I Hid My Rental’s Ceiling Lights with Stick-On Tulip Shades and Here’s How It Went

Tulip Shades promise to cover up ugly flush mount lights nearly instantly, no re-wiring or handyman required. Installation is purportedly as easy as sticking Command strips to the ceiling. I put Tulip Shades to the test in my bathroom and wanted to see if they’d last over time.

After DIY renovating and decorating three different rental apartments (painting, applying stick-on wallpaper, refinishing cabinets and knobs — you name the project, I’ve done it), I’ve concluded that lighting has the single biggest impact on the vibe of a space. If you go to a chic restaurant or bar, the lighting will be diffused and moody. Since having a child and eating out a lot less, I’ve been trying to bring the vibes into my own home. I hired a handyman to change the light fixture over my dining room table, but tweaking my bathroom’s two flush mounts — or, as they’re called on social media, 'boob lights' — felt like less of a priority. However, every time I went to the bathroom, I felt spotlighted by the harsh overhead lighting. I stared up from my porcelain throne at their ugly, dirty, old appearance. Finally, I decided to investigate ways to hide them.

Tulip Shades Versus the Competitors

If you Google “flush mount covers” or “flush mount conversion kit,” several options pop up from Urban Outfitters, Wayfair, Amazon and more. But look more closely, and you’ll notice that these kits require you to unscrew, remove and ultimately store (if you’re renting) the flush mount’s glass dome. Tulip Shades is the only company making covers designed to stick on over the entire flush mount— glass dome included, making for a very easy and near-instant fix. The cheapest Tulip Shade is about $50 more expensive than the aforementioned conversion kits but delivers extreme convenience and a high-quality, bespoke look (but more on that later).

Design and Shape Options of Tulip Shades

Tulip Shades come in three shapes: Drum, Gem and Lamp.

When the brand launched a few years ago, the shades only came in a few colors like Natural (a light beige color) and Sunlight (a mustard yellow). The brand has since released several designer collaborations and new color options, including several solid colors, stripes, patterns and designs with contrast trim.

The Installation of Tulip Shades

The Tulip Shades shipped via USPS and arrived flattened, packed with a plastic frame, Command strips and optional hardware. All in, the installation of one flush mount took 10 minutes. First, I wiped around the flush mount with rubbing alcohol. While that dried, I steamed the tulip shade with my clothing steamer to release wrinkles from the fabric (it worked). Finally, I pressed Command strip tape to the plastic frame, stuck it to the ceiling around the boob light without measuring and popped in the shade (it adhered with strong, built-in magnets). The process was fast and easy, with no pain points. I didn’t use the hardware because I have smooth ceilings, and the instructions said it was only necessary for textured ceilings. However, I was curious if the tape alone could hold up the shades over time, especially in the humidity of a bathroom.

The Final Look

In a few words: stunning, vibey and designer-y.

I had expected the shade to cover up my ugly light fixture, but I hadn’t predicted it would diffuse the harsh overhead spotlights into moody, slightly warmer ambient lighting. The small bathroom suddenly felt like it had been lit by several perfectly placed and calibrated table lamps instead of overhead lights. Vibe city.

The shades are made of thick cotton canvas-like material that, when hung, look striking and sculptural. These are no flimsy paper drum shades sold at big-box stores. These looked like the kind of bespoke fixture an interior designer would select for a home.

I opted for the Drum Caledonia, a drum-shaped shade covered in paintings of trees, urns and plants by artist and designer Xavier Donnelly. Donnelly is behind a number of iconic New York destinations including The Carlye Hotel, home of the iconic Bemelmans Bar. In fact, when decorating my apartment, I attempted to channel some of the interior design vibes of Bemelmans, including dark wood, dim lighting, moody velvet and wall murals. The existence of the Drum Caledonia felt serendipitous. If I’d had it in my budget to wallpaper the room, I’d have opted for a similar earth-toned, ditsy cottage core-meets toile selection. Instead, the Drum shade brings a bit of this pattern in to compliment the bathroom’s antique furniture and oil paintings.

How My Tulip Shade Held up Over Time

After several months of use and multiple steamy showers, I can attest that the shades are as good as new. They’ve remained firmly stuck to the ceiling like a regular light fixture. Tulip Command strips, I’m sorry for ever doubting you.

The Final Verdict

While Tulip Shades are slightly pricier than competitors, they’re heirloom pieces created in collaboration with famous designers. They install quickly, requiring zero alterations to your existing space. Once up, they soften overhead lighting, creating a vibey, ambiently lit space. Plus, they’ll last: if you’re moving to a new home, simply peel off the sticky tape and re-install them in your new space with fresh Command strips. Right now, I’m currently considering buying a shade from their new line, Tulip Kids’ Collection, to really turn up the vibes in my son’s room for diaper changing and Goodnight Moon.