Renter-Friendly Lighting

Adding a hardwired light in a rental takes the landlord's permission and an electrician. Everything on this page skips both.

Rechargeable sconces mount on a small plate, several of them magnetic, and lift off to charge by USB. Stick-on and battery lights go under cabinets, inside closets and above art with no cord at all. Plug-in sconces, like the Japanese Folding Wall Light and the Bamboo Lantern Wall Sconce, have a cord that runs to the nearest outlet. Choose the US plug option on those two.

These lights also suit dorm rooms, first apartments and any room with no ceiling fixture. When you move out, they come with you and you patch a screw hole or two. Our post on wall sconces without hardwiring compares the three options in detail.
Skip to results list
25 items

Filter

  • Bamboo Lantern Wall Sconce, Round Shade, Square Bracket, photo 1

    Bamboo Lantern Wall Sconce, Round Shade, Square Bracket

    Bamboo Lantern Wall Sconce, Round Shade, Square Bracket
    $108.99

    Material: Bamboo and wicker

Questions about renter-friendly lighting

Will these damage my walls?

Depending on the model, the rechargeable sconces mount with small screws, a magnetic plate or adhesive. Screw holes patch with filler when you move out.

How do the rechargeable sconces charge?

Lift the light off its mount and charge it by USB. Most come with a remote for on, off and dimming.

Do these work in a dorm?

Yes. Nothing here needs wiring. Check your dorm's rules on adhesive mounts before using stick-on lights.