Meal Prep Delivery

Friday, October 4, 2024

We Found The 10 Best Reading Chairs After Weeks of Testing

Article Riley Lounge ChairFAMILY HANDYMAN

Best Overall

Article Riley Lounge Chair

Pros:

  • Very comfortable
  • Stain and abrasion resistant (depending on which fabric you choose)
  • Loose, reversible back and seat cushions
  • Sturdy corner-blocked frame
  • Free of forever-chemicals
  • No assembly required, white-glove delivery

Cons:

  • Might be too large for smaller spaces

The 42-inch Riley Lounge Chair is Shopping Editor Mary Henns favorite chair of all time. I love this chair, Mary says. Its the perfect size, so comfortable and looks incredible.

The Riley Lounge Chair’s corner-blocked frame is sturdy, firm and timeless. It measures 42 inches wide and 35 inches tall. I wouldnt say its oversized, Mary says, but theres plenty of room to scrunch your legs up and curl up with a good book.

Article Riley Lounge Chair

Its poly-fill cushions are incredibly soft, Mary adds. F”alling back into the chair feels incredibly cozy and relaxing. Plus, its upholstered in a durable fabric that resists staining, so you can enjoy your cup of joe without worrying that youll stain your beautiful new white chair.

I opted for the Nappa White color because its listed as one of the durable fabrics, and its gorgeous in person. Its a beautiful cream color thats a shade or two darker than the Ivory Wool Boucle. Depending on your vibe, you can choose between fabric and velvet upholstery.

While this pick doesnt recline or swivel, an optional matching ottoman is available. I currently have the chair in my living room, but I plan on moving it into the bedroom because its so comfortable. It would make the perfect late-night, after-bath reading chair to unwind in.

The post We Found The 10 Best Reading Chairs After Weeks of Testing appeared first on Family Handyman.



Article source here: We Found The 10 Best Reading Chairs After Weeks of Testing

Thursday, October 3, 2024

DreamCloud Mattress Review: We Tried It for a Year, and Here’s What Happened

Being a hot sleeper is just one of several annoying symptoms that our product tester Jill Schildhouse endures due to hypothyroidism. For many, an underactive (or overactive) thyroid gland can result in difficulty regulating body temperature. If you cant seem to keep your cool during the night, no matter how low youve cranked the thermostat, a DreamCloud mattress might be just what you need.

Last year, Schildhouse ditched her eight-year-old mattress to upgrade to the DreamCloud Premier Rest. After an entire year of testing, she tells us that the mattress has made a noticeable difference in her ability to get a good nights restespecially as a hot sleeper.

Below, well break down all the need-to-know deets about the DreamCloud mattress and report on Jills findings after testing it. If youre someone who wakes up in the middle of the night doused in sweat, trying to rip the blankets and sheets of your bed to gain some relief, a cooling mattress may just be the bedding upgrade youve been waiting for.

What is a DreamCloud Mattress?

TheDreamCloudis an affordable hybrid mattress in a box, which means its composed of memory foam and supportive coils. Plus, its delivered in a box, so its easy to move and get inside.

There are three DreamCloud mattress options to choose from: The base-model DreamCloud Mattress, which is the most popular option with a 12-inch profile; the upgraded, eight-layer DreamCloud Premier with a 13-inch profile and a little more support; and the premium-level, eight-layer DreamCloud Premier Rest with a 14-inch profile.

The multiple layers of hybrid comfort include a breathable cashmere blend cover, contouring quilted gel memory foam, supportive quilted foam, therapeutic gel-infused memory foam, dynamic transition layer, individually wrapped coils with edge support, a stability base layer and a shift-resistant cover with handles.

Compare other popular boxed mattresses weve reviewed: theCocoon Chill mattress, Helix mattressandZinus mattress.

We Tried It

DreamCloud Premier Rest

An award-winning hybrid mattress

Pros:

  • Gel memory foam and coil system reduces heat retention
  • Premium seven-layer design
  • Luxurious cashmere-blend cover
  • Ideal for side sleepers and those with chronic back pain
  • Free shipping (additional $150 charge for Alaska and Hawaii) and free returns
  • 365-night home trial and lifetime warranty

Cons:

  • For larger mattress sizes, at least two strong people are needed for set-up
  • 24-hour inflation time (and up to 72 hours to fully expand)
  • Not flippable, but you can rotate it

DreamCloud Mattress Product Features

As described, theDreamCloud Mattressboasts eight luxurious layers that provide soft, contouring support via memory foam and pressure-relief comfort thanks to its individually wrapped innerspring coils.

Most importantly for our product tester, the mattresss gel memory foam and coil system work together to reduce heat retention, disperse body heat and promote better airflow, reducing the risk of overheating. Additionally, the cashmere blend cover is moisture-wicking and breathable, dispelling heat for a cooler sleep.

Along with providing relief from the heat, users say DreamCloud mattresses are also great for back pain. The transitional layer provides lumbar support and promotes spinal alignment, while the edge support around the coils makes it easier to get in and out of bed if youre someone who typically experiences stiffness upon waking up.

How We Tested It

A small black and white dog lies on a white mattress with a yellow label reading "DREAMCLOUD" in large letters. The plush, quilted surface of the mattress is visible, along with an elegant lamp in the background.

For an entire year, Schildhouse rated the quality of sleep she got on the DreamCloud Premier Rest. She carefully considered four categories: comfort, support and pain relief, heat retention and motion transfer.

Schildhouse typically sleeps on her side (and sometimes her stomach), while her partner is mostly a back sleeper, so they had just about every sleeping position covered between the two of them. Theyre also in their mid-40s and starting to experience some aches and pains in the mornings.

Additionally, as mentioned, Schildhouse frequently overheats during the night. She also tosses and turns a lot. So, she wanted to know if the DreamCloud Mattress could do it all. Would it be comfortable for her and her partner? Would it alleviate aches and pains? Could it keep her cool and reduce motion transfer?

The king-sized mattress arrived in a small box at her door. Once I opened it up, the DreamCloud mattress magically unfolded into an impressively thick and shockingly heavy plush mattress, she says. I was a bit worried about off-gassing, an unpleasant experience I remember from purchasing our previous mattress. Thankfully, that was not the case with the DreamCloud Premier Rest, as the slight chemical odor dissipated within 24 hours.

After the mattress was opened and set up (Schildhouse called on two other people to help her place the heavy mattress on her bed), it was time to begin the 365-day test period.

The firmness of the mattress is a 6-1/2 on a scale from 1 to 10, she says. For the first few days, we were acutely aware of how much firmer the DreamCloud felt than our previous mattress. But by week two, we were fully on board with how supportive it was. A year later, it still feels dreamy and cloud-like, contouring to the shape of our bodies.

Each night, when I got into bed, I noticed how much cooler the sheets felt against my skin and absolutely loved the sensation, Schildhouse adds. Even though I still felt warm some nights, I no longer woke up overheated and drenched in sweat.

While unsure if the motion-transfer support layer actually working or she was just moving less because she wasnt hot and uncomfortable, Schildhouse says she had fewer restless nights on the DreamCloud Mattress. Furthermore, she didnt wake or disturb her partner with middle-of-the-night tossing and turning. The mattress proved to meet its claims in terms of performance and comfort.

FAQ

Is DreamCloud Mattress firm or soft?

Its medium firm. Our tester, Jill Schildhouse, found the mattress to be pretty firm but also to provide the support she needed.

How long do DreamCloud Mattresses last?

Due to its hybrid construction, a DreamCloud Mattress should last you around eight years, depending on how well its taken care of. Hybrid mattresses also tend to be more responsive and better at temperature regulation.

Are Nectar and DreamCloud the same company?

If you like Nectar mattresses, youll be pleased to know that Nectar and DreamCloud are actually sister brands.

Is DreamCloud a good mattress?

Yes. DreamCloud manufactures high-quality mattresses that are built to last. DreamCloud has won numerous awards, including Best Mattress from Architectural Digest (2024), Best Value Adjustable Bed from the Sleep Foundation (2024) and Best Firm Mattress for Side Sleepers from Readers Digest (2024).

What Others Had to Say

The DreamCloud Mattress has nearly 9,000 customer reviews and a 4.6-star rating.

Diana H. says, This is the best bed and mattress Ive ever bought. After back surgery, hip surgery and now knee surgery, I love the adjustable bed.

Amie T. is a repeat buyer. They say, This is my second purchase, both plumped up quickly and are very comfortable. I love the convenience of a mail-delivery mattress.

And Jennifer M. says, We have had our DreamCloud bed for a little over a month. No more snoring from the significant other with the adjustable bed frame. You have no idea what this has done to improve my sleep quality. The bed has just the right amount of firmness. Honestly cannot complain and tell everyone who mentions they need a new bed to consider DreamCloud.

Product Comparison

Compared to other boxed mattresses from different brands, DreamCloud offers an impressive trial period of 365 nights (one whole year, compared to the typical 100- to 180-night sleep trials competitors offer) and an impressive lifetime warranty against normal use (DreamCloud will replace or repair your mattress at no charge).

Furthermore, you can snag a sleep bundle with two pillows, a sheet set and a mattress protector for just $79 when you buy a DreamCloud mattress.

Final Verdict

After a year of thorough testing, Schildhouses DreamCloud mattress showed no signs of wear or tear and became more comfortable with use. The cooling technology still works just as well, leaving me more comfortable, temperature-wise, she says.

I travel regularly, and Im always excited to get back to my own mattress to reset my body after enduring less comfortable hotel mattresses that make me hot, Jill adds.

Where to Buy a DreamCloud Mattress

We Tried It

DreamCloud Premier Rest

A cooling hybrid mattress conveniently delivered in a box

You can purchase a DreamCloud Mattress onAmazonor directly on the brandswebsite. The base-model DreamCloud Mattress starts at $419, the DreamCloud Premier starts at $649 and the DreamCloud Premier Rest starts at $949.

The post DreamCloud Mattress Review: We Tried It for a Year, and Here’s What Happened appeared first on Family Handyman.



Article source here: DreamCloud Mattress Review: We Tried It for a Year, and Here’s What Happened

How to Install Modern House Numbers for Curb Appeal Flair

Every house has numbers so people and the post can find you. Have you noticed how many people DON’T give their house numbers a DIY creative consideration? Most are satisfied with the numbers the house had from the minute they walked in. For this project, I pondered how a set of numbers on the front of your home can set the stage for what lies beyond the door. From a technical perspective, I designed this project so all of you can say, I can do that! Still, from a design perspective, I want the modern house numbers to boost the curb appeal and speak to the people walking up the door for the first time with a “wow,” all while giving it a cool, modern vibe.

Where To Put House Numbers

Your house number should be displayed at eye level or higher in a location where they are easily visible from the road and free of obstructions, such as tree branches. It is recommended that you use contrasting colors or place them near a well-lit area so they are easily visible in low light conditions. Use bigger numbers the further away your home is from the road.

Project Overview

Modern House Numbers For Curb Appeal Flair

Cutting List

KEY QTY. PART DIMENSIONS
A 1 Main panel 3/4″ x 6″ x 40″
B 3 Flower box sides 3/4″ x 5-1/2″ x 6″
C 1 Flower box bottom 3/4″ x 4-1/2″ x 6″
D 2 Panel side trim 3/4″ x 1-1/2″ x 40″
E 2 Panel top/bottom trim 3/4″ x 1-1/2″ x 7-1/2″
F 4 Flower box side trim 3/4″ x 1-1/2″ x 6″
G 2 Flower box face trim 3/4″ x 1-1/2″ x 7-1/2″

Overall dimensions: 41-1/2″H x 7-1/2″W x 8-1/4″D

Stain the trim

Stain the trim pieces for the panel and flower box (D, E, F, and G) in a contrasting darker color.

Set the stained pieces aside and allow them to dry while you proceed to the next step. Touch up any exposed ends after the number panel is put together and framed.

To avoid staining the natural-colored wood pieces (A, B, and C) with your fingerprints while you put the piece together, you MUST ensure the dark wood stain is dry before you start to handle it. Also, using oil-based stain will give your wood even more longevity when exposed to the elements.

How To Install Modern House Numbers For Curb Appeal Flair Tfh Housenumb 071124 Ef Step 001b

The post How to Install Modern House Numbers for Curb Appeal Flair appeared first on Family Handyman.



Article source here: How to Install Modern House Numbers for Curb Appeal Flair

We Found The 10 Best Reading Chairs After Weeks of Testing

FAMILY HANDYMAN Shop at Havenly Best Overall Article Riley Lounge Chair Shop at Havenly Pros: Very comfortable Stain an...