Imagine you’re about to walk through your front door. You just had a shit day; you slept though your alarm, the subway was late, your boss didn’t like what you’ve been working on all week, and you forgot to get groceries on the way home. You just need a few hours to recharge. You turn the key to the door, enter, and turn on your fluorescent overhead light, instantly flashbanging yourself and sending you right back into despair.

Sounds terrible right? I got you.

Here’s 12 alternatives to using the “big light” that’ll be sure to calm your nerves.

Crystal Sunset Lamp

Yeah I know, “Sunset lamp, wtf is this 2018?”, but this one’s different. Combined with the glass eye, it reflects light out into this unique iris shape. I think it’s a cool alternative to a traditional sunset lamp, plus the quality of the glass adds a luxury feeling to your space.

Paper Sphere Lantern

I’m a sucker for paper lanterns, there is just something about the alluring glow against the paper that draws me in. If you’re like me, you understand that a paper lantern can not only light up your space but also add a piece of personality too.

VICKLEBY by IKEA

IKEA is the goat for interior design. No discussion. And for a paper lantern that is 4.5 feet tall the price is almost too good to be true. I’m gonna be reusing this recommendation a lot BTW because it’s just that good.

Mush Portable Lamp - Nickel

This one is a little on the pricier side, especially for it’s size, but being from Hübsch Interior (a renowned Danish design company) you know the quality does not disappoint. This is definitely a statement piece that’ll elevate your space with high quality taste.

Selenite Crystal Lamp

Ok time to get a little spiritual. Just like a Himalayan Salt lamp, this piece brings a piece of Earth inside. Made from a real Selenite crystal, I think this can be used really tastefully while also bringing in a piece of your personality.

90° Wall Light - Stainless Steel

Here is my splurge piece. If you want to score something something that combines high quality material, unique design, and built in functionality, this is the one. Mounting to your wall, it’s a lamp and shelf in one. Shipping from Germany, you know it’s built on the foundations of robust, strong, German engineering.

Cylinder Paper Lantern

Another paper lantern, I mean what can I say these are literally the cover product of edointerior. Just like the sphere, this wabi-sabi shape makes for an excellent light source with a touch of personality.

Mushroom Nightlight

If you are a night owl or just simply like staying up, this is a nice alternative to turning on a big light to see. For example, instead of turning on a light to find your way to the bathroom, just follow this nightlight. With it’s built in sensor you also don’t have to worry about turning it on when you need it on, and off when you need it off.

Lamp Person

You’ve probably seen this lamp all over Pinterest and it basically speaks for itself. This lamp literally “sits” on your shelf to provide light. I’ve also seen his feet kick out to hold a book so it can actually provide some functionality more than just being a cool lamp.

VARMBLIXT by IKEA

Back to IKEA with another classic lamp design that I love. Also known as “the IKEA donut lamp”, this lamp has been a stable in minimalist interiors. The soft orange glow looks great against a wall but it can also be placed on a table for a similar effect.

Akari Style Paper Lantern

This is the last paper lantern I promise. This shape takes inspiration from the Akari lanterns by Isamu Noguchi without the price tag. I personally like these shapes the most since they aren’t a normal lantern shape, there’s just a little more craftsmanship involved in creating this look.

Radio Lightbox Lamp

I had to include at least one non-practical fun lamp. I like this retro “ON AIR” lightbox because while it casts a nice light, it’ll also create a nice statement piece on a wall or shelf. Plus if you’re going for a mid-century modern interior, I think this could go perfect with the surrounding timely pieces.

That’s about it for now! Hopefully you’ll consider turning off that overhead light and invest in something more comfortable. I’ll talk to you all next time!

-edo