Hide Ugly Lighting With This Vintage-Inspired Upgrade (That's Renter-Friendly)

Lighting options in many rental units can be less than inspiring, particularly overhead and ceiling lights, which vary from decades-old yellowed fixtures to dreaded builder-grade flush-mount dome lights (jokingly called "boob lights") that plague many apartments. Since changing out rental fixtures can be tough and may result in losing your security deposit, renters are often stuck with ugly and ill-fitting ceiling lights until they move. An ingenious TikTok hack, however, may save you months, possibly years, of less-than-inspiring overhead lights by covering them up with a hoop, some fabric, and a few ceiling hooks.

The end result is an easy-to-create vintage-inspired shade you can easily remove when you go. Not only does it cover up an outdated light fixture when viewed from afar, but it also softens the harsh overhead light that usually accompanies high fixtures. You can also completely customize the shade to fit your style and décor. Use a classic striped fabric to form a sort of billowing and romantic skirt, as in the video, or enlist another fabric or material that better suits your aesthetic. It is also a very budget-friendly DIY, depending on the materials you use. It is most likely a more affordable alternative to overhead light conversion kits and tulip shades designed specifically to attach to the ceiling to hide ugly light fixtures.

You can use any type of hoop to create this hack, including inexpensive plastic hoops, embroidery frames, bed canopy hooks, or repurposed wire wreath forms. The covering, too, offers endless opportunities for customization. The TikTok DIY creates a pocket that slips over the underlying hoop like a curtain and allows the fabric to hang down. You could also use hot glue to attach the material to the hoop. Just ensure there is ample room around the light source and proper air circulation so the curtain does not become a fire hazard.

Other options for the shade include heavier unpleated fabric, vinyl or woven placemats, decorative paper, a strip of corrugated plexiglass, or other similar materials affixed or sewn around the hoop. Consider using a length of strung crystals or beads for a vintage chandelier-inspired look. Or, using strings of wood beads and some rope hoops to make a beautiful boho shade. You could also add a second hoop at the bottom for a more structured look. This hanging technique can also work with a drum lampshade that you can hang from the hooks using the wire framework along the top as a guide.

To hang, just attach the ceiling hooks around the perimeter of the existing light fixture to accommodate the ring, then slip the ring on the hooks so that your new piece hangs in place against the ceiling. Depending on the material you use around the hoop, you may have to poke small holes or arrange the fabric/material to accommodate the hooks holding the hoop. If you are worried about creating holes in your ceiling by screwing in the hooks, you can also use adhesive hooks to hang lighter shades.