This Is the Most Clever Renter-Friendly Lighting Upgrade I’ve Ever Seen

Sarah EverettHome Projects Editor
Sarah EverettHome Projects Editor
I organize the Before & After series and cover DIY and design. I joined AT in October 2020 as a production assistant. I have an MA in Journalism from the University of Missouri and a BA in Journalism from Belmont University. Past editorial stops include HGTV Magazine, Nashville Arts Magazine, and local magazines in my hometown, Columbia, Missouri.
published Aug 25, 2024
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Credit: Katie Falbo

As a home projects editor at Apartment Therapy, I’ve pretty much seen the gamut of renter-friendly lighting hacks out there: When it comes to adding luxe (read: non-builder-grade) lighting to your rental home, battery-operated bulbs, puck lights, Command strips, DIY shades, and even snipped sconce cords are your friends. 

And here’s the newest, smartest solution I’ve seen for upgrading lighting while still keeping your landlord happy — or just saving big bucks if you own your home. 

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Credit: Katie Falbo
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Credit: Katie Falbo

DIYers Katie Falbo and Cody Scheppers (@highboyla) made their likely early aughts light fixture look a little more 2020s by swapping out the globes of the fixture but not replacing the light fixture itself. 

Katie says on Instagram that the light fixture came with the apartment, and the shades were “caked in dust to the point where you can’t really clean them.” Still, she and Cody didn’t want to do any rewiring themselves or call in a professional, so they wanted a refresh that was low-lift. 

3 Pack Clear Frosted Glass Globes for Light Fixtures Replacement
$50
$50 at Amazon

“We realized we could order new glass shades for the bulbs,” Katie said in the Before & After post about the entire bathroom. “We found these frosted white mid-century modern globes that fit perfectly onto our fixture on Amazon for about $30 for a set of three. It was such an easy fix and really made the room feel more elevated and hotel-like!”

I love this idea of replacing the globes — not the entire fixture — no matter the room in the house. It seems so easy! And I love the contemporary ones Katie and Cody selected. The white matte feels more modern, and the silhouette is definitely more of a fit for 2024. A few more globes that might spark inspiration for a future project are below.

Westinghouse Replacement Glass Globe
$18
$18 at Amazon

This clear glass option could add some fluted beauty to a vanity or hallway; I think this would look lovely with more vintage-looking hardware. 

Westinghouse Smoke Glass Lustre Globe
$12
$12 at Ace Hardware

This one from ACE Hardware will bring a bit of a moodier vibe, as it’s a darker color. Pop an Edison bulb in the middle, and you’ve got yourself a speakeasy-inspired look.

5.75'' H Glass Empire Pendant Shade
$60$35
$35 at Wayfair

This one from Wayfair is also darker and moodier; I could see this in an industrial-leaning loft.

Small Matte Black Metal Bell Pendant Lamp Shade
$20
$20 at Home Depot

This metal bell shape from The Home Depot would offer more of a farmhouse look. 

No matter the shape or style you choose, just make sure the silhouette fits your existing fixture and allows your light bulb of choice to screw in. If you want to go the extra mile, you can spray-paint your fixture to match (just make sure to get landlord permission!), although Katie and Cody strategically selected globes that would look nice with any metal finish — no landlord phone calls required. 

Just $30 for a light fixture that feels brand-new, not to mention much cleaner? It’s a brilliant idea worth bookmarking.

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