Nine Genius Condo Lighting Ideas for Every Room

Try an Eye-Catching Flush Mount

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Low ceilings can be a challenge in small spaces, but you can trick the eye into elevating your ceilings by placing an eye-catching flush mount chandelier. Not only will it not be cumbersome to light a low-hanging chandelier, it will draw the eye up, add visual interest, and provide multi-dimensional lighting more than a single flush mount would.

Similarly, flush mount lighting would work well as a quick update to a small bathroom. Courtney Nye, Principal Designer of Courtney Nye Design, especially loves lighting options by Glomar; available at Home Depot. In a previous interview with MyDomaine, she says, “Every place I’ve ever moved into had at least some dated or unattractive light fixtures. I love these Glomar flush mount lights because they can either replace a ceiling light or a vanity sconce for a clean, modern, and affordable upgrade. Because they’re so simple, the light bulb type can help direct the style.”

Install Task Lighting in the Kitchen

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Does your kitchen only have overhead lighting? Improve form and function by adding a plug-in or hardwired task wall light (though make sure to read through your rental agreement before purchasing lights that require hardwiring.) Not only task wall lights make your space feel layered and chic, but they’ll also create a moodier ambiance that will make cooking more enjoyable, and help with the minute tasks you normally would have executed in the dark. When considering task lighting, some efficient ideas include installing lighting in your cabinets and shelving, drawers, and of course, your kitchen countertops.

Some experts argue that planning task lighting (light where you really need it) should be a top priority, before adding accent lighting (if budget and space allow) to add visual interest.

Drop a Low Pendant in the Bathroom

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Most run-of-the-mill apartments only have overhead lighting in the bathroom, but it’s less than ideal for getting ready in the morning, especially if the space is low on natural light. To make your bathroom lighting more dimensional, add sconces flanking the vanity mirror, or, if you’re looking for a more space-saving solution, try hanging a low pendant from the ceiling to come down to the height where a sconce would be.

Add a Variety of Light Sources

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Living rooms are always best appointed when they feature a variety of lighting sources dispersed in a triangular pattern around the room and at differing heights. Use a variety of floor lamps, table lamps, and ceiling fixtures to make your living room feel ultra-cozy and moody. And don’t forget to put everything on dimmers.

For example, one could source all of their lighting needs at IKEA and score direct overhead lighting, decorative chandeliers that make a statement in the living room, whimsical pendants for character, and sleek floor lamps that fit perfectly in empty corners and reading nooks.

Replace Bedside Table Lamps With Sconces

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Replace your bedside lamps with sconces to save precious nightstand space. If you have the room, hang them on the outside of the bed frame, but they can also hang directly above the bed in tighter quarters (a great space-saving trick in place of floor or table lamps.)

If you’re renting, plug-in sconces can do wonders to elevate the bedroom, and, when it’s time to move, you’ll have something chic to take with you to your new space.

Place a Floor Lamp in Dark Corners

Light up dark corners of your bedroom or living room by placing a floor lamp in those often overlooked spaces. Their slim design doesn’t take up much floor space, making them great for apartments.

Create Ambiance With Dimmers

If you can, incorporate dimmer switches whenever possible for ultimate lighting flexibility in your home. Or, choose lamps that feature 3-way bulbs or high/low lighting options.