Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 150)

Photo of young family carrying home their Christmas tree
Design

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.

brad nailer vs finish nailer
DIY

Brad Nailer vs. Finish Nailer: Which Power Tool Is Best for Your Project?

Brad nailers and finish nailers look similar, but they're used for different sorts of projects. How can you tell the difference between the tools, and which one is best for your next project?

Camellia bush with pink flowers covered with snow.
Lawn & Garden

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
Reviews

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.
Design

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.
Lawn & Garden

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.
Reviews

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.

Ikea boxes on top of car.
DIY

7 IKEA Shopping Secrets Only the Allen Wrench Pros Know

Find the products you’re looking for and score the best deals to make the most out of every IKEA shopping trip.

Open Shelving Kitchen - Modern Style
Interior

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.
Interior

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.
DIY

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.
Reviews

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.
Lawn & Garden

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.
Design

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.

Armadillos / Climate change
Lawn & Garden

The Armadillo Is Breaching States It Has Never Been Seen in Before

It’s rapidly moving north and has been seen in surprising places such as Illinois and Nebraska. Here’s why that matters.

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.

Holiday Safety Tips
Design

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.

Retailers You Never Knew Will Recycle Your Old Stuff
DIY

13 Retailers You Never Knew Would Recycle Your Old Stuff

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

Visual 1 - Home Security - Blink Camera Subscription Cost - Cost Range + Average - November 2023
Exterior

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.