Web Original: Top 5 Lighting Stores

I’ve been trying not to notice, but it’s getting harder and harder to avoid the fact that it’s getting darker earlier. Much earlier. (Mega-groan.) Which means that not only is it time to stock up on those space-age-y looking, earth-friendly light bulbs, it’s also time to invest in new lighting. Here’s where I’m heading to get some stylish illumination.

1. Bulb
Not only is owner Kazan Spratt totally gorgeous (and super-friendly), he’s got one of the most well-edited collections of impossibly chic fixtures I’ve seen. His space may be on the small side, but it’s stocked with silver branch sconces by Tech Lighting, glitzy pendants by Bruck, amazing Artemide pendants, and — one of my faves — a deliciously over-the-top horse lamp. His pieces are less boring-light-fixture, and more like high-wattage art.

2. Kay Lighting & Design
Eight-thousand square feet of chandeliers, sconces, pendants, flush-mounts, table lamps, accent lamps, and every other light source you could possibly imagine. Need I say more? (Psst: Go Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and enjoy yummy treats while you shop!)

3. Heritage Lighting
No big-name brands here. Just an array of fabulous fixtures with Old World flair (think hand-wrought iron chandeliers and hand-hammered and -forged iron sconces) that owner and globe-trotter Bill Scherrei finds during his travels. Look here for the best outdoor lanterns, perfect to help you enjoy crisp autumn evenings on your deck a little longer.

4. Home Depot
Because, let’s face it, everyone needs a slightly more (ahem) economical option. For lights that won’t break the bank, check ’em out.

5. Rittenhouse Electric
Their showroom (conveniently divided up into modern/transitional styles and traditional looks) stocks budget-breaking and budget-making pieces, from brands including Schonbek, Nulco Lighting, CX Design. I’m a sucker for their hand-blown, uberluxe Murano glass fixtures — the perfect way to inject some European glam into my, well, not-so-European home.