27 Stunning Yet Super Useful Home Items
Promising review: "The bowl is practical and the perfect size for different uses. It looks great as a decorative piece on a coffee table, but also works well on the counter as a fruit bowl or for other items. Very stylish and functional!" —Julie MayorovaGet it from Amazon for $41.99 (available in two colors).
A pair of multifunctional kitchen shears that'll make you wonder why you ever struggled with dull scissors in the first place. These heavy-duty stainless-steel shears aren't just for snipping herbs — they're sharp enough for cutting meat, opening packaging, and even cracking nuts. Plus, the glossy handles give them a modern, elevated look that actually deserves a spot on your counter.
Promising review: "I had a toddler I had to cut everything up for, and these scissors have made my life INCREDIBLY easier. With these scissors, I cut PB&J into perfect squares and grapes into three pieces. It cuts chicken and other meats simply. They're sharp, safe, and so affordable, too. Don't look elsewhere; these are the best!" —AdrianGet it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in six styles and three sizes).
A bedside water carafe and glass set ready to keep you hydrated in style, even during late-night thirst emergencies. This minimalist duo sits elegantly on your nightstand, ensuring a refreshing sip is always within arm's reach *without* disrupting your bedroom's aesthetic.
Promising review: "This carafe is such a nice size — it is small, holding 1–2 glasses of water. So many others I've seen are larger, and trying to manage a large carafe while half awake can be a challenge. We set one in the guest room to our friend's delight. Simple, clean, and elegant." —Kate GaffneyGet it from Amazon for $12.99.
A sleek alarm clock that makes waking up feel like less of a chore and more of a moment. It's designed to wake you with a gentle mechanical chime that starts soft and gradually builds, so you're not jolted out of sleep like a cartoon character. It's beautiful enough to double as decor, and best of all, it keeps your phone OFF of your nightstand. (And, if you're brave enough, in a different room altogether!?)
I own this alarm clock and can honestly say it's changed my sleep routine for the better. Now, I don't keep my phone next to my bed anymore, which means no more doomscrolling late at night, in the middle of the night, or first thing in the morning. It's genuinely timeless in every sense, and the subtle chime is actually a really blissful way to wake every morning *without* completely jolting your nervous system. It's definitely an investment, but this thing has some SERIOUS heft. Like, this isn't just another cheap plastic alarm clock from the pharmacy; it's truly built to last and a beautiful, functional object you'll admire AND use for years (decades!?). If you're trying to live like an actual adult, this is the alarm clock to do it with, IMHO. Get it from Nanu for $235 (originally $299; available in two colors).
A pair of plug-in wall sconces so you can always set the mood with their three adjustable color temperatures. Plus, they're super simple to install — no wiring (or electric shock) required.
Promising review: "I bought this as a quick lighting fix for company staying with us. They were quick to assemble and came with a light bulb. I'm so surprised at how nice they look that I've decided to keep them and buy another set for my office! I just need to put up a cord cover and we are good to go!" —tanya rabecGet it from Amazon for $34.99.
A gold measuring cup and spoon set that proves even the most functional kitchen tools can serve serious style. The eye-catching metallic finish brings instant elegance to your countertop while still giving you precise measurements for everything from cookie dough to morning oats.
Promising review: "These measuring cups and spoons are high quality and look very nice. This set has all the most common measurement sizes. We like the antique gold look in the kitchen, and these will fit right in." —Brandon & BarbaraGet them from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in four colors).
A compact toilet brush and canister set here to keep your bathroom looking polished, even when you're tackling the least glamorous chore. Its minimalist design hides the brush when not in use, proving that even the most utilitarian tools can blend in beautifully with your space.
Promising review: "I love this little toilet brush! It has a modern, sleek look, and I love the color options. When I first unwrapped it, I showed it to my husband and excitedly asked, 'How cute this is?' Yes, about a toilet brush. The bristles are stiff and make cleaning a breeze. Absolutely recommend." —HeathernesGet it from Amazon for $17.98.
A set of premium wooden hangers to transform your closet into a boutique-worthy display. Crafted from solid wood with a polished finish, these hangers not only support your heaviest coats and suits but also add a touch of elegance to your wardrobe organization.
Promising review: "These white wooden hangers have a sleek, glossy finish and feel sturdy for the price. They add a touch of elegance to my closet, making my clothes look and feel more valuable. I also appreciate their thickness, as it prevents creases on the shoulders of my shirts. Unlike velvet hangers, which tend to leave marks over time, these maintain the shape of my clothing beautifully. Overall, a great purchase!" —Val BastidaGet it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in seven colors).
A set of apothecary jars so you can beautifully display your cotton products rather than keeping them buried under the sink in their OG packaging. Plus, now you'll always know where to find them.
Promising review: "Incredible addition to my bathroom! They're relatively small, but they work perfectly for cotton pads, etc. I was worried when I realized that they were plastic; however, I have come to love that they are! I don't have to worry about them breaking, and I can even throw them into a suitcase for long trips. The lids fit perfectly, and I like how tightly they pop on and off. There are some small imperfections in the plastic, but it doesn't bother me at all. You will not regret this purchase!" —Amazon CustomerGet them from Amazon for $6.49.
A cordless vacuum cleaner that's so gorgeous and lightweight, it practically begs to be part of your aesthetic instead of hidden in a closet. This powerful little stick vac has three suction modes, a swivel head with LED lights, and a minimalist design that makes cleaning feel less like a chore and more like a vibe.
Promising review: "It gets all the dust and dirt a broom can't get. Nothing gets left behind. It also has a light to see everything you need to vacuum the hardwood. Love it! And the color is so beautiful!" —JonathanGet it from Amazon for $99.99+ (available in five colors).
Or, a handheld vacuum cleaner built to blend into your space while handling everyday messes like a pro. Its compact, modern design looks more like a decor object than a cleaning tool, but don't be fooled — it packs a serious punch when it comes to suction power.
A durable cutting board ready to handle your biggest culinary projects without compromising on style. These generously sized boards provide ample space for chopping, slicing, and dicing, all while adding a modern touch to your kitchen workspace.
A stylish dog couch cover ready to protect your furniture while seamlessly blending into your home's decor. Crafted from soft, dense flannel with a modern plaid design, this non-slip cover safeguards your sofa from pet hair and spills in the most eye-pleasing way possible.
A round ice cube tray that just feels so much more luxe than the literal rectangular cubes. IDK, I can't explain it — but these little round balls just feel elevated and will take any coffee, mocktail, or adult bevvy to a new level.
Promising review: "I'm not one to review products, but this one is worth sharing! Our freezer doesn't have an ice maker, and it's been frustrating using the ice cube molds we bought last year. I saw this on TikTok, and it was such a good purchase. You freeze two trays and they easily break out into the plastic bin that comes with it (and a little scooper). They're little round ice balls, and they're so cute, and they fit in just about everything. I hate having ice exposed to the freezer smells, so I love that it came with a bin to store the ice in." —Sierra White Get it from Amazon for $17.99 (available in three colors).
A knife block set ready to elevate your kitchen while keeping your culinary tools within easy reach. This 14-piece collection features stainless steel knives housed in a clear block. Get ready for allllll of your friends to ask, "Where did you get those!?"
A set of limited-edition pistachio-lidded storage containers that bring a fresh pop of color and airtight organization to your pantry. These 1.1-quart containers come with handy mini scoops, making them perfect for neatly storing and accessing your fave dry goods.
A faux planter litter box enclosure designed to keep your cat's business discrete while seamlessly blending into your home's decor. Plus, now your kitty can have the extra privacy they've been asking for.
A vintage-inspired light switch cover plate that'll turn even the most mundane fixture into a statement of timeless elegance. Crafted with intricate detailing and a polished finish, this plate effortlessly enhances your walls. Beauty is in the details!!!
A pair of amber soap dispensers, because your countertop game is craving some vintage apothecary vibes. These 16-ounce bottles not only store your favorite soaps and lotions, but also add a touch of timeless elegance to your kitchen or bathroom.
A set of checkered cotton hand towels that'll add a pop of pattern and plush comfort to your bathroom routine. Soft, absorbent, and undeniably chic — what more could you want?
A set of glass oil-dispenser bottles featuring a weighted pourer for effortless control, ensuring you drizzle just the right amount of oil or vinegar every single time.
An acrylic Squatty Potty to help get things going without letting go of your bathroom's spa-like atmosphere.
A gorgeous ceramic-coated cookware set, because the time has come to finally part with your scratched-up and stinky pots and pans from college. These dreamy avocado-colored numbers are nonstick and PFAS-free, making cooking and cleanup a breeze.
A nine-piece natural teak wooden kitchen utensil set ready to elevate your cooking experience with style and sustainability. Crafted from durable, eco-friendly teak wood, this collection includes essential tools like spatulas, spoons, and a convenient spoon rest, designed to be gentle on your cookware while adding a warm, organic touch to your kitchen decor.
A compact motion-sensor garbage bin (ahem, note the pretty gold-tone details) that'll come to the rescue when your hands are full and filthy!
An acacia wood-and-marble salt cellar here to spice up your cooking vibe and make you feel way more profesh behind a grill than you actually are.
An upright insulated lunch bag to keep your snacks and leftovers safe from getting squished in your tote — because yes, you are the kind of person who meal preps and remembers to *actually* bring it.
Promising review: "This bag is perfect for snacks or lunches. It holds quite a bit, and the price is excellent! I like the small pocket on the outside; great to hold cutlery. I've gotten so many compliments on it!" —Momx2Get it from Target for $4.99.
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This new ring also has smart sensing and increased accuracy, which didn't pick up on any life changing new data so it wasn't a huge, measurable impact on my life, but someone who tracks their heart rate or body temperature more closely will appreciate this. I also find that the battery lasts a lot longer, allowing me to go several days without charging rather than having to juice it up every other day. I was a perfect size 6 in the Gen 3, so I ordered the size 6 in the Gen 4, but that ended up being so loose that I was experiencing gaps in my data. I exchanged it for a size 5, which I wore on a smaller finger. A word to the wise: Because the Oura 4 has flat sensors on the inside instead of the Oura 3's raised sensors, it's going to be slightly looser even if you get the same size you had before. Don't assume you'll be the same size in the newer Gen 4! To avoid this, order a sizing kit beforehand. 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Whether it's an accidental 30 minute couch snooze or your attempt at falling asleep in your dinky economy seat that only lasts 15 minutes, your ring will pick up on that and adjust your daily sleep score accordingly. Ah, the elusive Readiness score. What does it actually mean to be ready? What is 75 points ready vs. 90 points ready? Do I have to cancel all of my plans if I wake up with a 56 as my readiness score?! All good questions. To put it simply, it's a rating of how ready your body is to take on the day based on how well you've been sleeping and how your resting heart rate has been trending recently. If you've been clocking under six hours a night with a heart rate that won't calm down (a symptom that usually correlates with drinking, by the way!) your readiness score might be lower than usual. This, paired with your Resilience level (which basically measures your current stress levels and how you're recovering from it), is a great indicator of how much your body is able to take on. But you don't have to be tied to it. Sometimes getting a great sweat in on a lower Readiness day helps me bounce back from it, whereas other times it's permission to skip that workout class and cancel your nighttime plans in order to get better recovery sleep. The Oura Ring is meant to make your life better—so think of a high Readiness score as an encouragement to try going the extra mile, and a low Readiness score as a reminder to be kind to yourself if things feel harder than usual. When I reviewed the Oura 3, the weakest point was probably the fact that the old software would think that certain activities (walking, emptying the dishwasher, going up the stairs) were other activities (boxing, swimming, sports). But I can confidently say that the activity tracking on the new ring and new software has improved. It correctly picked up on the fact that I was boxing, skiing, and kayaking without me needing to manually tag each activity, and it's nice to be able to see my route and cardio zones via the Oura app when I (very occasionally) go on a run through Central Park. In addition to activity detection and running features, the Oura Ring also tracks your steps and caloric expenditure, if you're into that kind of thing. I don't do a ton of cardio and I'm aware that as a New York City resident I clock plenty of steps per day, but it was nice to see the correlation between heavy activity days and how quickly I was able to fall asleep the following night. The Oura Ring may not be the most comprehensive training tracker on the market. It doesn't claim to be! It is, however, hands down the best middle-of-the-road option out there. It's chic, non-intimidating and accessible, it looks pretty on your hand, and it gives you comprehensive activity data with zero pressure to close activity rings (you know what I'm talking about) or stand up every 30 minutes. It's perfect for someone like me, who wants to remain active and have a general awareness of it—but not at the cost of my sanity or how cute my accessories are. I was confused about a lot of things during my teenage years, including my period, which was pretty high up on the blind-navigation list. Basically, it would come every 25-40 days, and it was a complete shock every time. But after learning how to track my cycle via body temperature over the past couple of years, I've gone from being like, 'My period is here AGAIN?!' to being like, 'Yeah I know I'm getting my period at some point today because my temperature dropped.' Confused? Basically, your body temperature typically sits below baseline during the follicular phase (the first part of the menstrual cycle), spikes right around ovulation, and then sits above baseline during the luteal phase (the part of the menstrual cycle right before you bleed) until the day of your period when your temperature drops noticeably. The Oura Ring 4 takes your temperature every day and charts it so you can keep track of where you're at in your monthly cycle, which is, uh, SO much better than going into it blindly and then being stuck without a tampon in a public restroom while wearing white jeans. Just me? This temperature data can also be used to estimate fertile days if you're trying to conceive or trying to avoid getting pregnant without being on hormonal birth control. I didn't find Oura's in-app ovulation and period prediction dates to be super accurate, if I'm being honest, but you can sign up for the Natural Cycles app (an FDA-cleared form of non-hormonal birth control) which integrates seamlessly with the Oura app. I found the Natural Cycles predictions to be much more accurate and consistent, and it's $119.99 per year, which comes out to just $9.99 a month. The most important part of the entire review, if you ask me. I've tried so many different stacks, some out of necessity (because my ring is a little loose on certain fingers) and some for style purposes. My favorite compliment is 'Omg I didn't even notice you were wearing a health tracker, it blends right in with the rest of your jewelry!'. Here are some of the stacking rings I've invested in… The complimentary rings I reach for the most often are these two Pavoi bands that went semi-viral on TikTok for being under $20 each. Tons of people started wearing these bands above and below their Oura ring for a shockingly luxe look—and yes, I can confirm that it's a totally seamless stack. Alternatively, I love wearing my Oura ring with a solitaire crystal ring—my go-to is from Uno de 50 and currently sold out, but below are some alternatives as well as rings I tend to wear on other fingers! And lastly, I've found it really helpful to wear a thin chain around my neck for periods where I need to take my ring off but want to make sure I don't lose it, like when I'm getting a manicure or when I'm lifting weights and don't want the bar to scratch up the metal. Okay, that was a lot of information! After testing out the Oura Ring 4 for six months I can confidently say that I'm a huge fan and love the product even more than I did before, but if you're still trying to digest all of that before making your decision, let's break it down into a simple pros and cons list... Hannah Oh is a self-proclaimed nerd for biometrics and sleep optimization. Along with writing about the best sales and deals to spend your hard-earned money on, she has tested a variety of sleep-tracking devices and wearables on her quest to create the perfect bedroom sanctuary in the middle of noisy New York City. She is never seen without her Oura ring and has been known to tell strangers on the street why they should buy one, too. Hannah is the Shopping Editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things from chic home decor to trendy fashion finds, TikTok products that are actually worth your $$$, and the perfect gift to buy for your boyfriend's mom. She previously wrote for Seventeen and CR Fashion Book. Follow her on Instagram for hot takes on red carpet fashion and pictures of her office outfits that nobody asked for.
