When I first started decorating, there really weren’t many affordable lighting brands around – my go-tos would be BHS or Ikea. Fast forward to now and I’ve really noticed a shift and there are loads of amazing affordable High Street to mid options and I had so many recommendations on stories which I’ve added to my own research to do a little update here. I cannot vouch for all of these brands individually but these are from research and recommendations, and ‘affordable’ is always a relative term – I am looking for stylish homewares that don’t cost the earth, and it’s always worth adding that upcycling and secondhand is worth a look, too!
TIP #1: Do try and research and ask around before ordering anything new on the internet, as it is so easy to get pulled in by a chic website and prices. And don’t order from Litfad, all I can say is that the Trustpilot reviews are true.
TIP #2: It sounds obvious but always check what is included with your purchase, and make a note of bulbs needed (and whether they’re easy to get hold of!). If you’re buying online it makes sense to try and buy bulbs at the same time if you can to save on shipping. Or we generally go to Screwfix or B&Q and always use LED bulbs for energy efficiency.
Houseof
With 20 years of experience, the team behind Houseof are changing the way the traditional lighting world works. The site feels more modern, all the lights are made in-house so the guarantee comes directly from them.
Binny Bespoke
Lampshades are making a huge comeback, and these are made by hand using beautiful West African cloth.
The creator, Natalie, also makes other homeware items such as throws and bedding and you can even do one of her online courses to learn how to make your own lampshade, here!
Dunelm
Dunelm has become one of those go-to places I check for hidden interiors gems lately – lighting, matte black toilet roll holder (yes, niche, but I found a chic one here for £10!).
We did originally buy lights from here (below) for the kitchen and they were great quality, but just too wide for the space unfortunately.
Spark & Bell
On the more expensive side of the scale, I included Spark & Bell as a small, independent business I admire, and we just decided to splurge on one of Emer’s lights for our toilet. All lights are handmade in Brighton and for bespoke lighting, these are great value.
Established 25 Atelier
Established 25 Atelier is an independent homeware store (take a look at their gorgeous cushions!) that happen to sell lovely lampshades, too. A UK based store creating mainly limited edition products, which draw inspiration from the owner’s Afro-Caribbean heritage.
Pooky
For wall lights, Pooky is second to none. The site is easy to navigate, the selection is gorgeous and if you shop around, you can get some really good value shades and fittings that look far more expensive than their pricetag.
Lampsy
Based in Aberdeen, this brand has been recommended by a few readers – expect classic and stylish lighting at reasonable prices, all photographed nicely too! You can also purchase bulbs at the same time which is helpful.
La Redoute
I have bought many interiors from La Redoute over the years and always been happy with the quality for the price, they’re especially excellent for bedding and kids rooms, I find! But I didn’t even think to look at them for lights and I love all the raffia/rattan items they have right now. They often have discount codes too, so it’s worth keeping your eye out for these.
Barbeline
Barbeline is an eco friendly interiors boutique set-up by Barbeline Lusandu in 2015, all the products are designed in East London and produced in the UK. Bold and colourful, her lampshades will become a key focus on any room, so well worth the investment.
Iconic Lights
Again, a brand I had heard of but not shopped with, but the reviews look excellent and have heard good things from readers.
The Workshop Below
After something more industrial? The brand create made to order lighting in their workshop in Birmingham, this light is made using BSP pipe fittings.
There is even an option to design your own light on the site with transparent costings) here.
Matalan
In my opinion, the new BHS of lighting. I worked with Matalan a few years ago on their lighting range (this image is one of the shots we created for them) and was really impressed with the quality.
Habitat
Last but not least, Habitat – I first noted their lighting selection when Kate from Mad About The House raved about one of their table lamps (the ‘Lantana’) as the light of the season which I thought was a bold, yet worthy statement! The prices on the site vary, so its worth digging around for bargains but they have a lot of reasonably priced lighting which looks far more expensive than the pricetag.
Maisons Du Monde
I was in two minds of adding Maisons Du Monde as I’ve had mixed experiences with them (I once paid £60 for a mirror and it came with a sticker on it saying €50 and I felt a slight bit ripped off!), but saying that, I’ve never been disappointed with the quality (Peggy’s rocking chair is from there and we love it) so I’ve included Maisons du Monde as it is affordable and they have lots of variety, too.
As always, this isn’t an extensive list but hopefully a mix of brands you hadn’t thought of, are new to, or confirmed to know and trust! I think we are finally set on most of our lighting in our house now, but lamps do make a big difference to a room, especially in terms of ambience. We have gone for dimmer switches in our kitchen for the first time, too, which I am weirdly excited about!
Awesome article!
I love Pooky, and their warehouse sales are amazing!
Oh I looked at Pooky but their most affordable seemed to be on par with the most expensive ones here, they’re gorgeous though – good to know about the warehouse sales – I’ll sign up! x
Your articles are always so interesting! Even when you’re talking about lamp shades! 🙂 My partner and I are still renting and he’s really not into making too many changes to a rented place, but I really struggle with that, so I do my best with anything that doesn’t need too much fixing to the walls!
Great article. I’m about to start looking fr some wall lights for my guest bedroom so this has been really helpful. Also dimmer switch in the kitchen? Would never have thought of this, but actually a fab idea!! Kitchen main lights are always too bright for a kitchen party, and I normally end up bringing additional lamps through from the living room. Great idea.
I cannot tell you how grateful I am for this post. After buying my first home (!) and beginning to tackle some of the boring aspects like gutter, roof tiles, insulation and all the patching up of a Victorian terrace, my only ‘must-have’ of beautiful lighting felt gone – until now!
Please do more lists like this! Paint brands? Furniture? Anything!
Thank you!