Of all the amenities you may require in your rental, sufficient lighting may not top the list over more important features such as square footage, appliances, or storage space. Still, once you move in and get settled, you may find your abode is a bit darker than you prefer. If you’re maxed out on floor and table lamps but still want a lighter and brighter space, try these 7 smart and easy solutions for adding more light to your
apartment!
Natural Light
One of the best (and cheapest!) sources for more light in any space is from Mother Nature! Choosing a rental with plenty of large windows and glass doors is a great start. But even if your rental isn’t designed to let in a lot of light, there are things you can do to optimize the light you do get. Many rentals have blinds, shades, shutters, or curtains pre-installed on windows and doors. If you don’t need such items for privacy or sleep, feel free to take them down (and store them safely until you move out). If you want or need to keep blinds or shades installed, open them up during the day to let in as much light as possible.
Overhead Lights
Installed light fixtures or ceiling fan lights tend to be the most common light sources in rentals, but they often tend to be ugly or provide insufficient light. If a light fixture is already installed, don’t hesitate to swap it out for the one you prefer or that gives off better light. Just be sure you understand how to safely change light fixtures and can easily store the original until you move out.
Do you have ugly light fixtures in your rental?
Here are some clever ways to cover them up!
If there is no light fixture already installed and you’re desperate for some overhead lighting, don’t despair. Some ceiling fixtures come with a plug-in-style power cord, which means you simply attach the fixture to your ceiling (either by screws or peel-and-stick-style strips) and plug it into the nearest outlet. If you want a fixture that requires a hardwire installation, an electrician can rewire most fixtures to accommodate a plug for a fairly reasonable price!
Mirrors
Mirrors themselves don’t produce light, but they can reflect light to help an entire room feel larger and more illuminated. Hang mirrors (or other reflective items such as glass or metal) around a room, especially across from windows, glass doors, and lamps, in order to add more light without having to add additional fixtures.
Task Lights
Even if your space is well lit, adding a few well-placed task lamps around the room can help make reading or working easier on the eyes. Consider adding adjustable lamps with proper wattage bulbs to desks, reading chairs, couches, and bedside tables. Also, don’t feel like you have to settle for an office-style lamp to achieve optimum lighting. Task lights are now available in as many stylish fixtures as table and ceiling lamps!
Under Cabinet Lighting
If your kitchen isn’t bright enough and there is no logical location for a lamp or other light fixture, consider adding lights underneath the upper cabinets. Most home improvement stores carry small lights for such purposes, and many can be held in place using Velcro or command strips. Not only does under-cabinet lighting provide great task lighting for countertop prep, but they also provide nice ambiance after the kitchen is cleaned and shut down for the day.
Decorative Lights
Lights don’t have to be restricted to ceilings or tabletop surfaces. Wall sconces are a great way to add additional lighting to space in a way that feels decorative or architectural. They tend to work best in hallways, foyers, bathrooms, as well as alongside mantels and beds. Look for models with plug-in-style cords to make this a truly easy and renter-friendly option!
Looking to add style along with your lighting? Check out
these fixtures that will instantly upgrade your apartment’s style!
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Festive Lights
Finally, don’t overlook the power of a few strands of festive lights such as holiday lights, patio lights or lanterns. These accessories can add a lot of ambiance to space in addition to illumination. Such lights are best in trees or large plants, in outdoor spaces, under upper cabinets, or in nooks or reading corners.
If you’ve found yourself in a dark and gloomy rental, there are ways to make it lighter and brighter. Don’t hesitate to change out fixtures that exist or add light sources where you really need them. Overhead lights, task lamps, walls sconces, under-cabinet lighting and festive strands are all great options; and don’t overlook harnessing natural light via windows and mirrors. By combining several of these options, you can easily change the lighting landscape in your home!
