How to Find Affordable Lighting Solutions

If there is one thing I’m learning while browsing for all the different elements for our kitchen update, it’s very easy to bust the budget.

I have a special knack for choosing the most expensive item before even knowing the price.  Why is that?!  It’s always a little deflating to get excited about something only to learn it’s not even in the ballpark.

My saving grace, however, is that I am a bargain shopper and I will search to the ends of the earth to find a more affordable option.  The more expensive version serves as my inspiration while I shop around for the one that fits my criteria for form, function and price. 

I still haven’t settled on the lighting I’ll be using for our kitchen update, but I’ve found some really good options that are in my budget. 

Today, I’m sharing where and how you can find affordable lighting solutions.

Places to Shop

1. Look at home improvement stores like Lowes and Home Depot

This sounds like a no-brainer, but I honestly didn’t consider them too seriously because I really thought their selection was going to be too generic and not the type of lighting with the character and farmhouse appeal that I’m looking for.  Boy was I wrong!  While looking for pendant lighting for over my island I was pleasantly surprised to find some really fun and affordable options at Home Depot and Lowes. (I am not being compensated by either one of them to say this — I just want to share the knowledge.)

Here are some photos from my phone:

At these price points, these lights are so affordable and look just like many that I’ve seen retailing for $750 on up!  Way to go Lowes & Home Depot!

2.  Browse higher-end retailers like Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware

I don’t know about you, but when I think of these two retailers I tend to think that their prices are going to be too high.  And, honestly, they often are.  Especially Restoration Hardware.  It’s not unsual to find a chandelier at RH for more than $1000.  But, don’t discount ANY high end retailer because they actually have some competitive pricing on different types of lighting.  You might just find something on sale or, better yet, on CLEARANCE.  

Many of these retailers have regular lighting sales, so if there currently isn’t a sale, ask an employee and they will most likely be able to tell you when their annual lighting sale is held.  They can also tell you if they have an outlet center or an online clearance site available.

3.  Go to specialty lighting stores to see items in-person and get brand names and item numbers.

I recently went to a specialty lighting store and scoured through their catalogs while in the store.  I discovered that most of their lights were out of my price range and were more expensive than I had expected.  Nonetheless, I got to see many lights in person and wrote down the item numbers so I could look up the products online.  You may be surprised to find the same item in the store can be purchased at different online retailers for a fraction of the price.  And, if you cannot find that identical item, chances are you can find something similar for less.  Use them as your inspiration if they don’t have something in your price range.

 

The other advantage to going to a specialty store is that you can receive some very helpful guidance and advice — especially if you’re mixing and matching lighting in a shared space.  They can guide you as to what looks good together and give you a reference as to not only the size and scale of a piece, but the amount of light you might expect from it.  This is particularly important when planning task lighting.

4.  Shop Goodwill and/or thrift stores

Yes, I said shop second-hand stores.  Why?  Because even though the lighting that is there looks outdated, it can often be updated easily and you’ll only have to spend a couple of bucks. 

Just look at this light transformed by Traci at Beneath My Heart and she only paid $3!

Before:

After:

Amazing, right?!

5.  Check online retailers like Amazon, Overstock, Home Decorators, Joss & Main, One Kings Lane, etc.  There are so many resources out there and the prices run the gamut!

Tips:

• Shop around. 
• Don’t discount a store because you think it’s too generic or too high-end
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions
• Do your research
• Take advantage of sales and clearance centers

The bottom line is finding the right lighting fixture (tile, flooring, paint, etc.) can be a lot of work.  But, I truly believe the extra effort will be so worth it in the end.  If you really want to create a space you love, then each choice is important.

Do you have any great lighting resources I’ve forgotten or don’t know about?  Feel free to share in the comments!

Have a great weekend!