Buying furniture, whether it is for the house or the office space, can be exciting and, at the same time, exhausting. While the right choice in furniture can transform one’s space into a haven, the wrong choices can lead to frustration and a waste of money. So, it is important to keep some things in mind when buying furniture and avoid certain common mistakes. Here are five common mistakes one should avoid when buying furniture. Neglecting measurements The first and the most important thing one must do when buying new furniture is take measurements of their space. Neglecting to take accurate measurements can be a costly mistake if the furniture one purchases does not fit. Along with the room, it is also essential to take measurements of the doorway and the passage from where the furniture will pass through to avoid any hassles later. Not considering one’s current lifestyle Another mistake individuals often make when buying new furniture is failing to consider their lifestyle and needs. Before choosing new furniture, it is essential to take into account factors like family/organization size, children, pets, and how the space will be used. Overlooking quality and durability While it is important to stick to budget when buying new furniture, it is more important to choose good-quality furniture. Furniture pieces such as beds, chairs, etc. are usually long-term investments, and opting for cheap, less durable furniture may lead to frequent replacements and additional costs in the long run. Prioritizing trends over comfort When choosing new furniture, a big mistake one can make is prioritizing trends over comfort. It is important to remember that despite how trendy it looks, furniture is only as good as its utility. If a piece of furniture looks stunning but is uncomfortable to sit or sleep on, it will become a regrettable purchase.

There is nothing more pleasing than a well-furnished home that perfectly integrates aesthetics and utility. However, decorating a home requires considerable prior planning and budgeting, and paying full price for items may be more expensive than it is worth. Annual sales seasons like Black Friday help buyers ensure lucrative discounts on furniture pieces like sofas, beds, and dining tables. With Black Friday 2023 approaching, here are the top furniture deals one can expect this year: Sofa Beds Queer Eye Queer Eye’s futon sofa beds are made of sturdy wood, with faux and soft-leather upholstery. Moreover, its convertible sofa beds can easily recline between the sitting, lounging, and sleeping positions. Last year, Queer Eye’s Liam futons were available for $126 off their original price of $480. Ollie Ollie’s futon sofa beds entail box tufting, and they are a compact option for smaller spaces. The Ollie Futon Sofa Bed was available at 31% off on Wayfair last shopping season and may be offered on sale again this Black Friday. LINSY HOME LINSY HOME’s sleeper sofa beds are lined with memory foam mattresses, which utilize body heat to mold to one’s body shape, preventing back issues and ensuring optimal comfort. These sofas were available for $200 off at Walmart last Black Friday; thus, buyers should be on the lookout for discounts on LINSY HOME sleeper sofas even this year. Patio Furniture Ovios Patio Furniture Sets Ovios offers four-piece and five-piece comprehensive patio furniture sets, including integral furniture pieces like sofas, single chairs, ottomans, seat and back cushions, and pillows. Moreover, the furniture pieces are UV-resistant and easy to assemble. Walmart offered Ovios’ patio furniture set at a discounted price last shopping season. Lacoo Patio Furniture Sets This brand’s patio “conversation” sets comprise furniture pieces made of high-quality wicker, which are easy to maintain and affordable.

If you’ve been waiting for Black Friday to make a big-ticket furniture purchase, now’s the time, especially if you’re searching for something, like a sofa or mattress. We’ve seen savings of up to 50% in recent years, so browsing the bargains may really help keep prices down, which is crucial, considering the cost of living. Also, remember to bookmark websites that offer information on the current Black Friday furniture bargains. Metal and wood platform bed frame On Amazon, the ZINUS Suzanne 37-inch Metal and Wood Platform Bed Frame could drop to $189 (was $220), a $31 savings. Bathroom vanity Last year, the Lark Manor Burchard 36′′ Single Bathroom Vanity Set was available for $549.99 (down from $724.99). Add this to your shopping list to save $175 at Wayfair. Floor lamp The AllModern Finton 60.25-Inch Tripod Floor Lamp might be available for $149, a 44% reduction. That’s a deal you don’t want to lose on. Queen-sized bed frame Last Black Friday, the Plank Beam PB312-002 Solid Wood Queen-Size Bed in White was on sale for $270.74 (down from $319). On Amazon, that is a 37% discount. Coffee table Cumka Coffee Table Teak Resin 23.6′′ is anticipated to retail at Walmart for $205.60, a 30% discount. Tufted rug This Black Friday, the AllModern Evelina Ice Blue/Charcoal Tufted Viscose Rug (5 by 7.5 feet) is expected to be at 50% off same as last year. Shelf Furinno Turn-N-Tube 5-Tier Multipurpose Shelf is estimated to be 10% off the regular price of $43. Dining set Last year, Wayfair offered a 66% discount on the Gracie Oaks Armando 4-Person Dining Table Set with dining chairs for $226.99 ($699). Fabric storage The Christopher Knight Home Charleston Dark Grey Tufted Fabric Storage Ottoman is the greatest fabric organizer. On Amazon, it was priced last Black Friday for $127.86 (was $220.99), a 41% savings.

The air in our homes is not perpetually clean. There are many chemicals, harmful gases, dust, and other airborne allergens that degrade the air quality in your home. These pollutants often stem from external factors and even the appliances you use at home. Furthermore, such pollutants can deteriorate health and trigger several health problems when inhaled. Therefore, here are 11 ways to keep the indoor air quality in your home clean. Open the windows Opening the window will let oxygen in and remove any harmful toxins in the air. It can even help keep the room breezy in the summers. Do not use aerosol sprays Aerosol sprays release harmful chemicals into the air. So you must use non-aerosol versions when it comes to hair sprays, furniture polish, and deodorants. Mop hard floor surfaces Mopping surfaces made from hardwood, vinyl floors, tile, or other toughened materials with a disinfectant will keep your home free of allergens. Inspect the air vents HVAC systems filter out harmful substances from the air to keep the atmosphere inside your room clean. Clean such air vents periodically to ensure they are working properly. Use exhausts Moisture in your home can lead to mildew, bugs, bacteria, and mold. Use the exhaust in the bathroom, kitchen, or use a dehumidifier. It will ensure moisture levels are kept in check. Vacuum the carpets Flooring, especially the ones with carpets and rugs, may collect disease-causing allergens. Vacuuming the carpets regularly can help keep the risk from such allergens at a minimum. Check the furniture Avoid furniture that is treated with formaldehyde and stuck with toxic glue. They contain harmful chemicals that can trigger several health conditions. Use zero-VOC paint Before painting your home, ensure the label reads “zero VOC” or “low COV.” These have a low content of harmful chemicals and leave the air quality of your home unaffected.

Fleas and ticks are parasites that cause discomfort and health risks to dogs and nuisance to pet owners. While commercial products are available to help fight these parasites, some people opt for repellants made of kitchen ingredients that are commonly available and have properties that help eliminate fleas and ticks effectively.  These products do not include harmful chemicals. They also suit individuals who are concerned about the environmental impact of alternative pest control techniques. Lemon juice Lemon juice is one of the most effective kitchen ingredients for fighting fleas and ticks. There are two ways in which one can use this common kitchen ingredient for this purpose. Firstly, one can prepare a bath for their dog with diluted lemon juice. For this, combine two cups of water with half a cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice. One can then add their dog’s regular shampoo to the mix, which will create the perfect bath to eliminate fleas and ticks. Another way to use lemon juice is to dip the dog’s comb into fresh lemon juice and run it through their fur. Apple cider vinegar One can also make use of apple cider vinegar in multiple ways to eliminate fleas and ticks. One of the recommended approaches involves creating a spray solution by diluting six cups of apple cider vinegar with four cups of water, supplemented with some table salt. This will create the perfect mixture that one can spray onto the dog’s fur to get rid of parasites. Besides this, one can also mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with four cups of their dog’s drinking water. If the dog likes the taste of this, it can be an effective remedy to get rid of fleas from its fur. Baking soda with salt If a dog has fleas or ticks, there is a good chance that the pests have infested the house, too.

In the realm of cleaning, paper towels have long been a trusted companion, known for their absorbent prowess and versatility. However, certain items and surfaces necessitate caution, where the use of paper towels might lead to unintended consequences. While these sheets are stalwarts in many cleaning tasks, they aren’t universally suited for every challenge. By understanding the limitations of paper towels, individuals can safeguard their belongings and achieve more effective cleaning outcomes. Electronics and screens Electronics like smartphones, tablets, and computer monitors require extra care since they come with sensitive screens. Paper towels can leave behind fibers and lint, obstructing the view and potentially scratching the surface. For these sensitive screens, it’s best to use a microfiber cloth specifically designed for electronics, which is gentle yet effective in removing smudges and fingerprints. Stainless steel appliances While stainless steel appliances provide a sleek and modern aesthetic to kitchens, they can be prone to visible scratches if cleaned with paper towels. To maintain that polished look, it’s recommended to use a soft cloth or a microfiber cloth dampened with a mixture of water and a mild detergent. This will help avoid unsightly scratches and keep the appliances looking their best. Eyeglasses Cleaning eyeglasses with paper towels can lead to micro-abrasions on the lenses, affecting clarity and potentially damaging any special coatings. To ensure optimal vision and preserve the quality of the eyewear, use a microfiber cleaning cloth specifically designed for glasses, along with a lens cleaning solution. This combination effectively removes smudges and maintains the integrity of the lenses. Fine glassware These delicate items require special attention to prevent damage. Paper towels, though seemingly soft, can leave behind tiny scratches on the surfaces of fine glassware. To keep them pristine, wash them by hand with a gentle dishwashing liquid and a soft sponge or cloth.

Cyber Monday is on its way, and your wait for the steepest and deepest discounts will soon be over! It is the best time to shop online and offline for your favorite items. This year too, retailers will be offering the best deals on various products, including electronics, clothing, furniture, and more. Here is a look at the sales, discounts, and price drops you can expect in 2022 based on last year’s trends. Deals on clothing, accessories, and jewelry There were considerable discounts in the apparel, accessories, and clothing segment last year, and 2022 will be no different. If you are a fashion lover, get ready to enjoy massive discounts on different styles of clothes from your favorite brands during the Cyber Monday sale. Some best offers to expect include: 40% off on sweaters 80% off on branded products 50% off on orders of $150 or more and 25% off on orders of $250 or more 30% off on the best leggings 50% off on select shoes, purses, gloves, and other accessories 70% off on branded bags, shoes, and wallets 30% off on select brands online and in-store  30% off on trending fashion jewelry and free shipping when you spend $50 or more 50% off on branded athleisure and sports gear  30% off on Pandora jewelry Deals on makeup, beauty, and skincare products Beauty stores, both big and small, offer the most tempting deals on Cyber Monday. Each retailer caters to a broad audience in this segment, offering steep discounts, bundle deals, and much more. Some of the best sales and deals in this segment include: More than 50% off on FENCHILIN lighted vanity mirrors 40% off the NuFACE Mini beauty device  28% off on MZ Skin’s therapy mask with LED Light 30% off on most beauty products from premium brands 50% off on select branded beauty devices 35% off on branded makeup products 30% off on skincare products and a gift with purchases of $150 and more 25% off on products needed for an elegant and classic manicure 25% off on branded hair products 70% off on the best-selling makeup products and beauty tools Deals on décor and furniture Looking to refurbish your home this holiday season?

Cyber Monday is the perfect time to grab great deals on wishlisted products. But right before it starts, many retailers and brands offer early-bird discounts a few days ahead of sale day. These discounts are on products across several popular categories, such as electronics, apparel, home essentials, jewelry, makeup, and skincare. So to get a head start on holiday shopping, keep an eye out for bargains on these products. Electronics Every year, shoppers rush to get the best bargains on the latest gadgets, such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, gaming consoles, headphones, television, and more. During the previous Cyber Monday sale, customers were able to enjoy discounts ranging from 20% off on new product launches to as much as 50% off on older models. One can expect similar deals this year too. Amazon There can be discounts as high as 70% on Amazon products such as Echo Dot, Echo Show, Ring Doorbell, Fire Stick, and Kindle E-readers. Also, electronics from other brands are expected to be available at marked-down prices. Nomad Goods One can find sitewide discounts on phone cases, charging cables, portable battery packs, wireless chargers, travel accessories, and more. Best Buy Check for huge discounts on smart TVs, laptops, and accessories from select brands. Walmart Shoppers can expect big savings on a wide range of tech products. Target A lot of deals might be available on headphones, security cameras, tablets, gaming consoles, and more. B&H Photo They offer early Holiday Head Start sales on Mac Airs, Apple homePod mini, iPads, Mac hardware, external hard drives, and accessories such as wireless keyboards and microphones. Dell A select range of laptops and desktops can be available at never-seen-before prices. Fashion Looking to revamp the wardrobe or re-stock on basics? This is the right time. Many fashion retailers and brands start to roll out huge early-bird discounts on apparel, footwear, and accessories.

Recreational vehicles (RVs) have a lot of amenities, but they are expensive to buy and maintain. So, you must check it thoroughly before driving it home from the dealership, especially if considering a used or pre-owned model. Several issues, both mechanical and safety-related, make an RV unfit for purchase. If you spot any of these problems in an RV, avoid buying it and look for an alternative to ensure you get your money’s worth. Clogged AC filters While inspecting an RV before purchase, turn on its air conditioner and climate control system to evaluate the HVAC performance. If the cooling is below par, there is a chance that the vehicle’s AC filter has issues or damage. If the filter is clogged, the previous owner has likely not put in enough money or effort to maintain the vehicle. Although you can continue inspecting, such a vehicle is not worth buying as you may need to spend extra on AC maintenance. Damaged windshield Several states across the country prohibit driving RVs with a cracked or even mildly damaged windshield as it puts passengers at risk of injury. RV windshields are huge and, therefore, expensive to replace. So, carefully check the windshield before investing your hard-earned money into the vehicle. Pet odors within the RV Pet odors indicate the previous owner let their pet roam freely within the RV’s interiors. Since the distinct body smell of pets can be hard to get rid of, it is advisable to avoid purchasing the vehicle and look for other options. Mold growth Mold growth is another clear sign that an RV has not been maintained up to scratch by its previous owner. A lack of ventilation and climate control within the vehicle causes moisture to accumulate in corners, gradually leading to mold growth. Mold destroys wooden panels and furniture inside, rendering them unusable.

Cleaning the walls and dusting furniture are essential aspects of home cleaning, but the carpet is one surface on which considerable dust accumulates over time, and cleaning it becomes a challenging task. And contrary to popular belief, carpet cleaning can be a hassle-free process if one follows the right strategies and is aware of certain quick cleaning hacks. This article provides insight into some easy ways to clean a carpet: Clean using basic household products The “solutions” to a spotless carpet are mostly readily available at one’s home. A mixture of club soda and vinegar or baking soda, borax, and cornstarch can do wonders for your carpet, leaving it stain-free and tidy. One may also use steam vapor or a salt and vinegar solution for effective carpet cleaning. Another pro tip for cleaning a carpet is to apply a dab of shaving cream on it, which is effective in removing different types of stains. Blot stains on the carpet A common mistake while cleaning carpets is to rub on stains after pouring a solution. The right way to remove these stains is to blot them using a paper towel, sponge, or even a clean piece of cloth. Use ice cubes Hard, sticky substances like gum can be difficult to clean from carpets. One way to achieve this feat is to freeze these substances by placing ice cubes on them for about half a minute. One may then easily remove the sticky substance using a spoon. Use the heating process to remove wax Removing hardened wax settled over a carpet can be an excruciating task. This wax may be removed using the heating process, which involves placing a cotton cloth on the spot and running an iron over it. The wax may then be scooped off with a spoon once it melts.

Home lighting plays a crucial role in making a space inviting and comfortable and helps enhance its overall aesthetic. Lighting can either make or break the mood and feel of a home – it sets the tone, adds a finishing touch, and makes the space appealing. Homeowners unintentionally make a few lighting mistakes that can be easily addressed with proper planning. Continue reading to find out some common home lighting mistakes and how to fix them. Not considering the size of the lighting fixture Large and magnificent chandeliers or pendant lights are highly desirable but may not suit every home space. Therefore, consider the size of the lighting fixture and choose the ones that complement the space. Adding an oversized light in a small living room will eat up the whole space. Similarly, a tiny fixture will not provide adequate lighting to a large room. So, it is best to measure the size of the space when picking the lighting fixture for the room. One can also consider the furniture and wall colors to pick the most appropriate fixture that helps accentuate the whole area. Adding too many recessed lights Recessed lighting is the fixtures installed in the wall or ceiling. These lights are undoubtedly used to light up the entire space, but it’s better not to get too enthusiastic when adding these. Too many recessed lights can make the living room too bright, or too little can make the room dim. The best way to avoid this mistake is by creating a lighting plan to see how many recessed lights need to go into the hallway, bedroom, or kitchen. Ignoring dimmers Many homeowners may ignore the advantages of adding dimmers to their lighting setup. When it comes to flexibility, dimmers can be the saviors! Dimmers provide the option to adjust the brightness levels according to the mood or time of the day, making them a versatile option in modern lighting solutions.

Safety and security are the topmost priorities for every homeowner. Today, technology has considerably transformed the functioning of security systems; however, effectively utilizing such technology is essential for enhanced security and vigilance. Security cameras play a crucial role in ensuring safety and security by recording the occurrences on the premises. Installing security cameras at the right places allows one to identify such activities efficiently. Here are some of the worst places to install security cameras: Behind camera obstructions Sometimes, certain obstructions to the security camera may not be very evident until the cameras are installed. However, it is essential to thoroughly examine the space to ensure that there are no obstructions that may block the camera’s lens. Any object may pose as an obstruction to the camera’s range of view, from barks of trees in the garden to furniture indoors. Inside private spaces While security cameras are intended to ensure safety, installing cameras in private spaces actually implies violating the safety of inhabitants and visitors. Such private spaces include washrooms, changing rooms, and bedrooms. A better idea to ensure safety is to place security cameras in all the common areas leading to these spaces, so that the occupants’ privacy is not compromised even while their safety is ensured. Pointed at neighbors While one can place security cameras anywhere inside their premises, cameras faced at one’s neighbor’s homes or gardens can infringe upon their privacy. It is important to place security cameras such that they record only the activities taking place within one’s home or premises. Pointed at unlikely entrances and spots The fact is that most burglars enter homes and other private areas through regular front and back entrances, as opposed to unlikely spots. Studies have shown that 34% of burglars sneak into homes through front doors, while 22% enter through the first-floor window.