Ask a Designer: How Can I Make My Rental Brighter Without Installing Light Fixtures? – Washingtonian

Image via Getty Images.

Washingtonian’s  “Ask a Designer” series takes readers’ home design questions and conundrums directly to the experts—interior designers. Struggling to find the best kid-friendly rug for your mudroom? Looking for a desk to fill an awkward space? Need exterior paint recs? Send your questions to  [email protected] washingtonian. com   and we’ll get them answered.  

“Concrete ceiling = no light fixtures sama dengan feeling like I live in the cave. It’s a rental. Advice, please? ”

We asked DC designer Byron Risdon of Byron Risdon LLC for his advice:

“There are actually a couple ways to address this, and all are rental-friendly and cost-effective. All of these solutions depend on the layout of your space and outlet locations. Personally, my go-to solution for this problem would be a mix associated with high- plus low-level plug-in options. I would also suggest using smart plugs and bulbs so you can operate the lights from an app instead of relying on a cord or a switch.

“First, consider plug-in ceiling and wall lights. You can purchase a kit from Room & Board that will turn any pendant fixture into a plug-in. Depending upon the size of the particular pendant, it could go over an island or dining table or be used as the center gentle in a bedroom. Additionally , there are furthermore plug-in track options from sources such as Lamps Plus that could be used in a hallway, outside of a closet, or to light a good area like a workspace. One of the most used connect to options is sconces. These allow a person to go slightly higher than a table lamp, and could be utilized as bedside lighting or flank the mirror in a hallway or even above a fireplace. West Elm makes an oversized sconce that extends, so this can go in a corner or edge of a room but also reach out to your desired location. For installation, you could use an epoxy to attach the base in order to the walls or roof, but I would opt for concrete screws. This will require professional installation or the proper tools, yet the hole is minimal and the uninstall will be much easier.

“Second: try a mix of low-level lighting. For example, you could have the balance of table and floor lamps throughout the area. Since you have a cement ceiling, I’m going to guess you’re in a more modern space—an arched floor lamp might be a great solution. It looks sculptural and provides some overhead lighting, as well. You could pair this particular with your plug wall options, like sconces and picture lights. This would cast light through different angles, giving you the overall effect you need to lighten up the space. ”

Mimi Montgomery Washingtonian

Home & Features Editor

Mimi Montgomery joined Washingtonian within 2018. She’s written for The Washington Post, Garden & Gun, Outside Magazine, Washington City Paper, DCist, plus PoPVille. Originally from North Carolina, she now lives in Del Ray.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *