Louise Oliphant
About Louise
Hello! I’m Louise, the ecommerce editor at Real Homes. I joined the other side of the desk in April 2022, after previously being in PR and communications. With the rest of the team, I write shopping content and reviews for homeware items that’ll add both a decorative and practical edge to your space. With an eye for design that won’t snooze on style, but a budget that won’t quite stretch, I love nothing more than a designer dupe. From colored glassware to contemporary furniture and bedding, I'm after items that will upgrade my plain rented flat. Otherwise, you’ll find me at an art gallery, exploring the latest exhibition, or enjoying a cocktail at one of London’s coolest bars and restaurants.
My niche(s)
After managing PR efforts for a luxury bedding brand, I now specialize in sleep content, so you can wind down well. Knowing the importance of getting a great night’s sleep, I bring my bedding expertise to writing buying guides, reviews, and news on the best sleep and wellness buys, including what to look for, when, and where to buy, so you can get your best sleep yet. But I believe your sleep setup shouldn’t have to break the bank either. From bed frames to mattresses to protectors, I’m your go-to for finding bedroom upgrades, on a budget.
Why listen to me?
My knack for writing and interest in interiors grew from my love for art. I studied for an undergraduate degree in contemporary art, where my practice considered how artwork can amplify a room or space. From reviewing and critiquing artworks, I then pursued a master's degree in international journalism, putting aside the paintbrush and instead putting pen to paper. It wasn't until I landed a PR position in the homeware industry that I learned everything there is to know about ecommerce, especially about what to look for when shopping online for your next bedding buy. Eager to share with Real Homes' readers, I'm now brimming with useful sleep content, so you can choose the best sleep products for you.
About my Real Home…
Having recently moved to London, I’m currently sharing a furnished three-bed flat with friends. With an appreciation for modern styles with an emphasis on symmetry, I find comfort in balance and clean lines — some might call it a form of feng shui. My home is generally minimalist with sleek black furniture and metal finishes.
My fave home buys
Luckily, I’ve not been totally restricted to standard furniture and renter rules that prohibit anything on the walls. I have managed to add my stamp with modern decor, such as glass bedside table lamps, an acrylic desk chair, and of course, great bedding. I love my Piglet in Bed striped linen set; it looks and feels great all year round.
On my to-buy list
An acrylic magazine rack (or a few) to hold my out-of-hand print collection is next on my wish list. I’m always on the lookout for sleek storage solutions that’ll keep my home well-organized. Tidy room, tidy mind, right?
I’m currently working on…
With the January sales just around the corner, I’m currently scoping out the best deals on, you guessed it, all-things bedding. This includes the best mattress, duvets, pillows, and more. Having a background in art, my shopping skills don’t stop at bed sheets. With an eye for design (and a minimal budget), I’m also looking for some chic but cheap home decor pieces you won't think twice about treating yourself to.
Latest articles by Louise Oliphant
-
Best linen sheets — 6 editor-approved buys for your coziest bed ever
These are the best linen sheets, tried, tested, and recommended by a Real Homes sleep expert from Cultiver, Piglet in Bed, and more
By Jaclyn Turner Last updated
-
These Wayfair Open Box deals are a must-see for savvy shoppers on a budget
From mattress toppers to bed frames, soft furnishings and wall art, Wayfair Open Box deals comprise 29,000+ returned or good as new items, so you can shop sustainably
By Louise Oliphant Last updated
-
How to clean a mattress — 5 expert-approved steps for the freshest bed
Prioritize your sleep hygiene and keep your bed fresh AF with this six-step guide on how to clean a mattress — including expert tips on getting rid of stains, odors, and more
By Louise Oliphant Last updated
-
Coop Retreat Mattress Topper review
I've been sleeping on the Coop Retreat Mattress Topper for nearly half a year and its plush pillow-top feel gives my rental mattress supreme comfort
By Louise Oliphant Last updated
-
27 top-rated Walmart organizers — shoppers love them for extra storage space
These Walmart organizers will keep your bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen organized. See our favorite picks and buying advice, plus decor ideas.
By Louise Oliphant Last updated
-
The Container Store organization products that'll help you get your sh*t together
These aesthetic (and affordable) acrylic storage boxes from The Container Store are all you need for some serious home organization
By Louise Oliphant Last updated
-
How to wash a silk pillowcase without totally ruining it
Making sure your silk pillowcase is properly cleaned will do wonders for your skin, hair, and sleep — follow this five-step guide to a perfectly fresh place to rest your head
By Louise Oliphant Published
-
Quick question: Can you wash memory foam pillows?
There are some serious dos and don'ts when it comes to washing memory foam pillows. Make sure you do it right, with the help of these expert tips
By Louise Oliphant Published
-
Can you wash pillows in the washing machine? We had experts weigh in
Whether you can wash a pillow in the washing machine or not depends on a few factors. We had experts weigh in on whether memory foam, polyester, or feather-filled pillows can withstand a washer
By Louise Oliphant Published
-
ICYDK, your pillow can get pretty gross —here's how to wash pillows properly
Up your sleep hygiene by making sure you know how to wash pillows properly, whether you have memory foam, synthetic, or feather-filled pillows
By Louise Oliphant Last updated
-
How to dry a comforter without it bunching, lumping, or shrinking
These expert tips will help you dry your comforter correctly, so it keeps its fluffiness and plushness — including the tennis ball drying hack you have to know about
By Louise Oliphant Published
-
Can you wash a down comforter? Here are the dos and don'ts
Experts say you can absolutely wash a down duvet — here's how including the dos and don'ts to keep your comforter in good condition
By Louise Oliphant Published
-
How to wash a mattress protector — 5 expert-approved steps you need to know
Make your mattress investment go further by keeping your bed as clean as poss — here are a few dos and don'ts on how to wash a mattress protector
By Louise Oliphant Published
-
Can you wash a mattress cover? I asked an expert — here's what they had to say
Here's everything you need to know about whether you can wash a mattress cover, and how, according to an expert — because it pays to keep your bed clean
By Louise Oliphant Published
-
How to choose a mattress topper — 5 steps to totally transform your sleep sitch
Transforming your rental mattress or upgrading your old one is made easy with this expert guide on how to choose the comfiest mattress topper for you (and your bed)
By Louise Oliphant Published
-
What is a Japanese floor mattress and is it better than your current bed?
Forget buying a bed frame, get a Japanese floor mattress instead — here's everything you need to know about this bed alternative, including why you just might need one and a few of our faves
By Louise Oliphant Published
-
ICYWW, this is how often you should be washing your bed sheets (according to experts)
Celeb conversations have got us questioning "how often should bed sheets be washed?" Here's the answer, according to experts from Brooklinen and Bed Threads
By Louise Oliphant Published
-
I've been using TikTok's viral duvet burrito method for months — now changing my bedding is easy
Putting your comforter inside its cover is easy with this viral duvet burrito method hack. Here's how I've been changing my bedding for months without any stress
By Louise Oliphant Published
-
4 nightstand essentials experts swear by to keep your bedside looking beaut
Noticed the nightstand table trend on TikTok? Here are the 5 essentials I (and other experts) swear by to get your bedside organized
By Louise Oliphant Published
-
Here's where to find TikTok's viral (and adorable) strawberry vase in stock
These super cute strawberry vases are pretty much all over my FYP and IG feed — here's where you can get one in stock right now
By Louise Oliphant Published
-
These Target mirrors will make your teeny tiny apartment look so much bigger
Mirrors will make your small space seem so much bigger. These cheap round, full-length, and light-up TikTok-approved Target mirrors are the perfect small-home hack
By Louise Oliphant Published
-
Over-the-door mirrors are much cuter these days, and now I want one — here are 6 good picks
Over-the-door mirrors are a must-have for those who rent or live in small homes (dorm dwellers, you too) — and these six are super cute.
By Louise Oliphant Published
-
This $7 Target mirror is transforming shoppers' (and TikTokers') small apartments
Renters, studio dwellers, and small homeowners, this $7 TikTok-approved mirror from Target will make your small space seem so much bigger
By Louise Oliphant Published
-
Where to buy office chairs for the most aesthetic WFH set-up ever
Stylish, supportive, and affordable, these stores are the place to buy office chairs if you want an aesthetic work-from-home set-up that won't break your back (or the bank)
By Louise Oliphant Published