apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

You may be able to add some variety with some sconces that plug into wall outlets. It would add some variety to the lighting--and avoid that whole "living room looks like a lamp store" effect. I'd try lampsplus.com for some affordable ideas.

I love the arc lamp. I own one myself! It definatly adds drama! Have you considered getting a longer console for your TV? Then you could place two table lamps on either side of it?

i like both ideas, but the first thing i'd do is get rid of those drapes, i can't quit looking at them. that would allow light from the outside in. They probably look much better in person-sorry. on a positive note, i LOVE your sofa and lamp :)

This is not meant to be snarky. But why not ask a landlord to put in overhead lighting? Since you are interested in design source some overhead lights from Lowes or Home Depot. Look for overhead lights that need to be installed through drilling into the ceiling. Also look for pendant lights that are cheaper to install because all you have to do is hang wires from the electricity source and a few bolts into the ceiling to keep the wires in place and one from which to hang the light. Try to find the cheapest but nicest options to offer to your landlord. If you own then this investment in basic overhead lighting is worth it.

I think lighting is best when its layered and you have choices between overhead lights, floor lamps and table lamps- depending on mood and functionality. I think to make the room seem bright enough you will end up buying 3-4 lamps or less ( if you use really high wattage bulbs) and this wont solve the problem unless you deal with the overhead lighting situation.

I don't see that there's a problem with insufficient light - but the lighting I see is all overhead, overbright and flat.

I'd get rid of the tall lamp by the TV & put the arc lamp over there - this would be a great place for a reading chair. I'd then get a couple of nice end tables (with storage) and a pair of table lamps for either side of your sofa.

The last thing anyone needs in a livingroom is an overhead ceiling light fixture.

Putting a small table in the corner with a lamp on it will look sort of pointless, although, if you found a nice vintage lounge chair on craigslist to flank it this could function as a reading nook. Do this, paint the walls brilliant white, get some lighter drapes (all the way to the floor), hang a large mirror behind the sofa to bounce the light you have around and put the reading nook in the corner to the left of the T.V. Also... I would lose that media console and use the coffee table for the television stand and get a couple movable small round side tables for use in front of the sofa so that you can move them out of the way and have more room for your workouts. Cheers!

You know, I have to agree with Steph. The drapes are somewhat distracting. They look wrinkled and they're too short.

If you decide to do away with the arc lamp, I'd love it! (I can't afford it retail, but was hoping to find one at deep discount on Craig's List...)

i second queenbee1230 on the wall sconces. i have (but hate) my overhead lighting, and picked up a great wall sconce at ikea which is mounted above my sofa. it's the perfect amount of light without having to have a roomful of lamps.

Its sort of a shame the photo was taken with the drapes, since they have since been taken down...and they look sort of awefull in this photo, different in person. I have lighter sort of grey (light toned) curtains. Anyhow, they can't go down to the ground because of the heaters you see in the photo. Also, the walls arent quite as drab as the photo indicates...its just sort of bad lighting in the photo.

I appreciate the comments, please keep them coming.

Oh and i cant do the overhead lighting because i woul dhave to pay ALOT to have the wiring imbed within the concrete...or i would have to have exposed track.

Thanks for the comments. Its a shame that the photo was taken with those curtains, as they dont exist anymore...they arent like that in person though.
The new ones are lighter and different material. Anyhow, the photo in general is odd lighting, so the blue is not showing properly either. I suppose i should have had a better photo!

I'm with bepsf on this one.

also look at www.wallsconceuniverse. they have a large selection of plug in wall sconces. i love the small jak.

i have that same lamp from target and i got rid of the plastic piece on top and got a nice modern lamp shade that clips on to the bulb. Helps a lot! :)

i'm totally with bepsf on this one. doesn't it bother anyone to have a light bulb shining down in your eyes when you're trying to watch TV? not to mention having the light bulb so far away when you're try ing to read...

how about the Oval Glass, Architectural Column, Creamy Urn, Effortless Brown, or Current?

All of these have good shapes/sizes, neutral colors, a casual vibe, and transitional look...

I have the same arc lamp in my living room. We got two of IKEA's TEXTUR table lamps in white and put them on both sides behind our TV. The trio lights up our entire living room and the shades on the IKEA lamps match the CB2 one perfectly. We get a lot of nice approval from guests about them. They are also all on dimmers so you can adjust for movies ect.

A swag pendant might not be a bad option (and some art and plants too) - only drilling a screw into the concrete wouldn't be too bad. And easy to put some poster putty or the like into when you moved.

Put some art on your walls, or mirrors, or something else that makes you happy. For some reason, the lack of things-on-the-walls is making it look unfinished, to me.