When you’re trying to design (or redesign) your rental space, it can be, well, daunting, if you’re not, you know, an interior designer. Even if you know exactly what sorts of things you like, it can sometimes be a real challenge to actually execute the design yourself.

While there’s still probably not an actual substitute for working alongside an actual designer, knowing some of what might be going on in their heads when they’re considering a space and what would work best in it can feel like you’re cracking a code — like now you’ve been initiated to a club that can truly make your living space feel like your home. 

• 6 Easy Ways to Zhuzh Up Your Rental, According to an Interior Decorator
• How do You Light a Rented Apartment?
• How to Brighten a Dark Room Rental
• How to Light a Living Room with No Overhead Lighting
• Can you Install Lighting in a Rental?
• How do you Make Natural Light in a Dark Room?
• Can You Install Lighting in a Rental?
• What is The Best Colour to Lighten a Dark Room?
• Where do Designers Buy Their Rugs?
• Who Makes The Best Area Rugs?
• How can I Light a Living Room Without a Ceiling Light?
• Why do Living Rooms Not Have Ceiling Lights?
• Why do Some Bedrooms Not Have Lights?
• What do You do if Your Apartment Doesn’t Have Lights?
• How can I Add Light to a Room Without Wiring?
• How can I Brighten my Apartment With Little Sunlight?

6 Easy Ways to Zhuzh Up Your Rental, According to an Interior Decorator

Even if you know exactly what sorts of things you like, it can sometimes be a real challenge to actually execute the design yourself. While there’s still probably not an actual substitute for working alongside an actual designer, knowing some of what might be going on in their heads when they’re considering a space and what would work best in it can feel like you’re cracking a code.

1. Add some color

If you’re living in a rented space or if you’re not in a place where you want to repaint your entire home, add an influx of color to your space with accents and touches that would be easy to swap out in a few months or years when, predictably, you’re going to want to give your space an overhaul once again.

Read Also: Wrap Holiday Gifts For A Fee

“Pillows are the easiest way to add a touch of color to your room,” said Mikayla Keating, an elite Decorist designer. “These can be easily switched out seasonally, which gives you the freedom to not be tied down to a particular color pallet all year round.”

Baylee Floyd, another elite Decorist designer, echoed Keating, “Floor plants bring tons of color and life into a room as well!” If you’re not ready for the responsibility that comes with caring for live houseplants, consider investing in some high-quality faux plants that will put up with your neglect and last you for years to come.

2. Rugs make a huge impact

If pillows aren’t really your thing, a colorful or textured rug can also make a big statement. While it might feel a bit more permanent than a few throw pillows, you’re far from stuck with it. It’s still super easy to swap out in favor of something different when your preferences change. “When putting color on the walls isn’t an option, take it to the floors and set the color palette of a room with an incredible rug,” advised Erika Dale, a classic Decorist designer.

“Since large-scale rugs cover a lot of ground, they have a huge impact on the tone and aesthetic of a room. An amazing rug is often the starting point for me when I am planning the color scheme for a space. The best part is that rugs are totally rental-friendly and can actually help hide an ugly rental floor that you can’t change!”

3. Don’t forget about art

Art, too, can be a temporary way to make a dramatic difference in how your room looks and feels. “One way to instantly improve the aesthetic in a room is to hang well-scaled art pieces,” Dale added. “Oftentimes people are afraid of investing in artwork (especially large-scale pieces) for rentals since they see their living situation as temporary.

However, without the ability to paint or put up wallpaper, art can be a very effective way to bring color and personality into the room! Don’t be afraid to go large-scale to really make an impact, as large art pieces actually make a small space feel bigger. Can’t put any holes in the walls? Use removable picture hanging strips to hang art with no wall damage!”

4. Get creative with storage

Another challenge that can come with some spaces is a lack of storage space. My own apartment, for instance, is completely closet-less (I know), which means a little creativity is called for when it comes to figuring out just where I’m going to put all of my stuff.

“If you are living in a space with minimal storage, invest in multi-purpose furniture pieces that integrate storage into the design,” Dale suggested. “For example, get a bed frame with drawers underneath, a storage ottoman to put up your feet, an entry console that is actually a shoe cabinet, or a coffee table with interior storage. By adding storage into the furniture pieces that would already be in the room anyway, it helps to maximize your square footage and reduce visual clutter.”

If you’re not in the market for a new bed frame or if you still don’t have quite the storage you need, despite make these sorts of upgrades, consider incorporating storage into your decor and design elements. “An easy way to add some storage is to add baskets to the room — not only do these add a decorative element to your space, but they can also help stay organized,” Keating said.

5. Lighting can make all the difference

Beyond adding color and texture into your living space, adding a few additional thoughtful touches can really elevate your space. For this, look to lighting. “Adding at least one statement light fixture can elevate your space easily,” Keating said. “This can be a plug-in textural pendant, a unique modern floor lamp, or a dimensional table lamp. Having a fun, unique light fixture can be a great conversational piece in your room and can add visual interest.”

You also may be able to swap out ugly rental fixtures with more up-to-date, stylish pieces that fit your personal aesthetic, as Apartment Therapy noted.

6. Curtains can transform a room

Additionally, if you have the space to do so, consider adding some height to your space (or emphasizing elements that already provide it). “Height is a key factor in elevating the look of a room,” Floyd said. “I would say that curtains make all the difference in the world, as do tall plants! Plants add life and height to the space when placed in a tall planter — they make a room feel like home!

Curtains when hung properly (with a rod only about one to two inches down from the ceiling) and draped nicely on to the floor can make a space feel much larger and really open a room up and make the space feel complete!”

How do You Light a Rented Apartment?

Whether you add a few additional lamps or get creative with hanging lights, there are plenty of options for upgrading your apartment lighting. Below, we’ve gathered 10 expert tips for brightening up your rental space.

1. Choose light-colored lampshades

Since you probably want to avoid drilling into the ceiling, much of your supplemental lighting will be floor or end table lamps. The good news is that lampshades offer an opportunity to really show off your style, and they help to soften brighter light bulbs for a more comforting glow.

To keep your apartment as bright as possible, stick to light-colored lampshades. Think white, cream, light gray or similar hues when selecting a lampshade. Darker lampshades will filter out a considerable amount of light and may make your room feel gloomy.

2. String extra lighting

If you still need more light once you have lamps set up, consider buying fairy lights. While you may associate this type of lighting with the twinkle lights around a Christmas tree, there are other options available that feel much chicer.

Designers now offer string lights with large bulbs, black or silver string and a sleek modern look. Buy a decorative wooden ladder and string lights around it, set up your pyramid shelves in the corner and adorn the piece with string lights or simply string them around a window.

3. Accessorize with wireless lights

Some rentals have a limited number of electrical outlets, and rewiring your home is not an option as a renter. Turn to wireless lighting that operates on battery power and is extremely mobile. Wireless LED candles, for instance, offer ambiance and turn on with the flip of a switch.

Best of all, faux candles don’t pose the same fire hazard as an actual candle. Tap lights are also wireless and a good way to illuminate shelves or other small spaces. These lights are typically activated when you apply a small amount of pressure to the top of the light.

4. Use mirrors to maximize lighting

Add a few mirrors to your rental space if you don’t have a lot of room or money for new lighting. Mirrors propped up against your walls won’t damage the drywall and can reflect light from your lamps and other home lighting.

Mirrors create the illusion of more lighting sources and double the amount of light that bounces around your apartment. Place larger mirrors next to a floor lamp and small wall mirrors adjacent to end tables with a light fixture.

5. Space out your light sources

Now that your space is outfitted with several floor lamps, a few strands of fairy lights and a handful of large mirrors, take a moment to consider the placement of each piece. Don’t put all the lighting in your living room, for instance, while neglecting to consider your dining nook. Instead, space out your lighting fixtures. Put at least one light source near each corner of larger rooms.

6. Hang lightweight fixtures

Having a rental doesn’t mean you can’t make some changes to make your space feel homey. While you may not want to hang up a chandelier in a place you’ll only be in for a year or two, there are lightweight lighting options that you can hang from the ceiling to help transform a dining room or bedroom.

Look for some artsy bulbs with black or metal hardware to hang from the ceiling. Battery-powered options make it easy to install anywhere, meaning you don’t have to deal with any wiring issues to get this look. Plus, your guests will love this unique and romantic lighting at your next dinner party.

7. Make lighting useful

When deciding where to place your lights, consider what areas of your new apartment will be used the most (and could use some brightening). A lamp on your desk or near your favorite reading chair can make work and play a breeze while brightening up your entire home at the same time.

The type of light also makes a difference. While desks and kitchens need bright and direct light, bathrooms and hallways only require soft lighting.

8. Soften harsh, natural light

Those floor-to-ceiling windows that made you love your current apartment can sometimes be overwhelming, especially if you don’t have any blinds or curtains to control the amount of light that enters your home at any given time.

White, wooden blinds allow control over the amount of light seeping through your windows without darkening up your walls. While see-through or lightly-colored curtains can help to soften the sun’s rays. And as a bonus, these items can often be packed up and used again in your next home, making the investment well worth it.

9. Highlight what’s important

If there are pieces of art, furniture or tech that you want to call attention to in your home, consider highlighting those items with light. Angled from above or below, spotlights on the most beautiful items in your home can help your apartment look polished without much work.

Backlighting is another great way to call attention to important pieces of art (or even an entertainment system). By installing smaller light fixtures behind the item you want to see, the light then illuminates the outline from behind, drawing in the eye in a pleasant way. And with backlighting, you don’t have to shell out for the most beautiful hardware since no one will see it anyways.

10. Brighten up corners

Add some depth to each room by lighting up dark corners. This will help draw the eye across the room and help it feel larger. Make sure that the fixture fits well in the space to avoid throwing off the flow of your other decor.

Light placed in corners should be soft and warm. Harsher light, while great for busier areas, has no utility in a corner and can draw too much attention to a section of the home that isn’t meant to be highlighted.

How to Brighten a Dark Room Rental

When looking for Greeley apartments for rent, you might have found the perfect place, except for the fact that there’s very little natural light. Even if you aren’t allowed to paint the walls, you can still brighten up the space without paint. Here are four top tips or ways to brighten a rental.

Add Lighting

The easiest way to brighten up a space is to combat darkness with light. Add as much light as you can! Light is both functional and stylish—you need it to perform tasks, but it can also change the entire feel of the space.

Aim for a mix of larger lamps that light the entire room and smaller, more localized lights for specific areas and tasks. Use clear covers on lamps instead of dark shades and try to find lightbulbs that are warm and bright.

If possible, try to embrace natural light. Open the blinds when it’s light outside or move furniture away from the window to allow in more light. Replace heavy or dark curtains with sheer panels or lighter alternatives. If you can change the blinds, opt for smaller blinds that are easy to open.

Use Light Furniture

In a dark room, the last thing you want is dark, bulky furniture that will just make the space seem darker and smaller. Instead, opt for lighter furniture pieces. This can mean lighter colors, such as white or light gray items or lighter materials, such as wicker or mesh, which allows for more light to flow through.

Instead of one large piece of furniture, break it up with multiple smaller pieces. That means that instead of having a large sectional couch, choose a smaller couch and love seat. Use a pair of armchairs for seating instead of one large unit. Using smaller pieces breaks up the space better and allows the limited light to flow through the room more easily.

Add Colorful Accents

A room doesn’t have to be completely white to be bright. Even colors can break up a dark space and make it feel brighter and more inviting. You also don’t have to buy all new furniture for a dark space. Add colorful accents wherever you can.

Bright throw pillows or blankets on the couch can add a pop of color, just like colorful artwork or window treatments. Warm tones are best for brightening dark spaces, so stick to colors like red, yellow, green, and brown.

In a dark space, walls can be your greatest asset. They’re often just blank canvases that can have a huge impact on the room. Look for large pieces of artwork to break up dark walls and add color and personality.

Oversized pieces can draw attention away from the dark room and help people focus more on the style of the space. Even without paint, creative solutions like a wall of curtains or shelves can make a space seem brighter.

Decorate with Glass and Mirrors

The best materials to lighten a space are glass and mirrors, which reflect light and make a space seem larger and more open. Glass and mirrors reflect light from a lamp to make it seem like there is more light in the room. Bring in glass furniture, such as a glass coffee table or chairs.

Put a mirror in the corner or on the wall, especially if it is opposite a window to reflect the natural light. Use mirrored light fixtures or picture frames. Even high-gloss finishes on furniture or décor can help shine more light in the room.

A dark space doesn’t have to feel sterile and bland. There are plenty of options to add brightness and personality to a space without paint. These suggestions can help turn even the darkest space into a bright and welcoming room.

How to Light a Living Room with No Overhead Lighting

When you rent a place to live, you are often most focused on important details like location, neighbors, community, and other must-have rental features. But what if, as you move the last box into a new place, you realize that your living room have no overhead lighting?

What can you do to fix a home that lacks overhead lighting, while still keeping the rental intact and not wasting money on unreliable solutions that you cannot take with you after moving out?

Option 1: Large arc floor lamp

This replacement for an overhead fixture is the simplest way to supplement a living room with no overhead lighting. It comes with some pros and cons:

Large Arc Floor Lamp Pros:

• Stylish and easy all-in-one solution

Large Arc Floor Lamp Cons:

• Not suitable for small places
• Might be harder to move the lamp to a new place due to its heavy base

There are no special steps or installation process needed, so let your creative juices take over.
One thing though: While choosing your arc lamp, make sure that you have enough room in your space for the arch arm.

Option 2: Floor lamps

This option involves placing floor lamps throughout the space to maximize interior lighting. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of floor lamps.

Floor Lamp Pros:

• Easy to set up and to move to a new place
• Does not take too much room
• Flexible solution that can easily accommodate layouts of various rental places, even the ones that do not have problem with overhead lighting

Floor Lamp Cons:

• Easy to get a cluttered look in a room

How to light a room with floor lamps:

1. Estimate the size of your room to see how many floor lamps you need
   1. The rule of thumb is to have 3 floor lamps to light up all the corners except the one next to the door.
   2. If you want to do more precise calculations, check the formula in this article by BallarDesign.
2. Note where the plugs are located and whether you need extension cables to reach them
3. Buy the necessary number of floor lamps and extension cables (if you need any)
4. Put up the lamps on the spots and plug them in!

Option 3: String lighting (NOT LED strips)

This option is about hanging pretty string lights under the ceiling. Let’s see its pros and cons.

String Lights Pros:

• Stylish and beautiful lighting arrangement that can put your guests in awe
• Can make the rental place feel like a real home!
• Suitable for both big and small places

String Lights Cons:

• You need to put hooks into ceiling or wall; not every rental allows that! Please ask a permission from your landlord before installing hooks or look for temporary, damage-free mounting options.
• May require some time since it’s not so easy to install.

If the cons are not a problem for you (and, again, your landlord does not mind you putting hooks in walls), let’s dive in into the steps you need to do.

How to light a room with string lights:

1. Map out your ceiling
   • Draw a sketch of your ceiling and map out where the outlets in the room are
2. Plan how you want to hang the lights
   • There are tons of design ideas out there
   • You could hang around the borders of the ceiling, swag them diagonally, or create different focal points
3. Measure out your plan to see the total length needed
   • If you are planning on draping your lights, make sure to
4. Purchase your lights
   • Purchase lights that can be plugged into each other so that your design can flow
5. Install hooks in the ceiling
6. Hang your lights!

Can you Install Lighting in a Rental?

When you rent your home, it can be tough to know what you can (or cannot) change, and one common question among renters is “can I change the light fixtures in an apartment?”

You can generally change the light fixtures in an apartment, as long as you re-install the original fixtures before moving out. With that said, different landlords have different policies, and you should always check your lease (or directly with your landlord) before making significant modifications.

Always remember that investing in quality lighting will make a huge impact on the overall feel and look of your space. If your lease/landlord allow you to change the lighting and light fixtures in your apartment, that can be a great way to customize your home to make it more comfortable and inviting.

Figure out what compliments the rest of your décor and use that to help you set the right tone. Don’t be afraid to use more than one source of lighting in each room. Multiple layers of light may be just what you need to create the perfect atmosphere.

How do you Make Natural Light in a Dark Room?

If you’re a fan of the light and airy design style, living in a home that is lacking in natural light can be a drag.

Even if most of your house has good light, getting natural light into a dark room is tough to do, too, which may result in that room never getting used.

You can always install windows throughout your home to try to increase natural light, but that’s expensive and there are much more simple ways to do it, even if it’s just creating the illusion of more natural light. 

1. Use Mirrors 

You can amplify light using mirrors in a room to help spread out whatever natural light is able to creep in on its own.

Additionally, you can strategically place mirrors in a hallway to reflect light into a dark room off the side of it. Mirrors can do wonders when it comes to brightening up a space, you just have to know how to use them. 

2. Pick a Door with a Window

If you’re looking for a way to get natural light into a room without windows, consider swapping out your existing door to one with a window (or installing a storm door if it’s your foyer that needs some light).

For instance, if your laundry room is dark and dreary, hang a door with a frosted window and it will suddenly brighten up thanks to the light from outside of it. 

3. Consider Light Greys

Filling your home with light greys is a great way to give the illusion of more light, and are especially great for people who prefer cooler tones or aren’t fans of the all-white look.

Just be sure to stick to the light greys because if you go too dark it will give you the opposite effect of what you’re looking for. 

4. Strategically Angle Your Furniture

Short of adding a window, it’s hard to get light into a dark room, so it’s better to play with the light you do have instead.

You can do this by angling your furniture towards the light so that it reflects off of it and fills the room up a little more. This is especially helpful if your furniture is light in color. 

5. Lean Towards Light Browns

Whether its floors, trim, or furniture, if you’re opting for wood, try to go light and warm rather than something dark like espresso. Obviously the darker the furniture the darker the room, which will only make your problem worse. 

Can You Install Lighting in a Rental?

When you rent your house or apartment, your home renovation options are limited. You probably don’t want to spend thousands upgrading your kitchen, for example, only to move out in a few years — and risk losing your deposit. Your landlord might not want you tearing out that bathroom tile, even if it is terribly outdated.

Here are some ways to upgrade your rental without spending too much of your time or money.

1. Install New Cabinet Handles

Time: 30 minutes

Cost: Under $50

You probably already know how easy it is to swap out the old, outdated hardware on your cabinets, but interior designer Erica Leigh Reiner suggests making a bold statement with your replacements.

“Replace and match the hardware on your cabinets, doors and furniture with unusual alternatives,” she said. “ Try leather pulls, stone, glass pulls, or classy acrylic and metal combos for a unique alternative to the stainless steel everyone gets.”

Most cabinet handles and knobs, even unique statement pieces, will cost you less than $5. It’s a small, inexpensive change that can have a big impact. Best of all, it’s easy enough to reinstall the old hardware when you’re ready to move out. “Just put the landlord’s hardware somewhere for safekeeping,” Reiner said.

2. Upgrade the Lighting

Time: 1 hour

Cost: $50-$200

Most apartments come with ceiling mount light fixtures that can be easily replaced without rewiring anything at all: simply pick out your new fixture, unscrew the old one, and replace it with your new, better fixture. If rewiring is involved — perhaps you want to switch a ceiling mount into a pendant light fixture, for example — make sure to shut off the electricity at your fuse box or circuit breaker first.

For an even easier project, simply swap out the light bulbs. Changing the brightness and temperature of your bulbs can completely change the look of a room, and you can find information about both brightness and temperature directly on the bulb box.

While you’re thinking about changing the bulbs, consider upgrading to smart lighting. You get the benefit of light bulbs you can change to different colors, control with an app on your phone or tablet, or even by voice control like Alexa on the Amazon Echo, or by saying “Hey, Google” to your Google Home.

3. Replace Light Switch Plates

Time: 1 hour

Cost: Under $50

If your rental comes with old, outdated electrical and light switch plates, it’s easy enough to replace those, and most plates will cost you less than $5 apiece.

If you’re willing to spend a bit more, you could upgrade your electrical outlets and light switches, too. Dimmer switches and USB outlets, like these recommended by Wirecutter, the New York Times company that tests products, are relatively easy to install, and the package should include step-by-step instructions.

In general, you’ll have to remove the wiring connected to the old outlet and rewire it to the new outlet terminals. One word of caution: make sure to shut off the electricity to the outlet via your circuit breaker or fuse panel and use a voltage tester to make sure there’s no power going to the outlet while you’re working on it. For easier installation and smart-home integration, you could opt for wireless switches.

Keep the old outlets on hand and replace them when you move out. Along with the other fixtures you replace, you can take them with you to the next place you rent.

4. Add Trim

Time: 4 hours

Cost: $100-$200

Check with your landlord on this one, but if your rental doesn’t come with crown molding or you just want to replace what you have, you can install this yourself and completely change the look of a room.

“Adding border trim as a baseboard, crown molding, or a chair rail (wall trim) can subtly add a refined look to any room without breaking the bank,” Ms. Reiner said. “Even adding trim and building out the frame and depth of your window frames or the face of your doors will instantly upgrade the look and feel of a space.”

This fix requires a bit more handy work, but it’s still a doable project if you have a few hours and the right tools (you’ll need a nail gun and compressor as well as a miter saw).

“It doesn’t even have to be a gaudy, Victorian style molding; a simple and single shape, single depth piece of molding will do the trick,” Ms. Reiner added.

5. Use Tile Stickers

Time: 1 hour

Cost: $100-$200

“Tile stickers are the easiest and the cheapest way to transform a kitchen or bathroom,” said Eva Bowker, a writer who covers home improvement at Fantastic Handyman. “They come in different shapes, sizes and colors. They go right above the existing tiles and are easily detachable.”

Of course, tile stickers won’t have quite the same polished look of real tile, but they come in a variety of designs and there are plenty of unique, high-end options to choose from.

“The renovation project is quick, mess-free and only takes a couple of minutes,” Ms. Bowker said. “The stickers are easy to clean and can be efficiently removed by using some heat with a hair dryer and they peel off.”

What is The Best Colour to Lighten a Dark Room?

Darker rooms also need colors that are more saturated, since there’s less light to be reflected off the color. That means you should look for colors with less black in the base. Also keep in mind that you don’t have to use light colors in a room without much light—you should really be looking at brighter colors to bring in some light.

1. Lavender

Lavender has warmer tones, which makes it great for adding some brightness to a dark room. The best part about working with lavender is that it has a wide range of shades to suit everyone, from soft dusky tones to purple-based taupes.

It doesn’t have to be overly feminine, so it works well in almost any space. You can pair it with pastels for a more playful look, or match it with simple neutrals like gray and white for a more sophisticated look.

2. Sunny Yellow

When you don’t have much natural light, yellow is a great way to recreate that feeling with artificial light. It’s great for bedrooms or bathrooms with tiny windows. Just make sure you have enough artificial light in the room so it doesn’t fall flat. Yellow pairs well with white accents and light wood details to add more warmth to a cold space.

3. Powder Blue

This dreamy color makes us feel like we’re floating on a cloud in the sunny sky. Light blue helps to bring some brightness to a space, especially when paired with simple white accents. It’s ideal for a bathroom or any extra dark corner of your home.

4. Bright Orange

This color might seem a bit wild, but we’re not talking about safety orange here. When using orange in a dark space, think more pumpkin, tangerine, or apricot. These very warm shades work best in a dark kitchen or dining room—any space where people gather. Try pairing it with darker wood details with brown and white accents for a sleek look.

5. Soft Gray

For dark and drab spaces, it might seem a bit crazy to add even more gray to the mix, but it can work! It all depends on the shade you choose— if you stick with light to medium shades, you’ll be surprised at how it can actually brighten up a space.

Think very soft tones like dove gray, or greige (a mix of gray and beige) to keep things warm. Grays with a hint of color in the base are good options too, especially with a tinge of lavender or pink for added warmth.

6. Pink

Pink instantly brightens up any space and adds a whole lot of personality. We like softer pastel and rose tones are for adding just a hint of color without being overwhelming. However, if you want something bolder like fuchsia, stick to using it on an accent wall, since ultra-bright shades can make a room feel smaller when they’re on all four walls.

Where do Designers Buy Their Rugs?

If you’ve ever shopped for a rug, you know that it can be frustrating. There’s an endless number of retailers, a slew of rug designs to choose from, and not enough time to find the perfect one for both your style and budget. But enduring the shopping process can pay off, as rugs make a design scheme more welcoming and, as any designer would tell you, set the tone for the rest of your home.

Curious about the best rug retailers? To help narrow your search, we’re sharing a list of the best online rug stores. You’re sure to find a favorite for just about any space in your home.

1. ABC Carpet & Home

There’s a reason the industry’s leading designers head to ABC Carpet & Home for rugs and much more. The retailer does a brilliant job of offering an impressive variety of unique designs, from contemporary to vintage, and considers sustainability part of its ethos.

2. Serena & Lily

Live for beach-inspired spaces? Look no further than Serena & Lily, which carries solid, striped, and vintage-inspired rugs that’ll give your home a California cool vibe.

3. Ralph Lauren Home

If your space is in need of a timeless design, consider Ralph Lauren Home. Lauren has been in the business for more than 50 years, so rest assured that any rug you choose, whether it’s an antique reproduction or a flat weave, will be stylish and manufactured with care. 

4. Ben Soleimani

Just about any in-the-know designer would direct you to Ben Soleimani if you’re on the hunt for a stylish, high-quality rug. His contemporary designs are available in classic colors (think white, black, and gray), so you won’t be tempted to find an upgrade anytime soon. 

5. Dash & Albert

High style at an accessible price point is the best way to describe Dash & Albert’s offerings, ranging from cotton rugs to classic indoor/outdoor designs. Plus, the company, which was founded by design tastemaker Annie Selke in 2004, is committed to socially responsible practices. 

6. World Market

World Market is a go-to for bohemian decor lovers. The retailer carries everything from wool styles boasting colorful flowers to eye-catching kilim designs. 

7. Amazon

It’s no secret that Amazon is a go-to for just about any household item you can think of. And when it comes to their rug selection, you won’t be disappointed. The best part? Their customer reviews are helpful, so it’s unlikely that you’ll ever regret a purchase. 

8. Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn has a pretty vast selection of area rugs, performance styles, custom designs, and much more. The brand’s aesthetic is classic (there’s no shortage of neutrals), so if that’s the vibe you’re going for, it’s worth a look.

Who Makes The Best Area Rugs?

Whether you’re a home design junkie or not, no space is complete without an area rug. From a practical perspective, they provide cushion and underfoot warmth to tile, wood, and concrete flooring; they muffle sound and reduce echoes (two musts for those of us living in apartments), and they can cover up ugly floors or old wall-to-wall carpeting.

From a design perspective, an area rug can make or break a room. In fact, some home décor pros recommend starting with your area rug and choosing wall colors, upholstered furniture, and other home décor items (like throw pillows) based on its design.

In addition to its practical purposes, the right area rug can anchor a room, define separate spaces in an open-concept layout and add decorative value to your space. Just be sure to follow this one simple rule: Your rug should be at least 6 inches, but no more than 2 feet away, from a room’s walls.

With thousands upon thousands of options available online, it can be hard to find the right pattern, texture, shape, and size area rug for your home.

Here, the best area rugs you can buy now.

Best Overall: World Menagerie Wilkins Hand-Tufted Gray/Blue Area Rug at Wayfair: This wool rug stands up to high foot traffic, and the light speckling helps disguise debris between vacuuming.

Best Cotton: Dash and Albert Rugs Herringbone Indigo Area Rug at Wayfair: This handwoven mat is made of soft cotton, so it’s sustainable, soft underfoot, and affordable.

Best for Halls: Langley Street Aldergrove Flatweave Wool Rug at Wayfair: Thanks to its low pile height, this rug is durable and long-lasting, so it’s a great choice for hallways and entryways.

Best High Traffic: The Spruce Summer Quinn Area Rug at Wayfair: Great for busy households or those who frequently entertain, this rug is stain- and fade-resistant.

Best Design: nuLOOM Moroccan Blythe Area Rug at Amazon: This traditional area rug features a modern Moroccan trellis design that’s available in six different colors.

Best for Nursery: Rugs USA Diamond Trellis Nursery Rug at Rugsusa.com: The 100 percent natural wool fiber is soft and comfortable, but it’s also hypoallergenic—perfect for baby’s sensitive skin.

Best for Kitchen: Dash and Albert Rugs Geometric Area Rug at Wayfair: This geometric, black and white, handwoven rug is fade, stain, weather, and mildew-resistant—perfect for under your kitchen table.

Best with Tassels: Stone & Beam Tassled Wool Farmhouse Area Rug at Amazon: With soft cream and blue hues, an easy-to-clean medium pile height, and fun tassel finishes, this rug works well wherever you put it.

Best Value: IKEA VEDBAK Rug at Ikea: With a beautiful, colorful pattern, this pick is a great choice when you want a statement rug at a low price.

Best for Bedroom: Unique Loom Shag Collection Area Rug at Amazon: For your bedroom, you’ll want a plush rug that makes that first step out of bed in the morning a little less daunting.

How can I Light a Living Room Without a Ceiling Light?

Are you wondering how to add lighting to a room without ceiling light? You may have found the perfect apartment you were looking for with a perfect location however, you look up and realize that there are no overhead fixtures. Without ceiling lights, the apartment can seem dark and also quite dull.

You may have two options:

• If you install your own fixtures, it may lead to lease violation and therefore to losing your security deposit. Also, it can be dangerous for electrical safety.
• You can look for lighting ideas for rooms without ceiling lights.

Clearly, the second option is the more logical one.

1. Opt for Plug-in Ceiling Pendants

The first one of the lighting ideas for rooms without ceiling lights is plug-in pendants. Plug-in ceiling lights are great to fake the look of a ceiling light without the wiring. They provide perfect overhead lighting for rooms without ceiling lights.

So, even if your living room or bedroom doesn’t have a fixture, you can hang a plug-in ceiling light to light up the room. All you will need is an outlet.

Typically, plug-in ceiling lights are hung onto a hook that is screwed to the ceiling. Then the swagged cord gets plugged-in to the nearest outlet.

2. Arc Floor Lamps for Rooms with No Overhead Lighting

Are you looking for an ideal solution to light a room with no overhead lighting? Then, arc floor lamps can be what you are looking for. You may opt for a large arc lamp to light rooms without ceiling lights. Additionally, in terms of decor, their modern look provides an elegant ambiance, especially in the living rooms.

Tall arc floor lamps are quite functional and can light the entire room as well. Depending on their size they can almost replace ceiling lights. Moreover, there will be no drilling or wiring!

3. Table Lamps to Elevate Your Lighting

Table lamps are another one of the no overhead lighting solutions we have to offer. They come in various sizes and styles. Minimal table lamps are excellent for plain and simply decorated rooms.

Table lamps suit flawlessly to bedrooms with no ceiling lights as well Doğtaş has stylish bedroom lighting that will give bedrooms a warm and cozy atmosphere.

Are table lamps suitable only to bedrooms with no overhead lighting? No, they are also a great choice for those who are looking for an alternative for living rooms without ceiling lights. You can always mix and match different lighting options to illuminate a room. For instance, you can use an arc floor lamp on the living room corner and a table lamp on the table, coffee table, or shelves.

4. Use Plug-in Wall Sconces for Room without Ceiling Lights

Do you need lighting ideas for rooms without ceiling lights? How does the wall sconces in the photo above look? If you like them, you can try plug-in sconces! Plug-in wall sconces give out enough light to brighten up the rooms with no overhead lighting. They require installation however, it is quite simple and does not require wiring like ceiling lights.

Beautifully designed sconces or vintage sconces can give your house a romantic air and stylish atmosphere. So, you can opt for a plug-in sconce both to light a living room with no overhead lighting and give a perfect home decor accent.

5. Floor Lamp Against a Mirror

Another solution for lighting ideas for rooms without ceiling lights is placing an elegant floor lamp against a mirror. Using mirrors in home decoration has always been a trend. This has two reasons: functional and decorative.

Wondering how to light a living room with no overhead lighting? Place a tall floor lamp against a freestanding mirror or a mounted mirror. The mirror will do what it does the best; reflect the light source around the room.

Why do Living Rooms Not Have Ceiling Lights?

Many people ask why their apartment does not have any ceiling lights – it seems a little weird. Are owners are just being cheap? Let’s find out.

Apartment ceiling lights are not required by the building codes regulated by the government. Therefore, engineers and architects often exclude permanent ceiling fixtures in the design to save the building owner money. At minimum, the room is only required to have switched-outlets; where a wall switch controls a lamp plugged in to the wall.

Good lighting is important to people when looking for an apartment. Lighting design can effect human health, mood, productivity, and more. Plus, no one wants to bring guests over to a gloomy and dim apartment.

So, we may be upset when the owners don’t install ceiling lights.

So, now it is just a matter of design preference.

Rooms that typically always have permanent ceiling lights are:

• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Landry Rooms
• Corridors and Foyers

Rooms that often do not typically have permanent ceiling lights are:

• Living Rooms
• Dining rooms
• Bedrooms

The reason why some rooms need ceiling lights is simple: it is unreasonable to put a plug-lamp in those rooms. For example, can you imagine using a plug-in lamp in your kitchen or bathroom? It would be chaotic and take up too much space.

On the flip side, living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms are often designed for added furniture.

Search the internet for cool apartment lighting tips. You will not miss ceiling lights if you can find innovative ways to replace them.

Why do Some Bedrooms Not Have Lights?

By not installing ceiling light fixtures and instead using switched wall outlets so that renters must light their apartments using lamps, the landlords and investors are saving themselves money on the initial construction of the building.

Also Know, how do apartments make overhead lighting? These Are the Best Lighting Options for Your Apartment

1. Aim High With Eye-Catching Ceiling Fixtures.
2. Consider Sconces and Overhead Lighting for a Powder Room.
3. Choose Your Lampshades Wisely (Or Nix Them Altogether)
4. Warm Up To Incandescent Light.
5. Don’t Forget Task Lighting.
6. Put A Mirror, Mirror On The Wall.

What do You do if Your Apartment Doesn’t Have Lights?

A well-lit apartment is hard to find, especially in New York and other big cities where any apartment is hard to find. So if you’re lucky enough to discover one that’s within your budget and commuting radius, take it.

You have to employ some clever lighting tricks which are mentioned below.

1. Clear the space around your windows.

Whether you have one window in your apartment or ten, you can easily maximize their natural light powers by opening them to the room. Now before you do anything else, make sure each room is structured in a way that allows light to enter as deep as possible. Ideally, your whole window should be visible from any standing or sitting point in the room.

Next, move any tall bulky furniture to the darker side of the room so that it doesn’t obstruct light from entering through your window. For that same reason, only put low or thin plants on your windowsill.

Floating shelves, like the ones pictured above, allow additional light to pass through them. Glass door cabinets and chairs with narrow legs also produce the same luminous effect.

When in doubt, remember this: the less shadows an item creates, the better.

2. Place mirrors strategically.

Mirrors and other reflective surfaces can double, or even triple, the reach of your natural light. And by hanging mirrors strategically, you’ll extend sunlight into (almost) any corner. Kind of like the Parisian who gave himself a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower.

For maximum effect, put mirrors, shiny metals, or reflective glass on west- and east-facing walls since the sun focuses on each of them for half the day. Also, track where beams of light move in your apartment, and add reflective surfaces in those pathways to catch and disperse light throughout the rest of your home.

3. When picking treatments, treat lightly.

Sometimes the problem isn’t a lack of natural light but having too much of it, at least for half the day. If your windows face either east or west, you may have a blinding amount of light in the morning or evening, and then almost none the rest of the time. Use window treatments during the brightest hours, but nothing that obstructs ambient light the rest of the time.

When choosing treatments, pick white or soft colors, ideally of a material that allows some light to pass through. Windows flanked by floor-length curtains can also make a room look larger, which is especially helpful in darker apartments.

4. Think “light” with your colors too.

Similarly, choose lighter colors as often as you can when decorating and buying furniture. White and lighter shades reflect natural light, whereas black and darker browns absorb it.

Pay special attention to your rugs, since floors receive a lot of your apartment’s light. Some designers actually recommend painting a floor white to create the illusion of more space, but all white everything isn’t for everyone. A white shag rug or a light gray can still go a long way to brighten your apartment.

5. Clean your windows at least once a month.

Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best. If you have a clear path for light from your windows, and colors and surfaces that reflect it, you still need to make sure your light source is clean.

Similar to headlights on a car, your windows will accumulate dust, dirt, and film that weaken their output (or, in this case, input) of light. If you want your apartment to have the most natural light possible, clean the inside of your windows at least once a month, and beg the super to clean the outside a couple times a year.

How can I Add Light to a Room Without Wiring?

There are plenty of ideas for lighting without wiring that can change the look and feel of your living space with ease.

Light bulbs and Lampshades

Start with something simple, like changing out your light bulbs or even your lampshades. Colored bulbs come in lots of colors, including red, yellow, green, blue, pink, orange and amber. And, of course, you’ll find an even larger selection of colored lampshades at any home decor store.

Interested in taking it a step further? Consider purchasing a color-changing LED bulb. With a Bluetooth-compatible smartphone, you can control the bulb’s brightness level, activate unique effects and even change the color of light whenever the mood strikes you. Small changes such as these can have a big impact on the feel of your home.

Plug-in pendant lights

To install a ceiling light without wiring, look for plug-in pendant lights. These are single lights that hang by a cord from the ceiling and plug into a nearby outlet. Plug-in pendants are the perfect solution for aging fixtures — they give you the look and feel of modern lighting without requiring a single cut into drywall. Plus, they also boost task lighting and are easy to scale to the spot where they’ll hang. 

Plug-in wall sconces

Plug-in sconces are very easy to install — if you can hang a picture, you can install a plug-in sconce. Wall-mounted lighting can add symmetry as well as decorative interest to any room in your home. Disguise the cord that hangs down inside a thin metal tube running from the lamp to the outlet to give this light a more permanent look.

Wireless LED motion sensor lights

 A wireless motion sensor light is one of those minor conveniences that becomes a life-changing upgrade once installed. Not only are they inexpensive and easy to install, but battery-powered lights are also great for dark areas like coat closets, pantries, attics and storage closets. Use them to light up driveways, backyards, stairs, decks, hallways — even your path to the bathroom at night.

The only drawback to motion sensor LEDs is that they run on batteries and aren’t very bright. You’re always better off buying a top-quality battery-powered light. The Mr. Beams motion sensor light shines 100 lumens to help you find what you’re looking for. It does require four C batteries, but its energy drain is minimal because of the LED bulb. As an added bonus, it comes in very handy during a power outage.

How can I Brighten my Apartment With Little Sunlight?

It turns out there are six easy things you can do to make a dark room feel so much brighter.

1. Commit to light furniture.

Most people are hesitant when it comes to purchasing anything white for their homes, but it’s a necessary evil when you’re working on a room without windows. And while the chances of staining a white sofa or rug are high, the risk is worth the reward.

By adding a long, white sofa and accent cabinet next to each other, we were able to make the wall look taller and wider, which makes the room feel larger and a bit brighter automatically.

On the opposite wall, a long white media console takes center stage. When planning your major purchases, try to plan for a few key items to be white or another light shade. And if you’re really worried about stains, do a little extra digging. “Make sure you’re getting something that is treated or easy to clean,” says Wood.

2. Sprinkle in some color.

Of course, not everything in your room should be light. “Using pops of color gives a more fun, lively vibe,” says Wood. But keep in mind, just one “pop” isn’t enough. “If you have just one dark piece in the room, it’s going to stick out like a sore thumb.

So you really want to look for ways where you could introduce a color or a tone in a couple of different moments,” she explains. For example, in our room, we found a patterned rug at Marshalls that ties into the bright turquoise chair, which also pulls in the blue throw pillows and some of the darker tones in the artwork on the wall.

3. Load up on lighting.

Without windows, you’re forced to create your own light, so don’t be afraid to go overboard with lamps. Because our living room only has one overhead light and a skylight that doesn’t always provide the sunlight we need, Modsy put three lamps in the room—one on either side of the sofa and a floor lamp in the corner by the TV.

Not only will this help to make the room feel brighter, but it also gives you more control over the space. “If you want to turn off the overhead lights you have more than enough lighting to create a really beautiful and peaceful environment at night as well,” Wood explains.

4. Hang a mirror.

Another trick to fake more light in your space is to add a mirror. Modsy placed the mirror strategically above the bar cart so that the few beams of natural sunlight we get from the skylight will reflect off the mirror and back into the room. This works even if you only have lamps and overhead lighting, so definitely give it a try.

5. Don’t forget a few plants.

Plants literally add life to your space, so placing a few around your room will help make the area feel more alive. You can also opt for light-colored planters to spread smaller moments of brightness around. (We went for pale pink, blue, and gray planters from The Sill.)

Read Also: Earn Cash With Coffee Making In Your Local Area

Just be mindful, though, that you’ll probably need to take extra good care of plants in a dark or windowless room. Make sure you’re watering them correctly and give them some time near a window in another room if needed.

Conclusion

This all may sound like a lot to take into account and plan for when you are trying to light up your rental apartment, but in the end it all adds up to the result of a brighter, fresher space. “You’re not thinking about the fact that the room doesn’t have light or doesn’t have windows because there’s so much going on in the room and the room itself—there’s a lot of different points of focus and a lot of energy,” Wood says.

So whether or not light furniture and plants are right for you, as long as you fill your space with beautiful items and try a few of the tricks above (mirrors! art! layered rugs!) you’ll be on your way to a room that creates it own light.