Looking for the best fridge freezer? It’s the place where you keep the ice cream, the beer, the cheese, and the emergency frozen pizza, and arguably the hardest working appliance in the kitchen, but choosing one that’s right for your home and family isn’t as simple a task as you might expect.

But fear not, for we’ve researched the entire appliance industry – from classic built-in designs and delightful retro models, to the very latest in NASA inspired cooling tech – to bring you the best options for any situation, style, and budget.

The latest designs can make a statement, entertain, or be adaptable, but they all aim to take the very best care of your fresh and frozen groceries, and we’ve been particularly careful to recommend models that help to reduce the amount of food waste we produce.

Best fridge freezers

1. Bosch Serie 6 KGN86AIDP

Best fridge freezer for pro-kitchen style

Type: XL Fridge Freezer
Capacity: 479 litres (fridge) and 152 litres (freezer)
Dimensions: 1860 x 860 x 810mm
Features: D energy rated, twin compressors, Home Connect App, XL Capacity
Reasons to buy:

• Large freezer
• Versatile drawers
• Energy efficient

Reasons to avoid:

• Doesn’t fit in a standard kitchen gap

At 86cm wide this super-sized metal-clad fridge freezer is part jumbo American Style and part traditional design, with a classic 70/30 fridge freezer layout. But compared to a basic 60cm wide design you’ll enjoy a cavernous interior with glass sleeves wide enough to take the largest pans and baking trays.

Unusually, in the fridge Bosch has included two separate pull-out drawers; one that stores fruit and vegetables at exactly 0°C, plus a separate drawer for meat and fish with a temperature regulating slider which lets you change the temperature by up to 4°C lower than the rest of the fridge.

As part of the Home Connect range you can also control the temperature and adjust the lighting of this fridge freezer via smartphone app, and even receive alerts if someone leaves the door open. The app also has a useful guide that helps you store your groceries correctly, to help avoid unnecessary wastage.

Down in the freezer, the combination of drawers and glass shelves makes it more versatile than most, and you can easily remove sections to make room for usually large items and being No Frost you never need worry about thawing it out.

2. Samsung Bespoke 2.03m Fridge Freezer with Twin Cooling Plus RB38A7B53S9

Best fridge freezer for colourful kitchens

Type: Mix and match fridges and freezers
Capacity: 387litres (273 litre fridge, 114 litre freezer)
Dimensions: H2030 x W595 x D658mm
Features: Changeable door panels, versatile shelving, flexible fridge/freeze compartment, twin cooling compressor
Reasons to buy:

• Modular design
• Customisable doors
• Flexible inner layout
• Stylish

Reasons to avoid:

• Nothing of note

If you’ve been yearning for a Glam Lavender or Satin Sky Blue fridge freezer, you’ve come to the right place. Samsung’s Bespoke collection is a brilliantly versatile range of fridge freezers, standalone fridges, and freezers, that can not only be joined together seamlessly to create an unbeatable wall of cool, but the colour and finish of each door front is entirely up to you.

There are currently 12 colour options to choose from including whites, black and silver, but also navy, peach and even beige. They’re all wonderfully complementary and look fantastic together.

But style is nothing without substance, and thankfully Samsung’s Bespoke fridge freezer has loads including dual compressors for accurate temperature control, an Optimal Fresh + box, which is essentially a fridge compartment that can be set to two different temperatures – one for meat maybe, one for fruit and veg – plus a freezer drawer that can also be used as extra fridge space, or three other temperatures, if needs be.

3. Beko HarvestFresh GNE490IR3VPS

Best fridge freezer for big families on a small budget

Type: Multi-door
Capacity: 485litres (311litres fridge, 174litres freezer)
Dimensions: H1920 x W760 x 725mm
Features: twin compressors, HarvestFresh technology, 0° compartment
Reasons to buy:

• Lost of space for the price
• Easy access freezer drawers
• Extra wide fridge shelves

Reasons to avoid:

• Not very efficient

Multi-door fridge freezers are extremely convenient, but do tend to cost a fortune, which makes this Beko model refreshingly affordable and great for anyone who needs loads of cold storage. Pull-out freezer drawers are a revelation too, making it quick and easy to get to the food, even the stuff that usually gets forgotten at the back.

The large fridge has three full-width shelves and a separate chiller compartment that maintains a low temperature at around 0ºC, helping meat and cheese to stay fresh for longer.

There are also two generous pull-out baskets that have a hidden secret. It’s something Beko calls HarvestFresh, and it uses different coloured LED lights to replicate the sun’s natural 24-hour cycle to help maintain optimal freshness for your fruit and veg. It sounds fanciful, but the claims have been backed up by independent tests, and studies have shown that even after harvest the phytochemical composition of fruit and vegetables continued to alter in response to light. Clever stuff!

While not the most energy-efficient design available (E rated) it does have twin compressors for accurate temperature control as well as No Frost for effortless maintenance.

4. LG Door-in-Door GSJV70PZTF

Best fridge freezer for clever features

Type: American Style
Capacity: 636litres (416 litre fridge, 219 litres freezer)
Dimensions: H1790 x W913 x D735mm
Features: Door-in-door design, water dispenser, UV light
Reasons to buy:

• Innovative design
• Excellent temperature control
• Vast capacity

Reasons to avoid:

• For huge kitchens only
• Narrow freezer shelves

A classic side-by-side American fridge freezer updated with the latest in hi-tech cooling and smart control. If you’ve not seen it before, LG has included their superb Door-in-Door feature here, which allows you to easily get anything stored in the top fridge door by opening a secret door. Great for grabbing a drink or condiments, it is quick, easy and energy efficient as you don’t let all the cold air out the main fridge.

That said, when you do need to access the main cavity, a jet of cold air is pumped out at the front of the fridge from top to bottom and across the entire width, which helps to maintain the temperature inside without harmful fluctuations.

The freezer is No Frost as you’d expect, but there’s also water and ice on demand, and a UV light kills any bacteria build-up from the spout.

It’s also app-controlled, and Wi-Fi connected, allowing temperature adjustment and Express Freeze models to be done remotely, as well as monitor energy usage and alert you if the door is left open. There’s even voice control using Alexa and Google Home devices, allowing you to ask it to fast freeze for instance. A nice touch but not essential.

5. MIELE KFN7795D Built-in Fridge Freezer

Best fridge freezer for a long-term investment

Type: 70/30 Built-in fridge freezer
Capacity: 246litres (175litres fridge, 71litres freezer)
Dimensions: H1770 x W570 x D544mm
Features: D energy rating, plumbed-in ice maker, active humidifier, even temperature, Wi-Fi connected
Reasons to buy:

• Reliability
• Ideal temperature control
• Dishwasher safe shelves
• Frost free

Reasons to avoid:

• Not a huge capacity

There’s no escaping the fact this is a very expensive 60cm wide fridge freezer, but Miele tests its home appliances to the equivalent of 20 years of use, which is why we’re happy to recommend it as an investment buy that should still be performing long after the kids have left home.

Thankfully it is also packed with practical features. We love the flexible storage, particularly the FlexiTray glass shelf that rotates from back to front for easy access and the automatic Ice Maker with plumbed-in connection, while all the shelves can be cleaned in the dishwasher, which is a rarity, and great for ease of use.

Inventive layouts aside, the biggest reason to buy this built-in model is the quality of the cooling, and few models offer the same consistency of temperature throughout, with a fan ensuring excellent circulation and distribution of the cold air.

Aside from providing ice, the plumbed-in water connection also helps keep your fruit and vegetables in great condition by spraying a fine mist waterfall onto the contents of the crisper drawer, just like you find in posh supermarkets.

And finally, at just 34 decibels, it is extremely quiet, the D energy rating is better than most, and it has Wi-Fi connectivity and app control, plus smart diagnostics for engineers if something does go wrong.

Buy from Appliance Superstore, £2,889

6. Smeg FAB50 Fridge Freezer

Best fridge freezer for retro style

Type: Retro style fridge freezer
Capacity: 524litre (400litres fridge, 124litres freezer)
Dimensions: H1921 x W796 x D805mm
Features: Zero-degree fridge drawer, fast freezing
Reasons to buy:

• Generous fridge capacity
• Unbeatable looks
• No-frost

Reasons to avoid:

• Style can cost!

There are quite a few other brands offering ‘retro’ style refrigeration these days, but for our money, Smeg remains the original and the best, with its wonderful FAB range, on-trend colourway options and classic Italian style.

At 80cm wide this 524litre design will take centre stage in your kitchen, and with XX fridge space spread across a full-width zero-degree drawer for your most perishable goods and three other shelves it’s a haven for veggie lovers.

There’s no need to manually defrost, which is always a bonus – and a recent upgrade for the FAB range – and Smeg has also included a Fast Freeze function which helps keep your fish fingers in fabulous condition.

Retro fridge freezers like this are gorgeous, and you pay handsomely for the privilege, but we’re pleased Smeg has upgraded the tech inside to keep a pace with the more advanced hi-tech alternatives.

7. Hotpoint Active Four Door fridge freezer HQ9I MO1L UK

Best fridge freezer for flexible cooling

Type: Freestanding, American-style, four door fridge freezer
Capacity: 554litres (fridge 338litres, freezer and convertible zone, 216litres)
Dimensions: H1874 x W905 x D724mm
Features: triple compressors, fresh filters, ice/water dispenser,
Reasons to buy:

• Three cool/freeze zones
• Large capacity
• Consistent temperatures

Reasons to avoid: 

• Temperature zone may not get a lot of use

Many modern fridge freezers have twin compressors to help better regulate temperatures in the fridge and freezer sections, but here Hotpoint has gone one better with their Triple Cool technology. The result means there’s an entire section that can be used as a fridge, cold store, freezer or even wine fridge.

The convertible zone has 12 temperature settings to choose from, from -22°C for deep freezing, right up to 10°C for storing wine. How often you realistically change the temperature in this zone is up for some debate, but we really appreciate the versatility.

The huge fridge space is beautifully organised, with separate zones – and corresponding humidity levels – for your meat, fish, fresh veggies and dairy, and the Active Fresh Filter incorporated inside absorbs any ethylene in the fridge to help maintain your food’s freshness. We especially like the pull-out Platter Zone which neatly hides plated items (or pizza) until you need it.

There’s also a super slim in-door ice and filtered water dispenser that has been engineered not to take up anywhere near as much internal space as most designs.

8. Indesit Push&Go INC18 T311 UK

Best fridge freezer for affordable built-in features

Type: Built-in
Capacity: 250litres fridge, 182litres, freezer, 68 litres
Dimensions: H1770 x W540 x D545mm
Features: Extrafresh 0° drawer, Push&Go cooling button, No Frost
Reasons to buy:

• Versatile internal layout
• Faster cooling

Reasons to avoid:

• Limited capacity

Built-in fridge freezers disappear – that’s the point of them – but annoyingly many options available are expensive but lack the same level of hi-tech innovation you’ll find on a similarly priced freestanding design. Indesit however has managed to include a few modern extras here that make it excellent value for money.

The headline feature is the clever Push&Go button which is designed for when you know you’ve got a big shop to do. Give it a push and the fridge compressor will drop the temperature extremely quickly (40% faster than usual) in anticipation of the bags of groceries arriving. This ensures your shopping stays fresher for longer, and your existing food isn’t compromised either.

Built-in fridge freezers are never huge, and the 68litre freezer section is no exception, but the drawers are easy to access, and will never need manually defrosting. The fridge section is also impressively adjustable, and we like the fact the glass shelves have been reinforced, meaning you can load them up, even squeeze in serving trays and casserole dishes without worry. Amazingly they can take up to 100kg load, which is one enormous Sunday roast!

9. Siemens iQ300 KG39N7XEDG

Best fridge freezer for everyday performance

Type: 70/30 Fridge Freezer
Capacity: 368 litres (279 litres fridge, 89 litres freezer)
Dimensions: H2030 x W600 x D660mm
Features: HyperFresh fruit/veg drawer, 0°C drawer, black steel finish, pull-out shelves
Reasons to buy:

• Sleek looks
• Premium performance
• Accurate temperatures

Reasons to avoid:

• Freezer is a little basic

From the fingerprint resistant black metal finish to the advanced cooling drawers, this classic 60cm style fridge freezer has everything you need for years of reliable cooling and freezing.

The large fridge is cleverly designed with two cooler boxes – one offering the promise of longer lasting veggies thanks to controlled humidity, while the other 0°C drawer has ideal conditions for fresh meat, cold cuts and fish. The temperature in the box is around 2-4°C cooler than the rest of the fridge and, by being self-contained, helps minimise odour transfer.

We love the inclusion of pull-out glass shelves too, which are just brilliantly convenient, and means even the oldest, most hidden jars of jam can enjoy a new lease of life. They’re tilt proof too, so eager fingers won’t be able to pull them out accidentally.

And while not as exciting as the fridge, the freezer has everything you need, it is well laid out and you’d expect it is No Frost, which means no defrosting, but also, no build-up of ice on your food too.

10. Whirlpool W9821DKSHUK

Best fridge freezer for style on a budget

Type: Freestanding combination fridge freezer
Capacity: 318 total net capacity, fridge: 221 litres, freezer: 97 litres
Dimensions: H1889 x W595 x D656 mm
Features: 6th Sense temp control, twin cooling, no-frost
Reasons to buy:

• Pull-out freezer drawer
• Fast cooling
• Large salad drawer

Reasons to avoid:

• Average freezer capacity

A stylish standard 60cm width design from Whirlpool positively overflowing with handy features that will slip effortlessly into a modern kitchen design. Firstly, it is A++ rated and boasts a generous 221litre fridge capacity, with a large salad drawer that has an integrated humidity control slider which helps prolong the life of your fresh fruit and veggies.

At 97litres the freezer section isn’t ideal for batch cook and freeze fans, but thanks to a special tray at the top, it’s easy to access your most needed foods. In other words, it’s a fantastic ice cream storage area!

Many Whirlpool fridges and freezers now boast the excellent 6th Sense temperature technology, which automatically adjusts the temperature to compensate for changes, such as the door being opened. And there’s even a separate fast cooling mode that drops the temperature immediately, when new food is stored.

A buyer’s guide to fridge freezers

Our appliance experts have pulled together this must-read list of things to consider for before you start shopping.

What capacity do I need?

The capacity of your fridge and freezer will be given in litres – we’ve given the usable capacity above rather than total volume. Generally, the bigger the fridge-freezer, the bigger the capacity, but you can find some standard sized 60cm designs with significantly more space than the nearest rival thanks to the use of modern insulation, which keeps the walls as thin as possible without compromising their performance. And remember, more shelves generally mean more storage area, and greater ‘usable’ capacity.

The ratio of fridge to freezer will also vary, with standard designs offering either 60/40 or 70/30 per cent split. To decide which ratio is best, think about your daily routine. If you like to cook from scratch every night with fresh ingredients, look for a big fridge. Prefer to bake in batches? Then prioritise freezer space. Not sure? Look for a fridge with a ‘multi zone’ compartment that can be converted from fridge to freezer.  

Look for features that keep your food fresh

Did you know that the average family throws away around £60 of food a month? Yikes! Thankfully appliance brands are addressing this mountain of food waste with technology that can keep your groceries fresher for longer.

Humidity-controlled drawers: Vegetables, fruit and salad like humidity, so an appliance with a humidity-controlled drawer will stop them from icing up or going soggy. So long, mushy cucumbers! Occasionally the whole fridge compartment might be humidity controlled.

Cool zone: A fridge drawer that’s at a lower temperature of 0°C or 2°C to store meat, fish and dairy more effectively. Some have a choice of temperature settings (0°C, 2°C or 4°C for meat, dairy and veg accordingly)

Fast freezing: This increases the speed at which your food is frozen, locking in more flavour and nutrients of any fresh food.

Twin Cooling: Separate air circulation compressors in the fridge and freezer ensures the cold air from the freezer doesn’t dry out the contents of the fridge.

Blue-light technology: LEDs that mimic the sun’s rays, encouraging the process of photosynthesis in your greens to make them last longer.

Active air filtration: This removes odours capable of contaminating other foods – smelly cheeses spring to mind

Where have all the A+ rated fridge freezers gone?

You might be wondering why we’ve chosen so many terribly inefficient D, E and F rated fridge freezers. Well fear not, since March 2021 a new energy label came into effect, with the removal of the A+, A++ and A+++ ratings. The familiar colour scale remains, but a simpler A to G ranking system will be used instead. But the important thing to note is that models that previously boasted an A+++ rating are now rated D.

Can you change the internal layout?

Filling a fridge after a big shop can be a lot like playing Jenga. However, handy storage solutions can make the game – sorry – task a whole lot easier. These are some of the most useful to look for.

• Telescopic fridge and freezer drawers that run on rails so you can pull them out and see right to the back without them falling out onto the floor
• Curved bottle racks for safely storing wine and other bottles on their side
• Shelves that fold up to make space below for tall items
• Removable fridge trays and ice dispensers that allow you to take your chilled condiments or ice cubes straight to the table.
• Shallow freezer trays that can hold items that might otherwise get lost

Ice on demand

An ice and water dispenser are a convenient feature, as it can serve ice for a drink or a glass of chilled water at the push of a button. Before you buy, check if it’s a plumbed or non-plumbed model. If you go down the plumbed route, you’ll likely have to pay more to have it installed. But on the up side, you’ll never need to replenish the water tank.

Why do I need to connect my fridge freezer to the internet?

With a wi-fi connected fridge-freezer, you’ll be able to put it into holiday mode when you’re at the airport. Or activate the fast-freeze mode as you leave the supermarket. Some also have cameras inside that capture the contents of the fridge every time you close it. When you’re shopping, open the app on your phone to see the latest photos and decide what you need to top up on.

But in truth, you don’t need to connect your fridge to the internet, but we do love the fact that some brands can identify possible faults before they happen, saving you the potential disaster of a rapidly thawing freezer.

The post Best fridge freezers: the 10 coolest appliances for your home and budget appeared first on Ideal Home.

While they look pretty different, the best toasters will do the same great job in your kitchen. In our top 10 guide you’ll find toasters that’ve been tried and tested by the Ideal Home team, complete with our rankings and that all-important rating out of five. From De’Longhi, Breville, Dualit, Morphy Richards, Smeg, and Cuisinart, these toasters all bring heaps of style to any kitchen counter, and come with matching sets to pair your new toaster to one of the best kettles.

We’ve reviewed a lot of two- and four-slice toasters, but many of the models we tested come in both options. If you like the style of a two-slice but you want a four-slice model, you can certainly pick up the toaster of your dreams when you click through to buy. Two-slice toasters are definitely the space-savvy choice, but if you want to cook up breakfasts for the whole family you may be left waiting without a four-slice to make school runs that little bit smoother. For more kitchen must-haves, take a look at the best microwaves.

Best toaster 2022

1. De’Longhi Ballerina Toaster

Best toaster overall 

Slices: 2 and 4 both available
Colours: Green, black, white
Features: Fluted exterior, toasting dial, defrost, reheat, cancel
Reasons to buy: 

• Beautiful design
• Even toasting
• High rise slots

Reasons to avoid: 

• No variable temperature across slots

Quality toasting is important, but the best toaster will sit on your kitchen counters for years to come. Our top pick is the De’Longhi Ballerina Toaster. It has wide slots, levers with added lift, and the most beautiful and high-quality design which looks a treat when sat next to the matching kettle on your counters. We also think the De’Longhi Ballerina Toaster is reasonably priced for how luxe it feels to use. While it does cost more than the Morphy Richards Verve, which is our second choice, its design is noticeably more sturdy and the toast comes out with far fewer lines on the bread.

What we did miss was the ability to set each side of the toaster to different brownness settings, which is something De’Longhi has features on other toaster and is perfect for picky families in a hurry. We did enjoy the dial which sets the duration of toasting time with the De’Longhi Ballerina Toaster. It tactile and gradual, meaning you won’t have to compromise if your ideal slice is between 3 and 4.

Ideal Home’s rating: 5 out of 5 stars

2. Morphy Richards Verve Toaster

Best toaster overall 

Image credit: Morphy Richards

Slices: 4
Colours: Black, white, cream
Features: Lift-to-look, defrost, reheat, control dial
Reasons to buy: 

• You can lift to peek at your toast as it cooks
• Love the look
• Great price point

Reasons to avoid: 

• Plastic-y design

The Morphy Richards Verve Toaster is budget-friendly and offers a range of great features. We love the levers, which allow you to lift and look as your bread toasts, and the slider dial means you can adjust your level of toasting completely. We tested the four-slice, but there is also a two-slice with the same sleek finish. The Morphy Richards Verve Toaster comes in cream, black and white. It’s not the best range of colours but if you have a neutral kitchen it will slot in perfectly. We tried out the matching kettle too and had few complaints, so if you’re after a matching pair this could be the best toaster for you.

The slots of the Morphy Richards Verve Toaster are relatively wide, and your toast will pop up once done so you can leave it to brown while you prepare your morning cuppa. While there’s no bagel or crumpet function, this option does come with reheat and frozen settings. Simply press these buttons after pushing the lever down to activate, and to end the cycle, just press the illuminated button for your toast to pop up.

Ideal Home’s rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

3. Breville Edge Deep Chassis 2-Slice Toaster

Best wide-slice toaster

Slices: 2
Colours: Stainless steel
Features: Defrost, reheat, cancel
Reasons to buy: 

• Great value
• Deep and wide slots
• Consistent toasting

Reasons to avoid: 

• The added lift could go higher

This machine’s certainly got the looks and although it has a fairly big footprint it is comparatively light. It still feels well built and the brushed stainless steel finish has the look of a far more expensive toaster. It’s a great price, too – in fact, it’s a 10^th of the price of the most expensive model we tested.

Easy to unpack, the instructions are clear and simple to follow. That said, there’s not much to get confused about here, as the fascia controls are really intuitive. We loved the fact that the slots are extra wide, and go very deep, perfect for juggling the needs of picky family members with an array of different breads.

It has a satisfying and audible noise as the toast pops up, too, meaning you’ll probably never need to use the keep warm function. There are the usual stop and defrost buttons, too. Our one gripe was that the extra high lift could go a little higher, but we didn’t struggle too much when removing crumpets.

Although it wasn’t the fastest toaster in our test, the results were pretty consistent. Both sides of our toast were evenly browned and it pairs very well with the matching kettle.

Ideal Home’s rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

4. The Funky Appliance Company Funky Toaster

Best four-slice toaster

Slices: 4
Colours: Cream, chrome, rose gold
Features: Defrost, reheat, cancel
Reasons to buy: 

• Even toasting
• Quirky look
• There is a great kettle to pair it with

Reasons to avoid: 

• The colour selection could be better

The Funky Toaster lives up to its name. The controls are appealing, with defrost and cancel buttons front and centre, which make a satisfying click when pressed. The quality of the toasting was seriously impressive. One of the most even in our lineup, with no visible difference between the two sides of bread.

You can buy this toaster in three colours, but we tried it (and loved it) in cream. You can control the dial on both sides of the toaster, so if the Morphy Richards Verve Toaster’s lack of variable settings is off-putting, this one will suit your family’s various toast preferences.

We also really enjoyed the Funky Kettle that pairs with this toaster. It’s reminiscent of the Smeg kettle, but cheaper.

Ideal Home’s rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

5. Breville High Gloss toaster

Best 2-slice toaster for small kitchens

Slices: 2
Colours: Cream, Grey
Features: High lift, wide slots, dial
Reasons to buy:

• High quality controls
• Crumb tray is easy to remove
• Sleek and compact design

Reasons to avoid: 

• Sometimes doesn’t toast the top of the slice of bread

Modern and neat, this toaster is never going to set your heart on fire like the KitchenAid or the Dualit, but it has an sleek exterior and solid build at a reasonable price. This kettle looks great in the kitchen, especially when paired with the matching kettle. It’s slimline, easy to clean, and the weight of the controls makes it feel high quality.

The crumb tray is quick and easy to remove for cleaning, and overall it works very well. The only annoying thing was that we found that large bread stuck out of the top of the toaster, so we had to flip them halfway through to toast them evenly. n have to flip my slice of toast around halfway through to make sure both edges get toasted.

The two slots are wide and as with most others toasters we looked at, it has a high-lift function making things easy to remove without getting burnt. There’s no setting for just browning the cut side of a bagel but as we don’t object to ours gently toasted on both sides, rather than the more traditional one side, that didn’t pose a problem.

Ideal Home’s rating: 4 out of 5 stars

6. Dualit New-Gen four-slice toaster

Best for quality and durability

Slices: 4
Colours: Silver
Features: Bagel, one slice at a time, keep warm, defrost
Reasons to buy: 

• Toasts fast
• You can toast one slice at a time

Reasons to avoid: 

• No automatic pop-up

Hand-built in the UK since 1945, we love the fact that each toaster still bears the name of the person that assembled it – have a look on the bottom if you don’t believe us. The price reflects the fact that its makers believe it’s a toaster that will last a lifetime.

While it’s claimed the unique patented ProHeat elements are virtually indestructible, if anything should go wrong, parts are super easy to replace or repair. OK, so does have fewer bells and whistles than other machines, instead priding itself on ease of use, quality build and durability.

There’s no automatic pop-up, although it does have lovely wide slots, you just lower your toast in manually using the lever at the front then turn the browning control to the desired setting and it starts to count down. Check toast is done by raising the lever to expose the toast without stopping the browning process, then lowering it back down if it’s not done enough or turning the dial to zero if it’s ready. There are settings for toasting one, two, three or four slices at a time, and defrost and keep warm functions. It browned faster and more evenly than most other models on test, producing perfectly browned bread in a little over a minute and a half. Most others took more than two minutes and while 30 seconds might not seem much, if you’re rushing to get the kids to school, that could make all the difference.

Ideal Home’s rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

7. Cuisinart Style Collection 4 Slot Toaster

Best toaster for bagels

Slices: 4
Colours: Rose, pistachio, silver, frosted pearl
Features: Bagel, defrost, reheat, cancel
Reasons to buy: 

• Bagel setting
• Gorgeous colour options
• Extensive range of settings

Reasons to avoid:

• Very noisy when it pops

The Cuisinart Style Collection 4 Slot Toaster is the perfect choice for bagel lovers. It’s a more common feature in American toasters to have a bagel setting, which will toast the inside of the bagel while leaving the outside nice and chewy, but because Cuisinart is an American classic brand, we got to experience the joys of a bagel setting for ourselves. One thing to note is that you should place the bagel with the outside facing in if you want the inside to be toasted on the bagel setting.

Available in some really lovely colours, including rose, pistachio, frosted pearl, and silver, we really enjoyed that you can pair this toaster with either an upright or a pyramid kettle. The two sides can be operated independently, with different timer settings and the ability to defrost one side, and toast a bagel in others. The cancel setting will push your bread up with quite a loud mechanical noise, and we were underwhelmed by the lift of the levers, which didn’t go very high. That said, if you’re a bagel lover, look no further.

Ideal Home’s rating: 4 out of 5 stars

8. Russell Hobbs Emma Bridgewater Polka Dot 2-Slice Toaster

Best looking two-slice toaster

Slices: 2
Colours: Polka dot
Features: Defrost, reheat, cancel
Reasons to buy: 

• Love the look
• Simple controls
• Very wide slots

Reasons to avoid: 

• No lift-to-look

We’re a little (ok, a lot) obsessed with the Russell Hobbs Emma Bridgewater Polka Dot 2-Slice Toaster. Its patterned exterior is sure to add a sunny start to your day, and there are matching kettles, mugs and even plates available for those who want to add another element of coordination. The retro-style design is carried through to the rather simple controls, which include a 1-5 dial as well as an eject, frozen and reheat setting. When you push down the lever there’s no lift-to-look, but we did think the Russell Hobbs toasted evenly and were very happy with how it performed in testing.

These slots are extra extra wide, so those who like a wedge of toast in the mornings won’t be disappointed. The dimensions of this toaster are H22 x W17 x D27cm, which is on the larger side for a two-slice toaster. There’s also a four-slice model available for those who want a toaster for the whole family.

Ideal Home’s rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

9. Salter COMBO-7313 Pyramid Kettle and 2-Slice Toaster

Best toaster and kettle set

Slices: 2
Colours: Rose gold & grey
Features: Defrost, reheat, cancel
Reasons to buy: 

• A great set
• Reasonably priced
• Lovely rose gold accents

Reasons to avoid:

• Large slices stick out the top of the toaster

Looking for a toaster and kettle combo that you can rely on? We can vouch for this one from Salter. For a start, it’s a good value pick. The toaster is a two-slice model with a defrost setting, as well as a reheat and cancel button. We found that it toasted very evenly between the two slices, and because it’s so compact, it slots into just about any kitchen corner.

The kettle is that classic pyramid shape we love. It clicks on with a blue light and automatically shuts off when it’s finished boiling. We like that it’s not too loud, and the line along the back makes it easy to judge whether you need a refill.

Our one reservation with this toaster is that large slices stick out from the top of the toaster, so the entire slice wasn’t toasted. If you have a penchant for rose gold and want a great toaster and kettle set, this is a great choice.

Ideal Home’s rating: 4 out of 5 stars

10. Smeg TSF01 2 Slice Toaster

Best retro-looking toaster

Slices: 2
Colours: Silver, pink, white, blue, and more…
Features: Wide slots, self-centering, defrost, reheat
Reasons to buy: 

• Love the look
• Can take large slices
• Generous pop-up

Reasons to avoid: 

• Tray is tricky to access

With an exterior that’s pure 1950s Americana – the shape’s not unlike that of a classic 1950s Airstream motorhome – we thought it might be all about the looks with this machine. Luckily, that’s not so.

Although it’s not huge, it does everything you need it to, and it does it all well. There are six browning functions; we opted for mid-way but noticed that once the toaster was warmed up, we could dial it down a bit.

It also has a defrost button so there aren’t any ‘Oh no, I forgot to take the bread out of the freezer’ moments, while the one side toasting function is good for bagels and the reheat perfect for those of us that sometimes get distracted and leave the toast to cool.

The two wide toasting slots were more than big enough to cope with doorstop slices carved from a whole farmhouse loaf, as well as standard supermarket medium pre-cut bread. The self-centering racks keep the bread neatly in place and there’s a generous pop-up so you don’t end up burning your fingers trying to remove small items.

The removable crumb tray comes out from the side, which might be an issue if you’re short on space but it had a satisfying pop-out function.

Ideal Home’s rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

How much should I spend on the best toaster?

Image credit: David Brittain

You can pay as little as £15 for a toaster in the supermarket, but top brands like Smeg and Dualit will set you back as much as £250 for a stylish statement option. We found plenty of great toasters for well under £50, but as a general rule the more you pay the more features you’re likely to get as standard. Other extras can include a wider range of colours and a more sturdy-feeling metal exterior.

Should I buy a two-slice or four-slice toaster?

Image credit: Dualit/Anna Starmer

If there’s just one or two of you and you’re not a fan of fancy loaves then we’d say a simple two-slot model with just a couple of functions will probably suffice. Two slot models are also better if you’re a bit tight on space as it’s a product that usually has a permanent, easy-to-access home on your worktop.

Want to elevate your breakfast game? Take a look at the best bread makers

For couples and families, a four-slot or four-slice model is a better option – ensuring preparing toast for your brood at breakfast-time or simply serving up eggs on toast for two is an altogether speedier affair. If you’re fixated on a particular look, don’t despair, many brands produce two- and four-slot toaster models that look the same.

Why do I need a toaster?

Simply put, it’s a kitchen staple that has been saving us time since it was invented in the early 20^th Century. Unless you prefer to constantly check your bread under the grill to see if it’s ready, a toaster really is the easiest and most efficient way to make perfect toasted bread, bagels, and crumpets.

More than 100 years after the first, basic model was patented, our kitchens really wouldn’t feel complete without one. There are hundreds of different models on the market, from simple two-slot bread toasters to all-singing, all-dancing four-slot machines, so we’ve checked some of the best two- and four-slice models to help you decide which one’s for you.

Buying a toaster – what key features should I look for?

Image credit: Lizzie Orme

What can it toast?

First and foremost, of course, a toaster needs to, well, toast. Bread obviously, but also thicker items such as crumpets and English muffins, and some even have warming features for rolls and croissants. If you like your bread thick sliced, or hand-cut then, look for one that has slots made to accommodate any size, with mechanisms that hold bread central, whatever it’s width. A four-slice model with a single slot is a good for toasting pitta or artisan breads.

See also: the best saucepan sets

A bagel-toasting programme will brown the bread just on the cut side but if you like yours crispy front and back then it’s an extra you might not need or use.

Can it defrost bread and keep my toast warm?

As well as a decent variable control to give you your chosen perfect shade of brown, you should also look for defrost and keep warm functions.

Look at build quality and maintenance

Look at the quality of the build as well as the design. After all, it’s probably something that will be used every day so you’re going to want it to last and perform well for years. Easy to remove crumb trays are also important, as is a surface that’s clean with just a quick wipe.

A high ‘pop-up’, which ensures you don’t get your fingers burnt when removing smaller slices of toast or crumpets from the machine is also a good idea, particularly if you have children.

The post Best toaster 2022: for speedy breakfasts or lavish brunches appeared first on Ideal Home.

Giving your home a refresh, doesn’t mean you have to shell out the big bucks, as these budget decorating ideas prove. We all want to watch our pennies, so easy updates that can ring the changes, but not cost the earth, are at the top of most peoples list!

Small updates, either DIY or decorating, really can make a big difference. All they require is a trip into the loft, a tin of paint and a little love (plus the tiniest bit of bargain hunting).

Even if you’re not a dab hand at DIY, many of these ideas just take a bit of careful thinking and a little creativity, to pull off a refresh of your home.

Budget decorating ideas

Nadia McOwan-Hill Wayfair‘s Resident Style Advisor says, ‘Decorating a new house doesn’t always require buying all new things. Rather than purchasing new furniture or decor pieces, upgrade the items you already own with stylish new hardware or paint.’

‘Drab kitchen cabinets can be transformed by decorative knobs, and grungy walls can come to life after a fresh coat of paint. Accent the inside of dresser drawers with wallpaper, or paint a unique design on the arms of a basic wooden side table – small upgrades like these will make a difference.’

If you’re on a tight budget, you’re most definitely not alone. That’s why we’ve compiled some really easy, budget decorating ideas to help you improve your home.

1. Stencil drawer fronts

Image credit: Future Plc/Tim Young

Bespoke a budget chest of drawers from Ikea with a simple chevron stencil. Stipple on furniture paint using a dry, coarse-haired paintbrush. Finish with a clear matt varnish and leather tab handles.

Buy now: Malm chest of six drawers, £120, Ikea

2. Update doors with fluted film

Image credit: Future Plc/Tim Young

Use glass film to transform a plain display cabinet into an up-to-date storage piece. The fluted glass film will also help to prevent chips and scratches. Or give it a twist by choosing a stained glass or patterned window film design, for a truly bespoke cabinet.

Be sure not to overcrowd the shelves inside. Use stacks of bowls, piles of books and objects with interesting shapes to create balance in your display.

Buy now: Solyx Reeded Glass adhesive film, from £16.67 for L30xW68.5cm roll, Glass Films.

3. Make a basket lampshade

Image credit: Future Plc/Joanna Henderson

Remove the handles of an Ikea Snidad basket and spray with black spray paint. Remove a small circle in the base, add an oversized bulb and black cord- and you’ve got a designer-look lampshade in just a couple of hours!

Buy now: Snidad rattan basket, £29, Ikea

4. Highlight great features with paint

Image credit: Future Plc/Joanna Henderson

A painted border will draw attention to lovely period door frames and deep skirting boards. If you already have colour on the walls, choose a deeper shade. Use a ruler and spirit level to draw a border around 5cm wide and use decorating tape to achieve a crisp edge.

5. Create a gallery with framed wallpaper

Image credit: Future Plc/Dominic Blackmore

Frame samples or offcuts of wallpaper in identical frames, using a white mount for a formal effect. Choose simple frames, so the patterns are the focus and use different patterns in a similar colour palette. You could even use offcuts of fabric if you don’t have wallpaper to hand.

6. Make your own artwork

Image credit: Future Plc/Simon Whitmore

You don’t need to spend a fortune on artwork to decorate your walls, you can make your own! A piece of fabric, an old duvet cover, a favourite scarf, or even a charity shop sourced dress, can simply be stretched over a canvas and stapled into place. If you have enough fabric left over, make a couple of cushion covers too, to tie the room together.

7. Make a feature of it

Image credit: Future Plc/Brent Darby

This dining room colour scheme has been instantly updated with the simple addition of a tiled wall. Use a colour that ties in neatly with your scheme for a cohesive effect.

In this case the impact is doubled with a collection of favourite plates, hung randomly, but with a unifying motif. Small additions like downlit wall lights add extra character.

8. Add some greenery

Image credit: Future Plc/Joanna Henderson

Plants breathe life into any living room colour scheme and in a neutral  room like this one they add a gorgeous hit of colour. Not green fingered? Don’t worry – this tip doesn’t have to pass you by. There are now loads of great fakes available and they look really realistic – try Blooming Artificial for everything from plants to trees.

Nadia says, ‘Live plants are an excellent choice for improving air quality and their growth is highly rewarding, although they can be hard to care for when natural light is limited.’

‘If you’re not much of a green thumb, decorate your studio apartment with artificial plants – their visual impact on your decor will be the same as that of live plants.’

9. Rotate your collections

Image credit: The White Company

Use your living room’s natural focal points as a means of displaying your favourite pieces. If the room doesn’t have a built-in feature such as a fireplace, create a focal point of your own with a striking console table or pair of bookcases.

Rotating your displays regularly provides an instant refresh and prevents a scheme from being too static. Vary height, shape and texture, but stick to a palette of two or three colours for a cohesive look. As well as hanging artwork, trying propping it too for a casual look.

Buy now: Spring Nordic Heart, small £12, large, £35; Gallery wall sets, from £195, all The White Company

10. Add a bookcase

Image credit: Future Plc/Carolyn Barker

Bookcases needn’t be traditional or built into alcoves. Instead try an asymmetrical approach.

Colour is added through books and accessories. To break up the repetitive nature of a book collection, trying creating ‘breathing space’ in a scheme by using some shelves for decorative accessories, again tying in two or three colours for a unifying effect. This will add texture and depth to a room as well as essential storage.

11. Introduce a coffee table

Image credit: Loaf

However small or large your living room, a coffee table adds a decorative and practical note. Opt for one that contains storage, whether it’s an upholstered ottoman or a generous piece with shelving.

Glass options like this one are a good idea because they won’t dominate a compact space. Use it to display books, candles and flowers and place it close to seating. Moving your accessories around every so often will help to switch up the look.

Buy now: Wonder-Boy coffee table, £475, Loaf

12. Update soft furnishings

Image credit: Future Plc

Updating a rug, cushions or fabrics can all have an uplifting effect. Try changing your cushions with the seasons opting for delicate florals, painterly prints and light graphics as spring approaches and heavier textures and deeper colours in the winter.

Repainting wooden furniture, papering inside bookshelves and adding foliage will all help to freshen up your scheme.

13. Upcycle furniture that’s past its best

Image credit: Future Plc/Colin Poole

If you’re thinking about throwing out a piece of well-worn furniture, stop. Take another look and see if you might be able to upcycle it. This wardrobe has been given a new look with remnants of wallpaper on the glass panels. A coat of paint or varnish, or new upholstery, are other easy ways to give an unloved piece another go.

14. Cosy up with sheepskin

Image credit: Future Plc/Brett Charles

If you don’t already have a sheepskin (or faux sheepskin) rug, this tip will involve a tiny trip to the shops. However, John Lewis has natural sheepskins in a choice of four colours, for £35.

Basically, sheepskins make every room look cosier and more luxurious – drape them across seats and beds or place on floors.

15. Change cupboard door handles

Image credit: Future Plc/Lizzie Orme

Give kitchen units a cheeky update by swapping drawer and cupboard handles for a new design. Cup handles and simple door knobs work well in a Shaker-style kitchen. Bar handles are also very popular just now and will suit any modern kitchen scheme.

16. Put up a shelf

Image credit: Future Plc/Joanna Henderson

Whether you want to keep favourite reads easily to hand or display beautiful trinkets, you cannot go wrong with a simple shelving idea. Shelves are obviously practical, but they also offer the opportunity to add character to your scheme.

17. Mismatch your furniture

Image credit: Future Plc/Colin Poole

Got your eye on a junk shop find, but worried it won’t fit in with your existing pieces? Mismatched furniture is far cooler than you think. Kitchen seating is a prime example – different colours or styles can look great. So if you’ve found a bright red chair and love it, don’t feel you have to purchase a whole new set.

18. Neaten up with pretty storage boxes

Image credit: Future Plc/Sussie Bell

Anyone who loves interiors knows that storage is their friend. Make a feature of your storage with cute trunks or pretty floral cardboard boxes – not only will they give you extra space to store things in a calm and uncluttered way, but they’ll look pretty fab, too.

19. Hang a photo gallery

Image credit: Future Plc/Tim Young

Photo gallery wall ideas are creative ways to cover a bare wall or a cheerless corner. Experiment with shapes, sizes and frame designs and put anything from old family photos to children’s drawings up there.

‘Gallery walls can fill up the large blank wall sitting in your bedroom or living room. If you don’t have a large wall free, you can create gallery walls around features like doorways and windows to add fun detail,’ says Nadia.

20. Display fresh flowers

Image credit: Future Plc/Tim Young

Fresh cut flowers are an easy and affordable way of turning a room round in a flash. They require absolutely no effort and you can go as big or small as you like. Even a single bloom will look great.

21. Repaint your chairs

Image credit: Future Plc/Dominic Blackmore

Whether it’s your plain dining room chairs or your wooden bar stools, simply dip them in paint for a whole new look. Bright red makes a statement, while white or pale pastels will freshen up your furniture in a more muted way.

22. Create a candle corner

Image credit: Future Plc/Mark Scott

Collect all your candles from around the room and put them together in a corner to create a mixed scent – so much more relaxing than a bright bulb. Or you could take inspiration from these fairy light ideas to create a soft glow, even after the festive season.

23. Get organised

Image credit: Future Plc/Dominic Blackmore

Give everything a home and declutter as much as you can. With all your belongings back in their official place, you will have tons of spare room and create the illusion of a larger space. These bedroom storage ideas will help you get things looking spick and span.

24. Make a display of your bath towels

Image credit: Future Plc/David Giles

Bath towels are an essential and are often slung over the back of doors or rolled up in the cupboard. Make a statement with them by displaying the beautiful ones and treating them as your own pieces of bathroom art.

25. Pile up your cushions and blankets

Image credit: Future Plc/David Brittain

Get all your cosy bits out of the cupboard and pile up cushions, pillows, blankets and throws on the bed. Not only will you create a relaxing den but it will also look straight out of a boutique hotel room. Win, win!

26. Display your artwork

Image credit: Future Plc/Simon Whitmore

Gather all your artwork out of the loft and finally get round to hanging it! Much like a photo gallery, hanging your artwork or propping it up on top of side tables will keep blank walls busy and give the room a revamp.

Furniture And Choice’s Style Advisor, Rebecca Snowden says, ‘Introduce bohemian design to the home for a touch of colour and whimsy. Soothing yet eye-catching, a DIY ombré dip dye wall hanging is a minimal, contemporary take on a traditional macrame piece.’

27. Rearrange your room layout

Image credit: Future Plc/Simon Bevan

Feng shui your room by moving furniture around to welcome in natural sunlight, surround the fireplace or clear the doorway. Furniture can look completely different at a new angle and it doesn’t cost a thing. A super easy living room updates you can do in a weekend.

Angela Scanlon, stylist and presenter of Your Home Made Perfect says, ‘Moving furniture around is a massive test on how you feel in a room and can make you feel like you’ve done something quite radical.’

28. Create a focal point

Image credit: Future Plc/David Giles

Create a focal point by placing one large mirror, a bright piece of artwork or even a giant lamp centre stage. This will change the dynamic of the scheme and give off the appearance of an entire room renovation.

How can I decorate my house cheaply?

There are lots of ways to decorate your house cheaply and on a budget. Once no-brainer is decorating with items you already own, such as arranging your favourite crockery and glassware or revamp reclaimed chairs and tables. Just take a look at how to paint furniture first.

Instead of buying something new, there are so many creative things you can do, you just have to know where to splurge and save. These tips for decorating on a budget will really help get your creative juices flowing.

It could be as simple as decorating with candles to add cosiness to a space and the soft, dim light will change the whole look of a room. Another budget decorating tip is to introduce plants, fresh flowers (bought or picked form your garden) and display bowls of fruit, which instantly lifts mood and adds scent.

How do you set a budget for decorating?

Decorating can be expensive, particularly if you have to revamp a whole room or a whole house all at the same time. Before you do anything, you’ll need to think about creating a decorating budget so you don’t splash too much cash.

The first thing you should do is to make a wishlist of things you’d love to feature in your home. Make a moodboard or create a Pinterest board to get a feel for what you like and what you don’t. For example, will you want to paint or learn how to wallpaper? Or perhaps you fancy a feature wall idea.

Creating a decorating plan will help you figure out the actual look of the rooms, working from your wish list. Include everything from what the floor plan will look like and any extras like wallpaper, lighting, and artwork.

Once you’ve figured out what you want to have, it’s a good idea to shop around for the right items to make sure you don’t overspend on products you can get cheaper somewhere else. Think about delivery and any other costs associated so everything you’re totting up is realistic. Be savvy!

Next you’ll probably need to narrow things down further as more than likely, your budget doesn’t tally up with your wishlist.

Make sure you think about the practical needs of the rooms first, making adjustments where you can to get the things you need as opposed to want. For example, think about a sofa over decorative accessories like wall art or a mirror. Priorities are very individual so think carefully about what will be needed first and foremost.

How can I decorate my house for free?

There are lots of savvy ways to decorate your house for free. A few simple ways include rearranging your furniture so you get a fresh perspective on the room in question.

There are plenty of winning upcycled furniture ideas that require minimal effort (or talent) like recycling old jars for vases and centrepieces, painting existing furniture or decorating with flowers from your garden.

Another decorating idea that doesn’t cost a thing is decluttering. It’s amazing the difference a little decluttering makes to a room and it’s good for the soul to get rid of things you never use and pop in a charity shop for someone else to love.

Just like fashion swaps, you could organise a decor swap with friends to get rid of things you no longer want and find some new things you’ll be thrilled to display. Win-win! Or you could sell any decor you think is worth selling on Gumtree or Ebay and use the money you earn to buy something you love.

You can also usually find lots of free items on places like Gumtree and even Facebook community groups. As they say, one man’s rubbish is another man’s treasure.

The post Budget decorating ideas – 28 savvy ways to update your home for less appeared first on Ideal Home.

Ah, the dresser… one of the most practical and desirable pieces of furniture. Spruce up a preloved chest with these painted dresser ideas. This piece of classic furniture offers invaluable Kitchen storage ideas, displaying and storing in style.

A full dresser will give you the luxury of several display shelves – perfect for displaying collections of china and other kitchenalia. Alternatively, opt for just the chest or cabinet for handy storage.

Painted dresser ideas

With the trend for upcycling furniture ideas giving many of us cause to scour eBay and Gumtree in hope of finding a bargain dresser. Perfect for personalising to suit our taste.

‘If you have always wanted to refresh a kitchen dresser with a colourful twist, now is the perfect time to reinvent items and transform them into bespoke pieces,’ says Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene. ‘Upcycling or simply painting a piece of furniture is one of the easiest ways to create a focal point. Whether you’re painting a stand-out piece or a complementary item, it will blend with the rest of your scheme.’

Looking for some inspiration on how to paint and style your dresser? Look no further. Whether your design is tall and grand or slim and neat, we’ve got a range of ideas for you – and we’ve even included a few cabinets, as well as dressers, to mix things up a bit.

1. Go tonal

Image credit: Future PLC

Your dresser can be super stylish without necessarily becoming the star attraction in a room, simply by painting it in the same shade as your walls and furniture – or even just slightly lighter or darker. In fact, by keeping it the same colour as a dining table or living room furniture, the dresser immediately looks as though it’s part of the set, even if it’s different in style or material.

That’s not the only trick it has up it’s sleeve, either. If you’re looking to create the illusion of a longer, more spacious room, then paint your dresser the same colour as your walls and it will blend right in, without causing any ‘breaks’ in the decor.

2. Team paint with wallpaper

Image credit: Future PLC

We love decorating at Ideal Home, and painting your dresser is the perfect opportunity to try out a new wallpaper-paint combo. If you’re not brave enough to have a bold print all over. your wall, try it at the back of your dresser or inside your cabinet instead for a more subtle, but fun approach.

Don’t forget to paint inside your doors just as smartly as you would the rest of your dresser, since you’ll be more inclined to show the inside off if it’s wallpapered. A welcome way to add the wow factor to kitchen pantry ideas – to create chic food storage and larders to love.

3. Replace glass panels

Image credit: Future PLC

While you’re painting your dresser, why not consider changing your door or drawer panels? If you’re happy with your existing glass doors, you could try covering them in a ribbed vinyl for a fluted look or, alternatively, remove the glass or wood panels and replace them with fabric or chicken wire, as shown here.

You can also see that the edges of the display shelves inside this cabinet have been painted in a pastel pink and blue for interest – a great way to add some colour without painting the entire furniture piece.

4. Take the dresser apart

Image credit: Future PLC

No room for a dresser? Take it apart and use the top piece as some wall shelves and the bottom half as a small sideboard!

Here, the ornate upper half of a dresser has been painted and hung on the wall in a bathroom to display lotions, potions and pretty trinket boxes. Even the back of the shelves have been wallpapered to add to the overall effect.

5. Give it an ombre look

Image credit: Future PLC

Can’t decide which colour to go for? Choose a few! Paint your dresser in one colour, then the back of each shelf area in a slightly lighter or darker shade of the one before for a funky ombre look. Alternatively, why not go for rainbow colours for a bright stand-out touch?

Keep paint costs down by using tester pots – you should have enough in each one to paint at least one shelf area, if not more.

6. Keep it classic

Image credit: Future PLC

If you want to paint your dresser in a colour that won’t date quickly and that you’re unlikely to grow tired of, then your best bet is to keep it classic. Opt for a timeless shade that will go with your room decor, even if you decide to change the wallpaper or your sofa further down the line.

Here, the cabinet is painted in a stone-coloured finish, which works as beautifully with this dark blue and earthy brown scheme as it would with neutrals or brights.

Stylist’s tip: If you’re storing things inside your drawers and doors that mean they’ll be in constant use, give them an extra coat of a hardy paint, to keep it chip-free for longer.

7. Evoke an industrial feel

Image credit: Future PLC

Looking to refresh your dresser to have it fit in with your industrial vibe? Then you can’t go wrong with a dark-coloured paint to start. Try jet black, dark brown-black, or a dramatic lead-grey like Farrow & Ball’s Downpipe.

For extra authenticity, why not paint or stencil some old-fashioned factory-look numbers or lettering onto the doors or shelves?

8. Show off a standout colour

Image credit: Future PLC

Whatever size your dresser, you can give it some clout by painting it in a really eye-catching colour or pattern. Here, a bright candy pink has been used for a feminine look, and the same colour has been used on a few dining chairs to tie it all together.

Paint the whole dresser for a full-on statement-making piece or, if you’re not that brave, you could just paint a couple of drawers, the frame of the dresser, or even just the shelves.

9. Create a vintage vibe

Image credit: Future PLC

Perhaps a clean, sleek look isn’t your style, in which case, why not give your dresser a good paint and rub down for that distressed look that’s oh-so popular? A

Paint has to be one of the easiest ways to take it from drab to fab, whether you choose a sharp modern look in an on-trend colour, or something more subtle and timeless. All you need is the best paint for furniture, to keep it in tip-top condition.

Annie Sloan does a great range of paints, wax, lacquer and glazes, as well as brushes and tools designed specifically for this type of project, – well worth looking at if you fancy experimenting.

10. Be inspired by nature

Image credit: Future PLC

Wondering what colour to paint your dresser? Take inspiration from nature, which has been one of the biggest colour trends that’s come out of the last year. From forest greens and earthy browns to desert sands and sea blues, there’s so much choice available and these colours help to enhance our connection with the outside world.

Colours that are popular for upcycling tend to be restorative tones, giving new energy to a piece of furniture,’ says Charlotte Radford, senior product manager at Valspar. ‘Pastel blues such as Valspar’s Wings of Pegasus are popular for wooden furniture, alongside deep greys such as Galaxy Grey. Lighter and rustic finishes such as a frosted oak stain are popular for more vintage impressions, as well as pink-toned beiges for cosy and warm renovations.’

11. Go for a vintage-inspired chalky finish

Image credit: Rust-Oleum

Chalky finish paints aren’t going anywhere due to their beautiful flat, matt finish and availability in a humongous range of colours. This china blue shade perfectly complements this vintage Welsh dresser and we love that the top has been left as bare wood. Just the thing for showing off a collection of blue and white ceramics as an alternative kitchen shelving idea.

12. Stencil a geometric pattern

Image credit: Rust-Oleum

Upcycle a chest of drawers by stencilling a geometric pattern. Paint the outside in a chic grey then make a triangle stencil to cover the drawers. Pink and grey is a relaxing combo in a bedroom. Try mixing paint finishes such as satin, matt and gloss to add dimension to your piece.

13. Distress to impress

Image credit: Future PLC/James French

Turn your dresser from drab to fab by giving it a shabby chic distressed finish. Once you’ve painted your piece but before you varnish/wax it, use fine sandpaper to lightly remove paint where it would natural receive ware and tear.

Why not decorate your dresser further by introducing pattern with a wallpaper backing? Cut your chosen design to the size of the backing board (or each backing section) and use glue or paste to stick down. Use a credit card or a squeegee to make sure any air bubbles are removed.

14. Fake Mother of Pearl inlay

Image credit: Annie Sloan

There’s no doubt that Mother of Pearl inlay is exquisite, but furniture boasting such intricate designs often come with a hefty price tag to match.

Why not fake your own using paint techniques? Paint your furniture in a base colour – black will make your inlay pattern really stand out. Next, use a silver paint to stencil or freehand delicate floral and leaf patterns to mirror traditional inlay designs.

Here, Dominique Malacarne used white chalk paint to create her inlay design, then added Annie Sloan’s Pearlescent Glaze over the top to produce the pretty sheen.

Buy now: Pearlescent Glaze, £11.95, Annie Sloan

15.Create an ombre effect

Image credit: Future PLC/Jamie Mason

Transform a shabby dresser into something chic by creating a bold ombre design. Start with the lightest colour at the top, then paint each drawer a slightly darker shade. Paint the base and legs in the darkest colour. This is a great way to use up tester pots!

16. Have fun with stencils

Image credit: Furniture and Choice

Go for a glam Art Deco inspired design using fan-shaped stencils. Remove all hardware i.e. knobs and handles. Paint your piece of furniture in your chosen base shade and leave to dry.

Next, use a stencil and flat stencil brush to add your motif in a neat repeat from right-to-left across the doors. Metallic gold has an opulent feel on a feminine powder pink background.

17. Give pine a blue makeover

Image credit: Stephanie Wroughton / Ideal Home Room Clinic

Upcycling an old pine kitchen dresser with a lick of paint and some new on-trend handles is a smart way to salvage an unloved piece of otherwise practical furniture.

Shared on our very own Ideal Home Room Clinic page is this on-trend transformation by group member Stephanie.

She writes, ’wanted to show you my first furniture upcycle! This is my grandparents old Welsh dresser. I sanded it all down, primed, then painted it and changed the handles. So pleased with the result!’

What a transformation! Stephanie tells us ‘I used a primer on the wood first then  two coats of ‘Scrooge’s nightmare’ from the Valspar Bookcase range at B&Q.’

‘I then painted a top coat of Ronseal Clear Satin Sealer. This was two coats too. The handles and hooks I got from Amazon.’ Estimating it cost approximately less than £30.

18. Renew a country classic dresser

Image credit: Ellen Stewart

Ellen shared with us her dated dresser, bought for the bargain price of £60! She gave it a coat of paint, changed the handles and now it’s a valuable piece of furniture to add country charm to her home.

What is the best paint to use on a dresser?

Do I have to prep my dresser before painting it?

In short, yes – if you want your painted finish to stand the test of time. Whether your kitchen dresser is unpainted or already has a coat or two on it, you’ll need to prepare it ready for painting. ‘Ensure the surface is clean, dry and grease-free using sugar soap to remove all loose and flaking paintwork, then rinse with clean water,’ says Ruth.

‘Rub the dresser down with a medium grade sandpaper, and apply one coat of Intelligent ASP (all-surface primer) to ensure the depth of colour is retained. Allow to dry for at least two hours.’

‘Next, stir the paint thoroughly before use, then apply the first coat of Intelligent Satinwood evenly and allow to dry for four hours. Apply a second coat of Intelligent Satinwood – two full coats are recommended to achieve full depth of colour. Your piece will be surface-dry within 1–2 hours.’

What colour is best for painted furniture?

This really comes down to personal choice, as while some prefer the looks of a bolder colour, others will be drawn to something more neutral. Take into account the room your dresser is going into and whether you want it to stand out or blend in. ‘Choose a colour to complement the scheme within your home or a standout shade that will create a bold, focal point in a room,’ says Ruth.

Additional words by Stephanie Durrant

The post Painted dresser ideas – including the latest DIY looks appeared first on Ideal Home.