My name is Lizzie Tontz, and I’m afraid of the dark.
No, I don’t have to sleep with the light on, nor do I need a nightlight to guide me to the bathroom for any reason other than general clumsiness and an inability to see in the dark. I do, however, hate hanging out in dark spaces. I’m dreading the upcoming switch to standard time because I know utilities will probably skyrocket with all the lights I’ll be switching on at 5 p.m.
To me, light means warmth (both physical and emotional) and happiness. I chose the sunniest room in my apartment to live in for that reason alone, despite the gaping holes in the wall. It is no wonder lights will play a huge role in my wedding. I know they also play a huge role in your apartment, so let’s talk about that.
One of my favorite projects on Pinterest right now involves mood lighting. Simply cover a light bulb with a doily (or another object that will leave a pattern), and spray paint it. You’ll get some really cool patterns thrown on your walls.
I haven’t decided if I want this for my wedding yet. We’ll have to see if I can find outlets for light bulbs. You can bet that they’ll be in my newlywed apartment, though.
Another really cool lighting project involving light bulbs and doilies (that coincidentally would work perfectly with the above craft) involves a modified form of papier-mâché to make a hanging lampshade.
Blow up a balloon and layer a doily directly on the top of the balloon. This doily will be the cornerstone of your project, so make sure it’s big and has a hole in the center for the light bulb to go through. That said, make sure it’s small enough that the lampshade will hang on the stem of the light bulb, and not the actual bulb itself. I don’t want to know what happens to papier-mache when it’s heated up.
Paint white glue onto the doily, making sure that you use enough paste so it actually stays put. When it’s dry, you can add other doilies to the bottom half of the first to make it longer. I recommend different colors and textures, but that’s just me. Once your lampshade is completely dry, pop the balloon, insert your awesome spray-painted light bulb and plug into the nearest ceiling socket for some seriously cool patterns on your wall.
If you don’t like the idea of doilies, you can fold up a piece of paper, cut a ton of random shapes into it to make a pattern, and then cut the paper into a desired shape to layer over a balloon. I bet washi paper would look really cute for this project.
For my wedding, I might stick with doilies, or try to figure out how to papier-mâché tulle without making it look like a hot mess. If I can find some way to make light bulbs dangle from the ceiling of a tent, my dance floor will be unbelievable.
Whether you’re planning a fancy event or just trying to find decorations for your apartment that won’t make your landlord keep your deposit, think of lights first. They’re easy, functional and, if you do them right, they can dramatically change the way your apartment looks, at least at night. I’m extremely opposed to the dark, but I’m also opposed to gigantic fluorescent eyesores that ruin parties and retinas.
Since you need to be able to see at night anyway, why not find a stylish solution for your apartment? It may just be the thing that makes this fall a little brighter.
