The “Gold” Method Can Totally Transform a Cheap LED Lamp (It’s Only $10!)

When it comes to illuminating your home, a portable LED lamp is one of the brightest ideas out there — and for good reason. Not only can these fixtures give any nook or cranny a gorgeous glow, but they’re also lightweight enough to be moved around at a moment’s notice. 

Of course, these trendy lamps aren’t foolproof. If you’re looking to find a design that’s portable and battery-powered but doesn’t cost a pretty penny, you’re probably going to wind up with one that looks … well, basic. Store-bought isn’t necessarily bad, but is it doing your overall design scheme any favors? Nah. Believe it or not, though, I found a smart, savvy decor solution in the most unlikely of places: on vacation. 

My lightbulb moment — literally — happened when my husband and I were staying at Hacienda Encantada Resort & Residences in Mexico’s Cabo San Lucas. We were enjoying dinner at the property’s seafood-focused restaurant, Mestizo, when, sometime between ordering cocktails and scarfing down our coconut shrimp appetizer, I noticed the statement-making light fixture on our table: a slim lamp that featured a microscopic, metal pointed shade and an extravagant base that was seemingly comprised of a curvy metallic fish. 

Sure, this lamp isn’t exactly for the timid, but it felt special. Lamps at restaurants (or anywhere, honestly) can feel like an atmospheric after-thought, but this one looked incredibly at-home in the eatery’s modern aquatic vibe. Dare I say it even looked like a custom piece of art? 

However, this wasn’t the case. As I looked closer at the fixture, I realized that this seemingly upscale arrangement was merely a tabletop sculpture strategically placed next to a store-bought lamp. 

I can already sense your comments pouring in. “That’s it? Simply adding a little figurine near the lamp base is your big idea? Wow.” I know that it’s a rather simple tweak, but that’s kind of the beauty of it. Small changes can make a bigger difference than you think. And that little hit of gold really telegraphs a tiny bit of luxury, so I’d use that as your compass for finding something to pair with your lamp.

Although simple, this portable lamp and statue combo reminds us that even the smallest corners in our homes don’t have to be compromised. Instead, virtually any spot is just a few tweaks away from looking fabulous. 

And the best part: This thrown-together vignette can really look good anywhere. On your console table in your foyer? Draped over your living room coffee table? Stacked on a bookshelf? Check, check, and check. Of course, I did spot this trick at a restaurant, which means it’ll also look pretty good on your dining room table. It’s definitely easier and cheaper than an over-the-top tablescape or a weekly bouquet of flowers.

If you’re convinced, it’s time to bring this combination into your space. Start by selecting a portable lamp for your space — preferably a simple, metal lamp with a slim base so your statue can really stand out. 

Admittedly, finding a figurine to place below can be challenging, but I do have some recommendations. To create some seamless movement in your vignette, choose an object that’s shorter than the base of the lampshade. If you really want to trick your friends into thinking you splurged on a custom light fixture, select a slightly curved figurine that will look like it’s one with your lamp’s base. 

It might sound like I’m sending you down a shopping rabbit hole, but big-box retailers have a bunch. Or, if you have some patience and love the thrill of the hunt, look for something at a nearby antique store that will give this simple tip a made-for-you flair. Talk about a bright idea!