Rejuvenation, Lumens (having a sales event currently), Signature Hardware, Lamps Plus

I've used a number, but mostly used Bellacor. The prices on the internet are typically around the same. But Bellacor sends me frequent 20% off everything deals, so that's really a savings over other vendors. Every so often, they have a tiered deal where if you spend $1000, you get 25% off.

Lamps Plus carries many of their own products, and has frequent rotating sales, so I bought some items and waited until the price went down, usually about $50.

Also check out open box deals, available on most sites. Mostly I used Lamps Plus open box, but checked out a number. Lighting New York has website stores by brand, so I saw some great deals on Visual Comfort Open box at https://www.visualcomfortlightinglights.com/ I got some great deals and only have had two problems of broken glass which Lamps Plus took back.

Also try google searches to look for lower prices, and google image searches. A number of sites like Wayfair and Bellacor have their own house "brands" which are identical to major vendor lights and actually ship from the vendor in the vendor's packaging and product codes. They just cost less.

You'll find that you don't have to spend much to get free shipping; often just $50 or $100 so you don't need to buy from one vendor to get free shipping. The only store I used without any free shipping was Shades of Light (they had a custom light I liked).

Also check out the big box stores. Home Depot and Lowe's now carry a lot of the same higher end lights on their web site at about the same prices as everyone else, though I found Home Depot to usually have lower prices than Lowes. If you have a store nearby, it makes returns much easier.

Have fun!

LightingDirect.com, a sister company of build.com. Huge selection, good prices, good return policy, fast delivery, and technically knowledgeable people if you want tech support by phone.

A local lighting shop that will match or beat any verifiable internet price. I try to support local brick and mortar businesses if possible, specially since I can use their showroom to touch/feel the quality of some of the brands I am interested in and see the different color offerings in person.

I bought Hudson Valley sconces and Currey chandelier and this local store had the best prices. I pick up the items at their store.

Check with your local independent lighting stores and see if they are willing to work with you.

chispa-

I agree with your points generally. While I have occasionally gotten a local store to match a lower online price, it’s hit and miss, but worth trying. It costs nothing to ask.

I also agree rhat it’s good to sometimes be able to see a product in person, but the selection even at big, local stores is quite small compared to online sources. In addition, the really good online stores have a lot of helpful reviews which give me a better feel for quality or potential problems than an in-store sales person usually can. I do however only deal with online vendors that have excellent return policies.

I’m not trying to undercut your post; just putting in my 2 cents.

If you do go to local stores, please don't use them as a showroom and then order everything on line. You have used their services and should be considered when purchasing.

My issue is I can’t find what I’m looking for- everything looks so cheaply made or is $2400...I do try to buy local- but if they charge $800 for the same fixture online for $350- they’re not getting my money- I’ll pay a fair price for a fair product. I think I really need to go to a salvage yard and have what I want made- specifically talking lighting- not mirrors- but those aren’t much better. I will try all the links mentioned! Thanks!!

Lighting is one area that I have found both of my local lighting suppliers actually beat the online pricing (without even telling them you're shopping). They know people will check. And if you go with the local store, you get the service to go with the product. They also have a vast amount of knowledge and experience working on lighting and a good relationship with the brands they carry. They can usually foreshadow any issues that may arise with your choices and offer guidance or alternates.

Have fun with your project. Great lighting is icing on the cake.

And for mirrors, you can easily have those made to your exact sizes. Many glass companies will make you custom mirrors for fair prices. You can also check out Uttermost or Shades of Light.

I don't know if you've already got them installed but include task lighting for your work surface areas. Usually led can lights. 450 lumens is recommended with placement so your body doesn't create a shadow on the work.

http://lofingslighting.com/

This is a real "bricks & mortar" store I've purchased fixtures from for decades, with tons of knowledge through 3-4 generations. My experience with clients who don't seek expert advice is delivered fixtures are usually too small and will be purchased and installed again.

Depending where you live, a Ferguson showroom has a great selection and it is necessary sometimes to touch a fixture and see the finish in person. Their online site is build.com which has many great prices. Beware of buying cheaply online and then having to assemble the fixture, risking damage and then having to ship it back. Lighting is one of those things that should be seen in person-the scale is often different!

I bought most of the lighting for our new house at lightingnewyork.com. Their customer service is top-notch, and you can save serious money on their open box items. The only catch is the open box items are non-returnable. If something is not open box, and not on sale, you can still call and ask for a discount and they'll give one. I also bought some bathroom sconces at Pottery Barn and was quite pleased with the quality and the prices.

Do be sure to check all the terms and conditions for a site before ordering, especially return and refund information. Most will require you to pay return shipping if you want to send a light back, but some also charge a restocking fee, and some, especially open box, won't do returns.