I’m Trying This Renter’s Living Room DIY Project ASAP

Recently, I’ve been wanting to add some extra flair to my walls without adding any paint — I’m not allowed, according to my lease — or any more framed artwork. (I already have so much that some of my frames are resting on the floor.) Wall sconces are really appealing, but I’ve been trying to figure out exactly how to achieve some of the looks I love as a renter. 

I smiled when I saw this idea from Charlotte Hohorst’s house tour, which is just what I needed. Charlotte, a fan of candelabras and vintage lighting, added sconces to her LA living room thanks to some professional help — and he gave her the best idea.

“The TaskRabbit [tasker] I used refused to do the wires down the back knowing I was renting (smart guy!),” Charlotte previously told Apartment Therapy. “He suggested I cover the wire with painter’s tape and then paint it the same color as the wall.” Charlotte used Behr’s Starless Night blue paint over the tape, and the wires are now barely visible!

My walls are white, and I’ve been wanting to add something similar to Eny Lee Parker’s beautiful wall sconces to my home since I chatted with and wrote about her for AT’s Design Changemakers Class of 2022. (I personally love her Daisy Sconce and Mini Puffy Star Sconce.)

Parker also has a collection with the lighting brand Mitzi, and while none of those offerings plug into the wall, Mitzi also offers this similar sculptural piece I’ve been eyeing. The cord is black, and I personally think it would look much better if I covered the cord in painter’s tape and painted over it in the same Decorator’s White as my walls. 

What do you think: black cord or painter’s tape cord hack? Let me know in the comments!