Isn’t it amazing how popular Halloween has become, not only for kids, but for grownups as well? In this column, I’ll focus on lighting up your space for this ghoulish occasion using a combination of store-bought items, things already in your home and your own imagination.
Just as red and green lights signify Christmas, everyone uses some kind of black lighting for Halloween. But did you know that experts say blue creates an even eerier effect? Set directors use dark blue bulbs to create moonlit glows on a haunted night. For an even creepier look, try mixing orange and purple lights on your porch.
The stack of black books in the photo is actually a table lamp. How cute is that? To make your own lighting effect, you can easily get some fabric you don’t need and slash it up — or better yet, find some inexpensive black lace — and drape either of them over your lampshades. You’ll instantly dim your lighting and create cool shadows at the same time.
Candlelight is an absolute must at Halloween. If you have red and white candles, melt some red wax over your white candles to create a bleeding candle effect. Doing this with the pillar candles in your lanterns and hurricanes creates a bold statement, especially when you add plastic spiders and other creepy things. Using black candles and adding cobwebs to candelabra and candlesticks also can be uber creepy.
So yes, there are tons of things that you can buy. But see what you can add from your closets and your imagination!
Cathy Lee is a home style expert, speaker, and president and designer of Cathy Lee Style. Her workshops have taught more than 2,000 people the basics of DIY designer style, and her redesigns of residential and business spaces have been featured in local and national publications and on HGTV. For more info and inspiring photos of design projects, visit www.cathyleestyle.com.