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.
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Best weighted blankets for your best sleep ever — 5 tried and tested buys
Discover the best weighted blankets to help relieve anxiety, stress and sleep problems. We tried these buys for weeks to see how they hold up
By Jaclyn Turner Last updated
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The best weighted blankets to help you drift off with zero stress
We've tried and tested some seriously impressive weighted blankets. Designed to help relieve anxiety, stress, and sleep problems
By Louise Oliphant Last updated
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Best duvet inserts and comforters for year-round use — 6 buys tried and tested by us
We tested the best duvet inserts from the likes of Brooklinen, Buffy, and Saavta so you can get your best sleep whatever the temperature
By Annie Collyer Last updated
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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
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Best bamboo bed sheets — 9 sets tested by us and loved by shoppers
These bamboo bed sheets from Amazon, ettitude, and other brands are the softest in the bedding game, with benefits that go beyond being eco-friendly
By Louise Oliphant Last updated
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12 Amazon renter-friendly home buys that'll upgrade any dull apartment
We've rounded up the best Amazon renter-friendly home buys, so you can redecorate within your limits. These goods are perfect for apartments and small spaces
By Emily Lambe Last updated
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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
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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
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These are the 6 best organic mattresses, as reviewed — non-toxic beds from $799
Investing in an eco-friendly mattress? These are the best 6 to buy this year, as reviewed by our team, from the likes of Avocado, Birch, Saatva and more
By Annie Collyer Last updated
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9 of the best fall bedding sets, as rated by shoppers
From orange fabrics to mushroom patterns, these are the best fall bedding sets, as rated by shoppers...
By Eve Smallman Last updated
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These are our 6 favorite tried and tested memory foam pillows for a good night's sleep
Back and side sleepers, meet the memory foam pillow of your dreams, from Coop, Nolah, and Amazon
By Annie Collyer Last updated
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Best mattress in a box: 6 tried and tested beds for comfier sleep, without the stress
These are the best beds-in-a-box you can get delivered straight to your door, from big-name mattress brands like Casper, Nectar, and Avocado
By Annie Collyer Last updated
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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
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Best kitchen carts and islands for even the tiniest of spaces
See the best kitchen carts for small spaces that shoppers can't stop raving about. Find kitchen island ideas, carts on wheels, and hidden storage.
By Joseph Bobowicz Last updated
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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