Taking a brief break (until later today) from the product reviewing to post these fun rooms with chalkboard painted walls.   I have been toying with the idea to use chalkboard paint on some of our walls…  My only worry would be whether or not my girls would realize they can’t draw on every wall,  just specific ones.   If painting an entire wall isn’t a commitment you want to make, or if it just isn’t an option, then maybe a smaller scale/less permanent choice like these wall graphics form Firm Living would be better.  Printed on adhesive backed vinyl, these work with chalk and can be applied/removed without damaging the wall.

Images via NYTimes, Ferm Living

Fun custom made triple bunk bed for Hanne Larsen by Ghislane Viñas.  Made from laminated plywood, it is more durable than paint, easier to clean, and has crisp clean edges.

Via The Seventy Tree

GAB, an Italian furniture manufacturer, has a great collection of complete bedroom designs for children.  They offer a wide array of options for all ages, toddler through young adult, and have systems for single rooms and shared spaces.  All the rooms use thoughtful space saving ideas, like beds and desks that fold away, and some pretty unique storage solutions.  To see more, pay a visit the GAB website.

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As a renter, I am fully aware of how limited the options for illumination can be.   I often find myself stuck with some type of fixture I can hardly imagine someone designed on purpose.   The subject of this post, bedroom lighting, is among the most frustrating for me.  Often there is the sorry excuse for the overhead (and for whatever reason, off-center) fixture, the brass wall sconce, or the third option: no fixture at all.  What you get is just a lonely outlet, powered by the door-side switch, that they expect you to plug a bedside lamp in to.  This third option is usually my favorite, because if nothing else it allows me freedom of choice.  When renting, you can not expect great or honest lighting options from potential properties.  Recently, what was advertised as “providing recessed lighting” turned out to mean “one single area with two recessed can lights, while everything else will be brass, chain-hung fixtures from 15 years ago.”   So what are the options for the bed-side lighting when you can’t exchange fixtures or hire an electrician?  Here are a few to get you started thinking.

West Elm’s Industrial Sconce

The Robert Abbey Bruno Scissor Arm from Lumens and Gracious Home

Ikea has several inexpensive options along the lines of these.  See the Beryll,  Jansjo,  or Kramare.

Design Within Reach has several options, two of my favorites being the Tolomeo Floor Lamp and the Nelsen Wall Sconce.

Probably not the brightest option, the Candela Lights from Vessel still add a nice feel to any space, indoor or out.

One of my personal favorites (these have a way of popping up around my house), the very basic industrial Clamp Light.   Available at most hardware stores for less than $10.00, it comes in a variety of sizes and styles.  As an added bonus, a simple light bulb change can turn this into a small bedside heat source.  Just be careful not to touch the metal shade once it has been on for a little while.

If you can’t find anything you like, try getting a cord kit, like this one from Urban Outfitters.  This one includes a 15 foot cord, an in-line on/off switch, and the bulb shown above.  Urban also offers a large array of shade options for their cord kits.