One of the most important elements in any room is lighting. Beyond the obvious need for functional illumination, lighting gives a space personality and can dramatically change the mood. I prefer fixtures that feel distinctive, but I don’t want to spend a fortune furnishing every room. There are some stunning, high-priced lights out there, but when you’re updating a whole house it’s important to find great-looking, budget-friendly options.
I was thrilled that so many readers liked the two lights we installed in our kids’ bathroom. I found those at Lowe’s and they were very affordable—under $30 each. They’re simple examples of how thoughtful lighting can make a big impact without breaking the bank.
I’ve received a lot of questions about the new lights I’ve been adding and where to find affordable, stylish fixtures. A surprising number of the fixtures I’ve used are actually designed as outdoor lights. Outdoor lighting often has a more interesting silhouette and finishes that work beautifully indoors, so I tend to start my search in the outdoor lighting section.
The lantern in my dining room came from Pottery Barn’s outdoor lighting collection. It’s not always available, but similar styles appear from time to time. That particular fixture wasn’t inexpensive, but I used a gift card and it became a worthwhile splurge—an eye-catching focal point that I still love every day. For some pieces, paying a bit more can be justified when the fixture becomes the room’s signature element.
Another strategy for getting a unique light is to find a fixture with a shape you like and personalize it with paint. A friend’s client transformed a Bellacor lantern by painting it green, and the result is full of character. Painting is an inexpensive way to adapt a ready-made lantern to your palette and style.
The lights I installed above my stairs are outdoor lanterns as well. I was impressed with the quality and scale when I bought them on sale. They were a great find and read perfectly in the space.
Home Depot
In addition to buying new fixtures, I often scout ReStores, thrift shops, and antique stores for lights that can be rewired. I prefer to have rewiring done by a professional rather than attempting it myself, but secondhand finds can be transformed into standout fixtures with a modest investment.
It’s exciting that big-box stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot now carry affordable options with interesting designs. You can often find on-trend pendants, lanterns, and cage-style shades at accessible prices, which makes updating multiple rooms much more manageable.
I picked up a small lantern at Lowe’s to highlight a painting—something with personality that wouldn’t overpower the artwork. It was convenient to buy locally and have it installed quickly, which is a practical advantage of shopping at neighborhood stores.
Home Depot
Home Depot’s newer lines include several fun, affordable styles—industrial-inspired pendants, bell shades, and classic enamel-look fixtures that can suit a variety of decor themes. Mixing these accessible pieces with a few higher-end items or a custom-painted find can create a layered, collected look without overspending.
Have you found other sources for stylish, affordable lighting?
Please share your finds in the comments — I’d love to hear about them, and I know other readers would, too.
***Update: see this new post for a complete list of the lighting sources currently in my home.
The top light is also from Home Depot.