We Found an American-Made Lighting Company
Let’s talk about lights today.
Specifically, let’s talk about where they’re made.
Except there’s not much to say. China. That’s about it.
When I walked into the locally owned lighting shop, I asked the smiley woman with jaw-length hair who worked there, “Do you sell lights from any companies that manufacture products in the United States?” She looked at me like I was speaking a foreign language. Noooo, I thought. I didn’t just accidentally say that in German, did I?
I didn’t.
And she didn’t know where their lights came from. “Probably China,” she said.
I wanted to ask where things like this came from:
The poor girl had already wandered away. She really wasn’t interested in discussing lights that might fit my criteria, so I went home. That’s okay. A $297 bottle holder really wasn’t in my budget anyway.
Think, think, think, Katie. Where can you find a lighting company that’s all about American made products?
A light bulb went off. Wait, that’s a horrible pun. I got an idea.
I found Barn Light Electric and Vintage Barn Lighting. The company offers all kinds of lighting options that are – wait for it – made in America. Some of their coolest products include restored lights from barns and runways. Yeah, you can get a vintage taxiway light in your bathroom. Martin is seriously coveting that one!
They also sell new lights like the ones we have installed at our house, which feel so German that I may have drooled a tad at the sight of them.
Schön.
There, that was me speaking German. (And because our lights are so German, they’re actually one of the few products that are imported at Barn Light Electric.)
You saw one in our bedroom on Friday. We also have two sconces in the living room.
The Scott family who runs Barn Light Electric are incredibly nice. I really wanted to tell you about them, and when they got word, they offered to partner up with me to cover some of the cost of our lights.
Now I just need to distract Martin from those runway lights. I think we have enough of those around here already!
I’d love to hear about the types of lighting you love. Any thoughts on a few antlers on your lights? How about taxiway equipment?
They are lovely and do look German–spare, uncomplicated, elegant and functional! I wish that it wasn’t such a challenge to find American made products for our homes. I don’t want to go off on a political rant, but I’m a little worried about how small businesses like Barn Light Electric are going to fare in this economy and with Obamacare looming.
Political “rant” over. Keep sharing your lovely home with us!
Katie, these lights look fantastic. I’m so glad you were able to find a company that supports American Made. I wish they had plug-in options for those of us who rent!!
Sidenote, I’ve been excited to see legislation lately put in place to improve the economic situation for small businesses in the last 4 years. Also, the Minority Business Development Agency is also working to bring manufacturing back to the US. I’m really hopeful that we will see an increase in American Made in the next 4-6 years. If so it will be fantastic!!
LOVE those lights, they are awesome. Are you planning on putting a couple of stools up to the counter there? Great that your windowsill is deep enough for your coffee maker. PURE GENIUS.
Come on Katie………..let’s see a video tour so we can see all the cool nooks and crannies. :)
You’re adorable, Jill!
Stools are on the wish list for Santa. :)
A video… okay, I need to work on that!
Love that you found American Made Lighting and shared that with us. I have them bookmarked and look forward to purchasing lighting from them once we’re done moving with the job. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving Katie & Martin.
Oh hooray! We’re about to go to work on our basement and we *love* the idea of reclaimed American made lighting. Thanks so much for the heads up!
The lights look great. I guess I’ve never given much thought to my lighting style Specifically I appreciate anything that gives off light. ;)
We used Rejuvenation Lighting when re-doing the row house in NE DC (aka Trinidad). The school house lighting looked great in the kitchen.
Another American made lighting company is Avalanche Ranch. It’s out of Seattle. Your home is looking so great!!!