Singing the Black Light Blues (In a Good Way!)

Trends are tricky. Some are best left in the past, however there are some that return time and time again because they are flattering, useful, or aesthetically pleasing. Think wide-leg jeans, fanny packs (yes, these are trendy again!), and distressed leather, which are all enjoying renewed popularity currently. Some trends in lighting are also enjoying a renaissance including track lighting and today’s topic, black lighting.

Let’s have a short lesson about the two types of black lights and how they work. The black lights we’re mainly discussing today are technically called black light blue (BLB) because they are bulbs that appear dark blue or purple due to the filter coating that blocks most visible light and only allows ultraviolet through. Ultraviolet or UV light is what causes specific items or materials to glow or fluoresce. Regular black lights (BLs) can look like normal fluorescent bulbs without the blue coating and are often used in bug zappers and insect traps. They also emit UV light with little visible light. Now on to the fun uses and practical applications.

Posters and artwork that come to life under black light have long been available and many of us remember decking out our rooms or portions of our parents’ basements with these colorful glowing wall decorations. Black lights have also been popular in entertainment venues like roller rinks and bowling alleys. But black light specialty applications have become more sophisticated with time and many high-end restaurants, bars, advertisers, artists, and retailers have begun using this technology for high-impact experiences.

A custom-painted mural in a restaurant, theater, or concert venue that appears one way under regular light can completely transform that one space when the regular lights go down and the black lights come on. Bars and restaurants are capitalizing on food and beverages that naturally glow in the presence of UV light. Ramen pop-up restaurants from the UK to LA have become Instagram worthy thanks to their clever colorful concoctions.

While commercial black light opportunities should be explored for your business or products, you can also get creative with black lights in your home. When decorating for the holidays or planning an event, consider what products or materials could appear enhanced under black lighting. Creating a custom make-up application with luminescent cosmetics or crafting drinks with quinine (tonic water) can give your party goers an elevated experience.

Got an idea that seems like it could benefit from the addition of black lighting but not sure how to incorporate? Get in touch with one of our friendly lighting experts to see if your creative concept can get the glow it deserves! Call 1-800-624-4488 or try our convenient pop-up chat feature at the bottom right corner of our web pages.