Sorry, Marie. 7 times duplicates are exactly what you need.

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Sorry, Marie. 7 times duplicates are exactly what you need.

By emily.bailey

Wednesday, January 12, 2022

two are better than one

There’s no great benefit to four footstools or 15 lint rollers. Sometimes, though, two is exactly what you need, whether because multiples add convenience, the symmetry looks more appealing or they give you greater peace of mind.

 

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One of the main tenants of decluttering is getting rid of duplicates. There’s no great benefit to four footstools or 15 lint rollers. Sometimes, though, two is exactly what you need, whether because multiples add convenience, the symmetry looks more appealing or they give you greater peace of mind. With apologies to Marie Kondo, here are seven times when double the items really is better.
Bohemian style living room with two rattan ottomans.

Bathroom vanities

According to Hunker, the double vanity trend – two sinks, one counter – is on the way out. In its place, interior designers predict two separate vanities or sinks will become more popular. Each person has their own space and storage increases. Separate vanities can also give your bathroom a more luxurious feel and open new style options.

Laundry baskets

If you feel like you’re always overrun by laundry, you might need to increase your hamper count. In addition to the one you probably already have in the bedroom or bathroom, consider a second one in a mudroom or garage. As you and the family come home, you can take off any muddy sports jerseys, damp socks or other items that’ll drip and make a mess as you enter the house.

Smart locks

We often think of installing smart locks on your front door. It’s a great strategy. They improve the security of your home, are convenient and boost your curb appeal thanks to their stylish designs.

 

A second Schlage smart lock on a different door has those same benefits, especially if your family most often comes and goes through a side door or the entrance to the garage, for example. Maybe you also want a second electronic deadbolt on an interior door such as your home office or wine closet. It could also be on an auxiliary dwelling unit (ADU) you use as a backyard home office, rental property or in-law suite.

 

Voice assistants

Did you know that if you have two Alexa-enabled devices, you can use them like an intercom system? Stop yelling to get the kids to come upstairs. Instead, simply ask Alexa to drop in on the Echo Dot in the basement and ask everyone to come help set the table for dinner.

 

Alexa Guard is a feature that can help improve your home’s security. To take full advantage of the feature, you’ll want more than one Echo. Available to all Alexa users in the U.S. – there’s a free version and Guard Plus for a fee – a compatible Alexa-enabled device will listen for and alert you to certain sounds such as breaking glass or a fire alarm. For monitoring to be most effective, Amazon recommends multiple devices placed throughout the home.

Smart speaker with french bulldog in background.

Door mats

Layered door mats is an excellent way to add a bit of refinement to your curb appeal. Sara of Simply Southern Cottage showed us how in her fall front porch décor. Two mats give you more color combinations to play with as well as the flexibility to have something super durable to really get the dirt from your shoes, paired with one that’s even prettier to look at.

Porch lights

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again. A well-lit home is a safer home. When you can see where you’re going, you’re less likely to trip and fall. And when potential intruders see lights on, they’re less likely to attempt a break-in, not to mention there are fewer dark corners for them to hide in. That’s why we say two porch lights are often better than one. Install one on each side of your door for better illumination or if you think the symmetry adds to your curb appeal.

 

Dogs

Because why not? Everyone needs a friend. Plus, a second pet isn’t that much more work. If you need more convincing, check out these adorable porch puppies and our tips for keeping your home clean with pets, no matter how many you have.

 

Looking for more ways to upgrade your home? The Schlage blog has all the style ideas, organizational hacks, DIY inspiration or security tips you didn’t even know you needed.