Smart technology is poised to take over the home appliance market. We already have smart thermostats, smart lighting and even smart refrigerators. If that's not enough for you, there are some new contenders on the market that allow you to turn any electrical device in the home into a smart item. The best part is that it's a simple DIY experience – no need to find an electrician to hook it up. It’s the smart plug, a small box that you plug into your home's outlets. From there, you can use your smart phone to control whatever light, television or other electronic appliance routed through the smart plug. Read on to learn more about these remarkable efficiency devices.

Control and Monitor Your Electronics

There are a variety of smart plug options on the market: The Satechi IQ Plug, the Belkin WeMo Insight Switch, the D-Link Wi-Fi Smart Plug and the Valta Starter Kit, among others. The cost and functionality of the different brands vary, but they all operate on a similar principle – allowing you to set schedules and remotely control whatever device you choose.

The smart plugs connect to your phone via Bluetooth or wireless Internet, so you can switch them on or off from anywhere in the home – or even from the other side of the country if you have an internet-optimized model. You can also program schedules so the plug automatically activates an appliance at appointed times – turning a coffee maker on first thing in the morning, for example, or switching on a space heater before you go to bed in a chilly part of the house.

Retro Meets Modern

The upshot is that there's no need to wait for cutting-edge smart devices to come out to keep your home on the cutting edge of technology. Imagine impressing your neighbor by demonstrating the new smart functionality of a retro 1950s television, or your old Victrola vinyl player.

Smart plugs also monitor how much electricity a given device uses and when, so you can make informed choices about increasing your energy efficiency though disaggregation, breaking it down appliance by appliance. You can also save energy by using the smart plug to turn off the power to devices when you aren't actively using them, preventing your electricity bills from skyrocketing due to always-on settings or “energy vampires.”

Savings and Control All at Once

If you have additional questions about smart plugs and how they work, find an electrician who can show you their utility and functionality. With surprisingly little effort, you can harness their power to save energy and control devices all throughout your home.

Smoke detectors are wonderful devices. They save homes and property, prevent countless fire-related deaths, and alert people to potential fires before they are out of control. In fact, these alarms are so invaluable, many insurers offer discounts on homeowners coverage for homes equipped with working smoke detectors.

Twice a year (Spring and Fall), the High Point Market promises an array of new home furnishings, wall decor, lamps and lighting that define future trends and excite the imagination.  This year’s fall showing (October 18-23) did not disappoint!  Take a look at bright new styles, just in time for the holiday season.

More than 200 showrooms, filled with outstanding decor and illumination, offered a truly spectacular preview into the latest trends for the upcoming season.  Must-see items include modern table lamps from Van Teal, designer chandeliers from Crystorama and exclusive ceiling fixtures and outdoor lanterns “Made-in-America” from Framburg Lighting.

Van Teal’s “Burst” Collection

The “Burst” Collection from Van Teal features a must-see Gold Leaf and Artisteel finish.  See the entire collection from table lamps to island lights at 1800lighting.com.

Framburg Lighting’s “Brocatto” Collection

“Brocatto” from Framburg features lace and Italian glass for an exquisite presentation and dazzling illuminating effects.

Dynamic Collections from Libby Langdon Lighting for Crystorama

• The “Jennings” Collection

The “Jennings” collection features an artistic geometric in a Polished Nickel finish over White linen shades.

• The “Sylvan” Collection

The “Sylvan” collection features elegant chandeliers with a free-flowing design in Polished Nickel with linen shades.

Coming soon to 1800lighting.com…

“Timeless” table lamp from Currey and Company

Stay-tuned for more highlights from High Point coming soon to 1800lighting.com. Classic and modern table lamps, designer chandeliers and lighting fixtures made exclusively in America are this year’s big winners!