You’ve spent months perfecting your home’s interior by choosing paint colors, arranging furniture and curating decor. Then summer arrives, and suddenly you’re faced with a dilemma: sacrifice your carefully designed space for bulky cooling units, or sweat through the heat to preserve your aesthetic?
The good news? You don’t have to choose between comfort and style. Modern cooling solutions and thoughtful design strategies work together beautifully, keeping your home both comfortable and visually appealing.
Here’s how to stay cool while maintaining the interior you love.
Start With Design Elements That Naturally Reduce Heat
Before adding mechanical cooling, maximize your home’s natural ability to stay comfortable. These design tweaks work with your existing decor while keeping temperatures down.
Light Colors Reflect, Dark Colors Absorb
Physics works in your favor here. Pale walls, light-colored flooring, and neutral furnishings reflect sunlight rather than trapping it. This doesn’t mean your home needs to look sterile—cream, soft gray, pale blue, and warm whites all keep spaces cool while maintaining character.
Swap dark throw pillows for linen in natural tones. Replace heavy velvet curtains with lightweight cotton panels. Small changes add up to noticeable temperature drops.
Strategic Window Treatments
Sunlight streaming through windows looks beautiful, but it heats rooms quickly. Install cellular shades or roman blinds that you can lower during peak sun hours. Choose light colors that diffuse rather than block light completely.
External shading—like awnings or pergolas—stops heat before it hits glass, working far more effectively than interior treatments alone. Six brilliant ways to keep your home naturally cool includes additional strategies for managing solar gain.
Breathable Fabrics
Natural materials breathe better than synthetics. Cotton, linen, and hemp allow air circulation, preventing that sticky feeling polyester creates. Dress beds in cotton percale sheets. Choose linen slipcovers for sofas. Select cotton or jute rugs instead of synthetic alternatives.
These fabrics look effortlessly elegant while keeping you cooler.
Choose Climate Control That Blends With Your Interior
Gone are the days when air conditioning meant unsightly window units or industrial-looking wall boxes. Today’s cooling systems integrate seamlessly into well-designed spaces.
Ducted Systems for Invisible Cooling
Ducted air conditioning hides completely within walls and ceilings, delivering powerful cooling without visible equipment. Discreet ceiling vents blend into architecture, maintaining clean lines and uncluttered walls.
This option works particularly well in open-plan spaces where you want nothing interrupting sightlines. Professional installation by companies like Alliance Climate Control ensures systems integrate properly with your home’s architecture, whether you’re in a modern apartment or heritage property.
Thoughtful Placement of Split Systems
When ducted systems aren’t feasible, positioning matters enormously. Mount indoor units high in corners where they’re least noticeable. Choose models in neutral colors that blend with walls.
Some manufacturers now offer designer units with customizable facades; select colors and finishes that complement your decor rather than clash with it. Modern split systems run quietly, eliminating the noise that once made air conditioning intrusive.
Smart Controls That Disappear
Chunky thermostats interrupt clean walls. Replace them with sleek smart controls that look like artwork, or use phone apps to control temperature entirely. Some systems integrate with home automation, allowing voice control that eliminates visible switches altogether.
Create Zones for Efficient Cooling and Beautiful Spaces
Not every room needs the same temperature. Zoned cooling lets you customize comfort while reducing energy use, and it helps preserve your design aesthetic.
Cool Where You Live
Focus cooling efforts on spaces you actually occupy. Bedrooms need comfort for sleeping, living areas for daytime activities. Guest rooms, storage areas, and rarely used spaces can remain at ambient temperature.
Multi-zone systems deliver targeted cooling without over-conditioning your entire home. This approach saves energy while preventing the over-cooled feeling that makes beautiful spaces uncomfortable.
Use Ceiling Fans as Design Elements
Modern ceiling fans bear little resemblance to the outdated models from decades past. Contemporary designs feature clean lines, quality materials, and finishes that complement rather than compete with your decor.
Brass fans suit industrial interiors. Wood-blade fans work beautifully in coastal or Scandinavian spaces. Matte black options anchor minimalist rooms. Choose wisely, and fans become design features that happen to keep you cool.
Fans don’t lower temperature – they create wind chill by moving air across skin. Set blades to rotate counterclockwise during summer, pushing air downward for maximum cooling effect.
Maintain Your Systems to Preserve Both Comfort and Aesthetics
Even beautiful cooling solutions stop working well without proper maintenance. Regular HVAC cleaning keeps systems running efficiently while preventing dust buildup that mars clean interiors.
Schedule Professional Servicing
Annual professional maintenance catches small issues before they become expensive problems. Technicians clean components, check refrigerant levels, and ensure everything runs optimally.
Well-maintained systems work more efficiently, using less energy to deliver the same cooling. This saves money while reducing your environmental footprint, something that is increasingly important to design-conscious homeowners.
Keep Vents Clean and Unobstructed
Furniture blocking vents reduces airflow and forces systems to work harder. Arrange rooms so air circulates freely. Clean vent covers regularly to prevent dust from circulating through your carefully designed spaces.
Dirty vents also compromise air quality, affecting both health and the fresh feeling you want in your home.
Select Materials That Stay Naturally Cool
Building materials have different thermal properties. Choosing wisely creates spaces that feel cooler without additional cooling.
Tile and Stone
Ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone remain cool even during heat waves. Use them in high-traffic areas like entryways, kitchens, and bathrooms. Polished finishes reflect light, amplifying brightness while maintaining comfortable temperatures.
These materials also work beautifully in contemporary design schemes – think terrazzo, marble, or concrete-look porcelain.
Natural Fiber Textiles
Cotton, linen, wool, and other natural fibers regulate temperature better than synthetics. They absorb moisture, preventing the clammy feeling artificial materials create.
Layer washable cotton throws on sofas for easy summer changes. Hang linen curtains that billow gently in breezes. These choices look sophisticated while keeping you comfortable.
Balance Technology and Timeless Design
The best interiors combine cutting-edge technology with timeless design principles. Your cooling strategy should do the same.
Modern systems offer impressive efficiency and performance. When integrated thoughtfully, they enhance rather than detract from your design vision. Work with professionals who understand both technical requirements and aesthetic considerations.
The goal isn’t hiding technology—it’s selecting and positioning it so thoughtfully that it becomes part of your home’s design language rather than fighting against it.
Bringing It All Together
Creating a cool, comfortable home doesn’t require sacrificing the interior style you’ve worked hard to achieve. Start with passive cooling strategies, like light colors, breathable fabrics, strategic shading. Layer in mechanical cooling systems chosen and positioned for both performance and aesthetics. Maintain everything properly to ensure lasting comfort and visual appeal.
Small decisions compound. Each thoughtful choice – from paint color to AC unit placement – contributes to spaces that look beautiful and feel comfortable year-round.
Your home should support your life without dominating it. With the right approach, climate control becomes invisible architecture: present, essential, but never intrusive.
It may only be October, but I’m already thinking about Christmas, more specifically, the LED light-up candles which are popping up in the Christmas shops of all my favourite brands.
There’s something so cosy about LED Light Up candles that I think makes them one of the best examples of festive decor. I first spotted them last year when M&S’s stunning light-up candles promptly sold out, and now this year, I’m seeing them everywhere.
If you want to fill your home with a cosy ambience, flickers of soft lighting and a sprinkling of sparkle, now is the time to buy light-up candles; if last year was anything to go by, they won’t be on the shelves long. So, I’ve rounded up my six favourite light-up candles on sale right now.
Marks & Sparkle™
Mandarin Clove & Cinnamon Townhouse Light Up Candle
M&S nail the light-up candle trend, and their light-up range sells out every year. My go-to place to buy light-up candles, I can vouch for how beautiful they look in person.
Next
Baked Gingerbread 1 Wick Light Up Candle
It doesn’t get more festive than a wintery gingerbread scene. Plus with it’s warm, slightly spicy gingerbread scent, you home will smell like delicous baked goods.
Dunelm
Festive Stag Led Twinkle Gel Candle
Featuring a stag amongst intricate foliage, this unscented candle will illuminate your your Christmas tablescape.
John Lewis
John Lewis Starry Night Led Candle, 749g
This candle is simple, but certainly not boring. I love how the combination of flame, LED lights and sparkly stars catch the light.
Argos Home
Argos Home Refillable Gel Candle Gift Set – Christmas Spice
Featuring an adorable robbin and holly branches, this candles has festive notes of soft cinnamon, fragrant cloves, sweet vanilla, honey and citrus fruits. It even comes with a reffillable candle.
Next
Red Santa Festive Spice Light Up Candle
This playful light-up candle looks just a like a festive bauble and smells like red berries, cloves, oranges and cinnamon – a real festive mix!
I’ve seen first-hand how cosy and outright magical this home decor trend looks, which is why it’s easy to see why these candles are once again so popular this year. So popular in fact, a number of M&S light up candles have already sold out, leaving just Scotland, Townhouse and the USA candle (£10) on sale – so hurry if you want one.
‘Light-up candles are becoming a favourite because they bring a little magic into everyday life. They combine that soft, flickering glow we all love with a gentle light that creates instant calm. It is such a simple way to lift the mood at home, especially during darker months when we crave warmth and comfort,’ says Samantha-Jane Agbontaen, interior designer and founder of House Designer.
‘There is also something very grounding about the soft, layered light they create. It helps people unwind, switch off, and feel more connected to their surroundings. We are all looking for ways to make our homes feel more relaxing, and this small detail can genuinely support a sense of calm and improve mental well-being.’
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I find the light-up candle trend to be totally charming, and one I can absolutely hop on board with this Christmas. Who wouldn’t want to welcome a warm, cosy glow to their home?
I organize the Before & After series and cover DIY and design. I joined AT in October 2020 as a production assistant. I have an MA in Journalism from the University of Missouri and a BA in Journalism from Belmont University. Past editorial stops include HGTV Magazine, Nashville Arts Magazine, and local magazines in my hometown, Columbia, Missouri.
Neutrals are often dismissed as the ‘safe option’; however, there is huge potential in these earth-inspired hues. One of the beauties of this home decor trend is that they all complement each other, making layering easy. Interest can then be added with different textures.
‘Designing with a neutral palette doesn’t mean a space has to feel flat or uninspired. It’s all about layering textures, subtle patterns, and carefully chosen accent colours to create depth and character,’ explains Carina Raymond from Studio Raymond.
Interior designer Laura Stephens seconds this: ‘When designing a space with a neutral palette, it’s important to layer textures and patterns to create depth and character. Neutrals don’t have to mean dull; by carefully balancing pattern, texture, and tonal variations, a space can feel both restful and visually engaging.
‘Neutrals go with everything and keeping the colour palette neutral lets you layer up a mix of materials and textures to draw you in and add depth,’ advises Heather Young, editor-in-chief at Ideal Home.
Try choosing a chalky off-white for the walls, add warmth with a soft taupe for both the walls and ceiling, or if you want a moodier feel, try a rich, earthy peat tone to contrast with pale oak furniture and lighter fabrics.
2. Use texture as a highlight
(Image credit: Neptune)
Define areas using contrasting textures and materials, just as you would use colour or pattern in your scheme to highlight features and add accents. For example, a panelled wall makes a statement feature wall idea behind a bed, while herringbone terracotta floor tiles add wow factor and pattern to a hallway.
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Here, wicker storage baskets – like these from Amazon – and handwoven rattan chairs break up the solid wood surfaces in this modern country-style kitchen, which, along with the sheer linen café curtain – like this from Marley linen design from Dunelm – gives the space a softer feel.
3. Create balance
(Image credit: Layered Lounge)
Just as a room that’s decorated in all one tone of colour can appear flat and bland, a room that lacks contrasting textures will feel lacklustre. Balance hard stone and wood with soft, drapey linens and felted wool. Also, balance warm and cool textures: layer rich terracotta and oak with cool marble and metal finishes.
Here, rich coffee-toned fluted bedroom panelling covering the wall behind the bed creates a cosy feel in a contemporary bedroom, using panels of different widths, broken up with a mirror-backed recessed shelf to add depth.
‘Layer your bed with soft, slubby linen throws and cushions, the perfect contrast to harder surfaces like textured panelling,’ says Ginevra Benedetti, deputy editor at Ideal Home.
4. Get the light right
(Image credit: M&S)
Natural materials come alive when lit properly, whether that’s sunlight being gently filtered by a linen curtain and highlighting a woven seagrass rug, or angled wall lighting creating playful shadows over a panelled wall.
Layer up floor, table and wall lamps, as well as candles, for a soft, subtle glow.
5. Try texture drenching
(Image credit: Next)
Colour-drenching was the biggest paint trend of 2025; however, for neutral spaces, texture drenching offers the perfect way to bring tactility and depth to a space.
Browns are trending, and wood is a great material for drenching. ‘Wood-drenching is a great way to add intrigue to spaces thanks to its versatility and timeless appeal. Ideal for adding character to modern spaces, wood-drenching helps to create a sense of cohesion, injecting a space with personality. Whilst in older or architectural properties which have focal points such as high ceilings or beams, wood-drenching helps to enhance these existing features with ease,’ says Anthony Scott, global production and innovation director at Havwoods.
‘To create a multi-layered wood-drenching look, combine tactile textures that add weight and depth with different colourways and species.’
Get the look
M&S Collection
Wicker Scallop Flare Floor Lamp
Crafted from natural rattan, this lamp has a statuesque present and when on, offers a soft, diffused light.
Dunelm
Natural Chunky Wool Weave Rug
Intricately braided this wool rug not only adds a rich texture underfoot but also brings warmth and durability.
Next
Neutral Woven Rattan Wall Plaques
Textural wall decor is an effective way to add depth to a scheme, bringing life to a neutral wall.
Sometimes, all it takes is the right lamp to change a space from “just okay” to “designer chic”. Lighting doesn’t just brighten a room; it sets the mood, adds personality, and creates that polished look we usually associate with interior magazines. The best part? You don’t need to spend hundreds to achieve it. Here are four lamps under $100 that bring instant style to your home.
Sculptural Glow with the RONDURE Ceramic Table Lamp
If you love that soft and sculptural look, this ceramic lamp is your match. Its organic teardrop shape and warm glow bring a cozy, almost spa-like calm to bedrooms and living rooms. Place it on a nightstand or console, and it doubles as both lighting and a statement piece. The ribbed design looks far more expensive than it is. Trust us, guests will think you splurged at a designer store!
Nothing says effortless modern like a globe bulb. This minimalist floor lamp blends industrial and contemporary styles, making it perfect for pared-down modern living rooms. The tinted globe casts an amber light that instantly adds mood, ideal for reading nooks, cozy corners, or beside a statement armchair.
Luxe Texture with the Woven Leather Table Lamps (Set of 2)
Designer tip: texture makes everything feel high-end! This pair of table lamps nails it with rich woven leather bases topped with linen shades. The mix of materials gives off a timeless look that screams boutique hotel. They come with built-in USB ports, so they’re as practical as they are chic. Style them on either side of a bed or let them anchor a living room console.
If you’re looking for that one piece to wow, this is it. With three glowing LED rings suspended in mid-air, the Nova Halo floor lamp feels like modern art. It’s futuristic yet minimal, instantly turning a simple living room corner into a statement zone. And since it comes with a built-in dimmer, you can adjust the glow to match the mood: bright for entertaining, soft for movie nights.
It’s not a secret that the Ideal Home team are suckers for a striped armchair, and I’ve just spotted one of the most affordable (with over a thousand five-star reviews to back it up) yet. Introducing Dusk’s Soho Armchair in chocolate stripe (£279).
The striped upholstery trend has been gaining popularity for a few years now and shows no signs of slowing down. Stripes will always be a timeless pattern, so it’s unlikely these chairs will date, making a striped armchair a worthy home investment in my book.
If you’re looking to update your seating ideas this autumn, Dusk’s Soho Armchair in chocolate is an excellent choice. Its boxy, contemporary shape paired with its on-trend colourway makes this one of the most stylish chairs I’ve seen this year.
DUSK
Soho Armchair – Chocolate Stripe
I llove the modern, boxy shape of this chair. Paired with gold legs and stunning brown stripes, it looks very luxurious, too.
Beatrice Woven Stripe Snuggle Chair
I love the subtlety of Dusk’s Soho Armchair, but if you are looking for a bolder statement, the cult Beatrice chair is a winner.
It wouldn’t be a piece about striped upholstery without mentioning Dunelm’s Beatrice Chair, which has certainly contributed to the boom in popularity of this style. Since it went viral a few years back, we’ve seen gorgeous versions emerge at all our favourite retailers, including Very’s stunning coastal striped chair.
Dusk’s Soho Armchair is a more modern, boxy shape, which I actually prefer to Dunelm’s chair. Its contemporary style suits more interior styles, while its chocolate pinstripes have a more subtle effect.
Chocolate brown hues have been one of the biggest colour trends this year, and right now, it is one of the most popular shades to use as a neutral. Brown tones are warm and cosy, giving you yet another reason to choose this chair as we head into the colder months.
(Image credit: DUSK)
However, this chair isn’t all looks and no substance; in fact, Dusk’s Soho collection is highly rated by customers, garnering more than 1,500 five-star reviews online.
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‘I bought two of these chairs and they are great, easy to put together, they look exactly as they do online and really comfy!’ said one.
‘Perfect chair for my newly decorated lounge. I would definitely recommend this chair, firm but very comfortable. Love it! Perfect chair for my newly decorated lounge. I would definitely recommend this chair, firm but very comfortable. Love it!’ said another.
Dusk is an underrated brand, providing high-quality homeware at good prices. Take Dusk’s designer look lighting range, which is both incredibly stylish and super affordable. This armchair, priced at £279, is a great price – especially when you consider that it looks way more expensive than its price tag.
While I haven’t tested out this armchair myself, I have some of Dusks rechargeable lighting, and recently I picked up their Stripe Knit Sofa Throw in taupe (was £30, now £17.30), and I can’t get over how soft and high-quality the material feels, so I do trust their products to be of great value.
The Dusk Soho Armchair in Chocolate Stripe is simply stunning, and an ideal choice if you want to add a contemporary yet timeless piece to your home. Are you as taken with it as I am?
You probably don’t need me to tell you that it’s a good idea to wash your bedding regularly, but a recent announcement by a science expert might well make laundry day seem a little more urgent.
Yep, according to a biomedical science expert, studies have shown that after just a week on the bed, a pillowcase can have more bacteria on it than your average toilet seat. Urgh, indeed.
However, according to Dr Gareth Nye, Lecturer in Biomedical Science at the University of Salford, we might want to consider doing it a lot more frequently than that.
(Image credit: James French)
‘Most individuals are losing around 500-700ml of sweat every night, which ends up on bedclothes and bedding,’ explains Dr Nye. ‘This can be significantly higher, though, as most people will have variable sweating rates through the night, with men normally sweating less and women going through menopause sweating the most.’
‘Humans will also shed around 500 million skin cells a day, with the majority occurring in our sleep. We are also producing other body secretions, such as drool or saliva. All of these secretions are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, as well as some other nasty bugs.’
‘Some studies have shown that there were 17,000 more bacteria colonies on a pillowcase after a week compared to a toilet seat,’ says Dr Nye, ‘meaning where your head is lying each night could have more bacteria on it than the toilet!’.
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(Image credit: TIM YOUNG)
And it can get worse. A pillowcase is designed to protect your pillow, but if we don’t wash it frequently enough, then sweat, saliva, and even dust mites can penetrate your pillowcase and reach the pillow itself.
‘A typical pillow can have as many as 16 different species of fungus and millions of fungal spores, which can impact those with allergies or asthma,’ shares Dr Nye.
Not ideal, I’m sure you’ll agree. However, thankfully, experts say we don’t necessarily need to strip the entire bed every week to combat bedtime bacteria. There are workarounds.
As Phoebe Street, textile and sleepwear specialist at Pretty You London, explains, ‘most people wash their sheets every week or two, which is usually enough.’ But if you’re worried about the buildup of bacteria on your pillowcase and don’t have time to strip the whole bed, ‘just throw the sheet and pillowcases into the wash instead.’
‘They collect the most sweat, dirt, and bacteria because they’re in constant contact with your face and hair,’ advises Phoebe.
(Image credit: Future PLC/Tom Meadows)
I’d also recommend making sure you have enough sets of bedding for each bed in your home. It can be hard to wash bed linen frequently if you know you need to get it washed, dried, and back on the bed on the same day.
And when you do wash your bedding, ‘always avoid overloading your washing machine,’ says Phoebe. ‘Bedding needs enough space to be rinsed thoroughly, ensuring all trapped sweat and dirt are washed away properly.’
Drying matters too. Phoebe suggests drying bedding outside where possible. ‘The UV in sunlight can help to kill bacteria,’ she says.
I’d add one last top tip to help prevent your pillowcase and pillow from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria. And that’s to consider investing in a pillow protector.
This is an extra layer of protection that goes between your pillowcase and your pillow to offer more defence against saliva, sweat, and dust mites. Adding one to your sleep setup means less googling of how to wash a pillow or how to get rid of yellow stains from your pillow. I’ve listed three of my top recommendations below.
Add a pillow protector
Marks & Spencer
Pillow Protectors
Starting from just £5, M&S has a wide range of pillow protectors that make an affordable way to protect your pillow.
John Lewis
Pillow Protectors
Opting for a cotton pillow protector rather than a synthetic option usually means paying a little more, but it can mean a cooler sleep. John Lewis has a good range.
Soak & Sleep
Pillow Protectors
If your pillow is bigger (or smaller) than standard, then Soak & Sleep has a wide size range of pillow protectors.
You may have seen an increasing number of reports stating that there is an increasing number of rats in the UK. And not one to sugarcoat things, these reports are correct. Experts are warning that we can expect to see a surge in rat populations, but I want to find out if this is something we really need to worry about.
Now, we all want to get rid of rats from our homes and gardens. Not only can they destroy our belongings, but they also carry disease, too, making them arguably the worst possible tenants.
There’s no denying we’re seeing an increase in the number of rats in the UK, but also seeing an increase in giant rats, too. This news might make your tummy churn, but ignore that feeling for now and lock in as we’re about to find out what this means and how worried we should really be.
Why are rat populations on the rise?
First things first, let’s address why rats are on the rise. And the short answer is that we have warmer temperatures and more food readily available compared to previous years.
(Image credit: Getty / Sandra Standbridge)
‘Some pest control experts say requests for their services in relation to rats have risen by approximately 20% since 2023. During the last two years, more than half a million reports of rat problems were reported to councils across the UK, with almost a quarter of those arising in London,’ says Robert Collins, pest control expert at MyJobQuote.co.uk.
‘Reasons for the rise in rat populations given by pest control experts include milder winters, which allow rats to breed year-round rather than only in the warmer months. A female rat can have up to 6 litters of young in a year, giving birth to an average of 7 pups. Male juveniles can be sexually mature within just six to 10 weeks, and females within eight to 12 weeks.
‘To compound the problem, female rats can become pregnant very quickly after giving birth, even within the following 24 hours, as they undergo postpartum estrus.
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‘The ready availability of food in the form of rubbish also contributes to the ideal environment for rat reproduction. With councils reducing the frequency of household collections from weekly to twice a month, there is a greater accumulation of refuse which attracts rats and other vermin.’
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Robert adds that the UK’s drain and sewer systems are also a perfect habitat for rats, meaning shelter will never be in short supply. More worryingly, however, he says there is evidence that rodenticides are working less effectively.
‘Rats are becoming resistant to many of the main rodenticides, according to a study conducted by the University of Reading. A genetic mutation within this new generation means that conventional poisons no longer work. As the rats which are not immune to standard poisons are killed off, they are replaced by the resistant generation. This population will continue to grow unless a solution is found,’ he says.
Should we be worried about rats in the UK?
The idea of even more rats scuttling around is not a pleasant one. Reports have even referred to the influx of rats as ‘Ratmageddon’, but is it as apocalyptic as it sounds? Unfortunately, Robert thinks so.
(Image credit: Getty Images/FotoEvans)
‘The increase in rat populations is concerning as rats carry diseases including leptospirosis (the severe form of which is known as Weil’s disease), hantavirus, salmonellosis and other bacteria and viruses,’ he says.
‘Transmission can occur through direct contact with rat urine, faeces, blood or saliva, inhalation of air contaminated with rat waste, bites or scratches from rats or ingestion of contaminated food or drink. Rats use urine to communicate and mark territory, so they will urinate on any surface they walk on, including kitchen cupboards or work surfaces.’
Unfortunately, the increase in rat infestation across the country over the past two years is something we should be concerned about. However, you can play an individual part to reduce the likelihood of having rats in your home, thus minimising your need to worry about your direct house.
How to deter rats from your home
The key to deterring rats from your home and garden is by making it as unappealing to them as possible, as well as securing any entryways so they can’t get in. For example, rats have a very sensitive sense of smell, so you can use vinegar to deter rats.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
‘Rats are very clever at finding their way into homes, so the key is to make your home as uninviting as possible. Start by sealing up any gaps around walls, floors and pipes, and fit bristle strips under doors or mesh over vents,’ says Chris Houghton, home expert at home emergency and cover specialists, HomeServe.
‘Keep your home tidy too by storing food in sealed containers, clearing up crumbs, and keeping bins and gardens clean to remove any easy food sources.
‘Natural deterrents like mint, or ultrasonic devices that emit sounds rats dislike, can also help. If they do get in, humane or electronic traps are best, as you can release them safely. Avoid using poison or glue traps, as these can harm wildlife or even pets.’
However, it goes without saying that if you are struggling with a rat infestation, you should always consult a professional.
KURUI
Peppermint Oil Rat Repellent –
Rats dislike the scent of peppermint so will actively avoid areas that smell like mint. These repellents last up to 30 days, too.
AMZ BRAND
Amz Brand Ultrasonic Pest Repeller 2 Pack
This decive emits sounds that us humans can’t hear, but rodents can’t stand, naturally deterring them from the area.
RepellShield
Repellshield Rat & Mouse Repellent Spray
Simply spray this repellent along walls, doorways, and known entry points to prevent infestations.
No one wants to think about the rat population increasing. It certainly makes my skin crawl writing about it. However, in order to stop this from becoming a larger problem, we all need to be vigilant and do what we can to deter rats from our homes.
A dehumidifier is coming to the middle of Lidl on Thursday, and I can guarantee this bargain buy is going to sell fast.
If you’ve been struggling to get your laundry to dry inside this autumn, then one of the best dehumidifiers is the easiest solution. These clever devices extract moisture from the air, which helps to dry clothes in winter and prevent damp. Unfortunately, it is very rare to see a powerful dehumidifier for under £100. But that is where Lidl comes in.
The Tronic dehumidifier will be available at the budget supermarket from Thursday, 16th, at the bargain price of £74.99. I know that might not sound cheap, but it’s half the price of the Dryzone Dehumidifier, priced at £150 on Amazon, which is one of the best value for money dehumidifiers you can buy.
Lidl
Tronic Dehumidifier
Dryzone
Dryzone Dehumidifier & Hepa Air Purifier for Home
We haven’t tested the Lidl dehumidifier, but Ideal Home’s dehumidifier expert, Jenny McFarlane, is impressed by the specifications.
‘Lidl’s latest dehumidifier is a steal at £74.99, especially since similar branded models can cost more than twice the price,’ she says
‘It’s on the smaller side, sucking up 10L of moisture a day, but it still packs enough punch to tackle damp and condensation issues in smaller spaces, and its 2.1L water tank is a good size too. The real standout feature is its laundry mode for drying clothes faster indoors, which can be a real challenge for many households as the weather turns colder and wetter.’
(Image credit: Lidl)
The Lidl dehumidifier is only available to purchase in store, so if you don’t have a Lidl nearby, the Dryzone dehumidifier is a great alternative. It is more expensive than the Lidl version, but it is a compact dehumidifier and air purifier in one, so you are getting two products for the £150 price tag.
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It also has a slightly bigger 2.2L water tank capacity and an extraction rate of 12L. It received 4.5 stars in our Dryzone dehumidifier review, and our reviewer was impressed with its affordability and effectiveness for its size.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a dehumidifier under £100, you can try the ProBreeze mini dehumidifier, priced at £37.99 on Amazon. It is nowhere near as powerful as the Lidl version with a 1500ml tank and a 0.5L extraction rate per day, but it is quiet and small. I have the mini ProBreeze at home and use it together with my heated airer, tucked underneath the cover to help dry my laundry faster.
Dehumidifiers are a game-changer in the colder months and, when paired with the best heated airer, will dry laundry in no time.
So, if you live near a Lidl and don’t have a dehumidifier yet, I recommend you consider a trip this Thursday.
Lighting is an important choice to make when it comes to your home or business property. The right lighting can set the mood, inspire talent and a productive office environment, or create a cosy space within your own home to enjoy.
In this guide, we’ll look at what the online world has to offer when it comes to cordless lamps. From favourable LED lighting to eco-conscious brands, there are plenty of great options to choose from. Read on for some of the best places to buy online.
1. Best for cordless lamps – Insight Cordless Lighting
For one of the best spots online for cordless lamps, Insight Cordless Lighting has you covered. It’s a great one when you’ve just started shopping online for lighting and don’t know where to start.
As a premium company when it comes to the use of high-quality materials, these cordless lamps provide elegance and practicality, regardless of which model and make you choose from.
The portability of these lamps is a huge benefit and one that many customers have taken advantage of when shopping with Insight Cordless Lighting.
The products offer a whopping 84 hours of light from just one singular charge, making them a highly suitable choice for those who need plenty of longevity in their portable lighting.
2. Best for elegance and luxury – Pagazzi
From cordless lamps to battery-operated and rechargeable ones, whatever you refer to them as, Pagazzi has them in abundance.
Described as ‘nifty little creations’, Pagazzi is a game-changer for the way you illuminate your home. From top to bottom, the lamps available from this brand can help to dress your home in new and exciting ways.
With rechargeable lamps, the versatility it offers, combined with the unique and stylish designs, really makes Pagazzi a top one for shopping cordless lamps online this year.
These portable lighting options are really helpful for those that are lacking electrical sockets, especially in rooms where there might only be one or two available at a time.
Whether it’s the Christmas dinner table setup or some mood lighting for your main bedroom, there’s plenty of choice on Pagazzi’s website.
3. Best for established lighting companies – Lighting Direct
Lighting Direct first appeared in June 2020 and has since become one of the best-regarded consumer lighting suppliers online.
It’s rivalled even some of the best high-street stores and proves these e-commerce sites are the way forward. Lighting Direct has since been purchased by specialist group Lyco Group in 2010; however, they’re still providing the quality and unbeatable customer service to customers new and old.
Building on what’s already been achieved with the company, Lighting Direct is positioned firmly by providing UK customers with market-leading products. Their customer service support is one of the key factors that has made the company what it is today.
4. Best for modern eco-conscious lighting – Nest
Nest brings the products that you never knew you needed until now. Light and warmth, wherever you go, there’s a unique collection that many customers have enjoyed taking advantage of.
From modern lighting brands like Flos and Marset, Nest has become a great e-commerce spot for design-conscious households.
All products are hand-picked for sale, and they all have the same thing in common: a passion for producing high-quality, modern and innovative designs.
Delivering a personal and friendly service is important to this small independent store. Founded in 2003, the world got to see Christian Hawley’s vision come to life, and as such became one of the earliest adopters of the online retail sector.
5. Best for LED lighting – Lightexpert.co.uk
For online specialists in LED lighting specifically, you’ll find everything you could need for LED-related lighting from Lightexpert.co.uk.
With Lightexert, their standard warranties are generous, offering between two and five years, depending on personal preference. They provide a great service according to customers, offering complete lighting plans to figure out how much lighting is needed for the space in question.
They continually update their lighting ranges, so there’s always something new to discover.
6. Best for flexibility – Lampandlight.co.uk
For ambience and flexibility, three battery-powered table lamps from Lampandlight.co.uk provide the freedom that all individuals are after when it comes to cordless lighting. Perfect for indoor and outdoor use, as well as offering both practical and trendy decor.
What began in the Netherlands in 2007, has become the market leader for the lightning industry in Europe. As a now international company in 29 different countries, you’re going to get a serious case of FOMO if you’re not careful. Some companies stocking the brand include Belgium, Netherlands and Germany, to name but a few.
Lampandlight is a fast-growing company. Their stock contains over 3000 products ready to be ordered. As well as being fully certified by Trusted Shops, their independent customer review platforms help customers to leave feedback.
Trusted Shops provide the trademark that’s fully visible at first sight. As such, it’s trusted and reliable for those looking to buy something new for their home this year in terms of lighting.
7. Best for home decor and design – Pooky
Pooky offers some of the best rechargeable lamps, making sure to provide many homeowners the opportunity to dress up their space.
From the hallway to bedrooms and bathrooms, Pooky can help furnish your spaces with the best lighting possible. Offering decorative pieces, from minimalism to modern options, they have something for everyone.
If you’re looking for some of the best lighting options for your home, check out the range of lighting they have available online.
