13 Brilliant Lighting Solutions for When Your Space Is Just Too Dark

Nikol Slatinska
Nikol SlatinskaShopping Writer, Home
In my role at Apartment Therapy, I'm most passionate about making my home look beautiful and organized and helping our readers do the same — often at a discount. Although I cover my fair share of newsy pieces, my work focuses on long-form service articles that help our audience…read more
updated Sep 13, 2023
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
eclectic earth tone living room

Having a well-lit home is key to creating a warm and inviting space. Aside from the obvious benefit of functionality, the right lighting can literally illuminate your personal style. After all, what’s the use of Amazon finds to splurge-worthy multi-taskers, you’re bound to find a lighting arrangement out there to set the perfect ambiance in your space. So where can you find these game-changing lighting fixtures? We’ve pulled together a list of 13 alternative lighting solutions that promise to, ahem, shed light on the situation. (PS: Some are even on sale!)

Tubicen Portable Table Lamp
$50$40

This USB-rechargeable lamp is the ultimate portable light under $60. With four brightness settings and a battery life of at least seven hours, it sets the ambiance anytime, inside or outside. Thanks to a lightweight build and its lack of cords, the light can be endlessly repositioned for dinner parties, bedtime reading, game night, or general mood lighting.

$40 at Amazon
Luna Drop Floor Lamp
$200$139

Brightech makes some of the classiest lamps we've ever seen, and the Luna is no exception. This sleek brass number promises to elevate any corner, no matter how sparse or crowded it is. In addition to its white glazed globe bulb, the lamp also sports a matching white marble bass, complete with an easy on/off foot switch.

$139 at Brightech
Bonbon Shade
$475$380

We're obsessed with all things HAY, like this multi-functioning Scandi lamp. The Bonbon Shade can be placed on the floor or atop a table for those without electrical wiring for chandeliers, but it can also hang pendant-style from the ceiling. The versatility of this shade means it will outlast future moves and life changes; it will fit in with lots of styles and look elegant while doing so.

$380 at HAY
Calla Lily Sconce
$59

If you want a trendy — and slightly funky — home accessory, just head to Urban Outfitters. There, you'll find this striking wall sconce, which is fully shaped like a calla lily. We guarantee your house guests won't have seen anything like it, regardless of whether you get it in white or gold. And at $60, it's one of the more affordable lighting fixtures the store carries.

$59 at Urban Outfitters
Fatboy Transloetje Table Lamp
$139

This completely transparent table lamp comes in four gorgeous colors that subtly tint the hue of the light. It boasts a battery life of up to eight hours, which makes this portable and cordless little powerhouse the perfect LED energy-saving light to spice up any space. The lamp's touch-sensor switch has three different light settings, so you can change it to set the mood. Really want to make a style statement? Take home one in each color.

$139 at Lumens
Dekum 11" Metal Dome Pendant
$579

Mid-century style-lovers will appreciate the Dekum pendant's rounded metal shade, brass fixture, and slightly exposed bulb. Not only can you customize the light's length, but you can also pick your favorite shade finish among the plentiful options. We love this subtle but beautiful olive green, which you can get in either a glossy or matte finish.

$579 at Rejuvenation
Nanoleaf Shapes Hexagons Smarter Modular Lighting Set
$200

This easy (and drill-free) hanging light will provide a pop of style to any wall and light up the room. Wirelessly program the hexagons to achieve endless colors, or sync up the color changes with music in real-time. You can control the settings by touching the lights, calling commands to Alexa, or using the corresponding app. (If hexagons aren't your thing, check out these triangles.)

$200 at Urban Outfitters
Tala Knuckle Table Lamp
$170

For small spaces, this simple plug-in light is a no-brainer. The table lamp is small enough to fit onto just about any tabletop (or bookshelf or nightstand or console) while still providing lots of light. The porcelain bulb can be adjusted via the attached dimmer, so you can use this simple piece whether you need bright light or low-level mood lighting. The simple and elegant piece is available with either a light wood or blackened oak cylindrical base.

$170 at West Elm
Fatboy Bolleke Outdoor Hanging Pendant Light
$139

This rechargeable sphere can be put to good use inside or out. Its waterproof coating makes it the perfect portable light source for outdoor picnics or ambiance lighting, but we also like to think it could make pretty cool semi-permanent indoor fixture, too. The fun rubber loop means hanging the ball of light is super easy; suspend it from a hook in the living room, or wrap it around a branch in the backyard — you really can't go wrong.

$139 at Lumens
Henry Sconce
$228$200

A plug-in sconce that doubles as a side table? Count us in! This chic Anthropologie fixture boasts gorgeous bronze-toned accents that become illuminated with the simple flick of a switch. Place your favorite candle, a glass of wine, or a good book within arm's reach on the sconce's table tray, and enjoy having both warm light and an uncluttered nightstand.

$200 at Anthropologie
Artkalia Vitaa Wireless LED Floor Lamp
$369$332

This sculptural floor lamp will add some serious style to a room. Dimmable, battery-operated, and portable (for when you want to rearrange your space or plug it in to charge), the funky LED lamp casts a gentle glow for up to eight hours. Perfect for filling up the awkward spaces between furniture or setting out of the way in a corner, the color options and ambient light are bound to make a statement.

$332 at Lumens
Arrington Steel Plug-in Wallchiere
$240$206

Much like the Luna lamp, this unique wall fixture stuns with its simplicity. It adheres to the wall via a small brass holder, but what really draws the eye is the sconce's slim black rod and, of course, its spherical bulb. It'll look right at home no matter where you place it, whether that's by the fireplace, in the dining room, or next to your bed.

$206 at AllModern
Modern Sprout Smart Growhouse
$249

Plant parents out there – this one's for you. This grow light planter will not only provide some extra (synthetic) rays for your plants, but it's also an awesome fixture for a dark room. Adding a light source that helps your greenery become even more vibrant is a surefire way to make any table or counter look that much more inviting.

$249 at West Elm

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