Obviously they have some great stuff and at great deals. I honestly don't know who you have to be to get someone to help or acknowledge you, but no one has EVER asked if I needed help finding what I'm looking for. That said, it's always worth a look when In need of lighting. read more

Few people know that this is the outlet location for the tony Shades of Light near Willow Lawn. SInce I can't afford the stuff there, when I come to the southside, I stop in here to see if I can find a bargain. And, I can hit it on my way to my monthly pilgrimage to WIlliams & Sherrill. It's right on Midlothian at the front of a small shopping center and in the summer, they have a fabulous sidewalk sale. If you covet designer drapes that would normally cost $500 a panel, you can get them at this sale for 50% off or more. I bought a really cool black and white toile lampshade at the sale a couple of years for $10. The store itself is pretty small and has mostly lamps, shades and drapes, but there are a few pieces of statuary and other arty home accents. Ask for help from a salesperson for browsing the little room of drapery in the back as it's pretty crowded and stuffed with merchandise, so it's hard to find what you're looking for in the right lengths. read more

I love shopping here! They always has lots of fun things to see! Their light fixture selection is so good! Very different from Home Depot or Lowe's or even the light store on Broad. Best part, besides the cost, is the help. They are not only knowledgable about what fixtures they have and how much light they give but they are very professional, pleasant and couldn't be more supportive in my efforts to find matching fixtures. I would highly recommend this shop! Sue O read more

This location is the outlet store for the tony Shades of Light catalog. I drove here one weekend on a design outing looking for fabric and maybe a fixture or two at a couple different stops. I really, really wanted to love this place. If you are looking for a hanging fixture such as a chandelier, lantern etc. there is much to choose from. Many have been marked down with deep discounts. I was on the hunt for a semi flush mount with some specific requirements. I asked the sales person for a recommendation and she was not very helpful. Her recommendation was that I put in a florescent fixture, yep that's right, the kind most people are taking out, then she was done with me. The other thing I was looking for was two matching bathroom/vanity light fixtures. I'm pretty sure they had them, there were many in boxes in the bathroom lighting section but when I asked I was told, what we have is out, there isn't much matching. Lest you think the shop was over run with shoppers and not enough staff, that wasn't the case. There were at least three staff members and just a hand full of shoppers. I really didn't feel as if they saw me or were interested in meeting my needs. I know it's an outlet store but the staff seemed to be going out of their way to help other shoppers. We walked out without finding anything, and I really wanted at least a lamp. If you are looking for a ceiling fixture/chandelier and are willing to head in, look over what's hanging up and grab something, this is your place. read more

The Decorating Outlet is the outlet store for the Shades of Light catalog. The staff is beyond nice and helpful!! This is a place you should check often as they are always getting new items in-store. During my last trip I found an outdoor porch light I had been coveting at Shades of Light and it was 50% off the markdown price!!! What a steal! Granted it did have a small non-visible flaw, but no biggie!! Note, not everything there is damaged. They sell rugs, lighting, shades, drapery items, fabric, small furniture, and all kinds of other décor items. They also can have items ordered from the Shades of Light catalog and sent directly to the store, so you don't have to deal with shipping. read more

A friend and I came down to the Richmond area for the day to go thrifting, and decided to make a couple of additional stops at stores mentioned by one of my favorite home blogs, including Decorating Outlet. I was particularly hoping to find some replacement lampshades for two buffet lamps, because they require a spider fitting and are an odd size. Well, the store itself is packed with items. The two staff members, however, were completely uninterested in helping us. When we first came in, the female staff member was already helping someone, whom she clearly knew, find a lampshade. Despite the fact that no other customers were in the store, we were never greeted, asked if we needed help, or even acknowledged with a nod. Instead, after the other customer left, both staff members decided to gather around the computer instead, chatting about the new website for the store. Only when we left, and said goodbye, did we receive a half-hearted "thanks for coming in." I realize this is an outlet store. But when you have a total of three customers in the store, and two of them spend a considerably amount of time looking through the lampshades, you'd think they might make an effort to help. In the end, they didn't have what I needed, and the attitudes of the staff did nothing to make me want to shop there, so we left empty-handed. read more

Erin and Jen were so helpful! I arrived with a list of items to get for my new house and had no idea where to begin. The more information I shared with them the easier it was to make decisions. I showed them pictures. They made thoughtful recommendations. The selection here is constantly changing and they knew exactly where to direct my attention. I will definitely return! read more

This place is awesome. Damaged and marked down Shades of Light lamps, rugs and accessories at awesome problems. I want to move in here so I get all the great deals before anyone else :) This place brings out the competitive shopper for me for sure. So if you see me pulling into the parking lot, outta my way ;) read more

I recently learned of the 'Decorating Outlet' and I have visited the store twice in less than two weeks. My first visit was to check out the inventory of the store and I actually purchased two shades that I initially saw on the 'Shades of Light' website; of course the 'Decorating Outlet' price was reduced! The shades were too large for my needs, so I had to return them. The sales associates were wonderful and completely accommodating during both my visits. I was delayed by traffic prior to my second visit, I called the store and they waited at least five minutes after the store hours. Upon arrival I was greeted warmly and assisted in finding proper shades in the correct size/color. I highly recommend taking your lamp and material swatches along when you shop, it would have saved me a trip. I cannot speak highly enough of the ladies that assisted me...the shades are perfect! read more

I always find the perfect lighting for my home. I have remodeled two kitchens and purchased lighting from here for both at great prices. Plus, used a number of items from the store for a beach home. It is definitely worth the visit, however it may take a few trips to find exactly what you want. Its a hidden gem off of Midlothian Turnpk. The store's personnel are very helpful and knowledgeable. They provide the same or better customer service as found at a full price lighting store. read more