You may be living in a rental, but that doesn't mean you should shy away from creating a home that truly reflects your tastes—especially if you don't plan on buying a permanent home any time soon. (You're not alone: According to the Stanford Center on Longevity, homeownership rates among millennials are at an all-time low in half a century.) But as our favorite interior designers have suggested time and time again, you don't need to take extreme measures—and risk saying buh-bye to that deposit—in order to upgrade your interiors to a style that you love.
Think about it: You're already investing in furnishings that you'll be taking with you when you move, so why not complement those purchases with something as simple an affordable as lighting. Now, we're not suggesting that you hire an expensive electrician to rewire and replace all of your apartment's generic wall lights. Instead, opt for plug-in wall sconces that require only a minute to hang (once you decide on the perfect placement, that is) and can be easily unmounted and packed in a box when you do decide to upgrade to a new space.
While these effortless light options might require a screw or two to install, perhaps the hardest part is deciding which sconce design works best with your existing decor. Whether you're looking to ditch your rental's generic lighting or you want a temporary upgrade for your permanent abode, we've done the window shopping for you and rounded up a handful of versatile options that work seamlessly with any interior design style—just keep scrolling below.
Under $100
IKEA Ranarp Wall Clamp Spotlight with LED Bulb ($20)
Another versatile option is the go-to Swedish home furnishings giant's two-in-one spotlight (also available with a black shade too), which can be mounted to the wall or clamped onto a shelf or other surface. Plus, this retro sconce's black-and-white cord adds a decidedly not-so-basic touch to any reading nook or wall.
Threshold Accordion Metal Wall Lamp in Gold/White, 29" x 12.7" ($55)
You really can't go wrong with Target's affordable Threshold home décor line, which includes this retro accordion light that looks way more expensive than its actual price tag, thanks to the gold hardware combined with a white metal lampshade.
Urban Outfitters Rattan Lantern Sconce ($39)
Bohemian decor lovers can rejoice that this very budget-friendly rattan wall light will give their space a vacation-inspired touch (without a round-trip plane ticket).
Kenroy Home Edis 1-Light Bronze Sconce ($59)
This plug-in wall sconce will be right at home in both contemporary and industrial-inspired spaces. We love that the pulley wheel is actually functional (use it to adjust the height of the light) and that the glass shade can be removed if you're seeking a more minimalist effect. All you need is an Edison bulb to complete the vintage-inspired look.
Under $200
West Elm + Rejuvenation Adjustable Cylinder Sconce ($199)
This small space-friendly lamp's swiveling lampshade makes it a cinch to shine a light wherever it's needed without taking up a ton of wall space.
Jonathan Adler Milano 11 1/4"H Plug-In Nickel Wall Sconce ($167)
Known for his sculptural, statement-making designs and interiors, Jonathan Adler's three-bulb sconce with will really take things up a notch in any room. This plugin lamp is also available in brass and matte bronze, and the lucite rings that hold the bulbs in place add an extra retro-modern touch. It can also be reconfigured as a hardwired lamp for those who want to make this a permanent fixture.
Anthropologie Fela Tasseled Sconce ($118)
We envision this playful tasseled hanging lamp in a boho-cool space surrounded by greenery, or as a statement piece in a Scandinavian-meets-minimalist corner.
CB2 Mantis Swivel Wall Sconce in Brass ($149)
Minimalists and midcentury modern enthusiasts alike will find that this sconce will blend seamlessly with its surroundings. This walnut wood and brass fixture swivels 360 degrees, so it works well in tight spaces, too.
Pottery Barn Elise Adjustable Linear Sconce ($169)
If you're into a decidedly more contemporary approach and prefer plug-in wall sconces without exposed bulbs, this classic adjustable fixture with a modern lampshade fits the bill.
Under $600
Design Within Reach Nelson Cigar Wall Sconce ($495)
A requisite in any midcentury modern collector's home, legendary architect George Nelson's iconic bubble pendant adds instant authenticity to vintage-inspired interiors. It's produced in partnership with the George Nelson Foundation, so you know you're getting the real deal with your investment.
France & Son Mouille Double Swivel Sconce, 28" ($191)
No wall lighting roundup would be complete without this iconic silhouette inspired by iconic French designer Serge Mouille. Both the shade and the arm of this sleek lamp can be adjusted to illuminate your space however you see fit. (France & Son have some awesome budget-friendly reproductions of these styles.)
Rejuvenation Cedar & Moss Cypress Double Swing Plug-In Arm Sconce ($423)
Leaning toward a retro-futuristic look? Rejuvenation's midcentury modern-inspired wall sconce—a collaboration with Portland-based Cedar & Moss—strikes the perfect balance between functional and minimalist, thanks to two adjustable arms and swiveling shades.
Now that you've got your lighting situation sorted, it's time to hone in on your art collection—consider these cheap prints that come in at $150 and under.
Read More from MyDomaine
