Worth The Splurge: The 6 Household Products We'd NEVER Skimp On

Who doesn't love saving money? A couple extra dollars can go a long way. But sometimes paying a couple extra bucks is really worth it. That's why when it comes to these 6 products, it's worth a little extra cost to get the good stuff. Check out "Worth The Splurge: The 6 Household Products We'd NEVER Skimp On"!

It's time to treat yo' self. When you're standing in the store aisle, there are some things that are just worth the extra pennies. What makes our list? Read on.

TP — As far as daily quality of life goes, non-scratchy toilet paper is a small splurge that's waaay worth it.

A Brief History of Toilet Paper

Bathroom towels — A relaxing shower feels so much more so with a big, fluffy finish. Don't try to dry yourself with a skimpy, threadbare towel ever again.

How Much Are You Willing To Spend on Bathroom Towels?

Tools — Even if you're less than handy around the house, everyone needs a few basic tools. Make sure yours are good quality — they'll be easier to use and last you forever. Wouldn't you rather buy one good screwdriver than five cheap ones? Yep, us too.

DIY Supply Spotlight: 12 Tools Every New Homeowner Should Have

Sheets — It may not be as much as you'd like, but you still spend a good chunk of your life in bed. Your sheets should feel good, not pill, and hold up through many, many washes. The way to get that is to spend a little more up front.

Thread Count Doesn't Always Matter: Things To Look For When Buying Sheets

Paint — No need to break the bank, but a mid-priced gallon of paint will not only cover better (fewer coats so you can use less!), it will look better and last long-term.

Splurge or Save: What You Need to Know About Buying Paint

Knives — If you're a great cook then you deserve great knives. If you're NOT a great cook, you need them even more. A sharp, professional knife that fits your hand is easier and much safer to use and might even encourage your to eat in more often. No need for a set here, one or two multi-purpose models will do you just fine. Tell us, what's on your must-splurge list?

(Image credits: Rebecca Bond)

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Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day everyone!

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Not Your Mom's Underbed Storage: 10 Creative Ways to Make More Space in Your Bedroom

Cluttered rooms can make you feel stressed, and the bedroom is no exception. If your messes are caused by too much stuff and not enough storage, check out "Not Your Mom's Underbed Storage: 10 Creative Ways to Make More Space in Your Bedroom"!

When I think of underbed storage, I generally think of plastic containers, or, at best, artfully organized baskets. But when you're in need of serious storage solutions in your bedroom, you have to think outside of the box. That's exactly what these people did. They maximized the black hole that was the space beneath their beds, said goodbye to the dust bunnies and hello to oodles of storage space for their shoes, clothes, toys - you name it.

In the image above, the homeowners were short on cash, so they used simple and inexpensive wooden shipping palettes to create instant shoe storage under their bed. Spotted on Popsugar.

Greg & Grey of Antler & Co. found a flat file on Craigslist and quickly snatched it up to store their burgeoning art collection. See more of their amazing space right here on Apartment Therapy.

Simple IKEA MALM dressers provide plenty of clothing storage beneath the bed in this children's space on Hitta Hem.

This wooden bed on casters was a DIY project that was created in about half a day. The wire baskets within provide storage for everything from scarves to art supplies, and even the owner's internet router. On Always Rooney.

Using parts from IKEA's STOMEN system, these homeowners created a sleek, modern bed with plenty of storage beneath. Via Stil Inspiration.

Who knew a dated old bathroom vanity could look so good (and provide so much bedroom storage!) Check out this amazing hack on Off Tract.

Another awesome IKEA hack - this time with the NORDLI series. Found inCountry Living magazine UK.

A thrifted and painted dresser works just as well too - just add a pillow, blanket, and a ladder or step stool. Found on Ladybird & Fellow.

This DIY bed is complete with cubbies, a chalkboard, and even a secret hiding place. See more on My Design Ethos.

This creative storage bed was created using IKEA cabinets. See more on Oh Yes.

(Image credits: Chellise Michael; Leela Cyd Ross; Richard Hammarskiöld; Always Rooney; Stil Inspiration; Sharon Pfeiffer; Simon Bevan for Country Living magazine UK; Lindsay and Jeremiah of Ladybird & Fellow; Anna of My Design Ethos; Oh Yes Blog)

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Light It Up

The amount of light in your home can have a dramatic effect on how you feel while you're there. Though your unit may have windows that let in natural light, as the days get shorter you may find your sunlight lacking.

Though it may seem impossible, brightening up your home on these shorter days doesn't need to be a chore. Just follow a few of these tips courtesy of Apartment Guide to get feeling good about your space.

Whether you add a few additional lamps or get creative with hanging lights, plenty of ways exist to keep your rental bright throughout the winter. We’ve gathered a few of the best tips for brightening your rental space through the use of lighting.



(Image courtesy of joan!ta)

Keep Shades Light

Since you probably want to avoid drilling into the ceiling of your rental, much of your lighting is bound to be in the form of floor lamps or end table lamps. The good news is that lamp shades offer an opportunity to really show off your style, so you can handle the whole daylight savings time issue with grandeur.

Floor Lamps

To keep your apartment as bright as possible, stick to light-colored lamps shades. Think white, cream, light gray, or similar hues when selecting a lamp shade. Darker lamp shades will filter out a considerable amount of light and may leave you sitting in the dark.

String Additional Lighting

If you still need more light once you have lamps set up, consider buying string lights, also known as fairy lights. While you may associate this type of lighting with the twinkle lights around a Christmas tree, there are other options available.

Designers now offer string lights with large bulbs, black or silver string, and a sleek modern look. Buy a decorative wooden ladder and string lights around it; set up your pyramid shelves in the corner and adorn the piece with string lights; or simply string them around a window.

Accessorize with Wireless Lights

Some rentals have a limited number of electrical outlets, and rewiring your home is not an option as a renter. Turn to wireless lighting that operates on battery power and is extremely mobile. Wireless LED candles, for instance, offer ambiance and go on with the flip of a switch.

Best of all, faux candles don’t pose the same fire hazard as an actual candle. Tap lights are also wireless and a good way to illuminate shelves or other small spaces. These lights are typically small and round, activated when you apply a small amount of pressure to the top of the light.

Use Mirrors to Maximize Lighting

Add a few mirrors to your rental space if you don’t have a lot of room or money for new lighting. Mirrors propped up against your walls won’t damage the drywall, and can reflect light from your lamps and other home lighting.

Mirrors create the illusion of more lighting sources, and doubles the amount of light that bounces around your apartment. Place larger mirrors next to a floor lamp and small wall mirrors adjacent to end tables with a lighting fixture.

Space Out Your Lighting

Now that your space is outfitted with several floor lamps, a few strands of string lights, and a handful of large mirrors–take a moment to consider the placement of each piece. Don’t put all the lighting in your living room, for instance, while neglecting to consider your dining nook.

Instead, space out your lighting fixtures. Put at least one light source near each corner of larger rooms. Place your mirrors within a few feet of a lighting fixture; this allows them to better reflect the light out into the rest of your space.

Lighting your new apartment should be at the top of your daylight savings to-do list. If you neglect to properly light your apartment, you will soon realize that it’s not possible to enjoy all of your lovely decor in the dark.

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