15 Ways to Make a Tiny Nursery Feel Bigger

Babies are teeny tiny, but they manage to take up a lot of space: first inside your body, then with their piles of adorable clothes, toys and furniture. If you’re already “living small,” adding a nursery can seem like a huge challenge. Fortunately, it’s not about the space you have, but how you use it. Realistically, all you need is a crib, a changing table/dresser, a comfy chair and the creativity to take advantage of every square foot. From hanging cribs to painted illusions, these 15 tiny nurseries will show you how to design every inch, and do it in style.

1. Choose a Fun Light: Ceiling lights are a great opportunity to make a visual impact on a room no matter the size and are also great for continuing the decor theme. Even though two kids inhabit this room, the pretty pom pom garlands make the whole space feel like a party. (via Apartment Therapy)

2. Stay Organized: If you’re putting baby in a corner or have several kids sharing one room, you might need to get creative with the storage. From bar carts to hanging branches and baskets, this space knows how to keep it all contained. (via Love Taza)

3. Paint the Ceiling: Or you could decorate with really cool geometric shapes. Drawing the eye up is the oldest trick in the book for making a room feel bigger, but here it has the added benefit of keeping the baby entertained as well. (via Apartment Therapy)

4. Hang Things: Take advantage of your ceiling space with mobiles and hanging plants. Suspending things adds a touch of unexpected whimsy and keeps the eyes moving around the room. (via 100 Layer Cake-let)

5. Paint the Room in Half: Having the upper half of the room light and white gives the illusion of taller ceilings. Plus, you can get as bold as you want color-wise without worrying about ending up with a teal baby cave. (via Apartment Therapy)

6. Go All Neutral: Yes, white is gender “neutral” (pun intended), but whites are also great for reflecting light and perfect for opening up a narrow little nursery. (via The Style Files)

7. Hang Art to the Ceiling: Gallery walls aren’t just for the living room. Hanging art all the way up the wall makes a room feel luxurious and also makes it easy to keep all your favorite pieces of art without having to pick and choose. (via Apartment Therapy)

8. Paint Vertical Stripes: Just like in fashion, vertical stripes are slimming and they can visually elongate a wall (especially if you’re working with a sloping attic ceiling). These subtle two-tone stripes are fun, but still create a soft, serene mood. (via PopSugar)

9. Hang Curtains Above the Windows: This sneaky little trick makes the windows looks bigger and the ceiling seem higher. The window in this room is actually quite small, but the long, sheer panels give the visual effect of a big, bright light source. (via The McBaileys)

10. Hang the Crib: We would never have thought of this creative solution, but if you’re sharing your one bedroom or studio with the new family member, you might have to compromise on a big crib. When it comes to organizing, go vertical and place items you may only need sporadically at a higher level, while placing the everyday items within reach. (via Refinery 29)

11. Consider the Closet: Here is proof that a closet can turn into a very stylish little nursery at a low budget. For under $450, these homeowners gave up their walk-in closet and turned it into a cozy nursery space. (via Apartment Therapy)

12. Utilize Wall Space: Save closet space (or create a closet) by hanging baby’s clothes under wall shelves or bringing in textures through art and wall hangings. (via Refinery 29)

13. Dark Walls: If pastel shades aren’t your thing, don’t be afraid to go for darker shades, even in a small nursery. Dark accent walls can give the illusion of depth in a smaller room, and if it’s chalkboard paint, they can draw on it when they get a little older. (via Little Green Notebook)

14. Accent Wall: Probably the smallest nursery we’ve ever seen, this 6′ x 6′ closet space was the only option in a studio apartment. But seriously, who needs a nursery when you have that wallpaper? (via Cup of Jo)

15. Nautical Blues: A small home with a toddler can make you feel a little claustrophobic. So choosing to paint the walls cool, calming tones will help make the space feel light and airy. Also, using horizontal stripes in a narrow space helps to visually expand the room. (via Apartment Therapy)

How did you decorate your small nursery? Share your tips and advice in the comments below!

Now that we're nearing the end of winter, it'll soon be time for spring cleaning. But in addition to just breaking out your duster, wiping down your baseboards, or finally tackling that soap scum in your shower, why not organize as well?

Think about it: as you go about your spring cleaning checklist this year, you're probably going to move from one room to another. While you're already getting down and dirty, it can be super helpful to streamline each area of your home.

Not only will you feel fully refreshed (and not like you're simply straightening up clutter), but you'll also make your life easier for all those "Sunday resets" to come this year.

So, whether you choose to start in your bedroom or kitchen, here are our top organizing tips for organizing every room of your house.

Scroll to find out how to best organize every room in your house!

1. Entryway

Max Vakhtbovycn

From work commutes to errand runs, you're probably on the go a lot. Why waste time getting out the door by dealing with a disorganized entryway every single day?

Think of your front door as a "launching pad." In other words, whatever you need to help make leaving and arriving home easier should be right there for simple access.

If you have a closet to work with, that's great. Otherwise, cubbies or even a utility shelf will work. Make sure your most used shoes, coats, and other accessories are neatly stacked, hung, or put away. You can take those heels you only wear for date nights or random extra scarves back to your bedroom.

Then, set up a space for your personal items, like your purse, keys, sunglasses, and any mail you grab on the way in. You'll know exactly where they are the next time you're running late, and you can add personal touches like greenery or artwork to make your launch pad more aesthetically pleasing.

2. Living Room

Martin Lang

Next up is the living room, where you probably spent the bulk of your time with family and friends. This fact means it tends to naturally become the most cluttered room in everyone's home.

If you feel like you're lacking storage, don't forget to utilize vertical space. You can install shelving, for instance, or buy tall open-shelving cabinets that look like built-ins.

Either way, by adding decor pieces, books, or other commonly used items, like speakers and games, you'll infuse the room with more character and dimension while saving floor space.

Don't underestimate the functionality of baskets, either. They're great for holding everything from pet toys to blankets and even magazines or photo albums.

Plus, if you have kids and constantly feel inundated by their toys, say goodbye to the typical storage container solution. Even though it may work for some parents, these containers are still an eyesore and never really leave your line of sight in the living room.

Instead, you can transform an old or thrifted dresser into a toy storage area. Select one that matches your interior design style to keep your space looking clean and uncluttered while allowing your kids to easily grab whatever they want to play with.

3. Bedroom & Closet

Shared or not, the bedroom has a way of collecting clutter like nobody's business. That's why we have to get creative to save space and make our lives easier.

One of the most overlooked areas is right under your bed. You can store anything from hobby items, like art supplies, to seasonal clothing and less frequently worn shoes.

Search for storage containers with wheels under the bed. Or, if your bedframe needs an upgrade, look for one that has drawers!

Anastasia Shuraeva

Then, in your closet, make sure your clothing and accessories are arranged in a way that makes sense.

For example, if you work a corporate job, group all of your business attire, like slacks, blazers, and loafers, in one section to quickly get dressed and go in the morning. The same goes for casual wear, workout attire, and evening wear or pajamas.

Finally, if you have shelving, add labeled bins to store clunkier garments like sweaters and sweatshirts. Any remaining room can be used to hold extra clutter that you clear off horizontal surfaces, like your desk, vanity, or dresser, to make your bedroom feel more light.

4. Bathroom

Kaboompics.com

Last but not least is the dreaded bathroom. This room of the house can become a dumping ground for all sorts of products and beauty tools.

Just like in your living room, you should use any empty wall space to your advantage. Hang up hooks to hold your towels and clothing while you bathe, or use an over-the-door organizer to give your extra towels and robes a home.

Also, if you live with multiple people, it can be helpful to give each family member their own designated cabinet. This will keep everyone's products separate and prevent any from becoming a "junk drawer."

Last but not least, our top tip for keeping your bathroom fresh and organized is to get rid of your personal items on a regular basis. Stop holding onto that old tube of toothpaste that's practically flat or accumulating multiple bottles of face wash.

Rather, go through your products once a month to purge anything that's expired or no longer used. This simple act alone will make a real difference.

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Ever since Good American Family premiered on March 19, there has been renewed interest in the real-life adoption case of Natalia Grace.

The latest Hulu series stars Ellen Pompeo as Kristine Barnett, who adopted an orphan from Ukraine with her husband, Michael Barnett. However, after taking in Natalia, who had a rare form of dwarfism, Kristine began to suspect that she was an adult pretending to be a child.

New episodes of Good American Family are being released on Wednesdays, but as we wait to see what happens next in the TV dramatization, many fans are wondering whether Natalia's adoptive parents ever faced jail time. Here's everything we know.

Scroll to find out what happened to Natalia Grace's adoptive parents, Kristine and Michael Barnett...

Who is Natalia Grace Barnett?

Max

For those unfamiliar with the infamous case, Natalia was born in Ukraine in 2003 and was first adopted by a different couple, Dyan and Gary Ciccone, back in 2008. She only lived with the Ciccone family for two years before they claimed her behavior was disruptive and relinquished their parental rights.

This led Natalia to be placed up for adoption again, and in 2010, the Barnett family welcomed her into their Indiana home. She was thought to be 6 or 7 years old at the time, but soon afterward, the Barnetts claimed Natalia had adult traits, such as adult teeth and body hair, and believed she wasn't actually a little girl.

Additionally, they alleged Natalia was a "sociopath" and had tried to harm them and their biological children, Jacob, Wesley, and Ethan.

What happened to Natalia Grace and the Barnetts?

Max

The Barnetts ultimately petitioned an Indiana court in 2012 in order to change her birth year from 2003 to 1989. Legally, this made Natalia 22 years old, and she was placed in a Lafayette, Indiana, apartment by herself; meanwhile, the Barnetts relocated to Canada with their three sons, Jacob, Wesley, and Ethan.

Afterward, the Barnett family reportedly cut contact with Natalia, who moved in with another couple, Cynthia and Antwon Mans, about one month later. The Mans family petitioned to become her legal guardians in 2016, and by 2023, they were able to legally adopt Natalia.

What happened with Natalia Grace and the Mans?

Max

Nonetheless, Natalia wound up leaving Cynthia and Antwon's home by the end of 2023 after alleging they were controlling. She currently lives in upstate New York with the DePaul family and appeared in the docuseries The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: Natalia Speaks. There, she called the Barnetts abusive and alleged Kristine had hit her with a belt and pepper-sprayed her.

What happened to Kristine and Michael Barnett?

Max

Following their move to Canada, Michael and Kristine eventually got divorced but maintained that Natalia had exhibited violent behavior. Some allegations include that she'd appeared at the foot of their bed with a knife in her hand and attempted to poison Kristine's coffee.

Despite the fact that they filed the petition to change Natalia's age in 2012, Michael and Kristine weren't charged until 2019. They faced multiple counts of neglect, but Michael was found not guilty in 2022, and the charges against Kristine were subsequently dropped in 2023 after Michael testified in her pretrial.

Kristine Barnett reportedly wrote in a since-deleted Facebook post, "If there had been any abuse of Natalia or evidence of it, I would have been found guilty of it, and I would be in jail. I believe Natalia takes advantage of that sympathy to manipulate people."

Michael filed for divorce in 2014 and later appeared on The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: Natalia Speaks. As for Kristine, she has mostly flown under the public radar.

Still, following the finale of the docuseries, Kristine shared a long post on Facebook, responding to allegations against her.

"Natalia was a very much loved and cared for member of my family. She was not abused by anyone in my family. Let's get straight to these allegations. Nobody ever took a belt to Natalia, and the allegations that she was 'beaten' are just plain false. Any discipline of Natalia was very minimal and not out of the bounds of normal parenting," she wrote.

Natalia went on to call the docuseries "highly sensationalized," adding, "Michael Barnett and Natalia Barnett may have the same monster, but that monster is not me. That monster, whether it's mental illness, sociopathy, or whatever it actually is, may be different for each of them. But it's within their own psyche."

Who plays Natalia Grace Barnett today?

Disney/Ser Baffo

In Good American Family, Imogen Faith Reid plays Natalia Grace, and Mark Duplass depicts Michael Barnett. Ellen Pompeo has said the latest series intends to show both sides of the adoption story in an "intentional and thoughtful" way.

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A nursery can say a lot about a momma's style. It's where you can play around with childlike imagination, show off your design sensibilities, and put all your love, hopes, and dreams for baby on display. Plus, all your maternal energy has to go *somewhere* before baby arrives. To help you get things started, we've scrolled through the web and Instagram to find the most inspiring baby's rooms— from whimsical and charming to modern and edgy — you're bound to go gaga for at least one.

Find your favorite nursery below and get nesting!

Etsy

"We're seeing a shift from the traditional pastels to more gender-neutral, earthy tones," says Amanda Leigh, cofounder of LA-basedHouse of Rolison. "Soft sage greens, warm taupes, and muted terracottas are becoming popular, creating a calming yet sophisticated environment." Accents like a crib canopy are a perfect way to incorporate these colors!

Kids n Cribs

Classic patterns are back in for nurseries. The plaid rug, floral wallpaper, and Namesake Liberty 2 Piece Nursery Set with farmhouse spindle legs are all on trend for 2025.

Etsy

"I’m still big fan of moss that is a cooling unisex color and acts as a gentle and inviting background for natural blonde tones of wood accents and furniture," says Natália Severdia, founder and principal designer of Bay Area and Lake Tahoe-based Interior Studio Natália. This Etsy Watercolor Forest Wallpaper is such a cute take on the color for a nursery!

Crate & Kids

Supermodel and entrepreneur Jasmine Tookes and her husband, Juan, redesigned their nursery with Crate & Kids The Design Desk to create a warm and modern nursery for their daughter. The pink and green is a lovely combo for 2025.

Sandberg Wallpaper

"There’s also a resurgence of deep blues paired with natural wood accents, offering a serene yet stylistic vibe," says Taylor Hahn, cofounder of House of Rolison. This Sandberg Starry Sky Wallpaper is ADORABLE, unexpected, and a sign of richer tones to come.

Babyletto

So long traditional pastels: A camel-colored curtain panel complements that greens and browns in this nursery designed by Babyletto. I just love how this Babyletto Bondi Crib compliments the colors!

Oilo Studio

Colors like taupe and nature-inspired colors like moss and sage create a serene and peaceful nursery. "Earthy tones like warm beige, soft taupe, and muted terracotta are also gaining popularity for those looking to create a more grounded, gender-neutral space," she echoes. A nursery glider, like this one from Oilo Studio Nola, is a fantastic way to incorporate these tones.

Nestig

Muted colors paired with a deep Bordeaux paint on the ceiling makes a stunning impact in this nursery design from Nestig. The earthy Willow Crib is such a nice way to ground the more colorful room.

Pottery Barn Kids

A nature-inspired wallpaper like this forest one from Pottery Barn Kids is just enough to make a nursery feel soothing and beautiful. It's peel-and-stick backing makes it simple to hang, and it has a convenient wipe-clean finish.

Babyletto

Deep, rich hues are leaving traditional pastels behind. This burgundy-colored Bondi Cane 3-in-1 Convertible Crib embraces this trend with its bold, sophisticated tone, making a striking yet timeless statement in any nursery.

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EMMA HOPP PHOTOGRAPHY on Instagram: “I have had several requests to share our nursery, and it’s just about done! I’ve been nesting hard core and just have a bit more organizing…”

Balance an overall minimalist design aesthetic with a wallpaper that's eyecatching, not overwhelming.

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Tiggy's Nursery & Home on Instagram: “🐘 S A F A R I T H E M E 🦓 Does your nursery have a theme? Add some color with our awesome selection of modern and colorful wall stickers!!…”

Storybook-like wallpaper gives this safari-themed nursery a whimsical feel.

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Wiola on Instagram: “Przyszła jesień wiec nareszcie znalazłam czas by dodać małe co nieco do pokoju Gnieweczka 😉 wiec na dobranoc pochwalę się dzisiejszymi…”Maybe you can tell by the amount of in-belly somersaults that your little one is going to be adventurous? This mountain theme is perfect for a wild child.

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@babyletto on Instagram: “🌅 this sunset color palette 😍 • #babyletto Hudson crib + Kiwi recliner • 📷: nursery designed by mama @stormybeaty 🧡”Lookin' to raise a boho babe? Tassels, indigenous-inspired prints, and a nature mural are the ways to go.

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Plum + Sparrow | Moses Baskets on Instagram: “Taking nursery style notes from @mrskmarino😍 The layered rugs and those sweet hanging plants behind the chair!! So perfect 🙌🏼⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ .⠀…”If you're going from plant mom to the real deal, consider creating a garden wall or keeping your fave potted greenery in the nursery.

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N i c o l e on Instagram: “A black wall is bold but a black nursery wall was a design risk. One that gave me the confidence in my design choices that I may not have…”

Black paint might feel taboo for a baby's room, but when done right, it can seriously pay off as a cool design choice.

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Tiggy's Nursery & Home on Instagram: “Beautiful blues @annekarolinee 😍💙 .⠀ .⠀ #babynursery #nurserydecor #nuseryideas #nurseryinspiration #babycushion #babypillow #nurserytheme…”Let your fave characters serve as inspiration for the whole design (we spy a few familiar faces here).

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Project Nursery on Instagram: “There's just something about a beautiful, classic nursery! We're here for the floral-meets-check design. 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♀️ Design:…”

Forgo trends, and go for a classic design with preppy patterns and lots of southern charm.

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the brickies wife. on Instagram: “wolfes room is here // after 20months of life, he finally has a bedroom that isnt just a cot and rug 😅 and i am obsessed, his new…”

A baby with an edgy name deserves an equally edgy nursery...right Wolfe?

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The Paper Party Company - Lisa on Instagram: “Thanks for all the love on my new logo yesterday, it really does mean the world 🖤 There’s still 20% off everything in my Etsy store with…”

Add magic to any nursery with starry embellishments and quirky accents.

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Soren's House on Instagram: “Sunday inspiration! Just the most beautiful nursery from @jayne.s.davies 🖤 • • Tap for details 💫 • • #nurserydecor #nurseryinspo…”Don't want to commit to an all-dark look? Paint on a scallop half-wall design, and accessorize the top half with plenty of personality.

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Tara ⋒ on Instagram: “Boho meets vintage 🌿”Why not let your crib sheets steal the show? Sidenote: We can't get enough of this eucalyptus mobile!

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Lonny on Instagram: “Like a regular nursery but a little more @gucci. 👀💕🙌🏽 A perfectly plush retreat designed by @tamaramageldesign.”

Go full-on high design with a gorgeous artsy wallpaper and luxe furnuture.

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Nancy Nguyen on Instagram: “Weekends mean extra snuggles, extra kisses, but never extra sleep anymore 😴”

You know you designed a cozy nursery when it becomes the pup's new napping spot.

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Lana Dmitruks on Instagram: “Can you spot Caras little eye peaking through the crib. 😂😍 She finally had her first nap in the crib ..on her own like the big girl that…”

If Joshua Tree National Park were a nursery...why not take inspo from your favorite vacation spot?

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Mini & Stil on Instagram: “Danke euch vielvielmals für all die lieben Kommentare und Likes zu meinem Bild gestern! Ich bin ganz entzückt 🤭☺️❤️ Apropos…”Double a decorative shelf as storage space, and you've got a nursery as functional as it is cute.

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@helenepetitvillage on Instagram: “- Le Nid #4 - . La chambre est prête enfin, il me semble. Même si nous n'avons pas encore forcément les équipements, les jeux, etc ... il…”

Alexa, turn on nature sounds. It's the only thing this forest-inspired nursery is missing.

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Mini & Stil on Instagram: “Nach meinen Kindern liegt jetzt auch noch mein Mann flach und ich habe vor lauter Heiserkeit komplett die Stimme verloren 😷 Ich hoffe, dass…”Proof that navy works for both girl and boy nurseries.

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♡ Manuela ♡ on Instagram: “Könnt ihr euch noch an das Kinderzimmer Styling vor ein paar Wochen erinnern? 🌿 Ich hab einen super tollen Kinderzimmer Auftrag bekommen 😍…”

A table and chairs serve as a great place for tea parties, crafting, and sneaking in some work while the little one sleeps.

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Jordyn Hadwin on Instagram: “Having a girl is SO fun!!! Found this amazing little ottoman on @offerup last week and I’m obsessed 🙌🏻 it matches perfectly with her…”

Our love for all things rattan is alive and well, and the best part? It goes with everything, so you really can't make a bad design move with it.


Looks like it's time for a Dunkin' run, because the chain just added even more goodies to their spring menu! The first part of the Dunkin' spring menu dropped last month with the “highly requested” return of both the Dunkalatte and Pistachio Coffee. This time around, Dunkin's introducing a brand-new energy drink flavor (that truly rivals one of Starbucks' new items) alongside three sweet bites.

Scroll on to see the full Dunkin’ spring menu, including the new 'part 2' drop!

Surprise! Here's What's On 'The Part 2' Dunkin' Spring Menu

Dunkin'

NEW! Arctic Cherry Dunkin’ Energy

Coming up on the first anniversary of Dunkin's energy drinks, this new flavor brings forth sweet and tart notes of cherry alongside blueberry and grapefruit. Each sip is slightly sparkling and said to supply a "revitalizing burst" of energy. Per the name, this drink also comes complete with a kick of caffeine!

Dunkin'

NEW! Blueberry Sprinkle MUNCHKINS

These lil' donut hole treats are dotted with blueberries on the inside and coated with some bright blue sprinkles on the outside, which taste just as good as they look.

Dunkin'

NEW! Spring MUNCHKINS Bucket

You'll be able to order this big bucket full of Dunkin' MUNCHKINS starting April 2, too. It comes with a 50-count assortment of flavors, including the all-new Blueberry Sprinkle option.

Dunkin'

NEW! Cotton Candy Specialty Donut

Sweet on sweet! This new donut from Dunkin features a cotton candy-flavored buttercreme filling, a strawberry icing on top, and plenty of blue sprinkles to go around.

2 "Fan-Fave" Drinks Return To The Dunkin' Spring Menu

Dunkin'

Dunkalatte

After selling out last fall, the "highly-requested" Dunkalatte returned to the Dunkin' spring menu! Crafted with rich coffee milk, the latte (that truly tastes like a milkshake) also boasts shots of espresso that make it totally charged with caffeine. Dunkin' called it an "instant sellout," which is all the more reason to give it a try. You can order this baby iced or hot.

Dunkin'

Pistachio Coffee

Another Dunkin' fan-favorite, the Pistachio Coffee, has also made its return to the spring menu! This nutty coffee flavor first debuted in 2018, and I've been dreaming about it ever since. It's made with a "subtly sweet" pistachio syrup and Dunkin's Original Blend coffee for a satisfying sip. It's also orderable iced or hot.

More Drinks On The Dunkin' Spring Menu

Dunkin'

Brown Sugar Shakin’ Espresso

This Sabrina Carpenter-approved sip will thankfully stay on the Dunkin' menu. It boasts an icy, shaken mix of "bold" espresso, brown sugar, and oat milk.

Dunkin'

Raspberry Watermelon Dunkin’ Refresher

With notes of raspberry and watermelon, this Refresher is the perfect springtime sipper! You'll have a choice of mixing it with either green tea or lemonade this season.

New Dunkin' Snack Alert!

Dunkin'

Ham & Swiss Pretzel Sliders

Sound the alarms! There's an all-new breakfast snack on the Dunkin' spring menu this go-around. Featuring King's Hawaiian Pretzel Slider Buns, these sliders are stacked up with Black Forest ham, honey mustard, and Swiss cheese. There are two sliders per box, so you can easily snack away.

Dunkin' Snacks Returning (For A Limited Time!)

Dunkin'

Sweet Black Pepper Bacon

The Sweet Black Pepper Bacon will also be available at Dunkin' (for a limited time!) this season, available as a Breakfast Sandwich, Wake Up Wrap, or just the plain Snackin’ Bacon.

Dunkin'

Chicken & Bacon Croissant Stuffer

Just when I was missing chicken-filled breakfast options at Dunkin', the Chicken & Bacon Croissant Stuffer returns to the spring menu! Available for a limited time, this flaky pastry is stuffed with chicken, bacon, and Colby Jack cheese.

Don't Miss Out On The $6 Meal Deal

Dunkin'

The greatness of the famed Dunkin' $6 Meal Deal continues! For just $6, this bundle includes a medium (14-ounces) hot or iced coffee, a Sausage, Egg & Cheese breakfast sandwich, and hash browns. Deal? More like a steal!

Subscribe to our newsletter for more of the greatest food news this year!

This post has been updated.

No films today can quite measure up to old school Western movies, which transport audiences back to a time of dusty plains, rugged landscapes, and larger-than-life heroes.

These timeless classics, which were often set in the wild frontier of the American West, have helped shape much of modern filmmaking and continue to influence storytelling today.

That's why old school Western movies are more than just a genre; they're a piece of Hollywood history. Here are eight of the most iconic films that still deserve to be rewatched today.

Scroll to see all the old school Western movies you should definitely watch!

Stanley Cramer Productions

1. High Noon (1952)

High Noon, which came out in 1952, depicted themes of duty, loneliness, and moral courage. It followed lawman Will Kane, played by Gary Cooper, who intends to retire and start a new life after tying the knot with his wife, Amy.

However, his plans are derailed when he learns that a dangerous outlaw named Frank Miller is returning to town to get revenge. Will has to decide whether to flee or face Frank himself.

The movie builds a sense of urgency and isolation, as well as provides commentary on the nature of heroism, showing how even people who claim they stand for justice can fold when confronted with personal risk.

Warner Brothers Entertainment

2. The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)

In 1948, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre followed two down-on-their-luck oil workers, Dobbs and Curtin, who team up with a miner named Howard to search for gold in the Sierra Madre mountains. Yet, after they literally strike gold, paranoia creeps in, and the group's bond starts to unravel.

While this film is a classic Western, it also doubles as a psychological thriller and features a lot of unexpected twists that will capture the attention of even modern viewers.

20th Century Studios

3. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)

Paul Newman plays Butch Cassidy in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, the leader of a group of bank robbers. Meanwhile, the Sundance Kid, portrayed by Robert Redford, is Butch's loyal partner, and together, their lives get tougher as banks become increasingly harder to rob.

So, they turn to train heists, but even though the new scheme is successful at first, it soon leads to deadly consequences. They become the most wanted men in the West and get caught up in thrilling escapes and shootouts.

20th Century Fox

4. The Gunfighter (1950)

Released in 1950, The Gunfighter provided a fresh take on the classic Western hero. Gregory Peck starred as Jimmy Ringo, a notorious gunfighter who returned to the town of Cayenne to reconnect with his estranged wife and son.

But since his reputation precedes him, Ringo finds himself facing some people who want revenge and others who wish to make a name for themselves by killing him.

The plotline offers a more somber view of the consequences of being a gunfighter, which challenges the glorified image of the Western hero.

United Artists

5. Stagecoach (1939)

Stagecoach follows a group of passengers aboard a stagecoach, one of whom is Ringo Kid, played by John Wayne. Ringo is an escaped convict who wants revenge for the murders of his family members.

It's true that the movie's portrayal of Native Americans is outdated today. Nonetheless, Stagecoach marked a significant moment in John Wayne's career and remains a popular favorite among Western enthusiasts.

Paramount Pictures

6. Shane (1953)

Shane tells the story of a mysterious drifter named Shane, played by Alan Ladd, who gets involved with two homesteaders, Joe and Marian, as they face harassment from a land developer. After the developer's intimidation tactics get more violent, Shane decides to stay with Joe and Marian's family to protect them.

This film defined the archetype of a strong anti-hero, with a main conflict of violence versus the desire for peace. It also has beautiful cinematography.

United Artists

7. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (1966)

Unfolding against the backdrop of the American Civil War, The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly follows three men who get tied up in a race to discover $200,000 buried in gold.

A bounty hunter, a convict, and a mercenary each hold a piece of the puzzle, but none of them has all the information they need to pinpoint the treasure. So, despite their ruthlessness, there are some moments of cooperation that arise out of necessity and set the stage for a showdown.

Clint Eastwood, who portrays the bounty hunter, delivered a poignant performance, as did Eli Wallach and Lee Van Cleef.

20th Century Fox

8. My Darling Clementine (1946)

Finally, My Darling Clementine, directed by John Ford, portrays the famous events surrounding the O.K. Corral shootout. It centers on Wyatt Earp, played by Henry Fonda, who becomes the Marshal after the brutal killing of his younger brother James.

Spoiler alert: Wyatt ultimately learns that one of the Clanton brothers was responsible for James' death. This leads to the legendary gunfight at the O.K. Corral.

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