Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 364)

10 Easy Ways to Build Your Own TV Stand
Furniture & Design

10 Easy Ways to Build Your Own TV Stand

For many, there's nothing more relaxing than curling up in the living room with a great TV show or movie. But are you tired of having to crane your neck to see that wall-mounted flat-screen, or are you looking to replace that standard-issue melamine console? Here are 10 easy, fun, and inexpensive DIY TV stand projects to make winding down with your favorite shows even more enjoyable.

Sweet Dreams: 15 Inventive Beds You Can Make Yourself
Bedrooms

Sweet Dreams: 15 Inventive Beds You Can Make Yourself

You spend nearly one-third of your life sleeping, so ideally your bed should feel comfortable and special. Here are fifteen “dreamy” and easy designs for DIY beds.

18 Hidden Costs of Moving
Real Estate

18 Hidden Costs of Moving

Packing up and moving is expensive, costing an average of $1,200 to $6,000, depending on the distance to your new home and whether you move your own possessions or hire a moving company. While you’ve probably budgeted for the move, you may not know that a number of unforeseen factors can increase your overall cost. Things like add-on charges from the moving company, problems you leave behind or snags you encounter after you arrive at your new home can sap your budget. To be prepared for any little surprises along the way, scroll through our list of hidden moving costs.

11 Super Simple Ways to Make Your House Smell Fresh
Cleaning

11 Super Simple Ways to Make Your House Smell Fresh

Right up there with other factors like style and cleanliness, your home's scent makes a huge first impression to guests. While the smell of freshly baked bread or fresh laundry is heavenly, sometimes we just want the place to smell nice without going through all of that effort. Before you resort to spraying store-bought air fresheners or lighting a scented candle, try these just-as-easy DIY tricks to freshen your home.

14 Easy Ways to Make Your Own Headboard
Bedrooms

14 Easy Ways to Make Your Own Headboard

Headboards can make a strong statement in a bedroom, adding color, pattern, and texture to the space above your pillows. But they can also cost a pretty penny, which can be a major blow to your redecorating budget. Instead of overspending on a store-bought model, consider one of these DIY headboards that are as stylish and functional as they are easy and inexpensive.

16 New Things You Can Do with Old Furniture
Furniture & Design

16 New Things You Can Do with Old Furniture

Before you drag those mismatched shelves, broken chairs, worn-out sofas, or just plain ugly eyesores to the curb, check out these creative examples of repurposed furniture that prove you can give outdated furnishings a second life as useful, even stylish items for your home.

9 DIY Lanterns to Illuminate Your Porch, Patio, or Garden
Easy DIY Projects

9 DIY Lanterns to Illuminate Your Porch, Patio, or Garden

When the weather gets warm, outdoor living heats up, and porches and patios become the place to be. As your sunny days shift to balmy nights, add some atmosphere to your garden and yard with lanterns. Whether you want to make one lantern for a dining table, or a whole string of lanterns for the deck railing, there is a DIY lantern design to suit your needs and style. Fanciful and frivolous, or simply elegant, lanterns don't require much time or money to make, and they delightfully elevate the ambience of your outdoor spaces. Take a cue from one of these great DIY lantern ideas, and bask in the glow of gleaming light this evening.

8 Plants Never to Grow Indoors
House Plants

8 Plants Never to Grow Indoors

A healthy houseplant can bring vibrant color and fresh fragrance to any room. But some indoor greenery collects dust or releases pollen, both of which can trigger symptoms in allergy sufferers. Prevent sniffling and sneezing by avoiding these worst offenders the next time you head out to the nursery.

10 Pretty Plants You Didn’t Know Were Poisonous
Gardening

10 Pretty Plants You Didn’t Know Were Poisonous

Not every pretty plant has a pleasant disposition. Here are 10 of the most common venomous plants to keep out of your garden!

Wrench Types
Tools

Get a Grip: Choosing the Right Wrench for the Job

A single wrench in your toolbox is a fine start, but if you're going to call yourself handy, you'll need to know when and how to use these hand tools.

How to Use a Window Fan
Windows

The Do’s and Don’ts of Window Fans

Though not a substitute for air conditioning on the hottest summer days, you can stay cool and comfortable for much less money month to month by learning how to use window fans strategically.

My homemade drill guide.
Skills & Techniques

How To: Drill Straight 90° Holes (Without a Drill Press)

Homemade Silver Polish - Tarnished Silverware
Repair & Maintenance

3 Fixes for Tarnished Silver

‘Tis the season for breaking out your finest! Try one of these three solutions to get it nice and shiny before entertaining holiday crowds.

How to Clean an Iron
Cleaning & Organizing

How To: Clean an Iron

To keep your iron working well, you need to do more than just clean off the metal plate. Here, we'll teach you how to clean the outside and inside of this essential home appliance.

DIY Sliding Door - Mount a Sliding Door for Privacy
Doors

How To: DIY a Space-Saving Sliding Door

Adding a sliding door between rooms can be easier than you think! Follow this photo tutorial for how to build yours from scratch and you'll have a little more privacy—and a little more style—in just a weekend.

How to store gasoline
Home Safety

Quick Tip: How to Store Gasoline Safely

Before you step on the gas of your next lawn or garden maintenance project, learn how to store your fuel safely and easily!

15 Surprisingly Simple Woodworking Projects for Beginners
Workshop

15 Surprisingly Simple Woodworking Projects for Beginners

Woodworking doesn’t have to be daunting! Most of these fun, novice-friendly projects use scrap lumber and require just basic tools and some simple instructions. Tackle one of these beginner woodworking projects, and we guarantee you'll be itching to take on another.

Demystifying Insulating Paint: All You Need to Know
Painting & Finishing

All You Need to Know About Insulating Paint

Are paints that purport to help regulate the temperature inside your home all they’re cracked up to be? Learn the facts here!

How to Dispose of Batteries
Repurposing

The Right Way to Dispose of Batteries

The next time replacing the batteries in an appliances leaves you with a couple spent ones in your palm, you might wonder, "what do I do with these now?" The answer isn't always straightforward. Read on to learn how to properly dispose of all the different types of batteries you might have in your home.

Homemade Dish Soap
Cleaning & Organizing

How To: DIY Your Own Dish Soap in 5 Steps

The next time you reach into the sink to wash off dirty plates and silverware, why not grab a bottle of your own homemade dish soap? With this recipe, you'll spare yourself the chemicals found in store-bought cleaners and save a pretty penny.