Monitors are essential tools for every designer or architect. They allow us to see our designs at their finest and give us a clear view of the final outcome. The quality of the monitor plays a huge role in the final outcome of the project.
While selecting a monitor for professional work as an architect or a designer, one needs to consider many technical aspects from the quality of images, resolution, contrast, brightness, and performance while working for long hours amongst other factors related to appearance and design.
This might be a little daunting for people buying a new monitor for the first time or even one who is confused by the varieties available in the market that all look the same!
Even if there is a budget constraint, this list gives you the best options to do the job. Below we give you some more details and pointers that will help you in your next purchase:
<h2>Important Points to Consider Before Buying a Monitor for Architectural Work</h2>
Are you considering buying a monitor for your architectural work? There is an array of options available in the market today. The choice of the monitor depends on the type of work and personal requirements. For monitors that are apt for architectural work, the following are a few important points or factors one should consider –
Screen size
It is ideal to have large screen sizes for architectural work. One can prefer to opt for screen sizes of over 15 inches, preference should be given to monitor sizes between 27 to 32 inches. The benefit of a larger screen is enhanced productivity, by allowing space for multi-tasking.
Some monitors provide one with an option to opt for wider aspect ratios, such as ultrawide monitors with an aspect ratio of 21:9 and superwide monitors with an aspect ratio of 32:9. These help in keeping multiple applications open at the same time.
Curved or Plain Monitor?
Curved monitors when compared with plain monitors are very immersive and provide an enhanced experience to the users. For professionals working in the architecture or design domain, where multi-tasking is usually required, a curved monitor provides an edge. The downside of curved monitors is that they are heavy on the pocket as compared to the plain monitors.
In addition to providing an immersive experience, curved screens are comfortable for your eyes. It provides a wider field of vision, thus displaying everything all at once. While there are advantages to having a curved monitor screen, choosing the type of monitor would be determined by personal preferences, usage and the budget.
Resolution
For a sharper display with enhanced clarity, one should opt for higher resolution monitors. The most common resolution for monitors is Full HD or 1080p i.e., 1920x1080 pixels, and for most architectural work this resolution is ideal. However, if there is a requirement for a clearer display, one can go in for resolutions such as – 2560x1440 pixels (2K) or 3840x2160 pixels (4K). A higher resolution can help in viewing details of the drawings or renders in more detail.
How about a 4k Monitor?
4K technology refers to the resolution of screens that are about four times the resolution of Full HD screens. 4K monitors are gradually becoming a norm with the screen resolution. There are two types of 4K Monitors –
<ul>
<li>4K UHD: 3840x2160 pixels</li>
<li>DCI 4K: 4096x2160 pixels</li>
</ul>
While both types of 4K monitors give a sharp display as compared to its predecessor, DCI 4K is adopted by people who require more display accuracy. For a profession such as architecture, one needs a monitor that provides high colour accuracy. One should definitely opt for a 4K monitor screen with foresight for future trends and enhanced work experience.
Ergonomics and Comfort
Ergonomics and comfort are important factors to consider when looking for monitors, as most of the time, the architectural work is both effort and time-intensive. A monitor should be such that it provides an array of adjustments like the angle and height of the screen. The adjustments ensure that a person can adjust the monitor according to their personal requirements to provide an ergonomically comfortable experience. One can even look for features for visual comfort like anti-glare output, blue-light reduction, task-oriented viewing modes, etc.
Types of monitor ports
There are various types of input, output and connector ports that are integrated with the monitors. The types of monitor ports include-
<ul>
<li>VGA (Video Graphics Array) Port or D-Sub port:</li>
</ul>
These ports are usually available on older monitor models and very rarely found on newer models for compatibility reasons. This port doesn’t support audio.
<ul>
<li>DVI (Digital Video Interface) Port:</li>
</ul>
These are a little better when compared with VGA ports, as they can produce a 1080p display stably. This type of port also doesn’t support audio.
<ul>
<li>HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) Port:</li>
</ul>
HDMI ports have become commonplace when it comes to monitor ports. These can transmit both audio and video easily. These are even easier to set up and offer wider compatibility.
<ul>
<li>Display Port:</li>
</ul>
These are highly optimized for modern day monitors. It also supports both audio and video formats, in addition, offers superior display output.
Bonus Tip- One should opt for monitors that have HDMI and Display ports for maximum compatibility with other devices.
Continue reading to uncover our top picks for the best budget monitors for Architects and Designers:

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Budget Monitors for Architects and Designers.jpeg

Are you looking for a new monitor for your next project? If yes, then you should check out these budget monitors that are designed specifically for architects and designers.

5 Best Budget Monitors for Architects and Designers 2023

A good budget laptop is essential for architecture students. The key features include long battery life, lightweight, portable and powerful performance. The architecture field requires a lot of creativity, design thinking, and problem-solving. These skills are often learned through hands-on experience. This means that architects spend a large amount of time using their laptops.
It is rightly said that a man is only as good as his tools. So, unlock your potential with these highly efficient laptops that will boost your performance and save you time while you’re at it. This is made possible with the latest selection of technology employed for the very purpose of helping create elevated visuals and graphics and designed to give you an undisturbed workflow.
Since architectural projects revolve around computer-aided drawing and the use of multiple software simultaneously, this list will help you choose the best-suited affordable laptop for you. So, without wasting any more time let's uncover some tips that will guide you in your next purchase.
<h2>Why you should buy a Laptop over a Desktop?</h2>
Are you confused between choosing a laptop over a desktop or vice versa? The confusion is quite obvious as we do not buy a laptop or desktop very frequently. And, for students of architecture, it becomes all the more important to consider and factor in a lot of variables while making the choice. Following are a few reasons that make laptops a better choice over desktops for architectural students –
<ul>
<li>Laptops are compact machines that do not require additional space setup, therefore, making them an ideal choice for students.</li>
<li>Today, laptops are powerhouses of enhanced performance, owing to the powerful hardware.</li>
<li>The biggest advantage is that it is portable and one can work from practically anywhere.</li>
<li>With enhanced battery backups, one can easily work even in case of a power cut or failure; this is not a possibility with desktops.</li>
<li>Laptops don’t require component set up before starting, unlike desktops.</li>
</ul>
Students should put their money into something practical yet long-lasting. Therefore, in addition to the above points, there are personal requirements that one should use as a yardstick while drawing comparisons. Going in for a laptop is just the first step of the entire process of buying a device. Other things that one should give due importance to are the operating system available and other specifications such as processor, RAM, GPU, battery life, storage, ports, compatibility, etc.
<h2>Operating System (Windows vs macOS)</h2>
Choosing the Operating system is one of the preliminary factors when looking for a choosing a laptop or a desktop. The two widely used operating systems are windows and macOS. Following are some pointers to help you weigh the pros and cons of both operating systems –
<ul>
<li>Windows is a more prevalent operating system, thus making it a more viable option.</li>
<li>Looking at the range of software and applications, almost most of them are available for windows as against the macOS.</li>
<li>macOS is sought to be more intuitive when compared with windows.</li>
<li>Both the operating systems are user-friendly.</li>
<li>Windows offers a compatible environment to help users operate old versions of software on new devices.</li>
<li>Windows is more susceptible to virus and spyware attacks when compared with macOS.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Specifications that one must consider while choosing a laptop –</h2>
<ul>
<li>CPU Processor: For seamless working, architecture students should prefer choosing processors like Core i5, Ryzen 5 and above.</li>
<li>RAM: It is advisable to go in for a higher Ram (8GB and higher) for efficient and seamless working.</li>
<li>GPU (Graphics Processing Units): Architecture involves high-intensity graphic work; thus, the laptop or desktop must preferably have a high-end graphics card for incessant working. For a stringent budget, one should consider an integrated graphic card, however, for higher performance, a discreet graphics card should be given preference.</li>
<li>Storage: Apt storage should be one of the primary considerations while choosing a laptop or desktop. There are numerous options available for storage volumes, starting from 256 GB. However, it is advised that one chooses a machine with an internal storage of 512 GB and above. In addition, choosing the type of storage (Hard Disk Drives and Solid State Drives) is equally important. SSDs are preferred as they offer enhanced speed and are quieter when compared with HDDs.</li>
<li>Display and Resolution: For architectural students, the resolution and quality of the display are important factors to consider. Therefore, they should consider opting for an IPS screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1080p (Full HD). These days laptops with higher resolutions [2560 x 1600, 3200 x 1800 and 3840 x 2160 (4K)] are also available, but a full HD display would aid in all the functions for students unless they are willing to go in for high-resolution configurations.</li>
<li>Screen Size: For students of architecture, it is recommended that they opt for bigger screen sizes (15” and above).</li>
<li>USB ports: Today, the number of USB ports available in a laptop is also a considerable factor to consider, as most accessories require USB ports. In addition, one should also look for the type of USB port available in a laptop. It is advisable that one should opt for a laptop that has at least one USB 3.0 and USB C port.</li>
<li>Battery Life: For students, every minute is important and they can’t afford to waste a lot of time searching for charging sockets or waiting for backup in case of power loss. Therefore, it is advisable that the laptop has a battery life of 8 hours and above.</li>
<li>Connectivity: Connectivity over an internet connection and support for wireless connections should be the primary considerations. One should go in for a laptop that supports 4G LTE or 5G network. For better wireless connectivity, look for devices that support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5 technology.</li>
</ul>
Below we list our top picks for the best budget yet affordable laptops for Architecture Students-:

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Are you an Architecture Student and have a budget but still want a great computer? Check out these best budget yet affordable laptops to make your architecture studies more efficient and productive.

5 Best Budget Laptops for Architecture Students (Latest Models 2023)

As an architectural student, it is very important to have a set of tools that help you maximize your output and bring out your best creative work. This can only be achieved when you have the first step figured out i.e., the tools to start drawing and designing. We help you with a starter pack without you spending time figuring out which are the best products in the market.
Saving you a ton load of time, these 15 products will be your lifesaver for the next 5 years! This list features the most durable and economic products best suited for use by architectural students. So, without wasting any more time, let’s get into the details.

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Beginning the journey to studying architecture? Here are some essential tools for students that will help you in this exciting road ahead!

15 Must-Have Essential Tools for Architectural Students

Books are a guiding source that develops one’s thinking ability while at the same time providing information on various concepts. Similarly in architecture studies, students are expected to have well-rounded information on a variety of subjects and domains. In a day and age where there is no end to knowledge, finding the appropriate and most beneficial content material can seem to be impossible without exhaustive research.
In this article, we aim to assist the students in providing a starting point to purposeful and suitable reading material that will open up the world of architecture and provide references, case studies, and data resources for their educational projects. These are 10 essential architecture books that our experts recommend:

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10 Essential Books for an Architecture Student, We Highly Recommend.jpg

If you’re clueless about where to start a knowledge foundation, explore these highly recommended essential architecture books for students that offer assured help in architectural studies.

10 Essential Books for an Architecture Student, We Highly Recommend

Books help us develop our thoughts, gives us endless knowledge and lessons while keeping our minds active. We bring to you an assortment of books for young architects that will boost your creativity, provide companionship and at the same time inspire you out of that rut!
This range is appropriate for all architects and designers who are on the lookout for quality research that boosts cognitive mental stimulation. We have listed a wide variety of educational, well-examined, and entertaining books appropriate to transfer you into a unique world of imagination. Keep a lookout in the end for the editor’s pick of the perfect book to start your ingenious journey with. Find below the list of books for young architects:

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10 Books Every Young Architect Must-Have.jpg

Explore the plethora of books for architects to boost that creativity quotient.

10 Books Every Young Architect Must-Have

Reference books are an excellent way to give students an insight into the exam and the kind of knowledge one is supposed to have. Having a preparatory guidebook can help one get accustomed to the exam pattern and develop an understanding of time management. Preparation is the key to success and the more one practices, the greater their chances of getting the score one wants for the exam. These books are designed to season the students so that they are fully prepared and ready to ace the entrance tests.This list is a compilation of the best preparatory books for NATA 2023, which includes an array of mock tests with solutions and other helpful explanations of complex concepts. These help books might probably be your best shot at NATA 2023, so give them an honest try and see the results unfold right in front of your eyes.Continue reading for our top 5 picks for NATA 2023 preparation and get your desired scores!

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5 Best Books for NATA 2021, We Highly Recommend.jpg

Crack all the architectural entrance exams with these guides that we highly recommend for your future career in Architecture!

5 Best Books for NATA 2023, We Highly Recommend

With us being surrounded by smart objects and devices, it is about time that our homes become smart too. Smart plugs offer the first step to converting your homes into smart homes. These are easy to install and help in operating your electronic gadgets from the comfort of your bed. Basically, smart plugs have the potential to convert a run-of-the-mill device or appliance into a smart one. These plugs are available across various designs and features. While smart plugs are gaining popularity in the present times, it is vital to know the intricacies attached to them. Following are a set of some insights and questions that might arise related to the smart plugs –
What are Smart Plugs and how do they work?
A smart plug is basically an adapter that can be integrated with a standard socket. This works over a wireless connection to operate electronic devices remotely. It can be considered as the first step towards setting up a smart home. Once plugged into a standard socket, the plug can be connected to a wireless network via an app. Once connected, the appliances can be operated by a click of a button or a voice command.
Costs attached with the Smart Plugs?
Smart plugs are steadily making their space in the market. A smart plug can range anywhere from 700 to 1400 and higher, depending on the features and quality that it offers.
Points to consider while choosing Smart Plugs
While choosing a smart plug, several points should be considered that are as follows –
<ul>
<li>Compatibility:</li>
</ul>
When selecting a smart plug, the compatibility of the smart plug and the devices should be given due consideration. In addition, compatibility with the existing wall plugs should also be considered.
<ul>
<li>Voice Assistant:</li>
</ul>
The voice assistants help control the devices easily and comfortably. Most plugs function with a voice assistant. When looking for a smart plug that functions with a voice assistant like Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri, go in for one that is compatible with the voice assistant that you already use or are willing to use. In addition, try to go in for a model that is compatible with multiple voice assistants.
<ul>
<li>Design:</li>
</ul>
The design of the smart plug should be considered as the design determines the usability and durability of the gadget. There are certain designs that aid in expanding the number of outlets in case one is short of outlet sockets.
<ul>
<li>Energy Considerations:</li>
</ul>
Some smart plugs help in monitoring the energy consumption of various appliances. This helps in adhering to energy-efficient practices. The monitoring is done via an app, which, in addition to energy consumption also charts out the peak consumption hours.
<ul>
<li>Scheduling ability:</li>
</ul>
A few smart plugs let you schedule the powering on and off of the devices. This adds to the convenience factor attached to smart gadgets and smart homes.
<ul>
<li>Usability:</li>
</ul>
Smart plugs are available for use both indoors and outdoors. Therefore, it is pertinent to go through the features of the plug thoroughly. This is necessary as the smart plugs meant for indoors cannot be used for outdoors. The usability of a smart plug is an important consideration in the process of selecting a smart plug.
Advantages of Smart Plugs?
Smart plugs come with their set of advantages to make our lives a tad bit easier by making our usual electronics a tad bit smarter. Some advantages are as follows –
<ul>
<li>Enables remote operations, management and monitoring of appliances and electronic devices.</li>
<li>Operation of devices through voice commands.</li>
<li>These are easy to use and portable.</li>
<li>Owing to the temperature control and auto shut-off features, smart plugs can help in safeguarding homes and appliances.</li>
<li>These can help schedule the operations of your appliances and electronic devices.</li>
<li>It can help in deceiving the outsiders in one’s absence by a feature called presence simulation.</li>
</ul>
Are there any drawbacks of Smart Plugs?
In addition to their advantages, the smart plugs also offer their set of drawbacks. A few drawbacks are as follows –
<ul>
<li>The smart plugs draw electricity even when the appliances or electronic devices are powered off.</li>
<li>Dependence on the internet and thereby its bandwidth.</li>
<li>Depending on the design of the smart plug, the size can be inconvenient when compared with conventional plugs.</li>
</ul>
Application areas for Smart Plugs
Owing to the simple working of smart plugs, the application areas are endless. With just a command through the app or to the voice assistant, you can easily switch on or off a gadget from the comfort of your bed. These can be used to run coffee machines, air conditioners, heaters, lighting devices, ovens, electric cookers and ranges, etc. The possibilities of the application of smart plugs are endless.
If you have a bent to take the first step towards a smart home with smart plugs. The following are the 10 best smart plug options to consider –

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10 Best Smart Plugs to Make your Life Easier.jpg

Make your home smarter with these 10 best smart plugs! These nifty devices give you remote access to everything in your house, no matter where you are.

10 Best Smart Plugs to Make your Life Easier

A white wall at first can be daunting and what most people would regard as boring. However, it can also be a blank slate and a way for you to exercise your creativity and create your very own art project. Not only will it be unique but it is also bound to give one a feeling of pride in the personalized set-up.
It might appear that taking up a personal project would require slaving hours and spending all your savings but with our 10 gorgeous and sustainable quick-fixes you have no reason to worry. Get your working gloves on because once you go through our selected products, you will not be able to stop yourself from giving your dull white wall a major transformation!

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10 Gorgeous Products To Brighten Up Any Plain White Wall.jpg

Bringing personality and life to a plain white wall is possible with a little creativity – check out our list of top ten products for bringing interesting design elements to your space!

10 Gorgeous Products To Brighten Up Any Plain White Wall

A good sofa set is the primary requirement of any living room. There are an array of choices available in the market based on the capacity, materials, design, colours, textures, so on and so forth. A comfortable sofa set helps one unwind, host guests, enjoy with the family and serves diverse functions. With the range of brands and sofa designs in the market, it becomes quite confusing to choose the best sofa set for a living room. Following are a few points that should be kept in mind while looking for sofa sets –Personal preference ChecklistHaving a checklist of your personal preferences is rather imperative, which will further help in deciding the best sofa set for the living room. There is a massive choice in the market for sofa sets. The choice can be made depending on its design and style, seating capacity (single-seater, double seater, or triple seater), upholstery, colour, lumbar support, etc. To not get confused with the variety of choices one gets in the market today, a preference checklist is an important step to consider.Design and StyleThe design and style of the sofas range from vintage to modern, traditional to contemporary, bulky to minimalistic. One should be mindful of the design and style of sofa sets with respect to the overall décor language of the room.Number of seatsSofas come in various combinations of seating capacity. Therefore one should be clear about the seating requirements to correspond with the number of seats in a sofa set.Space planning, placement and dimensionsDetermining the sofa set for your living room can help in space planning of the living room or vice versa. Placing a sofa can alter the look and space utilization of a living room, therefore it is important to consider all these points simultaneously while choosing the sofa set for your space. The dimensions of the sofa set would also be pivotal in space planning of your living space.Frame, padding and upholsteryThe frame of the sofa set is the main support system or one should say the skeleton of it. The material and the joinery determine the overall strength and load-bearing capacity of the sofa. Therefore, one must look into the materials (wood, plastic, metal, etc.), joinery and hardware used to make the frame of the sofa.One should ensure that the sofa should have adequate padding according to your comfort. In addition, the density of the foam used should be cross-checked. One should also make note of the type and location of cushioning provided (if any) in the sofa per the desired comfort and support.The Colour and material of the upholstery are very important as it is the actual façade of a sofa. Bear in mind that the colour, fabric and texture should complement the language of the other elements in the space and the overall décor. There are a host of materials that can be considered for a sofa set vis-à-vis leather, leatherette, velvet, microfiber, linen, so on and so forth. While the material choice is being made, the finish should also be kept in mind.BudgetBudget is one of the factors that help in determining all the other factors. That is one reason that the budget should be allocated before taking up the hunt for the most suited sofa for your living room. Be sure to do a preliminary research or market survey before setting the final figures.To help your hunt for sofa sets easier, the following are the 10 best sofa sets to buy online, that is best for every living room –

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Take your living room up a notch with one of these stylish and comfortable sofa sets. With options in different colors and styles, choose the perfect set for your home!

10 Best Sofa-Sets to Buy Online That is Best for Every Living Room

Incorporating smart lights in your home is a smart step to begin transforming your home into a smart or automated home. Lights are and have always been an integral part of our homes. While we transition into an automated age, it is time to upgrade our usual lights to smart lights. Just like the usual lights, smart lights also have various types, vis-à-vis, bulb, batten, LED strips, so on and so forth. Smart lights usually work over a wi-fi network. From getting over millions of light colour options to set lighting scenes to scheduling the power on and off of the light, there are numerous features that smart lights offer. While the features might seem fancy and a must-have, it is essential to know the ins and outs related to smart lights. To ensure the same, the following are some insights related to smart lights.
What Are Smart Lights and how do they work?
A smart light is a lighting fixture or aid that can be controlled wirelessly via smartphones, tablets, smart hubs, conditions-based IFTTT (IF This Then That) technology or voice assistants. Smart lights help in automating the lighting experience that can even be controlled remotely.
These smart fixtures have software that connects them to either an application, voice assistant or any other such smart accessory. Certain types of smart lights work with the aid of sensory devices – motion, touch, etc. These help in modulating the intensity and in some cases, type of light based on the motion in space, amount of light, temperature, so on and so forth.
Costs attached with the smart lights?
The cost depends on the type of smart light that you are considering installing and the features it is equipped with. The starting cost of smart bulbs is 500 rupees, that of a smart batten is 800 rupees, a smart downlighter is 800 rupees and that of a smart LED strip is 3500 rupees.
Features Points to consider while choosing smart lights
While choosing a smart light or lighting system for your spaces, a few points should be considered that are as follows –
<ul>
<li>Wattage:</li>
</ul>
When selecting a smart lighting element, pay attention to the wattage that it offers. One should bear in mind that the higher the wattage, the higher would be the brightness in the case of LED lights. Therefore, choose the wattage adequately according to your requirements.
<ul>
<li>Colours and ambiance:</li>
</ul>
Smart lights offer a range of over 16 million colours to choose from, thus providing a wide horizon of lighting moods and ambiances. The possibilities are endless when it comes to ambiance creation with smart lights. In addition to providing a wide palette of colour options, they also provide the flexibility to regulate the brightness of the light, thus aiding in achieving the desired ambiance in a space.
<ul>
<li>Controllability:</li>
</ul>
Smart lights can be controlled remotely both by voice and with the aid of supporting apps. With the help of dedicated apps, one can control the lights from anywhere in the world.
<ul>
<li>Installation:</li>
</ul>
Most smart lights are designed to fit into the standard fittings, thereby making the installation a little less cumbersome.
Advantages of smart lights?
Smart lights come with their set of advantages, some of which are as follows –
<ul>
<li>It helps in saving energy and thereby power bills too, as the lights are switched on and off automatically according to the schedule, requirement or movement.</li>
<li>The remote access and scene creation features can help add in a layer of security in the absence of homeowners.</li>
<li>These lights help in maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm.</li>
<li>These are easy to use.</li>
<li>Gives a large range of possibilities with just one fixture, when it comes to scene creation, the colour of the light and ambiance.</li>
</ul>
Are there any drawbacks of smart lights?
Along with the advantages, the smart lights also have some drawbacks that are as follows –
<ul>
<li>If the wireless connection dips or falters then there would be connectivity and performance issues with the smart lights.</li>
<li>These are a little expensive when compared to their conventional counterparts.</li>
</ul>
If you are taking a step towards introducing smart lights in your home, to help you in your decision, the following are the 10 best smart lights picks for you to consider from –

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10 Best Smart Lights to brighten your spaces.jpg

Upgrade your home or office with the latest smart light bulbs! These devices make your space look brighter and more inviting.

10 Best Smart Light Bulbs to Brighten Up Your Spaces

Drafting boards are one-of-a-kind indispensable tools for architects and designers which are as old as the profession itself. These boards have witnessed the evolution of design and its practice intimately. They have even survived the takeover by digitalization in the design field by computer-aided design and other computerized drawing programs.Whether you are a student or a practicing architect/designer, there is no doubt that you will be making use of drawing boards a lot and it is that one tool that you will always need. In fact, drawing boards are a prerequisite in the majority of design institutions.So, without wasting any more time let's uncover some tips that will guide you in your next purchase.1. SizeThe size of the board should depend on how much space you have to work on. If you're working on a small project, then you may want to get a smaller board. On the other hand, if you're working on a larger project, then you'll need a bigger board.2. MaterialThere are many different materials that you can use for drafting boards. You can go with wood, plastic, metal, glass, etc. However, it's best to go with something that won't break easily. Wood is probably the safest option since it doesn't crack or splinter. Moreover, Wooden drafting boards are best suited for architects and designers who use them for sketching out designs.3. SurfaceYou can either get a smooth surface or a rough surface. A smooth surface is great for drawing on paper while a rough surface is great for sketching out ideas.4. DurabilityYou should always look at the durability of the drafting board before purchasing it. Look for a board that is sturdy and has good quality construction.5. PriceYou can find drafting boards in various price ranges. Cheap boards are usually made of cheap materials and are not suitable for professional use. On the other hand, expensive boards are made of high-quality materials and are designed specifically for professionals.6. WarrantySome manufacturers offer warranties on their products. Check out the warranty before buying any product.Here, we've rounded up the 7 Highly-Recommended Drafting Boards for architects and designers. Check them out now!

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Martin Adjustable Angle Parallel Drawing Board_0.png

Whether you're an architect or designer, you'll love our list of the best drafting boards for architects and designers. They're perfect for sketching out ideas and designs. Check them out now!

7 Highly-Recommended Drafting Boards for Architects

There is warmth and nostalgia associated with vintage elements. In today’s interior design world, vintage elements form a separate decor language. These elements aid in bringing the old world’s charm to your home. There are an array of options to choose from when considering vintage lights. One should also consider the style under the vintage umbrella they are looking for. The styles are further differentiated by the materials, design and colour palette. Vintage lights give an impression or a feeling that is beyond words and are sure to be focal elements in the space they have been installed. To help you in selecting a vintage decorative lamp, the following is a guide to buying decorative vintage lights –&nbsp;Factors to consider while looking for decorative vintage light:&nbsp;<ul><li>Lighting requirements – The lighting requirements would determine the type of decorative fixture one opts for. The lighting requirements could vary from accent to task lighting.&nbsp;</li><li>Design of the space – The decorative vintage lighting fixture should be in sync with the design palette of the space in order to create a great experience.&nbsp;</li><li>Type of fixture – One should consider the type of fixture they are looking into before foraging through the options. The types encompass ceiling lights, pendant lights, sconces, floor lamps, table lamps, etc.&nbsp;</li><li>Materials and finishes – &nbsp;The materials and finishes of the lighting fixture would determine its overall aesthetics which would help in defining its look – vintage, industrial, rustic, contemporary, and so on. The materials and finishes also help in pointing out the durability of a fixture, therefore one must consider the materials and finishes carefully. &nbsp;</li><li>Maintenance –&nbsp;Maintenance is an important aspect that one must consider while selecting a decor element, therefore the materials, finishes, details, etc. should be looked into with finer eyes to look into the aspect of maintenance. One should go in for elements that are easy to maintain in the long run.&nbsp;</li></ul>Buying Tips:Some buying tips to help you make your choice –&nbsp;<ul><li>Look for vintage lights that are durable, safe and sturdy with respect to materials, finishes and details.</li><li>Try to go in for vintage lights that give you the freedom of using them to the maximum. &nbsp;</li><li>Be absolutely clear about your requirements and the availability of space before finalizing the vintage light. &nbsp;</li><li>Select a decorative vintage light that compliments the overall decor of the space.&nbsp;</li></ul>The following is our pick of 10 decorative vintage lights that can help in adding character to your home &nbsp;–&nbsp;

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10 Decorative Vintage Lights- Adding Character to your Home.jpg

Surround yourself with beautiful vintage lights to add character and style to your home. These ten are perfect for any room in your house!

10 Decorative Vintage Lights- Adding Character to your Home

Architects are always known to be smart and shrewd when it comes to their personalities and presentation. They leave no stone unturned in making things look different and dashing which is exactly the case with certificate folders for their interview. The certificate folder in an architect’s hand gives the strong first impression which comes in various materials such as PU leather, faux leather, plastic, etc. Adequate security is the key point behind these folders which play an important role in keeping the certificates organized and secure in every possible way with the utmost style. A certificate folder also holds a momentous position since it makes a great souvenir for an architect who would never compromise on its quality and specification.For this, the best collection from the market has been analyzed and reviewed to make the best choice for our readers to land with literally the best and the finest without any doubt. Here is the top ten highest-rated certificate folders list:

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Best Certificate Folder for an interview.jpeg

If you're an architect looking for a certificate folder that will impress your future employer, we've got the top 10 best folders for you!

10 Highest-Rated Certificate Folders for an Architect's Interview

A comfy Living room is incomplete with the presence of fancy lights. The mere presence of a fancy wall light can help in bringing a change in the overall mood of the space. The wall lamps can help in creating a focus along with giving it a classy vibe. The types of wall lights chosen can help in changing the mood of the space rather instantly. Be it an industrial wall lamp, a classical wall lamp, a vintage wall lamp or a quirky wall light, the type and intensity of light from the wall lights for a living room can drastically impact the mood of the living room. Though the fancy wall lights can contribute to set the mood and décor of the living room to a great extent, choosing the right one can be a colossal task. The choice of fancy wall lights for living rooms can translate the choice and taste of the residents in addition to adding an interesting flavour and mood to that space.
Following are our two cents to help you in selecting the perfect wall light for the living room –
<ol>
<li>First and foremost, try to gauge if there is a need for wall lights. This would also help in determining the purpose of the wall lights for the living room is an important part of selecting the wall light fixture. The purpose that the wall lights serve can be focal lights, wall highlighters, ambient lighting, mood lighting, so on and so forth.</li>
<li>The design of the wall light should comply with and accentuate the design language of the space. The material, style, color, finish and light quality are the primary determinants for the same. Be sensitive to the type and style of the light fixtures for the planned or existing decor of the space. The various types of wall lights are –</li>
</ol>
<ul>
<li>Focus lights</li>
<li>Wall highlighters</li>
<li>Accent lighting</li>
<li>Wall-mounted swing-arm light</li>
</ul>
The next layer is the style of the lighting fixture. The various lighting styles are –
<ul>
<li>Contemporary</li>
<li>Rustic</li>
<li>Industrial</li>
<li>Traditional</li>
<li>Transitional</li>
</ul>
<ol>
<li>Depending on the purpose of the wall lights, the requirement of illumination from the wall lights can be determined. A critical point to observe is that the bulb for the wall light should not be directly exposed to the eyes. This is imperative as an exposed bulb does not create an ambiance desired by the wall lighting fixtures.</li>
<li>The number of wall lights required can be determined by the amount of illumination and the type of lighting fixture.</li>
<li>With the number factored in, comes the distance between the fixtures. The purpose and quality of light required in the space would determine the spacing of the fixtures.</li>
<li>The height of the installation of wall lights is a factor that would contribute to the overall ambiance to a large extent. One should make sure that the wall lights are installed at the eye level (ranging from 5’ to 6’) to avoid direct eye contact with the bright bulb.</li>
<li>One can play with the number, heights and types of wall lamps to achieve the desired effect for the desired mood of the living room.</li>
<li>The type of bulb holder is also a determining factor while choosing a lighting fixture. Typically, the bulb holder should be such that it is compatible with both incandescent and LED bulbs. The type of bulb chosen is completely at the discretion of the users.</li>
</ol>
After assessing the above pointer, listed below are our 10 picks for fancy wall lights for a living room –

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10 Fancy Wall Lights For Living Room That will Change the Mood of a Room.jpg

Looking for a way to brighten up your living room? Check out these fancy wall lights! They'll give your room a whole new look.

10 Top-Selling Fancy Wall Lights For Living Room

How often do you get frustrated at your desk because you don't have enough space to store important items? If you want to organize your workspace, then these office drawer organizers are perfect for you. They'll save you time and energy.
An organized workspace is essential to productivity. This means having a place where you can easily access your files, documents, and other essentials. There are several ways to go about organizing your workspace. The key to success is finding the method that works best for you.
Let's organize your desk drawers with these 10 best office desk drawer organizers. They're made of durable materials and are easy to install. You'll be able to find what you need quickly and easily when you organize your desk drawers.
Product Features:
- Keeps your pens, pencils, paper clips, staples, tape dispenser, stapler, eraser, etc. organized.
- Easy access to items when needed.
- No more digging through piles of papers or searching for things in drawers.
- Easily accessible when needed.
- Protects your desk from scratches.
- Available in different colors.
- Sturdy construction.
- Durable plastic.
- Easy to clean.
Also, check out <a href="https://www.planndesign.com/product_buying_guide/2531-top-10-best-file-organizers-office" target="_blank">The Top 10 Best File Organizers for an Office</a>
and <a href="https://www.planndesign.com/product_buying_guide/2514-top-10-best-desk-organizers-messy-desk" target="_blank">The Top 10 Best Desk Organizers for a Messy Desk</a>

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10 Best Office Desk Drawer Organizers to Organize your Workspace Efficiently.jpg

Do you struggle to keep your workspace organized and clutter-free? We've got you sorted! In this article, we'll show you our favorite office desk organizers from around the web.

10 Highly-Effective Desk Drawer Organizers for an Efficiently Organized Workspace

The kitchen plays a very important role in our daily lives. It is where we wash dishes, cook food, store leftovers, etc. Most of us don’t realize that our kitchen sink is also a source of clutter. This is why we often struggle to clean it.To make your kitchen sink clutter-free, you should start by cleaning it regularly. Next, you should invest in some kitchen sink accessories that will help you to have a clean and hygienic kitchen.So, We have researched and summarized the top 10 mandatory kitchen sink accessories for your everyday need that will make your sink area clutter-free and spotless. Let’s take a glance at them.

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10 Kitchen Sink Accessories To Make your Kitchen Clutter-Free and Organized.jpg

Whether you're new to cooking or an experienced chef, these kitchen sink accessories will help keep your kitchen clutter-free and organized.

10 Mandatory Kitchen Sink Accessories for a Tidy and Organized Kitchen

With our homes becoming smarter by the day, we must take the security of our homes a notch up. Smart locks are one of the ingenious products to upgrade the security of your home in compliance with the smart concept. These locks are available in an array of features. In addition to securing your home while coming and going, these also aid in keeping a tab on the movement into your home in your absence. While smart locks are gaining popularity in the domain of smart homes, it is essential to know the ins and outs of these locks before installing one in your home. Following are a set of some questions that might arise related to the smart locks –
<h3>What are Smart Locks?</h3>
To be able to install a smart lock with confidence in your home, it is essential to be clear of the concept of smart locks. Smart door locks are smart home devices that help in locking and unlocking the doors with the tap of a button, fingerprint scan or voice command. These even aid in allowing remote access to your guests in your home in your absence. While narrowing down the smart lock for your home, be sure to go through the various features in conjunction with your requirements.
<h3>How do Smart Door Locks work?</h3>
A smart door lock typically works by connecting to the Wi-Fi network of your home or via Bluetooth technology. The wireless connectivity over a Wi-Fi network or Bluetooth helps the smart lock in receiving appropriate commands – lock or unlock. Smart locks can be integrated via a smart home hub with other smart home devices like smart speakers or the overall security system of your home.
<h3>Costs that accrue when installing a Smart Door Lock?</h3>
When compared with the conventional locks smart door locks are certainly not light on the pocket. In addition to the cost of the smart lock, the lock may come with added costs such as installation experts, malfunctioning and maintenance charges, etc.
<h3>Why Upgrade to Smart Door Locks?</h3>
While smart door locks have been around for a decade, the question arises if one should give in to the fad or upgrade to the smart locks mindfully. Smart door locks are available with various combinations of features, that may vary depending on the brand and model. To help one decide on the need to upgrade to a smart lock in their home, the following are some Smart lock features and advantages to look out for –
<ul>
<li>Remote control or access:</li>
</ul>
Smart lock offers remote access to your home from anywhere around the world through the apps. Which also aids in monitoring the overall movement to and from the house.
<ul>
<li>Connectivity over wireless networks:</li>
</ul>
Connectivity over wireless networks like wi-fi and Bluetooth help in keeping tabs on the entry-exit logs. This helps in locking and unlocking the door by a simple tap on the smartphone screen.
<ul>
<li>Keyless entry-exit:</li>
</ul>
These locks eliminate the requirement of carrying physical keys as these work on codes, remote locking and unlocking through smartphones, voice commands (via voice assistants such as Alexa, Siri, etc.), RFID cards or fingerprints.
<ul>
<li>Auto Locking and Notifications:</li>
</ul>
There are options for auto lock the door in case it has been left unlocked for a certain span of time. In addition, one can receive notifications as a reminder to lock the door in case one forgets to lock it in a hurry while leaving the house. One can be notified in case of breaking and entering or tampering with the door lock. The features for auto-locking can vary based on the brand and model of the lock one chooses to buy.
<ul>
<li>Temporary access codes:</li>
</ul>
These locks let you create a unique access code for the members of the house, guests or visitors. These codes could be permanent or temporary based on the features of the locks you opt for.
<ul>
<li>Sync with other smart devices:</li>
</ul>
One can sync the smart door lock with a smart home hub. This enables other smart devices when the door is unlocked, thus contributing to the idea of a smart home efficiently.
<h3>Are there any downsides to Smart Locks?</h3>
Like any other technology-driven product, smart door locks also come of with their set of drawbacks or downsides. Therefore, it is essential to do thorough research about the product that you install for the security of your home and loved ones. Some drawbacks to look out for are –
<ul>
<li>Dependence on a wi-fi network, internet, Bluetooth or smartphone apps</li>
</ul>
Smart locks work with the aid of Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection, which can be troublesome in case one lacks foresightedness for contingencies.
<ul>
<li>Can be prone to hacking</li>
</ul>
Smart locks can fall prey to hackers, who can easily override the codes of the smart lock. One should be alert about the encryptions, updates and security systems while installing a smart lock.
<ul>
<li>Dependence on batteries</li>
</ul>
These operate with the help of batteries which can die out without intimation. Therefore, to keep the smart lock up and running one needs to keep tabs on the battery periodically.
<ul>
<li>Technological glitches</li>
</ul>
These locks could showcase certain technical glitches at some point in time, contributing to the discomfort of the users. Certain glitches that one can face are – issues with the control unit or recognition device leading to authentication troubles or in some cases issues with locking the door safely.
<h3>Are the Smart Locks truly Secure?</h3>
Smart door locks come with an array of built-in high-tech security features to give the best security options to the users. While this is true, one should bear in mind that like any other technological aid or gadget, these locks can also present certain glitches and errors in the long run. One should do proper research with regards to service and troubleshooting options post-installation of the door locks.
If you have made up your mind to install smart locks for your home. Or you want to browse through the best options in the market for the same. The following are the 10 best smart door locks options –

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10 Best Smart Door Locks to Upgrade the Security of Your Home_0.jpg

Upgrade your home security with one of these ten great smart door locks. They come in many different styles and sizes, all with the aim of making your home more guarded and secure!

10 Best Smart Door Locks to Upgrade the Security of Your Home

Need a glow-up for your home? With our list of products, you will need to look no further. Complete each room and space with a warm and cozy ambiance that is sure to bring peace and comfort to your daily routine and make the spaces more functional. Each of the products will add beauty and grace to the interiors bringing in an optimistic outlook for a prosperous year ahead.From your living area to the bedroom to odd corners, this list will cater to all your indoor design demands. This extensive list features products including floor carpets, cushion covers to add variety to your textures and fabrics, lamps and shades for brighter nooks and accentuated corners along with products to add to your bare walls and odd spaces. Don’t let the external environment dampen your spirits, instead reinvent your homes with our list of beautiful home decor products for a fresh perspective.

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10 Home Decor Products under Rs. 2000 to Create a More Warm and Welcoming Ambience in 2021.jpg

Need a glow-up for your home? Or looking to transform the odd spaces of your rooms? worry not!! We are here to give your home interior a new look with our selected range of home decor products. Let's check out!

10 Home Decor Products under Rs. 2000 to Create a Welcoming Ambience

A new year requires a new approach. So, get yourself a pen and paper and jot down these effective home organizers to arrange your homes and keep the mess to the minimum.
These 15 products will help you make your home spotless without the trace of any clutter. From your kitchens to the bathrooms to the bedside, we take care of all those chaotic corners and tabletops with our expert selection of products like no other!
Give your old, dull and messy homes a fresh new look. Let us get decluttering with these 15 amazing lifesaving products for an organized home that we all dream about!

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15 Products That Will Make Your Home More Organized in 2021.jpg

Give your old, dull and messy homes a fresh new look with these 15 amazing lifesaving products for an organized home that we all dream about!

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10 Decorative Vintage Lights- Adding Character to your Home

10 Highest-Rated Certificate Folders for an Architect's Interview

10 Top-Selling Fancy Wall Lights For Living Room

10 Highly-Effective Desk Drawer Organizers for an Efficiently Organized Workspace

10 Mandatory Kitchen Sink Accessories for a Tidy and Organized Kitchen

10 Best Smart Door Locks to Upgrade the Security of Your Home

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10 Home Decor Products under Rs. 2000 to Create a Welcoming Ambience

15 Products That Will Make Your Home More Organized in 2023

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