Works-For-Me-Wednesday: Dimmer Switch

With all the focus on simple things like electricity and modern conveniences we all take for granted, I thought it only appropriate that my WFMW this week be about a light switch.

Before C was born, I searched high and low for the perfect lamp for his bedroom. I pictured myself rocking him for middle-of-the-night feedings and tummy aches, basking in the soft glow of the perfect lamp. And I found one that was just fine. Not too pretty for a boy's room, but small and just the right size for his little night table.

But I sadly underestimated that soft, warm glow. Even with the lowest watt bulb I could find, it was way too bright for those middle-of-the-night trips to his room when a light was necessary and my pupils were not the only part of my body screaming that we. should. be. asleep. right. now.

So I finally installed a dimmer switch, a mid-priced one from a home improvement store. Glory, hallelujah, that may be the best $15 I ever spent for C's bedroom. It goes from just a teensy bit of light, perfect for not waking him up if I need to check on him in the dark to full-blown light with just a slide of the dimmer.

And I installed it myself. It was pretty simple, too. I did call my Dad to ask a question since my wires didn't exactly match the wires in the pictured instructions, but we got it figured out and I didn't electrocute myself or anything.

I don't know why I didn't think of installing a dimmer before. Mom and Dad have used a dimmer in their bathroom for years. It is great first thing in the morning or for a midnight potty run.

I'm actually thinking of installing a few more dimmers around the house. They don't require special bulbs, although I'm not sure if you can use them with the new CFL's since I still use the old-school incandescent bulbs. (Soapbox issue...I'll spare you the details.)

Just be sure to flip the power off at the breaker box, follow the instructions with the switch, and you're good.

A dimmer switch definitely works for me! For more Works-For-Me-Wednesday tips, head on over to Rocks In My Dryer.