This place is like stepping through time. Or into a cramped bookstore with wooden ladders and dusty books only instead of books it's antique lighting. If you want unique pieces you couldn't find anywhere else they are your "guys." We live in a nearly 100 year old condo with some original fixtures and we have loved having Cavalier help us replace some junky 90s things with beautiful antique upgrades. My favorite fixture I lusted over for almost 3 years before buying... an art deco fixture with working fans for our bathroom. It so closely matches the original sconces that were left intact it's like it's always been there. Call ahead for hours. read more

Cavalier Antique Lighting - art deco ceiling light with operational fans from Cavalier - Antiques Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I had two vintage lamps that had seen better days. The wiring was original (sketchy at best) and the switches loose. I brought both lamps in to be rewired and resocketed. Not only did they do a speedy job, but they took care to make sure the wiring matched the lamp design. They even lightly cleaned the lamps, refreshing them but not taking away the vintage charm. On top of everything, the owners are gems! The shop itself is like a treasure trove. I need to set aside some time to revisit and actually browse their light fixtures because their inventory has some gorgeous and unique items. read more

What a neighborhood gem! Stepping into this space is like going back in time...in a good way. You can feel the aura of a master tinkerer. Bottom line...They fixed our broken lamp, we didn't need to buy a new one, and we're so pleased with their service. read more

Superb antique lighting store with many treasures. The space is crammed full, and the proprietress very knowledgeable re: what she also has in storage. Do yourself a favor and get down here! Be sure to use your Claritin or puffer if you're asthmatic, as this is not a dust-free zone. :-) read more

Earlier this summer we needed a mid-century lighting fixture re-wired and Cavalier Antique Lighting was recommended to us by our electrician. Wow! This store has everything you could want/need in terms of antique lighting, sales and repair. Stefan did a quick, wonderful, and reasonably-priced job re-wiring our fixture and Helene was a delight to deal with. Thanks to Cavalier Antique Lighting for everything! read more

I have had two stunning lamps in my house for years. They also haven't worked in years. On a new year's whim, I did some research and found Cavalier Lighting. I brought them in and within a week they were repaired. The service was great- to the point that one wire was installed incorrectly, yielding one of the lamps still broken - and upon return they fixed even faster than the first time around. I highly recommend this gem for anyone looking to have lamps repaired, purchase unique and antique light fixtures and even door knobs. It's worth stopping by to see the lamps on display. read more

I want to love this place. It's full of beautiful antiques that are incredibly reasonably priced. It's just so hard to work with this store. I had them rewire a lamp. A task that should have taken a week or two ended up taking four. They rarely answer the phone and don't have email. So good luck trying to get your lamp back. Everything is on their schedule. It was the first time I had worked with them though--and everyone has the occasional snafu--so I went back over a month ago to see if they could build a sconce mount for an art deco milk glass shade I found. I went in and talked to them about it. Left my phone number and info and was waiting for a price quote. Well, I've been twice during their SCHEDULED hours and they haven't been open. I've called and left two messages. I suppose if you don't work, the prices might make it reasonable to put up with that, but if you have a tight schedule, just spend the extra money at Lamp & Fixture Shoppe over on Elston. read more

Of the two places in Chicago I have had vintage lamps rewired or repaired, Cavalier BY FAR rises to the top. Absolute EXCELLENT service, and the owners are not only incredibly knowledgeable, but super nice people too. I regret not using their services earlier! They also have wildly interesting lamps and fixtures in their shop. Simply, the best! read more

Cavalier lighting is truly one of the last hidden gems in Chicago. I have purchased a few fixtures and have had even more repaired there. They are lighting aficionados. Helene is sweet and is always enthusiastic to find what you are looking for. The place is spilling over with all kinds of vintage lighting so you must have patience and walk slowly so you see everything. If you are an easily overwelmed person ,visually , ask Helene to assist you right off the bat , because what you are looking for could be right under your nose, and you may not notice it. They have even more than what is in the shop, ask questions and bring ideas or photos of your place so they can help. I have learned all these little tweaks over the years in working with them and have purchased killer pieces. read more

Helene at Cavalier Antique Lighting is a treasure! Please don't pay attention to the negative review about hours. If you call (or text) ahead for an appointment, my experience is that Helene will go out of her way to meet you at the shop, even during off hours. I am a huge fan, because she was able to re-plate the brass on a vintage 1920's Frederick Cooper floor lamp for me, and it looks as good as new! Yes, sometimes disassembly, plating, rewiring, and reassembly can take a few weeks, but this is the kind of craftsmanship that you cannot find at a Big Box retailer. If you love beautiful, vintage lighting, this is the place for you! I also saved hundreds purchasing used and working with Helene to refinish a classic piece, rather than spending more on a newer lamp of lesser quality. read more

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Several years ago, I needed a chandelier for my living room but could not find anything I liked anywhere. One day, spotting an odd-looking store by the name of Cavalier Antique Lighting while riding my bike, I ventured in and felt awestruck by the quantity, quality and variety of the inventory displayed in so small a space. With my head up, anxious not to put my feet where I should not, I started scrutinizing each chandelier. Soon, THE ONE beckoned me from the other side of the room. It was a lovely, a powerful, 5-light American Art-Deco fixture. Stephan, the owner, rewired it; Helene, his wife and co-owner, cleaned its glass shades and showed me how to install them; I hung it and then installed the shades: and each time I come home and switch on the light I love my chandelier more. I am grateful to Stephan and Helene for having dedicated their lives to giving new life to antique lights. They preserve the past and make present people happy. After the chandelier was hung, I returned to Cavalier to look for a smaller fixture of similar style for the little sun porch where I work all day, and there was one - a bit more rustic, just right for the space. I love it too. And I returned to ask Stephan to rewire 2 old floor lamps (one with 3 branches) and 2 antique table lamps (they had not seemed safe for a few decades), and thanks to Stephan's skills, they will be good for a few more generations. And yesterday, needing a glass shade for yet another old lamp, I visited Helene at her store and, of course, we found one that was perfect. The old lamp looked grandmotherly with its paper lamp shade from BB&B (therefore uncool in the eyes of the young people in my life), but with its rippled, shiny glass shade from the 1940s (I suppose), it's stunning to all eyes. In other words, I cannot recommend Cavalier Antique Lighting more wholeheartedly to anyone looking for a one-of-a kind lamp or chandelier. If you need repair, ask Stephan and/or Helene what they can do for you. The store is a bit dark and quire cramped, but it's a magic place. read more

Cavalier Antique Lighting - The American Art-Deco chandelier described in my review. - Antiques Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Cavailier has a beautiful selection of lights. Unusual pieces are plentiful. Staff are very accomodating.

Some years ago I was actively involved with a Church in the city that had a beautiful but poorly maintained building. I brought eight rusted and battered cast iron outdoor fixtures in to get an estimate to fix. (Other people wanted to throw them away and buy new ones at a big box store!) Not only did they sandblast, paint and rewire these 75yo fixtures, they also advised us on the scale of glass that should go over them and that they should be hung differently than we had thought. Did I mention they did this for $60 each which was less than buying new ones? read more