The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum is ideal for most households as it’s intended for both standard hard floors and carpets. Though it’s one of the more affordable Shark models on the market, it still offers a great selection of features and accessories. It can be used as an upright vacuum or in portable lift-away mode to access hard-to-reach places. Equipped with a sealed air system and a HEPA filter that traps 99....

Why Shrubs Are Great Whether you call them shrubs, hedges or bushes, these plants are often overlooked but can make some of the best landscaping for birds. Because shrubs are naturally smaller than full-size trees, they are an ideal choice for small yards or to fill spaces where a tree would be too big. They often grow faster than trees and can help create a mature landscape more quickly, and shrubs often have lower maintenance requirements than more intensive flowerbeds, making them perfect for casual gardeners....

After clearing and organizing our entire wardrobe on a recent Marie Kondo-inspired spree, we came to a shocking realization: We’ve never cleaned our jewelry—not even one piece in our sizable collection. To remedy that, we picked up the Simple Shine Complete Jewelry Kit. The kit’s ammonia-free, biodegradable cleaning liquid, soft cloth, and fine cleaning brush are safe to use on almost every metal and gemstone imaginable, including diamonds, heirlooms, and antiques, so we had high hopes....

Leaps in technology enter our homes through new refrigerators, doorbells, and even sewing machines. High-tech sewing machines with computer displays, menus of stitch options, and automated settings are complicated but promise exceptional results for your next project. While these machines are not the best choice for beginners, if you are an experienced sewer who wants many options, the Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 Computerized Portable Sewing Machine might be right for you....

Spearmint gets its name from its leaves, which compared to other mints are, as you guessed it, spear-shaped. Its botanical name is also taken from its pointy foliage – Mentha Spicata means “spike bearing” mint. It is in these delicious pointy leaves that the magic happens. The chemical that affects flavor and aroma in most mint plants is menthol, but spearmint actually has a minimal amount of this compound compared to other species and varieties....

Wall and ceiling texture covers up minor imperfections. It even does a good job of reducing the visual impact of major errors. For do-it-yourselfers who find themselves challenged by the art of finishing drywall, texture can be a lifesaver. Spray texture—in the form of handheld spray cans—is a quick, easy way to apply texture. Texture Delivery Systems Large-scale ceiling and wall textures are applied by painting or drywall professionals using special spray equipment....

We fully admit that there are no real rules for when you have to put up your artificial Christmas tree by or how long you’re allowed to leave your festive wreath on the front door: The holiday season is all about celebrating in the ways that make you happiest, and if that means putting the stockings out on November 1, so be it. Still, generally speaking, there are some unspoken guidelines that most people follow for their holiday decorating....

We researched designs for every purpose, decor preference, room size, and budget. Our favorite is the Red Barrel Studio Niemann Room Divider, a classic shoji-style piece that comes in five colors and six sizes. Check out the best room dividers below. You can choose from five frame colors, including black, light natural wood, deep espresso, red, and white. A black frame contrasting the white paper is the most classic option, but the others are undoubtedly lovely....

We’ve spent years researching and testing dozens of umbrellas, evaluating ease of use, durability, and size. The best-selling Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella has a sturdy fiberglass frame, a slip-proof handle, and a Teflon coating that stands up to rain and wind. Here are the best umbrellas available online. The all-star Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella is number one on our list. This best-seller has a super durable Teflon-coated canopy to repel rain and withstand wind gusts of up to 50 miles per hour....

With expert guidance from Bowers in mind, we researched napkin holders with various materials and styles. Our favorite is the OXO Good Grips SimplyPull Napkin Holder, a sleek and functional holder that boasts one-handed refilling. Below, the best napkin holders to add to your table, kitchen countertop—wherever you’d like! The arm stays in place when you lift it, allowing you to refill the tray one-handed. Plus, when you want to store your napkin holder—say, in a pantry or picnic basket—the arm folds flat into the base for easy storage....

We researched brands that are useful and provide value for the professional singer or the person who enjoys the occasional karaoke. Our favorite picks include Singing Machine karaoke, a Sips By tea subscription, and more. Here are the best gifts for singers. Value When shopping for a gift for a singer, try to find something that adds value to their craft. This can mean singing lessons for the newbie or quality headphones for the person who listens to and studies music on the go....

We’ve researched online retailers that offer kids’ styles, giving you cozy and colorful options to help babies, kids, and teens cuddle up in the room of their dreams. Based on selection, price range, and return policy, we gathered our favorite picks, including sustainable options from Primary, whimsical prints from The Company Store, and beautiful bundles from Brooklinen. Read on for the best places to buy kids’ bedding both you and your kids will love....

“Plug-in lights are a great option for renters or anyone who cannot hardwire in the place they’d like to install their lights,” says Sheva Knopfler, co-founder and creative director of Lights.com. The right lamp, sconce, or fixture can not only enhance your decor, but also provide multi-directional lighting to fill out the shadows created by overheads. Keeping usefulness, design, cord length, and versatility in mind, we’ve found the best plug-in light fixtures for every room and budget....

According to interior designer and CEO of Kathy Kuo Home, Kathy Kuo, there’s no one right way to go about buying a side or end table. “Choose a table that compliments your larger anchor pieces (sofas, arm chairs, and coffee tables). It can blend in or stand out,” she says. We researched the best side and end tables for your space, keeping in mind the shape, material, and size of each....

We researched dozens of color-changing light bulbs, considering their color range, brightness, energy efficiency, extra features, and ease of use and setup. Our best overall pick is the Lifx A19 Led Light Bulb since it doesn’t require you to use a hub, lets you choose from millions of different colors, and has a variety of intuitive lighting features and settings. Here are the best color-changing LED bulbs. You can change the color of this bulb, dim it, or turn it on and off via the compatible app....

We researched dozens of kitchen lights from top home and decor brands, evaluating ease of installation and use, brightness, durability, and functionality. Our best overall pick, the Pottery Barn Glass Globe Cord Pendant, is elegant, adjustable, and compatible with flat and sloped ceilings. Here are the best kitchen lights. You can opt to buy this fixture with a larger 12.5-inch shade or a smaller 8.5-inch shade to match your space....

After thorough research and vetting, our No. 1 pick is the Parachute Cotton Mattress Protector, which offers extra cushioning and breathability in addition to protecting your mattress. No matter your budget or needs, here are the best mattress protectors available today. Parachute’s mattress protector is available in a variety of sizes and can accommodate mattresses up to 16 inches thick. It can be tossed in a standard washing machine with the rest of your bedding, so you can keep everything fresh and clean....

We spent hours researching the best pool floats on the market for babies, toddlers, and adults, evaluating quality, durability, and value. Our favorite, the Aqua Campania Ultimate 2-in-1 Pool Float Lounger, has an adjustable backrest, an attachable caddy for snacks and drinks, and is made of soft mesh fabric. Here are the best pool floats to relax in style. If you’re looking for a pool float with maximum versatility, the Aqua Compania Ultimate Two-in-One Recliner and Tanner Pool Lounger is it....

While it may seem like all spray bottles are essentially created equal, they actually come in numerous materials and sizes to suit your specific needs. Some are also dishwasher safe, or come with features like misting nozzles or color-coded labels. Our top pick, Sally’s Organics Amber Glass Spray Bottles with Labels, looks great on the counter, can be labeled for easy identification, and has an adjustable nozzle. Here are the best spray bottles to take care of your home and garden....