The 5 Best Lamps For Your Apartment

This article is brought to you by CORT Furniture Rental. We take the hassle out of furnishing your new place so you can do more important things like read this article. Learn more about why furniture rental is the best way to get a great looking apartment.

If you’re anything like me, you walked into your beautiful, empty new apartment and wondered, “Why isn’t there any lighting?”

This happens more than you think. Overhead lighting just isn’t always included anymore. If this happens to you, you need to find some good lamp lighting quickly or you’ll be left in the dark. However, you don’t have to run to the nearest home department store and buy the first ones you see; you have more options for lighting your apartment than you think.

New and unusual choices are trending in the home decoration circle; don’t be afraid to capitalize on them.

pexels.com

1. Contemporary floor lamp

The first and foremost thing you’ll need to light your apartment is something with a little power. The other options in this article are fantastic, but they may just not be enough light to get you through any midnight study sessions. For this, you’ll need a floor lamp.

The best results come from getting something usable, chic and understated. Something classically shaped and in a neutral color won’t detract from the rest of your decor, but compliment it nicely. You’d be surprised by how easy and cheap some of these great looking lamps come. Some perfectly nice ones come from Walmart for just over $10.

2. Chic desk lamp

If you’re a student, you’re going to need some sort of desk lamp. Luckily, desk lamps have only gotten better. They don’t have to be an eyesore anymore, but can be one of the highlights of your room. Desk lamps are a great opportunity to add some color or some chrome with a great shape.

You can get one that stands on its own or one that clips onto the edge of the table. Desk lamps are essential, so make sure you choose one that matches your room and personality. Here’s a great one from Urban Outfitters.

3. String lights

I know if you’ve been anywhere on Pinterest lately you’ve seen the bohemian bungaloos filled with tapestries and string lights. If that’s your style, it’s just all the more reason to indulge in some string lights. If it isn’t, don’t worry. String lights prove to be very versatile lighting and can match many different types of decor.

String lights come in all varieties: small, large, exposed, globe, colored and so many others. You can hang them virtually anywhere as well. You could hang them along your ceiling line, above your curtains, on top of your bed frame or anywhere else you need a little light. They give off great, muted lighting that can be a great alternative to harsh overhead lighting.

pexels.com

4. Exposed lighting

Much like the string lights, exposed lights are also a new trend. Exposed lighting means that your light bulb isn’t hidden under a lamp, but is free standing (usually hanging) just off of the wire that feeds it electricity. If you aren’t really into the traditional side table lamp for your bedroom, you may look and see if exposed lighting is for you. It’s pretty simple because all you need is a bulb and cord.

This also works if you aren’t a fan of side tables in general or they don’t work with your bed. You can, of course, optimize the look with a great looking cord and bulb of different shapes, sizes, and often even a wire frame around it. This look often pairs best with a minimalist vibe and, for some reason, exposed brick.

5. A DIY treasure

If you’re more into making your own lighting, don’t be afraid to search out ways to customize your own lamp. Lamp bases can be made from lots of things, such as spray painted animal figurines or old bottles. Lamp shades can be made from even more.

A quick search on Pinterest will lead you to a treasure trove of DIY lampshade ideas. From book pages and music sheets, to poking out your own cityscape, your lampshade can be anything you want it to be. All you need is a plain shade to decorate, a light, and a stand to put it on. This can also be done if you just have an old lamp that needs a little updating. Here’s a tutorial to make a “well-defined” lampshade.

While you may be overwhelmed by the prospect of lighting your whole apartment, you’ll soon be excited by the opportunity to personalize your entire apartment. The choices for lighting can really make your apartment something special. You can choose all types of lamps: exposed, vintage, minimal, or DIY. Whatever your style is, there’s a lamp to fit it.

Looking for an easy way to furnish your off-campus apartment? Renting furniture from CORT saves you time and money. See how easy it is to get great looking furniture without breaking the bank.