If you don’t know about LifeHacker.com, it’s a website about shortcuts to make your life easier. The site offers tons of articles about smart and handy tips and tricks for getting things done and solving annoying, everyday problems.
Below are just a few ideas from LifeHacker about lighting. Some are “hacks” about creating simple-yet-innovative light fixtures, and others use light to avoid common problems:
1. Use Rope or Tape Lights Under Cabinets to Prevent Toe Stubbing
This hack is pretty straightforward – all you need is a rope light, or some handy adhesive tape lights. You can cut them to the perfect length to run along the bottom of the cabinets in your kitchen or bathroom close to the floor. Wire them to a switch, and then when you get up for a late night snack, or trip to the bathroom, you’ll never stub your toe again. (They also add a really attractive layer of light.)
Whether you have a dark, scary stairwell, or love futuristic design, you’re going to love this easy-to-make glowing handrail. All you need is some clear plexiglass tubing cut to the appropriate length for your staircase, and some rope lights or light strips to put in the tube. Just mount it to the wall with ceiling fitting, and ta-da! You and your guests won’t have the harrowing adventure of navigating a staircase in the pitch black. (And again, another pleasing layer of light!)
3. DIY Adjustable Color Temperature Lamp
If you prefer different color temperatures at different times of day, or use specific kinds of light for various tasks, you might consider making one of these – a desk light with customizable color temperature. It’s a little technical, but if you’re comfortable with some minor wiring, soldering, etc, it can be a great way to simplify your workspace. All you need is a strip of LEDs, some switches, white balance strips, a power supply, and a whatever you fancy to make the lamp frame itself.
This has got to be one of the easiest, prettiest “light hacks.” If you’re looking for a way to make any party a little more festive, all you need are some holiday lights and a bunch of colored ping-pong balls (found in bulk on eBay). Simply poke holes in the balls (with a nail or a drill) and wriggle the light into the hole. To make it permanent, just dab a bit of crazy glue around the hole.
Okay, so not as high-tech of a “light hack,” but I couldn’t resist – this is so cool. All you need to do is cut an orange in half, scoop out the fruit and leave a long piece of white pith in the middle. Add olive oil, and then light the pith. This makes a really unique centerpiece, and it smells great!
cool awesome