Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 152)

White built-in bookcase.
DIY

12 Bookshelf Plans You Can Build in a Weekend

Make use of one of these bookshelf plans to create a new home for your books, shelf decorations, and other knickknacks.

A smart switch installed on a grey wall with a contemporary living room in the background.
Reviews

The Best Smart Switches for Your Smart Home

Good lighting is the foundation of a secure and stylish home, and smart switches offer a whole new level of convenience.

Person holding open terrarium.
Lawn & Garden

The 14 Best Terrarium Plants for Miniature Indoor Gardens

If you would rather not have to water plants frequently, try growing them under glass to give yourself a break.

Man holding a string of Christmas lights with a Christmas tree in the background.
Design

How to Fix Christmas Lights: Troubleshooting, Repair, and Maintenance

What's more frustrating than stringing lights on a Christmas tree only to discover they're not working? Whether the issue is a blown fuse or too many lights plugged into a single outlet, we'll help you get your holiday lights shining again.

Armadillos / Climate change
Lawn & Garden

The Armadillo Is Breaching States It Has Never Been Seen in Before

It’s rapidly moving north and has been seen in surprising places such as Illinois and Nebraska. Here’s why that matters.

The best bidet toilet seat installed in a large and modern tiled bathroom.
Reviews

The Best Bidet Toilet Seats for Any Bathroom or Budget

Improve the hygiene and comfort of your bathroom visits and reduce their environmental impact.

Holiday Safety Tips
Design

Leave Your Home Worry-Free By Following These 8 Essential Holiday Safety Tips

The holidays can be a joyous time of year, but there are a number of safety pitfalls that can tarnish your spirit. Follow these safety tips to have a safe holiday.

Retailers You Never Knew Will Recycle Your Old Stuff
DIY

13 Retailers You Never Knew Would Recycle Your Old Stuff

These retailers will reward you for giving them your unwanted electronics, furniture, and housewares. 

Visual 1 - Home Security - Blink Camera Subscription Cost - Cost Range + Average - November 2023
Exterior

Blink Camera Subscription Cost: Is It Worth It?

A Blink camera subscription costs between $3 and $10 per month, so customers looking for DIY-installed and self-monitored security systems can afford to protect their homes.

Couple decorating potted living Christmas tree.
Design

The Most Eco-Friendly Christmas Tree of All? A Living One

Love the look of a natural Christmas tree, but hate the idea of cutting it down? Learn how to pick out a live tree that you can plant after the holidays.

A natural gas meter on the exterior of a home with grey siding.
DIY

How to Turn Off the Gas to Your House

Don’t be left searching the deepest recesses of your home during a gas emergency. Now’s the time to know where your main gas line is and how to shut it off—and how to shut off individual appliances.

A young couple putting recyclables into a home recycling bin.
Interior

I Started Recycling in 2023—Here’s Why It’s Not What I Expected

As with many well-intentioned things, complicated rules and common misconceptions can put a damper on household recycling.

The best central-vacuum system (the canister and long hose with cleaning head) mounted on a white wall.
Reviews

The Best Central Vacuum System for a Whole-House Clean

A central-vacuum system makes it easier to vacuum the entire house without lugging around extra equipment.

standard door size
Interior

Standard Door Size 101: Important Measurements All Homeowners Should Know

Which types of doors are easiest to install, and easiest on the wallet? When should you order custom, rather than buying off the shelf? Here's what to know before your next DIY door project.

Hands of interior designer and client discussing 3D renderings of rooms design
Design

12 Fresh Ways to Redecorate Responsibly

Create a chic and modern home by redecorating with sustainable and budget-friendly tips that are kind to the planet and your finances.

A group of the best stick vacuums together on a wood floor against a wall.
Reviews

The 9 Best Stick Vacuums You Can Get, Tested

Depending on the type of flooring, a stick vacuum may be the ideal tidy-up tool. Here’s the scoop on its attributes and features, plus our hand-tested picks to help shoppers find the perfect stick.

Woman pruning hydrangea
Lawn & Garden

How to Prune Hydrangeas in 3 Simple Steps

Is the size of your snowball bush snowballing out of control? We can give you tips on how to cut it back without eliminating its blooms.

dad and son use mosquito spray.Spraying insect repellent on skin outdoor.
DIY

How to Make Homemade Mosquito Repellent: 6 Easy, Effective Recipes

Reluctant to expose yourself and your family to chemicals found in commercial bug sprays? Mix up an effective but nontoxic homemade alternative.

AC Unit Fan Not Spinning
Interior

Solved! Why Is My AC Unit Fan Not Spinning?

Keeping cool when it’s hot outside requires a properly working AC unit. If your AC unit fan isn’t spinning, here are some ways to troubleshoot this common issue.

Potted plant with yellow and red flowers.
Lawn & Garden

Beyond Poinsettias: 23 Houseplants That Bloom in Winter

It may be getting cold outside, but wintertime is showtime for some houseplants. These indoor winter plants are sure to invigorate your interior—and your soul—with beautiful blooms while you hibernate until spring.