Decorating Tools & Household Supplies

It comes down to the job in hand. Smaller brushes, around 1 inch, do best on window frames, door frames and skirting boards, while anything 2 inches or wider makes short work of flush doors, walls and other big flat surfaces. Having a few sizes within reach rather than just one large brush tends to give a tidier finish.

They do their job well, but only once they’re down properly. A quick sweep or vacuum first stops any grit getting trodden in and ground into the floor underneath. Taping the edges down keeps everything in place mid-job, and stairs are worth a second look, since sheets have a habit of sliding around there more than they do on flat floors.

For most everyday fixes, a cordless screwdriver covers it: hanging a picture, tightening a loose hinge, putting flat-pack furniture together. A cordless drill is the one to reach for when things get heavier, since it has more torque and can bore holes as well as drive screws, making it the better choice if there’s only room for one tool in the bag.

A few basics go a long way: a hammer, a set of screwdrivers, pliers and a tape measure, plus a cordless drill or driver for anything beyond hand tightening. It’s also worth keeping a torch close by, for the jobs that always seem to show up once the light’s gone.