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Writer's pictureHeather Holcombe

The True Cost of Buying Cheap Lighting: A Client’s Experience


Beside table and lamp.
One of the new Robert Abbey lamps

This is a tale of two lamps. Well, four lamps, actually. A client/friend, Diane, ordered two cute, inexpensive bedside lamps from a large online retailer for her daughter's bedroom. Given that the daughter spends much of her time pursuing a PhD abroad, my friend didn't see the need to buy pricey lamps. Unfortunately, she came to regret that purchase.


The lamps looked great and even had a USB port, a helpful asset in a millennial's bedroom - which also occasionally serves as a second guestroom. The price seemed unbeatable.


Soon, though, the excitement faded. The lamps were not as well constructed as my friend expected, and the lampshades weren't very good quality. Even so, given the price she'd paid, she decided to keep them. It wasn't long before she realized the lamps easily tipped over on the nightstand, making it a challenge to plug something into the charging port.


The lamps were impractical. It was too apparent that they were cheap and weren't ideal. That's when she asked me for help, admitting her regret over choosing an inexpensive retail option.


We discussed her needs, her daughter's style, and her vision for the room. I introduced her to a selection of higher-quality lamps. With those lamps, there would be no tipping over!


Ultimately, Diane's daughter picked out a beautiful, well-crafted piece by Robert Abbey that complemented the décor perfectly. When the new lamps arrived, the difference was striking—in terms of aesthetics and quality. And my friend's husband joked that the lamps were heavy enough to use for self-defense if ever needed!


This experience holds a valuable lesson. As tempting as it is to buy a cheaper product, especially with items like lighting, you put quality at risk. My friend's regret over the initial purchase was replaced with total satisfaction. The well-chosen, durable lamps were a great investment that paid off in function, quality, and style. If you need assistance selecting light fixtures, don't hesitate to contact me.



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