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Dunelm’s £30 tabletop heater is perfect for heating the human not the home – it’s so stylish, you’ll actually want it on show

Dunelm’s £30 tabletop heater is perfect for heating the human not the home – it’s so stylish, you’ll actually want it on show

by | Sep 18, 2026 | Design Inspiration

As much as we’d like to cling to the warm memories of summer, the reality is that we should start preparing for the cooler months ahead. If you’re following the principle of ‘heating the human’ this winter, Dunelm’s Small Olive Square Heater (£30) is a solid and surprisingly stylish choice.

When temperatures plummet, one of the best electric heaters can help keep you warm without turning to your thermostat. With energy prices set to rise from October, one way to curb rising costs is to follow Martin Lewis’ advice of ‘heating the human,’ not the home. This means instead of turning your thermostat up and heating your whole home, make changes that heat you, the human, such as a small heater when working from home.

Not only is Dunem’s Small Olive Square Heater well reviewed for its heating power, but its retro design is possibly the most stylish portable heating option I’ve ever seen. Here’s why I think it’s a solid, affordable choice for your home this winter.

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Before I get into the nitty-gritty specifications of this heater, I want to start by saying that Dunelm has really nailed the design. Olive green has been a huge colour trend this year as we seek to introduce grounding, earthy tones to our homes. Unlike a standard white or black gloss heater, which can look glaringly obvious in a space, the olive green colourway has a more subtle look, so it is more likely to blend into or complement a room.

An electric heater will complement your existing central heating system rather than replacing it. It’s great for when you want to heat one room, rather than crank up the thermostat and heat the whole house. Dunelm’s square heater doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of the leading heaters on the market (our best rated is the Morphy Richards HeatFlux, Tower Fan Heater, £89.99, B&Q), but this is to be expected at its £30 price point.

What it does offer is an adjustable thermostat, fan-assisted heating and 1500w of heating power. Don’t expect it to heat large rooms; it is a tabletop heater after all, but it is perfect for warming up home offices, small bedrooms and, of course, you. It’s cheap to run, too, costing around 39p per hour, according to Ideal Home’s Energy Calculator.

Dunelm small olive green heater.

(Image credit: Dunelm)

Some reviews do mention that the heater comes with a safety leaflet that warns you should never place the heater on carpet. In its product description, Dunelm does say this heater is suitable for placement on desks, so ensure you avoid carpeted areas upon purchasing. What the reviews do say is that this heater offers impressive heating power.

‘Its great powerful mini heater. Warms up room very quickly and design is very adorable. The only reason why one star missing its because of “Caution leaflet”. Says “it must stand on solid, non flammable surface. DO NOT stand the heater on carpet”… This is UK, every single room has carpets, everywhere, where else I am supose to put it then?’ says one.

‘I needed a small heater that I could move from room to room to take the chill off. This was ideal and it throws out a great heat too. It was very welcome at work recently, when the office heating broke down…’ said another.

At £30, the Dunelm Small Olive Square Heater is a great affordable choice for those of us looking to reduce our heating costs. However, if it’s not the right model for you, here are three more options Ideal Home’s reviewers have tested and rave about.

Dunelm’s little heater is both stylish and affordale. And with good reviews to boot, it is definitely worth a try.

Bosch just launched a ‘disappearing’ robot vacuum that blends seamlessly with your kitchen’s design aesthetic – but I have some thoughts

Bosch just launched a ‘disappearing’ robot vacuum that blends seamlessly with your kitchen’s design aesthetic – but I have some thoughts

by | Sep 14, 2026 | Design Inspiration

As a Homes Journalist and Certified Vacuum Expert, I love it when an appliance is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. But while I believe that every household needs a robot vacuum cleaner, they’ve never quite struck that pretty-but-practical balance.

After all, the best robot vacuums are typically quite intrusive, compromising your home’s design and decor. However, Bosch is looking to change that. The home appliance brand has just launched a fully integrated vacuum and mop robot, designed to fit seamlessly into your kitchen cabinetry – so much so that it becomes ‘invisible’ when not in use.

Created in collaboration with robotics brand ECOVACS, the Bosch Built-In Vacuum and Mop Robot even comes with its own full-service station, where it automatically empties dry and wet debris and dries the mop pads before its next cleaning session. But this integrated design comes at a cost – spatially, practically, and, of course, financially.

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Bosch integrated robot vacuum and mop in a white kitchen with white cabinets and light wood flooring

(Image credit: Bosch)

Deciding whether a robot vacuum is worth it ultimately comes down to whether you want the convenience of a hands-free appliance doing the work for you – and whether you’re willing to sacrifice the overall ‘look’ of your home to house a freestanding appliance that doesn’t quite match your aesthetic.

The Bosch Built-In Vacuum and Mop Robot removes the freestanding, individualised aspect and turns it into a fully integrated addition that forms part of your kitchen – just like your oven and fridge. It’s hidden within cabinet plinths (the area between your cabinets and the floor), and the docking station is hidden in a cupboard that can be pulled out for maintenance.

Image showing how the Bosch integrated robot vacuum and mop links up to the debris chamber in a cupboard under the sink

(Image credit: Bosch)

When you need it to clean your floors, it’ll move out of its little hidey-hole and make its way around your house. When it’s finished, it’ll take itself back to its hidden home – out of sight and out of mind.

This new development isn’t just about design, though. It’s officially Bosch’s most powerful robot vacuum and mop to date, offering 20,000Pa of suction power, which, for reference, is the same cleaning power as the current number-one-rated robot vacuum cleaner in our guide, the Eufy Omni E25.

It also has an ultra-slim design to clean under furniture, plus smart navigation and multi-level mapping to clean every area of your home. Then, you can control everything via the app.

But what are my thoughts on this new development in the robot vacuum world? Well, I’m torn. On the one hand, I can definitely see the appeal and wholeheartedly agree that robot vacuums are often an ugly addition to any room.

On the other hand, I do find the concept quite limiting, especially as we’re in the midst of a serious robot vacuum revolution right now.

Kitchen with pink cabinetry, green tiles on the wall, and white countertops. There are black plinth heaters above the tiled floor

(Image credit: Future PLC/Katie Lee)

It seems as though new-and-improved models are being released every week, and I think the beauty of buying this appliance – especially if it’s your first robot vacuum – is figuring out the features and modes you like, and what you don’t like. Then, you work your way up from a cheaper model to a more expensive one.

In fact, I feel like my own favourite model changes every time I review a new robot vacuum cleaner, as they’re changing so much, and so quickly, too.

For example, the robot vacuum I’m currently testing – the new roborock Qrevo Edge 2 Flow Robot Vacuum Cleaner with Mop (now just £599 at Amazon) has a whopping 35,000Pa of suction power. That’s almost double that of the Bosch. And I know of even more coming soon that go well above 40,000Pa.

However, this model requires you to stick with the same robot vacuum to keep it integrated, and you’ll need to enlist a professional to install it properly. So, at just under £3,000 to buy and install, it would be a very expensive mistake if you don’t like the way the robot cleans – or the features it offers.

White robot vacuum cleaner with a stone vase sitting on top of the docking station in a kitchen

This is how our Editor-in-Chief hides her dreame X50 Ultra Complete Robot Vacuum with Mop (£999 at Amazon)

(Image credit: Future PLC/Heather Young)

You’ve also got to consider the fact that this new integrated robot vacuum has to be installed within or next to an under-the-sink cupboard in a kitchen or utility room – meaning you’ll always have to sacrifice cupboard space in those specific rooms. Which, let’s be honest, are typically quite small and limited on storage space anyway.

Could you justify these quibbles in your home? If you value interior design and aren’t fussed about the latest models, I get it. It’s a great idea on paper and makes sense for many people.

But with so many other ways to hide a robot vacuum cleaner, I’m not sure I’m 100% sold.

Alternatives to consider

What are your thoughts on a disappearing robot vacuum?

Lakeland just dropped a £5 storage solution that’ll tidy *any* cupboard in seconds – I’m snapping up this clutter buster for every room of my house

Lakeland just dropped a £5 storage solution that’ll tidy *any* cupboard in seconds – I’m snapping up this clutter buster for every room of my house

by | Sep 7, 2026 | Design Inspiration

Cupboards are always a tricky one. On the one hand, they’re ideal for hiding everything from cleaning products to food packets and bathroom essentials. But in my experience, hiding something behind a cupboard door doesn’t always lend itself well to home organisation – which is why I was intrigued when I spotted the new Tall SlideAway Storage Caddy (£4.99 at Lakeland).

As I write, I know there are at least two cupboards in my house that will empty themselves onto the floor as soon as I open them. And as I’ve recently moved house and plan to give it a complete organisational redo, I’ve set aside some money to buy clever clutter-busters to help me along the way. Luckily for me, this option is ridiculously affordable.

Technically, this Lakeland storage caddy comes in a set, and you can buy the smaller – but wider – Short SlideAway Storage Caddy for the same price of just £4.99 at Lakeland. But for less than £10 for the pair, I still think Lakeland has just won the clutter-busting storage war.

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I recently wrote about Lakeland’s under-the-sink organiser, which I immediately added to my basket. However, these two new storage caddies can offer similar storage space to the first organiser – for less money and without taking up as much space. And in my eyes, it’s also way more versatile.

While the under-the-sink organiser was largely designed for people who want tidy under-the-sink cupboards, these caddies can be used anywhere – from under the sink to your kitchen cupboards and bathroom vanity. Personally, I’d also use the taller one for paperwork in my home office.

Kitchen with white painted walls, light pink kitchen cupboards and a kitchen sink with grey gingham curtains above it

(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)

The slimline design makes them perfect for smaller cupboards and spaces, and they even come with wheels and a handle so you can quickly pull them out and grab what you need in seconds. This means that you don’t have to reach over and grab the item you need – which, let’s face it, always seems to be right at the back.

Despite being small in footprint, they’re also still big enough to hold cleaning bottles, jars, packets, tubes, and anything else you’d like to keep separated or categorised.

Plus, I’ve already seen how pull-out caddies like this can transform cupboards from chaotic to calm in no time. That’s because Ideal Home’s Managing Editor, Thea, uses caddies just like these in her under-the-sink cupboard and beyond.

Joseph Joseph cupboard stores in under sink cupboard

(Image credit: Future PLC/Thea Babington-Stitt)

She uses the Joseph Joseph CupboardStore 2-tier Easy Access Wheeled Storage Caddy (£25 at Amazon) and the Joseph Joseph CupboardStore 2-tier Easy Access Wheeled Storage Caddy (£35 at Amazon). All in all, those caddies set her back £60.

For two very similar caddies at Lakeland, you could spend just £10. And while they don’t quite have the same bells and whistles as Joseph Joseph, they’re ideal in their simplicity.

They’ll allow you to separate everything from food items to cleaning products, and give everything a home in a cupboard for a budget price.

Alternatives to buy

I think Lakeland might be my new favourite shop for clever storage solutions!

TOPICS

Martin Lewis urges UK households to carry out this 1 task now to save 10% on bills ahead of the October energy price cap hike

Martin Lewis urges UK households to carry out this 1 task now to save 10% on bills ahead of the October energy price cap hike

by | Aug 28, 2026 | Design Inspiration

Martin Lewis has taken to social media to explain how we can beat rising energy costs before the recently inflated price cap comes into effect on 1 October this year.

This Thursday (26 August), the energy regulator Ofgem announced that the energy price cap would rise by 4% in October, costing the average household an extra £60 a year on their bills.

In true Martin Lewis style, the money expert quickly took to X (formerly Twitter) to explain how consumers can offset rising costs – and it’s as simple as fixing your tariff. Here’s everything you need to know.

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Should you fix your tariff?

‘So if you are on the price cap and you’re going to see a rise, what do you do about it? Well, the obvious thing here is that you get a fix. And you get the cheapest fix you possibly can, and this is why,’ says Martin in a video on X.

‘The cheapest fix on the market is around 7% less than the current price cap. Well, if you fix, you lock in that unit rate and standard charge. So, the price cap is going to go up 3.6% in October, so from October expect the cheapest fix to be around 10% cheaper than the rate you’ll be paying from October if you stayed on the price cap.

‘And the current prediction because wholesale rates, which is what’s driving this, the Middle East conflict, the fact that that fighting has gone on and on and in fact, wholesale rates, the rates gas and electricity firms pay, are the highest right now that I’ve seen them since the Ukraine crisis, means that in January, well the price cap is currently predicted though it’s somewhat crystal ball gazing to be going up by another 10%.

‘So by January, the cheapest fix now could potentially be 20% cheaper than what you’ll be paying in January. That’s why a fix is a no-brainer.’

A dining nook with a built-in dining bench and another freestanding one with three pendant ceiling lights hanging above the table and two wall lights above it

(Image credit: Future PLC/Bee Holmes)

If wholesale prices continue to rise, it’s likely that the price cap will follow suit. Martin’s logic is that by fixing your tariff now and paying the same price for the length of your contract, you will save more money in the long run.

‘Generally speaking, comparing energy providers and switching to a fixed tariff now will likely be the best way for most customers to save on their energy bills, especially for those on a variable tariff who are more exposed to changes in the price cap,’ confirms Gareth Kloet, energy expert at Go.Compare.

‘Doing this will lock your prices at the unit rate you fix at for the duration of your contract, so you will avoid paying the higher prices when they come into effect in October. The amount you could save by doing this will vary by customer, depending on your current deal and energy usage, but it should protect you against the incoming rise at the very least.’

Are there any issues with fixing your tariff right now?

However, while fixing your tariff is generally considered by experts as a good way to save on your energy bill (particularly when prices are expected to rise), there are still a few niggles that you should consider.

Green utility room with silver washing machine

(Image credit: Future PLC/Rachel Smith)

‘The only thing for customers to be mindful of when making this switch is to take exit fees into account if you are currently on a fixed rate tariff. You may be charged a fee to leave your current deal and switch to another tariff with another provider, so it can be worth double-checking that this fee won’t outweigh the savings of moving to a fixed tariff,’ says Gareth.

‘Switching to a fixed tariff also means you won’t feel the benefit if prices drop below the current unit rate during your contract, but you will have the stability of knowing your energy costs will remain the same and that you’ll avoid any higher prices for the immediate future.’

Living room with wooden flooring, a red and white striped armchair, bookshelf, and cast iron radiator on the white wall

(Image credit: Future PLC/ James French)

In his video, Martin also explains that the cheapest fixed-rate offers are currently more expensive than they were last month due to increasing wholesale prices.

‘And if the Middle East conflict improves, you may be able to fix more cheaply in three, four, five weeks than you can right now. But nobody knows because it’s all about the big orange fella in the White House and what he decides to do.’

Martin concludes by saying that the safest thing to do if you’re on the price cap is to fix today. However, he does say if you’re the type of person who plays the market or is just coming off a fix, there is a chance that you may be able to wait for a cheaper fix.

There are plenty of ways to save energy at home, such as using energy-efficient bulbs and smart meters and making simple changes like not overfilling the kettle. If you are worried about paying your bills this winter, you should reach out to your energy supplier to see what support you’re entitled to.

Dawn O’Porter’s dog has a better seating arrangement than I do! Why every pet owner should consider a pet sofa this autumn

Dawn O’Porter’s dog has a better seating arrangement than I do! Why every pet owner should consider a pet sofa this autumn

by | Aug 28, 2026 | Design Inspiration

Dawn O’Porter’s mustard armchair turned the heads of the Ideal Home team this week, but not for the reasons you might expect. This statement armchair is not for humans; it’s for her dog.

That’s right, dog armchairs are becoming an increasingly popular living room idea. In 2026, the ‘pooch nursery’ is booming as dogs are undoubtedly a significant member of any family, and this means more and more of us are investing in stylish accessories for our pets, be it Le Creuset pet bowls or designer pet beds.

Dawn, famous for her work as a writer and presenter, is serving up serious inspiration with her dog’s stylish armchair. So, I asked experts how to make one work in your home.

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I first spotted Dawn’s dog’s armchair on Instagram, where she had snapped a mirror selfie. In the background of the image, her dog had made themselves very comfy on the stylish mustard armchair. It even had a throw for added cosiness. While you may think it’s a little extravagant, a pet armchair is actually a stylish alternative to a standard dog bed.

And it’s an idea I think my own dog, Nancy, would love, too. She’s always been a little bit of a diva, and now, aged 14, deserves to have the most stylish place to snooze. I’ve already been looking at this rusty dog couch bed (£33.04, Amazon) as it doesn’t have legs, so I don’t have to worry about my elderly dog climbing up onto it.

Dog sat on yellow dfs armchair.

(Image credit: DFS)

‘We’re increasingly seeing what I’d call the “pooch nursery” effect. Just as parents create a beautiful, considered space for a new baby, pet owners are becoming much more intentional about creating a dedicated space for their dog,’ says Natalie Evans, founder and CEO of home styling and staging company Little Barn Door.

‘Traditional dog beds can be bulky and often feel like something we have to accommodate rather than something we actually want in the room. A pet armchair turns that around. It can become a deliberate part of the interior scheme, particularly when you can choose upholstery that complements your existing sofa or furniture.

‘There is something wonderfully playful about seeing a beautifully designed miniature armchair next to the family’s full-sized furniture too. It acknowledges what many of us already know: the dog isn’t just a pet anymore; they’re part of the household.’

As Natalie points out, dogs are a huge part of the home. The National Dog Survey of 2024 found that 99% of owners saw dogs as members of their family, citing that their pooch helped with emotional support, mental and physical health and reduction in isolation.

How to style your dog’s armchair

If you feel your dog deserves their own stylish seat, you need to remember that placement is the most important thing to consider.

‘You can buy the most beautiful pet chair in the world, but if it’s sitting awkwardly in the middle of the room, it will still become an eyesore, and your dog probably won’t use it either. Remember that this is supposed to be a calming, secure place for your pet. Position it in a quieter, lower-traffic part of the room where they can retreat but still feel close to the family,’ says Natalie.

‘From a styling perspective, I’d treat it almost like an occasional chair. Look at the colours, fabrics and proportions already in the room and choose something that complements them rather than trying to make the pet furniture disappear. And resist over-styling it. A tiny cushion might look fabulous for the photograph, but ultimately this is one interior trend where the pet using it has to come first.’

Brown dog snuggled up on the sofa.

If your dog is always sneaking onto the sofa, maybe it’s time for them to have a chair of their own?

(Image credit: Future PLC/ David Giles)

You can select a chair that matches the aesthetics of your living room so it blends in. Plus, if your dog has their own ‘best sofa’ to lounge on, it can help keep them off yours, too!

‘At DFS, we believe that everyone should be able to find their style thing – even our pets! And for those that treat their pets like members of the family, we designed a range of ‘mini-me’ pet sofas, inspired by some of our most loved designs,’ says Kellie Wyles, Head of Upholstery and Brands at DFS.

Handmade to order (just like the human versions) and much more stylish than a traditional dog bed, pet sofas not only help keep the main sofa clean, but it will ensure your furry friend’s snuggle spot can match your human-sized one, so you don’t have to compromise on style in your space.’

Shop the look

I don’t care if it’s a little OTT, I wan’t my dog to live in style, love and comfort, which is why Dawn has won me over the dog armchair front.