If you’ve recently visited IKEA’s website or one of its physical stores, you may have clocked a notice announcing that IKEA is discontinuing the popular MALM chest of drawers.
That’s right, this is your last chance to shop the iconic MALM range. And that’s not all – by the end of the year, another iconic design, the IKEA HEMNES chest of drawers is also set to be axed. But there will be new ranges taking their place.
I don’t know about you, but I grew up with a HEMNES chest of drawers, first released in 2001, so it’s sad for me to see it go. Many people feel the same way about the MALM dresser, debuted a year later in 2002. After all, IKEA MALM hacks, as well as HEMNES hacks are among the most popular IKEA hacks out there, since the designs are so budget-friendly and make for the perfect blank canvas for an easy DIY project.
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IKEA
MALM Chest of 4 drawers
There have been issues and concerns over the safety of both the MALM and HEMNES chest of drawers and their tipping hazard. This is why the two new ranges replacing them – and that look almost identical to the original styles – come with a safety feature that prevents them from tipping over.
IKEA
HEMNES Chest of 3 drawers
IKEA
GULLABERG Chest of 3 drawers
The STORKLINTA range is taking the place of MALM – although at the moment, the STORKLINTA series currently offers solely wardrobe doors, with the chest of drawers yet to launch in the UK.
Meanwhile, the GULLABERG collection is replacing the HEMNES – and the new range has already dropped on the site and is ready to shop now.
The safety feature doesn’t allow for more than one drawer to be open at the same time in order to prevent the risk of tipping. However, if you anchor the chest of drawers to the wall – as is recommended – this unlocks the safety and allows you to open all the drawers together.
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(Image credit: Future PLC/Polly Eltes)
While it’s sad to see these two classics go and we’re all feeling a little sentimental about it here at Ideal Home, at the same time, the STORKLINTA and GULLABERG styles replacing them look almost identical.
Not to mention that many other brands stock similar designs to the MALM and HEMNES these days. These are a couple of my favourites.
Habitat
Brooklyn 4 Drawer Chest
I’m particularly drawn to this Habitat design for its rich olive green colour which is a shade that IKEA doesn’t offer as part of its range.
Dunelm
Walker 3 Drawer Chest
This chest of drawers from Dunelm is currently on sale and it’s even more affordable than the IKEA MALM.
Exact dates and timelines are not yet confirmed, other than that the two ranges of chests of drawers are expected to be gone by 2027. But as soon as more information becomes available, we’ll be sure to let you know. So watch this space!
If you haven’t already got your hands on the best garden furniture, now is the time to do so, and the forecast is finally starting to heat up again this week. And what better way to enjoy a sunny morning in your garden than with a lazy coffee at your bistro set?
If you’re looking to upgrade your current garden seating ideas, but want assurance on quality, a bistro set such as this has *literally* thousands of glowing reviews to back it up. So you can rest assured that it is a strong choice for a garden. Here’s everything you need to know.
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Argos Home
Argos Home 2 Seater Rattan Effect Garden Bistro Set – Brown
Argos Home
Argos Home 2 Seater Rattan Effect Garden Bistro Set – Grey
This isn’t the only five-star Argos Home garden furniture buy that has caught our eye. Last year, I was suitably impressed by the brand’s rattan garden sofa set, which had also racked up thousands of positive reviews.
Now it’s also evident that Argos is one of the best places to buy rattan-effect garden furniture. The 2 Seater Rattan Effect Garden Bistro Set in brown is ideal for small, compact gardens. It consists of two chairs and a small, frosted glass-topped table, making it an ideal choice for couples to take their coffee, meals or even an evening tipple together.
Available in brown or grey, each neutral shade is well-suited to any garden, happily blending in with the space’s greenery. The rattan-effect material is handwoven to add natural style to your space, while the chairs stack on top of each other neatly, making it a space-saving choice for balconies and small courtyards.
The table legs are also removable, making this bistro seat easy to store away during winter. The frosted glass is easy to clean after use, and the set comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s guarantee.
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(Image credit: Argos Home)
But while all this sounds impressive, it is the 3022 glowing reviews that seal the deal.
‘Absolutely perfect little garden set. Easy to assemble, the chairs stack nicely on top of each other. It looks great in the garden, good sturdy set and perfect for 2 people,’ said one customer.
‘Recent buy for a small patio and was surprisingly pleased with the purchase. Reasonable price and perfect for the space. Well packaged and extremely easy to follow instructions for assembly of the table, Chairs quite comfy for us oldies,’ said another.
Some reviews do mention that their chairs were not properly packed when delivered, which resulted in some paint chipping. Because of this, it may be worth opting for a Click & Collect option instead. But for just £65, I do still think this bistro set is great value for money. Alternatively, I’ve rounded up a few more options you can shop online.
Habitat
Habitat Eden 2 Seater Metal Bistro Set
If you prefer your garden furniture to have a bit colour, reviews say this bistro set is comfy, colourful and sturdy.
Dunelm
Rattan Rope Bistro Set
This garden bistro set is so chic. Reviews say it is exceptional value for money and very comfy.
Argos Home
Argos Home Genoa 2 Seater Metal Garden Bistro Set – Black
With folding chairs, this space-saving bistro is perfect for small gardens. Reviews praise its stylish design and suitability for balconies.
Do you think this bistro set will be a good fit for your garden?
Ninja‘s shiny new coffee machine, the AutoBarista Pro, was only released at the end of last month but I’ve already spotted a version that’s cheaper by £100 and available to buy now (via Ninja for £799.99).
This pared-back version of Ninja’s super-automatic bean to cup coffee machine has a few differences from the original which I wrote about in detail in my preview. But there’s one that’ll disappoint decaf fans in particular: the two bean-hopper system (which is one of my favourite features of the £899.99 machine) is missing, as well as a few different drinks and milk frothing options.
Here’s a look at the key differences so you can work out which one best suits your morning brew routine.
Cheaper by £100, though missing a few of the flourishes of the original machine, this is the option to go for if you don’t mind missing out on the interchangable bean hopper system and upgraded drinks menu.
This Pro version of the machine has 13 drinks programs compared to the standard’s 10 and a Brew Two function which allows you to pull two shots of espresso at the same time.
With an £100 price difference, I predict that there will be plenty of people interested in the standard version of the AutoBarista over the professional, but it’s worth weighing up whether the features you lose are ones you might want in the future.
Let’s start with what I see as the most important difference: the lack of interchangeable bean hopper system with the standard version.
The ability to swap between different types of coffee, including to decaf beans in the afternoon, is something that you can usually only get with much more expensive machines. It’s excellent for making the most of your coffee machine without over-caffeinating or for those with partners or family members that have different coffee tastes. With two hoppers you could have one darker and one lighter roast on the go at the same time for those who want to switch between the two.
(Image credit: Ninja)
The other reason that the standard machine is more affordable is because it has a slightly diminished menu of drinks. There are 10 options available when brewing coffee: Espresso, Americano, Cappuccino, Flat White, Latte, Filter Coffee, Cold Brew, Cold-Pressed, Over Ice, and Hot Water.
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You’ll find those same drinks with the pro version alongside three more for your money: Cortado, Café Crema, and Lungo. And the ability to pull two shots of espresso at the same time – great for busy mornings if there’s two of you using the same machine.
The new Ninja AutoBarista Pro Coffee Machine ready for testing in my kitchen.
(Image credit: Future)
The automatic milk frother, which I think is the best feature on Ninja’s Luxe Café machine too after trying it, is slightly altered in terms of programs between these two machines. While the standard machine offers 4 presets (Steamed Milk, Thin Froth, Thick Froth, and Cold Foam), the pro version has the same and more with the addition of Extra-Thick Froth too.
For the £100 price difference, it’s definitely worth thinking about whether these differences would have an impact on the drinks you’d be making every day. If you’d be sticking to a flat white for most of the time, then you could save yourself a substantial chunk off your shiny new machine.
Or if this impressively kitted out new machine is out of the bounds of what you’re looking to spend, then I’ve included some alternative highly-rated options below that you can consider instead.
Thank goodness sunny weather is back on the weather forecast, and it couldn’t have come at a better time, as Aldi is dropping a stylish green garden umbrella – I can’t believe it’s only £12.99!
The best garden parasols are not only a practical garden shade idea, but can help make your garden look miles more stylish if you opt for the right one. As one would expect, the best-looking garden parasols often come with a higher price tag – until now, that is.
Landing in stores today (11 June), Aldi’s Belavi Garden Umbrella (£12.99) is perfect for giving your garden a resort look. Its green scallops are the effortlessly stylish garden upgrade you need this summer.
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Aldi
Garden Umbrella
Also available in pink, Aldi’s garden umbrella is unbelievably stylish for just £12.99. It’s perfect for adding colour to your garden seating area.
Wayfair.co.uk
Canora Grey Mezze Patio Crank Umbrella
This stylish fringed green parasol also has that chic, hotel look. It has an easy to use crank system, while it’s rich Hunter Green colourway looks very expensive.
I’ve never really considered pink and a parasol colour, but thanks to Aldi and John Lewis I’m regretting that though. This dusky pink has a gorgeous, vintage look which will add plenty of character to your garden.
What’s clear, however, is that the Aldi garden umbrella is an absolute steal in comparison to similar alternatives. Lidl’s chic garden parasol aside, it is rare to see a garden umbrella look this good, at such a budget price. But considering a garden parasol, at its core, is a budget-friendly way to shade a garden, I’m not complaining.
The green and pink colourways on offer wouldn’t look out of place in a boutique hotel. I can just picture them by the sunlounger of some boujee resort in the South of France or Italy. That chic, hotel-look has been trending this summer, too.
(Image credit: Aldi)
This Aldi garden umbrella is a sure way to achieve this look. The parasol is approximately 1.8m in height and has a three-position tilting function. The height is also adjustable, so you can tailor it to your needs. Aldi claims it has excellent UV protection, too, stating it has SPF80 per UV.
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Plus, also on sale at Aldi today, is a rectangular parasol base (£19.99). It weighs 25kg to keep your parasol secure and has an adapter to suit a range of parasols, which means it will suit the garden umbrella nicely. It’s also made from polished granite to complete the hotel look.
For such a good price, I can’t imagine the Aldi parasol will stay on the shelves for long. So, I’ve rounded up a few more stylish options you can shop online.
Garden Stories
Garden Stories X Anouska Drift 2.7m Tilting Parasol
This parasol looks so good, I’d never of guessed it was a QVC. The underside is even pink and white striped for added attention to detail. This is a parasol I’d choose for a garden.
George Home
Riviera Stripe Parasol
This stunning parasol has been a sell-out item for George Home and it’s so easy to see why. We’re obsessed by it’s vintage-look.
Habitat
Habitat Sunbeam 1.6m Garden Parasol – Green & White
This Habitat parasol is a classic choice. It’s both affordable and stylish, making it a great choice for any garden.
You can always count on Aldi to deliver style on a budget. And if you’re looking for affordable garden upgrades this summer, Aldi’s middle aisle is a great place to look.
Summer evenings are when gardens really come into their own. A space that looks good in daylight also needs to feel comfortable after dark, whether you are eating outside, relaxing on the patio or simply walking from the house to the end of the garden.
Good exterior lighting is not about making every corner bright. The best schemes usually combine a few careful layers: light for movement, light for atmosphere and light that draws attention to one or two features.
The easiest way to plan exterior summer lighting is to think about how each part of the garden will be used after dark.
Lighting type
Best for
What to consider
Garden spike light
Planting, borders, trees and textured walls
Aim carefully to avoid glare
Bollard lighting
Paths, driveways, entrances and garden edges
Keep spacing even but not excessive
Deck lighting
Steps, deck edges, raised areas and seating zones
Use soft, low-level output
Exterior wall lighting
Patios, doors and outdoor seating areas
Check height, glare and wall finish
A good garden rarely needs every type of light everywhere. The aim is to choose the fitting that suits the job.
Garden spike lights for planting and summer focal points
A garden spike light is useful when you want to draw attention to something specific, such as a small tree, feature shrub, border edge or textured wall.
Spike lights usually work best when they are tucked into planting and angled across a surface or up through foliage. The point is not to see the fitting itself, but to reveal shape, texture and shadow.
Where the installation allows, spike lights can often be re-aimed as plants grow, pots move, or borders fill out during the summer.
Bollard lighting for paths, driveways and garden structures
Bollard lighting is usually better for route guidance than feature lighting. It works well along paths, driveways, entrances and garden edges where people need to move comfortably after dark, while nearby exterior wall lights can help connect those routes back to doors, patios and exterior walls.
Spacing matters. Too many bollards can feel overly formal, while too few can leave dark gaps. In most gardens, the aim is a gentle rhythm of light rather than a bright line of posts.
Because bollards are visible during the day, style matters too. A slim, simple design may suit a modern garden, while a softer or more traditional fitting can work better near older properties or layered planting.
Deck lighting for steps, edges and seating areas
Deck lighting is usually about subtle guidance. It works well around steps, deck edges, raised platforms and seating areas where people need enough light to move comfortably.
Outdoor-rated deck lights should stay soft and low-level. If they are too bright or repeated too heavily, they can quickly become distracting, especially around seating or dining areas.
Used well, deck lighting can define a zone without needing a large overhead light.
Exterior wall lighting for patios and entrances
Wall lighting often connects the garden back to the house. It can make a patio feel more usable, frame a doorway or add a more finished look to an exterior wall.
The main things to check are height, glare and spread. A fitting placed too high may feel harsh, while one positioned too low may not give enough useful light.
Lighting zones for summer evenings
A simple exterior lighting plan works best when each fitting has a clear role. Start with the practical route, then add atmosphere, then highlight one or two features.
For example, bollard lighting might guide people along a path, deck lighting might define a seating area, and a garden spike light might pick out a tree or planting bed.
Warmth, glare and IP ratings still matter
The type of fitting is only part of the decision. Colour temperature, brightness, aiming and weather resistance all affect the final result.
Warm white is usually a safe starting point because it feels softer around planting, timber, brick and stone. Cooler light can work for practical routes, but it may feel harsh around seating areas.
If the light source is clearly visible from a patio, window or path, the fitting may need to be moved, angled or softened. For any outdoor fitting, check the IP rating and installation requirements against the level of exposure.
Exterior summer lighting FAQs
These questions add practical detail around placement, mood and comfort for summer evenings.
What should I light first in a summer garden?
Start with the areas people use most after dark, such as the patio, dining space, route back to the house and any steps or level changes. Then add one or two feature lights for planting, trees or textured walls.
How do I create mood lighting outdoors?
Mood lighting usually comes from softer, warmer and lower-level light rather than brightness. Use spike lights to add depth, deck lighting to define seating areas and wall lights or bollards only where they support comfort and movement.
How can I avoid making the garden look overlit?
Leave some darker areas in place. A garden often feels more atmospheric when light is used selectively, with attention on routes, seating zones and a few focal points rather than every border or wall.
Where should lights be placed for outdoor dining?
For outdoor dining, avoid bright fittings at eye level. Softer wall lighting, low-level deck lighting or indirect light from nearby planting usually feels more comfortable.
Bringing the exterior lighting scheme together
The best exterior summer lighting feels planned but not obvious. Start with how the space is used, then choose fittings that support those moments.
A few well-placed lights will usually do more for a summer garden than trying to illuminate everything.
