HOME HELP: 18 October

All you home decorating and interiors questions answered
Q I have to replace my hot-water bottles, but I cannot find them in the size I want. My old ones were 36cm in length but I have only found ones at around 30cm in length. Can you suggest where I might find longer and larger ones? PS, Devon

A You will find a two-litre hot-water bottle, 35cm long in John Lewis. It is called Vagabond Pink Spot, has a pink ’fleece cover and costs £18.

John Lewis: 0844-693 1708, www.johnlewis.com

Q My son has built a library with very tall shelves and I want to buy him some steps as a present. The only ones I have found so far cost more than £500 and that’s dearer than I can a‹fford. Do you know anywhere to find good-quality steps at a reasonable price?
CB, by email

A There is a company in Norwich called Furniture by Design. Its attractive steps are on a curve and are made of solid beech with the long post on one side topped with a pretty finial. They are 47cm wide, 122cm high and 47cm deep and cost £155.

Furniture by Design: 01603-717757, www.furniturebydesignuk.com 

Q I have a beautiful antique Chinese robe that my grandmother left me and I would love to display it. I don’t want to damage it by pinning it on the wall and for it to get dusty. I don’t really want to put it in a glass and wooden frame either. What do you think would be a good way of displaying it?
CM, by email

A I suggest an acrylic box frame. Probably you will need to have a bespoke frame made and a company called Luminati could help. Give them a height, width and depth measurement to get a quote. Prices start from £250 for a good size box and they can provide an acrylic hanger to mount the garment. Keep away from direct sunlight.

Luminati: 01752-698720, www.luminati.co.uk

Send your queries to the usual Bedford Street address or email Hugh St Clair at hughstclair@googlemail.com