I just moved into a condo. For background I am planning on living here a couple years then renting it out. Finishes in this market are not upscale and I cannot justify spending a lot of money on real renovations — just more minor updates (long way of saying no high end light fixtures — $200 absolute max and that’s pushing it — and definitely no new wiring; this will be DIY)

The main living area is VERY dark. It’s only wired for one ceiling light fixture, which is in a difficult spot for a light fixture — right above the fireplace. I know standard lighting there would shine down to showcase whatever’s on the mantle (what I have there is temporary as I just moved in) but that is no help in addressing my lighting situation. Really hoping for some creative light fixture ideas here that would project more light outward. Any ideas? See pics below. There’s only 8 inches of space between the wall and the spot where the light fixture would need to go.

The last shot is of the light fixture above the kitchen table, which you can see from the living area so the overall style needs to be consistent enough with that so it doesn’t look awkward. I’d call the fixture modern farmhouse (right?) though my style (and most of the condo) skews MCM.

I will probably paint the paneling a color that has a very high LRV, as I believe a lighter color would help the light from the fixture project outward.

Please please help! I can’t stand living in darkness even though I otherwise love the condo.