Collection: Apartment Living

Plug-In Pendant Lights

A plug-in pendant gives you hanging light without touching the ceiling wiring. Hang it from a ceiling hook, route the cord along the ceiling and down the wall, and plug it in. These three range from a single bare bulb to a sculptural column of light.

• Cylindrical Plug-In Pendant Light by Tala: A slim socket in Brass or Graphite-finished anodized aluminum, just 1.63" across, on a decorative cord. Add a standard E26 bulb (not included), and Tala's own decorative LED bulbs pair especially well. It works over a bed, beside a sofa, or as a downlight above a desk, and it carries a two-year warranty. Mood: one well-chosen bulb, hung where you need it.
• Silvia Pendant Light by UMAGE: Søren Ravn Christensen's 2010 design layers overlapping petals into a pinecone-like shade that softens the bulb and casts gentle patterns. It comes in 12.6" or 19.7" widths, with shades in Brushed Brass, Copper, Steel, or White on a black or white cord. Choose the plug-in version for renting or the hardwired version for a permanent install. It takes a standard E26 bulb (not included) and carries a 10-year warranty. Mood: a sculptural shade at an approachable price.
• Ambrosia V LED Plug-In Pendant Light by Marset: Ciszak Dalmas's 2023 design for Marset, made in Spain, hangs as a vertical column of light at 51.2", 69", or 88.6" tall, in Black or Matte Gold. The integrated LED produces roughly 3,000 to 5,000 lumens depending on size, in your choice of 2200K, 2700K, or 3000K, with 90 CRI. It has a built-in dimmer and a 6.6-foot cable. Mood: a glowing column that makes a corner the focal point.

Plug-In Wall Lights

A wall light frees up your nightstand, side table, and floor space, which matters in a small apartment. Choose a confirmed plug-in version for an installation without new wiring, and get approval for mounting holes before you begin.

• Lenz Wall Light by Jamie Young: A mid-century swing-arm sconce in Black or Brass steel that reaches out up to 51.75" from the wall. Swing it over the bed for reading, behind the sofa, or above a desk, then fold it back when you're done. It is 42" tall, dimmable, and takes a standard E26 bulb (not included). Mood: a reading light that moves where you need it.
• Simon Plug-In Wall Light by LARK: A dome shade with a slim collar on an angular arm and round wall plate. Choose Heritage Brass with a Black, Matte Navy, or Matte White shade, or Black with a Cased Opal glass shade. It is 8" wide and 13.3" tall with an 18" projection, sized for a nightstand or reading chair. It takes a candelabra E12 bulb (not included). Mood: a dressed-up bedside light at an easy price.

Table and Floor Lamps

Lamps are the easiest lighting upgrade in any apartment. They need no installation, move from room to room, and add warm light at eye level, where a single ceiling fixture can't reach.

• 90 Mini Mini Desk Lamp by Anglepoise: A compact 2012 version of George Carwardine's classic balanced-arm Anglepoise lamp, with a 4.7" base that fits a small desk or nightstand. It stands 20.5" tall, with an integrated 3000K LED that produces 470 lumens and dims with one button. Choose from Carbon Black and Black, Jasmine White, Kelp Green, or Steel Blue and Grey. It is backed by a lifetime residential guarantee. Mood: an icon sized for a small desk.
• U.H.O. LED Floor Lamp by George Kovacs: A 70" torchiere topped with a flat 15" disc and a white acrylic ring diffuser. It bounces light off the ceiling to brighten the whole room, which helps when an apartment has no overhead fixture or only a weak one. The integrated LED produces about 2,330 lumens at 3000K and 95 CRI, it is dimmable, and the 12-foot cord reaches a distant outlet. Mood: whole-room light without a ceiling fixture.
• Poldina Pro LED Table Lamp by Zafferano America: Federico de Majo's cordless rechargeable lamp runs for more than 9 hours per charge on its contact charging base. Touch the top to dim it, and switch between 2200K, 2700K, and 3000K. It is IP65 rated for indoor and outdoor use, so it can move from the dining table to the balcony. It comes in a 10.8" small or 14.9" large, in more than a dozen colors and finishes. Mood: a lamp that goes wherever there isn't an outlet.

Core Types of Apartment Lighting

Most apartments rely on one overhead fixture. Adding a few layers of light makes small rooms feel bigger and more comfortable, all without rewiring.

Start with the dark corners: Most rooms get light only from the center. Put a lamp or sconce in each corner that stays dark, and the room will feel larger.

Keep color temperature consistent: Use bulbs in the same range, usually 2700K to 3000K, so the room looks unified.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hang a pendant in a rental without an electrician?

Yes, with a plug-in pendant. Hang it from a ceiling hook rated for the fixture's weight, run the cord along the ceiling to the wall, and plug it in. Check your lease first, since some landlords restrict drilling into ceilings.

How do I hide the cords from plug-in lights?

Paintable cord covers along the wall make the cord nearly disappear, and some designers leave a decorative cord exposed on purpose. Plan your route before you mount anything, so the cord takes the shortest and neatest path to the outlet.

What if my apartment has no overhead lighting at all?

A torchiere floor lamp is the best place to start. It bounces light off the ceiling to brighten the whole room, like an overhead fixture would. Add task lamps and wall lights where you read or work, and the room will be fully covered.