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Best Lighting Under $500
There was a time when this might have been titled ‘Best Lighting Under $250’, however now with inflation and tariffs, that’s near impossible without losing an immense level of quality. There are some really great options out there right now and while trends come and go, these are the ones I’m feeling at this moment.
For larger context, I’ll say that I think the British traditional style is fading out and a new modern aesthetic is coming in. It’s a little art deco, a little folk art, a little minimalism. It’s the 90’s and 30’s and today all rolled in one. It’s taking vintage designs and updating them - which I know is basically what every trend is - so I think it’s easier to just show you what I mean.
AND HERE’S THE LIST…..
Ok this is the cheapest one of them all at $45. It’s out of stock at the moment but it’s so good and I hope it comes back. So good right? Honestly I should have scooped them up when I originally saved these. The colors are great, the shape is great and I love the little tiny ball finial at the top. It’s Art Deco but it feels very ‘of the moment’. The tan color is in stock but I don’t like it as much.
Another Target gem. This one isn’t super “new” looking to me but I think it would appeal to a lot of different people still and it’s super cute! I also like the shape of the wood base and the rattan shade. Great for a bedside table or console table.
PIERCE & WARD COLLECTION // WEST ELM
I’m just going to share my favorites from this wonderful collection. I love how they really leaned in to adding extra touches to all of their products. A lot of it is inspired by the Arts & Crafts movement and folks art, which is right up my alley. These are all items that will spruce up your home instantly but will have longevity and still look good over time.
There are so many versions of this cocoon pendant out there but I love that this one is made in linen and I also love the suspension cord. I feel like it just adds that little umph to elevate it from the other reproductions. The Akari pendant by Noguchi is classic for a reason: add this to any room and it works.
Trés chic! I love these for a hallway or on either side of a large piece of artwork. It’s kind of following through with the more natural trend, with say some limewash walls, but in a more upscale vibe. These even feel like you’re in Europe in some old castle in Italy with plaster sconces adorning the walls. Instant mood booster.
I love a spotlight. They are the simplest way to update a room where you need more lights coming from the ceiling. Use them instead of can lights in any room!!! They are perfect for a kitchen or next to your bed as a reading sconce, great for hallways and above paintings. I love using spotlights. You can also go with something that’s a simple downlight if you don’t need it to be adjustable. They sell those as well.
One of the reasons I like this lamp is because it doesn’t look like every other table lamp on the market. It’s modern and futuristic but simple and classic at the same time. It would look excellent in an office but I could imagine it in other areas of the home as well.
This one is at the high end of our bracket but it packs a punch. The quality of the pieces made by In Common With is top notch so I say the price is worth it. I love the shape of it and I feel like it adds a nice bit of whimsy to any room. I love these as sconces next to the bed or in the bathroom on either side of a mirror.
I’m all about glass lately and I love these practically perfect little guys. Bocci is known for their sculptural glass lighting and with these small beauties, you get a designer brand at a low cost. Win-win! I could imagine them in many different rooms of the house really. By a built-in banquette or in a hallway, definitely in the bathroom - maybe with two on each side of a mirror? Maybe on top of the mirror? How chic would these by on the ceiling down a hall?
The original glass flushmount that caught my eye. I love this one because it’s so simple yet feels more elevated and artisanal like it was hand-blown. It has weight to it and sculpture. It also comes in various shades and backplate colors so you can customize it. I love this again as a bathroom sconce or in place of a can light or any wall that simply needs a little pick-me-up.
At $149, these contemporary stainless steel sconces are well worth the money. They remind me of the Charlotte Perriand ‘Applique à Volet Pivolant’ wall light from the 50’s. They’re simple and effective and provide a nice soft lighting. It comes with a cord but you can also have your electrician connect it to a box so that it’s hardwired.
Another modern glass sconce - see a pattern? They’re everywhere if you look. I think we’ll see a lot more of these contemporary pieces seen in spaces everywhere. Another great option just like the other ones. Have I said before how much I like the glass??
This piece from Zara Home is picking up on the stainless steel trend and providing a simple design for a nice price. I really like the height of the base and the size of the shade - you can really get these proportions wrong very easily! These are great for bedside tables. I also like the idea of throwing some printed fabric over a round bedside table and add these on top to mix traditional flair with a contemporary twist.
I luuuuuurve this light. It’s so fancy and playful and cute and perfect. I’m honestly considering it for my own bedroom. I’m just so happy there are better options at good price points these days. It’s nice that elegant design can be accessible. Again, the tiny ball finial is a nice touch as is the ribbon loop brass trim at the top.
Another classic. I feel like one of Verner Panton’s designs always comes back around again at some point and for right now, I’m loving these. I wish the medium and large were available but I think the small is quite lovely as well. I think it could look quite lovely over a circular dining table. Sometimes a tiny light feels right.
A pop of red can be that one extra touch that makes a room feel special and unique. And these sconces by Palefire are chef’s kiss. Not only is the design itself beautiful but the material is completely sustainable. It’s made of eco-friendly paper pulp and comes in a bunch of delectable colors. I liked the tomato red/orange color so much, I even highlighted the flushmount and pendant of theirs in the same color on my ShopMy page.
I like it when task lighting fulfills multiple purposes like being utilitarian and attractive at the same time. These do that for me. They combine contemporary design with traditional shapes and I’m all about juxtaposition. It’s basically the cornerstone of my aesthetic. Price is good too.
Love an Etsy light. I usually use Etsy to source vintage lighting but for the price, you can’t beat these beauties. Love a wave, love a ball finial (obvs). Comes in a few finishes but I like the chrome the best.
Another great Etsy sconce. These also come in a variety of finishes but I like the antique brass finish the most. I picture these in a bathroom, kitchen or next to a bed.
Phew! This list is long! I even had more that I decided not to focus on but if you want to see the full list of my favorite lighting pieces right now, here is a link to my ShopMy page. There are a ton on there that are both under the $500 mark and also well above it. It’s more to show what I’m feeling at the moment and I’ll be updating this here and there as I find things. So, I guess it’s a little treat if you’ve gotten this far and you’re looking for more.
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