Listen, you need lamps in your Airbnb, full stop. “But I have recessed lighting,” you say. I’m telling you, it’s not enough.
There’s a reason interior designers prefer table and floor lamps to overhead lighting. Several reasons. First, they’re an opportunity to add style to a room with a functional accessory. Second, the light they emit is softer and more inviting because there’s usually a shade or glass covering the bulb. Third, since most are at eye level, the light they emit is much more flattering to humans than overhead lighting. Finally, they allow you to get light just where you need it, whether bedside or in a dark corner.
Note: All content is our own (that is, not sponsored), but if you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. All prices listed are U.S. pricing and correct at the time of publishing.
The Easiest Way to Improve Your Airbnb Lighting (and Style) is to Pick Up Some of These Cheap and Chic Lamps.
Lots of Airbnbs have a decided lack of table lamps, which is a shame because no one likes a dark vacation rental. Luckily, I’ve found some cool lamps that won’t break the bank.
My Picks for Stylish Table Lamps
A note on size: Pay attention to the dimensions of the table lamp you’re considering, especially the overall height, and make sure it works for the place you plan to put it. The lampshade should be at about eye level when sitting on a table (58”-64” from the floor). The lamp shade diameter should be smaller than the table it’s sitting on. Conversely, tiny lamps are adorable as accents but can look silly if they’re meant to be a primary lighting source.
- Dome Table Lamp. $59.99 as pictured, also available in other colors and styles. These cute domed lamps are super trendy and super cute.
- Mid-Century Modern Style Globe Lamp. $74.99. A simple and cute mid-mod accent.
- Ribbed Glass Lamp. $65.68 as pictured, different colored glass available.
- Abstract Table Lamp $67. This sculptural modern lamp looks way more expensive than it actually is.
- Rustic Scandi Lamp $59.83. Perfect textured accent for your modern neutral decor.
- Pleated Shade Mini Lamp $28.99. This little guy is adorable and perfect little accent. It’s too small to be a bedside lamp, though.
- Stoneware Table Lamp $159.28, A handsome neutral lamp with a pretty, expensive looking glaze suitable for lots of decor styles.
- Mini Lamp with Rattan Shade $65.00. Another tiny but mighty lamp that I find myself using frequently on dining room buffets, desks and dressers. Available in multiple colors and finishes.
- Black Ceramic and Wood Lamp $51.41 Elegant lamp with mid-century vibes in a size that works well for narrow tables.
- Whitewashed Stone-Look Lamp $164.99 for a set of two. Perfect for your coastal or organic modern decor.
- Abstract Concrete Table Lamp $53.99. Concrete lamps look great and are hard to tip over, a win-win for vacation rental hosts.
- Terracotta Lamp, $79.20. An expensive-looking ceramic lamp that works well with many styles.
Don’t Forget to Add Floor Lamps To Your Airbnb Design Plan
Floor lamps are just the thing to dress up dark corners, and they can also add a needed vertical element to a living room. Just put them where your guests aren’t likely to walk into them (trust me, it happens).
- Dome Floor Lamp $96.99. Vintage style with a touch of glam.
- Three Globe Floor Lamp $79.10.Also available in black. The white glass globes make for soft lighting. Be sure to order bulbs when you order the lamp.
- Rattan Shade Wood Floor Lamp. $125.17 Perfect for your Coastal or Boho decor.
- Directional Three Light Floor Lamp $64.99, Also available in black, white and silver. Enduring mid-century style.
- Black Arc Lamp. $129.90. Also available with gold, silver, or copper colored shades.
- Double Drum Shade Arc Lamp $219.99. Also available in satin nickel with a white marble base. This one costs a little more, but it’s still a great price for this type of lamp.
- Retro Adjustable Floor Lamp. $69.99. Mid-mod style, great for a home office.
- Minimalist Angled Floor Lamp. $69.99. A good choice for a stylish lamp with a small footprint.
- Tripod Floor Lamp. $50.39 as pictured. An elegant choice that works well in both traditional and modern interiors.
- 2-Light Floor Lamp. $80.34 as pictured, available in several color and metal finish combinations. An elegant transitional style.
- Modern LED Floor Lamp. $79.99. Also available in brass, rose gold and satin nickel. Clean, modern style and no bulbs to change.
- Pleated Shade Curvy Lamp, $119.99. A pretty, curvy lamp with a wood-look base and trendy pleated shade.
Whew! This is the last of our lighting roundups (for now). Did you miss the others? Oh yeah, there’s more. Check out ceiling lights (chandeliers, pendants, and flush-mounts) and wall lights (plug-in and hardwired) posts, go forth, and illuminate your vacation rentals!
