So the saying goes, there’s no place like home. Of course, when you’re stuck inside your home day-in and day-out, you may end up finding the amenities a bit… wanting. Thankfully, many online retailers are still offering their services and some even have expedited shipping right now. That means improving your abode is as simple as clicking a few buttons and waiting a few days.
Before you get trigger happy on those home improvement purchases, however, you should keep in mind that the gear you fill your home with is likely going to be used often and will likely be within eyeshot even more often. That means, for your sanity and serenity, you should invest in things you’ll actually want to use and enjoy looking at. With that in mind, we’ve put together a comprehensive collection of indoor essentials to make being cooped up a bit more manageable and enjoyable. This is the best indoor gear you can buy right now.
Netflix Subscription
There are a lot of worthwhile streaming services out there right now, but Netflix is still the king of the ring. With more content — especially original shows — than ever before (and more on the way, even during quarantine), there’s something worth watching for everyone. And, better still, the entry price is still just $8 a month.
National Geographic Magazine Subscription
Even if you’re a media junkie, you should probably step away from the screens every so often. And while we can’t get out into nature at this particular juncture, we can still enjoy it through the pages of Nat Geo. Not only is the magazine still pumping out superb issues, but the backlog of issues is gargantuan in scope. Plus, there’s no better time to figure out where you want to travel to when this is all over and these magazines could certainly help in that endeavor.
The PDT Cocktail Book
PDT is one of the most revered craft bars in NYC, which happens to be the worldwide epicenter of the bar scene — so you should probably be a touch impressed if you aren’t already. Unfortunately, bars are a big no-no right now, PDT included. Luckily, famed bartender Jim Meehan has collected some of the spots best cocktails in this book. Quarantine is the perfect time to sharpen your bartending chops and this book will definitely help along the way.
Four Point Puzzles The Moon
One of the many in-home hobbies people are picking up right now, puzzles are a tried-and-true time suck — but they can be fun in the right company and, of course, with the right puzzle. Since last year marked the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 and it looks like NASA is prepping for a return to the lunar surface, what better puzzle than this photorealistic jigsaw of the moon? Clocking in at 1,000 pieces, this puzzle is a beautiful, unique, and complicated project that should help get your mind off things for a few moments.
Mindful Design LED Indoor Herb Garden
Really great chefs, so long as they have the right herbs, can make a boot sole taste delicious. Of course, going to the grocery store is a bit of a hassle right now. Of course, you could bypass spice shopping by growing your own herb garden in your home with this simple kit. It has built-in lighting, so you can stash it literally anywhere and the plants will still grow. And you don’t even need any other special equipment — just standard potted plants of any type — like basil, mint, etc.
Lululemon The Reversible Mat
Gyms are another former luxury we’re all being forced to do without in these tumultuous times. Luckily, unless you’re a powerlifter who lives in a studio apartment, it’s a fairly simple prospect to set up a passable home gym. And one of the most essential items therein is a yoga mat, like this one from Lululemon. Complete with a polyurethane layer that absorbs moisture, this mat is perfect for yoga, stretching, calisthenics, plyometrics, etc. You don’t need a full weight set to stay in shape, so long as you’re willing to open your mind a touch.
Apotheke Charcoal 3-Wick Candle
Especially when the weather calls for closed windows, stale air can get a bit ripe. Thankfully, there are ways to deal with that while encouraging serenity and calmness, like the Apotheke Charcoal 3-Wick Candle you see here. Smelling of sandalwood and cedar, this simple indoor essential will help make your abode a bit more welcoming and a little less stinky. And it’s hefty enough that it should last through several long burns.
Glerups A-02 Slippers
There’s really no point in slipping on your favorite sneakers or dress shoes right now — unless you’re headed to the store. But that doesn’t mean you’re going to want to walk around your house barefoot. And with the ultra-cozy A-02 Slippers from Glerups, you don’t have to. They’re made from cushy and comfortable natural Merino and Gotland wool, have vegetable-tanned leather soles, and they boast a timeless silhouette.
Stanley Homeowner’s DIY Tool Kit
If you’re handy with a hammer, there’s never been a better time to tackle all those DIY home improvement projects. Of course, you’ll probably want a tool kit that can handle them, and you’ll be in good hands with Stanley’s 65-piece kit you see here. Sure, it’s not exactly a grease monkey garage-worth of gear, but there’s enough here to get most general household projects done right the first time.
Mack Weldon Ace Sweatpant
In a lockdown, loungewear is the name of the game. And sweatpants are undoubtedly the king of said loungewear and its subsequent categories. It might be bold to say that Mack Weldon’s Ace Sweatpants are some of the best out there, but with their 95% cotton and 5% spandex blend, it might be true. That’s bolstered by the fact that they’re machine wash-friendly, boast a tailored fit, and come in 13 different colors.
Lodge 4 Piece Cast Iron Cookware Set
You should already own a cast iron cookware set. But, if you don’t, you’re not going to find better than Lodge for the price. This legendary company is the most recognizable name in cast iron gear for a reason — and this 4-piece set is a great way to outfit your kitchen for some delicious cooking, baking, grilling, and more. Plus, the dutch oven works great for bread baking — another booming hobby during coronavirus quarantine.
Vitruvi Stone Diffuser
An alternative to candles that calls for 100% less fire, essential oil diffusers are a great way to take advantage of aromatherapy, even across large expanses. This one is one of the best because, while effective at its primary job, it also looks like something you could be proud to display — which is more than we can say for a lot of diffusers. It’s built from ceramic, can cover a space of 540 sqft, can run for three hours continuously or intermittently for seven, and more. Just keep in mind that it doesn’t come with any oils.
Aesop Balance Classic Skin Care Kit
While we’re all taking a break from “normal life,” some things are still trucking along regardless. For instance, your skin still requires daily care to keep it healthy and looking good. And Aesop’s Balance Classic Skin Care Kit — which includes a cleanser, toner, and hydrator — was made to keep your epidermis looking and feeling its best.
Apple TV 4K
Streaming services have been a godsend for many during this time of lockdown. And while there are a number of devices you can use to access them, Apple’s 4K-capable TV device is one of the absolute best. Not only does it offer stunning imagery, but its audio has also been tuned by Dolby Atmos, it’s compatible with AirPlay, and it even grants users access to Apple Arcade for a bit of gaming on the side of the thousands of other compatible apps.
Gravity Blanket
There’s now plenty of evidence to suggest that weighted blankets are helpful when it comes to relieving stress. They can also be quite comfy and cozy and will even give users a sense of security — much in the same way thunder shirts work for certain dog breeds. This particular weighted blanket is 25 lbs, has an ultra-plush exterior that’s nice to the touch, and its big enough to share — should you see fit to do so.
Article Taiga Oak Side Table
Since many of us are spending a lot of time on the couch and/or in bed, it may be time to procure or upgrade your side tables selection to suit your tech, snacks, drinks, or whatever else you’re keeping within arms reach. Not only does the Taiga Oak Side Table make a great landing for all that stuff, but it’s also beautifully built and soundly constructed from genuine hardwood and sturdy powder-coated metal.
Kindle Oasis Reader
If you’re lucky enough to have room for a physical library of books, then congratulations. If you’re lacking in space and you like to read, however, it may be time to invest in an ereader. And you can’t go wrong with the Kindle Oasis from Amazon. Not only can this device hold literal thousands of titles, but it also offers a beautiful paper-white page with adjustable lighting and it’s totally waterproof — meaning you can read in the tub, jacuzzi, or pool and you don’t have to worry about it taking a dunk.
Technivorm Moccamaster Coffee Maker
Even if you are doing a bit more relaxing than usual, that doesn’t necessarily mean you want to be groggy all day. Thankfully, making coffee at home is plenty manageable — just so long as you don’t want a quadruple-shot blended caramel macchiato with whipped cream. For those that can get by on a more basic bean-based beverage, there’s the gorgeous and effective Moccamaster. All you need is ground beans, some water, and a power outlet and you’ll have 40oz of hot java in as little as six minutes.
BALMUDA The Toaster
If you thought you knew how to make toast, BALMUDA’s aptly-named “The Toaster” might shake your understanding of the seemingly-simple snack. That’s because this 5-mode device uses revolutionary steam technology to heat up and toast your bread while keeping its inner moisture and flavor intact. If there was a holy grail of toaster ovens, this may very well bt it — and that is no exaggeration.
Sony WH1000XM3 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones
Sometimes, all you want to do is wind down with some killer tunes. And while you could blast them over your home stereo system, you might be better off — for yourself and anyone you live with — donning a pair of noise-canceling headphones like these ones from Sony. They’re compatible with Alexa voice control, can run for 30 hours on a single charge, they’ve got superb audio quality, and more.
Microsoft Xbox One X Gaming Console Bundle
We’re still about a half-year away from the release of the next-gen video game consoles. And that’s long enough to reason picking up a present-gen console if you don’t presently have one or you’re thinking about switching sides in the great console war. This Xbox One X package includes a system, wireless controller, and — depending on the bundle you choose — at least one worthwhile game. For reference: if we had to pick a favorite, it might be Jedi: Fallen Order, but Gears 5 (an Xbox exclusive) is a close second.
Toto C200 Elongated Toilet Seat Bidet
There’s a lot of recent science to suggest that wiping with traditional toilet paper is, simply put, not that good for you. In fact, it can result in things like hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and — at the least — mild-to-severe discomfort. All of those are much more avoidable if you use a bidet, rather than wiping. And Toto has one of the best easy-to-install options in their C200 Toilet Seat Bidet. Sure, it will take some getting used to, but you’ll likely never go back to traditional wiping again.
Dyson Pure Humidify + Cool
A lot of folks use fans, A/C units, humidifiers, and air purifiers — all as separate units. And that can be a bit of a hassle. Thankfully, Dyson just combined all of them into one sleek package with their Pure Humidify + Cool device. Available in black or white, this is one of the best all-in-one environmental devices around.
Dyson Lightcycle Floor Task Light
When it comes to home tech, Dyson has been at the forefront for about as long as they’ve existed. That didn’t change when they got into home lighting, as evidenced by their Lightcycle Floor Task Light. This room-filling lamp was designed to last for 60+ years without necessitation a bulb change, it mimics sunlight, and it can intelligently adjust to your schedule and/or the natural surrounding light.
Samsung QLED 8K Q900 Series Ultra HD Smart TV
If you’re interested in streaming TV shows or you have an extensive collection of movies, you may already own a big, beautiful HD television. If you don’t, however, now is definitely the time to upgrade. And you can’t go wrong with this 8K-capable QLED smart TV from Samsung. This particular edition clocks in at 55″ from corner to corner, but Samsung offers versions as big as 82″ — if you have the space for such a massive display.
Shinola The Runwell Turntable
It’s long been said that vinyl, even as flawed as it is, has a superior sound when compared against even the cleanest of digital recordings — largely due to the warmth it gets across. Of course, your records are only going to sound as good as the equipment you use to play them. Enter Shinola’s Runwell Turntable; this gorgeous piece of home audio equipment is built with premium materials and designed by “discriminating audiophiles” and was made specifically for hi-fi vinyl playback — especially when paired with the brand’s matching bookshelf speakers.
Modernica Case Study Daybed Couch
Next to the bed, a couch is very likely the most-used piece of furniture in any home. As such, it’s not something to skimp on. If you pick up Modernica’s Case Study Daybed Couch, you won’t be skimping on anything — be that design, materials, comfort, or otherwise. Built from sepellé hardwood (known as African mahogany), powder-coated springs, and removable canvas covers, this couch is tough enough to survive outdoor usage but comfy enough that you’ll be just as happy with it as the centerpiece of your living room.
Herman Miller Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman
When it comes to reading chairs, there are none quite as iconic and revered as the Eames Lounge you see here. Designed by Charles and Ray Eames and still manufactured to this day by Herman Miller, this timeless mid-century design is instantly recognizable, built to last, and is cozy enough that you might not want to ever climb back out of it. You can even customize its appearance to match your other furniture.
Geology Open 45 Credenza
If you have a vinyl turntable and a matching record collection, you’re probably going to need a place to display them. And there are few ways to manage that better than with the Geology Open 45 Credenza. This gorgeous wood and metal media console has a timeless design, can hold several-dozen albums, has plenty of room for a turntable, and more. Best of all, they’re made to order — meaning there are a number of customization options, so you can cater it to your tastes.
Bowers & Wilkins 804 D3 Floorstanding Speakers
All movies and music are made more enjoyable by the quality of the sound projected — which is why we suggest investing in a set of high-end floorstanding speakers if you’ve got a taste for good sound. While these Bowers & Wilkins 804 D3 speakers are definitely on the pricier side, they also happen to be some of the best around. Distinct in their appearance, capable of hi-fi room-filling sound, and available in three colors, you can’t go wrong with these speakers.
The 20 Best Work From Home Essentials
If you’re lucky enough to still be working and you’ve found yourself suddenly thrown into it from the comfort of your own home, you may need to spruce up your setup. Luckily, you’ll find everything you need on our list of the best WFH essential gear.
