 209 submissions to choose the winners of this year’s Cleaning & Organizing Awards. In our Home Care and Cleaning Lab, we spent just over three months testing every single product, using testing protocols that have been adopted from industry standards and developed by our experts, including how well a robot vacuum cleans different types of flooring, a stain remover removes stains and a grill cleaner cuts grease and grime from grill grates. Each product submission also included an application, which was carefully reviewed with special attention paid to responses to questions about innovation, consumer appeal and breakthrough features. We even reviewed product labels and company websites for ingredients and suspicious claims. Products were also shipped to our consumer testers who provided extensive feedback about how well they worked, what they loved, didn’t love and pictures from their testing too. In all, over 18,000 data points were collected, reviewed and tabulated to select only the best of the best in cleaning and organizing.

Top Kitchen Champs

Designer Wipes

All-Purpose Cleaning Wipes Starter Kit

Biom
getbiom.co

$46.00

Pre-moistened wipes are a convenient way to clean, but leaving them out for quick jobs is usually not the most decorative option. Biom has changed that with its discreet and chic refillable canister, which comes in four colors. LAB RESULTS: We found Biom’s plant-based wipes are a great solution for grease-splattered counters and cooktops. The stylish canister’s magnetic lid keeps the wipes moist and refills cut down on plastic waste too.

biom

Outstanding Odor Controller

Kitchen Odor Eliminator Air Freshener

Febreze
target.com

$3.99

Kitchen smells have a way of wafting well beyond the heart of the home. Just leave and come back and you’ll remember the bacon you made for breakfast. The new Febreze Air kitchen spray tackles tough kitchen and food odors. LAB RESULTS: With a light spritz, it zapped the smell of fish, and a spray in the trash made stinky garbage odors history too. A tester said it nixed garlic and onion odors pronto.

febreze

Perfect Stone Polisher

Clean & Shine

Granite Gold
homedepot.com

$11.99

Countertops take a beating in busy kitchens. To keep them up to the task and looking good, they should be cleaned and protected. Granite Gold’s formula cleans and polishes and works on granite, quartz, marble and more.LAB RESULTS: It not only cleaned dirt and stains, but also left test surfaces super smooth and with a subtle sheen. It works along with your sealer, and on our lab tables, spills beaded up after we used it. Said one tester, “The final result was beautiful!”

granite gold

Awesome Sink Saver

Perfect Sink Cleaner and Polish

HOPE’S
amazon.com

$11.37

$8.99 (21% off)

No sooner do you clean your kitchen sink than spots and stains are back. But Hope’s Perfect Sink will make you rethink how you care for all the sinks in your home. LAB RESULTS: In our tests, its non-scratching formula cleaned away grime and marks fast and rinsed off without leaving a gritty residue. It left our stainless steel and solid-surface sinks shiny and helped water drain faster to repel water spots.

hopes

Gentlest Cabinet Caretaker

Kitchen Cabinet Cream

Parker & Bailey
amazon.com

$8.97

A sticky issue with kitchen cabinets is that you don’t realize how tacky they can be until you touch them. Parker & Bailey’s cream cuts grease while protecting the finish.LAB RESULTS: A longtime GH and consumer favorite, this silky formula easily restored a smooth feel and a warm glow to a wooden range hood surround that was laden with greasy dust.

amazon

Stainless Star

Stainless Steel Cleaner

Therapy Clean
amazon.com

$19.95

Popular in kitchens, stainless steel is stunning — when it’s clean. Use the wrong cleaning product, though, and all you see are streaks. Therapy Clean zaps existing marks and helps ward off new ones.LAB RESULTS: This plant-based stainless steel cleaner, formulated with lavender oil, cleaned without a lot of buffing. It even helped a fridge that wasn’t fingerprint-resistant stay cleaner longer.

amazon

Dutiful Disposal Cleaner

Garbage Disposal Cleaner and Deodorizer

Lemi Shine
amazon.com

$21.99

Garbage disposals can get smelly fast, stinking up not just your sink but the space around it too. Lemi Shine’s garbage disposal cleaner requires no scrubbing, has a pleasant citrus scent and is done in less than five minutes. LAB RESULTS: The foaming action made it easy to tell when clean up was done and it even flushed gunk out from under the rubber collar of a tester’s disposal at home.

lemi shine

Savvy Storage Solutions

Prettiest Canisters

Stack & Store Jars

Ball
target.com

$34.99

Clear containers make finding what you need easy. And when they are as gorgeous as these from Ball, you’ll want them in full view.LAB RESULTS: Wide mouths and flat tops make these glass jars easy to fill and stack. The seal is airtight, so foods stay fresh — it’s so tight, in fact, that not a speck of dust from one tester’s kitchen reno got inside.

Ball

Ultimate Utensil Sorter

Good Grips Large Expandable Kitchen Tool Drawer Organizer

OXO
amazon.com

$21.95

Keep your flatware orderly and accessible with Oxo’s expanding drawer organizer. LAB RESULTS: This plastic caddy extends nine inches, so serving utensils stay handy too. Removable inserts make it easy to take forks, etc., from the drawer to the table without handling them.

OXO

Phenomenal Freezer Bin

12″ FreezeUp Freezer Bin

YouCopia
amazon.com

$24.99

If you’re not careful, a bottom freezer can quickly turn into a bottomless pit. YouCopia’s sturdy bin comes with four adjustable dividers to hold frozen snacks, veggies and more so they are easy to sort, see and grab.LAB RESULTS: We filled it with ice cream treats, tossed the bulky boxes and freed up tons of space for other items.

Youcopia

Best Bathroom Performers

Custom Caddy

Organizer

Poke a Dot
pokeadotorganizer.com

$19.95

Organizers with divided sections are helpful, but ever wish you could configure them to better fit your own stash? Now you can. Poke A Dot’s box comes with eight mini dividers you position where you need them to hold makeup, desk tools, craft supplies and more securely in place. LAB RESULTS: We like the flexibility this box offers and that it can be readjusted to hold new items. The tight lid makes it good for travel.

Poke a Dot

Super-Duper Shower Spray

Daily Shower Spray 3-Pack

Sensitive Home
amazon.com

$24.99

Sensitive Home offers cleaners for those with respiratory, skin and other sensitivities. This work-saving spray is fragrance-free and 100% USDA Certified Biobased and EPA Safer Choice certified. LAB RESULTS: A quick spritz every day kept a tub clean, shiny and without a speck of soap scum for weeks. We were impressed, and our consumer testers agreed, rating it a top cleaner in the bathroom category.

Amazon

Freshest Shower Liner

The Shower Liner System + Hooks

Outlines
livingoutlines.com

$75.00

Though it’s not exactly a cleaning product, we’re recognizing Outlines here for all the cleaning it saves! You receive a new liner every three, six or nine months (depending on your subscription preference), snap it in place and return the used one for recycling. Smart!LAB RESULTS: We’re huge fans. It is easy to install, comes with or without hooks and doesn’t billow into the tub.

Outlines

Dependable Wipes

Plant-Based Disinfecting Wipes

Lysol
walmart.com

$5.47

Disinfecting wipes are a must-have in any cleaning arsenal, especially in the bathroom, and these new ones from Lysol are made from 100% plant-based fibers. They sanitize hard surfaces in 10 seconds and disinfect in four minutes, killing 99.9% of bacteria and viruses. LAB RESULTS: We liked the size and cleaning power and that they are 95% USDA Certified Biobased.

Amazon

Blue-Ribbon Bath Cleaner

Bathroom Foamer Refillable Cleaner Starter Kit

Clorox
amazon.com

$9.99

$8.50 (15% off)

This new spray from Clorox uses a refillable bottle and pod system. Buy the bottle once, add water, then twist on the pod to release the concentrate into the bottle.LAB RESULTS: Other refillable bath cleaners we’ve tested haven’t impressed us, but Clorox is a bathroom cleaning expert, and this system helps reduce plastic waste by 80%.

amazon

Mighty Mildew Eraser

Mold & Mildew Clear Stain Remover Spray

CLR
amazon.com

$9.10

$7.85 (14% off)

These pesky marks pop up wherever moisture lingers and, while most common in the bathroom, can surface anywhere. CLR’s formula tackles stains in minutes.LAB RESULTS: CLR did a great job zapping mildew stains in bathrooms and even on a painted garage wall. One tester who used it on her boat said she practically sailed through cleaning it without hard scrubbing.

Amazon

Top-Shelf Drawers

Stackable Bin with Pull Out Drawer

mDesign
mdesignhomedecor.com

$37.99

Mini toiletries, tweezers and other utensils make organizing a bathroom challenging. M Design’s clear plastic pantry drawers are right at home in this room too, corralling small tubes, jars and more so they stay neat and handy.LAB RESULTS: We found these stackable drawers life-changing in a bathroom vanity cabinet. They come in multiple sizes, but even the smallest is roomy and maximizes space.

MDesign

First Place Floor Faves

Very Impressive Vacuum Mop

H11 Max Cordless Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner

Dreametech
amazon.com

$499.99

This new category is taking floor cleaning by storm. Now you can pick up dry debris and wet spills and wash your floors at the same time.LAB RESULTS: A winner in our last review of vacuum mops, the Dreametech picked up spills quickly and ramped up suction when it needed to. It was also quiet, had a long run time and was easy to maneuver.

Dreametech

Wood-Worthy Floor Cleaner

Hardwood Floor Cleaner Machine Formulation

Bona
walmart.com

$9.97

While it’s safe to occasionally wet-clean hardwood floors, it’s important to use the right solution. Bona knows how to care for wood, and this new formula is specially designed to work in all the newest wet/dry vacuum mops. LAB RESULTS: In our tests, this Bona formula cleaned and shined our test hardwoods, dried quickly and left no residue.

Bona

Out-of-This-World Robot Mop

W10 Robot Vacuum Cleaner and Mop

Dreametech
amazon.com

$1,089.00

Robot mops and vacuums are getting smarter, but Dreametech’s model is like nothing we’ve seen. It sucks up dry dirt, wet-mops with two spinning pads and washes and dries the pads when it’s done. Move over, Rosie! LAB RESULTS: We couldn’t contain ourselves. Beautifully designed, the Dreametech worked like a charm and was easy to use.

Dreame

Full-Featured Canister Vacuum Cleaner

Pet Friendly Pop-N-Go Canister Vacuum

Kenmore
amazon.com

$349.99

A versatile vacuum is a must for homes with lots of different surfaces to clean. This Kenmore canister vacuum stashes all its attachments — even a motorized tool for pet hair — on board and has a floor brush that pops up with the press of a button. No more lost tools!LAB RESULTS: This machine aced our floor-cleaning tests. Simple controls, big wheels and a telescoping wand made it easy to use. Its disposable dust bag and sealed system are a plus for allergy sufferers, as they keep dust where it should stay, inside the vacuum.

Kenmore

Deluxe Stick Vacuum

CordZero Auto Empty Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner

LG
amazon.com

$996.00

Stick vacs are convenient but messy to empty, and the tools are, well, who knows where? LG’s CordZero All in One solves these issues and more.LAB RESULTS: We applaud its design and performance. The dust is emptied automatically, the tools stash inside and it charges a second battery. One tester said, “I think I have a new love, and it’s a vacuum.”

LG

Totally Totable Canister Vacuum

Boost CX1 Parquet

Miele
mieleusa.com

$549.00

About the size of a small cooler and as easy to carry, Miele’s Boost sets a new standard for compact canisters. Its jumbo wheels make it very maneuverable, and a large dust bin is easy to empty.LAB RESULTS: We were wowed by its pick-up performance and all the high-end features packed into this vacuum. Bravo for the HEPA filter, cord rewind, parquet floor brush tool and extendable wand.

Miele

Unstoppable Upright Vacuum

NEU700 Upright Vacuum

Innova
walmart.com

$169.00

The first vacuum in Eureka’s new Innova line, the NEU700 has large wheels, a 30-foot cord, headlights to illuminate your cleaning path and washable HEPA filter. It’s easy to maneuver and comes packed with tools. LAB RESULTS: Our consumers loved that this vacuum was ready to go after a quick, easy assembly. In our lab tests, it picked up debris well on low- and medium-pile carpets and bare floors and nabbed every crumb even along the edges that are hard to reach.

Innova

Cute & Compact Upright Vacuum

Pure Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

Lupe Technology
lupetechnology.com

$599.00

This little guy from Lupe packs a lot of charm in a small box. It can be used as an upright or handheld vacuum, comes with three attachments to tackle messes from floor to ceiling and on-board storage for all the included tools. Built to last, most parts and accessories can be purchased online as needed. LAB RESULTS: This lightweight (just over 10 lbs as an upright, 1 lb as a handheld) vacuum wowed our expert with its powerful suction, easy to use attachments and sleek look. One consumer tester said, “I would 100% buy this.”

Lupe

Super Stain Busters

Top-Notch Spray Solution

Stain & Odor Treatment Spray

Method
grove.co

$6.99

This new Method spray has plant-based ingredients and tackles stains and odors on household fabrics like carpet and upholstery. LAB RESULTS: Just spritz, wait 10 minutes and blot. For one tester, it removed old stains nothing else could. Two others said they would definitely buy it.

Grove

Portable Powerhouse

Little Green Portable Carpet Cleaner

Bissell
bissell.com

$123.59

We’ve known for years that the Bissell Little Green carpet and upholstery cleaner is a winner, and now — thanks to TikTok — it’s back in the spotlight. LAB RESULTS: It’s easy to tote and store, with strong suction that pulls spills from carpets fast, and it cleans furniture without overwetting it.

Bissell

Spot-Chasing Deep Cleaner

SmartWash PET Complete Automatic Carpet Cleaner

Hoover
hoover.com

$319.99

Cleaning carpets at home usually means first having to find and pretreat stains. Hoover’s new carpet cleaning machine ends the bending once and for all. LAB RESULTS: The pullout spray wand with its on-board container of oxy stain solution is genius. Now it’s easy to zap stains as soon as you see them.

Hoover

Ace Laundry All-Stars

A+ Detergent

Pods Plus Ultra Oxi

Tide
walmart.com

$12.97

GH Seal star Tide once again came out on top of all detergents we tested. This new Power Pods version has oxi stain fighters and odor eliminators.LAB RESULTS: Tide Ultra Oxi did better than the other detergents in our test at erasing grass, wine and chocolate syrup from our cotton test swatches in warm and cold water. Testers praised it for its ability to remove odors. One said, “Made a huge difference. Amazing product!”

Tide

Smartest Laundry Pair

Profile Top Load 900 Series Washer

GE
geappliances.com

$1,299.00

GE Profile’s new washer and dryer do everything short of loading the clothes for you. The washer is Alexa-enabled to help with stains, handle hard-to-wash fabrics, set the dryer, play a song and more. The dryer dispenses fabric freshener and syncs to the washer via the intuitive app. LAB RESULTS: These large-capacity machines were easy to use and have technology to help prevent tangles. No more knotted sheets!

GE

Finest Fabric Wash

Wool & Cashmere Shampoo

The Laundress New York
amazon.com

$20.00

Sometimes regular detergent is a bit robust for delicate fabrics. The Laundress’s formula has a lower pH to better care for wool, mohair, cashmere and more as well as notes of cedar for a lovely scent. LAB RESULTS: Don’t let its gentleness fool you. Wool sweaters that had previously been dry-cleaned emerged soft and fresh after hand-washing in The Laundress. It can be used in the washer too.

The laundress

Coolest Cabinet

Bespoke AirDresser Grand Clothing Care System

samsung
samsung.com

$1,199.00

Almost like having a dry cleaner in your laundry room, Samsung’s Air Dresser steams, dries and sanitizes clothing and household items like plush toys and pillows.LAB RESULTS: We love having this in the Lab. Easy to operate, it requires no plumbing and has many cycle options, and the mirrored front is perfect for primping. In our tests, it smoothed wrinkled cotton and even linen garments and dried wet ones thoroughly.

Samsung

Stellar Stain Gel

Laundry Stain Scrubber

Carbona
amazon.com

$19.11

This pretreater from Carbona attacks stains on contact with help from its scrubber brush top. You can leave it on for 10 minutes before laundering.LAB RESULTS: Carbona’s enzyme formula erased grass, red wine and ink stains on cotton swatches in warm and cold water. One tester exclaimed, “Thank you for introducing me to a new stain remover that works amazingly well.”

Carbona

Devoted Detergent Carrier

Bottle

The Laundry Lab
shoplaundrylab.com

$19.99

This innovative bottle from The Laundry Lab has three leak-proof compartments big enough to carry liquid laundry detergents, packs and fabric softener for multiple loads. The compartments are interchangeable and the handle can be used with just one or two compartments attached, if that’s all you need. LAB RESULTS: We turned these upside down and shook them in all directions and had no leaks. Perfect for college dorms, trips to the laundromat or down the hall to your building’s laundry room, you can tuck in coins or anything else you need to tote along. And always keep it out of reach of children during use and when stored.

The Laundry Lab

Closet Clearing Champs

Clever Garment Hanger

Long Garment Hanger

Cove
createyourcove.com

$22.00

Cove’s cool two-piece hanger system keeps long dresses in shape and off the closet floor. LAB RESULTS: The one-click mechanism of this hanger was super simple and our reviewers thought so too, with one commenting “I have never seen another product like this. Ingenious idea!”

Cove

Neatest Clothing Organizer

Everyday Hangers

neatmethod.com

$38.00

Neat Method’s slim, sturdy hangers, made from recycled plastic, maximize closet space. The rubbery coating grips slippery fabric.LAB RESULTS: With four different color finishes and three size options, these hangers work well in closets with many different needs. We love how neat they made our closets look.

Neat Method

Dish-Cleaning Dynamos

Great-to-the-Last-Drop Dish Soap

EZ-Squeeze Platinum Dishwashing Liquid Dish Soap

Dawn
walmart.com

$15.99

Dawn is a time- and expert-tested top cleaner that carries our GH Seal. With its new EZ-Squeeze bottle, none gets wasted. LAB RESULTS: This upside-down bottle works much better than others we’ve tested. It’s super easy to squeeze, even one-handed, and it’s simple to control how much is dispensed. Not a drop dripped on our counters.

Walmart

Champion Dish Packs

Heavy Duty Dishwasher Packs

Method
target.com

$11.49

Until now, automatic dish detergents were a hard nut for “green” brands to crack, as powerful chemistry is needed for good dishwasher cleaning and drying. Method has changed all that. LAB RESULTS: In our tests, this plant- and mineral-based formula dissolved 48-hour-old dried-on soils. Two testers vowed to switch to it.

Method

Miracle Dish Towel

Kitchen Towel

Skoy
amazon.com

$12.99

$9.59 (26% off)

Drying dishes by hand is never fun, especially when you use a wimpy towel. Skoy’s 100% recycled polyester kitchen towel is like none we’ve ever seen. It’s hefty in your hand and dries items so fast, you’ll be done in no time.LAB RESULTS: We think this towel is amazing, and our consumer testers did too. It left glassware sparkling and spot-free, held up well to washing and comes in nine colors and designs.

Amazon

Revolutionary Dish Gel

Shake & Clean Starter Kit

Palmolive
walmart.com

$2.53

Leave it to Palmolive to shake things up in the dish-cleaning category. To make this DIY dish liquid, fill the bottle with warm water, pour in the gel concentrate and shake side to side to mix. So cool to see!LAB RESULTS: The gel turns into 20 oz of dish soap with lasting suds that both cleans well and cuts grease. The reusable bottle is made of 100% recycled plastic.

Walmart

Brilliant Dishwasher

Fully Integrated Dishwasher

Beko
ajmadison.com

$1,389.00

Many consumers never remove their dishwasher filter to clean it. Beko fixed that by putting rinsing jets inside its dishwasher filter. Just press a button to start them. The lower spray arm goes deep into the corners for better coverage, and there are tons of other extras. LAB RESULTS: In our tests, this dishwashing machine did a great job cleaning our crusty cookware. Loading was easy, and we fit in an extra nine glasses and one dinner plate in addition to our standard test load!

Beko

Fabulous Dish Spray

Foaming Dish Spray

9 Elements
amazon.com

$20.99

Washing dishes by hand has gotten greener thanks to dish sprays. Gone are the days of wastefully running the water. 9 Elements uses vinegar to battle hard-water minerals, cut grease and remove spots. Simply spray, wipe and rinse.LAB RESULTS: It’s dispensed as a fine mist for great control, coverage and cleaning. When the bottle is empty, keep the sprayer to use with a refill.

amazon

Responsible Scrub Sponge

Greener Clean Non-Scratch Scrub Sponges

Scotch-Brite
amazon.com

$3.29

Sponges get tossed regularly, which can be wasteful. Scotch-Brite’s new Greener Clean option is made from 100% plant-based and recycled materials.LAB RESULTS: This little toughie in Scotch-Brite’s classic wavy shape was comfortable to hold and cleaned everything from grimy cookware to bathroom soap scum with ease and without scratching.

amazon

Power Packed Dishwasher Packs

Platinum Dishwasher Actionpacs

Cascade
amazon.com

$18.67

The gold standard other dish detergents aspire to, Cascade Platinum Actionpacs leave dishware, cookware, flatware, glassware and everything in the load clean and shiny even after foods have dried on. Plus, there are ingredients to aid rinsing, prevent etching and keep the dishwasher clean, too. LAB RESULTS: We’ve used these in our Cleaning Lab and GH Test Kitchen regularly for years because they leave dishes noticeably cleaner. “I thought our previous dishwasher detergent was cleaning our dishes well but these ones made our glasses sparkle,” said one of our testers.

amazon

Gift-Worthy Dish Soaps

Best Fruity Scent

Dish Soap

Caldrea
amazon.com

$11.63

Long known for its incredible fragrance blends, this Caldrea dish soap combines extracts of pear blossom and agave with melon and citrus. The suds really last, and it cuts grease very well. LAB RESULTS: Our consumer testers loved more than just the lovely scent of this dish soap. One tester said it was “extremely easy to use and looks nice on the counter.” After washing a full sink of dishes, this left our expert’s hands very soft too.

Caldrea

Best Floral Scent

Dish Soap

Homecourt
homecourt.co

$20.00

Homecourt, from Friends star Courteney Cox, is perfume for your home. We tested Steeped Rose (there are three other scents). It’s a great soap in a stunning bottle, and the pump top is a nice touch. LAB RESULTS: The sleek look of this dish soap was noted by five of our consumer testers. It cleaned dishes well and was a pleasant addition to our kitchen counter.

Homecourt

Best Fresh Scent

Bio-Degradable Dish Soap

Safely
walmart.com

$4.98

Treating yourself to a little pampering doesn’t have to be expensive. Safely’s Rise scented dish soap is invigorating and uplifting. In our test, it cleaned well and a little went a long way and the price is right!LAB RESULTS: This dish soap was a favorite in one of our experts’ homes. And one tester raved “We will be using it on a regular basis. Thank you!”

Safely

Awesome Outdoor & More Solutions

Multiuse Mist

Disinfecting Mist

Clorox
amazon.com

$13.17

$10.98 (17% off)

There are disinfecting sprays for hard surfaces, sanitizing sprays for fabrics and deodorizing sprays for the air. Clorox’s multi-surface mist does it all.LAB RESULTS: This easy-to-apply fine mist kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, on hard surfaces in 10 minutes and sanitizes soft ones in five. We found that it covered evenly without overwetting or leaving residue. Our testers even used it in the car and on patio cushions.

amazon

Twice-as-Nice Microfiber Cloth

The DUO Cloth

Maker’s Clean
makersclean.com

$29.00

Maker’s Clean does it again with a double-duty microfiber cloth that’s really more like a towel. It not only is large, but also has a short nap on one side for cleaning and a terry nap on the other to sop up spills. LAB RESULTS: This absorbent cloth is a workhorse and keeps going when others quit. Testers loved it for dusting, cleaning the car and even drying the dog.

Maker’s Clean

Unbelievable Outdoor Cleaner

Pro Care Oxy Powered Outdoor Cleaner

Carbona
amazon.com

$21.37

$17.99 (16% off)

Patios and decks need cleaning often to keep them guest-ready all season. Carbona’s oxy-powered foam formula with its built-in brush easily removes stains, mildew, dirt and more. LAB RESULTS: We cleaned planters, furniture covers and even vinyl siding with Carbona without needing extra brushes or cloths. One tester gushed, “Love it!”

Carbona

Most Powerful Cleaning Combo

Cleaning Paste

norwex.biz

$36.99

Cleaning pastes are making a comeback, as they offer more muscle than sprays. Norwex is safe to use on many surfaces, and with the brand’s microbial-resistant cloth, it’s a dynamic duo. LAB RESULTS: Testers loved the cloth, and we used the paste to zap scrapes from paint that even an eraser sponge couldn’t budge.

Norwex

Do-It-All Cloth Set

Home Cleaning Microfiber Cloth Set

E-Cloth
amazon.com

$25.99

Different surfaces have different cleaning needs, but what to use where? E-Cloth has got you covered. Its eight-piece set has task-specific cloths to clean and shine windows, mirrors, stainless steel, countertops, furniture and more.LAB RESULTS: We like having the right cloth for the job. All these microfiber marvels excelled at their assigned tasks. The glass cloths amazed us! They washed and dried well, too.

Target

Best Big-Space Air Purifier

Core 600S Air Purifier

Levoit
amazon.com

$299.99

Clean indoor air is important for the entire family, not just allergy sufferers. The H13 True HEPA and other filters in Levoit’s Core 600S air purifier can purify mid- to large-size spaces quickly. Air-quality monitors provide feedback via the display and the VeSync app.LAB RESULTS: We set up the Levoit in minutes and found it quiet with intuitive controls and a sleek design.

amazon

Rugged Hand Vac

ONE+ 18V Cordless Performance Hand Vacuum

Ryobi
homedepot.com

$51.40

Nothing’s easier for quick cleanups than a handheld vacuum, and this Ryobi is at home in the house, garage or car. The battery and charger are not included, but it uses the same removable batteries that power other Ryobi tools.LAB RESULTS: In our tests, it picked up well and was easy to use. We got 14 minutes of cleaning on one charge with the 2Ah battery, and it fully recharged in less than an hour. Its extra-long crevice tool is handy for the car.

Home Depot

Lustrous Wood Polish

Anytime Clean & Polish For Wood Furniture

Guardsman
amazon.com

$13.54

$9.30 (31% off)

This tried-and-true furniture polish from Guardsman cleans wood surfaces and leaves them with a warm glow and a light scent. With its long history in furniture care, Guardsman is a favorite brand of fine furniture manufacturers. The UV protective ingredients it contains help protect wood from drying, discoloration and fading from sunlight too. LAB RESULTS: Guardsman was a top performer in our previous test of furniture polishes and its performance now is just as good. It buffs away easily so there’s no smeary residue to mess with.

amazon

Cleverest Clutter Busters

Smoothest Spinner

Crazy Susan Turntable

YouCopia
amazon.com

$29.99

Nothing utilizes dead cabinet space better than a turntable, and YouCopia’s Crazy Susan sports features others don’t. Three removable sections have high sides to contain items and handles for easy grabbing, and nonslip feet keep the turntable in place. LAB RESULTS: It spun smoothly and was easy to disassemble for cleaning. A tester called it “much better than others.”

amazon

First-Rate Labeler

P-touch CUBE Plus Label Maker

Brother
amazon.com

$99.99

Labeling canisters and bins is any pro organizer’s number one rule, so a good label maker is a must-have. Brother’s P-touch Cube Plus works with your phone or computer and a Brother app or P-touch software to make labeling easy. LAB RESULTS: Once we started making labels with the P-touch Cube Plus, we couldn’t stop! It makes labels up to one inch wide with lots of color and design options.

amazon

All-Star Scanner

FastFoto FF-680W Wireless Photo and Document Scanning System

Epson
amazon.com

$590.90

Remember photo film? You do if you have boxes of pictures lying around that you never put into an album and never look at. With the Epson FastFoto high-speed scanner, you can digitize and organize photos, cards, documents and more quickly and easily!LAB RESULTS: Connecting the FastFoto wirelessly was easy. It scans both sides so notes are preserved, and it even corrects color and red-eye.

amazon

Genius Gadget Tray

DrawerStore Kitchen Drawer Organizer Tray

Joseph Joseph
amazon.com

$24.99

Flatware is pesky, but it’s the gadgets that get you when sorting kitchen drawers. Joseph Joseph’s DrawerStore Organizer handles both. LAB RESULTS: This organizer expands on both sides and has two square spots for mini items like peelers and pastry brushes that can get lost. Tiered sections make it easy to grab cutlery. A tester loved that it filled her drawer.

amazon

Heavyweight Hold-It-All

Large Organizing Caddy

Command
amazon.com

$19.99

$17.88 (11% off)

Wall-mounted caddies maximize often-unused space, but unless you permanently affix them, many can fall off. But not Command Brand’s new one, which holds up to 10 lbs.LAB RESULTS: We installed ours in the Lab and filled it with cans, and it’s still there. It is roomy and works in the house or the garage. And you can remove it and reattach it without damage.

amazon

Beautiful Bins

Rump Roost

Scout Bags
scoutbags.com

$65.00

Sturdy bins are a must for storing everything from books to extra bedding, but you don’t always have the closet space to stash them. No worries here. Scout’s Rump Roost bins are too pretty to hide and are rigid enough to double as seating. They come in two sizes and many colors and patterns, and they flatten for storage.LAB RESULTS: We were wowed by their capacity, the wipe-clean fabric and the solid lids and handles. A tester said, “Too good for the basement!”

Scout

Elegant Gem Box

Linen Jewelry Bento Box

The Container Store x KonMari
konmari.com

$59.99

Jewelry can easily become a tangled mess, and storing items in little boxes is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Enter The Container Store x KonMari’s Linen Jewelry Bento Box. It has four large sections and a removable tray with nine small ones to hold rings, bracelets, earrings and more.LAB RESULTS: It’s compact and pretty enough to leave out; your go-to pieces will be ready when you are.

Konmari

Carolyn Forté
Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director
Carolyn Forté, a consumer products expert, is the executive director of the Home Care & Cleaning Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she oversees all testing, research and editorial production involving cleaning appliances and products, like vacuum cleaners, dishwashers, detergents and more.

Jodhaira Rodriguez
Home Care & Cleaning Lab Analyst
Jodhaira Rodriguez is a test analyst in the Home Care & Cleaning Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute who graduated from Hofstra Unversity with a Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Science before going on to work as an analyst in an environmental lab. More

When my wife and I embarked on the renovation of our 1882 Brooklyn brownstone, we knew the back terrace was a key piece of the puzzle, since outdoor living space was such a top priority for us. Unfortunately, the initial phase of the project — gutting and restoring the building’s top two floors — went over budget. So we had to hit pause on the terrace. About a year later, the pandemic struck and outdoor living space became even more critical, with our two kids stuck at home with us. Like many Americans, we weren’t spending on vacations or meals out, so we were able to save up for a full deck renovation. To help with the design and building, I called on my old friend, Mark Powers, who I met 20 years ago at This Old House magazine, where we both cut our teeth in publishing, writing about and researching home improvement. Besides being one of the most knowledgeable people in the business, Mark is a superb craftsman, not to mention lots of fun. I knew it was going to be a special project.

My Brooklyn deck prior to renovation.

I also knew it was going to be a learning experience, like any home improvement project is— even after two decades in the business. Here are my biggest takeaways from this one.
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The best outdoor living spaces connect with the indoors.Our home’s showpiece is the folding door system from NanaWall that separates the kitchen and terrace. When the doors are opened wide, the two spaces become one. Because of that, it was important to integrate them visually with the decking material. That helped drive the decision to install deck tiles from a company called DeckWise on the terrace, instead of the traditional deck boards. The rich hue of the ipe wood echoes the dark finish on our interior hardwood floors. Then we went one step further and arranged the tiles on the diagonal to echo the parquet pattern inside. That made the installation more labor-intensive — and hence more expensive — but it was worth it for the visual integration.GH Lab Tip: Keep in mind that wood decks need to be refinished to prevent fading and cracking. Our tests have found that composite decking is a low-maintenance option that looks more and more like real wood, especially high-end versions.

When the NanaWall is open wide, the terrace and kitchen become one space.
Yuzhu Zheng Photography

Shade is critical to safe, comfortable outdoor living.Given its southern exposure, the terrace is blazing hot in the summer. Without a source of shade, it would be off limits for much of the day during those months. There are so many excellent shade options out there, from statement pergolas to chic gazebos to patio umbrellas. We settled on a retractable awning for its compact design and easy operation. It’s also another design element, since the Para Tempotest fabric we chose has a striped pattern in platinum gray that coordinates nicely with the paint colors in the kitchen.We also installed an automated shade from Lutron on the interior side of the NanaWall. It’s made of a semi-opaque fabric that allows light to filter through but cuts the intense heat and glare of the summer sun. At night, it prevents others from seeing into the home. GH Lab Tip: Automated awnings with smart controls can be programmed to open and close to manage heat and light throughout the year, making your home more energy efficient.

The NanaWall’s interior features an automated shade from Lutron that helps to reduce heat and offer a sense of privacy.
Yuzhu Zheng

Premium outdoor appliances are worth the splurge.The outdoor kitchen is modest in size, consisting of an impressive grill and mini fridge with a soapstone top for an additional food-prep space. Even still, the appliances ended costing thousands because we went with professional-grade units from DCS that I know won’t be kicked to the curb in a few years, the way flimsy outdoor appliances often are. The 36-inch grill, which we use year-round, is built like a tank, with heavy-duty stainless-steel assembly on both the housing and grates and solid construction throughout. It’s held up well to the elements, though we have a cover for it during blizzards and other extremely harsh weather. Its features include built-in LEDs, a charcoal smoker tray, and a 14,000 BTU rotisserie burner that’s great when cooking for a crowd. The fridge, also from DCS, is perfect for stashing cold drinks or a marinating steak before tossing it on the grill.GH Lab Tip: When sizing a new grill, think about the number of burners. A 3-burner grill is great for small families, adding a fourth allows for zone cooking, and five or more is for homeowners who do a lot of blowout barbecues. Living privacy screens add visual interest.Because our terrace abuts the neighbor’s, it always felt like we were on top of each other when both families were outside. Mark and I workshopped the idea of replacing the existing metal railing with built-in planters, clad in the same tiles used for the deck. This adds to the built-in look of the terrace. An arrangement of ornamental grasses, flowering phlox and fothergilla, winterberry and evergreen shrubs create a sense of privacy while delivering four seasons of color and texture.

Since it doesn’t require nails or adhesives, the floating deck system was so easy to install that even my 8-year-old son could lend a hand.
Dan DiClerico/Good Housekeeping Institute

Pests can ruin any party.The mosquitoes out back can be unbearable in the summer. Insect sprays and citronella candles had offered temporary relief. But then I came across a permanent solution while testing insect repellants for Good Housekeeping. The LIV Smart Mosquito Repellent System keeps mosquitoes and other airborne pests away by creating a barrier of heat-activated repellant. The wired system was simple to install and, in my case, consists of three cylinders placed around the deck. Fifteen minutes before we’re ready to head out back, we turn on LIV and it does its magic. It’s even WiFi-connected, so I can turn it on remotely, say on the way home from the market with all the fixins for a cookout.GH Lab Tip: Remember that the best way to reduce mosquitoes is to eliminate potential breeding spots by emptying anything that holds water at least once a week. That includes birdbaths, fountains, rain barrels and potted plant trays.Outdoor furniture is hard to settle on.My wife and I have struggled over furniture picks in the past. Somehow, I figured choosing outdoor furniture pieces would be easier. In fact, the opposite was true, maybe because scale is hard to assess in open-air spaces, without walls and a ceiling providing context. We almost dropped a few hundred bucks on a 30-inch round table we spotted online, not realizing how impractical and disproportional it would be.
Get the Look: Brooklyn Patio Renovation

Surrey Modern Ceramic Planter

Rivet
amazon.com

$97.14

$77.90 (20% off)

Addiemae Chaise with Cushions

Wade Logan
wayfair.com

$359.99

Abri Eucalyptus Wood Deck Box

Safavieh
wayfair.com

$172.99

Spider Plant With Metal Pot

Terrain
shopterrain.com

$78.00

Instead, we decided to work with RH Interior Design, which offers free design consultations for RH members. Our designer chatted with us about our intentions for the space, then asked for precise measurements of the deck, as well as all objects that would go on it, like the grill and fridge. Next, she drew up several furniture plans, most of which revolved around a 48-inch round table, which was the right size for the deck and our needs. We settled on a teak round dining table, which goes nicely with a set of existing antique chairs. The matching teak chaise completes the furniture plan.GH Lab Tip: Exterior-grade rugs can be a great addition to an outdoor furniture plan, tying the space together the same way they do inside. Fortunately, they cost a lot less, as you can see from this roundup of expert picks for under $100.

A handy storage bench is the perfect spot for keeping outdoor essentials organized.
Yuzhu Zheng

A little storage goes a long way.Even after doing the built-in planters, we still had a bunch of deck tiles left over. Mark came up with the clever idea of building a five-foot-long storage bench that sits under the window section of the NanaWall. It’s the perfect place to stow potting soil, charcoal, garden tools and other items that would otherwise clutter up the terrace. And it’s another perch for guests during large gatherings — or, more often, a cozy spot for one of us during family hangouts.A version of this article appeared in the September 2022 issue of Good Housekeeping.

Dan DiClerico, Good Housekeeping Institute
Director, Home Improvement & Outdoor
Dan DiClerico has written about home improvement for more than 20 years, including countless how-to articles and reviews of products ranging from appliances to smart home technology.

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Few features in the home combine form and function quite like flooring. You literally walk all over it, yet it’s also a crucial design element, every bit as visually impactful as paint colors and furniture. Then there’s the size of the investment, especially if you’re redoing the floors throughout your entire home. “It’s not far behind the cost of a new car or all new kitchen appliances, but most people aren’t armed with nearly as much information,” says Carol Swedlow, President of Aronson’s Floor Covering, which has been selling all manner of flooring out of its New York City showroom since 1867.The Good Housekeeping Institute has been around since 1900, and our experts have long appreciated the importance of flooring to a home’s look and functionality. We’ve rigorously tested timeless materials like wood and stone, along with newer alternatives like vinyl and engineered wood flooring, both of which came about in the 1970s. More recently, our experts have followed the rise in popularity of even more materials, including concrete and wood-look porcelain.Our ultimate flooring guide walks you through all the options, including pros, cons and basic pricing information for the best types of flooring for your home. Keep in mind that most houses feature multiple flooring materials, depending on the room and your needs. Our advice on that front hasn’t changed in over a hundred years: Spend more on the high-traffic, high-visibility areas of your home, and choose lower-cost, durable materials everywhere else. Hardwood FlooringSolid wood flooring confers warmth and authenticity.Getty ImagesThere are two main types of hardwood flooring: solid wood flooring, which as the name implies consists of a one solid piece of wood, and engineered wood flooring, in which a thin veneer of real wood is bonded to layers of structural plywood. Both types come in up to fifty species, with some of the most popular options being oak, ash, maple and walnut.Pros: The warmth and beauty of hardwood flooring explains its enduring appeal. Since the material can be sanded and refinished multiple times (especially solid wood versions) a well-maintained hardwood floor can last for decades, or even centuries.Cons: The biggest downside is cost. Though some species are less expensive than others, wood flooring tends to be the most expensive. It’s also subject to dents and scratches, plus solid flooring in particular will expand and contract with changes in humidity levels, leading to cracks, splinters and squeaky boards (engineered flooring does much better with moisture, making it suitable to kitchens and basements).Cost: Solid wood flooring, $5 to $10 per square foot, installed; Engineered wood flooring, $4 to $9 per square foot, installed. Laminate FlooringLaminate flooring adheres easily to subfloors.Leo Malsam / EyeEmLaminate is another engineered product, though instead of a veneer of wood on top, it uses a photo of wood (or stone or any other material) and adds a protective plastic coating. The substrate of laminate flooring typically consists of dense fiberboard. Pros: The plastic topcoat is extremely resistant to scratches and dents, making laminate one of the most durable flooring options. It’s also among the least expensive and it often comes as a DIY-friendly “floating” floor system, with planks that snap together, instead of having to be nailed or glued down.Cons: Not many people will mistake laminate flooring for real wood or stone. It tends to have a plastic feel and sound underfoot, and the repetition of patterns can give away its fakeness. Laminate can never be refinished, so it’s not a forever floor. And the use of formaldehyde and other chemicals in the manufacturing process makes it a less healthy and less sustainable choice.Cost: $3 to $7 per square foot, installed.Vinyl FlooringLuxury vinyl tiles are hard to tell apart from real wood.Artinun Prekmoung / 500pxAlso known as resilient flooring, vinyl is the fastest-growing category of flooring. It ranges from inexpensive, DIY-friendly peel-and-stick tiles to so-called luxury vinyl tile (or LVT, for short) which consists of multiple layers, including a design layer with a high-definition printed image, a durable top layer and several cushion layers. Pros: Entry-level sheet vinyl is very affordable. All vinyl resists stains, scratches and dents, plus its waterproof, making it safe for basements and bathrooms. Installation is easy, particularly for adhesive tiles and floating planks. LVT is a thick, sturdy tile that has the look and feel of real wood. In fact, our product experts often have trouble distinguishing LVT from solid wood in tests.Cons: Though patterns and color options have improved, even LVT is still a far cry from real wood or stone, so it will never pass muster with the purists. It can’t be refinished, meaning once it does begin to wear out, the only choice is a full replacement. LVT is also surprisingly expensive, often rivaling the cost of real wood.Cost: $2 to $6 per square foot, installed. CarpetCarpet softens any room, in the color of your choiceEonerenThough carpet has been losing market share to resilient flooring, it’s still the biggest flooring category in the U.S. Most carpet sold in this country is tufted, with small, usually nylon fibers poking up through a backing that’s typically made of polyurethane. Then there’s woven carpet, which is more common in Europe and is made by weaving lengths of yarn that is usually made of wool. Woven carpet is several times more expensive than tufted carpet. Pros: Carpet is the most comfortable and cost-effective flooring material and it’s available in a wide range of colors and patterns. It installs easily and carpet is easy to maintain, requiring just regular vacuuming. Stain-resistant versions are even easier to keep clean.Cons: The main knock against carpet is that it holds dirt and dust, which can be particularly unpleasant for allergy sufferers. Woven carpet is much better at resisting this, since its construction doesn’t create places for dirt to hide. Wool is also anti-static, so it doesn’t attract dust the way nylon tufted carpets will.Cost: $3 to $10 per square foot, installed.Stone Flooring Stone flooring can add value to your home.onurdongelLike wood, stone is another timeless flooring material that almost always adds value to the home. Three types of stone are used for flooring. Sedimentary stones like travertine and limestone are formed by layers of dissolved minerals and marine organism. Igneous stone like granite is the result of extreme heat and volcanic action. Metamorphic stone like marble and slate has changed from one state to another under extreme heat and pressure.Pros: Because no two stones are the same, stone flooring has tons of character and uniqueness. Stone is also a durable material that can withstand heavy foot traffic and fading under intense sunlight. It also keeps the dust and allergens at bay.Cons: You’ll pay a premium for most stone flooring and it requires professional installation. Stone floors aren’t soft underfoot and dropped dish ware is almost certain to break when dropped on it. Many types of stone floors require sealing to resist stains.Cost: $3 to $7 per square foot, installed.Concrete FlooringConcrete floors with a polished finish have a singular look.Andreas von EinsiedelThis basic building material has been seized by high-end builders and designers as a fashion-forward material for floors, as well as kitchen countertops. A poured-in-place concrete floor can be the expected shade of institutional gray or it can be colored with dyes. It can also take on different surface treatments, from acid stains to rubber-stamp stencils, creating a truly one-of-a-kind effect. Pros: Besides its uniqueness, concrete floors are durable and easy to maintain, assuming they’re properly sealed during installation. The material conducts heat well, so concrete floors are a good option if you’re planning on radiant heating, whereby hot water tubes are embedded in the floors during the installation process.Cons: Since it’s basically a custom product, concrete floors are pricey and require professional installation. The rock-hard material is also unforgiving, and it needs to be resealed every year or so to prevent stains.Cost: $3 to $8 per square foot, installedTile FlooringWater-proof tile is ideal for bathrooms.Oscar WongThere are two main types of tile flooring: ceramic and porcelain. Ceramic is typically made from a mixture of water and sand, making it softer yet more affordable. Porcelain is made from a finer, denser clay and fired at a higher temperature, so it’s naturally harder and less porous. Pros: Tile floors have a classic look and they’ll available in countless colors and design configurations, from mosaic to large-format tiles with minimal grout lines. All tile is water-proof and low-maintenance. Porcelain tile is extremely hard-wearing and resistant to scratches and dents.Cons: Difficult installation is the biggest drawback. The tiles are typically laid in mortar over a smooth, stable substrate; unless you’re a very experienced DIYer, the project is best left to a professional. Porcelain tile is also on the pricey side, ab0ut the same as solid wood flooring.Cost: $4 to $15 per square foot, installed.Cork FlooringSoft, forgiving cork flooring is great for kids.Olga Khorkova / EyeEmAnother niche flooring product, cork is a renewable material that’s made from harvesting the bark of cork trees. It has its fans (Swedlow calls it “the best stuff on earth”), but it’s a category with a particularly wide range in quality, so it’s best to source it from a specialized flooring dealer who can help steer you to a top-performing line. Pros: Cork’s light, airy quality makes it one of the most comfortable flooring materials. It’s also water-resistant and doesn’t become slippery when wet, making it suitable to kitchens and bathrooms. Cork is non-toxic and eco-friendly.Cons: The material is prone to fading under intense sunlight. Cheaper versions will damage easily, showing scratches from heavy foot traffic, furniture and pets.Cost: $5 to $14 per square foot, installed.Linoleum FlooringA linoleum flooring with a checkerboard pattern has retro appeal.SpiderstockThis all-natural flooring is made from linseed oil and wood products. Like vinyl, it is sold in tiles or sheets, though it’s not nearly as common as its resilient cousin. “It tends to be a more sophisticated customer who is putting linoleum in their kitchen, bathroom, or maybe a new home gym,” says Swedlow. Pros: The sustainable appeal is a huge selling point, along with linoleum’s uniqueness and retro charm. The latest versions come in many more styles and colors than years past. Linoleum also has a softness underfoot that makes it very comfortable, and it resists fading from sunlight.Cons: Linoleum is not as durable as vinyl. It’s prone to wearing under heavy foot traffic and it can scratch and dent easily. Applying a wax finish will help protect the surface, but that adds to the maintenance.Cost: $3 to $7 per square foot, installed.How we chose the best flooringOur experts are always paying attention to the marketplace to identify the flooring materials you’re most likely to find at home centers, independent showrooms and online. We also regularly attend trade shows and industry events, including Surfaces, the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), and the International Builders Show, to keep up with all the latest trends and innovations. To measure stain resistance, we apply mustard, chocolate, wine and more, leave them overnight, and then see how easily the stains wipe up with a cleaner and cloth. Philip FriedmanWhen it comes to hands-on testing, we focus on brands with a proven track record for performance and reliability. In our Labs, we run stain tests to determine how well a material resists mustard, wine and the like. We also run abrasion tests to make sure materials can withstand scratches and drop tests to measure their resistance to dings and dents. Our engineers review technical data from the manufacturers related to performance, safety and sustainability. Finally, whenever possible, we use the flooring materials for actual installations at consumer testers’ homes to see how they perform under real-world conditions.Our experts use an abrasion machine to test flooring’s scratch resistance. Philip FriedmanWhat to consider when choosing flooring for your home?Many homeowners focus on the look and price of flooring, without thinking through what it will be like to live with the material over the long term. Here are the factors you need to weigh to make the smart decision.✔️ Comfort: What will it be like standing on the floor for long stretches of time? Flooring materials that offer a softness underfoot, like cork and vinyl tile, will be much more comfortable than those that are rock hard, like concrete, stone and porcelain. Especially in rooms where you do a lot of standing — think kitchen and laundry room, for example —comfort is critical. ✔️ Maintenance: Most floors look fabulous when they’re first installed. How hard are you going to have to work to keep them looking that way for years and even decades? Vinyl, laminate and engineered wood are extremely easy to care for. Materials that need to be sealed, like stone and linoleum, are much higher maintenance.✔️ Health and sustainability: Some floors are better for you and for the planet. As a rule, the fewer synthetic materials they contain, the better. That’s why solid wood flooring is a better option than engineered or laminate. Likewise, all-natural linoleum and cork are superior to vinyl. Wood flooring certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative comes from responsibly managed forests. Resilient flooring with the industry’s FloorScore certification will off-gas relatively low levels of volatile organic compound, or VOCs. What’s the best place to shop for flooring?Flooring in all its various forms is primarily sold at home centers and specialty flooring retailers. If you’re working with a contractor or installer, it probably makes sense to purchase your flooring through them, since they’ll get it at a lower professional rate. Be sure to leave plenty of lead time. “Like most things these days, the flooring industry is experiencing some challenges with the supply chain,” says Brett Miller of National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA). Inflation and supply chain issues are making it harder to price out the project. “Costs for hardwood flooring like oak and maple are still elevated, with manufacturers facing prices 38% higher than at the start of the pandemic,” explains Mischa Fisher, chief economist at ANGI, the home services provider. “Because of the price volatility, it’s always a good idea for consumers to shop around for multiple prices and quotes from installers. Periods of high volatility may produce a wide range of possible prices in the market.” Here are the top places to shop: ✔️ Home Depot: With some 2,300 locations nationwide, the biggest home center carries a wide range of flooring materials at competitive prices. Whether you want solid, engineered, laminate or faux-wood flooring, you’ll find it at the Home Depot, along with various financing options and installation services.✔️ More

As we close in on the end of summer and start making plans for one last hurrah over Labor Day weekend, one thing is certain: We’re officially looking forward to curl-up-and-watch-Food-Network season (including the new show Ree is hosting). 🥰 And thanks to the latest launch from The Pioneer Woman Collection at Walmart, we are ready.Just in time for our most necessary cuddling expeditions, Ree’s brand-new line of plush reversible throw blankets and decorative pillows has arrived at Walmart. They’re even cozier than they look… and they look pretty darn cozy.

The Pioneer Woman Sweet Rose Reversible Throw

Available in different shapes and beautiful patterns, the pillows from Ree’s summer collection feature bright colors, fun designs, and even adorable sayings (like “Howdy Darlin’!”). Toss one onto your couch or bed for an instantaneous room revamp or pick up a couple to mix and match for your own unique style.The new throw blankets are just as necessary for your home décor collection. Of course, you’ll want to cuddle up with them, too! Made of ultra-soft polyester, they’re offered in four beautiful new designs, including a few of Ree’s signature prints (Sweet Rose, Sweet Romance, Fancy Flourish, and her newest addition, Evie Floral). Each blanket offers darling details like fringed edges. They’re also reversible, allowing you to easily switch up the look of your home or coordinate with the changing of seasons. Hello, upcoming fall favorites! And guess what? This latest batch of charming home goods comes with several other launches from The Pioneer Woman Collection! The Sweet Romance Mini Dutch Oven Set along with the Sweet Romance Blossoms Ceramic Nesting Bowls. You’ll also find new accessories like a rolling pin and flour sifter. It’s a cuteness bonanza—and the perfect time to stock up on all things Ree!

Shop The Pioneer Woman Throw Blankets and Pillows

The Pioneer Woman Evie Floral Reversible Throw

The Pioneer Woman Fancy Flourish Reversible Throw

The Pioneer Woman Sweet Romance Reversible Throw

The Pioneer Woman ‘Kick Back’ Decorative Pillow

The Pioneer Woman ‘Happiness Blooming’ Decorative Pillow

The Pioneer Woman ‘Bless This Mess’ Decorative Pillow

The Pioneer Woman Coral Floral Decorative Pillow

The Pioneer Woman ‘Howdy Darlin’ Decorative Pillow

The Pioneer Woman Bluebirds Decorative Pillow

The Pioneer Woman ‘Love Lives Here’ Decorative Pillow

The Pioneer Woman Pickup Truck Decorative Pillow

The Pioneer Woman ‘Blessed’ Decorative Pillow

Macie Reynolds
Assistant Editor
Macie Reynolds is the assistant editor of E-Commerce and SEO for The Pioneer Woman.

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