Imagine it’s near dusk on October 31 and you’re preparing for your Halloween party. Just before your guests are due to arrive, the outdoor lights click on, alternating between orange and purple, Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” starts to drift from the tombstone prop settled in your entryway and with one touch of the button in your pocket, fog starts to accumulate in your living room. All of these things are automatically put into motion without much assistance from you, easily awarding you, once again, the title of coolest Halloween house on the block.
Technology like Bluetooth and home automation is becoming more integrated into our lives than ever before, so why should Halloween décor be any different? As neighbors admire and aim to outdo each other on Halloween decorations, these tech-savvy decorations are setting some neighborhood homes apart from the rest.
“Decorations with smarter tech features are a natural next step,” says Kelie Charles, Home Depot holiday merchant. “Things like integrated Bluetooth speakers in décor pieces or app-enabled light strings are what consumers want and expect.”
Ready to be the most tech and décor-savvy home on the block? Here are some things to consider.
1. Exterior lighting is a must.
Lighting is an easy and vibrant way to add a flash of frightful flair to the outside of your home. Use your home as the backdrop with the Lightshow Spotlight that allows you to project little moving ghosts, witches and spiders onto the exterior of your home. You can also take advantage of your smartphone and connect to AppLights Spotlight Stakes. These three lights can be set up anywhere around your yard, and you can fully control the light colors and timing through an app on your smartphone or tablet.
2. Creepy music really sets the mood.
Music is a must-have if you’re hoping to entice trick-or-treaters onto your porch. This year, you don’t have to mess with getting up and turning audio on and off throughout the night. The Bluetooth Tombstone Speaker is a wireless piece that easily pairs with any Bluetooth device. Connect it to your phone and play screams, high-winds and spooky music whenever the neighborhood kids walk by.
3. Light strings add a unique—and spooky—touch.
Purple and orange LED light strings are available for the energy-conscious decorator, but if you’re looking to get a bit more creative, try out one of the special effect lights. There are blood drip lights, bone lights and short circuit lights, all helping you design the haunted house of your dreams—or nightmares.
4. Unexpected movement is key.
Last year, Home Depot’s best sellers were items with surprise technology, such as a turning head, sudden movement or other creepy effects. Motion-activated decorations allow you to spook your guests without lifting a finger. A popular item is the life-size Wicked Witch of the West, who speaks phrases from The Wizard of Oz. Unsuspecting visitors will jump as soon as they hear the witch’s cackle.
5. Delight guests with unique inflatables.
Large inflatables are another popular item during Halloween—they’re a kid favorite and a great yard centerpiece. They also serve as a good first-step for those wanting to install tech decorations. Simply plug in the item and it will light up and self-inflate. Last year’s popular picks were the giant inflatable cat and the caldron with the kicking witch’s legs.
Ready for a tech-savvy Halloween? Check out more haunted Halloween tech you can use to decorate your home at homedepot.com.
