
All About Lights
Did you know: Thomas Edison was responsible for the first ever display of Christmas lights in 1882? As the last month of the year approaches, you might revise what is on your shopping list, but have you thought about what to give your yard? A bright and lit up yard can put a smile on anyone’s face.
LED Vs Incandescent Lights
LED Lights
These lights provide energy efficiency, longevity, and brightness. As a result, they are a bit more pricey, but they last longer than incandescent lights by about 2 or 3 times. LEDs use about 10% less of the energy that an incandescent light would use. The technology in the lights produces less heat which can reduce the risk of a fire occurring. They give off more as there are more bulbs on one single string and their colors do not wash out which makes them perfect for displays. Containing no hazardous materials, LED lights are also environmentally friendly.
Incandescent Lights
While LED lights have plenty of advantages, there are reasons why not everyone buys them. Incandescent lights are generally inexpensive and their light quality is reliable. They come up at their full brightness as soon as they come on. All incandescent lights are dimmable and their bulbs work better on a dimmer switch in comparison to any other type of bulb.
Types of Lights
String Lights
Most holiday lighting schemes consist of string lights that you can attach to just about anything. Lighting strings can come with as few as 25 bulbs or as much as 200. If you plan to use these lights, lighting clips make the installation process much easier. Specialty clips allow you to hang lights around your windows and grab onto special surfaces like brick.
Other ways to successfully put up for string lights are to make sure you are using outdoor lights only. Before getting started, map out your theme and measure the area that will be lighted. Unlike indoor lights, outdoor lights are more resistant to rain, snow, and ice. You might also want to have an extra person around for additional help. The more helpful hands, the easier and faster the lighting process will be.
Large Light Bulb
Like every other fad, lights go through their own fashion “swing”. Over the years, the mini lights have been the most popular. Now a days, the larger, more colorful bulbs are starting to make a comeback. Large light bulbs have a strawberry shape and some of them can be rounder at the base or near the top of the bulb. No matter where they are placed, these lights create a retro feel and a big visual impact. They are also great for outdoor trees, lining your roofs, and can be used as night lights for your walk ways.
Click here to view some of the different bulbs that you can get.
Net Lights
If you have a bush, shrub, or any other structure that you would like to cover in lights, a net light might be your best option. Easily covering your shrubs and bushes, net lights are formed together to cover a wide area. They also come in a variety of colors and sizes to best fit your needs and make for an easy installation.
Projection Spotlights
If you could get through hanging up your lights with just one item, would you try it? Projecting Christmas lights onto your house and outdoor structures is a breeze. You do not have to deal with the variety of cables laying around and positioning the projector is just a matter of pointing it in the right direction. These types of lights are also fairly inexpensive for the wide range that it covers. If you want to use snow flake lights, there is an option for that or if you are more traditional and just want solid colors, you can also achieve that with the projector. On this site, you can see different light projectors and what they can do.
Animated Lights and Light Displays
Try animated lights or a display of lights if you think that string lights are too ordinary for you. Synchronized lights are a type of animated lights allows you to add music and have the lights go off to the beat of the music. Therefore, the lights and music combined would be a great alternative. Here you can watch how something like this works.
A display can made up of inflatable characters or characters made up of lights. We see more and more of these in stores as they are becoming popular to put out in your yard. Something to keep in mind is to start planning early as you may need to purchase plenty of items to pull this off. Feel inspired by something? Write it down! This can help you map out your theme and make it easier to know what items you need to get in order to fulfill your vision. If you are still in need of inspiration, feel free to check this out!
Last but not least, turn on the power and admire the view of all your hard work. After all, it is the most wonderful time of the year.