The best sunrise alarm clocks in the UK, tried and tested for gentler mornings
Our reviewer sheds some light on the best dawn simulation alarms, from Lumie and Philips to Dreamegg• The best eye masks to help you sleep betterTo wake each day in darkness is a plight you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy, yet that’s what many of us do…
The dreadful decline of hosting at home: ‘I feel shame any time a friend comes over’
It used to be quite normal to pop next door for a coffee or invite friends over for dinner. But not any more. What’s behind this change – and just how damaging is it?‘I really loved hosting at home years ago, before I had kids, when my house wasn’t…
Put down the pumpkin! How to create a cosy home this autumn – without the cliches
From tactile textures to softer lighting, these expert-approved updates bring all the warmth of autumn while steering clear of Sleepy Hollow vibes• Professional organisers’ tips for a tidy homeAfter a long, hot summer, the autumn chill is creeping in…
A shedload of trouble for the neighbours | Letters
Jane Whitehead believes neighbours should be heard, not seen, while Paul Burton says the capacity of neighbours to take offence is limitless. Plus a letter from Joyce CorstonThank you to Emily Retter for exposing the curse of the prefab garden shed…
‘I don’t know how I cooked without it!’: 15 everyday items that make your life a teeny bit better
Breathable bedding, slanted tweezers and an indispensable garlic press … here are the buys you wish you’d discovered sooner. Plus, the best walking poles, tested• Don’t get the Filter delivered to your inbox? Sign up hereSometimes a product changes your…
The perfect everyday coffee machine: De’Longhi Magnifica Start review
This automatic bean-to-cup machine will be ideal for many: a single button press serves up espresso, black coffee and cappuccinos – and it’s affordable, too• The best coffee machines for every homeYou don’t need to spend big money to get a good coffee…
Time to ditch the iron? I spent six months testing the best clothes steamers – here are my favourites
Steam through the laundry pile with our expert’s top picks for smoothing creases on cotton, linen, silk and more• How to look after your knitwearI grew up in a household where everything was ironed. And I mean everything: tea towels, pyjamas, bath mats.…
Jess Cartner-Morley’s October style essentials: glam jeans, an irresistible coat and my shoes of the year
Ready to fall back in love with getting dressed? Our fashion expert’s favourites bring layers, colour and just the right amount of drama• The best women’s autumn wardrobe updatesOctober is when getting dressed starts to get interesting again. It is not…
Udder madness: why are highland cows suddenly everywhere?
This shaggy beast is now plastered across everything from mugs to hot water bottles. Or you can sit on her, wrap yourself in her, wipe your feet on her …Picture this: you get home from work, wipe your feet on your doormat, which has a picture of a…
‘Just look at this monstrosity!’ Inside Britain’s bilious back yard shed wars
The number of luxury sheds and garden rooms has rocketed since the pandemic – fuelled by those wanting an office, a gym or extra living space. Meanwhile, the resentment between neighbours has been rising, tooLinda loves her shed. She loves that she can…