The best Nelson Cigar lamp alternative for a rental is a plug-in cigar sconce, because you get the soft, up-and-down glow without opening a wall. The Gunnar by BO-HA is a plug-in cigar sconce with a silk diffuser, a swing arm and an E26 bulb included, at $299.95. The original Herman Miller Nelson Cigar wall sconce lists at $705 and was on sale for $528.75 when I checked; one authorized retailer lists it as made to order in 6 to 8 weeks with no bulb included. For a smaller budget, the AC345 by Wenche is a glass globe sconce from $164.95. Here is how they compare for small spaces.
Why the Cigar Shape Works in a Small Room
A cigar sconce wraps the bulb in a diffuser, so it glows instead of shining. It sends light up the wall and down onto a nightstand at the same time, which makes a small bedroom feel taller and softer. And because it hangs on the wall, it frees up the nightstand, which in a small apartment is usually crowded already. If you are new to wall lights in a rental, start with my plug-in wall sconce guide.
George Nelson's bubble lamps for Herman Miller are where this look comes from. The lamps below borrow the shape; only the Herman Miller one is the Nelson design.
Quick Comparison
| Sconce | Power | Bulb | Price seen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gunnar by BO-HA | Plug-in | E26, included | $299.95 |
| AC345 by Wenche | Check listing | G9 LED, included | $164.95 to $209.95 |
| Residence Supply Nidia | Check listing | Check listing | about $95 |
| Herman Miller Nelson Cigar | Check listing | Not included at one retailer | $528.75 on sale (from $705) |
Prices come from the brand or retailer pages we checked on October 14, 2026, and they change.
The Sconces
1. Gunnar Cigar Sconce by BO-HA: Best for Renters
The Gunnar by BO-HA is a cigar lamp made as a plug-in wall sconce. BO-HA lists a silk diffuser that throws light up and down, a brushed metal arm that swings left and right, a pull chain switch, an E26 socket that works with dimmable and smart bulbs, a 60W maximum, and one bulb in the box. You choose the shade: cigar, ball, lantern or oval.
For a renter, the important part is the plug. Mounting it is one or two screws and an outlet, and when you move, it comes with you. Put a smart bulb in it and you can switch it from your phone instead of reaching for the chain.
My note: run the cord straight down behind the nightstand, or use a paintable cord cover in the wall colour. A visible cord is what makes plug-in sconces look temporary.
2. AC345 Nordic Round by Wenche: Best Budget Glass Globe
The AC345 by Wenche is a round glass globe sconce in orange, white or green, with a G9 LED bulb included. It is not a cigar, but it gives the same soft, diffused mid-century glow at a lower price. Check the listing for how it mounts before you buy for a rental.
3. Residence Supply Nidia: The Budget Way In
Residence Supply's Nidia is a simple wall lamp at about $95 before member discount. It is the cheapest option here and a sensible first sconce if you are not sure the look suits your room. Check the listing for power and bulb details.
4. Herman Miller Nelson Cigar Wall Sconce: The Original
This is the George Nelson design, made by Herman Miller. Its US store listed it at $705, on sale for $528.75 when I checked. One authorized retailer lists it from $774, made to order with a lead time of about 6 to 8 weeks, and notes that the bulb is not included. If you own your place or are planning to keep it forever, the original is the one. If you are renting, check whether the version you are buying is hardwired before you order.
Plug-In vs Hardwired, for Renters
- Plug-in: mount with a screw or two, plug into the nearest outlet, take it with you. Most leases allow small screw holes; check yours.
- Hardwired: needs a junction box in the wall and usually an electrician, plus your landlord's permission. Not worth it for a short lease.
- Rechargeable: no cord at all, but you charge it every few days. I compared them in my no-drill sconce review.
My general rules for lighting a rental are in renter lighting rules.
Where to Hang a Cigar Sconce
Beside a bed, put the centre of the shade about 20 to 24 inches above the mattress, and about 6 to 8 inches out from the edge of the headboard. Next to a reading chair, a little higher, around 48 to 54 inches from the floor. Use a warm 2700K bulb; the silk or glass is what makes the glow soft, but the bulb sets the colour.
If You Want a Table Lamp Instead
If drilling is off the table, a small mushroom lamp gives a similar soft glow from the nightstand. I rounded those up in the best mushroom lamps.
The Short Version
For the Nelson Cigar look in a rental, choose a plug-in. The Gunnar by BO-HA is a plug-in cigar sconce with an E26 bulb included at $299.95. The AC345 by Wenche is a glass globe from $164.95. Residence Supply's Nidia is about $95. The Herman Miller Nelson Cigar is the original at $528.75 on sale, and the one to buy if you are staying put.
