Friday Favorites: Affordable Lighting for Every Design Style

One of the easiest and cost-efficient ways to transform a room is by changing your lighting! Lighting design is essential and will make a huge impact in your space, good or bad. The one you choose can make or break the room so make sure you get it right! In today’s blog post, I am sharing my current obsessions in affordable lighting, think chandeliers, lamps, and sconces.  All are budget-friendly, and there’s something for every design style.

Lighting plays a vital role in the design of a home/room, and lately, this has been front and center in my mind.  One current trend in lighting is exposed light bulbs.  Finding the perfect bulb to fit your style and light can be difficult, but one that makes a striking finished product.  Investing in the right light bulb won’t be one you regret.

Choosing the Right Bulb

When choosing light bulbs for your room, it is important to consider the colors in your home and the appearance you want them to give. Bulbs can affect the color of your wall and furniture. Please don’t just walk into Walmart and select the first bulb you see with the correct wattage. Spend a little time doing some investigating, and you will notice a big difference. Here are a few things to keep in mind. The obvious, purchase the correct wattage for your fixture. I feel like we all have that under control so let’s move on. I personally like a white, daylight glow. Typically I prefer bulbs with a color temperature around 3000k. You can easily find this info when shopping for bulbs on the box or in the description. If you want a warmer (more yellow) type glow then shoot for around 2300k.  I opt for bulbs with around 1000 lumens (this determines how bright the bulb will be) in most cases. Every bulb serves a purpose so think of why you need the light. Reading? brightness? Ambiance? Then choose the brightness based on this need.

Unique Light Bulbs

Must-Have Lamps and Wall Sconces

Lamps and wall sconces are a great way to update a space at a fraction of the cost.  Today I want to showcase my favorite finds in both lamps and wall sconces.  To me, wall sconces are like adding jewelry to your walls.  One huge misconception about sconces is they have to be hardwired into the wall. While in most cases this is the route I recommend; this isn’t always the case. For a casual and affordable option chose to utilize a plugin. All plugins can be hardwired, but not all hardwired can be used as a plugin. Got that? Maybe read it one more time! Every (except one) sconce showcased today can plug into a wall outlet or hardwired. I recently added #10 to Maddox’s playroom! You may also see #13 popping up somewhere in my house!

1. Brass Swing Arm Sconce: A great contemporary option, it is sleek, adjustable and the sconce swings need I say more.
2. Angled Floor Lamp: The angler shaped of this floor lamp is so chic and the V-shaped base that fits easily into corners or tight spaces.
3. Matte Black and Polished Brass Table Lamp: If you are looking for a lamp to add height this is it, standing at 30” and pairing a sleek matte color with the eye-catching pop of brass
4. Aria Table Lamp: Go to for a minimalist feel. The reason I love this lamp is that the brass tube in the middle conceals the cord, keeping it clean and crisp.
5. Marble Crystal Table Lamp: Acrylic is popping up everywhere in interior design. The combination of the marble and acrylic exudes luxuriousness.
6. 1-Light Wall Sconce: It’s clean, and sleek lines scream high fashion.
7. Ceramic Table Lamp: Adds architectural depth to any room and the natural stone brings in added warmth.
8. 1-Light Wallchiere: This sconce must be hardwired, but don’t let that stop you from investing in this transitional sconce perfect for adding elegance to any room.
9. Brown Table Lamps: I am obsessed with the mix of concrete and metal in this lamp! The versatility of this lamp is perfect for a modern rustic room or a contemporary space
10. Globe 1-Light: Another modern and industrial light. What can I say, I am a sucker for the matte black and brass combination.
11. Tully Sconce: This sconce is amazing because of the long arm, arching and then the fall creating a subtle angle.
12. Ceramic Gourd Table Lamp: The perfect piece to accent any neutral palette space.
13. Pharmacy Floor Lamp: More structured in style, this classic pharmacy style light is an excellent addition to any reading nook.

Shop Lamps and Wall Sconces

Favorite Chandeliers

Oversized chandeliers are what dreams are made of. I have included a chandelier for every style and every space! These affordable chandeliers are truly drool-worthy. It’s no secret that I love to update our house from time to time. After being in this home for nearly three years, I am ready to make more lighting changes. In between sourcing affordable lighting and lamps for my clients, I have been searching for myself too. Don’t be surprised if something from below pops up in pictures soon. #8 is the chandie we used in our laundry room transformation.

1. Wagon Wheel: Perfect for any modern space.  The crystal tips are what truly sets this chandelier apart.
2. Satin Brass Chandelier: A great Amazon find.  With double bulbs on each arm, this 16-light is a stunner that will not disappoint.
3. Modern Bubble Design: A whimsical option for a  modern or transitional room.
4. Lucca Chandelier: Those wide sweeping arms, be still my heart!  A classic and timeless take on a candelabra.  Perfect for a large space.
5. Globe: A classic design.  The rod comes in three pieces making it super easy to adjust the height for any ceiling height.
6. Beaded Chandelier: The whitewashed wooded beads give off a summery vibe.  Pairs perfectly with any décor style or color palette.
7. Sputnik Chandelier: This light features a blend of different bulbs and decorative glass objects making it a natural eye-catching feature in your home.
8. Sculptural Glass Globe: Adding these three globe light in your home will create a custom light feel by showcasing different heights and globes sizes.
9. Crystal Round Chandelier: Create an elegant and soft feel with this crystal chandelier perfect for a dining room.
10. Crystal Chandelier:  A stunning option for a formal room.  Loving the structural lines that the straight crystal provides.
11. Brass Chandelier: The amber glass rod take a contemporary tone in this crystal chandelier making it a more playful option.
12. Round Glass Bar Chandelier: SHOWSTOPPING!  A magnificent work of art!

Shop The Chandies

Choosing the Correct Size-Quick Breakdown

There are a few important factors to consider when choosing the perfect light/lamp for your space.  ALWAYS measure the area in which the light will be going.  Look closely at the dimensions of the potential light; they can be tricky. For a lamp measure the shade dimension and height to ensure it fits nicely.  When deciding what size to choose for a chandelier the general rule of thumb is to measure the length and width of the room, add those two numbers together and then covert the total to inches (example: if your room is 10’x12’ the ceiling fixture should be 22” wide).  I almost always advise to go bigger and size up for ceiling fixtures to create that WOW moment. The taller your ceiling, the bigger you need to go. Don’t be afraid of using a big light; this will transform your room and set the space on fire; not literally we hope.

How To Hang

How high should you hang the light? I will lay out a few rules to guide you. Over dining tables or islands I choose to hang lights approx 36″-42″ above the surface. When hanging a fixture centered in a room with no furniture underneath I stick to no less than 7′ off the ground.

In Closing

Measure before shopping, keep the style of your home in mind and have fun. Happy shopping and I cannot wait to see how you transform your space with new lighting!