It doesn’t matter how simple the design, I consistently pick out items that end up having a big price tag. I want to love the look of my home. With that said, I still want to afford helping the kids get through college, or feeding them. As it turns out, teen boys like eating.
To help you save some money and discover some new possible lighting sources, I have compiled a list of great places to find lighting inspiration. Often I will fall in love with the look but not the price of a light fixture. With a little shopping around, you can find the light you want for less.
A few years ago I purchased this kitchen chandelier from Potterybarn only to have a similar (and way less expensive) look debut at Lowe’s the following year. Thankfully, I love the light that I have. I purchased it with a coupon and when it was on sale, but it was still expensive. I’ll admit that the sting of the price difference still smarts to this day.
Lighting can be very expensive. Many of the pricier stores have wonderful and high quality items, but sometimes there needs to be a reality check. No one cares if my hall light is high quality and costs as much as my monthly grocery bill. I want it to be stylish and affordable.
The good news is that with a little bit of searching you can have the look you are pining for with the expense you can live with. Here are some examples of lighting compared to a similar look with significant savings.
15 Lighting Sources:
This is an average site rating of $= less expensive and $$$= more expensive. All lighting prices vary on the sites depending on the complexity of the piece, materials, and size.
Horchow (free shipping on orders $50+ with code) $$$
AllModern (free shipping) $$
Lamps Plus $$
Lighting Direct (free shipping on orders $45+) $$
Joss & Main (free shipping on orders $35+) $$
Potterybarn (limited time free shipping with code) $$
Amazon (free shipping if Prime) $
Build.com (free ground shipping on orders $49+) $
Home Depot (free in-store pick up, some items ship free to home) $
Ikea $
Lowe’s (free store pick up, or free shipping on orders $45+) $
Overstock (free shipping) $
Wayfair (free shipping on orders over $35) $
The lighting you choose for your home can really make a statement, good or bad. I think of it in terms of accessorizing and the lighting is the jewelry of the home.
Is your style more formal with crystal chandeliers? More trendy with some farmhouse chic? Perhaps industrial speaks to you? Whatever your style, it can help accentuate the look of your home and set the tone for decorating. I have been in some designer homes where the entry light was a sculpture and really made for an immediate conversation starter. (Google Dale Chihuly, you won’t be disappointed.)
Things to consider when picking out lighting:
Of course start with your budget, but also determine the function of the light in the space. For example, if you have a room (like my laundry room) with no natural light, you may want to shy away from the dimmer single Edison bulb lighting. Be sure to check the amperage needed for the light fixture to avoid overloading and tripping the breaker in your service panel. Calculate the amperage by dividing the volts by the watts to get the amps. See an explanation here. Not as often discussed, but relevant, is how is it cleaned? If there are hundreds of little crystals to dust individually, or if it is a dome that will collect lint or bugs (my porch lights- hate them!), I will probably keep shopping.
Another very important thing to consider is if the lighting is rated for interior or exterior use. Do not use a light designed exclusively for interior use on an exterior location. Water and electricity are not friends.
One last thing is the scale of the light. A single small bulb would look out of place over a large dining table, but and enormous chandelier would seem equally odd over the kitchen sink. Here is the scale and hanging suggestions from Better Homes and Gardens:
The bottom of a light fixture hanging from an 8-foot ceiling should hang 27-30 inches above a dining table. For higher ceilings, add 3 inches for each additional foot.
— Select a hanging fixture no wider than the width of a table minus 12 inches.
— Hang pendant lights 35-40 inches above kitchen work surfaces.
You now have the basics to get the lighting you love for your home. As I have said before, when you personalize your living space to reflect you and your personality, you make a house a home. 💙
DIY to Personalize Your Space:
Peel and Stick Tile Backsplash: How to Install (with videos)
How to Stencil a Kitchen Island
Recover a Chair Seat (with video)
Chalkboard Paint Dollar Store Make Over
Wood Grid Accent Wall When you Don’t Have Tools
Paint Trends from Top Paint Lines
Easy Home Updates and Organization
Color Questions Answered by a Professional Interior Designer
Garage Sale Make Over: Front Porch Chairs
Succulent Wreath for the Front Door
Great information concisely stated. I would like to change our some of our interior lights and this is a helpful resource. Great job, Lisa!
Thank you! I know when I shop for lighting the options and amount of stores can be so overwhelming. My aim was to simplify the process as much as possible so that others can have a productive and successful experience. 🙂