Renter Friendly Ways to Update Your Lighting
We understand better than anyone that light fixtures play a crucial role in enhancing the overall ambiance and functionality of a space. Whether you're a homeowner or a renter, updating light fixtures is an easy way to make a lasting impression in the look and feel of your home. That said, updating light fixtures in a rental may sound like a daunting task, but it's actually easier than it seems and the impact is well worth the effort.
First things first, it's important to consider what kind of lighting is right for your space. Whether you're looking to switch out a pendant, wall sconce, or celling light, it's best to choose something that not only complements your current space, but that could work in a future place as well.
A Few of Our Favorites:
Luna: Available in multiple forms, the Luna is best known for its moon-like glow and timeless appeal. With an understated, low-profile canopy, minimalist rod, and milky glass globe, the striking simplicity of the Luna is an enduring addition to any interior design scheme.
Ray: An effortless combination of modern aesthetics and classic mid-century design, the Ray is fits seamlessly into any interior aesthetic.
Alabax: Inspired by fixtures from a 1951 General Electric industrial catalog, the Alabax has a simple, tulip-like silhouette that works well with any style. Each fixture is expertly cast, trimmed, and glazed by hand with custom tones that range from neutral to eye-catching.
Now onto the fun part, installing your new fixture! Follow the steps below to seamlessly update the fixture in your rental:
- First things first, make sure you check in with your landlord or property manager to see if they approve of you updating your fixtures. We also want to note that the steps below are general and may not encompass all the steps you need to take when changing out a fixture. If you're unsure, it's a good idea to contact an electrician to help!
- Turn off the power: Before you begin, turn off the power to the existing light fixture at the circuit breaker. To make sure that the breaker is indeed turned off, you can do two things: use a multimeter to test and ensure the power is off, or, leave the light on, shut the circuit breaker off and then check to make sure the light is off. If the light is still on that's a good indicator that the wrong breaker was shut off.
- Remove the old fixture: Unscrew and remove the old light fixture from the ceiling or wall.
- Disconnect the wiring: When it comes to wiring, black is usually hot, white or a white marked wire is neutral, and green or bare wire is ground. If the fixture does not have a green or bare grounding wire, connect the ground wire coming from the junction box to the green screw on the mounting bracket. When connecting wires you'll connect them in the following order: ground, hot, and then neutral. That said, when disconnecting the wires you'll want to do so in the reverse order.
- Connect the wiring: Connect the wiring from the new fixture to the corresponding wires in the ceiling or wall, using wire nuts to secure the connections. Remember, when connecting wires you'll connect them in the following order: ground, hot, and then neutral.
- Mount the new fixture: Attach the new fixture to the ceiling or wall.
- Turn on the power: Once the new fixture is securely installed, turn the power back on at the circuit breaker and viola!
Refresh Without Rewiring
All that said, if you're unable to switch out the fixtures in your rental, there are still a few ways you can elevate the ambience of your space without rewiring. Consider adding table lamps, floor lamps, or plug-in wall sconces to set the mood. Alternatively, string up a plug-in pendant over a cozy reading nook or your bedside tables for some additional light.
