Lauren Bradbury
Lauren Bradbury started writing for Ideal Home's House Manual section back in 2023 as a freelance writer, writing about everything you need to make a house a home - from cleaning tips and DIY hacks to energy-saving guides and decluttering methods. After building up a wealth of information on the practical side of running a home, she joined the team permanently as Content Editor for House Manual in January 2025.
When she's not writing how-to guides and handy features, Lauren is constantly updating many of our home appliance buying guides and is now the Ideal Home Certified Expert in Training on Vacuums, having spent over 110 hours testing different vacuum models - as well as the latest releases in the world of dehumidifiers, electric heaters, air purifiers, and more. In doing this, Lauren is able to assess everything a consumer may want to know about the essential household products that make life so much easier.
Before joining the Ideal Home team, Lauren graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing from the University of Chichester. She then dipped her toe into the world of content writing, primarily focusing on home content. After years of agency work, she decided to take the plunge and become a full-time freelancer for online publications, including Real Homes and Ideal Home. It was during this time that she also took an interest in transforming her bland Victorian terrace into a cosy home with the help of affordable DIYs and considered styling.
Ideal Home Truths
Where’s your happy place?
My happy place is sitting in my living room with my dog by my side. Myself and my husband have painted the walls around five times since we moved in, but we have finally settled on a sage green colour that has turned it into the cosy space I was really hoping for.
What’s your home addiction?
I just can’t get enough of candles and reed diffusers. Every room in my house smells different, which means I’m hit with a new smell everywhere I walk. For some reason, this just puts a smile on my face and really awakens my senses - especially when I’m working from home.
What is your next home project?
Since moving into my home in 2020, I’ve tried to avoid any major renovations, but my bathroom is in need of some serious TLC. Like many Victorian properties, the bathroom is on the ground floor and is extremely hard to ignore. So, I’m hoping to transform the old, white bathroom into a bright oasis that still acknowledges its Victorian roots.
Latest articles by Lauren Bradbury
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How we test air purifiers at Ideal Home and translate confusing specs into the information you *actually* need to knowWe've put countless air purifiers through Ideal Home's testing process to find the best-in-class. Here's how we do it.
By Lauren Bradbury
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4 simple organising rules and hacks to instantly make a small home look bigger, according to professional organisersCreate space where there is none
By Lauren Bradbury
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Shark just dropped a ‘fun-sized’ carpet cleaner that’s perfect for smaller homesNo huge storage space required!
By Lauren Bradbury
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This IKEA shoe storage hack turns even the smallest of nooks into usable storage spaceIt’ll banish shoe clutter once and for all
By Lauren Bradbury
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Does an air purifier cool a room? The experts share what they can and can't do for those looking to beat the heat this summerThere is an alternative to consider, though
By Lauren Bradbury
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I asked three pro organisers how they create order in small homes with limited storageTop tips to banish clutter
By Lauren Bradbury
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I’ve used this electric mop over 100 times, and this is how I honestly feel about it eight months after my first reviewThis is why I'm still in my electric mop era
By Lauren Bradbury
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I tested a sub-£200 vacuum cleaner built for pet parents – this is how Hoover’s newest model fared in a real home covered in pet hairIt's one of the lightest models I've EVER tested
By Lauren Bradbury
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Dyson quietly dropped a new smart fan that ‘follows’ you around the roomIt’ll keep you consistently cool and comfortable during the heatwave
By Lauren Bradbury
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The little-known appliance that keeps me comfortable during a heatwave – this is why I can’t sleep without itI’m a huge fan, but it’s NOT a fan
By Lauren Bradbury
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Not Amazon, not Shark – this is the best place to buy a budget-friendly Shark robot vacuum cleaner this weekI've spotted a £450 discount on my favourite model!
By Lauren Bradbury
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I used these £19 Amazon organisers to stop my clothes spilling out of my drawers – I love them so much I’ve bought another packMy drawers have never been tidier
By Lauren Bradbury
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I turned my morning coffee into the ultimate fly repellent – it banished them in minutesAnd made my house smell like a coffee shop
By Lauren Bradbury
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I'm a robot vacuum cleaner convert – and these are the 6 models I rate for effortless hands-free cleaningI tested top models from Eufy, Shark, Dyson and more
By Lauren Bradbury
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5 items a small garden really doesn’t need, according to pro organisers – and what to declutter nowEnsure a fun (but functional) outdoor space
By Lauren Bradbury
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The best Shark deals – how to find the best savings on top-rated vacuums, steam cleaners and moreWhere, when and how to get the deals worth shopping
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to find the best vacuum cleaner deals – top tips to snap up a proper discountAnd how to weed out the duds
By Lauren Bradbury
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My dog and I put Joseph Joseph’s new cleaning tools to the test in our homeThey picked up pet hair like a magnet
By Lauren Bradbury
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I’ve just spotted this top-rated Henry at the lowest price it’s ever beenThis stick model is now under £100!
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to remove mould from kitchen and bathroom sealant without using any chemicalsAnd keep it away for good
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to find the best cordless vacuum deals – top tips to save big on Shark, Dyson and moreWhere and when to find the top discounts
By Lauren Bradbury
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5 items a small living room really doesn’t need, according to professional organisersDeclutter them now to maximise space and minimise mess
By Lauren Bradbury
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I’m a vacuum expert, and these are the 3 best Dyson vacuum cleaners that are *actually* worth the price tagIf you're looking for a Dyson vacuum cleaner, these are my top picks
By Lauren Bradbury
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The cleaning tips every pet-lover should know to keep their home spotless and hair-free – they’re *so* quick and easyNever let your four-legged friend ruin your carpet or sofa again
By Lauren Bradbury
