Scare up Some Fun with High Tech Halloween Decorations

Enhance traditional haunts with electronic tricks and treats

Over the years Halloween has grown, with many homes and businesses going all out to celebrate with spooky decorations. With lots of new products on the market to help people get in the spirit of the season, the amount of spending related to the October holiday almost rivals that of Christmas. There seem to be three basic trends to Halloween: bigger, better and scarier. Some classics will always be part of the holiday; jack-o’-lanterns, rubber bats and plastic skeletons are a familiar sight for trick-or-treaters. However, the latest technology is finding its way into scary displays. State-of-the-art smart lighting adds dazzling effects with sight, sound and animation. Some of the benefits of these sophisticated high-tech Halloween decorations include:

Wi-Fi connectivity
Smart controls
Energy efficiency

Being able to pair outdoor decorations to Bluetooth-enabled devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network enhances their functionality and enjoyment. Additionally, smart controls on certain products let you conveniently schedule when they turn off and on, which helps avoid wasted energy. These Halloween-friendly tech accessories are an extremely versatile addition to your home since some can also be used for later holidays and celebrations.

Setting up scary animated halloween decorations

Whether you're setting up fiendishly good Halloween displays indoors or outdoors, their wicked designs can contribute to the spooky aesthetic you're trying to achieve. Unlike the mad scientists from old Halloween movies, you don’t need to wait for a lightning storm to add life to your front yard inflatables. Modern power sources such as extension cords and outlets help bring life to your animatronic ghouls and goblins. Wi-Fi-enabled smart plugs and outlets provide the convenience of activating your electronic decorations remotely. These app-enabled outlets can use digital assistants and timers to turn on a variety of lights, figures and foggers.

Smoke machines

Nothing matches the age-old creepiness of a rolling fog. Now, you can dial it up when you want with a smoke machine. These units offer portability and ease of use, and many have built-in LED lights for added effects. Tech upgrades to these machines mean you don't have to handle any dry ice to get that ghoulish graveyard effect on your front lawn.

Inflatable decorations

Inflatable figures are a great way to make a haunting statement in your yard for all to see. They require little to no assembly and fill up quickly. Plug one into your smart outlet and program an ideal operating schedule. These decorations often feature lights or motion. More cost-effective than animatronics, these inflatable monsters collapse and fold for easy storage after All Hallows’ Eve is over. If you have smaller kids in the neighborhood, there are some cute, family-friendly options that are sure to please parents who appreciate a good night's sleep.

Exterior lighting

Lighting can produce some of the eeriest effects on your decorative scheme. Smart lights are versatile decorations because they offer complete control of the color — and timing — of your display. These lights are ideal for Christmas or Hanukkah, too. All you need to do is swap out the bulbs' oranges and purples for the colors that apply to the holiday with a touch of your smart device. Another useful addition to a home that can also provide a hair-raising component to your scary outdoor Halloween decorations is outdoor lighting. String lights are ideal for creating a fun outdoor ambiance that covers multiple seasons and they can provide visibility for your front walkway as children make their way to your door for goodies.

Projector decorations and entertainment

Some of the most eye-catching and spine-tingling effects can occur with projectors. These devices are lightweight and portable. They're often smart-capable and suited for outdoor use. An outdoor projector screen lets you turn your yard into an outdoor theater. You can put on a kid-friendly cartoon for younger trick-or-treaters, then a classic horror flick for the older teens and adults.

These home theater devices can do more than play movies. Set up inside, the projector can cast images onto your windows. Thin, light-colored curtains or other translucent material pick up slinking shadows and chilling characters that dance about. Use your existing movies or browse short horror clips for great spooky animations to play on shuffle.

Indoor Halloween decorating ideas

Halloween isn't just about putting on a show outside for the neighbors; some people like to decorate indoors for Halloween because they're throwing a wild costume party or hosting a candy-fueled sleepover. With the right devices, you can cast a spell with great Halloween decor in any room of your home.

A smart lighting kit offers a great addition to a festive space, especially for a Halloween gathering. These bulbs can generate millions of colors to match the festive, funky or fright-filled mood you're seeking. Apps let you sync the lighting to any music, whether it's a creepy pipe organ or the soundtrack to a favorite Halloween movie from your childhood.

Create an eerie recessed lighting effect with minimal effort using LED light strips. These kits offer the same dynamic range of colors as smart light bulbs. You can cut the flexible strips to fit your needs and adhere them pretty much wherever you want. They also have the ability to sync with music for multisensory frights and fun. No matter what devices and devilish decorations you want to combine for unforgettable displays, high-tech components are sure to meet your Halloween decoration needs.