The Obtainer - 5/30/25, Friday

Cory Ohlendorf
May 30, 2025

We'll be off next week for our summer break. But we'll return on Monday, June 9.

- Cory Ohlendorf, Editor in Chief ⋯ @coryohlendorf

Ultimate Investments

The 10 Upgrades Every Man Should Have in His Home

We're making a plan this year to invest in the best items we can. Value has always been something that we've prized here at Valet. That doesn't necessarily mean something has to be inexpensive. It means that the item is valuable—worthy of the cost. Because to buy well means that you've bought something that will serve you for years to come. Welcome to the “Ultimate Investments”, a week-long roundup of the best buys for 2025 and beyond.

A Proper Lounge Chair

A man needs a place where he can sit and think, read or nap. Look for a chair that's as handsome as it is comfortable—with sturdy arms and a little give in the seat. But don't rush the decision. “You can't tell if any chair is comfortable until you've occupied it for at least an hour,” Charles Eames once said. Of course, you'll never regret investing in his signature lounge chair, whether it's brand new or vintage.

Eames lounge chair,
$6,895 at Design Within Reach

A Refined Dining Table

Whether you've got a separate dining room or simply a side of the living room to eat in, a dining table should be functional, durable and good-looking. After all, it's one of the foundations of any home. Obviously you need it to fit your space, but it should be sturdy enough to withstand daily wear. Akron Street's oak Common Table is a handsome, but reliable workhorse that fits a slew of different home styles.

Smoked oak common table,
from $895 by Akron Street

Sumptuous Towels

There's something very luxurious and grown-up about a bathroom that is outfitted with soft white towels. It obviously takes some responsibility to keep them nice and clean. But they're a smart move because they work with any decor and it always looks inviting for guests. Onsen's oversize waffle weave not only provides superior absorbency and lets the towel dry off quickly, but it gives the towels a unique texture as well.

Waffle-weave cotton towel set,
$156 by Onsen

A Serious Coffee Maker

When it comes to coffee makers, you've got good looking ones and you've got ones that produce a good brew. This one does both. Technivorm, a Dutch company that's well known in coffee circles, has sold exceptionally good drip coffee makers for decades. Its signature Moccamaster machine sports a throwback design from 1968—the year the first Moccamaster hit stores. What's more, it consistently churns out perfect freshly brewed coffee that will satisfy any coffee connoisseur.

Moccamaster,
$329 by Technivorm

See all 10 home picks »

The Series

	The Shoes Worth Splurging On Quality over quantity. Discover our 10 top picks for men's shoes that combine style, durability, and timeless appeal.

	The Watches Worth Obsessing Over The 10 timepieces that will become tomorrow's vintage classics.

	Menswear Staples That Will Never Go Out of Style Coming soon

	Essential Style Tools for Every Man Coming soon

Partner

Upgrade His
Grooming Routine

Beard wash kit, ~~$40~~ / $36

If the dad in your life rocks facial hair—or even just cares about how he looks in the mirror—Live Bearded has what he needs to keep things dialed in. Built by guys who take grooming seriously (but not too seriously), Live Bearded makes straightforward, high-quality products that do exactly what they promise. Think nourishing oils, clean-smelling washes, and rich butters that keep beards soft, skin happy and routines simple.