Ideal Home |
- Best patio heater 2021: our top 8 electric and gas patio heaters
- Drying rack ideas to dry clothes indoors in kitchens, utility rooms and more
- Best home security system - protect your property with these security kits
- This is the best place to live for a good night's sleep in the UK
- Morrisons takes on Aldi with its great-value garden furniture - including a hanging egg chair!
- Utility room storage ideas – practical yet stylish ways to organise any size utility area
- New research reveal the road types that add the most value to your home
| Best patio heater 2021: our top 8 electric and gas patio heaters Posted: 13 Apr 2021 07:24 AM PDT Even though we’re ready for summer 2021, the weather doesn’t always get the memo. The best patio heaters will make your evening entertaining easier, with infrared, electric and gas heating to keep you cosy as you sit around your garden furniture, or mingle on the patio.
Many of the best patio heaters are selling out fast right now, so you’ll find that the most popular options on the market will come with a wait of a few days, or even a few weeks, until they’re ready to ship. Order now, and you’ll have your gas or electric patio heater in plenty of time for your next garden party. Our roundup of the best patio heaters features some top picks from Swan, La Hacienda, Maisons Du Monde and Amazon. Whether it’s a large gas heater to warm up a crowd, or a portable tabletop patio heater for a few close family and friends, you’re bound to find it right here. Pair with the best BBQ for dining al fresco, take a look at our top picks of the best patio heaters 2021 right here. The best patio heaters 20211. Luxeva Carbon Infrared Patio HeaterBest infrared patio heater
Energy type: Electric The Luxeva Carbon Infrared Patio Heater has an aluminium body and knitted carbon flament. The infrared function means it's super efficient, only heating objects nearby and not the air itself. This heater has 2000W of power and comes with a textile cover to keep it safe when not in use. There's also a safety function that automatically shuts the heater off when tipped. 2. Swan Al Fresco SH16310N Column Patio HeaterBest column patio heater
Energy type: Electric The Swan Al Fresco SH16310N Column Patio Heater is our top choice of the best patio heaters. It's got two temperature settings to choose from, either 1000W or 2000W, and the power cord is 1.8 metres for extending out into the garden. This patio heater has a safety switch with a 360-degree tip-over, meaning it will automatically switch off when tilted to prevent any scorching or burning if it falls over. 3. Swan Al Fresco SH16330N Portable Patio HeaterBest tabletop patio heater
Energy type: Electric Weighing just 8.79 kg, the Swan Al Fresco SH16330N Portable Patio Heater is a top choice for portability. You can place it under tables or on top of them, and the in-built handle makes transportation convenient. The Swan Al Fresco SH16330N Portable Patio Heater has 1200W of power and comes with an aluminium reflector to make the most of the efficient carbon fibre heating element. 4. Maguire & Weir 2KW Electric Garden Patio HeaterBest overhead patio heater
Energy type: Electric Affordable and designed for a crowd, the Maguire & Weir 2KW Electric Garden Patio Heater is 180cm tall and offers adjustable three heat settings of up to 2000W. Lowe settings include a 650 watt and 1350 watt setting. The wide base means this patio heater is stable and perfect for placing on a patio. It's also great for discreet use as the head can overlook your garden table while you drink or entertain. 5. Maisons du Monde Metal patio heaterBest gas patio heater
Energy type: Gas Gas patio heaters don't require an electrical cord, so they're perfect for taking far out into the garden. The Maisons du Monde Metal patio heater is our top pick of the best gas patio heater as it's got in-built storage space for your gas tank. The controls are available directly underneath the heater, and it has a wide and secure base perfect for entertaining. 6. Herschel Havana Portable Electric Patio HeaterBest portable patio heater
Energy type: Electric Costing just 12p to run per hour, the Herschel Havana Portable Electric Patio Heater cuts down on costs thanks to its 800W of power. It may not warm you up as much as a more powerful patio heater, but it's a smaller option that offers 10,000 hours of bulb life. The cable length is 2 metres, making it perfectly portable for taking out into the garden or placing on the patio. It also gives off a nice warm glow. 7. Swan Al Fresco SH16340N Wall Mounted Patio HeaterBest wall mounter patio heater
Energy type: Electric The Swan Al Fresco SH16340N Wall Mounted Patio Heater can be mounted either vertically or horizontally on your patio wall for year-round use. It's waterproof and designed for any weather conditions, and the 1.8 metre power lead means it can be placed a good distance from your living space. There's a remote control included, as well as an on/off button on the side of the heater itself, and there's a total of 1800W of power. 8. La Hacienda Hanging Carbon Fibre Electric HeaterBest hanging patio heater
Energy type: Electric For gazebos, pergolas or covered balconies, choose the La Hacienda Hanging Carbon Fibre Electric Heater. It's infrared, meaning you'll feel the heat directly when sitting underneath it. Given its small frame, the 1500W power is pretty impressive and the running cost is only 22p per hour. What is the best type of patio heater?
Patio heaters are available in both gas and electric models. Gas patio heaters are great because they don't require a lead to be plugged in, so you can take them to the bottom of the garden and enjoy all evening long. Electric patio heaters typically come cheaper and with more direct heat, especially when they use infrared heat. This heats surrounding objects directly, instead of the air around the heater itself. In our guide to the best patio heaters we’ve included small and large options. Some can be placed on top of or underneath tabletops, making them easy to carry around and great for smaller gatherings. There are also wall-mounted and hanging patio heaters available, which can be hooked up to gazebos and pergolas for prolonging evening drinks. How long do patio heaters last?The best patio heaters can last in excess of 10,000 hours. Most patio heaters indicate the lifespan of the heater bulb when buying, as well as the running cost per hour. If you opt for a gas patio heater the lifespan could be endless, because you’re always able to replace the gas tank and when the old one runs out. This is best suited for those who like to entertain, which is why you’ll often see gas patio heaters in pub gardens. The post Best patio heater 2021: our top 8 electric and gas patio heaters appeared first on Ideal Home.  |
| Drying rack ideas to dry clothes indoors in kitchens, utility rooms and more Posted: 13 Apr 2021 05:46 AM PDT A common problem for many households is a lack of laundry drying space. As we can’t rely on the great British climate to make use of any outside space – with our unpredictable weather, the likelihood is that you’ll need to do much of your laundry drying inside. That’s where savvy drying rack ideas come in handy. Of course with many of us living in compact spaces or in house shares, or indeed having to launder for a brood of kids, a lack of drying space can easily become a regular domestic irritation. Before long you may well find yourself with more articles of clothing floating around than the local laundrette, with socks on radiators, sheets hanging from doors and towels lingering on the banisters. A home looking like a laundrette is never a great look when unexpected visitors drop in. Style out the laundry: See all our utility room ideas To solve the dilemma we’ve found some fabulous drying rack ideas for happily hanging laundry indoors. Drying rack ideas for all spaces1. Wall mount a laundry ladder Image credit: Sussie Bell Smart wall-mounted wooden drying racks are ideal for laundry rooms and bathrooms. A great space saver, simple laundry ladders also look stylish and utilitarian when not in use. Colour coordinated pegs to add a touch of thoughtful styling to this simple solution. More ideas: Utility room storage ideas that are practical yet stylish 2. Extend to maximise drying potential Image credit: Caroline Arber Choose a wall-mounted drying rack to utilise vertical storage. Go one further by choosing an extendable drying rack design that can be pulled out to offer all the drying capability a full loaded washing machine needs. Utilise every nook and cranny to make your utility as efficient as possible. Use a recessed wall to make even better use of otherwise unusable space. 3. Collapse and store out of sight Image credit: Sussie Bell A collapsable drying rack is ideal for storing out of sight. I personally own this smart wooden clothes horse design and it’s ideal for my small flat. There are two height options, to offer a taller rack with you want it to take up even less space – or perhaps have longer items to dry, such as all trousers. Once the clothes are dry you simply fold it down to a compact concertina shape then store it out of view. I personally have it under a unit in the kitchen, so it’s out of the way but still handy for when I need it. View now: Folding Clothes Horse, £40, Garden Trading 4. Save space with a suspended clothes airer Image credit: Clive Doyle It’s not new or revolutionary, but the Sheila Maid clothes airer is a style that’s been popular in Britain for well over 100 years. A great place for it is on the ceiling above your staircase – high up and out of the way. The space-saving solution is simply lowered down using a pulley rope system, making it easy to retract out of the way when not in use – ideal for small kitchens or utility rooms. Looking to add shelving? Utility room shelving ideas – organise your laundry room supplies with chic shelf solutions 5. Invest in a wall-mounted indoor airer Image credit: Garden Trading 'Incorporate a drying rack into your utility space so you've somewhere to air clothes when the weather's bad,' says storage guru Vicky Silverthorn of youneedavicky.com. 'Slatted shelves are also handy for storing freshly-laundered linens as slats allow air to circulate so washing won't get damp.' This neat space-saving wall-hung airer has rows of wooden rungs for drying clothes and linens indoors and folds flat when not in use to take up minimal space. Buy now: Chalford wall dryer, £110, Garden Trading 6. Look for hotspots Image credit: Claire Richardson Speed up the dying process by seeking out the hottest point within your kitchen or utility room, placing your airer there in order to make use of the warmth. If your home is lucky enough to use AGA make the permanent heat serve as a hot air dryer for your laundry. Simply hang a traditional clothes airer above the stove to benefit from the heat below. Of course don’t forget to take the washing down before you start cooking tea, because the smells will be absorbed into the freshly laundered washing! 7. Fill ceiling space above work surfaces Image credit: Claire Richardson Make your drying rack work within the existing layout of a room. Suspending a rack above a work surface without higher level cupboards provides the perfect place to rest a laundry basket or pile of items ready to hang. On a practical level this means you’re not bending down more often that necessary when hanging the washing out. It also means you are making the most of the space, by utilising the unused ceiling above. 8. Use a quiet corner Image credit: Jan Baldwin No matter how attractive your hanging solution (and in the case above it’s pretty good!), no one wants laundry to overtake the house – even in a dedicated utility room. Choose a triangular shaped drying rack to tuck perfectly into a quiet corner that is out of the way, so it doesn’t feel too intrusive within the space. If you don’t have a utility room this solution is ideal for use in a small kitchen, confined to the corner. 9. Scent and dry clothes at the same time
Make your drying rack multipurpose by hanging dried lavender, or other fragrant stems, to gently scent the washing while it dries. 10. Hang a rack directly above the washing machine Image credit: Paul Raeside Make the laundry even easier by locating your drying rack as close to your washing machine as possible. If choosing a traditional pulley drying rack use the ceiling area directly above your appliances to make it possible to hang directly from the machine, to save having to decant the load into a laundry basket to transport it around the house to hang elsewhere. Jazz up the utility with a splash of colour on the walls and a fun sign to add character to the space. 11. Double up with pegs Image credit: Garden Trading Your utility room can offer much needed drying space with an extending clothes dryer that also features pegs. The extending rails pull out with ease, allowing you to hang out a full load of washing in an instant. ‘It’s also been designed with a shelf and six natural hanging pegs for storing all multitude of household items. Whether you choose to place in the kitchen or utility room, the Extending Clothes Dryer will prove to be an indispensable piece of furniture for everyday use,’ says Garden Trading ‘Perfect for apartments and homes without garden space, the dryer folds back when not in use saving you on time and space.’ Got a small space? Read: Small utility room ideas to organise compact laundry rooms and tiny kitchens 12. Invest in bespoke built-in solutions Image credit: Charles Yorke If you’ve got a bit more budget for your laundry antics try a fitted cabinet as part of a bespoke utility room. We love the elegance of this one at Charles Yorke, with its concealed clothes airer. Neatly hidden out of sight you wouldn’t even know this airing cupboard was there. Of course if you don’t need to hide it, leave the doors open to aid with the drying time. A bespoke fitted utility room will blow the budget but ensure that future laundry is a smooth operation. Everything has a place. 13. Keep pegs to hand Image credit: Simon Whitmore Sounds simple enough, but keeping the pegs hanging on the drying rack will ensure they don’t get moved or misplaced. Find a stylish storage solution to attach directly to the rack to make hanging the washing out a quick and easy chore. What is the best drying rack?Determining what is the best drying rack will depend on the property you live in. For a small household where laundry is limited to one or two washing machine loads a week you might say a collapsable drying rack is best – so it can be folded away out of sight. What is the best way to dry clothes indoors?The best way to dry clothes indoors is with a sizeable drying rack. Also known as clothes airers and clothes horses there are a number of different designs that can help to make drying clothes indoors a breeze. With a freestanding drying rack you have the added bonus to be able to move it around the houses, dictating where you can afford to have clothes out on display – if you have a dining room or spare room that’s not being used, it’s ideal to move to airer in there beside a radiator and close the doors so it’s not on view. What can I use if I don’t have a drying rack?The alternative for drying if you don’t have a rack is by hanging items over radiators, bannisters and even doorframes. While this solves the problem, it’s not an ideal set up. It makes the house look untidy, and can leave odd drying impressions on garments – if say it’s left over a square edge. There are plenty of affordable drying racks on the market, to make it possible for all budgets to invest in a proper drying solution. The post Drying rack ideas to dry clothes indoors in kitchens, utility rooms and more appeared first on Ideal Home.  |
| Best home security system - protect your property with these security kits Posted: 13 Apr 2021 04:55 AM PDT Thanks to significant leaps in technology over recent years, it’s now simpler than ever to kit your home out with the best home security systems for a fraction of the price (and effort) as it would have involved in the past. Just five years ago you might have needed a budget of thousands in order to take advantage of web-connected video monitoring, motion detection and wireless sensors, but now many brands are offering complete security systems that connect to your phone for 24/7 home monitoring. You may be asking if home security systems are worth it, given that many of us are struggling to keep up with all of the gadgets that have found their way into our homes and daily lives. Home security systems may not be as sophisticated as burglar-proof CCTV security networks, but one of the best things about the latest smart products and their accompanying apps is that you can expand your system as you need, integrated everything to work with other gadgets such as lighting and heating. The possibilities are vast. Still, if you only need a small security set-up for now, then take a look at our roundup of the best security cameras. If you’re ready for something more, scroll down to see what we thought. The best home security systems 20211. Yale Smart Living Home Alarm KitBest DIY home security system  Credit: Yale Included: Hub, keypad, siren, motion detector, contact sensor Yale is synonymous with home security and the yellow siren boxes are a big turn-off for would-be intruders. In the past you’d need deep pockets to have a Yale system professionally installed (and then monitored for an extra cost) but the Smart Living range is DIY, wireless and app-controlled. Not to be confused with lifestyle orientated ‘smart’ webcams, the SR-330 is serious about security. It comes with smart hub, 94dB siren, dummy siren box, PIR motion detector, PIR image camera (will take and send still images to your smartphone), door/window contact and key pad plus all fixings needed. All the items (apart from the hub, which comes with a 72hr battery pack-up) are wireless and have batteries that should last two years. And best of all, they come pre-linked to the hub, so set-up couldn't be simpler. It took less than an hour to install the system, and the sensors and key pad worked flawlessly. You need to carefully position the PIR detectors to cover the most important areas, and really take time to get to know the Yale Home app layout – the siren is very loud, and you don't want to be ‘testing’ it too often! Realistically, you will need to invest in a couple more door sensors, but that’s where the Yale really comes into its own. It doesn't have the warm and fuzzy ‘ah, look at my dog on the sofa’ feel of the other smart systems, but it offers professional peace of mind at a good price (without monthly subscription) and can be upgraded quickly and easily with up to 20 extras. These include sensors, smoke alarms, key fobs, panic buttons and hi-res cameras. Ideal Home rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars 2. Netatmo Smart Alarm SystemBest home security system with camera  Credit: Netatmo Included: camera, 3 x contact sensors, siren We’ve long been fans of the Netatmo Welcome camera (£199), with its understated looks and face recognition software. The latter enables you to see precisely when a particular person arrives at the house – so you’ll when the kids got home from school and if they were alone, and whether the cleaner showed up on time. But Netatmo has expanded its security range with a brilliant outdoor camera and security light, the Presence (£249.99), and a three pack of weatherproof window and door sensors known as Tags (£89.99). They also plan to launch a smart smoke alarm and siren later this year, which makes this an even better proposition. None of it is cheap, but it is exceptionally well made – the Presence camera looks better than anything on the market and works brilliantly. Using clever sensors, it can distinguish between cars, pets, foxes and people, helping to reduce unwanted alerts and unnecessary use of the super-bright security floodlight. Sadly, you will probably need an electrician to fit it, making it an even bigger investment. The Welcome’s face detection isn't flawless but is reliable – especially once it sees the same face a few times. Positioning it in a well-lit area certainly helps. You can also set the camera to only record strange faces, so you don't feel spied upon once you’re all home. Full HD 1080p video quality is great on both cameras, and with 8GB MicroSD cards included, you don't need a subscription to record video clips, which is a real bonus. The Tags work using vibration rather than a contact strip, which was reliable in my tests, and the range of 80m is impressive. Ideal Home rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
3. Somfy One Home Security SystemBest all-in-one home security system  Credit: Somfy Included: camera, motion sensor, siren Like the Canary, the Somfy One is a tiny Full HD camera with built-in 90dB siren. Plus, it is compatible with Nest products, Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, and the brand also offers a range of cameras, sensors and professional sirens, making it pretty flexible. The major selling point here however is its ability to not give false alarms – the camera has two sensors, one detecting movement, and one looking for changes in temperature (body heat) and it requires both sensors to trigger before the alarm will sound and you’ll be alerted. It’s a neat trick, and one that works pretty well, but only once you’ve configured the rest of the settings. I’ve got a big dog, so needed to define the areas for the camera to detect i.e. at adult chest height near doors, not low down where the dog will be walking. After a few false alerts, and a very startled wife, I began to trust the system. Although expect a loud shock if you move it by accident! You can adjust sensitivity and also choose how and when the alarm is activated (manually, instantly or after an app message), which is sensible. Captured images will last for 24hrs, but you can't download them unless you subscribe for £3.99 per month, which is cheaper than most but still irritating. Finally, I like that you are reminded to activate and deactivate the alarm when returning home or leaving (by using your phone’s GPS), which is essential to avoid the ear-splitting siren. Ideal Home rating: 4 out of 5 stars 4. Canary Pro Indoor Home SecurityBest home security system on a budget  Credit: Canary Included: camera This bundle consists of the superb value Canary all-in-one home security camera and alarm (£159) and one of their new indoor/outdoor cameras, the Canary Flex (£199). Together they create a stylish, hi-tech system with lots of smart features, especially if you pay extra for the subscription services. The big bonus is the 90dB alarm squeezed into a device that doesn't look like a home security system. You can set the alarm off or contact emergency services direct from the app if you see a disturbance, and it rarely sends false alerts because it tracks your phone (and other family member’s phones), so understands when you’re at home and turns everything off. Similarly, it will arm itself automatically when everyone has left. Another neat trick; if the primary contact doesn't act on an alert by checking the app, the message will be sent to other registered users until someone responds. As well as good Full HD wide angle camera with night vision, noise and motion detection, Canary also has air quality, humidity and a temperature sensor which, aside from telling you how warm the lounge is and if there’s a pollution issue, can detect sudden temperature rises, which could be the start of a fire. Combined with the Canary Flex, you can cover living room and entrances ways with ease, although finding a good position for the Canary hub can be tricky of you don't have furniture in the right places. The Flex is battery (two months) or mains powered, and motion sensitivity is easily adjusted to avoid false alerts. The downside to this product is the need to subscribe (£7.99 per month) to unlock all the features and get more than just 10 second video clips. Ideal Home rating: 4 out of 5 stars 5. Panasonic Home Monitoring and Control KitBest home security system with no monthly fees  Credit: Panasonic Included: Hub, 2 x contact sensors, smart plug, camera Unlike the competition, Panasonic’s smart home uses DECT ULE – the same technology found in a digital landline – rather than relying on wi-fi. This makes it hacker-proof and gives it a wide range of up to 300m, more than enough for the biggest home and garden. It also benefits from having a microSD card slot, so if you do connect a camera, all the video clips can be stored physically instead of being uploaded to the cloud. This will save you having to pay for a storage subscription and is a good solution for people nervous of storing images on the internet. Costing less than a single smart camera, this starter kit contains a Smart Hub KX-HNB600, Indoor Siren KX-HNS105, Motion Sensor KX-HNS102 and Door & Window sensor KX-HNS101. It’s a bargain, and thanks to the one-button set-up, the easiest system I’ve installed. But you will need to invest more to cover the whole house – sensors cost from £30). Panasonic offers an ever-expanding range of accessories including phone, window/door sensors, motion sensor, smart plug, indoor siren, keypad, key fobs, water-leak detector and a new indoor webcam. Meanwhile, its KX-HNC800EW outdoor webcam that I also tested here (£159) is excellent. However, unlike Samsung’s, this is a closed-loop system, so it won't work with third-party products. Technophobes will appreciate the simplicity of the Panasonic ecosystem, but it lacks a lot of the headline-grabbing features and expandability found with other platforms. The app can’t quite compete either, but if it’s simple remote security you're after and don't want to rob a bank to pay for it, it’s worth a look. Ideal Home rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
How much do home security systems cost? image credit: Canary For around £200, you can buy a basic smart security system with camera, hub and maybe a door/window sensor. But remember, if you want to cover the whole house you’ll need multiple sensors and cameras. Window/door sensors cost from around £30, with cameras starting at around £100. In most cases, you’ll need to stick to one brand for them to work seamlessly with the smartphone app. For a three-bedroom house, budget at least £500. And don't forget many smart-home platforms also require a monthly subscription (between £3-8 per month) to get the best features. What’s in the box?
Do home security systems require internet?Good Wi-Fi coverage is essential, and most systems will have a range of around 20-50metres, but if you have black spots around the house the system may struggle. Panasonic uses a separate wireless system with a much wider range, ideal for larger homes. Is there any back-up power?In the event of a power cut, the battery-powered sensors and cameras will continue to work, and many mains powered hubs have battery backup that will last 24-72 hrs. During a blackout you won't receive smartphone alerts. How easy is the app to use?Each smartphone app comes with different settings, so choose one that suits your needs. Location sensing is very useful as it can tell when you get home or leave (using your phone’s GPS) and turn alarms and camera on or off accordingly. All systems allow you to adjust the sensitivity of the motion detection and it's worth playing with these to avoid getting false alarms when the cat walk past. You can also adjust some cameras to only look at certain places – a doorway for instance. Is it compatible with other smart home gadgets?Samsung’s SmartThings is compatible with many third-party smart home gadgets, while Panasonic and Yale products will only work with their own brand kit. These closed-loop systems are more secure but being able to expand and include other smart home products such as Philips Hue lighting and or Nest heating won't be possible. Do home security systems deter crime?As we’ve already mentioned, a visible (or audible) deterrent is a good way to stay safe, but the most important factor is to make your home as secure as possible with dead-bolting doors and window locks. Cameras and sensors will definitely alert you to a problem, and may even provide evidence to help the police catch a burglar, but that’s a bit late if they’ve already run off with your TV! Prevention is always better, so dummy alarm boxes and outdoor security cameras and lights are also great options. Can I install a smart home security system myself?Setting up a smart security system is relatively easy these days, with each gadget synching over Wi-Fi, but it’s vital you take time to position sensors and cameras correctly to cover every vulnerable area. One thing few people think about is the effect lighting or glass can have on the quality of the camera image, so test it out at day and night to be sure you can see faces clearly. And while common sense, be sure sirens and cameras are out of reach.  Image credit: Netatmo How do home security systems work?Essentially, it’s a set of an internet-connected security cameras, motion sensors, door locks, window/door sensors and even sirens that connect wirelessly together. The majority of systems are driven by a 'hub', usually a small nondescript box that’s connected directly to your broadband router. The hub sends information wirelessly from each element of the system to and from your smartphone. Once all connected together, if someone opens a window or door, or walks past a sensor, you will receive an alert on your phone. And if they stray into the camera’s field of vision, you’ll receive either a picture or short video clip. Some systems can then sound an alarm or contact the emergency services, and many also enable you to talk through the camera. The latter is ideal if you're saying hi to the kids who've just got back from school, or for shouting at the dog to get off the sofa. Because smart home security doesn’t just have to be about keeping potential burglars away. Key fobs, smartphone GPS and even clever face-recognition software can help keep an eye on the kids or an elderly relative and let you know when they get home safely, or if they leave the house unexpectedly. What is the best home security system?We adore Yale Smart Living Home Alarm Kit, awarding it close to top marks for its comprehensive security coverage and DIY style. Coming in second was the Netatmo system, which wins points for simplicity. The post Best home security system - protect your property with these security kits appeared first on Ideal Home.  |
| This is the best place to live for a good night's sleep in the UK Posted: 13 Apr 2021 04:00 AM PDT Noisy neighbours and busy roads are high on the list of things house hunters hope to avoid. Because our home is the one place we can close the door on the outside world. And, of course, it’s where we lay our head at night, and getting good quality sleep on the best mattress is fundamental to our well-being.
It turns out that those living in Warwick get the most shut-eye – a study carried out by Sleep Seekers revealed the Warwickshire town to be the number one location in the UK for a restful night's sleep. Conversely, Salford was shown to be the absolute worst place for a night of undisturbed sleep.  Image credit: Neptune The duvet retailer analysed a range of factors, such as light pollution, anxiety levels, noise levels, and complaints to do with noise. In order to give each city a ‘sleep forecast’ score out of 100, Sleep Seekers took data from Public Health England and the Office for National Statistics. Here’s how some of the UK’s cities stack up. Is your hometown on the list of best places to live for a good night’s sleep?1. Warwick – 92.63 2. Worcester – 84.05 3. St. Albans – 83.87 4. Hereford – 83.52 5. Stafford – 83.34 6. Carlisle – 82.31 7. Luton – 82.19 8. Blackburn with Darwen – 82.05 9. Chichester – 82.01 10. Wigan – 81.83  Image credit: Future Publishing Ltd As for London, its outer-east corner in the borough of Havering came out on top. Havering scored 75.9 on Sleep Seekers’ scale and was closely followed by Sutton, with a rating of 75.03. Unsurprisingly, Westminster was rated the worst borough of London for sleep, beating Kensington & Chelsea and Hammersmith & Fulham by a few points.  Image credit: Future Publishing Ltd
If you regularly fail to get eight hours of sleep, B&M’s CBD pillows could be worth trying. Plus, if you’re not sure how often you should be washing your pillows, our story might surprise you. Our black-out curtain ideas will help you find a stylish way to block out light from street lamps that can stir us from our slumber. Simple things such as going to bed at the same time and getting up at the same time every single day will also help. The post This is the best place to live for a good night's sleep in the UK appeared first on Ideal Home.  |
| Morrisons takes on Aldi with its great-value garden furniture - including a hanging egg chair! Posted: 13 Apr 2021 03:00 AM PDT The temperature might not have cracked 20 degrees just yet, but with restrictions lifting our thoughts have turned to giving our gardens a revamp. Luckily the Morrisons garden furniture range is on hand to help.
Morrison’s garden furniture blew us away last year, but this year it is back to raise our garden lounging game to the next level. Not only is the new range unbelievably chic, but also a bargain. The supermarket range has blown even Aldi out of the water with its incredible prices. They’ve even included a hanging egg chair dupe! Morrisons garden furniture rangeMorrisons hanging egg chair
Aldi’s famous hanging egg chair sold out within minutes the three times it has been in stock already this year. If you missed out you can pick up Morrison’s dupe in stores for just £185. The Morrisons pod chair is a sleek alternative, with large dark grey cushions and a neutral rattan frame. The chair sold out in a matter of days last year, so you will need to be quick to back one. Buy in-store: Hanging egg chair, £185, Morrisons Shell Rattan Bistro set
One of the highlights of the new collection is a colourful three-piece bistro set. The colourful orange set is not one for a shy gardens but is perfect for making a statement. Holidays abroad might currently be on hold, but the vibrant shade and shell-like shape will bring the Mediterranean vibes to you. Oh and it’ll only set you back £95, you read that right you’ll be shelling out less than £100. We’ll raise a glass of rosé to that.
Buy in-store: Three piece bistro set, £95, Morrisons Four-piece sofa set
If you are looking for a larger garden set up, Morrisons is also selling a luxurious four-piece sofa set. The set includes a two-person sofa, two armchairs and a dark glass-topped coffee table. The whole set features on-trend grey rattan. The set is super sturdy so you won’t need to worry about it braving the British weather. It is also fully cushioned for maximum comfort. Plus it is an incredible £150!
Buy in-store: Four piece sofa set, £150, Morrisons Rattan Corner Sofa
The corner sofa is at the pricier end of Morrisons’ garden furniture spectrum. However, at £250 that isn’t saying much. It is in fact the same price as Aldi’s version! However, the main difference is that Morrisons’ version doesn’t come with an extra footstool. But if you’re still waiting for Aldi’s version to come back into stock this is the perfect alternative. Buy in-store: Corner Sofa, £250, Morrisons
As we reported last year, Morrisons is taking its homeware collection from strength to strength. You can also pick up all sorts of accessories for the garden in-store. So watch this space! Looks like there are plenty more reasons to shop at Morrisons this summer. The post Morrisons takes on Aldi with its great-value garden furniture - including a hanging egg chair! appeared first on Ideal Home.  |
| Utility room storage ideas – practical yet stylish ways to organise any size utility area Posted: 13 Apr 2021 01:28 AM PDT Utility room storage is essential for keeping your utility and washing area tidy and clutter-free. The main use of a utility room is two-fold: Storage – both for the home and garden – and washing, usually clothing and outdoor equipment. While laundry room and utility room storage and has practical written all over it, it doesn’t have to be boring (promise!). Whether yours is for laundry, boots or potting up, keep your utility room super-efficient with these practical storage solutions. There are lots of different ways to keep everything you store in your utility room neat, tidy and most importantly, accessible. Think about how you use your utility room – what you just store in the room and the items you use most days. Is your utility room an extension of your kitchen? Is it where you wash up or where you wash your clothes? Invest in relevant utility room storage to suit the needs of you and your household. Utility room storage ideasWhatever you’re after from your utility room storage, and however you make use of the extra room in your house, we have lots of ideas in our essential gallery round-up. 1.Organise laundry essentials in caddies Image credit: Garden Trading Open shelves are a great idea for utility areas as they give easy access to essential items. But having everything out on show can quickly look messy if you're not super-organised. Corral smaller odds and ends like washing tablets, dryer sheets and pegs into easy-to-grab baskets with cleaning kit in caddies so it's easy to tote around the house. Buy now: Portland storage bucket with bamboo handle, £20, Garden Trading 2. Fit adjustable shelving above appliances Image credit: Ikea Make use of wasted wall space above a washing machine or tumble dryer by adding shelving and racks where you can stack and air clean laundry. The warm heat from appliances will help speed up drying time. This customisable shelving system consists of wall-mounted uprights that are fixed to the wall, with easy-fit shelves and racks that simply click into place. Shelves can be arranged at different heights to suit your needs and the space available. Buy now: Boaxel one-section storage, £70, Ikea 3. Save space with a folding laundry basket Image credit: Lakeland Bulky laundry baskets can be tricky to find room for when space is limited. Opt for a neat, collapsible basket that will hold a full load of washing but folds flat so it can be tucked under a counter or in a gap next to the washing machine. Buy now: Addis folding laundry basket, £14.99, Lakeland 4. Save space with a folding laundry basketImage credit: Lakeland Bulky laundry baskets can be tricky to find room for when space is limited. Opt for a neat, collapsible basket that will hold a full load of washing but folds flat so it can be tucked under a counter or in a gap next to the washing machine. Buy now: Addis folding laundry basket, £14.99, Lakeland 5. Save floor space by stacking appliances Image credit: Currys If utility space is super-tight, utilise room-height by stacking your tumble dryer on top of the washing machine. Stacking kits have a locking device that keeps both the appliances stable, plus a handy slide-out shelf in the centre where clothes can be folded and stacked as they come out of the dryer. Buy now: WPRO Stacking kit with shelf, £49.99, Currys 6. Kit out cupboards with interior storage Image credit: Ikea 'Think about what needs storing before kitting out your utility area and ensure that there's a home for everything', says storage guru Vicky Silverthorn of youneedavicky.com. 'Remember to factor in space for cumbersome items like the vacuum cleaner, broom, dust pan and mop.' Utilise every inch in a tall kitchen cabinet or an understairs cupboard by kitting out the interior with hooks and racks so you can stash bulky items securely. Slide-out interior storage like this will give easy access to cleaning essentials. Buy now: Metod/Maximera high cabinet with cleaning interior, £241, Ikea 7. Go for easy-access open shelving Image credit: B&M 'Cupboards aren't essential if your utility area is closed-off from the kitchen,' says storage guru Vicky Silverthorn of youneedavicky.com. 'Open shelves allow you to see everything at a glance and grab what you need easily.' Invest in a couple of handled baskets so you can stash towels, linens and clean laundry inside. Woven baskets allow air to circulate so fabrics stays fresh and are easy to carry if you need to tote laundry upstairs. 8. Hide cleaning kit behind closed doors Image credit: Benchmarx Kitchens If your utility area is on show – or it's a struggle to keep the space tidy – then consider investing in some built-in storage. A run of base units and wall cupboards will house all essentials and equipment and keep any clutter out of sight. Arrange cupboards so that most-used items are stored lower down for easy access and those you use less-frequently are stored higher up. Consider mounting a rail on the under-side of a cabinet where you can hang freshly-ironed items. 9. Store supplies in easy-clean mesh baskets Image credit: Matalan 'Store items neatly, in categories, so you can see what you have – and what you're running low on,’ says storage guru Vicky Silverthorn of youneedavicky.com. 'Don't stockpile – it might be tempting to buy extra supplies when they're on offer, but it's just more stuff to find storage space for.' Mesh caddies and wire baskets are great for storing laundry supplies and cleaning kit. Easy to clean if there are any leaks or spills, with everything stored together, they're easy to grab if you're heading to another part of the house. Buy now: Metal wire storage basket, £14, Matalan 10. Sort laundry as you go Image credit: Ikea Instead of tackling a huge heap of dirty clothes and washing all in one hit, make the task easier by sorting laundry into categories as you go. Invest in a couple of baskets or canvas bags (hooked up on the utility room wall) so laundry can be sorted out into darks, lights, colours and delicates ready for loading straight into the washing machine. Buy now: Plumsa laundry bags, £8 each, Ikea 11. Set up a smart storage system Image credit: James French Free up much needed space with personalised out-of-the-way storage. Design a simple, budget-friendly layout and include a large storage box for each family member or use labels to specify particular contents. Set them within reach on a high shelf to keep other surfaces clear. Look for a built-in unit featuring a deep basin and cupboards. Pick unusual tiles for an attractive splashback and a white worktop for streamlined wipe-ability. Make the shelf extra practical by choosing one with a fitted rail, and add a wall-hung extendable airer that allows you to dry clothes without taking up floor space. Related: Kitchen splashback ideas to keep kitchen walls protected in style 12. Hide appliances behind folding doors Image credit: Tom Meadows In a large kitchen, the laundry area can be separated from the rest of the space into a neat unit so that it can be easily closed away out of sight. This little laundry store has no airs or graces but has everything needed, from appliances to linen storage, in a well-organised package. 13. Wall mount where possible Image credit: Mark Scott Keep utility room surfaces free of clutter by wall-mounting practical items such as an iron and ironing board. Objects that you do not use every day can be stored out of the way but within reach on shelves. A compartmentalised laundry basket helps to ensure that whites, colours and delicates are kept separate. 14. Repurpose furniture pieces for savvy storage
Add something a little different with reclaimed storage. Give a neutral utility room character with a wooden merchant’s chest or trunk large enough to store outdoor wear and blankets. It can also double as a boot store and bench seating. Use the free space above to hang a peg rail for coats. Source oversized enamel tins – they’re perfect for storing detergent. 15. Store away under stairs Image credit: Lizzie Orme Designate a little space under the stairs for your cleaning paraphernalia. A cupboard might not be a utility room, but optimise the space inside for household necessities and you’ll be amazed how organised your life will be. Use it for slimline equipment, such as a dustbin and dustpan and brush, and add a handy over-the-door rack that can hold all manner of dusters, cloths and brushes without taking up floor space. Choose colour co-ordinated items – even if you won’t see them when they’re hidden away, the mere fact that they’re co-ordinated will make you happy. 16. Find a place for flower essentials Image credit: Mark Scott Conquer the laundry load by ensuring everything is conveniently placed and within easy reach. Add character to your utility room with vintage-style storage. Position open shelving units and mini cupboards on worktops for a country dresser-like look. Try a wire-fronted cabinet, painted white, and use to store glassware. Keep less attractive utensils hidden in drawers underneath to establish a handy flower-arranging zone. Place freestanding units like these alongside fitted versions for the perfect mix of on-show and hidden-away storage essential to an efficient working space. 17. Rediscover wash-house chic Image credit: Caroline Barber Get a Victorian feel with large traditional fittings. If you have the space, create a drying area – a perfectly practical plan considering our British weather. Mount twin conventional towel rails on the wall and a vintage pulley airer on the ceiling for drying laundry up and out of the way. Source large-scale laundry baskets – these ones are in black metal for contrast – and make life easy by choosing a design with castors. Keep the look fresh with a palette of white and spring green. 18. Wall-mount cool alternative storage Image credit: Debi Treloar Anodised aluminium shelves are great for storing laundry products and tools. These fine examples are actually zinc window boxes used as wall storage instead. Make them even more unique by personalising them with paint and hanging them up in a quirky way. 19. Clear the clutter with open-shelving image credit: Paul Raeside Separate your laundry in designated baskets to make doing the washing that little bit easier. This utility room uses open shelving – great for creating the illusion of space – to stash away freshly folded laundry as well as boxes for other utensils. 20. Keep it simpleImage credit: Caroline Arber Clever storage is the key to creating a successful utility room. Here, a fixed cupboard with a built-in bench seat accommodates all the necessary equipment required to turn the area into a streamlined but multifunctional space. White-painted walls keep the small room looking airy and bright. 21. Utilise a passage way Image credit: Clive Doyle Turn a passage or hallway into a utility space with streamlined storage. Add a contemporary vibe by fitting tall, glossy cabinets in white to boost light levels and a cool grey geometric floor to visually elongate the space. Use a wall of floor-to-ceiling clean-lined storage to conceal a multitude of necessities – even a washing machine and laundry bin as shown here. Keep detergent supplies close to hand with fitted shelves above. 22. Create a display area Image credit: Mark Scott Be practical with helpful open shelves rather than wall cabinets and keep everything in sight. Fit functional shelves for easy access and get creative with otherwise mundane supplies. Decanter detergent into attractive, easy-pour jars and label with vintage-style stickers. Display with attractive soaps and classic tins in various muted colours for a little hardworking rustic charm. 23. Spruce up with shelves Image credit: Ben Robertson An open shelved cupboard will store a whole host of fundamentals for the organised utility room. Using a clip rack on the inside of a door keeps mops off the floor and dusters in place. Pale grey paint will not need re-painting as often as white and is still light enough that the room will not feel cramped or dark. 24. Inject industrial style Image credit: Garden Trading Industrial storage is an original and highly practical storage solution for a utility room. This bakery trolley on casters is practical and easy to move around should you wish. 25. Rethink cupboard storage Image credit: Ben Robertson Storing watering cans and vases together will make it easier to find what you need. Use simple linen to line the shelves and help keep breakables in place and soak up any excess water. If you have a couple of favourite vases or watering cans, show them off on a window sill and create an appealing artisan look when seen from the inside and out. 26. Go behind the scenes Image credit: Polly Eltes If you’re planning a kitchen extension and entertain frequently, consider apportioning an area for a utility. A room leading off the kitchen acts as backstage, providing somewhere for extra storage, dirty dishes or prep and cooking, improving the ambience of the kitchen itself and making it a more enjoyable setting for guests. 27. Make the space fit for pets Image credit: Mark Scott A utility room can offer home comforts for pets without giving them the run of the house at night. Baskets, food and water bowls, and litter trays should have their own zones. 28. Corner off a section of the kitchen Image credit: David Parmiter Where no separate room is available, a corner of a kitchen can be used as a pantry or utility space. Opt for a rounded solution t make this happen. These doors are practical but also add character. In a smaller room, limit the number of materials you use. Simplicity creates a better sense of space and a more unified scheme. 29. Conceal clutter with a curtain Image credit: Trevor Richards If your utility room isn’t designed to be boxed in you can choose a simple curtain to make your stoarge solutions look more pleasing to the eye. Whether just to cover a bulky appliance or used to hide all the shelving a decorative curtain can go a long way to improve the appearance of any essential storage. 30. Take a sophisticated approach Image credit: Ben Robertson Clever use of storage and well-organised essentials ensure a calm, multifunctional utility room where everything is conveniently placed and within easy reach. Combine natural materials such as wood and linen with a dark paint colour for a sophisticated look. Good order is key to the smooth running of this space, so don’t underestimate its importance. 31. Embrace baskets for decorative storage Image credit: Ben Robertson Utility rooms are generally limited when it comes to space and storage, so use spare baskets or picnic hampers to store a selection of your small essentials. Not only will it save you money and the time and trouble of installing shelves, it will also add an instant hint of countryside charm. 32. Make it multifunctional Image credit: David Still If you do not have a dedicated space or room to devote to all your utility requirements, it would be a good idea to adapt a cloakroom or boot room to house all your essentials. Cupboards lined with tongue and groove panelling can help to create a smart finish in this often-overlooked space. 33. Choose country-style
Make the most of a small utility room with endearing cottage features. Create pretty country style with a series of cupboards and drawers in Shaker-style cream cabinetry, allowing allocated space for every little thing. Go for pieces that have traditional metal tee hinges for added character and a practical butler sink for a touch of yesteryear. Bring in rustic accessories, such as this wirework basket with a heart motif for peg storage. It is always useful to have one big sink. You will always need somewhere to soak pans or clothes without encroaching on kitchen space. 34. Uniform the look with colour
Ensure footwear is close to hand with large open shelves. Forget cupboard doors on at least one unit in your Shaker cabinetry and break up the scheme by making a feature of footwear. Re-create a traditional utility-cum-boot room with period stone flooring and a practical butler sink. Line walls with cream tongue-and-groove panelling and go for soft sage cabinetry and a character wall pendant. 35. Build bespoke storage
Good storage will maximise space and put everything at your fingertips. Cubby hole storage is great for taming belongings but it can look untidy. This version with baskets is a smart compromise that makes it easy to access things, while bring a rustic mood that really looks the part in a country home. Utility room see a lot of wear so choose tough finishes, especially for the floor. Stone or porcelain is ideal. How can I make my utility room look nice?Don’t forget to really take your style into consideration as you plan your utility room space and remember that practicality doesn’t mean you have to shun your favourite looks. If you’re a country fan, go for wicker storage baskets. Sleek and chic utility room storage can be achieved with high gloss, colourful storage units and buckets. Traditionalists might like cream or grey units with built-in drawers for hiding everything away. Think about where you can use on-wall storage, such as sturdy shelving either side of your utility room sink. This keeps washing products high out of reach of little people’s hands. If you mainly use your utility room for washing and drying clothes, you can get some fantastic retro laundry sacks to hide dirty laundry away. Consider things carefully before you start buying cabinetry. Thing about what you will need to store – cleaning appliances, utensils, laundry items or pet paraphernalia. Include one or two drawers in your cabinets to house all the small items, and don’t forget to make room for the bin and the recycling. Additional words by Lisa Fazzani The post Utility room storage ideas – practical yet stylish ways to organise any size utility area appeared first on Ideal Home.  |
| New research reveal the road types that add the most value to your home Posted: 12 Apr 2021 11:00 PM PDT If you’re wondering how to add value to your home, you may not need to do anything at all – it could all be in your road name. If you’re selling a house you may be delighted to know that just having ‘Hill’ or ‘Garden’ at the end of your street name will elevate your home’s value in buyers’ eyes.
We’re not surprised – since the start of the pandemic, many of us have been daydreaming about moving to the countryside. But while actually leaving the city isn’t for everyone, imagining that you live somewhere open and green is just that much easier if your road is called a ‘garden.’ The most popular road type – though it’s not the most lucrative Image credit: Future Research by estate agent comparison site, GetAgent.co.uk, has revealed which road type has proved the most popular with the nation's homebuyers over the last year, as well as which commands the highest property price tag. GetAgent analysed property sales across England and Wales over the last year and found that when it comes to pure popularity, you can't beat a good old fashioned Road. In fact, 30 per cent of all homes sold were located on a Road, with Close and Street also proving popular accounting for a further 9% of transactions each. Avenue also proved a popular choice amongst buyers making up 7 per cent of all homes sold, with Drive not far behind at 6 per cent. The road names that add the most value to a home Image credit: Future However, when it comes to the price paid homebuyers are forking out the most for homes on Hills. While Hill as a road type only accounted for 1% of all transactions over the last year, properties sold on Hills went for an average of £335,000.Lane and Gardens were the next most prestigious road types from a property price point of view, with an average sold price of £290,000. Park (£272,500) and Rise (£270,000) also performed well where sold prices are concerned, although Green, Way, Road, Close and Mews also came in above the average for England and Wales.  Image credit: Future In contrast, homes selling with the title of Terrace went for the lowest sum at £145,000, closely followed by Street (£150,000) and Court (£179,950).Founder and CEO of GetAgent.co.uk, Colby Short, commented: ‘House prices have boomed since the introduction of the stamp duty holiday, but it seems as though homebuyers are prepared to fork out that little bit more to live on Hills, Lanes or Garden roads. Of course, this is no doubt influenced to a degree by some clever branding by property developers to create a more desirable image and an air of prestige with these more exclusive sounding road types.’ The post New research reveal the road types that add the most value to your home appeared first on Ideal Home.  |
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