Let’s be honest, lighting can be a bit of a pain in the ass. Well designed fixtures are expensive and we often feel like we can’t justify splurging and we end up getting some knockoff version of something we really love…but from IKEA or Target. Then we schlep these lamps from apartment to apartment and they never really work or they screw together in the middle and they lean and look all wonky in the corner, or they are the wrong size for the scale of the space, or they have the wrong bulb in them.

Lighting is honestly the thing that makes everything come together. It’s worth sitting in your space and paying attention to how the sun rises and reaches into your home or what areas just don’t quite feel right.

Here’s a roundup of some of my favorite lighting companies that are made by real people that run independent businesses.

No affiliate links or commissions, I just love them.

One Forty Three

Logan Hendrickson started One Forty Three as a blog about a half finished cabin he and his wife purchased. It has since become a wonderful array of handmade lighting and lots of other fun things like wall hooks, and gorgeous plywood molded chairs with Pendleton fabrics. They run their shop together out of Henderson, Nevada.

Check out more by clicking on each product and head over to One Forty Three

Photo cred: One Forty Three

Schoolhouse

I have yet to visit Portland and not make a special trip to the Schoolhouse store. It is always on my list, along with a visit to Salt & Straw, but we have one in SF now so that’s not as exciting.

Brian Faherty started Schoolhouse in 2003 with dedication to the “preservation of American manufacturing, thoughtful living and purposeful design.” They produce heirloom quality products inside a 109-year-old brick factory building in Portland, Oregon.

Check out more by clicking on each product and head over to Schoolhouse

Photo cred: Schoolhouse

Sazerac Stitches

Run by a wife & husband duo, Kirsten & Matt create some of the most fun and playful mod lighting on the market. They are based in New Orleans and started as an Etsy store before branching off and running the whole damn show themselves. Perhaps someday I can visit and talk all that is lighting and throw back a few sazeracs too.

Check out more by clicking on each product and head over to Sazerac Stitches

Photo cred: Sazerac Stitches

Human Home

I’ve decided to include Human Home because it is designed and made in Los Angeles, but I am a bit surprised that I can’t find anything about who the people are behind the brand. So this will stay here for now, and if you know anything about the background of this company let me know and I will update accordingly.

The product that originally caught my eye was the plug lamp collection. This is the perfect product for renters or homeowners because it gives you the flexibility of creating a high end custom look without adding any electrical hardwired into the walls. My current obsession is the Graft Catch-All. Two of these would be absolutely perfect for our bedside tables because we have quite a narrow space and taking it more vertical would look stunning. They are almost always sold out, but someday I will get them.

Check out more by clicking on each product and head over to Human Home

Photo cred: Human Home