Home Essentials — What I Actually Use (and What I Overpaid For)
Duvet covers, mushroom lamps, outdoor lights, and more. Honest home product reviews from a guy who researches trillion-dollar trades but overpays for bedding.
7 comparisons • Links are affiliate (details below)
The Linen Duvet Cover (My One Bougie Purchase)
For once I spent real money on something. The Shilucheng is solid linen for $109. But the Quince at $140 is the one the bedding subreddits actually recommend.
Read the full storyThe $10 Spray That Saved My Security Deposit
Miami + bathroom = mold situation. Moldex worked fine but the RMR-86 is the internet's mold-destroying weapon of choice with 42k reviews.
Read the full storyThe $11 Shower Curtain That Taught Me Nothing
Plot twist: I actually bought the best-reviewed shower curtain on Amazon. 87,000 reviews. $11. Sometimes the cheapest option IS the best option.
Read the full storyThe $32 Fire Extinguisher (Because I'm a Responsible Dad Now)
I bought a single 2.5 lb fire extinguisher for an apartment with a toddler, a kitchen, and electrical equipment. The Amerex at $66 is double the capacity, rechargeable, and commercial grade. But I cheapened out on fire safety.
Read the full storyThe Mushroom Lamp That Started a 2AM Rabbit Hole
I bought one mushroom lamp for $18 at 2 AM. The 2-pack for $30 was literally in the 'frequently bought together' section. I paid $18 for one when I could have paid $15 each for two. This is why I don't trade after midnight.
Read the full storyThe $120 Linen Duvet Cover vs The $28 One That Works Fine
I browsed 15 duvet covers over 3 days before buying the $120 linen one. The Bedsure at $28 has 42,000 reviews and a 4.5 rating. I spent 4x more for the privilege of telling people my bedding is linen.
Read the full storyMy $760 Midlife Crisis Lighting (Permanent Outdoor Lights)
I spent $760 on permanent outdoor lights that sync to music and change colors via app. The string lights at $30 would have given me 90% of the vibe at 4% of the cost. But my house now looks like Tron and I have no regrets.
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Affiliate Disclosure: Links on this page go to Amazon and include an affiliate tag. If you buy something, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only feature products I've actually purchased or researched. The comparisons are honest — I'm usually roasting myself for buying the worse option.