Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 183)

The Chilipad Sleep System and remote sitting on a carpeted floor next to a bed.
Reviews

Reviewing the Chilipad Sleep System: Great When Hot, Otherwise Not?

The Chilipad Cube uses temperature-controlled water to help you chill or heat your way to better sleep. But how well does it work?

A person removing the battery from the Ego Power+ 650.
Reviews

Tested: Is the Ego 765 Leaf Blower Really the World’s Most Powerful?

When it comes to battery blower performance, this is one of the toughest competitors.

Painting Tools
Painting & Finishing

Brush vs. Roller vs. Sprayer: How to Choose the Right Painting Tool

It takes the right paint applicators to get the biggest payback from your investment in high-quality paint.

Woman kneeling on the floor of a living room holding a paint brush and preparing to paint the walls.
Paints & Finishes

How Long Does It Take to Paint a Room?

One day? Two? How many coats? We answer all these questions and more in this guide on how long it takes to paint a room.

Christmas lights in trash
Holidays & Celebrations

Don’t Throw Your Old Christmas Lights in the Trash—Do This Instead

Have you bought new string lights for the holidays, and don’t know what to do with the tangled-up old strings you have? Learn how to recycle Christmas lights the right way—and give them a chance at a new life.

This is What No One Tells You About Downsizing
Buying

This is What No One Tells You About Downsizing

When it comes to downsizing your home, less can be more. Less debt, less maintenance, and less to clean translates into more cash flow and more free time. If you're planning to downsize, whether now or in the future, there are a few things you should know.

How to Help Your Houseplants Survive the Winter
House Plants

How to Help Your Houseplants Survive the Winter

Though houseplants are kept indoors, they are still affected by changes in temperature and season. Learn how tweaks to your care routine can help your indoor plants weather the cold.

14 Things You Never Thought to Keep in Your Car
Home Safety

14 Things You Never Thought to Keep in Your Car

We all know to carry jumper cables, some extra blankets, and a few bottles of water in our cars in case of an emergency, but what are some other items that can help us be prepared on the road?

15 Ways to Warm Up to Outdoor Living in Fall
Deck, Patio & Porch

15 Ways to Warm Up to Outdoor Living in Fall

Leaves are falling and there's a chill in the air: For many of us, autumn is the most glorious time of year to spend outside. Grab this gear for your coziest outdoor space ever.

8 Ways to Mildew-Proof Your Bathroom
Cleaning & Organizing

8 Ways to Mildew-Proof Your Bathroom

Plagued by excess moisture and lack of ventilation, bathrooms are especially susceptible to mildew. The fungus typically appears on walls, tile, or grout, and it can trigger a slew of health problems, including allergies and other respiratory issues. The best method for combating mildew is preventing it from growing in the first place. To stop this scourge in its tracks, check out these 8 ways to mildew-proof your bathroom.

21 Things People Get Wrong About Decorating Small Spaces
Interior Design

21 Things People Get Wrong About Decorating Small Spaces

We’ve all been told the “rules” for decorating small spaces. It's time to rethink those rules.

Go Dark and Dramatic with Black Kitchen Cabinets
Cabinets

Go Dark and Dramatic with Black Kitchen Cabinets

Black is back, and bolder than ever in a variety of stylish kitchens. Get inspired to use black with these 10 design ideas.

do security signs deter crime
Exterior

Solved! Do Security Signs Really Deter Crime?

Many people who have security systems post signs to warn off criminals, and they can be surprisingly effective.

Don’t Make These 8 Mistakes in Your Front Yard
Curb Appeal

Don’t Make These 8 Mistakes in Your Front Yard

Maybe you’re a first-time homeowner who is looking to put your personal stamp on your new abode. Or you may be thinking of putting your house on the market and want to enhance the property’s curb appeal. Or perhaps you are just tired of your home's current look and want to give the place a well-deserved facelift. Whatever your reasons for considering a small or large landscape overhaul, you probably don’t want to waste your efforts on costly, time-consuming, and aggravating mistakes. Here are just a few of the common landscaping blunders that can snare even experienced homeowners.

16 Reasons You Really Need to Do a Better Job Cleaning Your Grill
Cleaning & Organizing

16 Reasons You Really Need to Do a Better Job Cleaning Your Grill

The smell of a backyard barbecue is an official sign that summer is here. Thoroughly cleaning your grill protects against foodborne illnesses, and ensures the barbecue tastes as good as it should.

Thinking of Installing an IKEA Kitchen? Here’s What You Need to Know.
Kitchen & Dining

Thinking of Installing an IKEA Kitchen? Here’s What You Need to Know.

A DIY IKEA kitchen is a hefty project. Before you say sure to the venture, see to it that you understand what it entails.

Young couple moving into their new place carrying a dining table while talking and having fun looking very happy
Interior Design

15 Types of Tables to Consider for Your Next Interior Design Refresh

Choose the right table for every room in your home with this guide.

Three houseplants with a bottom watering bucket and watering can in a home kitchen.
House Plants

What Is “Bottom Watering,” Anyway?

Bottom watering might help you solve some of your houseplant problems—such as ugly water spots—from the bottom up!

Types of Window Alarm Sensors
Exterior

Solved! What Are the Most Common Types of Window Alarm Sensors?

Window sensors can be the first warning that an intruder has breached the safety envelope of your home. Make sure you have the right types of window alarm sensors for your needs.

home security tips
Interior

8 Essential Home Security Tips to Make Your Home Safer

Basic home security doesn’t always have to be complicated, but it does require a hard look at your home’s entry points and a little planning ahead. The best home security tips will get you started.