Transform My Space Now
The Lighting Solution That Finally Made My Rental Feel Like Home (No Electrician, No Holes, No Landlord Drama)
Posted by Claire Thompson
August 21, 2025 • 4 min read
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I'll never forget the moment I realized my "dream apartment" was actually a nightmare.
It was 11 PM on move-in day.
I'd been unpacking boxes for hours, and I finally stopped to look around.
The harsh overhead lighting made everything look cold and clinical - like a doctor's office, not the cozy home I'd imagined when I signed the lease.
I stood there in my empty living room, surrounded by boxes, and felt this crushing disappointment.
After months of apartment hunting and saving for the security deposit, this was supposed to be my space.
I decided I was going to make this place feel like home, no matter what it took.
My $847 Journey Through Every Bad Lighting Solution
My first stop was West Elm.
I found these gorgeous brass sconces that would be perfect for my reading nook. They were $240 each, but I convinced myself they were an "investment."
Then I called an electrician for quotes.
"$650 to install two sconces," he said casually, like that was pocket change.
I hung up and stared at my laptop screen. $650 + $480 for the fixtures = $1,130.
For two lights. In a rental apartment I might leave in two years.
So I started looking for alternatives.
Attempt #1
The IKEA Route
I bought two plug-in wall lamps from IKEA for $89 total. They looked fine in the store, but once I got them home? They screamed "college dorm."
The cords were visible, the light was harsh, and they made my carefully curated space look... cheap.
Attempt #2
The Amazon "Solution"
I found some stick-on LED lights with 4-star reviews. $47 for a set of three seemed reasonable.
They arrived looking like something you'd put in a garage. The light was cold and dim, and they fell off the wall after two weeks.
Attempt #3
The Home Depot Disaster
I tried battery-operated sconces that looked promising online. $156 for two.
They were heavy, the battery life was terrible, and they looked like fake reproductions of real fixtures.
After three failed attempts, I'd spent $292 on lights that made my apartment look worse than before.
I was ready to live with ugly lighting forever.
The Instagram Video That Changed Everything
I was mindlessly scrolling through Instagram when I saw this video of a woman installing what looked like a real designer sconce on her wall in about 30 seconds, with no tools.
I was skeptical.
I'd been burned too many times by "revolutionary" products that turned out to be junk.
But something about this felt different.
I started digging deeper.
The Two Women Who Solved What No One Else Could
The company was called Poplight, founded by a couple, Rose and Caroline, from Denver.
Their story was exactly like mine.
They'd moved into their first place together and were frustrated by the same impossible choice every renter faces:
👉Live with ugly lighting, or spend a fortune on permanent fixtures you can't take with you.
But instead of accepting this limitation like the rest of us, they decided to solve it.
They spent months researching what renters actually needed: something that looked like expensive designer lighting but could be installed without tools, moved between apartments, and wouldn't break the bank.
The result was Poplight—a patented, rechargeable wall sconce that looked nothing like the cheap alternatives I'd wasted money on.
But here's what really convinced me: when Rose and Caroline pitched their idea on Shark Tank, Kevin O'Leary and Barbara Corcoran actually fought over the deal.
Kevin ended up winning, but only after some serious competition.
Why Everything Else Fails (And What Actually Works)
After my expensive education in renter lighting, I finally understood why nothing had worked.
The Traditional Route Fails Because:
Designed for homeowners who can make permanent changes
Enormous upfront costs ($500-1000+ per room)
You lose your investment when you move
Most landlords won't allow electrical work anyway
The Cheap Alternatives Fail Because:
Designed for utility, not aesthetics
Poor light quality makes spaces look worse
Break easily and look obviously fake
Lack of consideration for modern design
What Makes Poplight Different:
Instead of trying to make a cheap version of expensive lighting, Rose and Caroline reimagined what renter lighting could be.
They created something that looks like a $300 designer sconce but installs like a Command hook.
The secret is in the details:
Built-in level ensures it looks professionally installed
~300 lumens of warm LED light for perfect ambiance
Multiple color temperatures so you can create actual ambiance
App control + manual button lets you adjust everything from your phone or directly on the light
USB-C rechargeable battery that lasts 7-9 hours (or keep it plugged in)
Removable battery pack so you can recharge anywhere - no need to stay close to an outlet
Patented removal system that comes off cleanly when you move
Works on multiple surfaces: painted walls, wood, tile, glass, metal
Most importantly, they designed it for how renters actually live - moving frequently, decorating on a budget, and wanting something that feels personal without the commitment.
My 30-Second Installation (That Changed Everything)
When my Poplight arrived, I was still skeptical.
But the packaging was beautiful.
I opened the box and found everything I needed:
The Poplight fixture with premium finish
Rechargeable battery pack (7-9 hour life)
USB-C charging cord
Mounting base with built-in bubble level
1 pair of adhesive tape for installing
The instructions were literally four steps:
Peel the backing off the mounting base
Level using the built-in bubble level
Stick the base plate firmly on the wall
Twist the light fixture onto the base
But here's what blew my mind—it didn't look like I'd installed a temporary fix. It looked like I'd hired a professional to install a $300 sconce.
The light quality was warm and even
The finish looked premium
The built-in level meant it was perfectly straight
For the first time since moving in, my reading nook felt intentional. Designed. Like somewhere I actually wanted to spend time.
My space finally felt like home.
It’s one of the best decisions I've made.
I feel like I've been given a whole new life again.
Featured
Recommended
★★★★★
Easy installation
Dimmable warm light
USB-C rechargeable
Premium design
Safe, easy removal
Transform My Space Now
Rated 4.8/5
Poplight: Designer Lighting Made for Renters
Transform Any Space in 30 Seconds—No Tools, No Holes, No Electrician Required
Transform My Space Now
Key Features
30-second installation with built-in level for perfect placement
7-9 hour battery life or plug-in option
App-controlled dimming and color temperature adjustment
Premium finishes in 8 stylish colors
Damage-free removal that won't risk your security deposit
Portable design that moves with you to every apartment
🦈 AS SEEN ON SHARK TANK 🦈
🌈 LGBTQ+ & WOMEN OWNED 👯♀️
📍 BASED IN DENVER, COLORADO 📍
🦈 AS SEEN ON SHARK TANK 🦈
🌈 LGBTQ+ & WOMEN OWNED 👯♀️
📍 BASED IN DENVER, COLORADO 📍
Perfect For
Reading nooks and bedside lighting
1
Dark hallways and entryways
2
Accent lighting over artwork
3
Creating ambiance in any room
4
Apartments without convenient outlets
5
What 10,000+ Renters Are Saying
4.83/5 Stars • 86.7% Give 5 Stars
Over 10,000 Happy Customers
Cozy, warm light temperature
FREE gift with your second Poplight
Express (2–3 days) and Economy (5–8 days) shipping available at checkout
Rechargeable, stick on wall lighting
⏱ Instant Installation: Stick on in seconds—no tools needed! Transform any space with Poplight's effortless setup.
👉 Customizable Lighting: Enjoy perfect ambiance with dimmable settings and three color temperatures to match any mood or occasion. Simply tap the button to turn on, hold and press to dim, or unlock more features with the free Poplight app.
🔌 Convenient Recharge: USB-C rechargeable for easy, hassle-free power. Everything you need is included for a seamless setup.
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Frequently Asked Questions
$99 feels expensive for a light.
Compare it to your alternatives: Traditional sconces cost $300-500 EACH plus $300-650 installation. Cheap Amazon lights make your space look worse. Poplight costs less than one electrician visit and you can take it with you forever.
How long does the battery really last?
7-9 hours on a single charge for normal use. You can also keep it plugged in when near an outlet. Charges via USB-C just like your phone.
Pro tip: Add an extra battery pack to your order so you can swap batteries instantly for uninterrupted lighting.
Do I need the app to use it?
No! Each Poplight has a manual button for on/off and dimming. The app adds convenience for color temperature adjustment and grouping multiple lights, but it's not required.
Will the color match my décor?
Poplight comes in 8 carefully chosen finishes. Each light also offers adjustable color temperature (warm to cool) so you can match the lighting tone to your space perfectly.
Will it damage my walls?
The patented removal system is specifically designed to come off cleanly without damage. Thousands of renters have moved their Poplights multiple times with zero issues.
Is it bright enough for reading?
At 300 lumens, it's perfect for accent lighting, reading, and creating ambiance. It's not meant to replace overhead lighting; it's designed to add the warm, cozy lighting that makes a space feel like home.
What if I don't like it?
30-day return policy with original packaging required.
Your 30-Day Risk-Free Return Policy
Try Poplight for 30 days. If you're not satisfied, you can return it with original packaging for a refund according to our return policy.
Ready to Transform Your Space?
Don't spend another night in a space that doesn't feel like you.
Join 10,000+ renters who refuse to settle for ugly lighting.
Based in Denver, Colorado
4.83/5 Star Rating
Trusted by 10,000+ Happy Renters
LGBTQ+ & women-owned business
Featured on Shark Tank
Transform My Space Now
Limited Availability Notice
Small Batch Production: As a small Denver-based business, Poplight can only produce limited quantities each month. Popular colors regularly sell out, especially after Shark Tank reruns.
Don't wait another month living in a poorly lit space.
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Poplight is a home lighting product designed for residential use. Results such as brightness, battery life, and wall compatibility may vary depending on usage and environment. Always follow installation instructions to ensure safe setup.
Transform My Space Now
Rated 4.8 based on 100+ reviews
