When putting new lights into a rental property or apartment, you’ll want something that is practical but stylish. Effective lighting can make a world of difference and is likely to both make and save you money over time.
Key things we look for in lights for a rental property:
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Robustness - while we always hope that our tenants take good care of a property, it’s sadly not guaranteed. Lights that can withstand a lack of love are therefore a must
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Easy to change - if the worst should happen or if a bulb goes, you’ll want to have easily changeable bulbs or fittings to hopefully save you the expensive call-out fees from your property manager or electrician
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Subtle designs - every tenant will want to make a space their own in some way. Simple fittings that leave space for imagination are the best option. While you may love a statement pendant, someone else may not and they will be the ones to live with it
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Effective light - gone are the days of the yellowish hues of incandescent and fluoro bulbs. LEDs really are the only choice nowadays. They’ll last longer and show your property off in a better light
In terms of the lights themselves, there are four main styles you’ll likely want to consider:
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Downlights
Simple, effective and unobtrusive. Downlights can be used throughout the property giving a flowing effect which can help to make your property seem bigger too. There are two main types of downlight and we would generally recommend choosing COB over SMD. SMD lights can produce excessive glare and were historically favoured for their low cost. However, we offer COB lights with anti-glare at the same prices as SMD, and sometimes even lower. -
Oysters
Their low profile make them ideal for spaces with limited ceiling height and their durable construction ensure long-lasting performance. Oysters now come in a variety of styles and sizes, making them versatile enough to suit different interiors. If budget is a priority and the goal is to minimize the number of fittings throughout the property, oyster lights are a great solution. You can install one unit in the centre of each room, providing ample light without the need for multiple fixtures. -
Bar lights
Bar lights have become very popular in New Zealand and are a great choice for rental properties. Available in various sizes and configurations, it can be used in any space. Make sure to choose an option where the globe can be easily replaced, without the need for an electrician, such as our Echo range which features a GU10 globe. -
Wall sconces
Wall sconces can be a good choice for rental properties, especially in spaces with limited ceiling height or when you're looking to create ambient lighting or a specific mood. They are often used to complement other light sources, providing softer, more focused light.
However, wall lights might not always be the most practical for general illumination in larger rooms or areas where bright, even lighting is needed. If options for a wall sconce, like bar lights, make sure that the bulb is common and easy to replace. -
Ceiling fans with lights
If you don’t have air conditioning in your property, a ceiling fan and light combination is a great solution. While we would often recommend a DC fan, these are usually controlled by remotes. Remote controls are undoubtedly very handy but they come with the risk of being lost. From experience we would therefore recommend a hard-wired option instead to prevent issues with missing and lost remotes - this is normally an AC fan.
DC fans with both remote and wall switches are available but they come at a higher cost than the AC alternative. -
Bathroom combi exhaust fans with lights (and heaters)
2-in-1 and 3-in-1 bathroom lights are hugely popular, particularly for smaller bathrooms where they can save on space. A good extractor fan in your bathroom is a must to prevent mould.
You can opt for 2-in-1 with an extractor and light, or a 3-in-1 which also includes a heating element which is very popular in the winter months. While they aren’t necessarily the most aesthetically pleasing, we recommend the slightly more retro-style combis where you can more easily change the bulbs. -
Outdoor flood lights - if you have a garden or deck you may wish to add some additional lighting but for safety and security, outdoor flood lights are the best option. They’ll help to keep both your property and your tenants safe
Our in-house lighting designer, Tabatha, has chosen the best options for each category. Each offers excellent value for money, low-care factor and uncomplicated designs. However, if you’d like specific recommendations, please get in touch. We offer video and in-person consultations, the cost of which is deductible against purchase.
