Ideal Home

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• Samsung’s Jet™ Vacuum range is lightweight, but seriously powerful
• Can you have underfloor heating with carpet?
• 8 well-designed towel racks and rails for maximising storage space in your bathroom
• Small kitchen problems- 9 of the most common and how to solve them
• Ewbank HYDROH1 review: can this hard floor cleaner replace your mop?
• Flat roof insurance explained: are you covered?
• Living room wall light ideas – 10 bright ways with wall lights
• Aldi is selling amazing dupes for the Dunelm ottoman window seat - under £100
• Can you have underfloor heating with wood floors?
• Best waffle maker 2022: for perfect brunches, every time
• The best sofa beds for style, comfort and budget
• Valentine's Day budget ideas- 20 thrifty ways to celebrate at home

Samsung’s Jet™ Vacuum range is lightweight, but seriously powerful Posted: 25 Jan 2022 08:00 AM PST Spring cleaning is just around the corner, and you'll need an innovative vacuum by your side stay on top of your deep-cleaning regime. With features like washable dust bins to keep your vacuum in great condition, and even Spinning Sweepers that can put your mop into early retirement, Samsung's Jet Vacuum range has everything you'll need. Samsung is known for its modern yet reliable appliances, and its Jet Vacuum range is no exception. Ranging from £299 to £599 in price, the Samsung Jet range has something for everyone. Whether you're looking for an allergy-busting vacuum that can tackle even the tiniest dust and dirt particles, or something with enough power to pick up deep-rooted pet hair from your carpets, here are three reasons you should consider the Samsung Jet range when making your next purchase. 1. Even your dustbin will be squeaky clean Bagless vacuums come with some major advantages. For one, you won't have to repeatedly buy vacuum bags* to keep your cleaner running. They're also easy to empty and will have less of an environmental impact in the long-run. The major drawback? The dustbin can get pretty ugly when it's used each and every day. *except for Clean Station which requires a bag With most vacuums, you'll have to learn to accept a grimy dustbin, but the Samsung Jet Vacuum range offers washable dustbins or the multi-cyclone system that can also be cleaned, to keep your vacuum cleaner worthy of a place on display. Or even better, Samsung offers a Clean Station that seamlessly empties the dustbin after cleaning, to capture up to 99.999% of fine dust*, so you don't need to deal with this for up to 3 months. With everything that is on offer, you can be confident that your Samsung Jet will continue to look as good as the day you bought it. * Based on internal testing, using Max mode, in accordance with the IEC62885 2 Cl. 5.11 standard. Results may vary depending on the actual home conditions 2. Display your vacuum with its own charging station Many vacuums need to be wall-mounted if you want to display them while they charge, but the Samsung Jet range can be combined with a 7-degree slanted Z station. Display your vacuum and all its accessories anywhere you want, without the need to do any drilling. It's more renter-friendly, and offers you the freedom of storing your vacuum wherever you'd like. It will also mean that your vacuum is ready to be used and fully-charged whenever you need to use it. You can even pick up an additional battery and leave it to charge while you're cleaning, so you can extend the battery life of your vacuum for those heavy-duty cleaning days. 3. Even micro-dust will be banished Without the right filtration, smaller dust particles can escape your dustbin and enter the air as you're cleaning. This can include allergens such as pollen, and even mould. These particles are so small that they're invisible to the human eye, but even though they're not an eyesore, having them in the air can be pretty unhygienic. The Samsung Jet line's multi-layered filtration system has an ultra-fine dust filter that will capture 99.999% of micro dust particles*, keeping your air as clean as your floors. * Tested based on the IEC62885-2, Cl. 5.11 standard. Based on SLG (Schubert Leiter Geratesicherheit) tests. The post Samsung's Jet™ Vacuum range is lightweight, but seriously powerful appeared first on Ideal Home.

Can you have underfloor heating with carpet? Posted: 25 Jan 2022 07:00 AM PST Underfloor heating works well with a variety of floor coverings and that includes carpet. It’s safe to say that while a plush, piled surface might not transfer the warmth from your system as effectively as a smooth, tiled or wooden surface would. It doesn't mean you need to rule underfloor heating with carpet out as an option. Can you have underfloor heating with carpet? Carpet works with both water and electric underfloor heating (UFH). It's useful to consider how underfloor heating distributes heat when compared to a more conventional system, like radiators. ‘The latter causes air circulation throughout the room, moving dust and impurities around. Carpets often absorb dust,’ says Sarah Wazir, a marketing executive at Warmup. ‘UFH heats up objects rather than the air and doesn't create that same circulating effect. The radiant warmth delivered by UFH, therefore, is a good match for carpeted surfaces.’ Image credit: Future PLC/ Simon Whitmore Things to consider when choosing underfloor heating with carpet? If the luxury of a warm-to-the-touch, carpeted floor tempts, there are a few fundamental factors to bear in mind. Here, we explain what you need to know. 1. Carpet backing Lightweight materials like jute and hessian allow warmth from the UFH system to transfer through the surface of the carpet without any issues. ‘Rubber backings on carpets are likely to absorb the heat and create problems with heat transfer,’ says Jon Flannigan, product manager at Kersaint Cobb. A felt backing may also impede the performance of your setup. 2. TOG rating When pairing carpet with underfloor heating, the TOG value is one of the most important factors to consider. ‘TOG rating stands for Thermal Overall Grade and measures the thermal insulation of a product,’ says Scott Hosie, head of product & innovation at Crucial Trading. ‘A rule of thumb for flooring is no higher than 2.5 for a combined carpet and underlay to work efficiently with UFH. A carpet TOG rating of 1.5 would be good to aim towards.’ 3. Water systems A hydronic UFH system comprises a network of pipes laid beneath the surface of your floor. When turned on, warm water (around 30°C -35°C) is pumped through these conduits to warm the floor above. This type of system is perfectly compatible with carpet, though it's always wise to follow your manufacturer's installation guidelines and pay close attention to the TOG value to ensure maximum efficiency. 4. Electric systems Powered by your domestic electricity supply, electric underfloor heating comes in two main forms. The first comprises loose wires laid beneath the surface of your floor, the second is formed of cables that have been embedded into a mat. When either of these systems is switched on, the cables are heated by electricity. ‘For installation beneath a carpet, the Warmup Foil Heater is a good fit,’ says Sarah Wazir. ‘This setup is designed specifically for floating floors, laid across large, regular-shaped zones. The super slim, fully earthed layer of aluminium foil doesn't increase the overall floor level so it's ideal for retrofit scenarios.’ What carpets work best with underfloor heating? Image credit: Future PLC/ Dominic Blackmore We take a look at the materials that are best suited. They will also impact your budget when you are adding up your underfloor heating costs. 1. Wool carpet Sustainable, hard-wearing, and super-soft, this material is likely to be near the top of your carpet wish list. ‘Natural fibres in wool carpet mean the UFH system may take a little longer to heat the room, however, the naturally insulating nature of the fabric also means it will retain heat for longer periods,’ says Jon Flannigan. Wool is naturally anti-static, too, so it will pick up less dust. 2. Synthetic carpet Many wool blends, polypropylene and nylon carpets meet the requirements to work with underfloor heating – providing the combined TOG value of the carpet and underlay is not too great. Nylon offers good durability, as does polypropylene, which is resistant to staining. However, it's worth bearing in mind that carpets of this type are not specifically designed to hold on to heat. Therefore, if your budget can stretch to wool, that might be a more effective option in the long term. Plus, wool tends to offer a longer service life. 3. Natural floor coverings Natural fibres like sisal, coir, seagrass and jute are all suitable with underfloor heating. They come with impressive sustainability credentials, too, and typically contain fewer chemicals than man-made solutions. Before charging ahead with your installation, be sure to follow guidance from your carpet supplier and your UFH manufacturer. Carpets to avoid with underfloor heating It's worth steering clear of any carpets with heavy or thick yarns. ‘Underfloor heating needs to be able to radiate heat,’ says Jon Flannigan from Kersaint Cobb. ‘So, beware that such a product may have a negative impact on how effective your UFH is.’ Tips for installing underfloor heating with carpet Image credit: Future PLC DO follow advice from your carpet retailer and your underfloor heating supplier – they will have all the information to hand to ensure a successful installation. DO make sure that when your heating engineer carries out the heat loss calculations to design your UFH system, he or she knows which rooms carpet will be laid in. The floor covering will have an impact on the result of these calculations and the system you specify. DO make sure the subfloor (solid concrete, joisted wooden floors etc) is suitable for the type of UFH you have chosen, as well as for carpet. DO glue carpet gripping rods over the screed layer or self-levelling compound to make sure the subfloor doesn't crack. DO take time to understand how efficient underfloor is and that it runs smoothly and effectively. DON'T skip the preparation of your subfloor before the UFH is laid. The surface should be cleaned, with cracks filled or imbalances levelled out before the system goes down. DON'T whack the heating up to full blast as soon as your carpet has been laid. The heating should, in fact, be switched off for two days prior to the carpet being fitted. Once installation is complete, the system can gradually be turned up to its full temperature over the course of one week. Does the temperature setting matter? Many manufacturers advise that certain floor finishes at the softer end of the scale – including carpet – shouldn't be heated with UFH to temperatures higher than 27°C. If the heat output you require is more than that, based on the calculations from your heating engineer, it might be worth switching to a different type of floor covering. The post Can you have underfloor heating with carpet? appeared first on Ideal Home.

8 well-designed towel racks and rails for maximising storage space in your bathroom Posted: 25 Jan 2022 06:00 AM PST If you are searching for a way to store your towels, then you’re probably leaning towards a towel rack. Whether this is for holding your wet towels to encourage them to dry, or for displaying your dry towels is your choice. But, we will say that a towel rack (and a towel rail!) would be a smart addition to any bathroom, whether an en-suite or family bathroom. It should make this space look smart, with little to no effort required from you. Here, we’ve listed a range of towel rails and racks for you to choose from. If you are tight on floor space in your bathroom, then go for a wall-mounted towel rack. Otherwise, there are freestanding options if drilling holes into your wall isn’t an option. We’ve also found an over-the-door towel rack to really make the most of the space that’s available in your bathroom. Plus, lots more. Whether your bathroom is minimalist, boho, modern or perhaps it’s a mismatch of styles? These towel racks are all aesthetically pleasing, plus surprisingly affordable – for an instant bathroom update. After all, what’s the point in investing in the best bath towels if you’ve nowhere stylish to store them? The best practical towel racks and towel rails to buy for your bathroom 1. Habitat Wall Mountable Towel Holder Image credit: Habitat Use this budget-friendly towel rack from Habitat to house your towels and save on valuable floor space. It’s easy to fit on tiles, and it can be used to hold several towels at any one time. The last rail is also great for hanging a hand towel over. Its minimalist frame screams modern, and it’s rounded for a softer look. With a matte finish, this towel rack looks triple its price tag. To keep your towels close to your tub, and your bathroom looking tidy. Buy now: Habitat Wall Mountable Towel Holder, £12.50, Argos 2. Dunelm Bent Cane Anti Bacterial Freestanding Towel Rail Image credit: Dunelm This cane towel rack from Dunelm is freestanding, to make a statement and for ease of reaching from the shower or tub. With three rails in total for holding wet or dry towels, there’s also a shelf at its bottom, for rolled towels or your slippers to sit. Handmade with an antibacterial finish, this towel rack will add nothing but warmth to your bathroom, and it’s by far the best option for boho homes. 3. Light in the Box Bathroom Towel Rack Multilayer Contemporary Stainless Steel Bath Towel Bar Image credit: Light in the Box A modern option for black-toned bathrooms, this 304 stainless steel rack offers enough space for 3 hanging towels. It can be mounted using screws or with sealant glue, the choice is yours. Boasting a matte finish and a practical design, this rack allows your towels to dry whilst taking up a minimal amount of space. Rest assured that it will look great once mounted. We say to place it beside your shower or bathtub, or by your sink. Buy now: Bathroom Towel Rack Multilayer Contemporary Stainless Steel Bath Towel Bar, Light in the Box, £35.06, Light in the Box 4. Symple Stuff Curl Over-the-Door Towel Rack Image credit: Symple Stuff One for those of us who are always searching for small bathroom ideas, this over the door towel rack simply just slides over your door frame to maximise storage space. Offering plenty of space (5 rails to be exact), this rack is made of steel and powder-coated for durability. It’s not the best option for every bathroom, and you can really only use this if your bathroom door is able to swing fully open, otherwise with this on your door you won’t be able to get inside your bathroom without struggling. But, rest assured that for those who can use this rack, it’s genius. With a sophisticated silver finish, this towel rail is the perfect example of style meeting simplicity, and practicality. 5. Made.com Rurick Freestanding Towel Rail Image credit: Made.com A freestanding option for anyone with some floor space to spare in their bathroom, and to add a sophisticated, luxury look to your bathroom aesthetic. Elegantly shaped and finished in brass, this Made.com buy boasts three flat rails for holding towels, whilst ensuring to match with the rest of your brushed brass bathroom accessories. It’s truly made from stainless steel to stand the test of time, making it easy to clean. We love… 6. Ebern Designs Brecker Free Standing Towel Rack Image credit: Ebern This leaning towel rack looks like a ladder, and although it’s not made for climbing into your loft, it is undoubtedly handy for holding your towels – wet or dry. With a sleek black wooden frame, it takes up a minimal amount of space in your bathroom, especially if you already have an empty wall you can imagine it leaning against. With 4 separate bars for your towels to hang, it will definitely ensure your bathroom looks tidy, all whilst adding a minimalist touch. An understated option for only the most stylish of bathrooms. 7. John Lewis & Partners Bamboo Towel Stand Image credit: John Lewis & Partners Part of John Lewis’ ANYDAY range, this budget-friendly towel rack certainly doesn’t compromise on style – or durability. It’s made from bamboo with enough space for two or more towels to hang to dry, and it will be sure to add warmth to a bathroom that perhaps needs it. There’s plenty more matching bamboo bathroom furniture available so that you can invest in a complete set if you wish. This towel rail, although it takes up floor space, will definitely add a relaxing vibe to your bathroom. We stay to style it beside your tub. Browse more towel rails and racks… Still in search of the perfect towel rail or rack for your bathroom? Whether that’s a freestanding modern option or a large wall-mounted rack, you can browse plenty more options at our favourite retailers below. Amazon towel racks Argos towel racks B&Q towel racks Dunelm towel racks John Lewis & Partners towel racks IKEA towel racks Made.com towel racks Mano Mano towel racks Wayfair towel racks How to know which towel storage I should choose? The super-useful towel rack is just one of the best bathroom storage ideas that you need to make use of in this space. But, with lots of options out there, it can be difficult to know which style you should go for. Here’s what we say: Freestanding towel racks Opt for a freestanding towel rack if you have enough bathroom floor space to spare. These are great for adding a touch of luxury, and they can usually offer two to three rails for your wet towels to hang. Opt for a material that’s easy to wipe clean. Wall-mounted towel racks If you can drill holes into your walls or tiles, then a wall-mounted towel rack is a great option. It means that you’ll free up floor space, whilst housing your towels up high and away from inquisitive hands. Ladder towel racks A happy medium option for those with a little bit of floor space to spare, use a ladder towel rack to hang your towels whilst using a minimal amount of space. Simply enough, you need only an empty wall to lean this ladder, and it can usually hold three or more towels. Over-the-door towel racks Should your bathroom door be able to swing all of the way open, then it might be a smart idea to invest in an over the door towel rack. This rids the need to drill any holes in your walls or take up floor space. The best of both worlds. The post 8 well-designed towel racks and rails for maximising storage space in your bathroom appeared first on Ideal Home.

Small kitchen problems- 9 of the most common and how to solve them Posted: 25 Jan 2022 04:55 AM PST While a large open-plan kitchen with a giant island in the middle, is at the top of most of our wish lists, in reality our kitchens are much more modest spaces. But something small can still be beautiful, as these small kitchen problems, and how to solve them, show. A bijou kitchen can at first seem tricky to accommodate all our growing needs, but with a little careful planning, a few savvy ideas and a bit of jiggery-pokery, you can organise your kitchen just the way you want it. Don’t let a compact room be a barrier to creating your dream scheme, we’ve got all the tips, tricks and expert advice you’ll need, plus plenty of small kitchen ideas. From space-saving storage ideas to freestanding appliances and floating shelves, we show you how to get the best out of any nook and cranny in the kitchen. Small kitchen problems 1. Wheel in a trolley Image credit: Future Plc/Katie Jane Watson Small kitchens tend to have less cupboard space, therefore less storage space. You might find that you’d rather keep your tins, packets and store-cupboard essentials hidden away out of sight, which means your crockery and glassware will need to find an alternative place to live. A bar cart or tiered trolley is a great option for this, as it can easily be wheeled into place, as well as transport what you need to the dining table, each meal time. 2. Make the most of wall height Image credit: Future Plc/Joanna Henderson While you might be lacking on worktop space, making the most of wall space is a clever trick to maximise your options for keeping kitchen essentials. Choose whether to hang just one shelf along the entire width of your wall, or several, shorter shelves above each other to house your glassware, wooden boards or kitchen herbs. 3. Squeeze in a slimline cupboard Image credit: Future Plc/David Parmiter Make sure to use every last inch of space in your bijou kitchen and see if you can squeeze in a slimline cupboard. Great for storing tall bottles of oils or even a collection of spices, they are often found a the end of a run of units next to an appliance, so check to see if you can add one in to you kitchen and utilise the space, so banish at least one of your small kitchen problems. 4. Hang utensils on the wall Image credit: Future Plc/Joanna Henderson Free up space in your limited drawers, by hanging utensils and kitchen linens from a make-shift rack on the wall. A common small kitchen problem is only having one or two drawers which quickly get taken up with your cutlery and knives, so for all your other utensils and and baking paraphernalia, try hanging them instead. This clever rack is actually made from old bed slats hung from hooks on the wall, but could also work hung from the back of a door too. 5. Hide away WFH gear Image credit: Future Plc/Tim Young For most of us, our kitchen table now doubles up as working from home space too, so the constant juggle between work space, to eating space, to entertaining space, is very much real. Ideally you want to be able to hid away any WFH bits at the end of each day, so any space your kitchen can offer, will help with this. Here a drawer has been removed from the bottom of this chest to fit a printer in, while the rest of the drawers provide space for paperwork. Curtain wires have been cut and hung on the wall to hold papers, business cards and memos. 6. Utilise alcove space Image credit: Future Plc/David Giles Even awkward alcove space can be utilised in a wee kitchen and make a great feature too. Opt to either fill the space entirely with a custom-made shelving unit, for housing all your dried goods and crockery, or go for a half height cupboard with worktop space, to create a dedicated hot-drink making space, complete with mugs, kettle and jars of tea and coffee. 7. Run a rail above the sink Image credit: Future Plc/Fiona Walker-Arnott Space around a kitchen sink is often lacking, so pop a rail (with several S hooks threaded on) to the wall above it and hang your washing up brushes. A hanging caddy will cleverly house clothes, sponges and hand soap, and if there is still space, a faux plant could be hung up too, so bring in some colour. 8. Stack appliances on top of each other Image credit: Future Plc/Colin Poole A great space saving trick and another way to address your small kitchen problems, is to stack your appliances on top of each other, so to reduce their footprint in your kitchen. Ovens, grills and microwaves can benefit from this layout, as well as washing machines and tumble dryers. By stacking them on top of each other, it using more of the vertical space in your kitchen, rather than the horizontal space. It also means you don’t have to bend down so low to get washing in and out, or cook the dinner each evening! 9. Opt for an all white scheme Image credit: Future Plc/David Giles White kitchens are great for making a small space seem larger, as they bounce the light around the room and don’t let your eye land on anything in particular. They are timeless and classic and the choice of white cabinetry provides a crisp, smart look. Paired with white tiles and walls, your small kitchen problem will be forgotten about as you enjoy your light and airy space. What do I do if my kitchen is too small? Don’t fret, there are plenty of ways to maximise the space in your kitchen and keep everything you need within reach. The first thing to do, would be to have a good clear out and work out what you need to keep. Vicky Silverthorn, professional organiser at You Need a Vicky, says ‘ Look at your gadgets and utensils and assess whether you actually use them or need them. Is a peeler, squeezer, corer and slicer really necessary when one knife might do? Ask yourself honestly if you have the space for all of them, as more than likely you don’t!’ Follow our top tips above and get savvy when thinking about where to keep things. If you have a utility room adjacent to your kitchen, think about whether you can store some of your kitchen items in there or perhaps whether crockery or glassware might be better stored in the dining room. There are plenty of  small kitchen storage ideas that can help you make the most of you space. Pretty up a compact space with well-chosen accessories that complement the scheme. Use contrasting materials for a striking look that is sure to turn heads. Be adaptable with your design to create a fun, inspirational layout. When space is at a premium, make use of stylish freestanding furniture. They can be moved in, around and out when needed, making for maximum versatility. Also, opt for a multifunctional worktop that can double-up as a breakfast bar or prep surface. Tuck stools neatly underneath when not in use to free up floor space. Think about handleless designs for a fuss-free family kitchen. Integrate your appliances behind cupboard doors to achieve a non-kitchen feel in an open-plan space. Are small kitchens better? In some ways, yes! A smaller kitchen means you will be forced to streamline what you need, and it will allow you to be a bit more conscious of the things you use everyday and the things you can really live without. Less stuff and less space, means less cleaning too, so that’s a win to start with! What are some kitchen problems? As we’ve mentioned, lack of storage space is usually the biggest problem home-owners are faced with when it comes to kitchens. Cluttered surfaces is another one. Vicky advises, ‘Keep surfaces clear where possible- having too much out hinders easy prep and reduces overall space. Free-up worktop space by tucking larger items (like toasters and blenders) away in a cupboard near to the surface you’ll be using them on.’ Whatever your small kitchen problems, we’ve got plenty to help solve them! The post Small kitchen problems- 9 of the most common and how to solve them appeared first on Ideal Home.

Ewbank HYDROH1 review: can this hard floor cleaner replace your mop? Posted: 25 Jan 2022 04:38 AM PST Cleaning homes since 1880, Ewbank is perhaps known for its iconic floor sweepers, and while you can still buy the classic sweeper from the Ewbank website, the brand hasn’t stopped innovating. The Ewbank HYDROH1 is a great example of this: a 2-in-1 hard floor cleaner that looks much like the best cordless vacuum cleaners and works like a super-smart mop. I put the HYDROH1 to the test in this review to see how it handled my hard floors. I live in a London flat with entirely hard floors. If it weren’t for one rug, I’d be able to clean my entire flat with this machine. I’m nervous to subject my wooden floors to too much water, but as someone who predominantly reviews kitchen products, my vinyl floors often end up in a real state. My bathroom tiles are white, which means I need to clean them very regularly, so the Ewbank HYDROH1 got some heavy use in preparation for this review. Ideal Home rated 4 out of 5 stars Reasons to buy: Trigger controls Boost clean mode Mode to self-clean the brush Evenly cleans, quick to dry Can be used with cleaning fluid Comes with a  stand and backup brush Cleaning tools included Reasons to avoid: Bulky floorhead struggles to reach every corner Runtime could be longer Quite expensive Ewbank HYDROH1 2-In-1 Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner Dimensions: H112 x W27 x D26 cm Guarantee: 1 year Weight: 3.85kg Controls: Digital touch, trigger for water release Runtime: 25 minutes Charge time: 3-4 hours Modes: Regular, boost Getting set up with the Ewbank HYDROH1 The Ewbank HYDROH1 slots together very easily, given how many component parts I had to assemble. The head is quite bulky, and clicks in and out of a locked position which keeps the vacuum upright when not in use. It has a water tank for adding cleaning solution and warm water for mopping, and a waste container that sits at the bottom half of the vacuum. This hard floor cleaner is cordless, which will always get a vote of approval from me. Especially with a tool that you’ll use to clean the bathroom, where there is usually a lack of plugs, it’s nice not to be constrained by cables as you clean. Included in the box is a base that prevents the mop from sitting on your floors when not in use, which is great for after cleaning when it’s still a little wet. The stand also has storage space for a backup roller brush and a cleaning tool to keep everything fresh. Before testing the Ewbank HYDROH1 I had to charge it for a few hours. It takes a total of 3-4 hours to charge, which for a machine that only last 25 minutes, is quite a long time. Fortunately in the weeks that I tested the Ewbank HYDROH1 I only had to recharge it once, because it’s perfect for those quick cleans that will only take a few minutes at a time. Using the Ewbank HYDROH1 Before using the Ewbank HYDROH1 I had to top up the water tank with some warm water and a little cleaning solution. I use the Method all-purpose cleaner for mopping, so I added a capful to make sure my floors were not only crumb-free, but clean. This is an advantage over something like a steam cleaner, where you’d usually be stuck using just water as a cleaning solution. The control panel is very easy to get the hang of. There’s a button to start the vacuum, a boost button, and a trigger under the handle that releases more water. Even without pulling this trigger the cleaner will automatically release water onto the roller brush, but I found that it was useful to give the trigger a few pulses when starting up to make sure the brush was ready. One of the main things I really enjoyed about using the Ewbank HYDROH1 was its water dosing, which easily beats even the best mops for laying down enough water to bust stains from the floor without leaving a puddle that will take ages to dry. The water lines left by the HYDROH1 were a little streaky at first, but after a minute or so, after the roller was evenly soaked, there were less streaks. I was surprised at how well the Ewbank HYDROH1 picked up crumbs and dirt on the floor, as well as mopping marks away. While it’s not something I’d use in the place of my regular vacuum cleaner, I was definitely able to go a few extra days without breaking out the vacuum after I’d cleaned the kitchen and bathroom floor. While it can’t replace a vacuum, I’d happily use this cleaner in place of my mop from now on. For those days where you want a fresh, shiny tiled floor, it’s perfect for nipping around to freshen things up. While I’d be reluctant to use the Ewbank HYDROH1 too much on my wooden floors, it’s definitely possible to do a quick runaround to keep things hygienic with this cleaner. Unlike with a mop, where I’d be worried about getting water down the cracks in the floorboards, the Ewbank HYDROH1 lays down a wash of water that dries in a few minutes. I’m constantly removing crumbs away from the corners of my kitchen, especially underneath my counters. The main issue I encountered with the Ewbank HYDROH1 is the cleaner head, which is quite bulky and jutts out past the roller brush. This meant there was a border of space I was unable to clean using the hard floor cleaner, as illustrated by my tactically scattered icing sugar in the image above! Cleaning the Ewbank HYDROH1 I switched between cleaning brushes with the Ewbank HYDROH1 so I had time to clean and dry one while the other was in use. It’s great that it comes with two, but removing and replacing them can be a little fiddly. You have to lift the latch of the vacuum head and pull the roller out. There is a self-clean mode with the Ewbank HYDROH1, but I preferred to give it a wash by hand to remove any hair that became stuck to it. Admittedly (and maybe because I wasn’t working with my carpet) there was not much of an issue with hair getting stuck on the roller. The dustbin is also a little fiddly to empty. You have to remove the filter (which it’s wise to clean regularly) and then empty out any debris that your vacuum has picked up, as well as any waste water that’s gathered there. This formed a bit of an icky paste in my dustbin, so I preferred to rinse it out over the sink. Should you buy the Ewbank HYDROH1? At £159.99, the Ewbank HYDROH1 is not a cheap substitute for a mop. However, it is a lot less work, and definitely suitable for those who may not be able to bend over to reach into tricky areas of their home. When you consider that this floor cleaner will also pick up any crumbs or detritus on your floor in the place of a vacuum cleaner, it’s even more of a time-saver. The thoughtful touches such as the resting base and added roller head will mean that it’s easy to display in your home. If you’re used to topping up a bucket with cleaning fluid and keeping kids and pets out of the kitchen while the floor dries after a weekly mopping, this floor cleaner will definitely change the way you clean your home. It’s fair to say that it’s put my mop into early retirement. It’s not perfect though, because it struggles to reach into every nook and cranny, and the runtime is not long enough to be used on seriously large homes. At least, not in one go. About this review, and the reviewer Millie Fender is small appliances editor at Ideal Home. She reviews everything from coffee machines to robot vacuums from her own home, meaning these tests have been carried out in the same conditions that you'll be using the vacuum cleaner. The SEwbank HYDROH1 was kindly sent to Millie by Ewbank, and she tested for two months before writing this review. This gave her the chance to test all of its functions and check for any troubleshooting. The post Ewbank HYDROH1 review: can this hard floor cleaner replace your mop? appeared first on Ideal Home.

Flat roof insurance explained: are you covered? Posted: 25 Jan 2022 04:00 AM PST Most homes in the UK have a pitched tiled or slate roof, which is what insurers consider to be standard, but if all or some of your roof is flat you could find getting flat roof insurance for it more tricky and that you have to pay more. There are plenty of options, though, so you should always be able to get cover. Damage to your roof, such as from strong winds or a falling tree, can be costly to fix and if water gets into your home it can cause extensive damage inside so you need to make sure your home insurance would cover it. What is flat roof insurance? Buildings insurance covers damage to the structure of your home caused by events such as fire, a storm or vandalism, and this includes the roof. Contents insurance would cover any damage to your belongings as a result of roof damage. Flat roofs – usually defined by insurers as roofs with a slope of less than 10 degrees – can be more prone to damage and leaks because water and debris can collect more easily. They also need extra maintenance to keep them in good condition and can give thieves easier access to your property. Image credit: Future PLC/ Veronica Rodriguez As you're more likely to have to make a claim if you have a home with a flat roof, insurers consider them more risky to insure. This is why you may need to take out a non-standard home insurance policy and pay a higher premium. 'You'll get a mixed response from different insurers,' says Graeme Trudgill, executive director of the British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA). 'Some insurers don't like insuring flat roofs. Others are OK with them as long as you re-felt them regularly in the case of felt roofs, for example.' You don't take out roof insurance covering the flat roof alone but rather a policy that covers your entire property, including its flat roof. When do you need flat roof insurance? Insurers generally consider your roof to be non-standard if more than 30% of it is flat so may not cover it as part of their standard buildings policy. Some, such as Admiral, will include cover for a flat roof as standard however. So, if less than 30% of your roof is flat you should be able to take out a standard buildings insurance policy in the normal way. More than this and you may need specialist insurance from either a mainstream insurer or one specialising in insuring non-standard homes. What your roof is made of will also affect the price as some roof materials are considered more likely to deteriorate and leak than others. This could have an even bigger impact than whether your roof is flat. Possible materials include felt on timber, concrete, asphalt, corrugated iron and glass. 'We offer cover for all types of roof material but additional premium and policy conditions may apply,' says David Fowkes, head of household underwriting at Admiral. Other insurers may not cover certain types if they consider them to be too risky. How to get the best flat roof insurance deal image credit: Future PLC As with any type of insurance, the best policy for you won't necessarily be the cheapest. You need to make sure it covers everything you need it to and this means giving insurers all the relevant information, such as how much of your roof is flat and what it's made of, when you're getting quotes. 'Be honest from the start when you disclose the percentage as it's based on trust,' advises Graeme. 'And don't be tempted to change your answers when you're applying online to get cover.' You may be able to find information about your flat roof in the property's survey if you have one and estimate the proportion that is flat by looking at your home on Google Earth. To get the insurance you need at the lowest price shop around using comparison sites or by speaking to an insurance broker, who will be able to find the best policy for your needs. This is particularly helpful if you live in a non-standard home. You can find a broker by visiting the BIBA website or calling 0370 950 1790. Insurers may want to see evidence that your roof has been kept in good condition and is regularly inspected so make sure you stay on top of this and get the necessary documents to prove it. Other ways to keep costs down are to agree to paying a higher excess (the amount of any claim you have to pay yourself), take out building and contents insurance cover with the same insurer and avoid unnecessary add-ons. The post Flat roof insurance explained: are you covered? appeared first on Ideal Home.

Living room wall light ideas – 10 bright ways with wall lights Posted: 25 Jan 2022 01:21 AM PST Living room wall light ideas can bridge the gap – beautifully, cleverly and with maximum impact – between a central ceiling light and low table lamps. A lounge boasting strategically placed lamps is just the ticket for cosy, atmospheric evenings but how often do you request the 'The Big Light' to be switched on because you can't see the buttons on the remote control or the words in your magazine? A central ceiling light scores highly on the practical front, but being invariably too bright and stark, is a big fat no when it comes to creating ambience. Wall lights can solve these woes – from traditional forms to contemporary re-imaginings. The right living room wall lights provide all sorts of other perks along the way. Living room wall light ideas Wall-mounted lights are a highly functional living room wall decor idea. More than just attractive during the day, wall lights are transformative for living rooms by night. Original BTC's Director, Charlie Bowles, adds, 'Creating a layered look with different lighting sources is a great way to introduce personality and texture into your living room, and having lots of options also means you can pare back your lighting later in the evening for a more intimate, cosy feeling.' 1. Turn the light cable into a feature Image credit: Future PLC/ James French An electrician's advice would be to decide on where your living room wall lights are going to be before any plastering or decorating is undertaken, so that the faff of chiselling out the wall to hide the cable is avoided. But if your lounge is already 'done', consider displaying a wall light cable in all its glory. A thick, black fabric flex (avoid the regular rubber ones) will tick the contemporary box, whilst a coloured one, or one that's braided or herringboned, will add style and interest. Hang a simple shelf bracket (an oversized hook or chunky peg would work, too) high up on the wall directly above a plug socket, in order for the cable to hang down in a neat, vertical line. Then loop the cable around the top with the bulb hanging down as high or low as you like. This is a really practical idea for a living room wall light – the on/off switch will be to hand, the bulb height can easily be adjusted to suit the occasion, it's budget-friendly and a cinch to achieve! Using this styling tip for decorating the wall behind the sofa means you can adjust the lights without getting up! 2. Opt for smart symmetry Image credit: Neptune A super-smart living room can be created by utilising a central feature, such as a fireplace, as the line of symmetry between the two halves of the room. This traditional but timeless (and so visually satisfying!) look calls for classic shaded wall lights, which have the added benefit of looking perfectly comfortable in a modern living room idea as much as in a cottage, chalet or Victorian one. Flanking a chimney breast with two pairs of wall lights, rather than one, is a stylish switch-up that packs a punch, and of course, provides more light! Plus, displaying white shaded ones against a dark backdrop will really make them pop. 3. Ditch a central ceiling light 'Whilst ceiling lights are ideal for practicality, they are intended to flood a room with light and could provide a stark contrast when switched from on to off in the evenings', explains Mary Buchanan, Creative Director of Laura Ashley Lighting. Installing wall lights, instead of a central ceiling light, in a living room with a low ceiling will trick the eye into making the ceiling look higher. The idea is to ensure that the light is directed upwards, to cast a vertical glow, which will in turn make the ceiling look further away. Positioning the lights higher up on the wall than you traditionally would will really help, too. 4. Introduce an industrial element Image credit: Future PLC/ Max Attenborough An industrial touch always feels like a welcome one, no matter what the season or property type. When it comes to wall lighting, an Anglepoise-esque lamp will always look stylish, and is fun and functional, too. 'The industrial aesthetic showcases functional shapes, raw surfaces, and exposes the craft behind designs’ says Victoria Atkin of Atkin & Thyme. ‘Lighting lends itself well to this concept – pieces can incorporate shades hammered from burnished casts; bare metalwork and bulbs with distinct inner filaments – the idea is to celebrate the maker'. This kind of wall light is best positioned up high and in an alcove or corner of the living room. It can be shimmied out as a task lamp, creating a cosy reading or knitting nook at night, and then tucked back again come daytime. It gets the thumbs up for tight spots, too! 5. Swap bulbs for flames Image credit: Future PLC/ David Giles For an enveloping glow and cocooning ambience, you can't beat the bewitching gleam that candlelight casts. Dotting candles about the lounge on tables, mantle pieces and sills is lovely, but displaying them on a whimsical wall sconce is a failsafe route to wow. For extra drama, position them against a dark, richly-hued wall and plump for coloured dinner candles rather than white. If you're absent-minded, or concerned about wax dripping from the burning flame of a dinner candle, faux-flamed ones will still look effective, as long as you choose warm white ones over bright white. 6. Highlight wall art Image credit: Colin Poole Picture wall lights are really all about celebrating the art, rather than the lights, but will grace your lounge with a charming glow. Seek out horizontal ones and take some time to get the angle right. The aim is to minimise the reflective glare associated with art encased in glass and to limit the shadows that paintings with texture and dimensions produce. Shining lights on artwork, be it paint or ink, for long periods can damage it, so fit your picture wall lights with LED bulbs that won't emit heat or UV light. 7. Layer lighting to unify and add cosiness Image credit: Pooky In the same way that combining soft furnishings, such as rugs, throws and cushions, in similar colours , textures and designs can unify a lounge, mixing wall lights with floor, table and ceiling ones will have the same effect. Plus, as Ally Dowsing-Reynold, co-CEO at Dowsing & Reynolds says, 'This might sound surprising, but having multiple lights in your lounge actually makes it cosier. So if you're looking to create a cocooning living space that you can unwind in, combine dimmable wall and ceiling lights with stylish table and floor lamps'. 8. Wow with a wild animal wall light Image credit: Ella James The trend for attention-grabbing animal head (and torso!) wall lights continues to grow momentum with the options ranging from regal flamingos and brass monkeys to smiley giraffes and stern tigers. They're brilliant for introducing drama and playfulness to your lounge and work best in a contrived arrangement – incorporated into a styled-up side table, for example. They're not exactly inconspicuous, so one would almost definitely be enough! Buy now: Gio Giraffe Wall Lamp, £115, Ella James 9. Choose translucent shades for an ethereal glow Image credit: Davey Lighting Semi-transparent wall lights are a clever choice for a cosy, atmospheric lounge as they diffuse the light and in turn, reduce the projection of dark shadows. 'Use wall lights to provide additional ambient light in your lounge and look for designs with a translucent shade to provide a more diffused light', suggests Ashlee Sanderson, Sales Manager at Nest. They're best used in pairs to flank a picture, mirror or chimney breast and will emit a soft, ethereal glow. Avoid using in areas where you need clear vision (you'll need task lighting for that) as the light won't be strong enough. Buy now: Narrow Pillar Light, £565, Dave Lighting at Original BTC 10. Put writing on the wall – and light it up! Image credit: Future Publishing Plc/ Alun Callender For the bold and the brave, an oversized, neon sign will gladden your heart, as well as your walls. You'll flood your lounge with as much personality as you will light, and will provide a conversation starter, too. Something this ta-da! commands space, so hang loud and proud above your sofa or upon an unadorned wall. Displaying against a dark wall will emphasise its glory and enhance its brightness, and will allow the cables to blend in a bit. For something eye-catching but not as shouty (in design as much as tone), try words in a scripted style or letters in a pale yellow or white. Where should wall lights be placed in a living room? 'Consider installing them in alcoves or above the main seating area to add light to darker areas. You could also position artwork around the lights to make a feature of the wall', suggests Sarah Bartlett. 'Wall lights are often used as a kind of 'task light', that offer additional or precise light where you need it most. If you're creating a reading corner in your lounge or would like to 'shine a light' on your favourite plant or artwork, wall lighting can provide the perfect directed ambience', says, Ashlee Sanderson, Sales Manager at Nest. Are wall lights a good idea? Sarah Bartlett says, 'Wall lights add atmosphere when you don’t want to use the main ceiling light, and can also act like little pieces of art on your walls, helping bring your personality into the space'. Nest's Sales Manager, Ashlee Sanderson, agrees, 'Wall lighting can be decorative too – don't be scared to express your personal style and choose a wall light with a sculptural shape or with a pop of colour. This will act as a piece of artwork on the wall of your lounge, making a true visual statement.’ How do I choose do right wall lights for my living room? 'There are two main things to think about', begins Ally Dowsing-Reynold, co-CEO at Dowsing & Reynolds. 'Firstly, how you want to feel in the room and secondly, what you want to use the room for. This allows you to combine functional 'task' lighting with decorative 'ambient' or 'accent' lighting to create your desired atmosphere.' She suggests using dimmers, 'the turned-down light created by dimmers gives a soft glow that you can easily control and casts beautiful shadows around the room, while lamps create pockets of task lighting'. Ends. The post Living room wall light ideas – 10 bright ways with wall lights appeared first on Ideal Home.

Aldi is selling amazing dupes for the Dunelm ottoman window seat - under £100 Posted: 24 Jan 2022 11:00 PM PST Aldi is now selling a £99 storage ottoman that looks exactly the same as one from Dunelm that is priced at £189. Coming in pink, cream, and navy, it combines form and function perfectly. This stylish Aldi ottoman window seat is also a fabulous bedroom storage idea, not to mention a great price. Aldi ottoman window seat Image credit: Aldi This new Special Buys offering has soft padded seating and a lid that lifts up easily. Whether sitting in the window or positioned at the foot of the bed, ottomans are incredibly handy pieces of furniture, and they don’t often come with such a budget-friendly price tag. Pink Bedroom Ottoman, £99 at Aldi Keep your bedroom a clutter-free sleep space with this velvet ottoman from Aldi, available to pre-order now in dusky pink, navy and cream. Like the Dunelm ottoman, this hardworking piece of furniture boasts ample practical storage space. View Deal Use your Aldi ottoman window seat for laying out tomorrow’s outfit or rest a tray of breakfast and coffee on it while you get ready for the day. And if you’re someone who has far too many cushions, this is a great place to store them at night.   Image credit: Aldi If neutrals are your thing, the cream ottoman from Aldi will fit into your existing bedroom ideas seamlessly. While we’d definitely go for the pink option, the gold accents on the wooden legs do look particularly striking on the cream iteration. The dark navy Aldi ottoman window seat will also tie in nicely with a range of colour schemes, adding a welcome splash of sophisticated blue. For just under £100 Aldi is delivering us the perfect window seat idea for small spaces. Dunelm Ottoman Window Seat Image credit: Dunelm The biggest difference between the Dunelm and the Aldi ottoman is the colour variations. Dunelm’s version is perfect for those looking for that silver finish, it also stocks a similar version in dark navy. However, if you have your heart set on pink or a rich blue, Aldi could be your best option. Verona Silver Ottoman Window Seat, £189 at Dunelm Store away blankets, bedding and cushions in this stylish ottoman from Dunelm. Place it at the end of the bed or by the window to make a lovely window seat. It comes in silver chenille fabric with diamante accents and sturdy wooden legs. View Deal While the Dunelm version might be more expensive, you do get that extra attention to detail with that price tag. In addition to the elegant slightly winged sides, it also carries the button detailing down over the base of the ottoman. Will you be adding an ottoman into your bedroom? Which design would you opt for? The post Aldi is selling amazing dupes for the Dunelm ottoman window seat - under £100 appeared first on Ideal Home.

Can you have underfloor heating with wood floors? Posted: 24 Jan 2022 09:00 AM PST Few flooring solutions can match the natural appeal of timber. The surface grain of the wood infuses it with character and warmth, plus it comes in a plethora of shades, grades and laying patterns. It's durable, too, and investing in a high-quality product will reward you with an impressive service life for years to come. The question is what do you need to consider when it comes to underfloor heating with wood floors? ‘Both water and electric underfloor heating systems can be paired with wooden floors, as the material conducts and holds the heat produced by your underfloor system and radiates it into the room above,’ says Sarah Wazir, a marketing executive at Warmup. However, there's a lot to think about when installing underfloor heating with wooden floors, from the thickness and density of the boards to the moisture content of the timber. Things to consider when using underfloor heating with wood floors? Before embarking on your underfloor heating with wood floors project, we break down five critical areas you need to understand about underfloor heating with wood floors… Image credit: Future PLC/ Anna Stathaki 1 Thickness of wood Wood is a natural insulator, so the thickness of the boards will impact on the transfer of warmth from your underfloor heating system and through the floor surface above. Most manufacturers recommend that the timber should be no more than 18mm thick. ‘Also, as wider boards tend to show more movement than narrow alternatives, a good rule of thumb is that the ratio of thickness to width should be around seven to 11,’ says Sarah Wazir. ‘A 16mm-thick, 160mm wide product gives a ratio of 10, which is ideal.’ 2 Thermal conductivity A setup with good thermal conductivity provides a better heat output overall, which means it's more cost-effective to run. ‘Typically, the denser and thinner the wooden boards are, the more heat that will pass through easily,’ says Kimberley Thompson, contact centre manager at Flooring Superstore. When you are considering how efficient underfloor heating is, it's worth bearing in mind that as a natural insulator, wood will take more time to heat up than a covering such as porcelain tiles when your UFH is switched on. 3 Expansion and contraction Wood is a hygroscopic material, which means it absorbs moisture from the environment around it, leading it to expand over time. When it cools, the wood contracts. This is an important consideration to bear in mind when you have underfloor heating, as drastic fluctuations in temperature could cause your floor surface to warp over time. ‘All wood flooring must have an expansion gap of minimum 10mm around the perimeter of the floor,’ says Peter Keane, director of The Natural Wood Floor Company. ‘This allows space for the wood floor to expand and contract when there is a rise in humidity levels or when the heating is turned off.’ 4 Water systems There are two types of hydronic system: screeded and non-screeded. The one that's right for your home will depend on the type of subfloor you have. If, for instance, you are installing UFH in a period home with suspended timber floors, the pipes that circulate warm water to heat the floors can be suspended between the floor joists, with insulation laid beneath. A screed or self-levelling compound is then poured over the pipework to ensure an even spread of heat across the room. If you have a concrete floor slab, the pipes can simply be laid over the top of that, so it's less labour intensive. Be sure to discuss the options with your underfloor heating supplier so you can choose the best solution for your scenario. 5 Electric systems Loose cables or sticky mats comprised of electrically heated wires are the basis of an electric underfloor heating system. ‘Typically, we'd recommend our foil heater for wood floors,’ says Sarah Wazir. ‘This mat-based setup can be installed quickly beneath wood flooring and other types of floating floor. The heated wires are wrapped in foil, offering excellent thermal conductivity into the timber floor above.’ What woods work best with underfloor heating? Image credit: Future PLC/ Tim Young 1 Engineered Designed to limit expansion and contraction, this solution comprises a surface layer of real wood, fixed atop cross-laid sheets of plywood. Thanks to its sturdy construction, engineered wood is generally thought of as being the best timber flooring solution to fit over underfloor heating. The layered construction means that the surface expands and contracts as a complete floor rather than individual boards. The top veneer of hard or softwood timber varies in thickness, depending on the product you go for, but means the flooring is durable. Solutions with a thicker surface veneer offer a longer service life. On the downside, the thicker the board, the longer it'll take to heat up. Therefore, you might need to specify your UFH at a higher output temperature than you would with other materials, like ceramic or porcelain. 2 Hardwoods Sustainable, durable and long-lasting, hardwoods like oak are highly sought-after. However, many flooring suppliers advise against pairing solid boards with underfloor heating, as the planks don't offer the same dimensional stability as engineered products. ‘Solid hardwood flooring will express considerably more movement over an UFH system compared to an engineered construction,’ says Greg Elliot, head of technical at Havwoods. ‘If you're willing to accept this greater amount of movement, there are solid options available – but going with an engineered floor is the safest solution.’ Quarter-sawn timber is less likely to warp when installed alongside underfloor heating. Narrow boards also work better than wide planks, as broader planks will be subject to greater expansion. 3 Laminates Featuring a sturdy fibreboard core topped with a photographic layer and a protective clear finish, laminate boards mimic the look of real wood. Hard-wearing, budget-friendly and easy to clean, laminate flooring is resistant to the temperature changes from UFH. Meaning it won't warp or buckle at higher temperatures. Slimmer laminate boards (up to 18mm) offer the best heat transfer. Water-based UFH is typically the best partner for laminate floors, as some manufacturers recommend that their laminate products are not laid over electric underfloor heating. A maximum temperature of 27°C is recommended to avoid any damage to your laminate surface. Tips for installing underfloor heating with wood floors Image credit: Future PLC/ Davide Lovatti Consider the underfloor heating costs. Understand the installation and running costs as well as the cost of the timber. Before installation of underfloor heating with wood floors, pay close attention to the details of your UFH specification. ‘Make sure there is an even spread of heat from your UFH,’ says Greg Elliot from Havwoods. ‘This will limit surface overheating.’  Prior to fitting, allow timber planks to acclimatise for at least three days in the room where they will be fitted.  Once your flooring has been fitted above the UFH, wait at least two days before turning the system on. ‘It's recommended that the heating is turned up gradually, in 1°C increments to further acclimatise your floor,’ says Kimberly Thompson from Flooring Superstore.  Allow space for an expansion gap (at least 10mm) around the perimeter of the room. If you're using a screeded UFH system with your wood floors, ensure you allow plenty of time for this to dry out before laying the flooring. As it will add extra moisture to the timber if it hasn't dried out properly. The post Can you have underfloor heating with wood floors? appeared first on Ideal Home.

Best waffle maker 2022: for perfect brunches, every time Posted: 24 Jan 2022 07:48 AM PST Choose the best waffle maker to amp up your brunches, even when cooking from home. In our top 10, we’ve featured models from Sage, Breville, Dualit, and more top brands. Some models have space for cooking two waffles at once, whereas others are smaller and more compact, perfect for single servings. With pancake day around the corner, the best waffle makers will deliver a more hands-free experience for those who like a bit of texture with their breakfast instead of a classic crepe. Top your waffle with fried chicken and maple syrup, or a simple fruit compote and cream. For large families it's worth going for a double or even quadruple waffle maker, which can create enough for the whole family. Those who are short on space will be able to make the most of a mini waffle maker or a waffle maker for one, which can be easily stored when not in use.  We tested out a range of waffle makers from top brands, some as little as £20, with prices going well over £100.  Read our reviews below to find out how we got on, and for more baking essentials check out the best stand mixers. Best waffle makers 2022 1. Breville VST072 Duraceramic Deep Fill Waffle Maker Best waffle maker for perfect-looking waffles Reasons to buy: Works very fast and has quality non-stick Reasons to avoid: On the chunky side This machine is very user friendly with an intuitive design. When you plug in, a green light will come on which indicates the machine is heating up. This only took about 3-4 minutes. Once the machine is up to temperature an amber ready-to-cook light will come on. It recommends about 75ml of batter. I found that it could take closer to 90ml to properly fill the squares. This achieves a fatter waffle. Don't panic, mess is easy to avoid with the overflow channel that will catch any excess batter. When you close the lid, be careful not to clip the latch shut. This machine needs to give the waffle a little wiggle room to rise and somewhere for the steam to escape. You might notice the lid lifts slightly as the waffle cooks. The waffles only took about 2-3 minutes to cook and I'd say they were near-perfect. They had the right amount of crispiness on the outside and fluffiness in the middle. I was also very impressed with how neat they looked. The waffle plates have a natural ceramic coating which is designed to transfer heat quicker than standard non-stick coatings. The plates are also scratch resistant and they easily pop-off to clean. The chunky design means it can be stored away on it's side. One slight quibble is the cable. This can be wrapped around the machine but there is no way of securing it so it can easily unravel. Ideal Home's rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars 2. Sage the No-Mess Waffle Maker Best for circular waffles Reasons to buy: Makes fully custom waffles, indicator light included Reasons to avoid: An expensive choice If you love circular waffles, the Sage the No-Mess Waffle Maker is perfect for you. It’s got a dial that goes up to seven levels of darkness, so even the most discerning waffle lover will enjoy a treat that’s perfectly suited to their preferences. The ready light will make sure you don’t add your waffle batter before it’s time to cook, delivering a perfect sizzle. That edge channel is useful too. On some waffle makers you’ll have to deal with waffle batter overflowing from the edge of the machine, but the channel will catch any excess and make it easy for you to remove while you serve up a perfectly round waffle. The non-stick interior is perfect for making sure your baked treats will never stick, and there’s no need to flip mid-way through, because both waffle plates distribute heat evenly. Although this is a smart machine, it still takes a bit of practice to create your perfect waffle. However, don't let this put you off, the vast array of features are there to help you out. Which, for the price tag, you will be grateful for. 3. GASTROBACK 62424 Advanced Waffle Maker Reasons to buy: It’s got digital controls and is surprisingly good value Reasons to avoid: Pretty complicated The GASTROBACK 62424 Advanced Waffle Maker has a selection of controls for cooking all sorts of waffles. That includes buttermilk, chocolate, belgian, and classic. There is also a button to toggle between crisp exteriors, moist interiors, and a more uniform texture. Twist the dial to adjust the timings and choose from seven browness settings. The crisping plates are extra deep, for chunky servings, and both the top and bottom element are evenly heated. The LCD display will even show a timer that counts up to the perfect cooking time based on your chosen mode. Finally, the anti-overflow system will keep excess batter stored away so it doesn’t overflow and mark the outside of this sleek and high-quality waffle maker. We think it’s pretty good value, too. 4. Salter EK2143 Deep Fill 3-in-1 Snack Maker Best waffle maker for multi-functionality  Reasons to buy: It’s a sandwich maker, panini press, and waffle maker in one Reasons to avoid: It will take a while to cook The Salter EK2143 Deep Fill 3-in-1 Snack Maker is capable of cooking more than just waffles. It also stands in as one of the best toasted sandwich makers thanks to its easy inserts. Simply press down on the buttons next to each handle to switch out your press shape. When making waffles the Salter EK2143 Deep Fill 3-in-1 Snack Maker definitely took a little longer than other waffle makers, but they came out crispy and very evenly cooked. What’s more, because of the firm dividers between the two waffles, it comes out with two waffles at once with a clearly defined line. Do note that this waffle maker has no overflow channel, so be a little conservative with your measurements when making your first few batches. Ideal Home's rating: 5 out of 5 stars 5. Dualit Waffle Iron Best waffle maker for feeding a crowd Reasons to buy: It makes professional-level waffles Reasons to avoid: Very large design This is a serious bit of kit for the dedicated waffle maker. In appearance, it actually looks like a mini Aga with its 2 flat-domed lids side by side. These two hot plates operate individually with separate switches. Each switch has a power light but there is no temperature gauge or indicator light to let you know when the waffle maker is heated, instead the instructions say to wait 8 minutes before cooking – you can use that time to prep your toppings. After lightly greasing the plates (I would recommend using a pastry brush) pour a large tablespoon of batter into the centre of the plate and let the machine do the work for you. This powerful, Ferrari of a machine operates at 1,600 watts and can churn out two flat, round waffles every two minutes. That's 0-60 waffles in 1 hour! Zoom! There is an overflow channel to catch any surplus batter but it is quite narrow – if you stick to a generous tablespoon each time though you can keep things fairly neat and tidy. The plates are also coated in a double layer of non-stick but they cannot be removed before cleaning so wipe over with a damp cloth; the plates get very hot so make sure you have disconnected from the plug and allowed the machine to cool down first. This waffle iron is large and is designed for commercial use as well as domestic. If your budget allows, it is ideal for a large family or a weekend brunch with friends. Producing two waffles at a time is a stand out feature and will cut down on the waiting time for hungry kids and guests. Ideal Home's rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars 6. VonShef Rotating Waffle Maker Best waffle maker for thick, fluffy waffles Reasons to buy: Easy to turn and cook evenly Reasons to avoid: Manual wasn’t too helpful If you want top notch waffles but you don't want to spend too much on a machine then you really do get more bang for your buck with this rotating model that produces beautifully caramelised and impressively thick, fluffy waffles. Once heated you will need to brush or spritz some fat on the trays before adding your batter. The manual doesn't advise on quantity but I found two cups to be enough. If you do overfill, the handy drip tray will save you from messing up your work top. The rotating function is a unique addition and ensures an even and consistently cooked waffle. This is operated manually which means you can't really walk away but the process is actually quite therapeutic and forces you to not forget about them. There is a variable temperature gauge which allows you to cook them how you like – if you like crisp and crunch then crank up the dial to max or if you favour a lighter texture just lower the heat. A few trial runs and you will know what works best for you. To guarantee the mix was cooked in the middle, I found these waffles took almost 8-10 minutes to cook properly – a little longer than some machines but it actually gave me enough time to fry up some bacon, grab the maple syrup and blueberries to create my brunch of dreams. The only complaint is that the plates aren't removable so clean-up is a bit more of a fiddle and because of the rotating function, the machine isn't as compact as others but for the price this is an impressive waffle maker that you can rely on for an indulgent weekend breakfast. Ideal Home's rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars 7. Sage BWM620UK The Smart Waffle Maker Best double waffle maker If you want perfect waffles every time, Heston has thought of everything to ensure that this Sage machine achieves that. With an LCD display, there are 4 pre-programmed waffle types to choose from. These include Classic (for a crispier crust), Belgium (for a fluffier centre), Buttermilk or Chocolate and a custom setting. You can also choose how brown you like them with 12 settings ranging from 1 (lightest) to 12 (darkest). On testing, I opted for the 6 bar ‘golden brown’ colour setting and using a basic waffle mix I chose 'Classic'. Once the lid is closed the machine started a countdown of 5 minutes. There is an audible alert once time is up. The waffles were easy to pop out (thanks to the non-stick plates that don't need any pre-greasing). They were perfectly square and deep with a super crisp crust. I found them a little too dark so on my second attempt I chose a lighter setting. The USP with this machine is its Waffle IQ which knows the exact state the machine is in when you add the batter. If you don't wait for the machine to heat up between cooking cycles it will automatically adjust the cooking time accordingly. This gives super consistent results. If there is any overflow it will get caught in the wraparound moat. This also cooks the batter at the same time, giving you something to nibble on and making clean up a doddle. Ideal Home's rating: 5 out of 5 stars 8. Progress EK4376P Rotary Non-Stick Waffle Maker Best rotary waffle maker Reasons to buy: It’s intuitive to use, with an even rotating design Reasons to avoid: The plates can’t be removed for cleaning We found that the Progress EK4376P Rotary Non-Stick Waffle Maker created delicious fluffy waffles with ease. It has a hinged handle that you need to twist to flip, before locking back into place. There is also an overflow plate that slots underneath the waffle maker. We enjoyed how small it was in testing. You’ll have no trouble storing the Progress EK4376P Rotary Non-Stick Waffle Maker, but it does come out with very large waffles that are perfect for feasting. Our one gripe was that the plates can’t be removed, so you’ll need to clean any debris or overflow on the waffle maker itself. Ideal Home's Rating: 4 out of 5 stars 9. Vonshef Dual Round Waffle Maker Best waffle maker for families Reasons to buy: Large cooking area is great for feasting Reasons to avoid: Cooking time is a little long If you're not convinced a waffle maker is your thing, start small with something affordable. And opt for one that can feed your whole family at once. Vonchef is a British online kitchenware brand with a popular range of waffle makers. This dual round waffle maker is their best-seller. It is pretty basic in terms of features. It has a red power light and a green ready light that will go out once the machine is up to temperature. Heat-up time was quick though – about 3 minutes. With a large cooking surface, it makes two 6 inch circular waffles at a time. The plates aren't particularly deep so take care not to add too much batter. There is no advised quantity in the manual but I found 90 ml per circular waffle enough. After 4 minutes it was still steaming but I lifted the cool-touch handle anyway. Not looking quite ready, I left my waffle for a further 3 minutes – not the speediest. However, for a budget model, I was really impressed with the finished result. My waffles were light and fluffy and with a nice crisp edge. Clean up is a bit more awkward as the non-stick plates don't pop-off. But if you don't overfill there won't be much mess anyway so it will be fairly easy to wipe clean. Ideal Home's Rating: 4 out of 5 stars 10. American Originals Flip over waffle maker Best for flipping waffles Reasons to buy: Easy to store and flip Reasons to avoid: Takes a while to cook Sleek and narrow, this waffle iron is designed to be flipped 180 degrees during the cooking process for a super consistent bake. In fact, most chefs opt for a flipping waffle maker so let's trust their advice on this one. Once plugged in it takes about 4 minutes to heat up. A green light will come on to let you know it's ready for your batter. Making two waffles at a time, pour your mix into the centre of the trays and close the lid. The total baking time is a bit longer than the other models tested – approx. 5 -10 minutes and it was hard to ascertain when to flip. The instruction manual suggests part-way through so it will take a few practice runs to get the timing just right. You will need to peek at your waffle from time to time to see what is going on (but make sure you leave them alone for the first few minutes). The finished result? After a few trial runs, I had evenly baked waffles that were perfectly golden. Overall, this is a good waffle maker if you don't need to feed a crowd in a hurry. It’s also good if you don't want to spend too much or mind the lack of features. Helpfully, this waffle maker is slim enough to slot into a gap in your kitchen cupboards.  Ideal Home's rating: 3.5­ out of 5 stars How much do I need to spend on a waffle maker? Image credit: VonShef For only £19.99 you can bag yourself a basic waffle maker. This may not have removable plates or many added features, but it’ll cook you up some very decent waffles. After only a few uses, it will have paid for itself. If you are more of a serious foodie you may want a waffle maker you can use regularly. Spend more and get a waffle maker that is not only reliable but also looks good, too. You can secure a trustworthy and robust machine from as little as £39. If you really want the hassle taken out of waffle making altogether, you can spend up to £170. How to buy the best waffle maker for you  Image credit: Vonchef On your search, keep the following features in mind:  1. Good heat distribution The most important factor when it comes to selecting a waffle maker is that it cooks your waffle evenly. Some might be plagued by hot spots – the perfect waffle has a consistently light and airy centre with a crisp and golden edge all over. 2. Speed matters A good waffle needs to cook quickly. If it is too slow or not hot enough the centre will overcook before the outside has had time to crisp up and brown. The best models can cook a waffle in around two minutes. 3. Non-stick plates If the plates are non-stick they will help your waffles to slide out in one piece. It helps with your clean-up job to go for removable plates, if your budget allows. 4. Shape, size and quantity Shape is a matter of preference. Traditionally, Belgium waffles are rectangular whereas in Nordic countries they tend to be heart-shaped. American waffles can be round, square or rectangular. Another factor to consider is how many people you are feeding. Typically, they can make between one and four at a time. Some makers cook one large waffle that can be cut into quarters and shared which is great for families or dinner party puddings. 5. Indicator lights or sound Choose a waffle maker with an audible or visible alert to help you know what is going on. Most will light up or chime when its preheated enough, ready to cook another batch or when your waffles are done. A sound is preferable to light as it allows you to step away and get on with other things instead of hovering nervously over the machine. 6. Ease of storage Choose a model that will suit your storage space and needs. Some can be tucked away vertically and many come with cord winders or built-in cord storage to avoid annoying tangles. 7. Easy to clean If it's a faff to clean you are less likely to want to use it regularly. Non-stick is a must and most can be simply wiped clean with a damp cloth once the machine has cooled. Or simply choose a model with removable, dishwasher-safe plates to make life easier. Some come with spill over channels to deal with any overflow of batter. To avoid this happening in the first place opt for one with a specific measuring cup for the batter to eliminate the likelihood of any overflow. How easy are waffles to make? Image credit: Cuisinart Much like pancakes, the basic ingredients for waffle mix couldn't be more humble – flour, eggs and milk. But despite this, don't expect to make perfect waffles on your first go. You will need to get to know your machine and perfect your batter mix before hosting a waffle party. However, once you have whipped up a few, you will feel like a pro. Jamie Oliver's Brilliant Breakfast Waffles is a good throw-it-all-together starter recipe. You can easily modify this with sweet or savoury ingredients and pimp with delicious toppings. Pick up the best toaster and best kettle for a complete breakfast experience.  How to make perfect waffles For an extra light and fluffy waffle, separate your egg whites from the yolks. Beat the whites until they form soft peaks and then folding them into the rest of the mix. Waffles can be flavoured with just about anything but adding a little sugar to the mix will help to crisp them up. If your waffles keep sticking, try increasing the amount of fat in your batter. Don't lift the lid too early. Wait for the indicator light to come on for the machine to stop steaming before taking a peek. If you lift the lid before they are done you may cause your waffle to rip. If you want to make a large batch and eat together with friends or family, then you can keep cooked waffles warm in the oven. A few minutes in the oven can actually improve their crispiness. Don’t wrap them in foil as they may go a bit limp and soft. For evenly filled waffles, pour the batter onto the centre of each grid and gently spread out to the edges. For best results, allow the waffle mixture to0. rest for five minutes before pouring into the machine. This is to enable the chemical reaction of the raising agent to begin. It will help the waffles to rise. Can I do anything else with a waffle maker? Waffle makers are a lot more versatile and nifty than you might think. A waffle maker is really a mini grill, panini press and sandwich toaster rolled into one. There are plenty of other delicious things you can make. Think grilled cheese sandwiches, French toast sticks, pizza slices and quesadillas. After a quick browse on Pinterest you will have a cookery book filled with waffle maker hacks. The post Best waffle maker 2022: for perfect brunches, every time appeared first on Ideal Home.

The best sofa beds for style, comfort and budget Posted: 24 Jan 2022 02:00 AM PST Looking for the best sofa beds available? We’re here to help with our round-up of the most stylish and comfortable sleeper sofas for every budget. Whether you’re searching for a sofa bed that’s comfortable enough for everyday use in the living room, an affordable sleeper sofa for occasional use in the home office, or a compact option for conjuring up extra sleeping space in a bedroom or children’s playroom; we’ve narrowed down the options to help you find the best of the bunch. Whilst most sofa beds are going to feel firmer for sitting than one of the best sofas, the sleeper sofas on this list have been tried and tested to unearth the options that best combine that elusive mix of style, affordability, and comfort. For more top tips and buying advice just scroll to the end of this guide, but if you want to jump straight to our top sofa bed recommendations, you’ll find the Ideal Home team’s selection below. Best sofa beds 1. MADE Haru Small Sofa Bed Best small sofa bed: a luxe-look sofa bed at an affordable price point Seats: 1-2 Sleeps: 1-2 Sofa dimensions: H78 x W120 x D86cm Extended dimensions: W120 x L182cm Sleeping area dimensions: W120 x L182cm Upholstery options: 11 You’re not going to fool anyone into believing this is a traditional sofa, but if you have a contemporary home then we love the Haru sofa bed’s modern design which is perfect for some small-footprint extra sleeping space. And, in the velvet upholstery, this contemporary option looks far more luxe than the small price tag suggests. The MADE Haru sleeper comes in a range of sizes to make finding the right fit for a smaller space easy too. There’s a single chair bed, the small ‘double’ sofa bed (pictured) – which might be a bit of a tight squeeze for two – and a more spacious large sofa bed. All options are well under £500 and perfect for rooms where space is at a premium. This is a click clack sofa bed, where the backrest and seat unfold to create the sleeping surface, so it is pretty firm and probably isn’t going to suffice as an everyday seating option – or provide a sleeping solution for longer-term guests – but as a useful occasional chair and overnight sleeper option, it’s hard to beat. The five velvet options work particularly well for an accent chair in the living room, bedroom or guest room, and the six options of colourful, hardwearing cotton upholstery are ideal for kids bedrooms; providing instant extra bedding for impromptu sleepovers. BUY NOW: Haru Small Sofa Bed, from £329 at MADE 2. Swyft Model 04 3 Seater Sofa Bed Best fast delivery sofa bed-in-a-box Seats: 3 Sleeps: 2 Sofa dimensions: H86 x W208 x D89cm Extended dimensions: W208 x D135cm Sleeping area dimensions: L190 x W135 Upholstery options: 7 If you’re looking for convenience, then opting for a sofa bed in a box could well be the way to go. Swyft’s Model 04 sofa arrives flat-packed in sections, making it far easier to get your new sofa bed into a room with tricky access, or up several flights of stairs. Swyft also aims to do away with long sofa bed lead times, with all in-stock products available for delivery in under 7 days – and often within 24 hours. You will have to do some self-assembly once the sofa arrives, but as you’ll see from our full Swyft Model 04 sofa bed review on the Ideal Home website, this is a fairly simple endeavour with no tools required thanks to the ‘Swyft-lok’ locking mechanism. This feature also means it’s simple to disassemble the sofa bed should you move house – particularly useful for renters – and also means the sofa arms can be detached if necessary, potentially a bonus if you’re short on space. Looks-wise, the contemporary design wouldn’t look out of place in swish city apartment – although the low back may not be for everyone – and although the upholstery options are limited to 7, they’re good, versatile shades with a mix of hardwearing linen mix fabrics and velvets. As an added bonus the upholstery is also woven with stain-resistant threads, so if there are spills all you need to do is wipe the couch with a wet cloth. Extra fabric protection, and comfort, is provided by the mattress topper that comes included with each purchase. There’s also a handy integrated storage compartment under the seat to keep it in when the bed isn’t in use. In terms of comfort, the sofa seat and backrest are made up of foam with integrated pocket springs. We found both sitting and sleeping a firmish experience, but not overly so, and as long as you don’t mind sacrificing some sofa squish, then this option certainly looks good enough to use as your everyday seating in the living room. However, we think it really comes into its own as a versatile spare bedroom or home office guest solution – doing away with the need for a static guest bed and freeing up more of your home for everyday enjoyment. BUY NOW: Swyft Model 04 Sofa Bed, £1995 at John Lewis 3. Dreams Gallway 3-Seater Sofa Bed Best statement sofa bed: a stylish mid-Century modern design that won’t break the bank Seats: 3 Sleeps: 2 Sofa dimensions: H89 x W218 x D87cm Extended dimensions: L190 x W112 Sleeping area dimensions: L190 x W112 Upholstery options: 4 Rather than blend into your living room suite unnoticed, this stylish mid-Century modern inspired sofa bed isn’t afraid to create a bold focal point, and for a three-seater sofa – with the added bonus of being able to fold out the click-clack design and put up guests – the under £1000 price tag makes it a bit of a steal. High wooden legs are contrasted with lozenge-shaped armrests and a Chesterfield-style pocketed backrest. The four velvet-look upholstery options are no shrinking violets either, with bright emerald green, saturated navy blue, and fiery orange colourways on offer alongside a versatile mid-grey. The pocket-sprung cushions deliver on the comfort front, offering comfortable seating in sofa form and an almost-a-mattress sleeping experience once the backrest is folded down to turn the clic-clac design into a bed. Although, despite the generous seating width, you do only get a small double’s worth of sleeping space with this option. If you’re planning on adding a sofa bed to the living room as your main seating, then the good news is that this option also comes with matching furniture to finish off the look, with a similarly stylish coordinating armchair and footstool available. Buy now: Gallway sofa bed, £899, Dreams 4. Heal’s Oswald 3 Seater Sofa Bed Most comfortable sofa bed: a sleeper sofa that’s comfortable enough for everyday use in the living room Seats: 3 Sleeps: 2 Sofa dimensions: H98 x W222 x D103cm Extended dimensions: W222 x D152cm Sleeping area dimensions: W222 x D152cm Upholstery options: 3 Heal's Oswald sofa bed fuses contemporary design with sit and sleep comfort – often a hard trio to find in the search for a multifunctional sleeper sofa. The modern design hides some particularly well-considered construction, with the seat and backrest formed from what Heal's describe as 'high resilient foam and hyper soft foam layers' and, the important bit: 10cm deep pocket-springs nestled in the foam's midst. This makes for a seat with a good amount of give and bounce – not a soft and squishy sofa to snuggle up on perhaps, but definitely a sofa bed you could use as your everyday living room seating. And, as the seat and backrest fold out to become the sleeping surface, it offers a comfortable sleep experience too – in our opinion akin to a dedicated mattress. The leather tab at the front of the sofa makes pulling the seat section up and out to transform the sofa into a bed fairly easy, and the legs fold out automatically creating a super generous king-size sleeping surface that's a fairly good height from the floor. There’s also some hidden storage for stashing the sofa cushions. There are only three upholstery options – although the grey Dessin fabric is a nice weave and good mid-tone colour that will suit a lot of homes – and it is an investment. However, as long as your budget allows – and your home suits the contemporary design – this is one of the best sit sleep hybrids we've come across; satisfying all needs without too much of a compromise in any area. BUY NOW: Oswald Sofa Bed, £2499 at Heal’s 5. Sofa.com Bluebell Sofa Bed Best classic-style sofa bed: turned wooden feet and traditional rolled arms make this a good option for a period property Seats: 1.5, 2, 2.5 or 3 Sleeps: 1 or 2 dependent on size Sofa dimensions: dependent on size choice Extended dimensions: W dependent on size choice x D233cm Sleeping area dimensions: dependent on size choice Upholstery options: 70+ If you have a period home or just prefer a more classic sofa shape then the Bluebell sofa bed from Sofa.com is an option that delivers in the looks department and isn't too much of a compromise on comfort, although the sitting experience is firm. The sofas rolled arms, piped upholstery detailing, and turned wooden legs deliver a traditional look that works well in a period property, whilst the sofa bed is a pull-out construction, with a hidden metal bedframe and dedicated mattress folded up and stowed away underneath the seat cushions. This design – common to nearly all pull-out sofa beds – means the sofa seat cushions are resting on the back of the metal bed frame when the sofa is upright, which explains the firmness of the seat. The Bluebell's feather-wrapped foam seat cushions improve the comfort levels a notch and we found the high backrest offered plenty of back support. In terms of sleeping, the bed mechanism is fairly easy to unfold, although does require a bit of strength to lift out. And, if you opt for the 3-seater sofa bed (there is also a loveseat, 2-seater and 2.5-seater sofa bed available) it comes with a 10cm deep double-sized mattress, although that mattress is a little shorter in length than a standard double mattress. This sofa bed also has a superb range of 70+ upholstery fabrics on offer which makes tailoring a look to suit your home easy work. Plus, there’s a good selection of matching furniture, including an armchair, traditional sofa, chaise and corner sofa, and a coordinating ottoman, so it's easy to integrate this sofa bed into a wider living room suite if that's your aim. BUY NOW: Bluebell sofa bed, RRP from £1325 at Sofa.com 6. Habitat Kota 3 Seater Sofa Bed Best contemporary sofa bed: a spacious 3 seater at an affordable price point Seats: 3 Sleeps: 2 Sofa dimensions: H90 x W189 x D102cm Extended dimensions: W123 x L189cm Sleeping area dimensions: W123 x L189cm Upholstery options: 6 If you’re looking for a large sofa bed at a (very) reasonable price then it’s hard to beat the Kota sofa bed – as long as you’re happy with its somewhat Marmite contemporary design. For well under £500 you get a generous 3 seater sofa with a simple click-clack design where the backrest folds down to create a flat sleeping surface. At first, we weren’t sure how comfortable those oversized Chesterfield style pockets would be, but it’s perfectly acceptable for lounging on and creates a roughly small double-sized sleeping area once extended. You’ll probably want to add a mattress topper to add extra comfort and to protect the sofa upholstery, but that’s the case with most fold-out sofa beds. The Kota comes in six colourways in total, including vibrant flame orange, two grey options and three velvet upholstery options in shades of green, teal or mid-grey. It is worth noting that the side profile of this model leaves something to be desired, with the base platform not very well disguised. The slanted backrest also pushes this model out quite far into the room, so it may not be the best option if you’re short on space. However, as occasional seating or sleeping in a home office, kids playroom, or teenager’s bedroom, this great value sofa bed has a lot to offer. 7. Brook + Wilde Brunel Sofa Bed Best sofa bed from a mattress specialist: for the discerning overnight guest Seats: 3 Sleeps: 2 Sofa dimensions: H65 x W190 x D83cm Extended dimensions: W190 x L226cm Mattress dimensions: L180 x W133 x D10cm Upholstery options: 6 Most sofa beds are created by sofa manufacturers, so it’s interesting to see a sofa bed crafted by experts in sleeping instead. Better known for its luxury mattresses – many of which have been put through their paces and scored highly in our best mattress guides – Brook + Wilde is at the luxury end of the bedding market, focusing on multi-layered mattress construction and super soft goose feather and down duvet covers and pillows. The three-seater Brunel sofa bed aims to channel that sleep expertise into three sizes of sofa bed – a snuggler chair, a small two-seater sofa and a three-seater sofa bed – all available in six velvet colour options. The focus of this sofa bed is definitely on the mattress itself; the Brunel features a 10cm deep version of the brand’s bestselling Lux mattress; combining a pocket-sprung base with memory foam upper designed to offer guests a ‘next-best-thing-to-your-own-bed’ sleeping experience. BUY NOW: Brunel Sofa Bed, RRP £1999 at Brook +Wilde 8. Eve Sleep Away Mattress The cheapest sofa bed alternative Seats: n/a Sleeps: 1 Mattress dimensions: L190 x W75cmm Upholstery options: n/a If space is super tight and you don’t want to sacrifice floor space to a permanent piece of furniture, then this nifty folding mattress from Eve could be a good solution for the occasional overnighter. A cut above your regular blow-up mattress, the Sleep Away offers guests an 8cm layer of foam to bed down on and transforms into compact roll when not in use, with a handy zipper that ensures it doesn’t come unrolled, plus a carry handle if you want to take it out on location. Glamping anyone? Once unfurled you just need to give it 30 minutes to plump up to full volume – far better than half an hour spent inflating a blow-up mattress with a foot pump in our opinion. Of course, with this option, your guests will still pretty much be sleeping on the floor, but we think it’s a great option to have to hand for sleepovers and impromptu overnight stays. Plus there’s also a removable and washable top panel that can be freshened up at 40 degrees. BUY NOW: Sleep Away Mattress, RRP £179 at Eve What are the most comfortable sofa beds? Let’s be upfront. It’s unlikely that you’re going to find a sofa bed that’s as comfortable to sit on as one of the best sofas, sorry to be the bearers of bad news.  But… there are most certainly sofa beds that are far, far more comfortable than others. We know because we’ve tried and tested a whole lot of sofa beds in compiling this guide, and in order to find the best options we’ve discovered it’s well worth understanding the difference between the two main types of sofa bed construction. Fold-out or click-clack: A click-clack sofa bed is one where the sofa’s backrest and seat fold flat to become the sleeping surface. If made of solid foam then quite often these designs can be the firmest for sitting and sleeping, the ‘bed’ also tends to be quite low to the ground once the sofa bed is unfolded, and your guests will be sleeping directly on the sofa surface – unless you add a mattress topper – which may or may not be something you’re happy with. Click clack sofa beds are more often contemporary in appearance, and quite often the upholstery options will be a little more limited. However, they’re generally the most affordable option, have the shortest lead times, and are the most compact if floor space is a consideration. That being said, two of the most comfortable sofa beds in this round-up are fold-out sofa beds. What sets these click-clack sofa beds apart is the addition of pocket springs nestled in amongst their foam cushioning, which give both seating and sleeping areas some welcome bounce – although it does also up the price. Pull-out: A pull-out sofa bed looks the most like a traditional sofa. In this design, the sofa seat cushions are removed and a folding bed frame pulled out from the sofa seat cavity, with a dedicated mattress on top. The backrest and arms of the sofa remain in place, which means the bed takes up (sometimes considerably more) floor space, but the sleeping surface tends to be higher from the ground and more like a standard bed. As they tend to be made by sofa specialists, there are usually a lot more upholstery options and matching furniture available if you want to blend a sofa bed in with a living room suite. However, there can be a huge difference in specifications and comfort. As you are sitting ‘on’ the folded bed frame, thick seat cushions are a must to add comfort, and there can also be huge variation in mattress thicknesses and construction (which can often be fairly hard to find in the small print). Generally speaking, you want the thickest mattress you can afford – a 10-14cm depth is a good gauge – and a sprung or pocket sprung mattress rather than solid foam for some bounce. Darlings of Chelsea Waverley sofa bed What else to consider when looking for the best sofa bed? Sofa size It may sound obvious, but it’s important to consider how much seating space your sofa bed needs to offer. If it’s not going to be your main living room sofa then you can get away with a more compact version – maybe even one of the best chair beds if you only need to sleep a single guest at a time – but if the sofa bed needs to seat the entire household on a daily basis then investing in a chaise sleeper sofa, or one of the best corner sofa beds might be something worth considering. It’s also vital to ensure your sofa bed is going to fit comfortably into the room where you want to use it. Find expert tips from Heal’s and Habitat in our guide to getting sofa measurements right. Mattress size It’s also important to check the mattress measurements. Many sofa beds are marketed as doubles, and although they will fit two people, they can sometimes be a snug sleeping experience. So if you regularly have more than one guest staying at a time – and they stay for a good length of time in one go – they will thank you for opting for the roomiest sofa bed your budget allows. Related: Want more space-saving tricks? Check out our small living room ideas and handy storage solutions for smaller spaces. The post The best sofa beds for style, comfort and budget appeared first on Ideal Home.

Valentine's Day budget ideas- 20 thrifty ways to celebrate at home Posted: 24 Jan 2022 12:07 AM PST So you want to let your other half know how much they mean to you, but cash is still tight after the holiday season, which is why these Valentine’s Day budget ideas are not to be missed! Every year the plethora of gifts we’re told we should be buying, or experiences we should be trying, or restaurants we should be going to, gets more and more, but actually, Valentines day is surely as simple as letting the one you love, know that you love them! From gifts, to decorations and date-ideas too, we’ve got plenty of Valentine’s Day budget ideas so you can celebrate love, without spending a fortune! Valentine’s day budget ideas And who says this romantic date has to be about long-stemmed red roses, fancy truffle-filled chocolates, pricey restaurant reservations and expensive romantic getaways anyway?! We see the seasonal date as a lovely excuse to spend time with the ones you love. Keep it simple, keep it cost-effective. In place of splashing the cash on an evening out, this year spend Valentine’s Day at home for a fuss-free, fun time with these budget date ideas… 1. Enjoy wine tasting from the comfort of your sofa! Image credit: Future Plc/Katie Jane Watson You don’t need to head to a fancy bar to go on a wine tasing date, instead enjoy one from the comfort of your living room. Gather a selection of wines you might already have at home, or buy a selection of the mini bottles of wine from the supermarket. Write down tasting notes as you try each one and whittle it down to your favourite at the end of the evening. 2. Create a low-cost floral display Image credit: Future Plc/Brent Darby Flower prices go through the roof around valentines day and a smart bouquet can cost the earth! Instead, opt for supermarket bought blooms and bulk them out with foliage from the garden. While roses are a classic option, tulips, lilies and even carnations can still have the wow-factor, once paired with foraged greenery. Display in a glass fancy vase (there are plenty to be found in charity shops!) and let your home feel like a florists! 3. Reminisce over old photos Image credit: Future Plc/James French Cuddle up on the sofa, and pour over your photo albums or box of polaroids to stir memories of years gone by. It’s always lovely to remember and reminisce about the holidays, birthdays and celebrations you’ve shared over the years, so take time to tell the stories to accompany each photo. If you don’t have any photo albums to hand, try scrolling back through the photos on your phone instead! 4. Turn sweet music into a sweet gift Image credit: Future Plc/David Giles If you and your loved one have a special song, why not turn it from something you hear, into something you can see?! Source your song as sheet music and make a heart garland to hang in your home.  Cut strips of your sheet music in two different lengths, hold two of the longer strips back to back and add one shorter strip to each side so you’re holding four pieces together. Bend the two outer strips into the bottom and pinch in place. Bring the tow longer strips around to the bottom on either side and staple into heart a heart shape. 5. Write a love letter Image credit: Future Plc/Dominic Blackmore Go old-school this year and write your sweetheart a hand-written love letter. It could just be a card with your favourite memory of your time together so far, or a long, gushing letter about how much they mean to you, but it will show them just how much you care, without having to fork out on an expensive gift. 6. Make personalised coasters Image credit: Future Plc/David Giles A handmade gift always goes down well and this one is super-easy to make. Take a selection of wooden letters (or old scrabble tiles) and work out the words that you want to spell out. Play around with the layout until you’re happy what everything fits together correctly. Glue each tile side by side, onto a cork coaster, tightly packing the squares together so there are no gaps. Leave to dry with a a heavy book on top, then carefully trim any excess cork, so the letters sit neatly on top. 7. Start the day right Image credit: Future Plc/David Brittain Make their day by serving up a luxurious breakfast in bed! Lay a tray with a selection of yummy foods, a pot of tea and even a glass of fizz (if they don’t have to drive to work later that morning!) and let your loved one enjoy their first meal of the day without even leaving the bedroom. 8. Craft a homemade gift Image credit Future Plc/Polly Eltes Forget banana bread, the popularity of beer bread is on the rise!  Not only does it keep costs low, it shows it’s the thought that counts. Gather all the ingredients they will need to make the sweet treat, and write out the recipe on some recipe cards, then package altogether to create your gift. 9. Decorate your home Image credit: Ginger Ray Get arty with your decorations by making them yourself. This is better than any fine-dining restaurant reservation. Make your own cute paper hearts to fashion garlands. Of course you can buy them ready made which if you’re not so arty, is still a cost-effective and certainly an easier option. Buy now: Heart shaped valentines day backdrop, £8.99, Ginger Ray 10. Make a Valentine wreath Image credit: Future Plc/Spike Powell Cut from the garden or make do with a budget bunch of roses, craft your own wreath. This hung on the front door is a sign of love for all that pass by. 11. Bond over a shared passion for craft Image credit: Future Plc/Colin Poole From painting to sketching, or even taking the lead from ‘Ghost’ and trying your hand at pottery, an arty activity is an intimate way to spend quality time with your partner. Jess Martin, expert party planner at Ginger Ray suggests, ‘Stick on some chilled-out tunes, pour yourselves a glass of red and take a moment to really absorb yourselves in this soothing activity. It's a great way to spend some one-on-one time with your loved one without having to pull out all the stops.’ ‘If you're looking for something a little more hands-on, there are some amazing online art classes out there that you can take with your partner – such as life drawing. If you guys fancy keeping it between the two of you and spicing up the evening, then why not use each other as life models? Or, if you want to get your Patrick Swayze on, order an at-home pottery kit and let those creative juices flow.’ 12. Re-enact your first date Image credit: Future Plc/Polly Eltes For serious brownie points, re-enact your first ever date at home (if you can remember it!), whether that be a picnic, karaoke night or cocktail-making session. 13. Theme your evening Image credit: Future Plc/Steve Baxter Whether your partner wishes they were in New Orleans or Thailand, theme the evening with food and decorations from their most lusted-after romantic getaway. 14. Get your glad rags on Image credit: Future Plc/Lizzie Orme Just because you’re staying in doesn’t mean you have to be in your pyjamas. Put something sexy and sassy on and make the effort! It is Valentine’s Day after all. 15. Create a home spa Image credit: Future Plc/Tim Young Light some candles, fill a bath with bubbles and take time out to relax. Even opt for a couple’s massage – all without having to leave the house or spending a penny. 16. Cook a sweet treat Image credit: Future Plc/Adrian Lawrence The way to the heart is through the stomach after all, so get cooking your sweetheart’s favourite dish or bake their guilty calorie-laden pleasure for a treat. Go the extra mile and lay a beautiful valentines table setting too. 17. Enjoy a movie night Image credit: Future Plc/Polly Eltes There’s not a lot that beats a movie night in. Line up their favourite film or choose one of  latest releases and hunker down for the night in a fort of blankets and cushions surrounded by the glow of fairy lights. Don’t forget the popcorn to snack on too! 18. Host a cook-off A little competition is always healthy so challenge your partner to a cook-off. One of you makes the main whilst the other does dessert but be sure to judge fairly! 19. Set up a scavenger hunt Image credit: Ginger Ray Set up a fun treasure hunt with trails of clues or rose petal paths dotted all over the house leading to their gift. Ginger Ray’s Jess says, ‘It may seem cheesy, but a treasure hunt can be a really great way to pick up the pace of your festivities and make an event out of your gift exchange. Get sentimental with your special someone by dotting little sweet notes around the house and garden for them to stumble upon. Adults like games too you know!’ Buy now: Valentine’s Treasure hunt Game, £4.99, Ginger Ray 20. Stargaze Image credit: Future Plc/Polly Eltes For true romance, finish the evening under the stars! Set up camp in the garden beside a fire pit and stargaze all night whilst you roast marshmallows and sip hot rum drinks. How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day on a budget? It’s all about putting the effort in and making your other half feel special, not how much money you spend. There are plenty of things you can do show your partner how much you care for them, and often hand-made gifts and bespoke evenings in, can be far better received than pricey, impersonal gifts and evenings spent at an over-priced restaurant. If you and your partner are big foodies, how about trying to recreate one of your favourite meals from home? Or if you love to travel, how about making the evening all about your favourite country, with food and a dress code to match. Most of the supermarkets offer amazing deals on food to dine in with, so its worth keeping an eye out for when they hit the stores, as you can save lots on a 3 course meal, with wine and chocolates too. Try not to get sucked in to all the ‘hype’ around Valentine’s Day, but make it day just for you and your sweetheart, doing things you both love, together. The post Valentine's Day budget ideas- 20 thrifty ways to celebrate at home appeared first on Ideal Home.

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