How to Decorate Your Home for Any Holiday Using a Video Projector on a Homemade Outdoor Stand.
An inexpensive home theater type projector can be used to project holiday-themed slide shows or motion video on the outside of your home. Changing videos allows celebration of any holiday with the type of message you want to convey. A protective stand is important if using a projector not designed for outdoors, so that you don't expose it to the elements.
Steps.
1. Purchase an inexpensive projector. Choose the type that can project videos from a flash drive or an SD card. This keeps the operation simple, since you won't need a computer or a DVD player connected to the projector.
2. Choose a blank wall on the front of your home. If necessary, you can create an area by covering it with some type of white material such as white foam insulation board, white plastic, painted plywood or white fabric.
3. Determine the best location for the projector to get maximum visibility. Once you have located the spot and the height for the projector, you can proceed to make a protective stand for the projector.
4. Cut a piece of lumber the right length for the height you need. Set it in a bucket filled with concrete. If using a 5 gallon (18.9 L) bucket, half full is enough. Screwing small pieces of thin scrap lumber cut to fit inside the bucket tightly at right angles to the vertical support will help hold it in place while the concrete is added and while it is curing. You may wish to drive some large nails into the lower part of the lumber before setting it in the concrete so that the wood cannot be pulled out once the concrete has set up.
5. Measure the projector and obtain a plastic tub that will cover it with room to spare. For a small projector, a plastic dishpan works well.
6. Cut a piece of plywood to fit inside the tub. Screw some scraps of lumber to the bottom of it to make a secure connection point for running in screws. Screw through the tub into the lumber with one screw on each of two opposite sides, the same distance from the edge so that the tub can be rotated up to reveal the plywood. You will want to place the screws toward one edge, not in the center.
7. Position the projector on the plywood and fasten it down by running plastic plumbers strap over the top and screwing it to the plywood. Leave it loose enough that the projector can be removed, but tight enough that it doesn't slide out too easily.
8. Cut a hole in the tub in front of the lens of the projector. You may also want to cut a hole to give line of sight to the spot on the projector that receives input from the infrared remote control.
9. Screw the plywood to the top of the vertical support that has been set in concrete in the bucket. The projector is now ready to be positioned outdoors and plugged in. You may want to add a wireless motion sensor "driveway alert" type device to protect against theft. Place it inside the tub. The receiving unit inside the house will sound an alarm if the projector is tampered with.
10. Create the video you want to use. There are several good tools for making videos. Photofilmstrip and OpenShot Video editor are two free ones. Create slides as .jpg images and piece them into a video with your favorite video editing software. Wikimedia Commons is a good source for photos, or you can use you own. You can add text to images using graphics tools, such as Gimp, Pinta, or Paint.net.
11. Load the video on a flash drive and plug it into the projector. Set the projector to repeat the video continuously. By adding text you can express your own ideas of how the holiday should be celebrated. You may want to include religious texts, such as short Bible verses or other texts that are meaningful to you. Text seems to show up better on imperfect surfaces if you use white text on a darker background.
Tips.
You may want to apply some paint or other form of covering to improve the appearance of the stand.
Warnings.
Using an indoor electrical device, such as the projector may be slightly risky. Using a GFI outlet should help it be safer. Don't set it up to run in wet weather.
Give your shelf a personal touch with non-book items. Shelves don't have to be just for books. Consider leaving large gaps on each shelve, and filling the empty space in with something else from around the home. Be sure not to get carried away, however, or your shelf will look cluttered and disorganized. Here are some ideas:
Add a low maintenance plant, such as a: aloe, English ivy, heart-leaf philodendron, jade plant, moth orchid, peace lily, pothos, snake plant, and spider plant.
Add a fishbowl with a betta fish in it. Betta fish are colorful and low maintenance. .
If you like to collect anything, such as figurines or china, consider putting it on display on your shelf.
Place photographs and artworks in frames, and set them on your shelf.
Add something metallic for eye-catching sparkle. If you don't have anything metallic, then choose a figurine and paint it using silver, gold, or bronze spray paint.
Add a mirror to create depth. You can either place the mirror against the back of the shelf, or place a small, framed mirror on top of a stack of books.
Know how to group items in a visually interesting and appealing way. Try to group items in odd numbers, such as groups of three or five. Also, consider placing large and small items together. This sort of contrast will keep the eye moving around.
At the same time, consider placing similar items together. For example, if you have a shell collection, try to keep them all on the same shelf.
Give your shelf some texture by adding baskets. You can also store items inside the baskets, such as magazines, or crafting supplies, such as yarn and fabric. Baskets come in all different shapes and sizes. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Add some cube-shaped baskets that are the same height as the spaces between the shelves. Use these baskets to store items you don't want on display, such as crafting supplies or video game controls.
Use tray-shaped baskets for storing magazines; they will also make the magazines easier to see and to reach.
Use round or bowl-shaped baskets to store bulky items that you may want displayed, such as colorful, homespun yarn or potpourri.
Stack small statues and other trinkets on top of the books. Tiny globes, decorative bookends, and small statues are just the right size for bookshelves, and they can help make things more interesting too.
Layer objects in front of each other. Consider placing a large, flat object towards the back of the shelf, and a smaller, bulkier object in front. This will add some depth to your bookshelf. Here are some ideas to get you started:
If you have a photo of your family at the beach and some shells from the beach, place the photo in a frame towards the back of the shelf, and arrange the shells in front.
If you have a flat vase or decor item, place that towards the back of the shelf, and place a bulky item, such as a bust or plant, in front of it.
Consider rearranging the shelves, if possible.[8] Not all of the shelves have to be at the same height. If you can, carefully lift the shelf up and take it out of the bookcase. Take the pegs that the shelf was resting on out of the bookcase and put them into a different hole (most bookshelves should have holes drilled to the inside wall; if not, you will need to drill your own). Once you have the pegs in their new positions, place the shelf back onto them.
You can also create horizontal divisions in your bookshelf by cutting a spare shelf into smaller sections, and then sticking those sections inside.
Arranging Books.
Try arranging your books into categories. If you are an organized person, you might feel more comfortable by grouping your books based on category. Try devoting one shelf to each category. Here are some ideas:
Fiction.
Non-Fiction, including dictionaries, research and reference materials, and textbooks.
Magazines.
For a library-like feel, consider alphabetizing your books. You can alphabetize your books based on title, or on the author's last name. This will also make your books much easier to find.
Try grouping your books based on color. If you are more of a visual person, then consider organizing your books based on the color of the spine. Put all of the books with red spines together, and all of the books with blue spines together. Try to keep all of the warm colors (red, orange, and yellow) on one shelf, and all of the cool colors (green, blue, and purple) on another shelf.
Make your bookshelf more interesting by stacking some books. Books don't all have to be placed on the shelf in the traditional manner; you can also stack some books on top of each other creating small piles. This will help add some visual interest to your shelf and move the eye around.
Place larger books on the lower shelves and smaller books on the upper shelves. This will make your shelf appear more stable. If you keep other items on your shelves, consider grouping them the same way: larger items on the lower shelves and smaller items on the upper ones.
Consider keeping magazines in folders or baskets. Magazines are very floppy and flexible, and they don't stand up well on their own. Folders and baskets will keep them all together while adding visual interest to your bookshelf.
Consider leaning a few books against each other. If you have a gap between the last book and the wall of the shelf, try leaning that last book against the rest of the books. This will fill in the empty space without adding bulk. The sudden angle will also help keep the eye moving around.
If you're tired of the way your bedroom looks but you're on a budget, don't worry, there are plenty of things you can do cheaply to improve your decor. Even just organizing and moving stuff around can make a big difference, as can adding color to your walls. You can also update your furniture and other items around your room so they look new or find fun or vintage knickknacks to add whimsy.
Method 1 Organizing and Redesigning.
1. Clean up your room to make it easier to redecorate. If you have clutter everywhere, just putting it away will make a huge difference. Organize what's on top of your nightstand, desk, or other flat surfaces, and find a place for everything on the floor. Put what you can up in drawers to get it out of the way and use organizers to make what's left look neat. Make sure everything has its own designated spot to go, and then take 5 minutes each day to put your things away.
While some items, like jewelry odds and ends, look pretty displayed, others, like charging cords, should be hidden away when not in use.
2. Move your bed to shake up the room. Your bed is typically a big piece in your room, so moving it can make a big impact. If your bed is off to one side, try putting it in the center of the wall, or vice versa. Then, when you add new linens and decorations, it will really stand out and make your room feel cheerful and comfortable.
3. Donate furniture to free up space. If your room is feeling a little cramped, take a hard look at what you have. Decide what you actually need in your room to make it the perfect space and get rid of anything that's just a landing space for clutter.
For example, if you have a chair in the corner that just ends up being a spot where you toss half-worn clothes, it's time to get rid of it!
Similarly, if you don't use your desk much, maybe you should get rid of it and free up space for a comfy reading nook. It's your bedroom, so decide what you want in your mini oasis!
4. Use furniture in unexpected ways. Try your bookcase out as a headboard at the top of your bed, for instance. Make your desk double as a nightstand, and turn your nightstand into a display area for your favorite collectibles. Keep moving things around to figure out the configuration you like best!
Get creative! You don't have to use things for their "intended" function.
5. Rearrange your artwork for a different feel. You don't have to add new artwork to your room to give it a different feel. Simply try new arrangements! For instance, group it all together on wall to make a bold statement. Alternatively, arrange a large piece behind your bed and then use smaller pieces on the opposite wall to balance it out.
Play around and try different things. You never know what will catch your attention.
6. Pick a color theme to create a cohesive look. Limiting the colors you use will help your room feel "decorated," not just thrown together. Opt for just a couple of bright or bold colors, and then you can even out the rest of the room with neutrals.
For instance, try complementary colors, like purple and yellow, red and green, or blue and orange. Alternatively, try analogous colors, colors that are nearby on the color wheel, such as pink, red, and orange, or purple, blue-purple, and blue. Then use grey, tan, white, black, or other neutrals as your background.
You could also just opt for the primary colors, red, blue, and yellow, for a very bright effect.
Method 2 Adding Color to the Walls.
1. Hang up a colorful quilt, sheet, or blanket on 1 wall. Many quilts and sheets have pretty patterns that can make a colorful statement. Try centering one behind your bed to create a focal point for your room, for instance.
You can nail or pin up the fabric if you don't mind putting a few holes in it. You can also safety pin it around a curtain rod, then hang the rod from hooks.
2. Paint a single wall or even a single stripe for a cheap option. If you can't afford much paint, don't worry. Try painting an accent wall, for instance. You can even just paint a large stripe down the wall behind your bed as a focal point. These options don't take much paint, but they can make a big difference to your room.
Make sure to use painter's tape to block off the area you want to paint. That way, you won't go out of the boundaries you set.
Buy paint on sale or that's been mixed wrong if you want to paint the whole room. If the store doesn't mix the color right, it has to do it again. The "mistake" paint is usually then put on discount. You can find a variety of colors, but you have to go with an open mind, as you'll have fewer options. You can also look for paint sales, which often happen around holidays, particularly during the summer.
3. Use stencils or paint a mural. Pick up a set of stencils, and use them to create a design on part of your wall. For instance, you could create a large floral arrangement, a funky collection of animals, or a series of feathers. Sketch the design out in pencil first to be sure you like it! You could also use acrylic paints to draw something fun on one wall or in one corner.
Alternatively, try adding a series of shapes up a wall in 1 or 2 colors, such as hearts or diamonds.
4. Create your own abstract art on foam board. You can pick up poster-sized foam board from the dollar store or another cheap store. Then, create your own art! Add blocks of color across the board at a diagonal, paint stripes, or simply let your imagination guide you! Once you're done, hang it on the wall with double-sided tape or adhesive strips.
Another option is try concentric circles or squares or paint your own sunset.
5. Frame small prints and make a collage on your wall. Prints are usually fairly cheap, so you can get small ones from local artists. Then, purchase cheap frames at a dollar store. Group them together on your wall, and it will work like a much larger piece of art.
Try to put pieces together that have similar themes, moods, or colors.
Another option is frame cheap pieces of scrapbook paper from the craft store. These pages cost less than a dollar and come in all kinds of colors and patterns!
6. Cover all or part of a wall in paper. Buy pretty scrapbook paper or tear up a used book that's seen better days. Then, you can either use double-sided tape or a cornstarch paste to adhere the paper to the wall. You can cover a large area with book pages. Both of these fixes are temporary, so you can take them down and redo them when you want!
Method 3 Making Old Items Look New.
1. Cover your lampshades with new fabric. Choose a thin, light-colored fabric so you still get some light through it. Measure out the fabric and wrap it around the lamp. Use sewing glue to hold it in place, and tuck the edges under to form "seams."
Cut the extra fabric off at the top and bottom and glue it over the edge on the inside.
2. Change up your throw pillows with new fabric. If you have throw pillows on your bed or chair, simply adding new covers can make a huge difference to the way your room looks. Measure the pillow and cut 2 pieces of fabric with an extra 1 inch (2.5 cm) on each side. Turn the fabric inside out and match up the edges. Sew along 3 sides and turn the pillow cover right-side out. Stuff your pillow inside the cover, and then sew a slip stitch along the final edge.
Look for clearance fabric at the craft store. You'll find odds and ends of fabric for less.
You can also use cheap sheets from the thrift store to recover pillows.
To sew a slip stitch, fold the edges of the seam over like the ones on the other sides of the pillow. Tie a knot in your thread and pull your needle through the inside edge of one side of the seam, starting in one corner. Run it through the inside edge on the other side of the seam. Keep going back and forth all along the seam to sew it up, knotting it at the end to hold it in place. Tuck the knot inside the pillow.
3. Get new bedding to transform the look of your bed. Your bed is the center of your room, so when you change it up, you change the whole feel. Try changing out your sheets and comforter/duvet for a whole new look for your room!
Bedding can be reasonable if you shop smartly at big box stores or online. You can even find it at thrift stores, but make sure to wash it in hot water before you use it!
4. Update your furniture with paint or new hardware. When painting, unscrew the handles and take out any drawers. Fill in any holes or scratches with wood putty, and then sand the surface down with 150-grit sandpaper so it accepts paint. Use a paintbrush to apply your new paint; opt for indoor acrylic paint or latex paint. You may need to apply more than one coat for an even finish.
For a smoother surface, apply primer first.
Always work in a ventilated area.
You can even try spray painting your furniture! When spray painting, make sure to hold the can at least 6 inches (15 cm) from the work surface and keep it continually moving to get an even coat.
You can also buy new handles for your dressers and other furniture. The hardware store sells these pretty cheaply, or you can look online.
5. Update old lamps with spray paint. Pick a spray paint that's meant for the material of the lamps, such as one meant for metal if they're brass. Take the lamp apart, and then use the spray paint to add a new color to the lamp! Put the lamp back together when you're done.
This works best for standard table lamps with a lampshade. Make sure to take the lampshade off.
Always spray in a well-ventilated area, holding the spray paint at least 6 inches (15 cm) from the surface. Keep moving the can when spraying to get an even coat. You may need to do multiple coats.
For a smoother finish, try wet sanding the paint with a very fine grit wet sandpaper once the paint is dry.
Method 4 Adding Fun Decor.
1. Pop a new, small rug on the floor to update the look. Whether you have worn-out carpet or hardwood floors, you can make them look new with a rug on top. Rugs can get expensive, so try going to a discount store and opting for a small rug. Even a tiny one can jazz up your floor!
Place it along one side of your bed so it acts as a floor mat or throw it in the center of the room to add pizzazz to a larger area.
2. Put a throw over the end of your bed for a pop of color. Throw blankets are fairly cheap. You can even get small, fleece ones for $5 USD or so in the winter. Pick a color that goes with your theme, and then use the blanket to add some of that color to your space!
If you have yarn around, you could also learn to crochet or knit, and then make yourself a small blanket.
Alternatively, buy a piece of fleece fabric from a craft store. It doesn't unravel at the edges, so if you cut it evenly, you can just fold it to create a splash of color at the foot of your bed.
3. Hit thrift stores and vintage stores for fun knickknacks. You can find fun and funky items to add pops of color to your space. Look for items that fit the theme you're going for, either in color, shape, or style. Also, try re-purposing containers and using them in new and unexpected ways!
For instance, use a vintage teacup to hold your bracelets or find a fun tray to gather all your odds and ends.
If you're going for a cat theme, look for fun knickknacks with cats on them!
Garage and yard sales are also a good source of vintage knickknacks.
4. Ask your relatives if they want to part with any of their decor. Sometimes, people are just getting tired of what they have around the house, and they may be willing to give it to you! Of course, be polite when asking and graciously accept what they give you.
You could put a call out on a social media for any knickknacks people are getting rid of, such as "I'm looking to redecorate my bedroom! Is anyone getting rid of knickknacks or decorations in their household?"
You could also check your attack or storage areas in your home to see if you have anything you can repurpose.
5. Create a shelf or a tray out of a cheap springform pan. You can likely find one of these at the dollar store. Turn it on its side and hang it on the wall. Put something small inside like a succulent for a cute little display!
You can even spray paint it for some more pizzazz or add a small string of battery-powered lights.
You can do something similar with other cheap baking trays. Spray paint a rectangular baking pan to use as a place to gather odds and ends on your dresser, for instance!
6. Put a few small plants in a sunny corner. Live plants really liven up a room, and they're fairly inexpensive. All you need is a container with a drainage hole in it, some soil, and the plant. Try some small succulents, small ferns, or ivy, for instance.
You can use many things as containers, including teacups, mugs, spray painted food cans, or small glass jars. Just be sure to drill some holes in the bottom for drainage.
Another option is to get a pretty vase and add some fake flowers. That way, you don't have to water them!
7. Scatter some cheap lighting around your room. If all you have is a harsh overhead light, add some lamps and wall lighting to make your room feel cozier. Even a cheap string of patio lights strung along the top of your headboard can add a romantic feeling to your room.
Also, try adding some small desk lamps in various places or a cheap kit that you attach to the wall, such as a colorful paper star lantern.
Question : What if my parents allow me to do some parts of this wikiHow project, but I can't buy new furniture?
Answer : You could skip the new furniture, and just rearrange your old furniture to make the room look different, or you could check rummage sales or thrift stores for cheaper items.
Question : What if my parents doesn't allow me to do this wiki project?
Answer : Ask them politely, but if they don't give permission, you can tell them the benefits from it.
Question : What if I like a certain theme (like Tim Burton), but the stores that I go to don't carry anything related to that?
Answer : In many instances, it's a whole lot easier to buy decor and memorabilia online. You can find specialty stores that will definitely carry items related to your chosen theme.
Question : What if the colors don't match my room?
Answer : Then find a unique way to decorate that describes you. Add pictures and trophies if the objects you have right now do not match well, find other things that will.
Question : I only have 15 dollars. How do I create a more grown-up room?
Answer : Try charity/goodwill shops. You might find some quality used items.
Question : I'm trying to have a color palette, but I have lots of books in all different colors on my shelves. What should I do?
Answer : You could organize the books on your shelves based on the colors of the rainbow (ROYGBIV). This color sequences is pleasing to most people and doesn't clash with any single color.
Question : I want to copy a room I found on YouTube, but the stores are really expensive. What can I do?
Answer : Improvise, and be creative. Paint is your cheapest and best decorating tool. Browse flea markets, consignments shops, thrift stores or online virtual yard sale sites for other items. Look for items similar to what you liked from the YouTube video. Overlook the color as you can paint anything.
Question : What if my parents don't allow me to do this?
Answer : See if you can get them to compromise. Come up with some non-permanent ways to change your room, like new light bulbs, putting up posters, moving furniture around, etc.
Question : How can I decorate if I don't have money?
Answer : Go to a thrift or second-hand store such as Goodwill and try and find items you like. You may also find things on wish.com and hollar.com which have great home decor at cheap prices, but you'll need a credit card to shop there.
Question : What can I do if my house is rented?
Answer : Just avoid using things like paint or making any holes in the wall. Other than that, you can still use these steps to decorate your room.
Tips.
If you live with your parents, get their permission before doing anything permanent!
Warnings.
Always paint in a well-ventilated area as the fumes can be harmful! Go outside or in the garage with the door open.
