These 8 “boob light” alternatives will help brighten up your space
You can use light covers that take minutes to install — and yes you can do it by yourself.
Tulip Shades
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$149.00
There are a few important aspects to consider when choosing the best replacements for boob lights. Here are the main characteristics experts recommend you keep in mind when making this list:
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All of the products below are either direct recommendations from our experts or NBC Select staff members. Some of the products have at least a 4-star average rating from 500 reviews or more on Amazon or at least 100 reviews on their respective sites.
Tulip Shades is a super popular brand of cotton-based ceiling light covers, which are inspired by traditional paper lanterns, according to the brand. The lights, which the brand calls either a gem or a drum (based on its shape), have an upholstered look thanks to their beige fabric. NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin installed a Tulip Shade in her apartment, since boob lights are a major pet peeve of hers, but she didn’t want to actually take out the light fixture. “It fully covers the boob light so you never knew it was there, and it’s beautiful, so it adds a piece of decor to my room. The shade took less than five minutes to install — all you need is a ladder.”
This rounded drum-style ceiling light shade comes recommended by Randolph, who loves its contemporary look and the fact that it doesn’t require calling an electrician to install. This kit comes with the shade, screws, rod (you have to have a center threaded rod to install) and diffuser. The shade is made of burlap and measures 18 x 18 x 10 inches.
The Hykolity flush mount ceiling light is a great affordable option if you prefer an ultra-modern look. You can attach this fixture to the ceiling securely using the three caps on the edge of the metal frame. It has a 10 inch diameter, is less than 4 inches tall and the top of the plastic shade has a slightly rounded shape. Instead of a typical light bulb, this shade has a plate with a grid of small 17-watt LED lights. It has a 4.6-star average rating from 10,727 reviews on Amazon, and is available in 10-, 13-, 16- and 32-inch options.
This alternative, which has a 4.7-star average rating from 2,237 reviews on Joss & Main, has an LED light panel, rather than a single bulb, and a smooth acrylic diffuser at the bottom. The inside of the shade has a metal frame, which is entirely covered by an off-white linen fabric cover. It’s also safe to install in both open areas like a living room, bedroom or office. Plus, it’s compatible with damp spaces, like bathrooms, too, according to the brand.
Another semi-flush mount option, this ceiling light has a brass frame and a linen shade, though it’s also available in a glass shade with bronze framing. With a 4.5-star average rating from 2,203 reviews on Amazon, the light is compatible with LED, incandescent and halogen bulbs that are 60 watts or lower, according to the brand, and the linen material makes it easier to diffuse white or warm light into your space. It has a diameter of around 16 inches and a height of 7 inches.
If you don’t want a lamp that sits directly against the surface of your ceiling, a pendant lamp like this one from Ikea is the way to go. It hangs from a wire and metal frame connected to the ceiling and has a lamp shade at the bottom, which partially covers the lights. Also available in aluminum and white, the lamp shade has an enamel coating, so it has a shiny appearance similar to enamel cookware, the inside is white and the edges have black trim. The brand recommends using an LED E26 bulb with this light. It also has a 4.6-star average rating from 60 reviews at Ikea.
This pendant lamp comes recommended by NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brown, who set it up in her bedroom when she decided she wanted a renter-friendly alternative to a boob light. “Although this is probably best for a ceiling slightly higher than mine, I just love the easy-breezy feeling it’s added to my apartment. My mom says it’s giving updated Golden Girls Miami vibes, which I’m not mad at,” she says. “The only hiccup I had with this was a faulty wire, which honestly may be on the TaskRabbit I hired to install (definitely don’t do this yourself, unless you’re an electrician). Ikea immediately sent me an entire new lamp free of charge and installation was a breeze after that.” The light cover, which is made from woven bamboo, provides great low light, but it isn’t ideal for those who prefer a brighter light, according to Brown. Ikea recommends pairing the lamp with a clear globe bulb.
The popular drum-style Savita 3 Light has a 4.5-star average rating from 2,288 reviews at Joss & Main has an extremely sleek and modern look, thanks to its glass diffuser and aluminum frame. It also comes in gold and monochromatic options. An interesting feature of this flush mount light is that the diffuser end of the light is sunken into the frame, rather than being parallel with it — this way you can see the juxtaposition of the gold or white on the inside. The light also holds three bulbs at once with a maximum of 60 watts.
Depending on what type of boob light alternative you’re looking for, there are different aspects to keep in mind when shopping for one. Here’s what our experts recommend considering:
As I mentioned above, there are many alternatives to choose from when it comes to dome lights. The main types are flush mount, semi-flush mount, pendant lights and light covers. These types also either have screw-in bulbs or LED light panels that have different installation types. Deciding which one you want is the first step, according to Barnard. “Choosing between covering or replacing an existing ceiling light depends on personal preference,” she says. “Covering the light can be a quick and cost-effective solution that typically requires little to no electrical work. However, the available aesthetic options might be somewhat limited.” Once you choose a light, this will determine how best to install it.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
I’m a commerce editor at NBC Select who writes about home and kitchen topics, including interior design and decor. I spoke with interior design and real estate experts for this story. I also got recommendations from my colleagues for this story.
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