Monthly Archives: October 2011

Strobe Lights are a great addition to a dance party, kids bash, or Halloween party. Although they remind me slightly of the Jersey Shore (okay more than just slightly…) I’ve recently seen them implemented in some awesome ways.

For a dance or house party, strobe lights are perfect for lighting the dance floor and putting guests in the party mood. The best part about having strobe lights at a party is that they are affordable and easy to install. Strobe Light Kits are available at many major retailers and they last a long time.

If you aren’t a big dance party person, strobe lights work great for (older) kid’s birthday parties. A caution: strobe lights can aggravate epilepsy and induces seizures in people with the pre-existing condition. Make sure to ask fellow parents beforehand if any children that will attend the party have that condition.

Arguably the best use of strobe lighting has to be at Halloween parties or while giving out candy to trick or treaters. Something about the flashing light adds the right amount of spook to any event. They work great on the front porch or in the living room window and are sure to spook trick or treaters into having a great time.

No matter the occasion, strobe lights come through in a flash when you need a quick and fun party starter.

Are you sick of a room in your house and ready for a change? Just moved into a new house that desperately needs an upgrade? Here are a few affordable and awesome ways to take a room from ‘fine’ to ‘fantastic’.

First, (and admittedly the most obvious,) PAINT! Painting a room completely changes how it looks, no matter what lighting you have installed. A trick for bedrooms and home offices: avoid bright colors such as red and orange, as they agitate you, breaking concentration and creating a slightly more active environment. If you love those bright colors, try them in entryways or kitchens, places where you are likely to be on your feet, active and not intent on concentrating too hard on work. Painting a room is a super affordable way to completely reinvent it.

Second, reupholster your furniture. There are some great DIY articles available all over the web explaining the simple and affordable ways to give your furniture a second life. Whether it’s the headboard or the couch, reupholstering (especially in conjunction with painting) will completely change the appearance of any room.

Third, change the lighting. This suggestion can be as simple or as complex as you’d like it to be. If you like the existing light fixtures in your room, but want a cheap new look, purchasing different colored light bulbs does the trick. If you already have soft white, try daylight colored lights for a change.

*It’s important to note that certain light colors are more appropriate than others for bedrooms, kitchens, etc. so make sure you talk to a professional when you’re purchasing to ensure you’re buying the right color for the room in question.

If you dislike your current light fixture or just want something slightly more drastic than a light bulb replacement, consider purchasing a light kit at your local hardware store. Ceiling fan light kits are very affordable, easy to install, and completely change the look and feel of the room. Because light fixtures get a fair amount of attention, making sure you love your lights is the perfect finishing touch to any room renovation!

If you are in the market for light kits certain stores are better than others at supplying what you need.

Inexpensive light kits for your house or porch can generally be purchased at any large retailer. If you’re interested in saving the most money, a trip to Walmart might be appropriate.  They have a large selection of light bulbs, and a trained staff is available to direct you if you’re confused.

If you’re willing to spend slightly more money, or if you’re just (like me) a complete “Target-aholic” then you’ll be pleased to know that you have yet another excuse to visit the retailer. Target has a pretty decent lighting section, although they pale in comparison to the selection that Walmart provides. If you aren’t light bulb brand loyal and you’re just looking for the typical set, Target should work just fine. Otherwise, visiting Walmart or another large retailer might be more prudent.

Home Depot and Lowes are both great places to find huge selections on light kits, light bulbs, ceiling fans and more. They offer a ton of different lighting options, an extensive light bulb selection, and their staff is sure to know what you’re looking for if you ask. The prices are pretty reasonable at both retailers, and for the selection, they’re definitely the best buy.

Happy shopping!