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New York Times
2 days ago
- General
- New York Times
The Best Gear for Small Apartments
The Best Gear for Small Apartments Your home is your sanctuary, regardless of its square footage. If you live in a smaller space, intentional design choices can keep close quarters from feeling chaotic and cramped. With a little planning, even the tiniest spaces can feel expansive, cozy, and refreshingly peaceful. To bring you the very best small-space solutions, Wirecutter's experts have put hundreds of home decor and organizing products to the test: We've 'jiggle-tested' shelves full of footwear to find the sturdiest shoe racks. We've jammed heavy tote bags, jackets, and umbrellas onto hooks to identify the best wall-mounted coat racks. And we've stuffed thick towels and jeans into drawers to test underbed storage options. Below, you'll find a roundup of our favorite organizers, compact furniture pieces, and other small-space essentials to help you make the most of every inch. From racks, hooks, and pegboards that maximize vertical space to benches and beds with built-in storage, these expert-vetted favorites will help you take advantage of every nook and cranny in your home.
New York Times
2 days ago
- General
- New York Times
These Storage Benches Tame Clutter and Provide Extra Seating, Too
I'm a Wirecutter staff writer covering home and decor, and I specialize in solutions for small homes. I've extensively interviewed designers and organization specialists who've worked on small homes, and I have written about tiny bedrooms, small bathrooms, and minute entryways, among other relevant topics. I also have spent my entire adult life living in small apartments in Washington, DC, New York City, and Los Angeles. For many years, at the foot of the bed I used a storage bench that I'd inherited from my mother, who bought it in the 1960s for her college dorm. (That storage bench now lives in my sister's studio in Boston, storing art supplies). I've been on the quest for its replacement ever since. Like all Wirecutter journalists, I review and test products with complete editorial independence. I'm never made aware of any business implications of my editorial recommendations. Read more about our editorial standards. There are endless storage benches available from dozens of companies, and they employ different lid types and materials, as well as very different aesthetics. I aimed to provide a representational mix, keeping an eye toward quality, value, and design. I also researched how people would commonly use their storage benches — where they'd place them, what they'd put inside. After compiling my list of potential benches to address these needs, I called in 17 to test. My testers and I evaluated them on the following criteria: Ease of use: We assessed how much effort it took to open and close each bench, whether we needed to use one or two hands, and how seamless it was to take things in and out. Quality control: I kept an eye out for any material defects, weak points, or imperfections in each bench's finish. Sometimes this involved crawling under and around a bench to get a look from every angle. Simple assembly: For any storage bench that required assembly, I followed the enclosed instructions and recorded how easy or difficult that process was (and I noted, where relevant, which benches posed a threat of splinters). Comfort: My testers and I sat on the benches to assess their comfort levels, and we considered the feel of the upholstery or the softness of the cushioning. We also listened for any squeaking or other sounds. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter What can't this set do? The LumiSource Tray Nesting Ottoman Set includes two ottomans, and each one has a double-sided top that can work as a cushy seat or a sturdy serving tray — genius! You can store smaller blankets in the littler ottoman and then place it into the larger ottoman. You can pull them apart to create two extra (but somewhat firm) seats for guests or extra end tables for entertaining. And you can even use one as a bedside table. This set was a favorite among our testers, who came up with nearly endless uses for the ottomans. These ottomans tuck away nicely. Thanks to their cylindrical shape and nesting capability, these ottomans can be tucked into a corner, or if you roll them onto their sides, you can sneak them under a tall bed. They're sturdy. When we used these ottomans as seats, we didn't notice any wobbling. And their trays fit firmly, so beverages rest securely (though you may need coasters for the wooden surface). What these two stools lack in storage capacity they make up for in functionality — the flipped seat tops become trays. And when you're not using them, you can store the smaller stool inside the bigger one. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter Flaws but not dealbreakers Tracking down this set might be confusing. You may see this set branded and named differently, depending on where you buy it. However, the manufacturer, LumiSource, confirmed that the various names indeed refer to the same product. Urban Outfitters used to sell it as the Lea (no longer available), and Wayfair sells it as the Alvena. These ottomans can't store that much. This set is a little pricey, considering the diminutive size of each ottoman. You won't be able to store as much in them as you could in our other recommendations. Key specs Dimensions: 13.75 by 15 inches (diameter by height; small ottoman), 15.5 by 17.5 inches (diameter by height; large ottoman) Colors/finishes: orange, dark gray, light gray, cream, blue, tan, dark brown Materials: polyester, foam, wood Weight limit: 250 pounds Return policy and warranty: The return policy varies by retailer; this set has a one-year warranty from the manufacturer. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter It's narrow, but it still holds the essentials. Especially for narrow entryways, the sturdy IKEA Perjohan is a lifesaver — it's diminutive, yet offers just enough storage for everyday items. Editor Katie Okamoto has used it in her Los Angeles apartment for over two years. Katie sits on it while she's pulling on her shoes, and she uses it to hold her purse and tote bag. It may be tempting to use this bench as a stepladder, but IKEA does not recommend doing this, despite the bench's 243-pound weight limit. Below the seat, the IKEA Perjohan has an exposed storage bin that can hold art supplies, tote bags, or anything else you don't mind seeing (or want easy access to). Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter Paint it as you like. This bench comes with unfinished wood, which opens it up to a world of styling possibilities: You can paint it any color you choose, or stain it any shade. For more ambitious projects, search 'IKEA Perjohan DIY'; this will turn up dozens of YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok videos of people doing everything from a buffalo plaid stain to painted flower fields. What a price! At well under a hundred dollars, this bench is one of the most affordable models we found, and it seems of much higher quality than the price would suggest. The solid pine is thick, and the bench feels very sturdy once it's built. Flaws but not dealbreakers You might get a splinter. The IKEA Perjohan wasn't difficult to assemble, but one of my editors, who generously helped me build it, did get a splinter from the unfinished wood. If you use a drill to fasten the screws, be careful of over-tightening them because the wood can split. The screws aren't hidden. However, they are flush against the sides of this bench. Even so, between this and the unfinished wood, some people may find that this bench as a whole feels incomplete or too casual. Key specs Dimensions: 17.75 by 39.4 by 11 inches (height by length by overall depth) Colors/finishes: natural pine Materials: solid pine Weight limit: 243 pounds Return policy and warranty: You have 365 days to return the bench for a full refund, if it's unopened, and you have 180 days if it is opened; there's no warranty. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter The lid lifts with little effort. The Target Threshold Lynwood Storage Bench's hinged top can be opened with one hand; you just pull up on the braided-rope handle. And the lid stays up after you lift it, at roughly 45 degrees, so you can take things in and out without having to hold it open. It looks much pricier than it is. We saw lots of budget benches whose looks matched their prices. But this boxy pick evokes a classic storage trunk, and it comes in a few modern patterns and stylish neutrals. It won't immediately give itself away as a budget purchase. The Target Threshold Lynwood Storage Bench can easily fit several throw pillows, bulky blankets, and comforters. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter It's capacious. With the largest interior space of our picks, this bench can easily handle throw pillows and a duvet, or several winter blankets. It's also a bit taller than our other recommendations (19.5 inches, compared with the 17 to 18.5 inches for our other picks), so it's easier to sit on and get up from. Flaws but not dealbreakers The lines don't align. This didn't bother me, but some of our testers were annoyed that the Threshold Lynwood bench's windowpane pattern didn't perfectly line up on the lid and the base. The handle is cheap-looking. We were not all fans of the braided-rope handle. Some testers thought it looked nautical, and I thought it wasn't the most thoughtfully finished. Key specs Dimensions: 19.5 by 38 by 18.9 inches (height by length by depth) Colors/finishes: cream/black windowpane, navy stripe, tan stripe, brown Materials: plywood frame; polyester fabric Weight limit: 250 pounds Return policy and warranty: You have a year to return this bench, with a receipt; there's a one-year limited warranty. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter Look how handsome! With its hardwood construction, elegant lines, and subtle grooves, the Form & Refine A Line Storage Bench is a work of fine craftsmanship. It's sold at various retailers (we got ours from Teak NYC, which came fully assembled) but options can vary depending on where you buy yours. It's usually available in two lengths and three different finishes. It opens wide. Unlike many of the other hinge-top benches we tested (which open only 45 to 70 degrees), this one can extend to a full 90 degrees — either by folding the top up, accordion-style (using its small leather handle) or extending it fully. That means that it's easier to see into and rummage through. The Form & Refine A Line Storage Bench's hinged bifold lid has a leather handle, to pull it open, and the notched grooves hold it upright. The divided interior can help keep things organized (but it's not removable). Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter Flaws but not dealbreakers It's the priciest recommendation we have. The Form & Refine A Line bench is roughly two to three times the price of some of our other picks. But we think due to this bench's almost entirely solid-wood construction (the bottom panel is veneered MDF), it's still a great price for a really well-made bench. We'd prefer the bottom slat to also be solid wood, but the company told us this was an intentional change that makes the bench sturdier; we plan to keep an eye on this during long-term testing. The top doesn't have a smooth sitting surface. Even though the pliant leather handle folds down, it still sticks up a little in the middle, and it can feel uncomfortable when you're sitting on the bench. Key specs Dimensions: 17.7 by 26.8 by 13.8 inches (height by length by depth; small bench) Colors/finishes: oak, white oak, black stained oak Materials: solid wood, veneer MDF (bottom slat only), leather (handle) Weight limit: 441 pounds (small bench) Return policy and warranty: The return policy varies by retailer; there's a five-year warranty from the manufacturer. Article The hinged lid opens with one hand. The lid on the Article Rolph Storage Bench stays propped at roughly 45 degrees. So you can conveniently rummage inside the bench (though you'll have an easier time stashing and grabbing your stuff from benches with lids that open wider, like our picks from Form & Refine and Article). It's ultra-plush to sit on. Thanks to its padded top and sides, as well as its rounded edges, this bench is incredibly comfortable to sit on (and for someone who's a bit clumsy, it's also bruise-proof). The Article Rolph Storage Bench shows where it's been touched, which may bother some people. But it makes great storage for our tester's off-season blankets. Ria Misra/NYT Wirecutter. The Article Rolph Storage Bench shows where it's been touched, which may bother some people. But it makes great storage for our tester's off-season blankets. Ria Misra/NYT Wirecutter. The Article Rolph Storage Bench shows where it's been touched, which may bother some people. But it makes great storage for our tester's off-season blankets. Ria Misra/NYT Wirecutter. Flaws but not dealbreaker The velvet fabric needs brushing. Like a lot of items that use velvet material, the Article Rolph will show textural evidence (read: butt marks) after someone sits on it or handles it. But the fabric is easy enough to smooth down by wiping your hands across it. And this won't be an issue if you opt for the non-velvet fabric. Key specs Dimensions: 18.5 by 55.5 by 19 inches (height by length by depth) Colors/finishes: green velvet, rust velvet, sand ivory fabric Materials: 100% polyester velvet or fabric upholstery; foam and polyester fiber filling; engineered wood frame Weight limit: 300 pounds Return policy and warranty: You can return it within 30 days for a full refund or an exchange; there's a one-year warranty limited to defects. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter It's small but mighty. Just under 2 feet in diameter, the Crate & Kids Wally Nursery Storage Ottoman takes up little space. But due to its efficient construction, there's ample room for storing several blankets or children's toys. It's cozy. This ottoman is probably too small and too low to be used for regular seating, but in a pinch, the padded top is pretty comfortable. Most reviews mention using it as a footrest in front of a rocking chair or couch. (Crate & Kids also sells a matching glider.) The Crate & Kids Wally Nursery Storage Ottoman has a wide and low stance, so it's better used as a footstool than as a seat. But considering its small size, it can hold a decent amount, such as a couple of small throw pillows or a few light blankets. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter Flaws but not dealbreakers It's a heavy lift. Many of our testers found the Wally Nursery Storage Ottoman's lid difficult to open. And even I, who dutifully lifts weights three times a week, needed to use two hands. Also, the lid fits so snugly into the base that it also takes some oomph to loosen it. One of our staffers, who's had this ottoman in the leather finish for over three years, said that over time the tightness eases, and she can now lift hers with one hand (but she still needs two hands to steadily lower it). It may show wear and tear, depending on the finish. The staffer who's used the Wally ottoman in a leather finish since 2022 still likes it, but she reports that over time, small scratches have appeared that can't be easily buffed out. Over time, the leather version of the Wally ottoman may accumulate scuff marks. Polina Grinbaum/NYT Wirecutter Polina Grinbaum/NYT Wirecutter The leather Wally ottoman in Polina's home. Polina Grinbaum/NYT Wirecutter Over time, the leather version of the Wally ottoman may accumulate scuff marks. Polina Grinbaum/NYT Wirecutter Polina Grinbaum/NYT Wirecutter Key specs Dimensions: 21 by 17 inches (diameter by height) Colors/finishes: ivory bouclé, beige fabric, brown synthetic leather (availability varies) Materials: wood frame, polyester fill, polyester upholstery Weight limit: not listed (mainly used as a footrest) Return policy and warranty: You can return this model for a full refund, or exchange it within 30 days of receipt with a valid proof of purchase (shipping fees will not be refunded.); a case-by-case guarantee. West Elm Nothing gets buried. Setting itself apart from our hinge- and lift-top storage benches, the slim West Elm Mid-Century Storage Bench has sliding doors. So it's perfect for stacking items like board games or throw blankets, since you can see everything at a glance. And there's a slim wall dividing the interior into two cubbies, to prevent anything from getting lost in the middle (this does mean that you can't store anything that's really long). It's versatile. Even though it's listed as a 'storage bench,' this model could easily double as a low console or as extra storage for library books or to place mail on top. The doors slide open smoothly, and it sits firmly on the ground. The 42-inch West Elm Mid-Century Bench is perfect for storing board games — and for displaying cute cats and lego creations. Joshua Lyon/NYT Wirecutter Flaws but not dealbreakers It's not an inviting seat. Lacking any padding on top, the West Elm bench is not a comfortable option for spillover seating in a small apartment. It's better suited to short sitting stints, like when you're pulling on your shoes. Unboxing and assembling is a schlep. With this bench, assembly was a bit more involved than we'd expect from a non-IKEA pick, and the instructions could have been more straightforward. (White-glove delivery is available, for an additional cost). You can face it in one direction only. The back of this bench looks more unfinished, so you can't leave it exposed like you can with our other picks. Key specs Dimensions: 18.5 by 42 by 15.75 inches (height by width by depth; small bench) Colors/finishes: acorn Materials: solid eucalyptus wood and engineered wood with an acacia wood veneer Weight limit: 300 pounds Return policy and warranty: You can return this bench within 30 days, with proof of purchase. There is no listed warranty. (But West Elm told us it will review any product defects within a year of purchase.) Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter You can grab and go. We tested Article Maribo Storage Ottoman in large, and, like the medium version, it has a hinged top (the small version has a lightweight lift-off top). We found it was a breeze to get into, even using just one hand. More generous than some of the other hinge-top benches we tested, this bench props open to 70 degrees (instead of the more-common 45 degrees), so it's easier to see and access what's inside. Despite that hinged lid, the bench sits flush against a wall, even when it's open. The 48-inch Article Maribo Storage Ottoman has a hinged lid that props open widely, so it's easy to store (and access) a lot of stuff. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter It comes in several sizes. This bench is available in three lengths: a nearly perfect 19-inch cube, a 32-inch medium option, and a large, 48-inch option, so there's a lot of room for creativity. It would look great used in place of a coffee table in a living room, placed at the foot of a bed, situated under a bedroom window, or used as an ottoman by a couch. We can vouch for its longevity. This bench has been used as a prop in our photo studio for several years, and it hasn't pilled or stained, even though it's been sat on and moved around regularly. One of our other staffers has had the cube-size version of this bench in her home for a little over a year, and she reports that it's doing just fine; she vacuums it occasionally, when she vacuums her couch. Flaws but not dealbreakers The bouclé will need some upkeep. With the Article Maribo bench, if you choose the bouclé upholstery (like the one we tested), it will require occasional vacuuming, since dust can more easily settle between the fabric's nubs (though no major stains have appeared on our testing model). Key specs Dimensions: 18.5 by 48 by 15.5 inches (height by length by depth; large bench) Colors/finishes: tan leather, ivory bouclé, green felt, sandstone bouclé Materials: solid pine, engineered wood frame; foam filling; upholstery varies by material Weight limit: not listed Return policy and warranty: You can return this bench within 30 days for a refund or exchange. There is a one-year warranty limited to defects. Three of the boucle benches we tested, from left to right: Article's Maribo Storage Ottoman, Target's Threshold Havenstone Pill-Shaped Storage Bench, and Crate & Kids' Wally Nursery Storage Ottoman. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter The All Modern Williams 59" Storage Bench has drawers, so it's ideal for storing underwear, bras, socks, or workout clothes (and this bench is especially useful if your bedroom is too small to accommodate a dresser, as mine is). However, when it arrived it smelled very strongly of chemicals, and that smell remained for several weeks. And the drawers only pull out three-quarters of the way, so it is hard to see anything stored toward the back. We appreciated that the IKEA Förlunda pouffe was light and stackable, as well as nicely priced, but we wish it were of better quality. It would look at home in a children's playroom, concealing toys, or as an ottoman for a very certain type of modern living room. With its pretty rattan weave, the IKEA Tolkning bench is great for someone looking for affordable, bohemian, beachy furniture. But when it came to closing the lid, it was hard to get it to line up with the base. And lifting the lid took both hands, another irksome situation if you just want to take something out quickly. The finish was also a bit cheap, and the rattan could get caught on clothing or throws. There is nothing wrong with the IKEA Valtorp; if you like the look, you'll probably be quite happy with it. The lid opens via a hinge, and it stays open as well, at a 45-degree angle. But we thought the finishes looked a little sloppy, especially the inside lining. And building this bench was more difficult than building the other IKEA pieces we tried. With the Valtorp, I had to enlist the help of colleague Evan Dent, who happened to be working next to me while I struggled to build this bench. (I owe you a coffee, Evan, thank you.) Many testers loved the Nofred Cube Long Storage Box; this is a beautiful piece of birch plywood furniture at a very reasonable price. And you can order optional wheels to make it mobile (one of the wheels is lockable). We originally thought it would make a great toy chest. However, after just a few days of testing, some edges of the wood had already started to chip. We had to lean in close to notice those details, but the chipping doesn't bode well for the bench's long-term durability. Sabai's The Essential Storage Bench is incredibly customizable, with your choice of several upholstery colors and fabrics, as well as leg shapes and finishes. The velvet one we ordered was comfortable to sit on, and it looked elegant, but it left a noticeable imprint when we sat on it. It was also annoying to get into: The wide, heavy top requires two hands to lift it, and you have to carefully lower it to align with the base. However, if you plan to use your storage bench for things you don't need to access often, this bench may be an excellent choice. With its woven water hyacinth material and acacia wood feet, the Target Casafield 17" Round Storage Ottoman with Lid has a beachy look. But it felt a bit scratchy to sit on. The Target Threshold Havenstone Pill-Shaped Storage Bench was a decent dupe for our similarly shaped, similarly boucle-d pick from Article. But looking closer, you can see that the polyester fabric of the Havenstone is glossy in an obviously synthetic way, and its lid lifts off rather than hinges, making it a nuisance to open. The Target Threshold Tufted Round Storage Ottoman is not particularly comfortable or beautiful, nor is it uncomfortable or unattractive. The lid was a little hard to fit evenly onto the base. But if you like the look of it, and you need an ottoman only for storing a few items (it could fit a few light blankets or a throw pillow), this is a serviceable option. This article was edited by Daniela Gorny and Joanne Chen
New York Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New York Times
We Curated 15 Exclusive Deals on Some of Our Favorite Products
Other things to know: Testers liked it for daytime use (it seemed unnecessary for night). Contains a trio of oil-absorbing particles: silica, starch, and perlite. Free shipping. Use promo code WIRECUTTER. Read more: The Best Moisturizers Other things to know: Revival places a premium on socially responsible production practices. The company's rugs may arrive gently folded, but most creases in ours faded after a couple of weeks. Use code WCJUTE30 on all sizes and colors of the Hart jute rug. Stated deal price is for the 5-by-8-foot size. Read more: The Best Area Rugs Other things to know: Also recommended in multiple Wirecutter gift guides. The AI feature is a work in progress. Recordings max out at 20 to 30 seconds, depending on your subscription. May not do well in extreme cold. Solar panel isn't pretty. Use code WCBIRDFY. Read more: The Best Smart Bird Feeders Other things to know: Our Vitamix blender pick is a better investment that can offer similar results. Not great for making dairy-based drinks. We wish this deal was better than the price at which the Slushi launched, but the street price rose by $50 this year, and this deal price matches the very few sales we've seen so far. Use code WC50; deal price is available on the gray color. Read more: We Regret to Inform You That the Ninja Slushi Lives Up to the Hype Other things to know: The 60 pads come in a recyclable jar and produce less waste than other options, though they are single-use and not compostable. Fragrance may be polarizing. Use promo codes WIRECUTTER and FSWC to get the deal price plus free shipping. Read more: The Best Exfoliants Other things to know: Beginners can slowly increase the concentration to match their skin's needs. Many testers liked the hybrid plastic packaging, but some had to press the metal pump repeatedly. Pricey, even on sale. Use codes WIRECUTTER and FREESHIP to get the deal price. Read more: The Best Retinol Products Other things to know: You can't open your window while using it. Typically more expensive, and a little louder, than our top pick. Window support bracket not included. You can't control the direction of the fan. Use code WIRECUTTER25; price includes shipping (shipping protection is optional). Comes with a free set of filters, but there's a later, recurring cost if you accept them. Read more: The Best Air Conditioner Other things to know: The internal fan that whirs when the eye-cooling pads are on is noisy. Its clunkiness gets in the way of portability. To charge, you have to plug in the entire mask. Use code WC50. Read more: The Best Red-Light Device Other things to know: Despite the name, anyone can use it. With just two nominally stretchy straps for use across the back of the head, the fit is okay, not great. The most expensive of our picks. Use promo code WIRECUTTER50. Read more: The Best Red-Light Device Other things to know: Offers passthrough charging. 19 watts tested input via USB-C PD to charge, 18 watts output, with a 10,0000 mAh. Doesn't come with a wall charger, or any other accessories. At Belkin, it's available at the deal price in blue with promo code WCSUMMER. Read more: The Best Portable Chargers and Power Banks for Phones and Tablets Other things to know: Hand-loomed in Turkey. If you don't follow the laundry instructions, it might pill. 40 by 70 inches. Has the lowest GSM rating of our picks, at 155 GSM. Use code WCTOWELSAUG. Read more: The Best Beach Towel Other things to know: Since plastic can affect the quality of oil over time, it's best to finish a bottle within about three months. Add the two-pack of 750 ml bottles to cart and use promo code WCGRAZA to get the deal price. Read more: The Best Olive Oil You Can Buy at the Store Other things to know: Not every cup size is offered for every band size. The removable pads are small and don't deliver much impact. Use code LUV-WCSUMMER to get the deal price on the earl gray or rose dust color. Read more: The Best, Most Comfortable Bras Other things to know: Medium support may not be substantial enough if you have heavier, larger breasts. Lacks full nipple coverage. Doesn't provide much shaping. Available in sizes XS to 5XL. On sale in the colors daybreak (a light peach) and brown; use code WCSUMMER. Read more: I Test Bras for a Living. The Harper Wilde Triangle Bralette Is the Only One I Actually Wear. Editor's note: The photo at the top of this article may reflect previous deals that are no longer valid and have been removed. Check out our Deals page for more great discounts on Wirecutter's expert-approved picks. This article was edited by Janie Campbell and Nathan Burrow. Here's what the Wirecutter Deals team is looking for when they hunt for the best prices on Wirecutter picks every day of the week. The Wirecutter Deals team breaks down a few simple ways to save money all year long.
New York Times
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- New York Times
Starting Over? These 6 Gifts Feel Like Home.
In this edition of The Gift, we're talking about the value of a gift that feels like home — especially during times of uncertainty. Plus, tapered candles to elevate any table. Recently, I chatted with LA-based cookbook author Molly Baz, who, for the past six months, has been rebuilding after losing her house to the Altadena fire. For Molly, the experience has been clarifying: When you're starting over, stuff that feels like you, even small things, can go far — grounding you in the moment, reassuring your senses, restoring a feeling of home. While speaking with her, I was brought back to my own time of rebuilding, when my marriage ended. I have a distinct memory of ferrying boxes of my old life over the threshold of my new apartment. Once I'd unpacked, it was at once startling and comforting to look around and see my old life surrounding me in this new one. As I rebuilt my routines, I was relieved to touch these objects and feel them in my hand. A mug that for years held my morning coffee. A tall glass, its curves catching the light, reminding me to drink water. A sunny Dutch oven, promising bounty. And my books, like bricks to build a new home. These things reassured me when my sense of self felt brittle and strange. There are some special heirlooms that follow you throughout life, even when life itself looks uncertain or unfamiliar. And I've found that gifting or re-gifting them — to loved ones or to yourself — can sometimes help provide a surprising sense of grounding during whatever sort of rebuilding life throws our way: These LA-designed, Japan-made mugs were crucial staples of Molly Baz's breakfast routine, and among the first things she restocked after the fires. They're the perfect size for lattes and cappuccinos, and are both modular and stackable. Says Molly: 'I remember getting those Hasami mugs and being like … my morning feels right again.' This buy-it-for-life watering can produces a steady flow that's perfect for reaching a plant's roots, and develops a lovely patina over time. As Wirecutter writer Jackie Reeve says, 'You can keep a Haws can for decades because it works so well and looks so good as it ages.' Head of newsletters Sofia Sokolove says that this eyecatching mesh fruit bowl, gifted to her after a breakup nearly a decade ago, has fit perfectly as a colorful centerpiece in each of her three kitchens since. She loves its versatile shape and size, and how a bright orange or banana looks peeking through the mesh. Another restock for Molly: This luxe candle, which had been in every room of the old house, filling the space — and now the rooms in her new home — with notes of cedar, birchwood, smoke, and musk. For anyone celebrating a new home or honoring an old one — newlyweds, downsizers, college grads, or first-apartment dwellers — our gifts experts recommend this custom house portrait. Just submit a high-res photo of the house, and choose the right medium: watercolors, oils, what have you. The result? An eminently charming, accurate, and instant heirloom piece of artwork. Brighten bookshelves or side tables with this petite Bartlett pear vase, complete with a leafy green accent. As we put it in our guide to the best housewarming gifts: 'Aesthetic loveliness aside, pears symbolize beneficent abundance, an ideal sentiment for friends christening a new home.' How lovely. Big, disruptive changes are doorways you're forced to walk through. A major move. Parenthood. Disaster. Loss. Illness. Divorce. We have no way of knowing what will unfold on the other side, or how to reconstruct ourselves into the same-but-different person we need to be. In such moments, things won't save us. But it would also be wrong to say they don't matter. A potted plant roots us in a moment of care and beauty. A platter urges us to invite friends over. A spatula reminds us of our competence. The things we gravitate toward might be clues to the life we want now. Maybe even the life we need. Why not follow them?
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Will ChatGPT ever get Ads? The answer is…
Nick Turley, the head of ChatGPT at OpenAI, recently spoke about the future of the AI product, addressing user attachment, monetisation strategies, and upcoming features. While OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman remains the public face of the company, Turley has been leading ChatGPT's development from the start. Today, it stands as the fastest-growing software product ever, reaching 700 million users each week. Nick Turley, head of ChatGPT at OpenAI, is confident in the subscription model, despite speculation that it might stall as the user base grows.(Freepik) Speaking to The Verge, Turley noted that people have formed strong attachments to ChatGPT, a trend that became evident following the launch of GPT-5. Users were so eager for the previous version, GPT-4o, that OpenAI reinstated it shortly after its retirement. This response took even Turley by surprise and has already influenced how the company plans to phase out models in the future. On the question of monetisation, Turley is confident in the subscription model, despite speculation that it might stall as the user base grows. 'We initially launched subscriptions simply to manage demand when our servers were struggling. Over time, we found it to be an incredibly aligned business model,' he said. He highlighted that new subscription cohorts are performing as well as or better than early users, contrary to typical trends in maturing products. The business segment has also grown rapidly, with paying business users increasing from three million to five million in a matter of months. Turley believes ChatGPT's adoption in the workplace represents a largely untapped opportunity for long-term growth. According to the report by The Verge, when asked about the possibility of introducing ads, Turley emphasised caution. He acknowledged that indirect monetisation could be considered in the future, but only if it preserves ChatGPT's core value of delivering personalised, unbiased answers. He stressed that any advertising approach would need to maintain user trust and ensure the product remains aligned with their goals. Commerce within ChatGPT is another area Turley sees as promising. The AI now offers product recommendations, and OpenAI is exploring a model where it could take a cut from transactions, similar to referral-based systems like Wirecutter. The focus, however, remains on providing value to users first. 'We want discovery to feel compelling before turning it into a business. There is potential, especially for products not easily served by traditional e-commerce,' Turley explained. He also signalled that ChatGPT may evolve beyond the current chatbot format. Future versions could integrate more deeply into workflows and productivity tools, while new products could explore different monetisation models. Turley's comments reflect OpenAI's measured approach to growth, monetisation, and user experience, balancing business opportunities with a commitment to maintaining the AI's unique value. Mobile Finder: iPhone 17 Pro LATEST specs, features, and price
