Don’t be scared by that statistic. Burglars are not often smart and don’t concoct convoluted plans to break into our homes. In reality, they are very opportunistic. Being lax with home security is the main reason burglars can enter people’s homes. 

The stats on home invasion vs burglary show that burglaries are much more likely. With a few simple safety measures, you can minimize your risk from common home burglaries.

1. Make Sure All the Doors and Windows Are Locked

This may sound obvious, but it is really true. Home burglary statistics suggest 34% of burglars enter people’s homes through the front door and 22% through the back door.

Many burglars will try all the doors and windows first to see if the homeowner has left anything unlocked. 

When you leave your house, go round double checking you lock all doors and windows first. Don’t forget small windows, as well as garage doors and garden gates. 

Most burglaries happen during the day between 10 am and 3 pm when people are out at work or school. So even if you are in a rush when leaving the house in the morning, try to remember to make a last-minute check that everything is secured. 

Do you have a cat or dog, and they have their own entrance to the house? Make sure it is one that only opens automatically via a chip on their collar. Some burglars will even try to squeeze through pet entrances! 

2. Be Smart When You Go Away

Going away on vacation is meant to be fun and exciting, but unfortunately, many burglaries occur when houses are left empty for a prolonged period of time. 

Don’t fear; there are a few steps you can take to make it less obvious you are away. These include asking someone to take collect your mail — nothing says “I’m on vacation” more than an overflowing mailbox! 

Another tip is to ask a neighbor to make sure your bins are collected and returned and perhaps take a little bit of care of your garden. Overgrown, unwatered gardens can also signal to burglars nobody is home to take care of them. 

If you are on vacation, try to be subtle with your social media. Don’t announce the exact dates you will be gone, especially if your profiles are public. Social media posts can be like an open window — providing direct entry into your home. Try not to post too much about your daily routine and the times you are outside the house. 

Finally, get a light with a timer that switches on for a couple of hours at night and then off again. This can make burglars think there is someone home. They are much less likely to break in if they think somebody is around. 

3. Secure Your Property From Home Burglaries

Want to know one of the best ways how to protect your home from burglaries? Investing in the right home security. If your windows and doors are old and flimsy, it may make your home an easier target for burglars. 

Many replacement windows and door companies offer advanced security features that make it much more difficult for opportunistic burglars to break them. 

If you aren’t sure where to start when it comes to secure windows and doors, take a look at the best home windows of 2021. 

If there’s one thing thieves are scared of, apart from angry dogs and the police, it is security cameras. Thieves are much less likely to break into a home with security cameras and alarm systems. 

So get a camera and make it obvious at the entrance of your home. Thieves are much less likely even to try breaking in if they think there is a higher chance of getting caught.

Also, be aware of trees and plants on your property that could be used as access points. Is there a tree near a first-floor window that could make it easy for a burglar to access? Perhaps cut it in a way that makes this more difficult! 

Be aware of broken fences or ladders left on your property. If a burglar sees these, they may see it as an open invitation to enter your home. Are there good hiding places on your property that could make it easy for someone to very inconspicuous when they break in?

You want to make sure that it would be very obvious to passers-by or neighbors if someone tries to break in. 

4. Don’t Leave Expensive Items On Display

This is another tip that may seem obvious. However, as we have discovered, thieves are opportunistic. If they peek into your living room window and see expensive electronic goods lying on the side, it may encourage them to break in.

When you go out, try to put expensive, high-value items out of sight from the windows and doors of your home. The fewer opportunities you give to a potential burglar, the less chance of a home burglary. 

5. Know Your Neighbors 

If you know your neighbors, it not only creates a feeling of community but can make your area safer too. If neighbors can watch out for one another, it can make the burglars’ job more difficult. 

Your neighbors can notify you if they see anything suspicious and help keep your home safe when you are at work or on vacation. 

Be Burglar Smart

Now you know the main ways burglars obtain access to homes, you can ensure your home is adequately secured against home burglaries. 

The key points to take away are; you should have secure windows and doors, a security system, and not make it too obvious when you are not at home. 

Many of the points mentioned here are easy to implement. It doesn’t take too much to make your home safe from break-ins. 

For more home improvement advice, check out some of the other articles on the blog.

The post Common Home Burglaries and How To Prevent Them appeared first on Home Inside.

• Printing product sign

You can have product images and brand logos printed on vinyl decals materials for the semi-permanent window signs, weatherproof. Vibrant vinyl colors are great for creating your product or service information without the need for any additional cost. You need to find specialty professional printing services with appropriate design tools and printing machinery for your sign.

• Making window banners

Vinyl decals can be cut to any custom sizes to line your window bottom, which can be used as custom window banners too. These are ideal for showing off the top services or popular products printed on to them. While installed at your storefront or nearby windows, this will let the customers know about the details of what they are looking for even before they get into the stores.

• Store hours and domain names

When you think of vinyl decals for business, remember that your business hours are a critical part of advertising, which you always want your customers to know. Customers rely on your timing to plan their shopping and when to visit you for comfortable shopping. Store hours can be cut on vinyl decals, which is ideal for emphasizing the store hours. Vinyl decal films can also add a back to your working hours and tell the customers where to look. You can also add the domain names on vinyl decals so that the users can go to your website and avail the online services there.

• Window decorations

One unique benefit of vinyl materials is that they can be easily cut into any imaginable shape. You can leverage this property of vinyl to create custom ads and product images in various shapes. It is easy to make vinyl decals as window stickers to give your retail store a unique personality. Vinyl signs can be cut in the form of company logos, brand images, sports mascots, and other possible signs, making it a great way for the business to show their unique logos and products in a catchy way.

• Making intricate designs

Some of the designs are much small or intricate for normal printers to cut. Using clear vinyl for this purpose is very much possible. Any type of solid design can be printed onto the clear vinyl material, and so intricate designs can be made on the same. Using clear vinyl for printing these is a much cheaper and easy way to add elaborate signage.

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The post Top 5 Personal and Business Uses for Vinyl Decals appeared first on Home Inside.

If you’ve scrubbed and scrubbed without success, you’re probably doing it wrong. There are specific ways to clean bathroom floor tiles if you want them to sparkle. Luckily, the best methods are easy and affordable. 

Not sure where to begin? Keep reading to learn how to clean bathroom floor tiles. Before you know it, your bathroom will feel like a palace. 

Sweep First

It’s important to remove dust and debris before you scrub your tile. Use a dust buster or a broom to sweep the entire floor.

Pay attention to edges and corners where dust bunnies love to hide. A damp cloth can be used to dust along the space where the wall meets the floor. 

Now you know the first step of how to clean a bathroom floor. 

Wipe the Surface

Fill your sink or a cleaning bucket with warm, soapy water. Using a mop or a cloth, wipe the surface of your tile floor thoroughly. 

This will eliminate surface grime and help you evaluate the true condition of your grout. If you need a mop, search online for the best mop to clean tile floors. 

Apply Grout Cleaner

Here’s a housekeeper’s tip for how to speed clean a bathroom. Mix two parts baking soda with one part water to make grout cleaner. It’s a chemical-free, effective way to make your grout lines shine.

Use vinegar instead of water if there is severe discoloration. But be mindful that the acid can damage marble, granite, and other natural stone tiles. Confirm the safety of your cleaning solution before you begin. 

If you have vinyl flooring, check out this article about removing vinyl floor stains.

Scrub Your Grout

You can deep clean tile floor grout using a scrub brush or an old toothbrush. Apply your cleaning solution, then let it sit for approximately five minutes. 

Next, use good old fashioned elbow grease to scrub those stains away. You’ll be amazed by how fast they disappear. 

Rinse and Dry

When you finish cleaning the grout lines, wipe or mop the floor with soapy water again. Use a dry towel to soak up any excess liquid. 

Apply a grout sealer, if you wish. It will protect your grout lines from moisture and dirt, keeping them cleaner for longer. Be sure your floors are dry before you apply a sealing product.

Now You Know How to Clean Bathroom Floor Tiles

Now that you know how to clean bathroom floor tiles, what are you waiting for? Scrub your bathroom floor today to enjoy a like-new environment. Don’t be surprised if your guests ask if you just completed a bathroom renovation!

If you found this article about cleaning bathroom tiles helpful, please check out some of the other great content on our site. 

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The post How to Clean Bathroom Floor Tiles: Your Complete Guide appeared first on Home Inside.

Remodeling the bathroom yourself is a challenging but rewarding task. Here are a few things to consider before starting on your project.

Plan For Success

This is the time for you to decide which parts of your bathroom you want to change. Perhaps you’re tired of your outdated bathroom with its yellowing sink and you’re finally ready to make your own luxurious AirBnB-inspired lavatory.

You need a good plan for remodeling your bathroom in the most efficient and cost-saving way possible.

A good plan requires three things: budget, time, and evaluation. For each step, ask yourself these questions:

• Evaluation: Are you sure you want to demolish your entire bathroom or do you want to spruce it up a bit to give it an almost new look? Maybe your tiles have cracks or your faucet is starting to drip; in this case, changing your leaky faucet should be your priority. Taking inventory of your entire bathroom is important to assess what you need to replace.
• Budget: how much are you willing to pay? Bathroom remodeling can be expensive if you’re not careful. This is where your evaluation comes in handy.
• Time: How many days in a week can you focus on doing this project? If you only have one bathroom in the house, time would definitely be of the essence. Factoring in this time may help you decide on what you can do realistically.

Repair Your Tiles

Changing your tiles is a tiresome task, depending on how big your bathroom is and the condition of the flooring underneath. Replacement tiles may drive up the cost in your project and lengthen the time you need to work on your bathroom.

One smart and efficient way to repair your tiles instead of buying new tiles is purchasing a bathroom tile repair kit. This fixes your chipped and scratched tiles, making them look brand-new without spending massive amounts of money.

DIY Paint

According to ConsumerReports, the best type of paint for bathroom use would be paint with a satin or semi-gloss finish. Other paint options may deteriorate faster over time, given the humid and wet conditions in a bathroom. Planning will definitely save you from the headache of redoing your entire bathroom in the future.

Reuse and Recycle Furniture

You don’t have to throw everything away – there’s treasure hidden in plain sight. Explore your house and discover unused shelves and cabinets. Revamping your shelving and storage units can improve the visual space in your bathroom. Say goodbye to your splintered shelves, hello to a chic and authentic-looking towel holder.

Replace Your Fixtures

Replacing your faucets and showerheads is an easy solution to replacing your old bathroom vanity. Remember to match your chosen replacement faucet to the number holes on your sink; this way you won’t have to drill new holes in your sink to install it. Choose your faucets at the same time as your other bathroom accessories such as your towel rack, showerhead, and lighting fixtures. Having the same finish for all would make your bathroom look cleaner and consistent.

Update & Re-do

Your bathtub and toilet are often the most expensive and the most difficult to change when remodelling your bathroom. Opt to reline your tub or fill in the cracks and scratches with a bathtub repair kit. Either of these options can be done professionally if you’re inclined to, you can choose to do them yourself.

A beautiful home can be achieved through minute improvements that you can do on your own. Sometimes all you need is to hide the cracks, fill in the holes, and perhaps replace a faucet or two. Check out our methods to repair cracks inside and outside your home.

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The post 6 DIY Tips To Remodel Your Bathroom appeared first on Home Inside.

Okay, fine, so maybe you didn’t hear about bidets around a bonfire. Maybe your group of guy friends is on a text chain and it came up that way. Or maybe you’re a woman, and your book club veered off course after a few bottles of vino and ending up talking bathroom hygiene. The point is, there’s usually one friend in a group that knows about bidets and the rest are in the dark. The Dark Ages, that is. 

Bidets such the Brondell Swash 1400 have been popular around the world for decades. In other countries, people consider bidets far more sanitary than wiping with toilet paper. But in the United States, our bathroom behavior is like our Electoral College: it’s an outdated system that needs an update. However, in the case of bidets, the reason Americans have been so slow to modify their behavior is because of misinformation and awkwardness about asking for clear answers. This article is here to help.

Awkward Question 1: Won’t a bidet spray my waste everywhere?

No. Absolutely not!

One of the most misunderstood issues regarding bidets is how they work. Today’s bidets are replacements for your current toilet seat. They are not large bowls that sit next to your toilet. Those bidets of yesteryear were unwieldy and a bit tricky to use. Today’s bidets are luxurious, easy to use, and easy to install – once you remove your current toilet seat, they screw right into your toilet bowl. On the most basic level, bidets are seats that have nozzles that appear and spray fresh water at your bottom to clean it. The water comes from the same clean water line that feeds your faucet. It does NOT come from the toilet. If you purchase a nicer bidet, the nozzles are likely stainless steel and they will appear, retract and self-sanitize between each cleaning. Also on the nicer models, users can select the specific angle of the nozzle – do you want a front wash, a posterior wash, or an oscillating wash that goes back and forth? Users can also select the water pressure: do you want a gentle spray or a firmer wash? No matter the angle and water pressure you choose, the waste washes cleanly off your bottom and into the toilet. Think of it as a miniature shower for your bottom. So, the notion that a bidet is some sort of power hose that sucks up water from your soiled toilet bowl and then sprays waste either into your vagina or all over your rear end is 100% false. Bidets are clean, easy to use, and more sanitary than wiping.

Awkward Question 2: Does using a bidet hurt?

Does using a shower hurt? Of course not! I mean, sure, you can set your water temperature to scalding hot and your water pressure to maximum, but most people in their right mind would not choose that. By and large, bidets are far more comfortable to use than toilet paper. Granted, you might have an initial adjustment period after a lifetime of using dry paper to wipe. But after a few washes, you will wonder what took you so long to make the switch. It truly is that much more comfortable than wiping with dry paper. Furthermore, for the millions of Americans who suffer from hemorrhoids, a 2011 study showed that warm water bidet washes can help reduce hemorrhoids just as much as a warm sitz bath.* It also showed that warm water washes may promote blood circulation in the tender skin around the anus. When you consider that, you realize that other beneficiaries of bidet washes include: new moms who just gave birth, and those who suffer from constipation or anal fissures. Bottom line (no pun intended), bidets are relaxing to use, not painful. 

Awkward Question #3: Are bidets really that much cleaner than wiping?

Yes. That’s why the rest of the world is bemused that Americans still buy and use so much toilet paper. If you’ve been pooped on by a bird, it’s likely you didn’t just wipe the poop off with the dry paper. You probably used water to clean up. Similarly, if you’ve ever stepped in dog doo-doo, you probably did more than wipe it off with a napkin. If you were changing a baby’s diaper and waste got on your arm… well, you get the point. When it comes to waste touching our bodies, we use water to clean it everywhere except in our own sensitive areas. This logic simply doesn’t make sense. We know it’s hard to believe when the U.S. gets something wrong, but in this case, we really are lagging behind the world. Washing is better than wiping! 

We hope this article helped clear up any mistaken ideas you had about bidets. Now, next time you find yourself in an intimate conversation about bathroom behavior, you’ll be the expert!

Author Bio:

Jensen Lee is the Founder and Managing Member of bidetsPLUS, an online retail store specializing in bidet toilet seats. Prior to bidetsPLUS, Jensen held management positions in technology-related fields, in both the U.S. and Europe. He has held the position of Product Manager of Global Network Services for British Telecom. Most recently, he held the position of Executive Director of Product Marketing at AT&T Interactive, AT&T’s internet advertising division.

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The post Answers to Your Most Awkward Bidet Questions appeared first on Home Inside.

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure is a problem facing many households. It does not only affect your toilet but your entire home. You have to check if the issue is isolated only to you or to your entire neighborhood.

What causes low pressure? There are many reasons. One is that there may be possible rust building up inside the pipes. If your house has been there for a long time, chances are your pipes are also experiencing wear and tear. Your old pipes can be candidates for rust already. Your old underground pipes an also be prone to roots and soil that may be coming in.

Another reason for low water pressure may be due to the main source, such as your municipal water system. It can be due to old corroded pipes.

You have to find out the reason for the low water pressure. Knowing can help you deal better and faster. To help you understand the problem, get the services of Palmyra’s number one plumbers, Property Plumbing.

Low Flow

Other than low water pressure, your toilet can also be experiencing low flow. A few decades back, low-flow toilets were released commercially.  These are the more environmentally-friendly toilets.   With low flow water, it can also help save on water bills. Ideally, this is a good value proposition for toilets. However, not all products can deliver well against the promise. Some cheaper models cannot pull out a stronger force that can clear pipes.   And this clogging on your toilet can be a repeated problem for you.

Clogged Vents

Another usual problem is clogged or blocked plumbing vents. Remember that a plumbing vent allows air to flow throughout the whole plumbing system.  It also carries out foul odors of smell. Thus, if your pipe gets clogged, this can then result in low water pressure. It means you can also have blocked toilets as you can’t get a strong enough flush.

However, addressing these problems may not be as easy. More often than not, pipe passes through walls or even roofs. Working on such clogged dents may need you to remove partitions, walls, and roofs.

Don’t attempt to do this on your own. It is better to get the services of Palmyra’s number one plumbers, Property Plumbing.

Clogged Toilet Trap

A toilet trap is the one that connects the bottom of the bowl to the drainage pipe. This is the curved or angular channel. This can also clog because some people flush out items that shouldn’t be flushed. These can be solid items or other hygiene products.

These can be due to accidental dropping of items and flushing them out. Or if you have kids, they may have flushed out their things for fun or experimental reasons.  Again, this is not easy to repair. Get a professional to help you deal with this situation or install a 10″ rough-in toilet which powerfully flushes together with an enlarged 2 1/8-inch trap way, that means there is almost a zero chance of clogging

Sewer Clog

Houses have sewers underneath. The problem of blocked or clogged sewers is big. It can even cause blockages around the home. It can also cause damage to toilets and sinks.

To spot a clogged sewer, the signs are random leaks and gurgling. You may also notice water coming back from toilets and sinks. It can worsen over time. Hence, you need to call a plumbing professional as soon as possible to prevent further damages.

What You Can do Help Prevent Toilet Problems

Some clogged pipes are due to tree root invasions. Many blockages are due to older corroded pipes.  In this case, the only solution is to replace these old cored pipes.

Yes, there are things beyond your control. For example, those wear and tear issues, there’s really not much you can do about it. Decades of use can eventually lead to broken or clogged pipes.

But there are ways and means you can also avoid other toilet problems. For example, you have to be conscious of what you flush. Make sure that you only flush waste. Toilet paper can also be flushed as this can break down in the pipes. But other homeowners also even avoid flushing harder toilet paper just to be sure.

Not all hygiene products are flushable.  Tissue, paper towels, and wet wipes cannot be easily flushed, especially if you put them in large quantities. Some products have ‘flushable’ markings. But it is better safe than sorry. As much as possible, avoid flushing these to avoid problems.

Other than these, you can also clean your toilet using vinegar. It can help keep the water flowing. Using vinegar can be a good maintenance activity for your toilet. You can do this on a regularly scheduled basis.

Lastly, don’t forget to keep a close watch on your toilet’s inner plumbings. You can check the parts every few months. If you hear any strange sounds or notice something different, time to check with a professional.

Calling for Professional Help

It is not easy to do a DIY on many toilet problems. For clogged toilets, drainages, and sewers, you need professional help. Trying to solve it on your own may cause further and bigger damages. These can be very costly on your end. Hence, it is best to tap Palmyra’s number one plumbers, Property Plumbing. This way, you can be assured that you can easily solve your toilet plumbing problems the less hassle way.

The post How to Deal with Toilet Blockage Problems? appeared first on Home Inside.

Any fault to the boiler can be quite costly and frustrating, particularly in the middle of winter. Also, various failures can turn out to be a danger to you and your family, especially if not spotted in time. Regular home improvement is sufficient enough to keep your boiler running efficiently. Nevertheless, like other home appliances, unforeseen problems can always arise.

With this, read on to find out more about the signs that it is time to consider installing new boilers to your home.

Radiators take Long to Heat Up

First, if the radiators take all the time in the world to heat up, it could be a sign that you need new boilers. Modern boilers such as the LS1 boilers can easily emit heat almost immediately and reach their maximum temperature fast.

Secondly, a radiator that takes a long time to heat could mean that your central heating system is blocked by sludge, which causes cold spots on it. Furthermore, dirty water circulating in the central heating system could damage your boiler in the long run.

The Boiler is more than a Decade Old

Regular home improvement and maintenance can prolong your boiler’s life beyond a decade, but after 15 years, the maintenance expenses don’t make sense. Besides these appliances requiring extra maintenance, you’ll note that they’re outdated by the end of 15 years. Thus, buying a new boiler like LS1 boilers will regularly save you a lot of cost within the first years of buying.

Frequent Breakdowns

If you realize that there’s something wrong with hot water or heating regularly, or you need to top up the pressure continuously, you need to remember that things may be moving from worse to worst. The expenses you use on repairing and purchasing replacement parts could be better used buying a new appliance.

Remember, when it comes to buying a new heating appliance, it would be wise to go through a boiler buying guide to ensure that you are acquiring a modern boiler that will last for years. Not only this but you need to keep an eye on the heating oil and immediately order it for home delivery when you notice that there is less oil available in your boiler. In case you have no idea regarding the home delivery of heating oil then you can Learn more about it and then order. Luckily, there is no need to worry because you can easily access the boiler buying guide on the internet.

Boiler Leaks

If you see leaks from the new boiler installation, it could be a sign that it is lifespan is coming to an end. Generally, a leak shows that there’s a broken valve or seal. Since flooding due to boiler leaks is quite costly to repair, it would be wise to replace it, especially if you can’t easily repair it. Furthermore, the fact that leaks could result in electrical short circuits means that leaks need to be addressed instantly.

Rise on Energy Bills

While you would consider switching off the appliances to curb the rising energy bills, the high chances are that the boiler is behind the rising expenses. In fact, an ineffective boiler could raise your electricity bills significantly. Besides, opting for an advanced smart control on the gadget offers you superior control of your appliance.

Unavailability of the Replacement Parts

If your technician finds it hard to outsource the boiler’s replacement parts, the additional time and efforts could potentially impact the boiler’s maintenance cost. Basically, the primary deciding factors when it comes to an appliances repair are cost and safety. So, if the aging appliance does not show safety signs issues, it could be a sign that you need a new purchase.  If you ever find that the purchase cost is cheaper than the repairing cost, and you still don’t have sufficient funds for a new boiler, you can reach out to boiler finance experts to sort out a payment scheme that would suit your budget in the long run.

Funny Noises from the Machine

Keep in mind that the boiler makes a smooth and manageable noise when starting. Basically, this noise is incredibly low, such that it’s quite hard to notice. However, whirring, clunking, and banging are some of the sounds that you don’t need to hear from your machine.

Normally, these strange noises could be an indication of various issues like a broken valve or heat pump problem. Else, it could mean that there is a general tear and wear to the appliance. As a precaution, you need to switch off the boiler immediately after hearing these noises, and then call your technician.

Now, if you have any questions about these heating appliances or want to learn more about the best, we are more than happy to help you. Just give us a shout!

The post Top 7 Signs Your Home Needs a New Boiler appeared first on Home Inside.

The bathroom is one area that goes from ultra-use to soothing retreat all within a day’s time, and the appropriate lighting helps make it easier to transition. Get answers to the most popular questions about bathroom lighting to help you pick the lights you need. Reliable Handyman Services in NYC can also help you improve your bathroom lighting.

Do I need to make my bath lighting wet-rated?

Many people believe that all bathroom fixtures must be labeled wet or humid, but that is not the case. A properly ventilated bathroom, with two exceptions, is called a dry space in the shower and in the toilet.

You’ll want to choose a wet-rated lighting fixture in a shower enclosure. This ensures that the light can tolerate any water that can spill, splash or spray-on or through the components of electricity.

Bath lighting only has to be damp-rated over the tub to accommodate the indirect condensation and humidity.

Yeah, with those two exceptions, that means there’s a lot of decorative fixtures you do not have, even though that would certainly fit in the bathroom and handykith.com can help you fix these problems.

The post Bathroom Lighting Buyer’s Guide appeared first on Home Inside.

Using vegetation in the modern home and bathroom design can be a challenge if you’re unaccustomed to the maintenance required to keep sprouts blooming. Some plants tend to be somewhat chaotic and unpredictable, so it’s crucial to determine which varieties work best in certain areas of the home. Though a bouquet is a beautiful touch in any room, it might be best to go with a more practical potted plant for a long-term option.

How Plants Can Change Your Decor

Plants have long been used for medicinal purposes and for a breath of fresh air — literally, as they contribute to healthy oxygen levels in the atmosphere. If you don’t have much of a green thumb, consider trees and flowers that require little upkeep. Once you’ve chosen locations for new plants, make sure not to move them around too much. They can be picky about the temperature and light of their environments. When you’re ready to embrace the plant-parent life, consider the following ways they can enhance an interior.

• Plants add texture and softness. If your decor consists mostly of sharp edges and minimalist design, plants are a great way to cushion a space. Palm trees or other plants with large leaves add pops of color and warmth to an otherwise-bare atmosphere.
• They’re a great decorative jumping-off point. When you’re unsure how to design a room, start with some foliage to serve as inspiration. With so many colors, scents and sizes available, try arranging the furniture based on what looks best near each plant. 
• You can get creative with pots. Plants can go just about anywhere in a room, from tabletops to windowsills to hanging from the ceiling. Once you decide where your leafy friend should go, choose a pot that ties the decor together. Use a big, colorful pot to dress up a minimal area, or go small with a simple terracotta.
• Each room holds new potential. Not every room gets the same amount of natural light and moisture. Learning the requirements of various plants can help determine which ones fit in each room. Low-light plants may flourish in the bathroom, while sun-dependent sprouts might do best in the kitchen.

The bathroom may be one of the most overlooked spaces for plant decor. However, adding greenery to the bathroom has its benefits. Moisture from the shower eliminates the daily need to water certain kinds of flora, and many plants thrive in darker rooms such as small, windowless bathrooms. If you’re ready to freshen up your bathroom decor, plants could be just the thing. Consult the accompanying infographic for more tips on which plants are the best fit for the bathroom. 

Author bio: Erica Garland is Content Marketing Manager at Modern Bathroom and has 15-plus years of experience in the bathroom renovation industry. Modern Bathroom sells a variety of products you would need for any bathroom renovation project. With such a large selection of vanities, faucets, sinks, toilets and showers, Modern Bathroom is sure to have the perfect piece to give your bathroom an updated look.

The post Plants That Thrive In The Bathroom appeared first on Home Inside.

With the expert knowledge of an interior designer and various tile experts, we explored the major differences between ceramic and glass tiles, including the pros and cons of each. We also highlighted the scenarios in which it could be advantageous to choose one over the other. When you reach the end of this article, you can make a safe and informed decision.

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile is fired at a lower temperature than glass tile, making them less dense, softer, and more absorbent. The clay used in its mixture is less refined, making it a more affordable but less durable option. Many homeowners choose to install ceramic tile as flooring, especially in hot climates, where the tile’s natural freshness becomes a welcome benefit during the summer months.

The Pros of Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile is a handy and affordable option for those looking for large quantities of tiles on the market. Not only is it much cheaper than glass tile, but it is also easier to install.  Due to its relatively soft surface, homeowners can cut ceramic tiles with a simple tile cutter like a piece of cake if you consider the much more complex process of cutting other tiles.

Additionally, ceramic tile has a sleek and attractive appearance, and the durable glass finish can be modified in a variety of colors and patterns. With a little discipline, it is easy to keep ceramic floors in perfect condition for years. Once a week, sweep or vacuum your ceramic tile to smooth the path and make cleaning easier.

The Cons of Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile can break with a heavy blow. Owners must quickly eliminate spills due to their relatively high absorption rate. It is best to avoid using ceramic tiles in areas often exposed to moisture, such as the shower and patio.

Also in part due to their tendency to absorb moisture, ceramic tiles require weekly, rather than monthly, deep cleaning. The coolness of the tile may look beautiful in the summer, but it can also be uncomfortably cold in the winter. Ceramic tiles are covered with enamel, and if the tiles crack or flake, the clay material will appear under the enamel. Homeowners should consider using ceramic tile in areas with low or moderate foot traffic.

Glass Tile

Glass tile can enrich any place with sophistication and style. Although it is expensive, if done right, choosing to go with glass tile will leave your space with a lot of visual appeals. Luxurious tiling is not limited to just any room, it can be used in bathrooms, kitchens, and swimming pools. Whether you pick to cover your entire space with glass tile or create impressive splash protection, you should find the pros and cons of glass tile before continuing with your project.

The Pros of Glass Tile

The glass tile is beautiful to look at. You can give your kitchen or bathroom a unique look because glass comes in all kinds of shapes, designs, and colors. This means that your design options are quite open, so whatever the vision, you can make it happen. Please note that glass naturally reflects light; If you are looking for a bigger and brighter space, then glass panel is the way to go.

One of the best features of glass tile is that it requires very little maintenance. When it’s time to clean, you just need a window cleaner and a cloth. That is why the shower area is perfect for glass tiles because soap buildup is very common and can be easily cleaned. Finally, the glass tiles are translucent. Whichever color you choose, it will appear on the tile, adding a unique layer of depth and dimension to your space.

The Cons of Glass Tile

Problems with glass tiles are limited, but they do exist. If you are a handyman, this can frustrate you. We highly recommend that you hire our professional tile installer to manage the project for you. Glass tiles can be, on average, slightly more expensive than their ceramic counterparts. With that in mind, the glass could give a better accent than an entire wall if you’re on a budget.

Although glass tiles are very easy to clean, the reflective nature makes it easy to spot blemishes. Fingerprints, dirt, grime, and anything else that enters your bathroom will be more visible with glass. If you don’t clean your tiles regularly, glass tile may not be the best option for you. Finally, the slippery surface of the glass is not the best one to use on the floor. If you want glass tile, consider a smaller size tile with a matte finish to add traction. You’ll also want to consider a non-slip sealant to make sure everything stays in place.

Ceramic Subway Tile Vs. Glass Subway Tile

Although we use both glass and ceramic, we recommend glass for most applications. Though it is slightly more expensive than ceramic, it has many notable advantages. Glass tile is available in a wide range of colors instead of the black or white generally offered in ceramic.

One of the biggest advantages of using glass tile is that it will still give your space the classic look of “subway tile” but with a more contemporary looking material. Glass tile is extremely durable because it is made in 8 mm thickness and the color springs from the back of the pieces of transparent glass. Turning on the color on the back means that your thin putty or any other putty used to stick the tile to the surface will not be seen.

The reflective properties of glass tile will also make your room larger, brighter, and more open. Glass tile is much more suitable for wet areas like bathrooms, because glass tiles are much more resistant to mold or mildew. Glass tiles are waterproof with an absorption rate of 0.00%. In contrast, ceramic tiles have an absorption of 0.5% to 3.0%.

Another advantage is that it is the greener option of the two. The materials are fully recyclable and require only about half the energy to process the ceramic!

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