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13 Alternative Lighting Ideas

Last Updated April 02, 2026

Lighting Solutions for Rooms Without Overhead Fixtures

No overhead lights? You can still create a bright, inviting room by layering light at different heights. Start with a floor lamp to set an ambient glow, add table lamps near seating or bedside areas for warmth, and use wall sconces when you want light without giving up surface space. If the room gets any daylight, mirrors can amplify natural light by reflecting it deeper into the space, an easy trick that makes everything feel more open and “finished.”  

1. Table Lamps

Do you need a unique decoration and extra light for your table? Kill two birds with one stone by getting a table lamp. These lamps come in all shapes and sizes, so you'll have no trouble finding one that meets your expectations.
white gold lamp alternative lighting
alternative lighting 2023

2. Buffet Lamps

As the name suggests, buffet lamps are lighting options that can be placed on top of buffets, or sideboards. They can also rest on dressers, chests and sofa tables. They typically feature traditional white or beige lampshades and bring a hint of elegance to any room.
alternative lighting in 2021

3. Floor Lamps

Floor lamps are individual, standing lamps that can be positioned anywhere on your floor (provided there's easy access to a socket). You can choose between a variety of lampshades and bases, from bright pastels to ornate designs.
Timber Brown 62" Oak Wood Tripod Floor Lamp Timber Brown 62" Oak Wood Tripod Floor Lamp
$259
59 Inch Brown Weathered Terra Cotta Floor Lamp W/ 3 Way Switch By Nate Berkus + Jeremiah Brent | Fluted 59 Inch Brown Weathered Terra Cotta Floor Lamp W/ 3 Way Switch By Nate Berkus + Jeremiah Brent | Fluted
$395
Curve White 93" Organic Pendant Arc Floor Lamp | Oversized | Long Reach Curve White 93" Organic Pendant Arc Floor Lamp | Oversized | Long Reach
$395
58 Inch Brown Cognac Smoke Glass Cylinder Metal Bronze Floor Lamp | Pedestal 58 Inch Brown Cognac Smoke Glass Cylinder Metal Bronze Floor Lamp | Pedestal
$259
Amuna White 70" Faux Marble Capsule Floor Lamp Amuna White 70" Faux Marble Capsule Floor Lamp
$395
58" Natural Finish Mid Century Base Wood Floor Lamp | Standing 58" Natural Finish Mid Century Base Wood Floor Lamp | Standing
$395
Timber Natural 62" Wood Tripod Floor Lamp Timber Natural 62" Wood Tripod Floor Lamp
$249
Illuma Ivory 59" Faux Linen Floor Lamp | Nightlight | Glowing Illuma Ivory 59" Faux Linen Floor Lamp | Nightlight | Glowing
$395
58 Inch Clear Glass Cylinder | Brushed Brass Metal Floor Lamp 58 Inch Clear Glass Cylinder | Brushed Brass Metal Floor Lamp
$259
Terele Matte Black 72" Mushroom Dome Adjustable Floor Lamp With Table Terele Matte Black 72" Mushroom Dome Adjustable Floor Lamp With Table
$275
Citra Gold 83" Sputnik Arc Floor Lamp | Mid Century Modern | Adjustable Citra Gold 83" Sputnik Arc Floor Lamp | Mid Century Modern | Adjustable
$495
61" Modern Black Base With Tall Ivory Shade Floor Lamp 61" Modern Black Base With Tall Ivory Shade Floor Lamp
$395
alternative lighting for 2023 View Items in Room

4. Sconces

Sconces are a great lighting choice if you're trying to save space. They're installed directly into a wall and are available in a variety of colors, sizes and designs. Traditionalists and risk-takers alike can find a sconce that fits well in their home.
alternative lighting solution

5. Mirrors

If you enjoy natural light, but your windows aren't letting in enough, try setting up mirrors in your room. As sunlight beams through the windows, it will bounce off the glass and amplify the natural light in the area.
alternative lighting this year

6. Desk Lamps

Wondering how to decorate your empty desk? Consider investing in a desk lamp. Not only do these lamps look professional, but they're also functional. A little extra illumination can help with many tasks, including reading textbooks, writing essays and finishing projects.
alternative lighting for this year View Items in Room

7. Natural Light

If you're in need of light but don't want to increase your energy costs, then natural light may be what you're looking for. You don't have to worry about buying lamps or bulbs – just let sunlight stream in through the windows. (Of course, it goes without saying you can only enjoy this during the day!)
fire pit alternative lighting

8. String Lights

Looking for a simple, affordable and unique lighting option? String lights fit the bill. Consisting of tiny lights spaced along a wire, these lights are the perfect indoor or outdoor decoration. Common options include white, multicolored and even flashing lights.
Luca White Twin Sleep & Study Loft Bed Luca White Twin Sleep & Study Loft Bed
$1,095
Naomi 19" Metal Gold Drum Shade Table Lamp Naomi 19" Metal Gold Drum Shade Table Lamp
$99
18 Inch Black Metal + Brass Mushroom Table Lamp 18 Inch Black Metal + Brass Mushroom Table Lamp
$79
27 Inch Matte Black Modern Urn Table Lamp With Drum Shade 27 Inch Matte Black Modern Urn Table Lamp With Drum Shade
$199
27 Inch Matte White Modern Urn Table Lamp With Drum Shade 27 Inch Matte White Modern Urn Table Lamp With Drum Shade
$199
36 Inch Matte Black Tall Modern Tapered Cylinder Table Lamp | Drum Shade 36 Inch Matte Black Tall Modern Tapered Cylinder Table Lamp | Drum Shade
$239
26 Inch Brown Cognac Smoke Glass + Bronze Base Round Table Lamp | Pedestal 26 Inch Brown Cognac Smoke Glass + Bronze Base Round Table Lamp | Pedestal
$139
Lume Black 27" Modern Stacked Bottle Table Lamp With Drum Shade Lume Black 27" Modern Stacked Bottle Table Lamp With Drum Shade
$159
27 Inch Matte White Sculptural Table Lamp W/ 3 Way Switch By Nate Berkus + Jeremiah Brent 27 Inch Matte White Sculptural Table Lamp W/ 3 Way Switch By Nate Berkus + Jeremiah Brent
$195
Timber Natural 26" Wood Tapered Cone Table Lamp Timber Natural 26" Wood Tapered Cone Table Lamp
$195
Terele Matte Black 22" Mushroom Dome Stick Table Lamp Terele Matte Black 22" Mushroom Dome Stick Table Lamp
$165
Lume Black 19" Modern Bottle Table Lamp With Cylinder Shade Lume Black 19" Modern Bottle Table Lamp With Cylinder Shade
$95
lantern alternative lighting

9. Lanterns

Go back in time by lighting your home with old-school lanterns. Not only are lanterns portable, but many ar also battery-powered. They're highly effective in power outages and can be relocated to any room that needs light.
candle alternative lighting

10. Candles

Nothing sets the mood like a good old candle. Along with light, candles offer an enticing aroma and allow you to choose between a variety of scents, from common spices and sweet treats to flowery perfumes and seasonal specials.
chandelier alternative lighting

11. Chandeliers

When it comes to elegant lighting options, you can't get fancier than a chandelier. Mounted directly to ceilings or walls, these ornate light fixtures typically use incandescent light bulbs to create a tasteful atmosphere.
59 Inch Brown Weathered Terra Cotta Floor Lamp W/ 3 Way Switch By Nate Berkus + Jeremiah Brent | Fluted 59 Inch Brown Weathered Terra Cotta Floor Lamp W/ 3 Way Switch By Nate Berkus + Jeremiah Brent | Fluted
$395
Curve White 93" Organic Pendant Arc Floor Lamp | Oversized | Long Reach Curve White 93" Organic Pendant Arc Floor Lamp | Oversized | Long Reach
$395
58 Inch Clear Glass Cylinder | Brushed Brass Metal Floor Lamp 58 Inch Clear Glass Cylinder | Brushed Brass Metal Floor Lamp
$259
58 Inch Clear Glass Cylinder + Chrome Floor Lamp 58 Inch Clear Glass Cylinder + Chrome Floor Lamp
$259
36 Inch Matte Black Tall Modern Tapered Cylinder Table Lamp | Drum Shade 36 Inch Matte Black Tall Modern Tapered Cylinder Table Lamp | Drum Shade
$239
58 Inch Brown Cognac Smoke Glass Cylinder Metal Bronze Floor Lamp | Pedestal 58 Inch Brown Cognac Smoke Glass Cylinder Metal Bronze Floor Lamp | Pedestal
$259
Terele Matte Black 72" Mushroom Dome Adjustable Floor Lamp With Table Terele Matte Black 72" Mushroom Dome Adjustable Floor Lamp With Table
$275
Timber Brown 62" Oak Wood Tripod Floor Lamp Timber Brown 62" Oak Wood Tripod Floor Lamp
$259
27 Inch Matte White Modern Urn Table Lamp With Drum Shade 27 Inch Matte White Modern Urn Table Lamp With Drum Shade
$199
27 Inch Matte Black Modern Urn Table Lamp With Drum Shade 27 Inch Matte Black Modern Urn Table Lamp With Drum Shade
$199
26 Inch Brown Cognac Smoke Glass + Bronze Base Round Table Lamp | Pedestal 26 Inch Brown Cognac Smoke Glass + Bronze Base Round Table Lamp | Pedestal
$139
Lume Black 27" Modern Stacked Bottle Table Lamp With Drum Shade Lume Black 27" Modern Stacked Bottle Table Lamp With Drum Shade
$159

12. Pendants

Pendant lighting consists of lamps that hang down from your ceiling. They're more unique than traditional lamps and fit perfectly into living rooms, dining spaces and kitchens. Best of all, you can customize these lamps to meet your precise style needs.
pendant alternative lighting
led lights alternative lighting

13. LED Lights

Lighting candles is a great way to save energy, but it isn't always practical. To conserve energy, experiment with LED lights. In addition to being energy-efficient, they work at a low voltage, which reduces the risk of fire.
Curve White 93" Organic Pendant Arc Floor Lamp | Oversized | Long Reach Curve White 93" Organic Pendant Arc Floor Lamp | Oversized | Long Reach
$395
Alden Natural 22" Round Wood End Table Alden Natural 22" Round Wood End Table
$250
58 Inch Clear Glass Cylinder | Brushed Brass Metal Floor Lamp 58 Inch Clear Glass Cylinder | Brushed Brass Metal Floor Lamp
$259
58 Inch Brown Cognac Smoke Glass Cylinder Metal Bronze Floor Lamp | Pedestal 58 Inch Brown Cognac Smoke Glass Cylinder Metal Bronze Floor Lamp | Pedestal
$259
26 Inch Brown Cognac Smoke Glass + Bronze Base Round Table Lamp | Pedestal 26 Inch Brown Cognac Smoke Glass + Bronze Base Round Table Lamp | Pedestal
$139
26 Inch Clear Glass Sphere + Brass Table Lamp 26 Inch Clear Glass Sphere + Brass Table Lamp
$139
58 Inch Clear Glass Cylinder + Chrome Floor Lamp 58 Inch Clear Glass Cylinder + Chrome Floor Lamp
$259
36 Inch Matte Black Tall Modern Tapered Cylinder Table Lamp | Drum Shade 36 Inch Matte Black Tall Modern Tapered Cylinder Table Lamp | Drum Shade
$239
27 Inch Matte White Sculptural Table Lamp W/ 3 Way Switch By Nate Berkus + Jeremiah Brent 27 Inch Matte White Sculptural Table Lamp W/ 3 Way Switch By Nate Berkus + Jeremiah Brent
$195
Timber Natural 26" Wood Tapered Cone Table Lamp Timber Natural 26" Wood Tapered Cone Table Lamp
$195
Timber Brown 31" Oak Wood Tripod Table Lamp Timber Brown 31" Oak Wood Tripod Table Lamp
$149
Lume White 19" Modern Bottle Table Lamp With Cylinder Shade Lume White 19" Modern Bottle Table Lamp With Cylinder Shade
$95

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