The Dappered Space is a series designed to help guys apply the sense of personal style they’ve developed to the space they inhabit. Watch for articles on furniture and decor sales & picks, advice on how to style a room or work space, and tackling creating a space that reflects your own (and perhaps a significant other’s) personal tastes. We’ll suggest items that can be sourced online, but always keep in mind that deals can be found at consignment and thrift stores, local stores with floor models, discount stores, and even yard sales.

Glitzhome Mid-Century Modern Hunter Green Armchair – $224 ($319.99)

This is an easy green to incorporate into many different decor styles. And the look of the chair can assimilate fairly easily as well. Tufted faux leather adds some character, and the width is 2.5 inches wider than the Verity Lounge Chair we reviewed not long ago. Of course it is a completely different chair, but if you were looking for something wider, this might do the trick.

OXO Good Grips Julienne Peeler – $9.99

I caught an episode of Milk Street on my local public television station a few weekends ago, and I’ve been drooling over this recipe for their Best Fried Egg Banh Mi ever since. It requires julienned veggies, and a julienne peeler is a quick way to make that happen. Bon appetit!

Snap Wellness Touchless Mist Sanitizer – $60 ($80)

Necessary? No. Cool none the less? Yes. Back to school. Back to office. With colder weather, thus cold season on the horizon, hand sanitizer is good to have on hand. And yes, you can get a cheap bottle of Purrell and that’ll take care of germs just as well as this. BUT, it won’t look as cool, feel as cool, and probably smell as good. On sale as part of Bespoke Post’s End of Season Sale. Fore more apparel related picks from the sale, click or tap here.

Lynwood Square Upholstered Cube Ottoman – $100

Taller ottomans can double as tables, as can be seen in the above photo. You can place two together to approximate the length of a coffee table, but then enjoy the flexibility of using them as ottomans when wanted. Ottomans are typically more comfortable to stretch your legs and feet out onto. This particular offering from Target has a masculine vibe with that dark brown stripe fabric (although it’s available in multiple fabric options). And you’d have to think it’ll go on sale at some point.

Turella Extra Long Console Table – $136.24 ($170.30)

This console table has a couple nice things going for it, aside from the price. The raised lips around three of the four table top edges not only adds some extra character, but provides some protection from items slipping off. If you click on the link and look at the product images, you’ll see examples of it set up like a desk or bar table with chairs. That’s another handy option, if you host movie nights or have a big family that could use extra table top area for work or play.

Nourison Grafix Persian Navy Blue 8’x10′ Area Rug – $71.08

Style and color on a dime. This high traffic area rug will add depth and richness to a room. The saturated navy blue and cream combo is elegant but also classic. Can be used in a light living space, or a darker office area. Either way, it’ll only add to the look. And you can’t beat the price for the size.

Set of 6 Spring Fluted Glass Bottles – $24.95

As we get back into weather that’s actually pleasant for outdoor dining, here’s a way to provide your backyard guests a bottle of water without creating plastic trash. At just over 4 bucks a bottle (before tax/shipping), it seems like an affordable and sustainable way to keep your guests hydrated, and their beverages bug free.

Solo Stove Mesa XL Tabletop Firepit – $80 ($110)

Another good item for the incoming outdoor weather. Add some ambiance and a little pocket of warmth on cool fall days or nights. Great for impromptu smores making, since you don’t have a build a big fire for a small task. Seems like kindling or pellets will work best for the size. Might also make a good gift for someone on your nice list this year? On sale through Huckberry.

About the Author: Sarah is a long time member of the Dappered team, typically working behind the scenes editing posts, taking some photos, and keeping the books in good standing. Occasionally she’ll come out from behind the curtain to offer her two cents.

Poly & Bark Verity Lounge Chair in Cognac Tan Leather – $526 w/ CYBER ($657)

Pricing Note: At post time Amazon also has these, on sale for $524 for Prime members, as long as you check the little $75 off coupon box before checkout. No word on when that sale ends though, and they can swing around in price on Amazon by quite a bit. 

Yes, you’ve seen this chair mentioned before on this site. It’s been mentioned enough times, in fact, that we thought it would be a good idea to get one in-house to test out in person. And by test out in person we mean lug around town to get some stylish shots so as to be worthy of the sartorial company of items featured here on Dappered. Note that you can get it at two places:

1. Direct through Poly & Bark. They have multiple leather colors over there (Cognac, Cocoa Brown, Olive Brown, Navy Blue, and Black)
2. Through Amazon. Just Cognac and Black available there though. But if you have Prime, it ships super fast.

Five available leather colors direct through Poly & Bark. (Amazon has just two.)

Sometimes ordering through Amazon is cheaper. Sometimes ordering through Poly & Bark is by far the better deal. It’s worth price checking each source before you consider buying.

This is an indoor accent chair. It’s not made for use outdoors.
But the lighting is just better out there, and the image is sufficiently absurd for Dappered.
Human shown is a thoroughly average 5’10″/185.

Construction

The frame of this chair, while very light (the entire chair weighs 26 pounds), seems very solidly constructed. The chair ships intact, no assembly needed, because that kiln-dried ash wood frame is fitted together without any visible hardware. The seams quietly come together, with the only clue being the grain of the wood moving in different directions. And there was only one visible spot where glue had seeped up from a joint on the underside of the chair. The wood itself is stained walnut, a common stain color that will be easy to repair should you get a scratch or gash in the frame. (These Minwax markers come in very handy for touching up stained wood furniture.)

Making our way around the chair: the top left shows how seamless the frame looks.
Top right shows glue that seeped from a joint.
Bottom left is a shot of one of the glides on the leg of the chair.
Bottom right shows off one of the curves of the frame.

The stitching on the leather cushion covers seems durable. A nice thick matching thread was used to stitch the panels of leather together. The covers themselves are removeable, allowing for cushion replacement, or easier leather repair if needed. It doesn’t seem like the task of getting the cushions out would be easy, but at least you have the option to cross that bridge when and if it comes to it.

Thick, color-matched thread was used to stitch the cushion covers together.

Another interesting feature on this chair is the way the bottom cushion fastens to the frame. It uses a carabiner style latch system (rather than the typical snaps). I don’t know if this is easier to manufacture, but it looks kind of cool. But herein lies the one details that lacks the finesse of the rest of the chair. The bottom straps of leather that house the rings for the carabiner attachment are stapled into the chair. This isn’t visible unless you’re looking under the chair, and this is probably one of the safest ways to attach the leather to the wood without splitting it, but it doesn’t look the prettiest.

The one area lacking finesse on this chair, but seeing as it’s located under the frame and no one will see it, it’s not that big of a deal.

Quality

Back to the frame of this chair, as mentioned before it’s constructed of kiln-dried ash wood. Ash is one of the best woods for furniture. It’s lightweight but hard, making it strong and durable. It also has an attractive grain, which when stained, adds a lot of beauty to a finished product. And there are lots of well thought out and intentional curves on this frame. They add to both the functionality (curved out armrests where elbows land) and beauty of the furniture.

Curvy, flared out arm rests create a little more space for resting elbows.

This chair, depending on the color you choose, will feature a pure or semi-aniline dyed full grain leather. The cognac, cocoa brown, and olivine green versions of this chair feature pure aniline. This is typically associated with a higher quality leather, but it also makes it more susceptible to scratches and stains. If you have a busy household with young kiddos, the semi-aniline versions of this chair could be a better choice, but you’d have to settle on black or blue leather (which also hold their own appeal). Here’s a quick explanation on the difference between pure and semi-aniline leather.

The curved frame and backrest slats add to the craftsmen appeal of this chair.
The seat cushion has a carabiner latching system to keep is securely fastened to the frame.

Rather than having just a few, thicker back slats, the rear part of the frame features several handsome slats that add to the look of the chair. This ensures that the chair looks decorative and craftsmen from any angle.

Comfort

I wouldn’t call this chair “cozy,” but it is definitely comfortable. The cushioning feels just right. It’s supportive, but has a pleasant amount of give. The cushions are made of high density foam. The Poly & Bark website claims that the seat has a feather down topper, but that doesn’t seem to be the case with the chair I received. Pretty sure there’s just a layer of polyester upholstery batting on top of the foam, but it’s still comfortable.

The chair features a 105 degree angle to the seat, encouraging correct posture. At 21″ deep, the seat is a comfortable depth for supporting the upper legs without cutting off your hamstrings or feeling awkward against the back of your knees. And while this chair is definitely lower to the ground, that ergonomic angle makes the height feel appropriate.

The wood armrests aren’t going to be able to match the cushy armrests of overstuffed recliners, but boy do they look better. And they are comfortable. As mentioned before, because the wood is flared out, there is enough surface area to comfortably rest your elbows. And hey, we’re not talking about a chair made for napping away the afternoon.

Go ahead, park your butt.

One final thing to note about the chair is the size. It’s fairly compact, and will fit well into smaller spaces. It boasts a lot of depth, but at only 31″ tall and 25″ wide, it’s on the smaller side. It’s plenty big enough to accommodate many body types, but if you like your furniture on the larger side, be warned.

Final Thoughts

The Verity Lounge Chair is a good option for those looking for a quality, attractive leather chair at a reasonable price. It’ll be especially good for smaller spaces, but can easily compliment a furniture arrangement in a larger room. The laid back style of the chair encourages relaxation while maintaining good looks. The pure aniline leather of the cognac tan version may not be the best for households with the potential for rough and tumble use, unless you want to create a lasting story through dings and “patina.” All in all, when this chair goes on sale, it’s well worth the price.

About the Author: Sarah is a long time member of the Dappered team, typically working behind the scenes editing posts, taking some photos, and keeping the books in good standing. Occasionally she’ll come out from behind the curtain to offer her two cents.

The Dappered Space is a series designed to help guys apply the sense of personal style they’ve developed to the space they inhabit. Watch for articles on furniture and decor sales & picks, advice on how to style a room or work space, and tackling creating a space that reflects your own (and perhaps a significant other’s) personal tastes. We’ll suggest items that can be sourced online, but always keep in mind that deals can be found at consignment and thrift stores, local stores with floor models, discount stores, and even yard sales.

The Dappered Space is a series designed to help guys apply the sense of personal style they’ve developed to the space they inhabit. Watch for articles on furniture and decor sales & picks, advice on how to style a room or work space, and tackling creating a space that reflects your own (and perhaps a significant other’s) personal tastes. We’ll suggest items that can be sourced online, but always keep in mind that deals can be found at consignment and thrift stores, local stores with floor models, discount stores, and even yard sales.

Outopee Folding Camp Chair – $37.98

As “dappered” looking of a camp chair as you’re likely to get. Can definitely be used for camping, but would also be nice to have on hand for backyard get-togethers. The frame is actually aluminum with a wood grain look, but because of that the chair itself weighs only 5 pounds, but can hold up to 220 lbs. Sold by Lowes.

Palma 60″ Arched Console Table – $350

New to Target. Incorporates straight lines, corners, and curves. Kind of has a Federal, or Neoclassical design vibe. Console tables work great against a wall, or along the back of a couch that’s open to a room. Full price at the moment, but it shouldn’t be too long before Target includes it in a sale.

YAMAZAKI Home Rin Magnetic Key & Tray Organizer – $29

The designers at Yamazaki Home like to keep things simple and clean, and this smaller key and mail holder is no exception. Use the magnetic back to stick it to a fridge, filing cabinet, or metal door. Or use the included screws to mount it to a wall (next to a door is a handy spot). Available in either black/brown or white/beige.

SAFAVIEH Antiquity Collection 2’x8′ Runner Rug – $68.61

Rugs with an antiquated pattern can add a lot to a room, as long as there aren’t other patterns that will clash. And runner size rugs are great for placement in either hallways, or just a spot where the typical rectangular rug won’t work. This option from popular rug brand Safavieh is hand tufted from wool, and is also available in a rich red color scheme if that works better for your place.

Sterling & Noble 16″ Mid Century Modern Wall Clock – $23.58

A quick and affordable way to add a rich accent to a wall. Requires a AA battery to operate, which is included with purchase. Would look great in a wall grouping with a few other decorative accents.

Gibson Elite Gelston Stoneware Service for 4 Dinnerware Set – $79.99

This set comes with Four 10.25-inch dinner plates, four 8.5-inch dessert plates, four 8.5-inch dinner bowls, and four 21oz cereal bowls. These are stoneware, so won’t be the lightest weight. But with good care they should last a while. Has that grey and brown combo that tends to be quite complimentary in style.

JUYSON Toilet Paper Holder with Shelf – $20.99

Let’s just admit where we are now, phones come in the bathroom with us. And if you don’t have an accessible shelf or counter in reach when the moment arrives that you need both hands free, it’s getting set on the floor. This is an easy way to avoid that, while also having a handy compartment to store things in, like flushable wipes, or feminine products for the gals.

Yard Butler Rocket Weeder – $53.96

Can pulling weeds actually be fun? The Yard Butler Weed Rocket is probably going to be the closest you’ll get to answering yes to that question. It’s not the best for pulling up small weeds (it can, but it’ll remove a big plug of dirt with the weed), but for dandelions, thistle, and other weeds that have multiplied in size seemingly overnight, this tool can be super satisfying to use to tackle those weeds. Plus it’s used in a standing position, so can be easier on sore backs.

About the Author: Sarah is a long time member of the Dappered team, typically working behind the scenes editing posts, taking some photos, and keeping the books in good standing. Occasionally she’ll come out from behind the curtain to offer her two cents.

The Dappered Space is a series designed to help guys apply the sense of personal style they’ve developed to the space they inhabit. Watch for articles on furniture and decor sales & picks, advice on how to style a room or work space, and tackling creating a space that reflects your own (and perhaps a significant other’s) personal tastes. We’ll suggest items that can be sourced online, but always keep in mind that deals can be found at consignment and thrift stores, local stores with floor models, discount stores, and even yard sales.

MilSurp: Military Surplus. Colors and shades would include greens, grays, browns and beiges. Civvy: “Civilian.”  We’re going to base this particular styled room off of Style Scenario: MilSurp Colors, Smart Casual Civvy Style. Neutral colors based on surplus military gear were considered. And the Civvy style was pulled straight out of a Christopher Nolan movie. It’s a good looking combo.

In this styled room we’re using this color scheme and clean style to create an outdoor living space that looks sharp and modern, while injecting just a little bit of lighter color to brighten things up. Also, as far as pulling in the green from the pants, we’ll just let nature carry most of that load (since this is an outdoor setup, after all).

The Side Table/Cooler Hybrid: Veradek Outdoor Cooler Side Table – $119.99. This stone/plastic (real stone mixed in) composite table has a nifty second function; it’s also a cooler. And the way the lid glides open, rather than flips open, means you don’t have to move what’s set on top in order to get inside. Very highly reviewed on Amazon.

The Outdoor Sofa: Harper Hill Black Aluminum Frame Outdoor Sofa – $475.25. Clean lines. No fuss. Modern and functional. Would probably be best suited to an outdoor space that is mostly or often shaded, as this sofa is guaranteed to absorb heat, seeing as it’s none more black. Like it’s neutral color brethren of white and grey, you can make black the backdrop for a variety of colors and looks. But here, we’re sticking with the basics. Sold by Wal Mart.

The Pillows: Ensperta Pack of 2 Outdoor 18×18 Waterproof Olive Green Throw Pillow Covers – $19.99 + 2 Pack 18×18 Inserts – $20.99. Getting to the olive color of the pants feature in the Style Scenario this outdoor look is mimicking. This is the only truly green item in this lineup, but seeing as you’re creating this room outside, you’ll probably have some greenery around to compensate.

The Rug: Jill Zarin Anguilla 6′ x 9′ Outdoor Rug in Charcoal – $79.99. Another Wal Mart offering. This rug comes in multiple sizes and colors, but a 6 x 9 will give you plenty of room to work with. If your patio or deck is smaller, just make sure it’ll fit. Easy to clean and stain resistant.

The Coffee Table: Crosley Piermont Outdoor Metal Sectional Coffee Table – $102.99. Be bold and go square rather than rectangular on the coffee table. The matte black steel frame is powder coated for weather resistance. Slat top ads a little bit of visual pattern. Sold by Target.

The Planters: Veradek V-Resin Indoor/Outdoor Taper Planter 2-pack – $119.99. These will help you get some “living” green incorporated into the space. At 26″ high, and 13.75″ squared, they can create a statement that compliments this modern space. Putting tall plants in them, like grasses, large succulents, or even dwarf pines will create a cool look.

The Outdoor Ottoman(s): 2 Pack West Park Black Aluminum Outdoor Patio Ottoman – $102. Injecting some cream here just to lighten things up, plus these ottomans are a nice price. They will also easily double as seats. Using them as ottomans, of course means they’re going to get dirty. But at least the fabric “features Cushion Guard fabric to resist water, stains, and more.” Sold by Home Depot.

The Refreshment Cart: Umbra Bellwood Bar Cart – $135 ($160). Not technically an outdoor cart, but it’s lightweight, and the rubber wheels make it easily transported. Umbra is known for simple, clean, modern looks, and this bar cart fits that bill. A nice feature is that the trays are removeable, so you can take them from bar cart to table and back, if so needed.

The Chair: Modway Clearwater Teak Wood and Fabric Outdoor Armless Chair – $359.62. Could we call this an olivey-brown? I think so. Definitely a color you would see on military fatigues, or very close. This teakwood chair has removable cushions, so the frame can still be used if/when the original cushions don’t stand the test of time. Sold by Wal Mart.

About the Author: Sarah is a long time member of the Dappered team, typically working behind the scenes editing posts, taking some photos, and keeping the books in good standing. Occasionally she’ll come out from behind the curtain to offer her two cents.

The Dappered Space is a series designed to help guys apply the sense of personal style they’ve developed to the space they inhabit. Watch for articles on furniture and decor sales & picks, advice on how to style a room or work space, and tackling creating a space that reflects your own (and perhaps a significant other’s) personal tastes. We’ll suggest items that can be sourced online, but always keep in mind that deals can be found at consignment and thrift stores, local stores with floor models, discount stores, and even yard sales.

Brighttech LED Table Lamp & Wireless Charger – $55.99 w/ 20% off coupon box checked ($69.99)

Ideal for smaller spaces since it combines two essentials (a table lamp and a wireless phone charger) in one. Would be perfect for a night-stand or a home-office desk. On sale for 20% off at Amazon at post time. Just make sure you check the little “apply 20% off” coupon box before checking out.

Sevilla Chair with Footrest – $215

Well doesn’t that look inviting. All sorts of Dappered in the color scheme. And the nice thing about a separated ottoman (rather than one long lounger) is that it can be placed in the most comfortable spot for each user. Plus it can second as another seat when needed. Currently being sold by Home Depot.

Miizula 16 Pcs Light Gray Wheat Straw/Plastic Reusable Dinnerware Set – $39.99

Outdoor dining is underway, and wheat straw plastic dinner ware is great for just that. It’s also ideal for camping, since it’s lightweight and durable. Plus it’s dishwasher safe. Sold by Amazon.

Brightown LED Outdoor String Lights, 100 Feet – $52.99

Speaking of outdoor dining and entertaining…  As a very good friend of Dappered once said, “lighting is everything.” And if you’re throwing a party this spring or summer, having good, not harsh, ambiance-creating outdoor lighting can make or break a, (holds pinky up) soiree. These claim to be waterproof, shatterproof, and are even dimmable if you provide your own dimmer.

New Bedford 2 Door Accent Cabinet – $190

Traditional design, but can easily be used in most decor styles. Black, brown, and grey; another handsome color combo. The arching door cutouts are decorative in themselves, then what you choose to add on the inside will elevate that. If you look at the customer photos on the Target page, several people have put two of these side by side to create an affordable storage area. Sold by Target.

FLIKR Personal Square Concrete Fireplace Kit – $99

The great outdoors are great… until they’re not. Humidity. Insect swarms. The neighbors blasting “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy.” These isopropyl alcohol burning mini-fireplaces are compatible with the indoors, deliver the ambiance, and yes, are safe to roast marshmallows over. You should get ~50 minutes of burn time with 5 ounces of 70% or 91% isopropyl rubbing alcohol. And if you want to use it outside, go right ahead. Traditional fire pits are bulky, heavy, and expensive. At just 4.75″/4.5″ this is the significantly leaner, cheaper, tabletop option.

IKEA NÖVLING 8 x 10 Rug – $249

Simple, yet not? For just a two tone rug there’s a lot going on, but in a good way. The scalloped edges in that deep caramel color break up the blue nicely, and the pattern in the weave creates an embossed look that’s eye-catching. Click on the link above to see the rug in a room. One warning, darker rugs can readily show off light lint and pet hair, so be warned. Sold by IKEA.

Umbra Cubiko Wall Planter – $100

Umbra has another thoughtfully designed product on their hands. The Cubiko Wall Planter can immediately transform wall space into an indoor garden, but as seen above, you can also use some of the planters for storage. This allows for a lot of creativity in how you’ll use it. The above link will send you to Amazon, but you can always get it directly from Umbra, where free shipping kicks in at $75.

About the Author: Sarah is a long time member of the Dappered team, typically working behind the scenes editing posts, taking some photos, and keeping the books in good standing. Occasionally she’ll come out from behind the curtain to offer her two cents.

About the Authors: Sarah is a long time member of the Dappered team, typically working behind the scenes editing posts, taking some photos, and keeping the books in good standing. Occasionally she’ll come out from behind the curtain to offer her two cents. Meanwhile, Joe is the sentient tumbleweed who operates the website you’re presently reading. He’s cleaner than most, and oddly enough one of his (few) skills is cleaning.

Watch shown above: The Invicta 1953 automatic on a Crown and Buckle supreme NATO.

Turns out spring cleaning has quite the history, shared across religious beliefs and cultural traditions. And yet we still value it in modern times, since the spring season brings renewal in nature and more sunlight, giving us more energy to get our crap together when it comes to our spaces. If spring cleaning feels like a daunting task, here are 8 tips that’ll hopefully help you get started, and get you through the process.

#1 Make A Cleaning Kit

• Pura 60 count Baby Wipes – $8
• Sprayway Streakless Glass Cleaner (3 pack) – $7.77
• Reusable Latex Gloves – $7
• Swiffer Microfiber Dusting Kit – $9
• Clorox Clean-Up Cleaner with Bleach 3 pack – $17.86
• Libman Scrub Brush Kit (3 brushes) – $18
• Utopia Cotton Bar Towels (12 pack) – $19
• Simple Green All Purpose Cleaner (3 pack) – $24.99
• LavoHome Caddy – $25.99
• Old Toothbrushes

If you have the room to store it, a preassembled cleaning kit can make getting started a little easier. Rather than getting under different cupboards for different sprays, brushes, and towels, just have it all assembled in a caddy (or bucket) that you can quickly grab and then get to it. It’s in the pause between thinking and action where procrastination can get it’s foot in the door. Getting started quickly can halt all the excuses your mind will create to delay getting the task done.

#2 Wear comfortable, flexible clothing you can get dirty.

Commit to the job. That means wearing comfortable, flexible clothes you can get dirty and/or work up a sweat in. You don’t want to be wearing clothes that you’re hesitant to get down on your hands and knees in. That’ll only extend the timeline and make you terribly inefficient. That deep forgotten space behind the toilet isn’t gonna scrub itself. Get down there. Get it done. Work up a sweat doing so. If you’re a workout warrior, then schedule a spring cleaning day(s) into your training regime. It’ll feel like a workout. Promise.

#3 Bar Towels aren’t just for bars

A big stack of these cheap suckers will change your life. Why? Because paper towels are mostly a lie. Aside from quick jobs, paper towels are basically useless. You need something that can take and deliver a beating. That’s where (cheap!) bar towels come in. A solid stack of bar towels are a cleaning-machine’s best friend. You can use them to wipe surfaces down, dust (they don’t really leave lint behind), dry, scrub, and soak up. Easy to machine wash and dry, and can be bleached if needed. Also, if you use some on something you don’t want running through your washing machine (say oven grease or motor oil…) they’re so inexpensive that throwing out the odd towel won’t leave you despondent.

#4 Baby wipes aren’t just for baby butts

Cheap baby wipes can be uber handy when it comes to cleaning. Since they are premoistened, they easily wipe up collected dirt and grime on baseboards, floors, and other surfaces. They’re really helpful for a quick cleanup in a pinch, or somewhere you don’t want to use a spray cleaner on. If you’re using them on a surface where residue could be visible (see the moisture in the above photo, bottom left corner), use a dry towel to dry and buff the surface. And remember, baby wipes are made for skin. So if you want to disinfect, follow up with something stronger.

#5 Respect bleach, but don’t be afraid to use it

Have a healthy respect (read: fear) for bleach when it comes to getting it on your skin, but a little bit of bleach can go a long way in getting stains out of white porcelain (think toilets and sinks) and fiberglass (bathtubs/showers). A bleach based cleaner can, in a matter of minutes, get coffee and tea stains out of a sink. And filling your tub with about 4 inches of warm water with about a cup of bleach mixed in, and letting it soak for a little while, will help bleach out grimy stains in a textured bathtub floor. If you use a fabric based shower curtain liner, you can even soak the liner in the water at the same time to help bleach out stains and mildew. (Be sure to rinse the liner after soaking.) Just a reminder, bleach can burn skin and permanently discolor clothes, and the fumes can damage lungs. Be sure to wear rubber gloves, and ventilate the area you’re working in. And never, ever, ever, everrrrr mix cleaning products. 

#6 Consider a cordless vacuum

• Dyson V8 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner – $419 (shown above)
• Shark UZ565H Pro Cordless Vacuum – $119.99
• Eureka NEC280TL RapidClean Pro Cordless Cleaner – $149.99
• LG CordZero Cordless Vacuum – $298
• Shark IZ362H Cordless Pet Pro Lightweight Stick HEPA Vacuum – $319
• Dyson Outsize Cordless Vacuum Cleaner – $599

Best for cleaning small spaces, or daily quick cleans, but man do they make life a little easier. While subject to battery power and a smaller canister, the trade off for the lighter weight and ease of use can make a cordless vacuum worth it to many. If you do have more to vacuum than the battery can handle, you can always stagger what you’re cleaning to create time for a recharge. Dyson seems to be the king of the cordless vacuum, and they’ll charge you for it, but many other brands have followed suit and offer their own versions. 

#7 Use old or cheap toothbrushes for the small jobs

You can certainly buy cleaning brushes specifically designed for smaller jobs, but old toothbrushes are pretty handy for scrubbing smaller spaces like around a drain flange, or grout. Plus you’re reusing something you’d just throw away, saving money AND creating less trash in the process. If using an old toothbrush isn’t appealing, just buy a cheap one to use specifically for cleaning.

#8 Make it enjoyable-ish

Podcasts. Live sports. Audiobooks. Singing. Beer. Whatever you can (safely) use to make it more enjoyable… use it. Some people do actually enjoy the process of cleaning, but the majority of folks do not. You clearly need to pay attention and not get sloppy (no one is saying get sloppy drunk and end up with a Swiffer impaled through your eye), but if an adult beverage or a coffee, and some non-distracting entertainment makes the chore not just tolerable but fun… then you’ll be likely to do it more often. Do it more often and the less intimidating it’ll be the next time you’re due to give your place a good scrub. Which *spoiler* is much more than once a year in the spring.

BONUS  Additional tools to help

By no means required, but if you like gadgets and extras, here are a few additional items that might make cleaning a little easier.

• Hand-held Groove Gap Cleaning Tool – $5
• Method Daily Wood Cleaner – $7
• Angry Mama Microwave Cleaner – $8
• Swiffer 360 Dusters Extendable Handle Starter Kit – $9.94
• OXO Good Grips Microfiber Delicate Duster – $9.95
• Retractable Gap Duster – $10
• Swiffer Wet Jet – $25

The Dappered Space is a series designed to help guys apply the sense of personal style they’ve developed to the space they inhabit. Watch for articles on furniture and decor sales & picks, advice on how to style a room or work space, and tackling creating a space that reflects your own (and perhaps a significant other’s) personal tastes. We’ll suggest items that can be sourced online, but always keep in mind that deals can be found at consignment and thrift stores, local stores with floor models, discount stores, and even yard sales.

The Dappered Space is a series designed to help guys apply the sense of personal style they’ve developed to the space they inhabit. Watch for articles on furniture and decor sales & picks, advice on how to style a room or work space, and tackling creating a space that reflects your own (and perhaps a significant other’s) personal tastes. We’ll suggest items that can be sourced online, but always keep in mind that deals can be found at consignment and thrift stores, local stores with floor models, discount stores, and even yard sales.

Umbra Bellwood Umbrella Holder – $60

Umbrellas (these are hard to beat) are going to see an uptick in use over the next few months, and having a place to put them that’ll catch the water is handy. But also having a place to put them that also looks good? That’s a bonus. This simple holder from Umbra sports that clean design Umbra is known for. The resin base is water and rust-proof, and the steel upper ring has a couple small hooks to hang compact umbrellas from. If you prefer a lighter color scheme, the above link to Amazon also has a white/natural version of this holder that’s marked down to $44.46.

Mohawk Home Calais Fog/Vaporous Gray Rug – $29.97

It’s that time of year where trees are dropping seeds, rain is falling, and the ground is thawing so mud can be an issue. In other words, a lot of muck can come into the house on shoes. A cheap, washable, yet good looking rug can be very handy to catch all that schmutz, and add some decorative notes to your space. The above option from The Home Depot works, and will be kind to your bank account. Was just marked down $10, so wouldn’t be surprise to see that happen again soon.

Black & Decker 16V MAX Cordless Stick Vacuum – $107.19 ($179.99)

Cordless vacuums make daily quick clean-ups so much easier. Great for homes with hair of any kind (pet or human), and spaces that don’t have an entryway or mudroom to keep tracked in debris hidden. Also very handy for quickly cleaning up crumbs on the kitchen floor, and vacuuming off fabric couches and chairs. They’re not great for REALLY big jobs, as they can run out of battery somewhat quickly. But for daily maintenance, cordless vacuums are tops. Dyson is obviously the king in this space… but they charge a king’s ransom for one of their vacuums. This Black and Decker option is significantly less.

Indoor/Outdoor 6-pair Boot Rack – $39.99

Traipsing about during the wet spring season results in shoes and rain boots picking up a lot of debris and moisture. Here’s one way to both store your boots, and allow them to dry. This particular rack is designed to be used either indoors or out. Also available in 4-pair and 8-pair sizes, with prices fluctuating accordingly.

IRIS Metal Garment Rack with 5 shelves – $59.99 ($79.99)

A way to create storage by a front door if your space lacks a coat closet. Or, use it to organize and visually display your clothes for the upcoming week. Doing this ahead of time will take one daily decision off your plate.

Nissie 5-Piece Natural Walnut & Light Beige Dining Set – $520.76 ($650)

That’s a surprising price for a 5 piece dining set. A price that would justify anticipating some crappy reviews. But no, most of the reviews are five-star and even comment on how nice the quality is for the price. This breaks from our spring muck and storage theme of this Most Wanted, but it was too good of a deal to not include.

LL Bean “Whales” Waterhog Doormat – $44.95

We’ll end with one more door mat suggestion, this one appropriate for either indoors or out. The raised borders on L.L. Bean’s Waterhog mats help contain water. The rubber backing keeps them from leaking, and the thick and thin polyester fibers woven into these mats help remove dirt from shoes. There are multiple design and size options, but the above whale motif is a fun one.

About the Author: Sarah is a long time member of the Dappered team, typically working behind the scenes editing posts, taking some photos, and keeping the books in good standing. Occasionally she’ll come out from behind the curtain to offer her two cents.

The Dappered Space is a series designed to help guys apply the sense of personal style they’ve developed to the space they inhabit. Watch for articles on furniture and decor sales & picks, advice on how to style a room or work space, and tackling creating a space that reflects your own (and perhaps a significant other’s) personal tastes. We’ll suggest items that can be sourced online, but always keep in mind that deals can be found at consignment and thrift stores, local stores with floor models, discount stores, and even yard sales.

Latitude Run 2-Drawer Lateral Filing Cabinet – $195.99

Paper. Are we still doing paper? Seems like there’s still enough of it around that having a filing cabinet can be highly beneficial for keeping said paper organized. Plus, with spring on the horizon, you might be feeling a natural surge of energy that is great to harness for spring cleaning. Get those papers put away, and other elements organized, all in a handsome cabinet like this.

Whiskey Peaks “The Wave” Set of 2 Whiskey Glasses – $12 w/ whiskey20 ($25)

We’re all familiar with the mountain peaks featured in the Whiskey Peaks lineup, but here’s something a little different. Sculptural lines bring dimension to the wave that sits at the bottom of these glasses. Sold by Huckberry. Free shipping doesn’t kick in until $98, so if you’re only getting the glasses you will be paying for shipping. But the 20% off (whiskey peaks glassware) code whiskey20 is a nice bit of help.

KAWOTI Two Table Lamp Set with Night Light and USB Ports – $100.72 ($150)

Well that’s handy. One turn of the switch turns the nightlight component on, 2 turns and you’ll get just the lamp lit, and three turns will switch both the nightlight and lamp on. If you enjoy low, ambient light in the evening, this is a winner. Plus the base features two USB ports for device charging. Currently on sale through Bed Bath & Beyond, and you get two for the price.

Arden 3-Piece Textured Stripe Comforter Set  – $73.99- $90.99

Longer days and warmer temps bring along the desire for lighter and brighter textiles, and this can include bedding. Lighter bedding can quickly transition a brooding winter bedroom into a reflection of the season. Stripes pair well with multiple textures, patterns, and materials, and the neutral colors in this set should also easily incorporate with an array of colors. Price range above is by size (queen or king). Sold by Home Depot.

POLY & BARK Verity Lounge Chair – $524 ($699)

Seems to usually be on sale for $599, and right now up for a $75 “coupon” by clicking the coupon box on the Amazon page for this chair. Also available in a mean and handsome looking black leather. And the fabric options are up for a coupon as well, and it drops the price below $500 on those fabric upholstered chairs.

Costway Outdoor Acacia Wood Sofa Furniture Set – $319.99 ($709.99)

A good looking conversation set that’s actually on the affordable side right now. It sure seems like patio furniture is still feeling the effects of inflation. So if you’re in the market for some, and you find a good price, you might want to jump on it. This particular set is being sold through Target.

Demeyere Resto 4-cup Stainless Steel Egg Poacher – $59.95 ($100)

With brunch season here, an egg poaching pan is a handy addition to any kitchen that prepares a lot of breakfast foods. You can certainly try to poach eggs in just water, but it’s a skill that takes a while to develop, and you can loose a lot of egg white in the process. A poaching pan wastes no egg, and shapes them nicely.

Injopexi Decorative Garden Fence with 6 Panels – $65.99

Even if you’re not a gardener, an easy to install fence like this can come in handy if you need to keep curious dogs out of a space in your yard. This fencing is easily installed and removed (for winter storage), and you can add or subtract panels to make it as long as you need. Sold through Amazon.

About the Author: Sarah is a long time member of the Dappered team, typically working behind the scenes editing posts, taking some photos, and keeping the books in good standing. Occasionally she’ll come out from behind the curtain to offer her two cents.

The Dappered Space is a series designed to help guys apply the sense of personal style they’ve developed to the space they inhabit. Watch for articles on furniture and decor sales & picks, advice on how to style a room or work space, and tackling creating a space that reflects your own (and perhaps a significant other’s) personal tastes. We’ll suggest items that can be sourced online, but always keep in mind that deals can be found at consignment and thrift stores, local stores with floor models, discount stores, and even yard sales.

In February we published a look for a stay-at-home Valentine’s date night. It featured comfortable, yet still put-together clothing with color nods to the holiday of love:

This color scheme just happens to play well with putting together a stylish, comfortable bedroom. Darker colors can aid in sleep, a pop of red can help break it up, and some rich brown thrown in the mix brings a masculine, earthy vibe:

The Bed: Black Oak Queen Bed Frame with Headboard – $154.99. Tall bedframes like this provide plenty of under-bed storage, if it’s needed. It also makes getting a vacuum under the bed easier. And the frame itself supports a mattress without the use of a box spring. Sold through Amazon.

The Bedding: Threshold 3pc Luxe Striped Damask Duvet Cover and Sham Set – $59. This 100% cotton duvet and pillow cover set incorporates the stripes from the style scenario, without the color. (Unless you like the circus look, skip the white and burgundy striped duvet.) This offering from Target includes the duvet, which you can leave empty in warm temps, and stuff with a down blanket in cold temps, and two pillow shams for decor. Lots of good reviews on the quality for the price. Sold by Target.

The Sheets: Kirkland Signature 680 Thread Count Queen Sheet Set – $79.99. These high thread count sheets are made to last. Sold through Costco, so you’ll have to have a membership or know someone that does. Comes with a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and four pillowcases.

The Throw Pillow: HÄSTHAGE 20×20 Cushion Cover – $9.99 & SVARTPOPPEL 26×26 Cushion Cover – $12.99. Decorative pillows add a little extra “cush” to a bed, and a lot of decor. These links lead to cushion, or pillow COVERS. You’ll have to also get the inserts, but IKEA sells them at a great price. The Hasthage cover features a Swedish Dala horse in a bold block print. And the Svartpoppel cover incorporates a lighter red hue, a nod to the red in the Style Scenario. To keep the look on your bed balanced, get two of the Svartpoppel, one for each side of the bed.

The Rug: Kali Navy 8 ft. x 10 ft. Geometric Shag Area Rug – $231.22. A unique rug will create an immediate focal point in a room. This rug features a bold geometric diamond pattern, and comes in six different color schemes if you’d like less blue in the room. Sold by Home Depot.

The End Table: HATTÅSEN Bedside table – $29.99. Another IKEA item, but you can’t beat the price for a side table, especially when you’re likely sourcing two of them. These simple, lightweight tables offer ample shelf storage, and a clean, modern look.

The Lamps: 2 Pack Touch Lamps for Bedroom with Dual USB Ports – $42.97. The tear drop shape of these lamps is more classic in design, but the technology brings them right into modern times. Turn them on with a touch, and plug your charging cords into the built in USB ports. Sold via Walmart.

The Bench: Tyler Brown “Bicast Leather” Upholstered Entryway Bench – $162. If you have the floor space, a bench at the end of the bed is mighty handy. It’s a place to keep an extra blanket or two, a space to sit to put on shoes, of even a spot to meditate on. Sold through Home Depot.

The Mirror: Rounded Full Length Standing Floor Mirror – $89.86. Taking a good look at how you are presenting yourself head to toe can sometimes reveal that maybe the way you were seeing something in your mind’s eye isn’t quite how it looks IRL. Having the ability to see the entire picture with a full length mirror can help make sure you actually look how you want to. Large mirrors can also help make small spaces look larger. Mirror sold through Home Depot.

The Shelves: Set of 2 Decorative Floating Shelves – $32.99. These shelves have a metal frame built in, which adds some extra lines to help fill up a wall, and frames any objects you place on the shelves. Nifty. Sold on Amazon.

The Art: 30″ x 30″ Polymath Blocks I by Jacob Green – $155.99. With a lot of pattern coming together on the bed and floor, a simpler piece of art on the wall can keep the look from getting too wild. The price is a bit steep on this art, especially seeing as it’s sold by Target, but there’s actually some good reasons for it. It’s printed on high quality canvas and hand-stretched and finished to order by Amanti Art in Madison, Wisconsin.

About the Author: Sarah is a long time member of the Dappered team, typically working behind the scenes editing posts, taking some photos, and keeping the books in good standing. Occasionally she’ll come out from behind the curtain to offer her two cents.

The Dappered Space is a series designed to help guys apply the sense of personal style they’ve developed to the space they inhabit. Watch for articles on furniture and decor sales & picks, advice on how to style a room or work space, and tackling creating a space that reflects your own (and perhaps a significant other’s) personal tastes. We’ll suggest items that can be sourced online, but always keep in mind that deals can be found at consignment and thrift stores, local stores with floor models, discount stores, and even yard sales.

Kew Dark Brown & Natural Tufted Double End Chaise Lounge  – $231.63

As manly a bench as they come. Faux tufted leather encases the seat and end pillows of this generously sized chaise lounge. The natural wood frame looks rustic, while the tufted seat a bit more refined, creating a kind of high/low look. Would look great in an office, large entryway, or at the foot of  bed. Sold by Home Depot.

Joybos Wall Mounted Kitchen Trash Can – starting at $23.95

A super handy trash receptacle, especially for the kitchen if you do a lot of food prep. This little trash can (or compost bin if you want to make it that) conveniently hangs off of either a hook mount that you can place over a cabinet door, or a clear plastic wall mount, which allows you to get this trash can up off the ground if you want to. It also has a handy sliding lid that also locks in smells, if you use if for food scraps.

Corner Accent Cabinet with Fretwork Doors – $183.59 ($215.99)

Need a little more storage, but storage that won’t take up a lot of space? A corner cabinet may solve your problem. And here’s a handsome one from the gang at Target. If you know that what you’re going to be storing in the cabinet might look like a hot mess, go for one with solid doors.

World Market Blue Reactive Glaze Ribbed Low Bowl- $9.99

Typically called pasta bowls, these wide, low-walled bowls are just right for serving up a well portioned dinner. The listing and price above is for ONE of these bowls. So you do the math if you want more than one. But World Market does sell sets of white pasta bowls at a reasonable price.

Possini Euro Astrid Black 3-Light Bath Light – $149.99

Looks like something you’d find in the lavatory of a French brasserie. Even though the exposed bulb through clear glass look is still pretty popular, there’s something pleasant about the warm glow created by opaque glass shades. Sold through Lamps Plus.

Bamboo 3 Bag Laundry Sorter – $124.99

If you have the space in your laundry room or closet, this organizer could come in very handy. Three bags for separating lights, darks, and and towels/sheets. And it looks like the bags easily come out of the rack for transporting laundry to a washing machine. The added shelves are a nice bonus. Sold through Wayfair.

Burrow 5′ x 8′ County Lines Rug – $419 ($499)

This plush rug is a little on the pricey side, but Burrow goes a little further on quality with their rugs. They don’t shed, and they are stain resistant. Their rugs are also handmade. And the pattern on this rug is a versatile one that’ll easily fit into a lot of spaces.

HATTÅSEN Bedside Table – $29.99

“Ah… he got the velcros…“ Okay we’re talking the table, not the shoes. Lightweight. Clean lines. Letters with circles attached. Yep, this is an IKEA end table. Touted as a bedside table, but you can use it anywhere you need a tabletop. Note that the grey basket pictured above does NOT come with the table, but it’s cheap and also offered from IKEA. And it’s not a bad idea, as it can catch smaller items that like to collect on tables.

About the Author: Sarah is a long time member of the Dappered team, typically working behind the scenes editing posts, taking some photos, and keeping the books in good standing. Occasionally she’ll come out from behind the curtain to offer her two cents.