Eventually, softer linens, like cut velvet, silk, and tooled leather, replaced this new material—a transition that made printing and painting easier. Wallpaper was also an economical alternative to tapestries, improving insulation and concealing cracks. Many early wallpapers mimicked more expensive materials, including brocade and wood. Flock wallpaper, made to resemble cut velvet, also gained popularity in the early 1600s. As wallpaper became more affordable, colorway, pattern, and material options greatly expanded....

“For most people, a home security system makes sense because it gives much needed peace of mind, and luckily, there are so many options available on the market right now,” says Kristen Boleg, founder of the blog Security Nerd. “In order to choose the best security system for you, you need to look at your budget, the features that are important to you, and how easy the item is to install....

We tested 31 fans in our Lab, eight of which were tower fans, and evaluated them based on air speed, design, portability, effectiveness, and overall value. For expert tips on buying tower fans, we spoke to Matt Brown, merchant of ACs and fans, air quality, and floorcare at Home Depot. Our top pick is the Lasko Wind Curve Tower Fan because it has an impressive airflow without being too noisy, plus it has many advanced features at a lower price than competing models....

To find the best sheets for every sleeper, we put 68 sheet sets to the test (both in our Lab and at home) to evaluate their quality, breathability, durability, value, and more. We also considered factors like material, weave, and certifications when coming up with this list. For expert advice on what to consider when shopping for bed sheets, we spoke to Preeti Gopinath, the program director of the textiles department at Parsons School of Design....

The best air mattresses are comfortable, supportive, and durable, allowing you to sleep peacefully and wake up feeling well rested. “With any sleep surface, it needs to provide you with both comfort and support,” says Mary Helen Rogers, VP of marketing and communications at The Better Sleep Council. “When lying on the bed in your sleeping position, your head, neck and spine need to be in proper alignment.” We extensively researched the category and even tested a few of the most popular models, considering factors like size and height, weight capacity, and inflation method to inform our overall recommendations....

Who it isn’t for: People with super small spaces.The Honey-Can-Do Gullwing Clothes Drying Rack can fold out to 46 linear feet of space, making it easy to dry every type of clothing. The alloy steel material is lightweight, durable, and easily folds into a three-inch profile so you can store it behind a door or next to your washing machine. The top features metal bars for hanging or laying larger items, like towels....

Raking leaves manually can take a long time and a lot of elbow grease. With a good leaf blower, the job can be done in a fraction of the time. Sean Khandker, owner of InsideOut Gardening, Landscaping, and Maintenance Services, suggests choosing a leaf blower based on what you want to do with the leaves afterward. “Fallen leaves can really be useful as mulch,” Khandker says. “So if you want to nourish your flower beds or use the leaves in a compost heap, choose a leaf blower with a vacuum capacity and a collection bag....

“Today’s nonstick cookware is more convenient and safer for everyday use than it was previously,” says Mellanee R. Harvin, private chef and owner of The Fork Goes on the Left. “Soap and warm water are all you really need.” To find the best nonstick pan, we researched a variety of picks, keeping in mind material, size, and whether or not it’s oven-safe. In addition to Harvin, we also consulted Marcel Vigneron, a chef, and Tom Dodds, a chemical engineer, for additional insight....

When shopping for the best toilets, Bill Strang of Toto recommends first understanding your home—particularly its plumbing, waste system, and bathroom layout. That will determine the size and orientation of your toilet. From there, consider your preferred design aesthetic, and look for features that will fit your lifestyle. “Dual flush systems, auto flush, and bidets can help save money on water and toilet paper,” Strang says. “Heated seats, automatic seats, and night lights can add comfort, accessibility, and safety....

To find the best washing machine cleaners, we spent hours researching various options and top-rated products while considering factors such as type, ingredients, and machine compatibility. We also asked Sara San Angelo, professional house cleaner and founder of Confessions of a Cleaning Lady, and Jen Stark, home improvement expert and founder of Happy DIY Home, for insight and tips on how washing machine cleaners work and what to look for when buying one....

The huge member-only sale, which is similar to Prime Day, is giving Prime subscribers two days to shop Black Friday-level markdowns more than a month ahead of time. There are thousands of deals on home, fashion, beauty, electronics, holiday gifts, and more. But if that all sounds like a lot to comb through, don’t fret! I put my skill as Real Simple’s shopping editor to work and curated some of the best deals that I’m adding to my own cart....

Foods High in Iron There are two types of iron found in foods: heme and non-heme iron. Heme iron (found in meat, fish, and poultry) is most readily absorbed by our bodies. However, there are plenty of plant-based (non-heme) sources for vegans, vegetarians, and flexitarians to obtain iron—the only difference is making sure you’re also adding proper vitamins (more on this later) to help your body absorb the iron. Animal-Based Iron Food Sources Animal sources with the highest amount of iron include:...

In addition to good-for-you unsaturated fats, nuts and seeds provide a convenient dose of plant-based protein, and are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. While all have similar nutrients, there are still some differences between each nut and seed, as well as the corresponding butters. With all of the choices available now, we’re breaking down a selection of our favorite nut and seed butters, and highlighting how each one can positively impact your health....

Best Types of Strawberries to Grow The three main types of strawberries are June-bearing, everbearing, and day-neutral. June-bearing strawberries, such as ‘Shuksan’ ($20, Raintree Nursery), grow well in Zones 6-10, but some varieties are better for your local conditions than others. Keep in mind that June-bearers will produce their crop earlier in warm climates, which means you could be eating berries in April. In Zones 6-8 (except for hot, humid areas), everbearing or day-neutral strawberries may be your best bet....

This year, an estimated $10.6 billion is going to be spent on Halloween candy—up $0.5 billion from last year, according to Statista. To navigate which candies are specifically landing in candy bowls across the United States, grocery delivery service Instacart decided to take a deeper look into the purchases and sweet tooth opinions of Americans. In order to find out which Halloween candies reign supreme during the holiday, Instacart analyzed purchase data from last year....

Pavoi 14K Gold Plated Chunky Hoop Earrings, $13 Pavoi14K Gold Plated Cubic Zirconia Classic Tennis Bracelet, $16 The Drop Southampton Zipper Foldover Clutch, $30 NNG Braided Heel Sandal, $30 (was $33) Lalagen Plus Size Vintage Midi Swing Dress, $35 (was $90) PrettyGarden Halter Neck Backless Maxi Dress, $37 with coupon (was $46) Etcyy Off-the-Shoulder Ruffle Maxi Dress, $38 Exlura Square-Neck Puff Sleeve Mini Dress, $39 (was $46) Happy Sailed Long Sleeve Ruffle Backless Swing Mini Dress, $39 (was $50) Zesica Square Neck Maxi Dress, $39 with coupon (was $51) Exlura Lantern Sleeve Mini Dress, $40 MakeMeChic Plus Size Boho Maxi Dress, $44 The Drop Women’s Avery Square Toe Two Strap High Heeled Sandal, $50 Astr the Label Lace Fit-and-Flare Midi Dress, $89 JW Pei Joy Shoulder Bag, $90...

This house had everything. Designed by Hal Thomson in the 1920s, it showed the prolific Dallas architect’s grand and graceful style. Yet its limestone exterior offered a color and material departure from the period’s ubiquitous red brick. A sprawling yard could be landscaped into natural glory. Inside, architectural details abounded: paneling, dentil molding, and intricate ironwork. “Initially, this house was just a dream because it wasn’t available, so we bought a different house two streets away,” Jean says....

Start Watering Early The very best time to water turf is early morning, between 4:00 to 8:00 a.m. The combination of cooler temperatures and minimal winds allows water to soak deeply into the soil without much evaporation. Also, during this window, there’s not as much demand for water on municipal systems, which can impact pressure. Watering at midday is less efficient, since evaporation is rapid and strong winds are more common....

What Is Garden Lime? There are different types of lime, and not all are meant for landscaping purposes. Lime intended for garden use is labeled as “garden lime” or “dolomitic lime.” Made from ground-up rock, limestone, or dolomite, lime is high in calcium. Dolomitic lime differs from garden lime in that it contains magnesium, in addition to calcium. Lime makes soils less acidic, raising the pH level. Does My Soil Need Lime?...

Take white noise, for example: It’s a solid option for many people seeking better sleep, but it’s no longer the only snooze-inducing noise option out there—and doesn’t always end up being the sleep panacea people hope for. If you’ve tried using white noise to fall asleep with no luck, allow us to introduce you to its “warmer,” more soothing cousin: pink noise. What is pink noise vs. white noise? Like white noise, pink noise is a non-descript, ongoing sound intended to lull people to sleep....