Dan's Papers - April 11, 2008 - Turn on the Night

As children, nightlights kept away bad dreams, the boogieman and monsters under the bed. It didn't matter what they looked like, so long as they got the job done, keeping us safe from all that went bump in the night, until we awoke refreshed the next morning.

Now, as we grow older, nightlights have taken on a whole new role, and a whole new look. Even if you're still afraid of the dark, nightlights can be used for more practical reasons, though, ultimately, they provide a sense of comfort from the unknown, as well as a guiding light in the dark. If you're coming home late at night, or if you frequently get out of bed in the middle of the night, you might want to keep a nightlight plugged in. They're especially useful if you live with children, pets or anyone elderly.

And, as nightlights take on more adult uses, they also have become more aesthetically pleasing, taking on trendier, more decorative and more adult looks. No longer just an appliance for children's bedrooms, nightlights can reflect your personality or enhance the décor of your home.

For those who are design savvy, handcrafted, decorative nightlights would likely pique your interest. Uniquedecoronline.com and coolnightlights.com feature these creative lights, purchased directly from the artists who make them. From handmade copper nightlights to amber and aqua infused glass, these statements of artistry are beautiful when illuminated.

Go to enchantedlantern.com if you're interested in finding a nightlight that represents the lighter, carefree side of yourself. From the kitschy and the retro, to images of sports and animals, this site has a wide array of nightlights to choose from.

Personalized nightlights make a great gift, or even a great memento for your own home. At photolightframes.com you can turn your favorite memory into a nightlight by simply sliding a photo into the Photolight Frame. The frame comes in a handful of colors, including blue and pink frames, which are perfect for baby gifts.

If you are looking for something more environmentally conscious, try a multi-colored LED nightlight. These LED nightlights use only about 25 cents worth of electricity per year. Not only can you save a lot of money, but you can also help reduce greenhouse gases, as well as the need for additional power plants. So, check out environmentallights.com and don't be afraid to fill up your cart.

The Elephant Lamp at multi4m.com is environmentally conscious as well, as 5% of the proceeds of this lamp will be donated to an elephant sanctuary. Made of frosted polypropolyne, the lamp magically turns into a 3-D sculpture from a one pre-cut flap without the use of any tools or hardware. This lamp offers a soft light and can easily give off any number of colors with a different colored bulb.

So as you seek out the perfect nightlight to complement your home and guide you through the dark, remember that never before have they come in such a vast array of styles and designs.