How to make ugly bedroom type ceiling lights look updated?

One easy idea is to cover the existing light fixture with a nice drum shade. You can diy a drum shade using embroidery hoops or purchase a new one, or if you find a thrifted one you can cover it to complement your dining room decor. There are also recessed lighting kits that enable you to remove the existing light fixture and put in a new inexpensive one.

since you cant paint it or change it because you are in a rental, try using washi tape .. it's easy to remove!

I have thought of the drum shade idea but not sure how to attach it. It is one of those two bulb lights with the square glass cover that hangs down.

I had one of those in my living room that was this hideous perforated 1940s copper thing. I found a really nice ribbed glass dome at a thrift store. I did have to buy an adaptor kit with a longer screw bar since the lamp was significantly bigger. They sell these at hardware stores. Just unscrew old one, and screw in new longer piece. I see all kinds of great shades, lamps and fixtures in the thrift stores.

Thanks

Here is a website to tell you how to attach a drum shade to a ceiling light. Something that would be pretty hanging from it would be crystals.

http://freshcrush.com/upgrade-a-ceiling-light-with-a-drum-shade/

http://www.curbly.com/5050-8-ways-to-cover-ugly-light-fixtures

http://www.designsponge.com/2013/09/before-after-a-quick-easy-and-beautiful-upgrade-for-a-standard-ceiling-light.html

http://www.hawk-hill.com/2016/09/stylish-hack-for-fixing-rental-lighting/

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-replace-ugly-rental-cei-46416

http://www.curbly.com/18191-round-up-6-ways-to-cover-ugly-ceiling-light-fixtures

https://www.pinterest.com/explore/ceiling-light-covers/?lp=true

Depending upon the style you are going for, you might consider buying a few strands of clear beads....maybe silver Mardi Gras strands from $^ree and drape them around the corners of the current fixture in various lengths.

You can replace the globes or spray paint it. Without a photo, it's difficult to give better ideas.