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Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 249)

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.

Houseplants

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.

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.

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.

Interior

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.

Repurposing

13 Retailers You Never Knew Would Recycle Your Old Stuff

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

Home Security

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.

Holidays & Celebrations

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.

Building & Installing

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.

Cleaning Supplies

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.

Doors

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.

Heating & Cooling

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.

Gardening

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.

Home Services

The Best Carpet Cleaning Companies, Vetted

Are your carpets dirty and need to be refreshed? The best carpet cleaning companies remove dirt, allergens, and stains while sanitizing and deodorizing.

Appliances & Cookware

Testing the Best Sharpening Stones for Knives and Tools

Bring a fine edge to that set of dull blades with one of these top sharpening stones.

Reviews

We Tested the North Spore Mushroom Kit To See if We Could Grow Mushrooms At Home

I tested this mushroom growing kit to see if its ease of use and cost make it worth the purchase.

Reviews

One Tool to Do It All: Truly Garden Hori Hori Knife Review

This knife is the digging tool of choice for gardeners who value versatility.

Reviews

Bissell SpinWave Review: The Best of the 15 Floor Scrubbers We Tested

The Bissell SpinWave promises to clean hard floors without hands-and-knees scrubbing, so we put it to the test. Here’s what we loved—and what could be better.

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?

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.