Home Decor

For some this is the fun part, for others deciding what color to paint, or where to put the couch is as stressful as going to the dentist. Either way HowStuffWorks has got you covered with tips, tricks and cold compresses.

Learn More

The Brits standardized what it means for an item to be sterling silver way back in the 14th century. But how can you tell if something is sterling or not?

By Carrie Whitney, Ph.D.

The Chinese have been making porcelain as far back as perhaps the first century. Why did it take hundreds of years for the process to be duplicated anywhere else?

By Carrie Whitney, Ph.D.

Trundle beds are great for kid sleepovers and temporary adult guests. They're also good space savers, but you need to keep a few things in mind before selecting one.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

Advertisement

Milk paint is made of, well, milk. It's also easy to mix, super fast drying, eco-friendly and requires no sanding and priming before use.

By Wendy Bowman

Farmhouse style is an eclectic mix of traditional charm and quirky character that lends a cozy, warm feel to any space where comfort is key.

By Alia Hoyt

Subway tiles were created specifically for use in the New York City subway system, but consumers love them too, as they add a touch of retro urban sophistication to almost any home.

By Alia Hoyt

The glue, the scraping, the mess, the hours of torture and pain. If the idea of using wallpaper anywhere in your home conjures up images of sheer agony, then temporary, removable paper was made for you.

By Carrie Whitney, Ph.D.

Advertisement

Wainscoting might conjure up images of stodgy oak paneling. But forget that. This design element has stood the test of time because it can seamlessly blend into just about every style and decor.

By Carrie Whitney, Ph.D.

The overlapping rabbet joint that defines true shiplap is the same kind of joint that made seagoing ships watertight.

By Carrie Whitney, Ph.D.

Ubiquitous in the 1970s, the papasan chair has a colorful history.

By Michelle Konstantinovsky

You might have grown up sleeping in a twin bed but chances are your kid is in a full. Or, maybe you and your spouse have upgraded to a king-size bed. So why are beds getting bigger?

By Alia Hoyt

Advertisement

Once a staple of homes in the 1970s and '80s, waterbeds have gone the way of the dinosaur. What happened to these groovy once-must-have beds?

By John Donovan

You should consider the thread count when buying sheets, but it's not the only thing that matters, say experts.

By Dave Roos

Give your room a quick and easy makeover with one of these fun paint ideas.

By Blythe Copeland

Add color, texture, and style to your room by finding the perfect window treatments.

By Blythe Copeland

Advertisement

Let the natural scents of the holiday season do double-duty as décor.

By Blythe Copeland

Keep your clothes, shoes, and accessories organized and within reach by designing a custom closet.

Give your master bath a mini makeover – without a big investment.

By Blythe Copeland

There may be hidden, unused space in your home that could solve your need for another bathroom.

By Sarah Fernandez

Advertisement

Let your kids have a say in your home’s décor without losing control of the overall design.

By Sarah Fernandez

Doing your own tiling isn’t very difficult, and will save you a bundle of cash.

By Sarah Fernandez

Enjoy the freshest of all scents, citrus, with these easy ways to add fragrance to your home.

By Tanya Edwards

Opening up your floor plan can completely transform your home -- and the way you live in it.

By Sarah Fernandez

Advertisement

There may not be much that you and your teen can agree on, but these trends in design will make you both happy.

By Sarah Fernandez

Could scented wax cubes be the right choice for your home?

By Tanya Edwards