Ask a Designer: How Can I Make My Rental Brighter Without Installing Light Fixtures?

“First, consider plug-in ceiling and wall lights. You can purchase a kit from Room & Board that will turn any pendant fixture into a plug-in. Depending on the size of the pendant, it could go over an island or dining table or be used as a center light in a bedroom. Additionally, there are also plug-in track options from sources like Lamps Plus that could be used in a hallway, outside of a closet, or to light an area like a workspace. One of the most used plug-in options is sconces. These allow you to go slightly higher than a table lamp, and could be used as bedside lighting or flank a mirror in a hallway or above a fireplace. West Elm makes an oversized sconce that extends, so it can go in a corner or edge of a room but also reach out to your desired location. For installation, you could use an epoxy to attach the base to the wall or ceiling, but I would opt for concrete screws. This will require professional installation or the proper tools, but the hole is minimal and the uninstall will be much easier.

“Second: try a mix of low-level lighting. For example, you could have a balance of table and floor lamps throughout the space. Since you have a cement ceiling, I’m going to guess you’re in a more modern space—an arched floor lamp might be a great solution. It looks sculptural and provides some overhead lighting, as well. You could pair this with your plug-in wall options, like sconces and picture lights. This would cast light from different angles, giving you the overall effect you need to lighten up the space.”