Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Home Maintenance
  3. Style
  4. Evergreens

21OAK may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

How to light a room with no overhead lighting

Add as a preferred source on Google

Do you have a room in your home without overhead lightning? Maybe you’re in a situation where your landlord or rental agency prohibits wiring lighting fixtures, or you lack the ability or desire to rewire an entire room of your house just to put in a light fixture.

Lighting rooms without overhead lighting may involve some creative solutions. Whether you’re looking for a simple lighting solution or a fixture that is both beautiful and functional, here are some suggestions on how to brighten your home without the cost of wiring.

Improving overhead lighting

Plug-in ceiling pendants

Plug-in ceiling pendants can provide overhead light even without a permanent ceiling fixture. They come in multiple styles and designs, and many could easily pass as a chandelier that really beautifies your room while providing lighting solutions.

Wall sconces

Wall sconces are another option to add more lighting with no overhead lighting. These are much simpler than installing wiring in your ceiling. If you get a beautiful design or even vintage sconces, they will make great home decor accents too.

String lights

Apartment List suggests that string lights are another way to improve overhead lighting. This is a lighting solution that really adds light and ambience to a room without the need for overhead light fixtures or ceiling wiring. All you need are some hooks or nails to drape the lights over.

A chair and a floor lamp sitting beside a window are illuminated by the sun.
Joshua Newton/Unsplash

Adding light to a room without wiring

Floor lamps

Large floor lamps are an easy and simple way to beautify and light a room. They require no drilling and provide the feel of overhead lighting without the actual ceiling lights.

Table lamps

Table lamps are another, smaller option for lighting dim corners or specific areas of a room. 

Bare bulb lamps

A bare bulb or light-colored shade helps direct light across the room or it may bounce off the ceiling.

Plug-in sconces

Decorate Life suggests plug-in sconces can be easily installed around your home to light a room with no overhead lighting and or wall wiring. They are flexible enough to be mounted at a different height, and they look absolutely fabulous in pairs on either side of a bed or couch.

Mirror against floor lamp

A creative solution is to use a mirror against a floor lamp for lightning. It is one of the most effective lighting solutions for a room without overhead light. By placing a tall floor lamp against a mirror, the light will be reflected around the room.

Whether you’re looking to make up for a lack of lighting, or just thinking about illuminating a dark corner, think about testing some of these solutions in your space. Not only will your living experience be enhanced, but you also may find yourself more drawn to your space.

Color Drenching: The bold hue movement that is sticking around in 2026
Green living room walls with velvet green sofas

What is color drenching?Color drenching is an interior design trend where a single color is used on every surface in a room. This includes walls, trim, doors, and even the ceiling, creating a cohesive and immersive atmosphere. The technique can make a small room feel larger or a spacious room feel cozier, and it often extends to furniture, radiators, and cabinetry for a bold, unified effect.

While the term color drenching is relatively new, the concept has deep roots in design history. The look can be traced to historic European interiors where monochromatic schemes added depth and luxury. Even in the Victorian era, richly saturated jewel tones were often used in grand spaces such as libraries and parlors. It reappeared during the 1960's and 1970's as well. Designers have long understood that a single, enveloping hue can create a striking sense of mood and continuity.

Read more
Houseplants: Which ones thrive in your home all year long?
Snake plant

So which plants can handle winter? For homes that tend to be cooler, hardy plants like Snake Plants (Sansevieria), Cast Iron Plants, and ZZ Plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) are ideal. The good news is that all three can handle temperature drops and limited sunlight. The Cast Iron Plant, for example, can thrive in conditions as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

While not quite as hardy, other low-maintenance favorites include Pothos (Epipremnum), Spider Plants, Ferns, and Heartleaf Philodendrons. These do well in shadier, low-light spots and require minimal care.

Read more
Refresh your bedroom for better sleep
how often to replace pillows man asleep in bed

Unfortunately, many of us struggle to rest. In nature, mammals slow down this time of year as they move into hibernation, cozy up, and recharge. Humans, on the other hand, seem to do the opposite in our “always-on” culture. But, if you’re reading this, you’re probably ready to improve your sleep habits. And, your space is the perfect place to start.

Here’s how to refresh your room and set the stage for your best night of sleep yet.

Read more