Give Curtains A Luxe Upgrade With An Affordable IKEA Light

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Curtains can have a major impact on the look and feel of a room. From providing privacy to improving energy efficiency, there are many practical benefits. Aesthetically, curtains can also improve a room. The texture adds warmth and coziness, and the right curtains also serve as a beautiful statement piece to pull your space together. If you are trying to achieve a luxurious look in your home with curtains, but can't seem to get it right, then your lighting may be the problem. One fantastic way to make your curtains look more high-end is to add ceiling lights above them, and you can do this using an affordable IKEA light. The light fixture will illuminate the curtains from above, creating a soft but eye-catching effect and luxurious layered lighting in the room. With this trick, you can use lighting to make your home look more expensive on an IKEA budget.

While you might first assume that recessed lighting is a better choice, this stick-on IKEA light is a far simpler and more affordable way to achieve the same look. The KAPPLAKE from IKEA is a great candidate for a job like this, and it costs only $5.99 each. It emits a warm white LED glow, and it comes with an 8.2-foot cord. While the light will give you the expensive look you want, you will need to make some special adaptations to make sure that it works well for your ceilings.

Similar to a plug-in table lamp, the KAPPLAKE light from IKEA has a switch, which might work in a room with low ceilings, but is not ideal for many spaces. Luckily, the light is compatible with smart plugs that allow you to turn it on and off remotely or from the outlet instead. The Sarbent 4-Port USB Hub with individual power outlets could be a good place to start for $14.95. However, according to reviews of the product on IKEA's website, some customers who have attempted this say that this solution is not always reliable. If you'd prefer to avoid the fuss of cords and adapters, try self-adhesive LED puck lights that are battery operated with a remote control switch. 

No matter which option you choose, these ceiling-mounted lights will add a lovely highlight to your home. Keep in mind that the enhanced visibility will also shed light on the imperfections lurking on the fabric of your curtains. If you're shopping around for drapery, use the color wheel to help you choose the best curtains for your space. Certain curtain materials enhance luxury — for example, canvas drop cloth and lace drapes are among the best budget-friendly window treatment options that look high-end. When installing the lights, make sure that the cords are hidden out of sight. Placement of the light fixtures is also essential; if you are installing multiple, be sure to space them out evenly to create a balanced look and avoid shadows.