The Best Lamp Stores

Saturday, March 22nd

2025 Lamp Store Reviews

Lamps Plus

• Over 17,000 lamps to choose from
• Prices range from $25 to $4,600
• Complimentary design appointments for personalized recommendations
• Free shipping on orders of $49+
• 60-day return policy, store pays for the return shipping
• "A+” rated and accredited by the BBB

Founded in 1976, Lamps Plus has grown to become one of the largest lighting retailers in the United States. They offer a wide range of products, including chandeliers, ceiling lights, wall sconces, table lamps, floor lamps, outdoor lighting, and more. They operate both online and through brick-and-mortar stores across the country, providing many customers with the convenience of shopping in-person or online.

High-quality, full-size lamps for under $50

We were stunned to see some of the beautiful lamps available here for under $25, when most rival lamp stores only sell you a plastic clip-on desk lamp for that price. For example, at the time of our most recent visit, we spotted the Pacific Coast Lighting Tarnished Silver Urn Table Lamp with Charging Sockets for just $24.98 on clearance. That's a full-size lamp you'd be pleased to see on your end table, complete with the ability to plug in your phone as you sit on the comfy couch nearby. You won't qualify for free shipping unless you spend at least $49 here, but hey, at that price, you could buy two of them and call it good. Lamps Plus helpfully shows you how many lamps are still available on any items that are likely to sell out.

Filters are your friend

But, if you're not necessarily looking for a bargain, and you have a specific design in mind, Lamps Plus' inventory of over 17,000 table and floor lamps isn't likely to disappoint you. Start with which of the two lamp types you're shopping for, then use the filters to indicate your desired height, color, style, or finish. When you click on "More Filters”, you can also specify if you have a preference for the base material, brand, customer rating, or any special offers currently in place.

A few high-end options are available

Lamps Plus doesn't have some of the highest-end lamps we spotted at other lamp stores (in the $10K and up category), and they don't let you sort the results from high-to-low price. We did browse around in both the floor and table lamps categories, finding several options in the $2,000 to $4,000 range, if you're interested.

Customer reviews can guide your purchase

Consider any available customer reviews to see how they look in real settings; in that same area of each lamp's product page, you'll also find the opportunity to ask questions and to see what other people have asked and gotten answered.

Free consultation with lighting pros

But, Lamps Plus doesn't stop there. If you would like to get personalized recommendations, all you have to do is sign up for a complimentary appointment. Click the Lighting Design Services link at the bottom of the page and then on the red box to make an appointment. You'll enter your name and phone number, and a member of the Lamps Plus team of experts will reach out. They'll ask questions to find out about your likes and your needs, as well as your current furnishings and decor. At the end, you'll get customized product recommendations plus design tips. You won't find any other lamp store that goes to those lengths to help you get the lighting style you're imagining.

Easy returns within 60 days

Need to return your lamp? It's no problem with Lamps Plus. You can return your item within 60 days of purchase: just reach out to the retailer for an RMA, and they'll even provide the return shipping label, with no restocking fees or deductions from your refund. If you'd rather bring it to a store near you, you'll still need the RMA, but then you can drop it off at your convenience (still within 60 days).

Customers are loyal to this lamp store

Lamps Plus maintains a sterling reputation, demonstrated by its accreditation and "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau. 96% of customers give the store a 4- or 5-star rating, and there are plenty of compliments from long-time customers who return to Lamps Plus time and again for all of their lighting needs. Shoppers also love this store for having the most on-trend designs, in stock and ready to ship, with no concerns about late arrivals or unfulfilled orders.

5-star lamp store

We literally don't have a bad thing to say about Lamps Plus. The selection of lamps is more than ample, the customer perks show the retailer's dedication to shopper satisfaction, and reviews from loyal repeat customers shows that such commitment is the real deal. Lamps Plus earns a perfect five stars from us, earning the #1 spot on our list.

Lighting New York

• Over 14,000 lamps in stock
• Prices from $8 to $14,000+
• 150% low price guarantee
• Lighting experts available via phone 7 days a week, 8a-midnight
• Free shipping on orders over $49
• 60-day risk-free returns
• "A+” rated and accredited by the BBB
• Thousands of five-star reviews from customers
• In business for over 70 years

Lighting New York is a reputable online and brick-and-mortar retailer based in New York City, specializing in lighting fixtures and home decor. In business for over seven decades, they offer a wide selection of products, including indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures, lamps, ceiling fans, and home accessories from various brands and designers.

14,000 lamps from budget-friendly to castle-appropriate

This lamp retailer really is an online superstore. There are more than 14,000 lamps to choose from in the inventory, ranging from basic table and desk lamps for under $20, all the way to elaborate floor lamps that look like something from "Beauty and the Beast” (for the castle-worthy price of $14,300). Don't believe us? Just jump over to the page that shows all lamps, and have fun displaying them from low-to-high and high-to-low price.

Filters make it easy to find the right lamp

You can also use the filters to easily sort the lamps by category, brand, finish, width/length/height, or get even more granular and filter by color temperature, lumens, intended room, and even more. Lighting New York makes it incredibly easy to find the ideal lighting for any decor and space.

Get free help from the experts, 7 days a week

Want some guidance choosing the right lamp? Lighting New York makes their "Lighting Experts” available via phone 7 days a week, from 8a-midnight (or starting at 9a on weekends). You can also reach out through the site's live chat. (Just be aware that the customer care team specifically is only available from 8a-6p EST on weekdays.)

150% price match guarantee

You'll want to take note of Lighting New York's toll-free number if you're hoping to take advantage of the lamp store's 150% price match guarantee. If you've found your lamp at a lower price somewhere else (which includes shipping, handling, and taxes), Lighting New York will not only match the price, they'll also beat it by an extra 50% of the difference. So, if your perfect lamp is selling for $100 here and $50 somewhere else (not likely, but just an example), you'd be able to buy it at Lighting New York for just $25. There are a few other eligibility criteria, and some lamp manufacturers are excluded, but overall it's a generous policy you won't find at a lot of lamp stores.

Extra ways to save

That's not the only way to save at this retailer. After we had browsed the Lighting New York site for a while, we got a pop-up offering a discount of up to 25% off if we provided our email address. We got a code right away, no waiting for an email to come through. Also, shipping is free on all orders over $49, which will be most of the lamps you might be interested in purchasing here.

Risk-free returns within 60 days

Amazingly, that's not where the generosity stops at Lighting New York. Check this out: "We understand that sometimes you may not know if the light is going to work in your space until you open the box and see it in person.” Right?! To that end, they allow you to return your lamps within 60 days, with no restocking fees, and they even pay for the return shipping. They call that "risk-free returns”, and we're here for it.

Excellent reputation

As you might expect, Lighting New York has a fantastic reputation, starting with an "A+” rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau. There were only 11 complaints filed with the BBB over the last year, in contrast with over 400 customer reviews there that averaged nearly a perfect 5 stars. Outside of the BBB, shoppers have left thousands of 5-star reviews on other platforms, praising this lamp store's fast delivery, great pricing, and exceptional customer support.

One of the best of the best

It's easy to see that Lighting New York is one of the best lamp stores out there today. You literally can't beat the pricing, the selection has lamps for every budget and style, and the dedication to customer service is outstanding. Lighting New York earns one of our highest ratings among lamp stores.

Wayfair

• Over 40,000 lamps to choose from
• Prices range from under $20 to $620,999.99 (?!)
• Free shipping on most orders over $35
• 30-day return policy
• "A+” rated and accredited by the BBB

As one of the biggest names in online retail, Wayfair offers a massive selection of products from thousands of brands, so you're always sure to find something that fits your taste and budget. Chances are good that if you need something for your home and you can't find it at Wayfair, it doesn't exist. Let's take a look at how this store compares when it comes to shopping for lamps.

Highest-priced lamp is worth a laugh

Oh, Wayfair, you rarely disappoint when we click on the "Price: High to Low” sorting option and say, "Show us whatcha got”. We can only hope you get the same laugh we did when you do that for the Floor Lamps category, but just in case you don't: we were shown the 74” Tree lamp by HOMEROOT. It looked pretty basic for a floor lamp, with three light "branches” coming off the main post. Okay, sure, the lamp shades are made of glass, and the description said the lamp would "bring some lite [sic] and good vibes into our space”... for $620,999.99 (even with a 7% discount). As one of our experts here put it, "That lamp had better hold up my house during a Category 5 hurricane at that price.” Given that you may have to sell your home to buy this lamp, we agree.

Filters are strongly recommended

Once you're done with your laughing fit, we invite you to return to the rest of the lamps in the Wayfair inventory to find what you actually went there to buy. You'll have to start by choosing between floor lamps and table lamps, but from there you can use all of the filters. Do that ASAP, otherwise you'll be sifting through more than 30,000 table lamps or 10,000+ floor lamps at your leisure.

Customer reviews are abundant and helpful

One of our favorite aspects of shopping at Wayfair is being able to look at customer reviews. Because so many people shop here for "anything home”, you can usually rely on what other shoppers have said to guide your purchase. For example, the Everett 61” Traditional Floor Lamp by Andover Mills, sale priced at $92.99 at the time of this review, had over 2,600 ratings averaging 4.7 stars. Those reviews will often show you exactly how the lamps looked in real-world settings, not just the staged model home-type photos used for marketing.

Free shipping when you spend more than $35

Shipping is free on orders over $35, which will cover most of the lamps sold here. You've also got 30 days to return your lamp to Wayfair. They'll provide the shipping label, but the cost will be deducted from your refund, FYI.

Complaints to be expected for a large-scale store

As you'd anticipate with a big-time retailer like Wayfair that carries millions of products and sells them to customers around the globe, this lamp store has gotten its fair share of complaints (to the tune of more than 5,000 complaints filed with the BBB in the last 3 years alone). However, Wayfair's "A+” rating and accreditation with the Better Business Bureau is indicative of the company's attentiveness to all of the complaints filed, and you can see those responses for yourself. Still, to make it more likely that the lamp you buy isn't a disappointment, make sure to look at shopper reviews on it before you order, and report any defects or damage within that 30-day window we mentioned.

High score for selection and price

For selection alone, you shouldn't skip taking a peek at what Wayfair can offer with respect to lamps. No, this isn't a lighting expert that's going to hold your hand and help you design your new decor vibe, and the customer service isn't the most legendary or generous. But, if your biggest priority is finding the right lamp at the right price, Wayfair (and the reviews left by its customers) will get you there.

Home Depot

• Over 10,000 lamps to choose from
• Prices range from under $30 to $2,100+
• Lots of customer reviews on individual products
• Free shipping and free in-store pickup on most lamps
• 90-day return policy (in store or by mail)
• "A+” rated and accredited by the BBB

With a legacy spanning decades, Home Depot has become synonymous with quality, convenience, and expert advice. Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a novice homeowner embarking on your first project, their extensive selection of tools, building materials, appliances, and decor awaits, ready to help you turn your house into the home of your dreams. And yes, that includes the perfect lamps.

More than 10,000 results in the lamps category

When you start looking for lamps at Home Depot, you could be overwhelmed by the 10,000+ results in the category. Keep in mind that some of those aren't actually lamps, but are the wall-mounted "lamp holder” fixtures you might use for a bare-bulb install in a utility room or outdoors. Whichever lamp type you're thinking of buying, the filters on the Home Depot online store will be your best friend: chances are good that you already know if you want a desk lamp or a floor lamp, what your budget is, and maybe even a vague idea of the style that would look right in the space you're trying to light up.

Not many high-end lamps

When we looked for the most expensive options for sale here, there were only 3 floor lamps priced over $2,000 (including one that we weren't even sure was a lamp from the initial photo, because of all of the feathers... Just search for A&B Home UTC 45714 and see for yourself).

Shopper reviews let you see real-world feedback on specific lamps

It probably won't surprise you that the vast majority of lamps at Home Depot are more in the budget-friendly, basic category. With over 600 shopper reviews the last time we checked, the Hampton Bay Rhodes Bronze Floor Lamp was the most popular product we spotted in the Home Depot online catalog. Priced at an always-affordable $69.97, this lamp earned lots of 4- and 5-star reviews from shoppers, complete with quite a few photos of where it "lived” in many of their homes, cabins, and offices. That's just one of the benefits of shopping with a big-box retailer like Home Depot: you'll almost always find customer reviews for the lamps you're considering, and this store also includes a Q&A section you can consult if you're wondering about something in particular.

Order online, pick up in store (or get free delivery)

Another benefit comes from Home Depot's ubiquitous nature: chances are really good that there's a brick-and-mortar location near you. Just make sure the store you prefer is shown at the top of the page, and then you'll be able to see real-time availability of the lamps you like. It doesn't get any easier than ordering online and heading over to the store to pick up your lighting, though many lamps also come with free delivery. You'll see all of that clearly displayed on each product page.

Easy returns by mail or in person

Of course, those perks extend to returns as well. Home Depot allows for returns within a generous 90-day timeframe on most lamps, and the most hassle-free way to send yours back is by going to your local store. But, if a trip to the home improvement store isn't on your list of favorite things to do, no worries: just click the "return items” button on the Home Depot website, print out the shipping label, and drop off your package at the closest UPS Access Point spot.

Reliable retailer

Home Depot still has an "A+” rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, no big surprise there. Complaints typically center around specific locations and employees, not about the online store and definitely not about lamps in particular. And, again, all it takes is a look at the shopper reviews on each individual lighting product to determine if it's a reliable choice or one to avoid.

Perfectly good choice for buying lamps

While you probably won't find anything on the bleeding edge of today's hottest decor trends at Home Depot, there's no reason not to buy your lamps there. The selection is comparable with most of the lamp stores we checked out, the customer perks are well-known and loved, and the benefits of the one-stop-shop nature of this home improvement store are obvious.

Lowe's

• Over 5,300 lamps and lamp shades to choose from
• Prices range from $9.98 to $1,400+
• Free shipping on orders of $45+
• Free in-store pick-up on available lamps
• Customer reviews provided on individual products
• 90-day return policy (in-store or by mail)
• "A+” rated and accredited by the BBB

Lowe's is like the ultimate playground for home improvement enthusiasts. Founded in 1946, it's become the go-to spot for everything from power tools and paint to appliances and decor. Whether you're a DIY champ or just starting out, Lowe's has got you covered with their wide selection and friendly staff ready to help you tackle any project. With stores all across the country, it's easy to pop in and find exactly what you need to spruce up your space - including lamps.

5,300+ lamps in stock

Lowe's has a slightly smaller inventory than its big-box home improvement store rival (which we've reviewed separately here), but having over 5,300 lamps and lamp shades still isn't what we'd call a meager selection. On the low end of the price scale, you'll find basic desk lamps for $9.98, Simple Designs table lamps for $18.99, and an allen+roth torchiere floor lamp for just $19.98. If you're looking for budget-friendly lighting, Lowe's has you covered.

You won't spend more than $1,600

The highest-end lamps at Lowe's tend to be made by Meyda, Benzara, and ET2, with mostly Tiffany-style lamps and lamp shades. There's nothing over $1,600, though, which isn't really a surprise coming from a home improvement superstore and not a lighting specialty retailer.

Use the filters to your advantage

But, since you've probably got a particular type of lamp in mind and you're not strictly shopping by price, use the filters to get closer to just the styles that work for your space and your needs. Naturally, because Lowe's has so many retail locations, it might be helpful to double-check that your preferred store is the one displayed in the Pickup section as you're browsing lamps: that will let you select "Pickup” as one of your filters, if you'd like to order online and get it yourself. But, "Free Delivery” is another available filter, and that'll include all lamps priced at $45+. Other filters you might like to apply are style, color family, brand, features, and department (if you know you want a floor lamp and not a table lamp).

Customer reviews tell it like it is

As you browse, you can also take advantage of other shoppers' feedback on the lamps you like. One of the most reviewed lamp styles we spotted was the allen+roth 54” Bronze Shelf Floor Lamp, priced at $119.98. At the time of our visit, 285 people had left ratings for this unique table-plus-lighting style, averaging 4.1 out of 5 stars. We love that Lowe's lets you see the good, the bad, and the ugly as their customers see it, including photos of the lamps in use. It gives Lowe's a leg up over lamp stores that only have one or two reviews (or none at all). And if you saw "leg” and "lamp” in the same sentence and immediately thought of the movie "A Christmas Story”, you are our kind of people.

Generous 90-day return window, in-store or shipped back

Returns are easy with Lowe's. You've got 90 days to either bring it to a location near you or print out a label and ship it off, at no charge to you. Just follow the step-by-step instructions on the Lowe's website.

"A+” from the BBB, no concerns about number of complaints

We also have no concerns with Lowe's reputation. Despite having 15,000+ complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau over the last 3 years, Lowe's still earns the BBB's "A+” rating and accreditation. Given the millions of customers who shop at Lowe's every year, across 2,000+ locations, it stands to reason that this store is going to get its fair share of feedback, both positive and negative. That's a good reason to use the shopper ratings when you look specifically at lamps: that won't likely be affected by one store's cranky associate or any glitches with in-store pickup or delivery.

Trustworthy option for buying a lamp (and more)

Lowe's is about as sturdy and reliable as it comes, and that goes for buying lamps too. And, of course, you can take advantage of the store's wide inventory of other home improvement-related supplies at the same time: you might as well start thinking about a new area rug or a fresh coat of paint while you're at it.

Lumens

• Over 5,300 lamps to choose from
• Prices range from $18 to $28,000+
• Free shipping on orders of $99+
• Free consultation with certified American Lighting Association design specialists
• Customer reviews on many lamps
• 30-day return policy, return shipping costs deducted from refund
• Over 1,000 5-star ratings from shoppers
• "A+” rated by the BBB

In business since 2004, Lumens is an online shopping destination for modern lighting, furniture, and decor, catering to both trade professionals and consumers alike. With a global reach as part of its 2016 merge with YDesign Group , the company collaborates with over 420 design brands to curate an extensive product range featuring iconic designs and the latest in contemporary interior decor, including exclusive pieces unavailable elsewhere. Whether your taste leans towards modern, luxurious, minimalist, or retro, Lumens offers you the expertise and selection to help define and enhance your living spaces.

Unique lamp brands and designs

One of the first things you might notice when you browse the lamps at Lumens is the brand variety. For example, when we looked for the highest-priced lamp at each store in our evaluation, we tended to see mostly the same manufacturers; at Lumens, however, the highest-end styles and brands were unlike anything we'd seen elsewhere. This included the Ruspa 4 Table Lamp by Martinelli Luce ($28,385.75), the Bubbly Floor Lamp by Rosie Li Studio ($16,400 to $18,500), the Diana Floor Lamp by DelightFULL that reminded us of the iconic Pixar lamp ($14,360), and the truly novel X Light Table by Stickbulb ($6,630 to $11,857.50).

Even the low-cost lamps are interesting here

On the more budget-friendly side, even those lamps weren't the easily-breakable, clip-to-the-edge desk designs we've seen with other retailers. Instead, Lumens offers several stylish-but-not-spendy table lamps by Eglo and Visual Comfort Studio, as well as entries by Adesso and Blomus, mostly under $50. Just keep in mind that if your order is under $99, you won't qualify for free shipping and will pay a flat rate fee of $14.99.

Better filters than most rival lamp stores

Given that you're likely shopping with a particular type of lamp in mind, we'd suggest using the filters to make your search less time-consuming. Lumens lets you be as broad or as specific as you like, from the obvious filters like color and finish, to more novel preferences like color temperature, sustainability features, and even lamps that can be shipped to Canada.

Shopper reviews are useful but not as easy to spot

Customer reviews are also a feature you can use on the Lumens site, though we wish it was possible to see the rating average while browsing the results list. As it stands, however, you can only see shopper reviews when you click on an individual lamp that gets your attention. We were curious which lamps would feature in the Bestsellers list, and it looked like the top choice for many Lumens customers was the Pina Pro Rechargeable LED Lamp by Federico De Majo for Zafferano America. At the time of our visit, it had 385 reviews and a flawless 5-star average. That's remarkable for a lamp that only costs $119.20 to $211.65, depending on which finish option is selected.

Free help from design experts

For further assistance, you can also work with one of Lumens' design specialists. They're certified by the American Lighting Association and can answer any questions you have about a particular lamp, give you suggestions for your decor upgrade, or almost any other relevant topic. There's no cost for the consultation: just scroll down on any lamp's product page to find the toll-free number or click on the live chat feature.

Discounts can be tricky

When we visited the Lumens site, we were offered a discount of up to 20% as part of a private sale to subscribers only... but the expiration date was the previous day. We also found a few complaints from shoppers who entered their email, got plenty of messages they didn't necessarily want, but never got the one they were expecting with a discount. We also spotted a floating box offering a $50 savings on a minimum order of $500, if we were willing to provide our email address and mobile number; but, again, there's no guarantee you'll get that lined up in time to place your order at Lumens.

In-stock lamps may not actually be available

One big complaint we found from Lumens' customers? It's possible to place an order, even using the filter for "in stock and ready to ship”, and then be told that your lamp won't be delivered for several months. We found multiple shoppers who said that was the case; even when they then canceled their initial order and placed a new one, once again for a lamp that was supposedly ready to go, they later received the same updated delivery window well into the future.

30 days for returns, you pay the shipping fees

However, if you do find it necessary to return a lamp once you've received it, you've got 30 days to do so. While you will have the return delivery fees deducted from your refund, Lumens will provide the shipping label, and they won't charge any additional restocking fees unless your order is greater than $5,000.

Lots of positive reviews from customers

Overall, Lumens' reputation is good. The Better Business Bureau gives the lamp store an "A+” rating, with only 29 complaints filed there in the most recent 3-year period. And, according to Google reviews, 77% of shoppers give the retailer a 5-star score, averaging 4.3 stars across 2,000+ ratings. Many people have a perfectly pleasant experience buying their lamps and other lighting products from Lumens, in other words.

You'll love the lamps, but customer service could use a little boost

Still, we have a hard time understanding why Lumens allows customers to place orders for lamps and other fixtures that aren't actually available for delivery. It's no wonder that some shoppers wind up feeling like they've been lied to, even if it's just a little. We love the selection here, especially the brands that aren't often featured by other lamp stores, so we're willing to be optimistic that Lumens is working on that delivery issue. But, in our next update, we hope to be able to report that such changes have been reflected in customer feedback; otherwise, Lumens will have a lower score in the future.

Lights Online

• About 2,000 lamps to choose from
• Prices range from $32 to $4,000+
• 110% price matching guarantee
• Free shipping on orders over $49
• 30-day return policy (with 20% restocking fee)
• "A+” rated and accredited by the BBB
• In business since 2009

Lights Online, established in 2009, is dedicated to helping customers illuminate the homes they love. With over half a century of family-owned business experience, this lamp store offers a curated selection of lighting solutions for every room, style, and budget.

Smaller but still decent selection of lamps

Lights Online has an inventory that's a little smaller than some of the lamp stores on our list, but 2,000 options isn't exactly something to scoff at. And, this store doesn't carry most of the cheapie clip-on desk lights you'll usually find rounding out the low end of rivals' lamp category. Instead, Lights Online starts with some sleek table lamps by Craftmade and Visual Comfort Studio, priced between $32 to $50.

Several high-end lamps to choose from

We also like searching up the most expensive lamp at each store we rate. Lights Online was offering the Allegri Mendelssohn 5 Light Table Lamp for "just” $4,837.32 on sale, down from the regular retail price of just under $6,000. We were also impressed by the Schonbek Sarella 3-Light Table Lamp in Heirloom Gold with Swarovski Crystals, but its clearance price of $4,550 means it might not be in stock when you visit Lights Online.

Filters are helpful but a little limited

Since you're probably not shopping strictly by highest- or lowest-price lamps, use the filters to find your proverbial needle in the haystack here. They're not as numerous as we've seen, but they can still help you zero in on your ideal style, finish, light count, price range, or bulb style, and you can also indicate any of your preferred lamp brands. Lights Online allows customers to leave reviews on table lamps, but since most of the products we saw didn't have any, that's not a filter that would be useful (even if it were offered, which it isn't).

Discounts, free shipping, and price matching

If you sign up for Lights Online's mailing list, you'll get a $20 discount on your order of $100+. You can access that by waiting for the pop-up, or spot the little "Take $20 off” floating around the website. Also, if you happen to find a lamp you want here, but it's at a lower price somewhere else, Lights Online will match the price plus 10% of the difference. This applies up to 30 days after your original purchase. Finally, since this store offers free shipping on orders over $49, most lamp purchases will qualify.

Ranks high for customer satisfaction

Lights Online has earned an "A+” rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, and we're happy to say that there were no complaints filed with the BBB in the last three years. And, most shoppers leaving reviews for the lamp store give it a perfect 5 stars, averaging 4.7 out of 5 across more than 2,300 ratings. While some customers mention having trouble getting coupons to apply correctly or with getting updates on their orders' shipping timeframes, the majority of people who buy lamps and other lighting here say that their items arrive well-packaged and look exactly as expected.

30-day returns and 20% restocking fee

But, this lamp store gets knocked down in our ratings a little because of its return policy. You'll only have 30 days to return your lamp in "like new” condition, which is standard, but all returns are subject to a 20% restocking fee. Many of this retailer's competitors don't charge any restocking fees, putting Lights Online at a disadvantage.

Better than average

Lights Online comes in better than average as a lamp store. The selection of lighting designs here tends to be a little more stylish and on-trend than you'll get with, say, a home improvement store that just happens to include lighting among the hammers and paint rollers. This retailer's reputation is trustworthy overall, so the biggest reason to look at competitors first is that lackluster return policy with the restocking fee we mentioned.

1 800 Lighting

• Over 10,000 lamps to choose from
• Prices range from $10 to $66,000+(!)
• 110% price matching guarantee
• Free shipping on orders over $49
• 90-day return policy
• "A+” rated and accredited by the BBB

1 800 Lighting is the online storefront for Capitol Lighting, a lamp store that's been around since 1924. If you live in New Jersey or southeast Florida, you may be familiar with this retailer's brick-and-mortar locations; outside of those eight showrooms, you can easily browse all that is on offer through their fully-stocked online store.

Filters will make your shopping easier

Well, we should specify that "easily” browsing will require you to use the site filters, because there are over 10,000 floor and table lamps to choose from. Start by choosing which of those two lamp types you're interested in, because that's where you'll find those filters. Those can be used to narrow down the possibilities by finish/color, style, price, dimensions, bulb type, and so forth. Customers can leave product ratings, but most of the lamps we looked at only had one or two reviews, if any.

Several options for high-end lighting

We always enjoy looking at what the most expensive lamp is at the stores we evaluate, and 1 800 Lighting doesn't disappoint. For a "mere” $66,240, you could have the 23” Accent Lamp by Meyda Lighting (only one in stock). If you're not able to get to the online store in time to snag that, don't worry: there are several other styles by Meyda Lighting you might like, many in the $4,000 to $11,000 price range.

Thousands of options across the price spectrum

Not quite what you were thinking of spending for your lamps? In the table lamp category alone, 1 800 Lighting had nearly 5,000 options in the $100 to $500 range. Whatever style you prefer, and whichever price point fits your budget, there's something here for you.

Free shipping over $49, plus frequent discount codes

As you browse the site, you'll probably get a pop-up offering a 20% discount on your first purchase. You'll have to provide your email address, and some brands are excluded from the savings. We weren't happy that we were also prompted to enter our mobile number to activate the discount, so don't bother unless you're okay with giving 1 800 Lighting both your email and your cell number. Lucky for us and for you, there are often discount codes right at the top of the site, no contact info required. There's also no code required to get free shipping on orders over $49.

Ongoing problems with deliveries

Unfortunately, some of the issues we've seen in the past with 1 800 Lighting persist. In the 12 months leading up to this review, there were still complaints about delays in shipping without notifying the customer: from projects that couldn't move forward because the orders didn't arrive, to partial deliveries with no indication as to when the remaining items could be expected, it's not uncommon for buyers here to be left in the dark (pun intended). That might not apply to lamps if you're not ordering several at once, but you may not want to place a time-sensitive order with 1 800 Lighting.

Mixed feedback from customers

Those issues are reflected in the mixed feedback for this lamp store. The Better Business Bureau gives the company (under the parent brand name, Capitol Lighting), accreditation and an "A+” rating, with just 1 complaint filed there over the last year. Reviews left on the BBB praise the customer service team for being professional and some mention being very satisfied repeat shoppers. On the other hand, on the BBB reviews and in other places like Trustpilot, the picture isn't so rosy. You'll still find compliments, but on Trustpilot alone, 69% of the ratings were just 1 star, with only 24% offering a perfect score for this lamp store.

90-day return window

However, if you can get past the shipping challenges, 1 800 Lighting stands out in some favorable ways. For one, all purchases are backed by a 90-day return policy. As long as you return your lamp in as-new condition, you'll get a refund. 1 800 Lighting will pay for the return shipping label, but they'll deduct 10% from your refund to cover the costs. In our opinion, that's reasonable for lower-priced items, but not so much when you're buying a high-end lamp that probably won't cost hundreds of dollars to send back.

110% price matching guarantee... maybe

They also offer a 110% price matching guarantee. We'd like to be able to tell you more about it, but the link that's supposed to take site visitors to see more details (beyond the fact that it applies within 10 days of making a purchase)...only routed us back to the main page of the lamp store.

A lamp store that's just okay

Once again, 1 800 Lighting comes in as "just average”. Each time we found something about this lamp store to get excited about, like the 90-day return policy or the price match guarantee, it seemed like there was something glitchy or a "gotcha” that dampened our enthusiasm. This is a company that has been around for a long time, and we're not worried about its overall trustworthiness. But when you compare 1 800 Lighting with the higher-ranked lamp retailers on our list, it just doesn't shine.

1 Stop Lighting

• Over 8,000 lamps to choose from
• Prices range from $11.20 to $6,000+
• Free shipping on orders over $49
• Price match policy
• 30-day return policy
• "A+” rated and accredited by the BBB
• In business since 2001

1 Stop Lighting got its start in 2001. Over the years, this lamp store has branched out into a network of internet retailers selling everything from lighting and heaters to furniture and home decor across a variety of websites.

Has lamps for bargain-hunters to big-spenders

There are over 8,000 items in the Lamps category at 1 Stop Lighting, with pricing starting at $11.20 for a basic desk lamp (and lots of lower-priced options for replacement glass, if that's something you're looking for). On the opposite end of the price spectrum, you'll find several gorgeous table lamps by Fine Art Handcrafted Lighting in the $5,000 to $6,000+ range.

Click on a specific lamp to see different finish and color options

You'll likely want to make generous use of the filters, though, so that you don't have to sift through any styles, designs, or finishes that aren't what you have in mind. Be aware that as you browse the results, the multicolor boxes on the preview aren't an accurate representation of your options: it's just an indication that you have choices beyond what's shown in the image. For instance, the Beveled Arcs - Three Light Table Lamp could be purchased in Silver Leaf, Gold Leaf, or Muted Silver Leaf; other lamps may have color choices for the lampshade, and so on.

Price matching, discounts, free shipping, oh my

When you browse the 1 Stop Lighting store, watch for a pop-up with a discount offer (it popped up every few minutes for us... annoyingly). When we entered our email address, we had to confirm it in order to receive a code for 25% off, so just be aware that you won't get an instant savings in the pop-up. There was also a seasonal sale of up to 20% off sitewide, which could be a way to skip the email subscription altogether. Additionally, shopping here is free on all orders over $49. Finally, if you find the same lamp at a lower price at a different store, reach out to take advantage of 1 Stop Lighting's price match guarantee: it varies by brand, and you can find the detailed explanation in the FAQ.

Customer complaints and reviews to consider

How about reputation? 1 Stop Lighting has received an "A+” rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, with only 14 complaints filed there over the last year. That's a good start, but there were quite a few negative reviews posted to the BBB site that stopped just short of being formal complaints. Most of those referenced having a hard time reaching anyone at 1 Stop Lighting's customer service department, saying that the company had gone all-digital and they couldn't get a response from representatives. But, we didn't find that to be the case: during regular business hours, after answering some questions with the virtual agent, we were connected to a live representative within a few seconds. She provided us with 1 Stop Lighting's toll-free number, and although we had to wait on hold for about 5 minutes (we opted not to do the call-back, just to see how long it would take), we reached a real live person without any trouble.

Refunds and returns are hard to obtain

But, that's not exactly the same thing as trying to process a return, and we found no love for 1 Stop Lighting in that regard. More than one customer had issues with getting charged too much when discounts weren't applied accurately, then feeling stiffed when they tried to cancel (the order was sent anyway) and then return the lamp: the policy is 30 days, but there are exceptions on clearance and close-outs. Even people whose lamps were broken when they opened the box had trouble getting any help from 1 Stop Lighting's customer service department.

Site is lacking polish

We also noted a lack of attention to detail on the 1 Stop Lighting site as we browsed past lamps and into other product categories. Instead of having images of some items, there was a broken link displayed where there should have been a photo of a table, a bathroom vanity, and so forth. (Not to mention that constantly-popping-up "invitation” to sign up for the email list!)

Definite room for improvement

While we don't think 1 Stop Lighting is the worst place to buy a lamp, it has a long way to go before it ranks as one we can recommend. There's nothing here that stands out compared with rival lamp stores, yet there are plenty of details large and small that put this retailer at a disadvantage.

Light in the Box

• About 300 options, mostly table and desk lamps
• Prices range from $8.49 to $295.19
• New items added daily
• Products have reviews from customers

Light in the Box is an online retail company based in China that specializes in a wide range of products, including lamps. This retailer adds over 1,000 items every day to their online store, featuring manufacturer-direct delivery and pricing to "cut out the middleman”.

No filters to speak of

There really aren't any filters you can use to sort through the lamps at Light in the Box. You'll want to start by clicking on the type of lamp you want: Table, Desk, Candle Warmer (?!) or Reading Lights. From there, you can display the results according to price, relevance, or favorites, but that's about it. Given that there are around 300 options in the Lamps & Lamp Shades category here, some filters would have come in handy to narrow down the options further.

Nothing over $300

The most "high-end” lamp at Light in the Box at the time of this review was designated as "Table Lamps Simple Bedside Lamp Design Art Bedroom Living Room Silent Style Homestay Decorative Desk” (talk about trying to hit all the keywords!). Interestingly enough, shoppers can choose to have a power adapter suitable for the EU, UK, AU, or US, and can also specify the desired voltage (200-240 or 90-110). We like that Light in the Box lets customers leave reviews on individual products, but this lamp only had one. This lamp was priced at just under $300.

Fun to browse if you like whimsical styles

But, beyond that higher-priced lamp style, most of what you'll see at Light in the Box is probably best described as "whimsical”. For example, when we selected the "Favorites” option to sort the results, the first lamp that came up was the Mushroom Table Lamp for $11.99. This is where we realized how important it is to check out the "Overview” section of each lamp's description: that's how we learned that this resin lamp is only 6 inches tall and just under 4 inches wide. Still, according to reviews left by verified Light in the Box customers, the lamp averaged an impressive 4.8 stars out of 5, spanning 300 ratings.

No returns if you don't like your lamp

Unfortunately, Light in the Box continues to have a failing grade at the Better Business Bureau. Over the last three years, almost 650 complaints were filed there, and over 150 of them received no response. On a slightly positive note, all of the most recent complaints we browsed (which ran the gamut from "our order never arrived” to "no one told me I'd have to return this to CHINA!”) had a prompt albeit copy-paste response from Light in the Box's team (maybe that's why the "Our Guarantee” page was blank when we clicked on the link). Plus, looking at the "7-day no-reason return” policy here, lamps are on the exclusion list: you can only return your lamp here if it's damaged or broken.

Earns 5 stars from some shoppers

Yet, on the other hand, when you look at the 80,000+ store reviews collected on Google (and often via Trustpilot), the average runs an impressive 4.4 stars out of 5. Some customers get exactly what they were expecting, without having to jump through hoops or wait for months on end to get it.

Lights out

Still, the bottom line as far as we're concerned is this: don't shop at Light in the Box for anything you genuinely care about. Silly lava lamp for a college dorm room? Roll the dice. Floor lamp for that decor upgrade you've been dreaming about since pre-pandemic days? We wouldn't chance it. This "we sell you anything and everything” retailer isn't a store we'd count on for high-quality lamps, and that "F” rating from the BBB spanning hundreds of complaints (and a significant number of unanswered complaints in the last 3 years) means Light in the Box earns a low rating in our review.