Centsational Style

I want to update the two mini pendants that hang in my living room and I’ve been looking high and low for days for the perfect pair. I thought I found it in this fixture (true love) but given I need two they’re too large for the space and also beyond my budget, so I’m still looking.

Visiting all my favorite sources for lighting over the weekend led to today’s post. I realize good lighting costs money, but I’m always on the hunt for more affordable options. I realize “affordable” has different meanings for different people and is entirely determined by your budget. Lighting isn’t always cheap. Like furniture it can be super expensive when you compare lower priced fixtures with high end designer brands.

Lighting is the jewelry of the room. It can play a more subtle background role, simply enhancing a space, or it can stand out as a focal point. I’m always willing to spend more on a hardwired chandelier or pendant than a lamp because a chandy is a fixture that will stay with the home for some time whereas a lamp is more of a decorative element, one that can be swapped out every few years.

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My favorite sources for affordable lighting below:

Shades of Light I’m a loyal shopper here since they’ve supported various charitable efforts and projects of mine and also advertise on the blog (full disclosure). They have always had a fantastic collection of lighting to match all styles from industrial to mid century. I’m loving the be squared pendant, frosted glass sconce, and flared concentric pendant.

Lamps Plus This site has thousands of styles to choose from, and a pretty good search function if you’re looking for something specific like a “brass wall sconce”. They also have a great selection of mirrors, I’ve purchased many for bathroom updates. I write an article for Lamps Plus each month so I’m a loyal customer here too. With their vast selection, they make it easy to talk about lighting! I’m loving the possini pendant, cora pendant, and atom edison fixture.

Etsy There are a lot of great lighting companies to be found on Etsy and I do like supporting small businesses. Favorite shops include Lighting Alchemy, Dutton Brown, and Lucient Light Shop. What are your favorites?

Urban Outfitters You’ll find unique or quirky lighting in this online store. Current favorites include the eyeball sconce, general store lamp, and ditte sconce.

IKEA I wish IKEA had more variety with their lighting, and retire some of the older fixtures that have been around forever. Still, IKEA is always a great place to turn for a decent lamp and I do love their woven pendant fixtures. Shown: boja, ranarp, and sinnerlig.

CB2 Most of the fixtures in this store are modern and simple, but they have some dynamic and dramatic pieces too. The vegas flush mount and tear drop capiz are two current favorites. See also sister brand Crate + Barrel for more choices.

Schoolhouse Electric  If it’s a retro look you seek look no further than here. They offer vintage looks that complement most interiors, some options are pricey. Lower priced favorites include the princeton sconce, factory modern sconce, and newbury (those stripes!).

Ballard Designs  Most options available at Ballard favor transitional or traditional style homes, I have purchased a few chandeliers here over the years. Right now, I’m particularly fond of their chevelle pendants and moravian star pendants.

West Elm Always on trend, West Elm offers chic pieces that will add flair to any space and an ever changing inventory. Today I’m smitten with the banded glass pendant and mobile chandelier.

Overstock  Here you’ll find a lot of reviews from customers, prices are good, and the delivery is always fast. A lot of traditional pieces here but also a few modern ones too. I do love the chrystorama, rae flush mount, and crystal teardrop chandelier.

All Modern This site is well organized and has a lot of affordable selections at decent prices, plus a lot of customer reviews. Some unique pendants I love include the forecast pendant, woodbridge canopy, and terrain pendant. See also sister brands Wayfair and Joss & Main (some overlap but more to look at).

Don’t forget to pop over to home improvement stores like Home Depot (hello honeycomb bronze) and Lowes (hi there cute sputnik). Their modern lighting inventory continually surprises me, and they’re always a great deal.

Next time you’re on the hunt for a new fixture, these are a great place to look. Is there a place you like to shop for lighting online that’s not mentioned above? Feel free to share it in the comments!