Unless you're moving into a sprawling updated penthouse, renting apartments often comes with a unique set of issues—and lighting is no exception. But you don't have to sacrifice living in a stylish home. If your space is lacking natural light, interior designers have plenty of ideas to upgrade your home and let the light shine in. The right lighting can set the mood, save precious space, and improve the functionality of task-oriented rooms like the kitchen and bathroom.

We asked interior designer Kevin Dumais for his tips, tricks, and secrets when it comes to apartment lighting. Whether you're into minimalist lighting or you're leaning in a more maximalist direction, we've got you covered. Learn which types of lights will work best in your space (no matter how small).

01 Try an Eye-Catching Flush Mount

Brushed Brass Finish Capiz Shell Ceiling Light: Flush Mount with Capiz Shell and Brushed Brass for Dining Room, Bedroom, Kitchen, and Entryway Lighting

Living room lighting ideas are limitless because there are so many ways to design this space. However, we've noticed that one thing most apartment living rooms have in common is low ceilings, which can be a challenge. Luckily, you can trick the eye into elevating your ceilings by installing an eye-catching flush mount chandelier.

02 Design for Day and Night

Vintage Glamour Black Iron Chandelier with Grey Glass Beads and Crystal Droplets - Circular Iron Frame with Black Finish and Vintage Glamour - Ideal for Ceiling Lamp for Bedroom and Dining Room Light Fixtures

"When considering oversized fixtures or lanterns, we like to make sure they look great lit and unlit," Dumais says. That way, it can light the way when it's lit and function as practical art when it's not (we always love a good double-duty piece). The black chandelier in this living room helps draw the eye up, adds visual interest, and provides multi-dimensional lighting in the space.

03 Install Kitchen Task Lighting

Minimalist Textured Prismatic Glass Wall Sconce, 6 Inch Spherical Wall Lighting Fixture, Mid-Century Wall Mounted Light Beside Mirror, Industrial Indoor Sconce for Living Room, Bedroom, Bathroom, Entryway

If you're working with simple overhead lighting in the kitchen, improve the room's form and function by adding a plug-in or hardwired task wall light. Not only will it make your space feel layered and chic, but it can create a moody ambiance that makes cooking even more enjoyable.

04 Add a Variety of Light Sources

Make your living room feel dynamic with several light sources dispersed in a triangular pattern around the room at differing heights. Use a variety of styles for an ultra-cozy vibe. "In any space, it's important to have multiple layers of light: ambient, focal, and statement-worthy. A glowing pendant, large floor lamp, or table lamp will illuminate the envelope of a room and make it more inviting," Dumais suggests.

05 Install Dimmer Switches

Don't forget to put your lights on dimmers. During the day, your new fixtures can shine bright to illuminate your space—but in the evening, it's nice to create a warm, relaxed glow with the flick of a switch. In this living room, soft lighting is complemented by burning candles that make us want to curl up and stay forever.

06 Hang a Picture Light

Modern Soleil Fluted Glass 2-Light Wall Sconce - Perfect for a hallway or flanking a painting or Bathroom, Bedroom Wall Sconces

Picture lights are traditionally used to showcase paintings or library shelves, but they can double as a reading sconce if hung directly over a banquette or chair. Best of all, a picture light will instantly elevate your space and make it look more expensive—and we consider that a win. Cozy up to the light's soft glow when you're going for a moody vibe.

07 Replace Bedside Table Lamps With Sconces

Augustine Alabaster Sconce - Contemporary Natural Stone Lighting for Home Decor - Ideal for Living Room, Kitchen, and Bedroom Wall Lights

Replace your bedside lamps with sconces to save precious nightstand space. "If you have a tight space, a sconce or pendant is a nice alternative to your typical bedside lamp," Dumais advises. "You can get the scale of light and quality you need without sacrificing valuable surface real estate."

08 Hide a Lamp in a Bookcase

If you're short on space, hide a smaller lamp in a bookcase. "A small lamp can be nestled on a bookshelf or inside a cabinet to add highlights and whimsy," Dumais mentions. It will also add dimension to your lighting plan without overtaking the surfaces on your credenza or side tables. Pick a lamp that's a little sculptural and interesting to look like a piece of art on the shelves.

09 Opt for Indirect Lights in the Kitchen

Indirect light makes a kitchen feel more welcoming than harsher direct light, which can sometimes feel like a spotlight. No one needs that added pressure when chopping and stirring. Update fluorescent fixtures or ceiling lights with soft, inviting lighting that emits a bright glow.

10 Play With Scale

"Sculptural table lamps are a great way to add personality to a room," Dumais says. "On a larger scale, they can help ground a space and add a focal point while becoming a main source of light." In our opinion, the larger the lamp, the better—the lighting itself can make a major style statement.

11 Experiment With Oversized Styles

Boho 3-Tiered Fringe Chandelier, Mediterranean Tassel Pendant Light with Decorative Rope, Coastal Farmhouse Hanging Light for Living Room, Dining Room, Bedroom
Whether you're working with a large entryway or a small apartment living room, oversized pendant lighting is an excellent way to play with scale. Opt for a bright color or a fixture with metallic hardware to stand out, or choose neutral hues that blend into the ceiling. We love how this woven light adds a burst of texture to the minimalistic room without upsetting its neutral color scheme.

12 Mix and Match Styles

Upgrade a simple chandelier by switching up the covers with a mix of vintage lights. The mismatched style in this dining area adds an elegant vibe to the room, but by using similar shades of glass and hardware, the chandelier feels intentional and eclectic. We love how the neutral hues in the lighting complement the artwork and warm, creamy tones on the wallpaper.