Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 189)

Excited young African American couple sit at desk at home kitchen give high five celebrate online lottery win on laptop. Happy biracial man and woman enjoy success working on computer. Luck concept.
DIY

20 Things You Should Stop Wasting Money On

Times change, and so do our budgets. As we approach a new year, it's time to to evaluate automatic payments and other purchases we make without thinking. Here's how to save big in the new year.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Flooring
Flooring

7 Telltale Signs It’s Finally Time to Replace Your Flooring

Old, shabby flooring can make a home feel dated—but when is it finally time to replace flooring?

Adorned Christmas Tree, Wreath, and Garland Inside Living Room, Copyspace
Holidays & Celebrations

How to Put Lights on a Christmas Tree the Right Way

A beautifully lit Christmas tree is a hallmark of the season that’s sure to spread holiday cheer. Avoid bald spots and clumps of lights on your tree by learning how to hang Christmas lights correctly.

A light green pothos plant on a window sill with long vines.
House Plants

How to Propagate Pothos Plants: 3 Foolproof Methods, According to Experts

If you desire more of the plant named for the Greek god of desire, rest assured that pothos propagation won’t leave you wanting.

A woman's hand places a cell phone in a small cardboard box full of electronics for donation.
Repurposing

What to Do With Old Cell Phones (Because You Can’t Throw Them Away)

There are right and wrong ways to get rid of an old cell phone. Choose a method that will protect your information and the planet at the same time.

Vivint vs. ADT
Reviews

Vivint vs. ADT: Which Home Security System Should You Buy?

In the battle of Vivint vs. ADT, Vivint comes out on top—but ADT comes through with strong offerings that keep it a solid second choice.

Photo of young family carrying home their Christmas tree
Holidays & Celebrations

Shopping for a Christmas Tree? Answer These 3 Questions First

Live tree, or artificial? How tall should it be? Our Christmas tree experts will help you narrow your choices and find the best tree for your home.

Camellia bush with pink flowers covered with snow.
Landscaping

16 Colorful Shrubs for a Standout Winter Garden

The dreary days of winter become even bleaker if your landscape looks dead, brown, and bare. Cheer up a drab lawn and garden with showy shrubs that offer colorful, cold-weather curb appeal.

stocking stuffers diy tools
Gifts

25 Stocking Stuffer Ideas for the DIYers on Your Holiday List 

This holiday season, give the DIYers and handypeople in your life useful stocking stuffers that will help them create and renovate. (Many are under $10!)

Young couple setting up live tree.
Holidays & Celebrations

How Long Does a Christmas Tree Last?

Yes, you can buy a tree now that will last until December 25. Here’s how to pick a good one—and how to take care of it once it's in your living room.

Woman using washboard to wash clothes
DIY

Green Living in the Laundry Room: The Manual Washing Machine

Protect the planet—and your clothing—with a manual wash.

Silver gazing ball in garden.
Landscaping

The Fascinating History Behind Lawn “Gazing Balls”

Whether you consider gazing balls tantalizing or ticky-tacky, learning their history might help you gaze at the lawn ornaments with renewed respect.

A stack of the best electric blankets placed together, with most options being blue, grey, and white.
Tech & Electronics

The Best Electric Blankets to Keep You Warm and Cozy, Tested

For help navigating the wide array of options, start here with our guide to the key considerations—and don't miss our top picks from our hands-on reviews of some of the best electric blankets available.

Open Shelving Kitchen - Modern Style
Kitchen Design

The Dos and Don’ts of Updating Your Kitchen With Open Shelving

Thinking about swapping your kitchen cabinets for open shelving? Here's what you need to know about installation, upkeep, and styling that will help you make the most of this popular trend in kitchen design.

A female hand in yellow rubber gloves wipes a modern white kitchen wall with a microfiber cloth.
Cleaning

7 Reasons Why You Should Clean Your Walls More Often—and How to Do it Properly

Cleaning the walls is more important than you might think. Don’t allow dust, mildew, or grease to build up in your home.

White built-in bookcase.
Building & Installing

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.
Lighting

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.
House Plants

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.
Holidays & Celebrations

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.

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.