Renters Revolt Against Ubiquitous 'Boob Lights'

Designers share easy ways to disguise or replace the cheap, unflattering ceiling fixtures.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 7:00pm

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The 'boob light' is a ubiquitous fixture in many rental homes and apartments, known for its clunky, cartoonish shape and often inadequate lighting. While landlords and house flippers continue installing these cheap, mass-produced lights, renters are increasingly looking for ways to conceal or replace them with more aesthetically pleasing options. Designers recommend considering ceiling height, room purpose, and renter-friendly solutions like snap-on shades when updating these oft-maligned light fixtures.

Why it matters

Boob lights are a common sight in rental properties, but their unappealing design and poor lighting quality leave much to be desired from a design perspective. As more renters seek to personalize their living spaces, finding easy ways to upgrade these fixtures has become an increasingly popular project.

The details

The boob light's simple dome shape makes it inexpensive to manufacture and install, which is why landlords and house flippers continue using them despite their widespread unpopularity. However, designers note there are now more renter-friendly options to disguise or replace the fixtures, from snap-on shades to easy-to-install pendant lights or chandeliers, depending on ceiling height and room function.

  • The boob light design emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as electric lighting became more common in homes.
  • Today, boob lights remain a ubiquitous feature in many rental properties across the country.

The players

Emily Orr

Associate curator and acting head of product design and decorative arts at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum.

David Calligeros

Founder of Remains Lighting Company.

Jason Saft

Founder of home staging company Staged to Sell.

Lori Smyth

Founder of Tulip Shades, a brand that offers aesthetic shades to fit over existing boob lights.

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What they’re saying

“I think it's just the cheapest possible solution for a landlord to stick a light on the ceiling. I'd be surprised if one in your apartment costs $19.”

— David Calligeros, Founder of Remains Lighting Company

“Lighting is, in my opinion, the most important thing you can change in a space to really make a difference.”

— Lori Smyth, Founder of Tulip Shades

What’s next

For renters looking to upgrade their boob lights, designers recommend considering ceiling height, room purpose, and renter-friendly solutions like snap-on shades or easy-to-install pendant lights.

The takeaway

As more renters seek to personalize their living spaces, finding creative ways to conceal or replace the ubiquitous 'boob light' has become an increasingly popular project. While landlords continue installing these cheap, mass-produced fixtures, renters now have more options than ever to upgrade their lighting and improve the overall aesthetic of their homes.