Knowing where to buy affordable lighting can be tricky – too cheap and it risks being poor quality, too trend-led and it might not stand the test of time. Lighting can be one of those things that is surprisingly expensive – there’s quite a big gap between the plastic-y bargain buys and the designer versions we all lust after. But if you know where to look, there’s a host of brands and high street stores selling simple, stylish designs at accessible prices.
I think when it comes to affordable lighting it pays to do your research and take your time to find the right light for you. A lot of the brands featured below have a lot on offer and not all of it good; you have to sift through the bad and the ugly to find the top stuff.
Look for minimalist shapes, pared-back forms and timeless styles that won’t go out of fashion any time soon. Often it’s the more utilitarian designs that offer the best prices, rather than the overly flamboyant – I love the idea of a simple ceramic wall fitting with an exposed bulb, for example. Think about the materials too – high quality metal, glass or ceramic rather than plastic, shiny chrome or cheaper alternatives. And finally, decide where best to spend your budget – you might splurge on a statement pendant over the dining table, but choose a cheaper floor lamp for the living room that you don’t mind replacing in a few years.
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Spark & Bell
Brighton-based Spark & Bell curate, source and design the highest quality parts and products to help you create the perfect light for your space, all at a reasonable price. They recently launched a new collection of eco plastic lights using upcycled plastic waste collected from their workshop building and own packaging. The marbled finish is reminiscent of stone and comes in four colour ways – black is my favourite.
Orla pendant, £178
Matt opal globe pendant light, £160
Recycled plastic ‘Marbled’ wall light, £159
Made
Made.com may be known for affordable, design-led furniture but it’s got a great range of lighting designs. There’s everything from simple bathroom lights to textural rattan pendants and eye-catching table lamps. It’s very trend-led but it’s a great place to start if you want the designer look for less.
Glow table light, £62 *aff
Saige plug in light, £32, was £55 *aff
Fabia light, £56, was £90 *aff
Houseof
Started in April 2019, Houseof is a lighting company that specialises in creatively engineered lights. After 20 years working for some of the high-street’s biggest names, founders Helen White and Michael Jones both shared a frustration with the way retailers designed their products and ignored the planet. They’ve partnered with some of the world’s leading climate experts to help them build a sustainability strategy, cut their carbon footprint and achieve carbon positivity. Houseof’s designs are very much design-led, using bold shapes and innovative techniques, without compromising on simplicity and function.
Drop curve wall lamp, £99
Opal disc wall lamp, £79
Charcoal grey pendant light, £47, was £59
Habitat
Habitat has always been known for affordable lighting. I remember their shop on Tottenham Court Road always had a great selection of easy-fit lampshades and simple desk lamps – it was always my first port of call as a student living in London. They’re now part of the Argos and Sainsburys group, with an even greater focus on affordability and offering something for every home.
Vesper cone wall lamp, £18 *aff
Marble table lamp, £43.50 *aff
Guii rattan pendant light, £63.75, was £85 *aff
La Redoute
La Redoute has a broad range of styles when it comes to lighting, from statement chandeliers to organic rattan pendants. My tip: filter out the worst by searching by brand. Am.Pm offers more contemporary, industrial style designs that rival designer alternatives.
Bessemer table lamp, £69 *aff
Ditton ceiling lamp, £79 *aff
Funambule floor lamp, £150 *aff
IKEA
My old friend IKEA, you can always rely on them for simple, everyday design that won’t break the bank. Some of their designs can be pretty basic, but I love the timeless metal SKURUP collection in particular. IKEA’s smart lighting range can also be turned on or off via a remote or app – it’s a real game changer.
SKURUP clip on light, £12
SIMRISHAMN, £55
SKURUP floor lamp, £45
Lights&Lamps
UK-based company Lights&Lamps was founded by Niki Wright and Scarlett Hampton with the aim of bringing innovative, design-led lighting solutions direct to customers. Together the pair have over 25 years of combined experience designing and developing lighting and interiors collections for high street brands. Lights&Lamps offer a range of well-designed products for the contemporary home, giving customers good value and quality design.
Orta pendant, £99
Teebah ceiling pendant, £129
Orta table lamp, £109
Dyke & Dean
Dyke & Dean is a Hastings-based company offering everything from modular kitchens and garden furniture to unique gifts and utilitarian lighting. They have a great range of vintage style pendants as well as fixtures and fittings to make your own bespoke light. I love their porcelain lights; they’re simple, subtle and perfect for hallways and bathrooms.
Bud globe wall light, £90
Black peg tube lamp, £160
Ceramic lamp, £26
Lampsy
Lampsy is a British lighting company that was founded in 2015. They offer carbon neutral delivery and all their buildings run on 100% renewable energy. They have a particular focus on Scandi-style designs, with brands like Nordlux as well as their own ranges.
Grant frosted pendant, £54
Darci wall light, £108
Verona tiered pendant light, £68
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