Functional Design

1-40 of 54
A mailbox surrounded by plants.
DIY Mailbox Upgrades

Make your mailbox memorable with these easy DIY upgrades.

A thumbs up in front of a bathroom ceiling vent.
Maximizing Bathroom Ceiling Fan Ventilation

Prevent troublesome excess moisture in the bathroom with a properly working exhaust fan.

A shelf against a yellow wall with a cactus on it.
How to Install Level Shelving

It doesn't matter how much work you put in your shelving if it's not level.

figurine of two people kissing
4 Homemade Knick Knack Shelf Ideas

You have the knack to display in the knick of time.

A fiberglass lamp from Papay Designs.
Spring Home and Garden Show: Things We Saw That You Want

It's time to dig out and get building (or decorating).

rice paper panels
Having A Panel Room Divider

Panel room dividers serve a dual purpose.

A ceiling fan.
How to Keep Dust Off Your Ceiling Fan

Ceiling fans are a cool way to stay cool.

How to Get Rid of Ceiling Fan Ticking Noises

Ceiling fans are enjoying a comeback because they save homeowners money. Ceiling fans can reduce energy

ceiling fan
Ceiling Fan Repair

It could be in the wiring, the switch, or the fan motor.

Man working on a ceiling fan
How to Wire Your Ceiling Fan

Use an existing light fixture or start from scratch.

High ceiling with a ceiling fan
How Long Can You Run a Ceiling Fan?

Ceiling fans are a good way to circulate air throughout a home in both cool and hot weather.

ceiling fan
How to Replace a Ceiling Fan Light Socket

Changing out your fan's light socket is quick and easy.

ceiling fan
How to Reinforce a Ceiling Fan Box

The ceiling fan box holds the fan to the ceiling.

ceiling fan mounted to a beam on a high ceiling
How to Install a Ceiling Fan on a Beam

The process is basically the same.

resin dripping from a stir stick
How to Add Additional Layers of Fiberglass Resin

When laying fiberglass, multiple layers of fiberglass resin are often necessary. Allow proper dry time between coats.

Mixing resin in a bucket
Health Effects of Acrylic Resin

Acrylic resin is in many common products.

An unplugged glue gun with several additional glue sticks.
3 Best Ways to Secure Items in a Shadow Box

This wide type of picture frame can hold a lot of memories, but do you know how to keep objects from shifting? Find out!

Several dried roses lay on a fabric-covered surface.
How to Display Dried Flowers in a Shadow Box

Showcase your hobby inside a shadow box.

A stir stick with acrylic resin dripping from it into the can.
How to Cast Acrylic Resin

Crafting odds and ends is easy with acrylic resin casting.

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How to Make a Homemade CD Shelf

Homemade shelving can save you a lot of time and some money.

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How to Build a Homemade Cube Shelf

A cube shelf is a simple, convenient solution for the storage or display of household objects.

Remote aimed at a TV
How to Make a Floating Corner TV Shelf

Make sure to have the proper support.

A mantel shelf.
How to Build a Corner Mantel Shelf

A corner mantel shelf can be an attractive organizer.

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How to Build a Light Box for Light Therapy

Light therapy is a popular treatment using light boxes which are used to deliver light.

Press pass and brochure for Dwell on Design.
Dwell on Design 2013: Things I Saw That You Want

Highlights from the largest design event in America.

A low profile, welded steel, industrial design, floor lamp.
Make This Industrial Bull's-Eye Lamp for a Tight Space

Sometimes the best solution to a problem is to just start welding.

Spinning ceiling fan
How to Extend an Existing Ceiling Fan Pull

Adjust your pull chain to a more accessible length.

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How to Fix a Wobbling Flush Mount Ceiling Fan

A flush mount ceiling fan should not wobble. Wobbling reduces the fan's effectiveness.

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How to Repair a Resin Table Top

Some of the most beautiful tables made are with a resin table top.

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How to Repair a Broken Ceiling Fan Blade

Whether due to regular use or an indoor game of football, a ceiling fan blade might be damaged.

Bamboo
How to Make Your Own Bamboo Ceiling Fan Blade Covers

You can create ceiling fan blade covers out of bamboo.

Decorative wall shelf with orange light globe nearby
How to Hang a Decorative Wall Shelf

There are options for mounting a decorative shelf to a wall.

A desk lamp.
LED Desk Lamp Pros and Cons

A LED desk lamp can save you money.

The Hutte Hut camper at Dwell on Design.
Dwell on Design 2014: Things I Saw That You Want

A baker's dozen of the coolest things at the show

wall mounted switch with fan and light controls
Changing Ceiling Fan Light Switch

These practical fixtures improve energy conservation.

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The 6 Best Places to Use a Tree Coat Rack in Your Home

In any busy household, a tree coat rack can solve coat storage problems.

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Replacing a Ceiling Fan Glass Dome

Replace the ceiling fan glass dome or the glass that covers your ceiling fan's lights.

Floating, corner shelves with storage boxes and a houseplant.
Install Floating Corner Shelves

Just 5 steps to defy gravity.

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How To Fix A Torn Screen Room Divider

Many screen room dividers are made from materials that might sometimes tear or need mending.

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Using a Clapper With a Ceiling Fan Light

A ceiling fan light is a great way to add extra lighting to a room in an efficient manner.

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Optimal Angles for a Ceiling Fan Blade

The angle and direction of a ceiling fan blade affects how the air is circulated in your home.

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Adding a Ceiling Fan to a Concrete Ceiling

So you want to install your ceiling fan on a concrete but you don't know how?

liquid acrylic resin dripping back into the can
Pros and Cons of Acrylic Resin

Durable and versitile, acrylic resin is a workhorse. Unfortunately, it's no friend to the environment.