I have a solution for you that is pretty inexpensive and is going to add brightness, depth, comfort and wow!
Introducing you to remote controls, cheap fixtures and an array of bulbs, you will be able to spruce up those areas in your room that you would normally leave alone.
The Affect
Let me show you what I mean. Below is a corner without any light coming up on the back wall. It's very shallow, dark and uninteresting.
Below, the picture demonstrates how you can turn this space into something more, by adding that "LIGHTer Touch".
How is this done? It's very simple…read on…
Remote Controls
First of all, if you have a wall outlet that comes on with a light switch and you don't mind using it to control your uplight/backlight for this affect, use this outlet and save some money on a remote control. But remember, ambient fill light looks best when it is not "washed" out by more intense light in a room.
Remote controls are not expensive and are very convenient. Lazy people don't use these controls, smart people do. Most of us would not turn on our accent/ambient lighting if we had to go around the room and click on each light individually, sometimes following the cord to get to the switch that is really to be found… under the couch…
Menards home improvement store carries this single remote (see below) all year long. It sells for about $10. It is a very safe and effective device. It can be used indoors or "outdoors" (nice during the holidays to control lights and Christmas expressions outside). You simply plug the module into a nearby outlet. It is best to have this device out of sight. If you can't, buy a long enough extension cord that accommodates a grounded three prong plug. This way you can hide this module under a couch or behind a plant and keep your visible outlet free of a "hanging black module".
Here is how easy it is to install. First locate your outlet. Plug the module into the outlet. Next plug in your light fixture. If you use a light switch controlled outlet, be sure the switch is in the "on" position. You can plug in your remote wherever it is convenient. Kids love to play…so you may want to secure the remote. You can Velcro it to the wall, place it on a table or store on an upper shelf.
This White remote control system above is selling at Lowe's home improvement store during the Christmas season "only". It sells for $20, but wait, it controls THREE plug-in devices. Yes, that means you are paying less than $10 for a single control and only have ONE remote that allows you to individually turn on/off virtually any device within 100 feet of this handheld remote control. This is an INDOOR remote and cannot be used in outdoor outlets. Also, you can only have one of these in your home because our experience has been that they are all the same frequency. If you want, you can buy three packages and have all the #1's be in one room (and have a remote with them) and the #2's in one room and so on. They install just like the single one shown above.
Light Fixtures
The light fixtures that you may use, need to meet a few requirements. First, they need to be able to clip, mount or stand safely in your corner, so that the bulb is always free of objects. Second, they should be installed out of reach of small children, and third, be able to house the light bulb you have selected.
These light fixtures do not have to be expensive or decorative. If you choose to place them out of sight visually and only see the light they will project, use 6" clip lights (see below – we get them at Menards).
I bought an old goose neck desk lamp at the thrift store for $1 and it works great. It has a stable base and allows me to direct the light.
The Drama
I placed the desk lamp on the floor out of sight in the sun porch to fill in the corner behind the corn plant. At night it looks stunning and really defines the space and creates intriguing shadows on the ceiling.
Fixture, Bulb and Placement
Screw a bulb in and clip it to your plant stand or pot behind your furniture. This is a great time to put your furniture on the angle and "enlighten" your room. This lighting also helps add some light to all those plants you brought indoors for the winter.
Fluorescent Bulbs
Fluorescents bulbs are coming down in price all the time and they are getting smaller and can be purchased as a "flood" light. Here are some that are compact and enclosed in glass. The flood light is going to push the light forward which will create a better cadence of light. The bulbs may cost more than a normal incandescent bulb, but it burns longer, cooler, and takes a fraction of the wattage.
Before and After
I added a clip-on light and compact florescent bulb to the base of the plant basket and put it on a remote control. What an easy way to wake up a dark corner. These lights left on at night make a wonderful night light too. We leave some of these on when we are away to add to the security of our home.
Don't forget that you can use these remotes for turning on your indoor holiday lights and Christmas tree. If you are going to use more than one of the "single remotes", be sure you buy different frequencies. They are listed on the front of the package, ie "A" , "B", etc.
Enjoy this delightful affect and may this joyous season be filled with the Light of the world – Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!
See you in January!
