12 Modern Light Fixtures to Buy or DIY

Jul 01, 2014

Changing the vibe of room or space can be as simple as one small accessory or addition. If you’re looking to give a room a quick, modern makeover, look no further than a lamp or light fixture to boost the contemporary feel. Whether the effect is achieved by shape or material, modern light fixtures can be total conversation pieces at your girlfriend get-togethers or weekend soirees. Check out these 12 fixtures to buy or DIY and be prepared to light the way to a more modern, updated space.

1. Sputnik Lamp ($328): Give your home a new-age, beachy feel with this light wood, pastel lamp.

2. Reclaimed Wine Barrel Lamp ($330): The options are endless with this contemporary fixture. It’s small enough to be put on a table, but large enough to be placed on the floor.

3. Paper Plate Modern Lamp: We never realized paper plates could be used to create such awesome art! DIY a modern table lamp with leftover dinnerware from your latest BBQ or picnic. (via Handmade Charlotte)

4. Tube Top Table Lamp ($125): Choose from a rainbow of colors, or pick a few different shades to place on different surfaces to really liven up a room.

5. Baxton Studio Twigg Lamp ($195): Bring the outdoors inside with this epic floor lamp. The contrast between black and white gives it a modern monochrome vibe, too.

6. Kartell Cindy Table Lamp ($350): These fixtures are so awesome, they practically double as mirrors! You could do a ton in terms of color coordination with all of these sweet shades to choose from.

7. Industrial-Modern Wood and Concrete Table Lamp: Who knew you could DIY such crazy cool lighting? We see one of these on your nightstand, one on your desk and, well, pretty much everywhere. (via Curbly)

8. Edison Industrial Cage Lamp DIY Set ($70): Buying this set gives you the best of both worlds… all the materials are already gathered for you, but you get credit for actually putting the caged creation together.

9. Arc Touch Table Lamp ($64): Don’t let this touch lamp fool you into thinking it’s a super high-tech faucet (we’re guilty of that). This piece is sleek, simple and functional.

10. Brass Chandelier: This hanging fixture is an oh-so-simple solution to adding a more modern vibe to your kitchen or dining area. Secure this bad boy over your table and you’ve got solid light and a whole new look. (via DIY Ready)

11. Pastel Wood Lamp ($500): We’re not sure whether it was the mint color that first attracted us to this lamp, or whether it was the incredibly futuristic shape of it, but we’re in love.

12. Perimeter Floor Lamp ($300): Fun floor lamps are hard to come by, but we’re loving the bright blue hue featured here.

Which of these fixtures inspires you to create a more modern space? What’s your favorite style of lighting? Let us know in the comments below!

The Best Amazon Desk Lamps To Help You Focus Better At Home

Modern desk lamps are working hard for your money these days. Many come with built-in wireless charging pads, USB ports and touchpad settings that let you adjust the brightness and color with a simple tap. There are the task masters with adjustable arms and swivel heads for more control over the direction of thelight, which is particularly useful if you’re sharing a desk space or working on a specific task.

Energy efficiency is also a big plus — LED lights consume less energy and last longer than traditional bulbs, so the planet will thank you too for the upgrade. They can even help reduce eye strain and accommodate different activities, whether you’re doing computer work, reading, or focusing on a specific craft.

Whatever you're looking for, Amazon has a great selection of desk lamps to choose from – here are our favorites in different styles to suit your home’s aesthetic.

Amazon

Globe Electric 18" Desk Lamp

This mid-century-inspired desk lamp in a classic matte brass comes with an adjustable arm so you can focus on the task at hand. Automate brightness based on season or time of day from your phone by adding a Globe Electric Smart bulb too!

Amazon

LED Dimmable Desk Lamp

This LED desk lamp has a dimmable feature with 50 different lighting choices to keep your eyes happy, day and night – no flickering light or harsh glare here. Recharge your smart phone via the built-in USB port too.

Amazon

Globe Electric 15" Desk Lamp

Mushroom shades are all the rage. This desk lamp is compatible with LED or incandescent bulbs and comes in a few fun colors.

Amazon

Modern Industrial Desk Lamp 22.2“

This LED lamp has a luxe finish with brass trimmings and an adjustable lampshade so you can put the spotlight on your work, creative or otherwise.

Amazon

Fenmzee Bedside Table Lamp

This dimmable lamp has a touch-sensitive sensor so you can adjust it to low, medium, and high. Power up to three devices at once too!

Amazon

Foldable Portable Desk Lamp

Bunny fans, here's one for you: This cute portable desk lamp has a built-in rechargeable battery and flicker-free, glare-free LED light.

Amazon

LED Desk Lamp with USB Charging Port

Color lovers will enjoy this LED desk lamp with USB charging port and auto-dimming feature, plus a goose-neck that flexes.

Amazon

Cordless LED Table Lamp with Dimmer

Old meets new with this antique brass cordless LED lamp, which offers a dimmer, built-in rechargeable battery, and three levels of brightness.

Amazon

Industrial Table Lamp with 2 USB Ports

This vintage-style desk lamp has a three-way dimmer and two USB ports to charge your devices while you work or sleep.

Amazon

Small Desk Lamp With Touch Control

Add some wee charm to your desk with this small touch-control LED lamp with a 360° adjustable neck and 20 levels of brightness. Pop your pens and things in the organizer base. It's great for kids too!

Amazon

Small Desk Lamp with Warm LED Bulb

This modern desk lamp with warm LED bulb comes in a unique frosted opal glass shade. The rotary switch design is super sleek and offers 20 levels of brightness to meet your needs, from morning meditation to burning the midnight oil.

Amazon

ED Desk Lamp with USB Port

Upgrade your workspace with this satin brass LED desk lamp that moves, head to arm. It has a built-in USB charging port too!

Amazon

Creative Desk Lamp with Changeable Shape

Sit back and get to work with this natural wood "person" lamp that can adjust to multiple positions, including seated on a stack of your favorite books. It's compatible with e26, LED, and incandescent bulbs.

Amazon

Mid-Century Modern Globe Desk lamp

Add some green shimmer, deskside, with this portable glass lamp inspired by mid-century lamps.

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Lead image via Amazon

Why Timothée Chalamet Abandoned “Good Friend” Austin Butler’s ‘Elvis’ Method For Bob Dylan Role

Austin Butler as Elvis, Selena Gomez as Linda Rondstat, and now Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan — there will never be enough biopics for me! (The real question is when are we going to get a Taylor Swift movie?). When pictures from the set of the new Bob Dylan movie, A Complete Unknown, hit Twitter, I had to do a double take because Timothée Chalamet looks so much like the musician I couldn't believe my eyes! You can watch the A Complete Unknown trailer here.

Timothée is going to be joined by Met Gala queen Elle Fanning, as well as Top Gun superstar Monica Barbaro. Here's everything you need to know about the movie — and our favorite Bob Dylan songs to listen to while you wait for its release.

Keep reading to see the latest updates from Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown.

Timothée Chalamet stars in A Complete Unknown, coming to theaters December 25, 2024.
He's joined by Elle Fanning and Monica Barbaro.
The movie follows Bob Dylan's career in the 1960s as he rises to fame and later shifts from folk to rock'n'roll.

Did Timothée Chalamet take inspiration from Austin Butler’s Elvis?

Timothée Chalamet recently revealed that while he originally wanted to approach A Complete Unknown by taking direct inspiration from Bob Dylan, he quickly changed his tone...so to speak. "Somebody once said to me, you can't make a movie about a painter because it's not interesting to watch paint dry," he says in People's exclusive video. "Bob has that element because he's not one of these forward-facing musicians."

While Timmy saw Natalie Portman a sequence in Jackie "step-for-step exactly what Jackie did," and paid attention to "all this stuff that I saw my good friend Austin Butler crush it with on Elvis," he quickly realized "I gotta do none of this because this is not my style."

"Bob did not have a vocal coach," he continues. "He had two bottles of red wine and four packs of cigarettes. There's no way to impersonate that." One of my favorite things about biopics is seeing how a well-known actor portrays a recognizable figure. And you can see Timothée Chalamet's interpretation of Bob Dylan in theaters December 25!

Monica Barbaro Sings Her Heart Out

twitter.com

We got a look at Monica Barbaro as singer-songwriter Joan Baez, who was one of the first major artists in the 1960s to record Bob Dylan's music!

I was super impressed to learn Timothée showed up and sang live for the film. "It was important for me to play and sing on set because it was in the spirit of the movie to do it live," he says in a video from People. "Many of the artists through American pop culture that had the balls to turn their back on what was expected of them, that moment started with Bob. His words are relevant; 'Times They are A Changing' ' is relevant, 'Blowin' in the Wind' is relevant."

Elle Fanning and Timothée Chalamet In "A Complete Unknown"

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Elle Fanning totally embodies the late '60s vibe in this fall outfit. The bold maroon blazer, the long straight hair, and the striped turtleneck — I love it all! Elle is starring this Bob Dylan movie as Sylvie Russo, a university student and artist Bob falls for in the '60s.

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Thanks to some onset leaks, we also got a glimpse of the movie's version of The Freewheelin'! Elle Fanning and Timothée Chalamet look incredible as Sylvia Russo and Bob Dylan. I'm a sucker for any kind of recreation, so seeing this new version of the classic record cover is incredible!!

The First Pictures From Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan Movie

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Timothée Chalamet has totally transformed into Bob Dylan on the set of A Complete Unknown. And when I saw the pictures of Timothée carrying the guitar my jaw dropped!! He completely engrossed himself in Wonka and Dune 2 and I'm so excited to see him do the same for this Bob Dylan movie.

What is the movie about Bob Dylan called?

H. Thompson/Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Amy Sussman/Getty Images

A Complete Unknown Plot

Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan movie is called A Complete Unknown. The movie filmed around New York City in the spring of 2024, and James Mangold is serving as director (you might recognize his name from Logan, Girl, Interrupted, and Walk the Line). The movie will cover the period during the 1960s when Bob Dylan shifted from folk to rock'n'roll, changing the face of pop culture (and culture in general, TBH), forever.

"When that movie finally comes out, people are going to be shocked because you're going to think you're hearing Bob Dylan sing," vocal coach Eric Vetro tells PEOPLE. "[Timothée Chalamet] just has this uncanny ability to not impersonate, but really breathe life into it. He's embodying Bob Dylan and what he was like at that age."

Who else is in A Complete Unknown with Timothée Chalamet?

Amy Sussman/Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images/Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Gotham Film & Media Institute

A Complete Unknown Cast

The A Complete Unknown cast is incredible! Alongside Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan, we'll see Top Gun: Maverick's Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez, Elle Fanning as Sylvie Russo, Edward Norton as Pete Seeger, Boyd Holbrook as Johnny Cash, and Nick Offerman as Alan Lomax.

When is the Bob Dylan movie coming out?

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

A Complete Unknown Release Date

A Complete Unknown will hit theaters on December 25, 2024. And since Timothée Chalamet has been seen in turtlenecks, hats, and jackets on set, this sounds like the perfect cozy movie to me!

I always need some brand new music to listen to once the weather gets chilly, and I will for sure be listening to anything Timothée records.

What song did Bob Dylan write for a movie?

Christopher Polk/Getty Images for VH1

Bob Dylan wrote "Things Have Changed" for the 2000 movie Wonder Boys, which starred Michael Douglas, Tobey Maguire, and Katie Holmes. This Bob Dylan song ended up winning the Academy Award for Best Original Songand the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song!

"Knockin' On Heaven's Door," which is arguably the singer's most popular track, was released two months after the 1973 premiere of Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid as a part of the film's soundtrack.

What are some other Bob Dylan songs to listen to?

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

I totally agree that one of the best Bob Dylan songs is "Knockin' On Heaven's Door," but "Blowin' In The Wind" and "The Times They Are A-Changin'" are also great songs to listen to if you're a new Bob Dylan fan. So far, "The Times They Are A-Changin'" is my personal favorite song.

His style is the perfect blend of rock and folk that reminds me of summer picnics and walks in the woods. His sound also reportedly inspired Taylor Swift's Folklore!

What are you most excited to see in Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan movie A Complete Unknown? Check out our Facebook for more movie news!

This post has been updated.

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10 Design Mistakes That Will Make Your Home Look Cheap

For those of us who are passionate about design and decorating, of course, we want our homes to look stylish and put-together, but sometimes life gets in the way and our homes start to look a little neglected. I bought my home four years ago and I'm starting to notice smudges on the walls (lots of 'em), furniture that could use an upgrade, clutter where I never intended, and a lack of cohesion from room to room. This is all to say, no shame if you're guilty of making a few home decor mistakes – we've all been there! But if you're looking to make a few upgrades, here's where you can start, without spending a ton of money. Lighting, maintenance, and just clearing up clutter can make a huge difference in how your home looks, from rags to riches.;)

Home Decor Mistakes Making Your Space Look Cheap

Dated Lighting

Photo by Lina Kivaka

Instead: Look For Sculptural Lighting

Let's start from the top. Sometimes a simple upgrade like new lighting can make such an impact in the room, instantly giving it a more upscale look. Statement lighting in sculptural shapes are on trend and timeless. Think in levels too -- from ceiling to table lamps to create ambience. Too harsh or too dim can make a room feel uninviting and drab too so pay attention to lighting in a room before you completely overhaul it.

Cramped, Cluttered Spaces

Photo by Rachel Claire

Instead: Be Selective With Furniture And Decor

Less is more when it comes to looking elegant, and frankly, not cheap. Remove anything that doesn't feel right in a space (you may find a better spot for it later) and start with the bare minimum. Now start to fill it with furniture and decor that fits the space well and looks like they pair well. Overfilled rooms can make them look cramped and chaotic, and too much decor or mess can create visual clutter, which is not inviting.

Mismatched Styles

Photo by Element5 Digital

Instead: Create A Point Of View

As a home decor enthusiast, I love almost all of it: art deco, modern, vintage, all the trends. Not to say, these trends can't all go together – they totally can! But create a space where they all work together so it feels cohesive. Make sure furniture works well with each other (even ask design advice from retailers). If you add art deco elements to a modern space, keep that thread going throughout the home with similar shapes, materials and textures (without going overboard). Start with an idea, pair down to the necessities, and slowly add what feels right.

Old Paint, Broken Anything

Photo by Pixabay

Instead: Keep Up With Repairs

Walls with chipped or peeling paint can make a home look neglected so a fresh coat is always a good idea after three or so years. Fix broken fixtures too like light switches, faucets, or doorknobs to keep your home from looking old and unkempt.

Cheap Materials

Photo: Shutterstock

Instead: Opt For Natural Materials

Synthetic materials like polyester and nylon can appear low-end so use them sparingly. Of course, there are sometimes budget concerns but opting for a few quality linens, upholstery, or real wood furniture can elevate your home.

Dated Fixtures

Photography by Joao Canziani | Design: Arterberry Cooke,

Instead: Upgrade faucets, knobs, and handles

My mom was ready to remodel her whole bathroom until I told her that it was fine — she just needed to upgrade her faucet. She did and was so happy with the results. Something as small as a new bathroom faucet, kitchen handles, or new doorknobs can bring your home on trend and help eliminate embarrassing home decor mistakes.

Rental Blinds

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Instead: Don't Treat Windows As An Afterthought

While I do love the bare window look, it can sometimes make a room feel unfinished, especially if the windows are not new. As a renter, I couldn't stand the look of cheap rental blinds too. I'd remove them, make my own shades, and reinstall them when I moved out. Using flimsy or outdated blinds can ruin a perfectly beautiful room. It's like the final accessory to complete the look!

Lack of Scale And Proportion

Photo: Nils Timm

Instead: Create Balance

Area rugs should extend beyond the sofa and not be too small compared to the size of the room. Find furniture that fits the space and hang artwork that balances the room vs. puts it off kilter. This room by L.A. design firm House of Rolison feels harmonious and complete.

Generic Decor

Photo: Nils Timm | Design: House of Rolison

Instead: Add Personal Touches

Using generic, mass-produced decor items can make a home feel impersonal and bland. Create a sense of space and character by incorporating personal touches, such as family photos or unique decor and art pieces.

Overly Themed Rooms

Photo by Tatiana Syrikova

Instead: Scale Back On Thematic Pieces

Overdoing a specific theme, such as nautical or rustic, can feel kitschy and less sophisticated. Instead, use elements of a theme sparingly, like this woodland-themed kids room that features an animal print and little trinkets on a shelf for an adorable touch.

Main Photo by Rachel Claire

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Renée Zellwegger & Leo Woodall Prove Age Gaps Are Sexy In 'Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy' Trailer

If you're a rom-com fan who also can't get enough of Jane Austen's books, you've probably seen the Bridget Jones movies. The story (which is loosely based on Pride & Prejudice) follows the titular Bridget Jones, a 30-something who sets out on a mission to improve herself over the course of a year while she looks for a partner. And, in true romantic movie form, she keeps a diary the whole time. Not only can we rewatch the original trilogy as many times as we want, but we're also getting a fourth movie! Here's everything we know about Bridget Jones 4.