There always seems to be a prospective customer in this shop being advised and guided through the…read moreextensive stock of chandeliers, wall lamps, table lamps and standard lamps. From outside looking in the profusion of glass, gilt, burnished metal, feathers and twinkling crystal on display in this Aladdin's Cave of shiny wares, along with various other interiors accessories of pictures frames, ornaments and mirrors looks enticing. Closer examination shows that although the stock is brand new, House of Lights caters for very traditional tastes. There are also lampshades for sale in various colours and you can find lightbulbs of every type in here which is useful if you're flummoxed as to where to find an unusual bulb for a novel lamp from a certain Swedish furniture store. I had to exchange said light bulb three times before locating the right one but in they were most accommodating about my errors so thanks to the convenience of House of Lights and the helpful staff I got there in the end.

Its rare to find quality light fittings, certainly in the big chains where your lucky to get a…read morecouple of years use before they break, the lights inside are stylish and top quality, one of my most unusual projects I bought to restore was a 7ft tall fiberglass statue of liberty "impulse buy" it had a cheap orange flashing light on it that looked like it came off a tractor, I got a glass flame off the internet but was stuck for what type of bulb to fit, they suggested a flicker bulb which fits a normal bayonet fitting, it worked perfectly and only used a few watts electric. Great for getting inspiration on projects like desk and table lamps too.

It is all very well looking online for lighting, but despite them giving you the sizes, you can't…read morereally tell how it will actually look. You could go to IKEA or the other big chains but if you want something a little different, Arches Lighting is somewhere to check out. They do tend to specialise in traditional, old fashioned types of chandeliers, but they do have a reasonable selection of more modern fittings too. They are more expensive than the chains obviously, but you get what you pay for in quality. Another plus was that the sales lady while welcoming, did not go for the hard sell that a lot of the higher end places go for, leaving me to browse as I liked. While it was a little spendy for what I am looking for, they do have good sale bargains, so I'll be keeping an eye out for the next sale.

From the owner: Arches Lighting Centre is a family run business, selling high quality lighting products to the…read morepublic for over 30 years operating from our impressive East Belfast showroom.

I love lamp. I love…read morechandelier. I love light. Ok enough, Reflections is a lighting shop (Did you guess?) in Ballyclare town Square. It stocks a mind boggling array of lights (who knew there could be that many?) in a multitude of shapes, styles, colours, prices etc. The man who owns the shop is incredibly friendly and welcoming. Even though we didn't buy anything, and I'll admit now, we weren't even thinking about it, he chatted away to us until we felt it was a little unfair to him and decided to make tracks. If I am ever in need of a new light or lamp shade then I'll be back here, even if it is just to make up for the poor guys lost time on us clueless, window (or is that light) shopping ladies. Good prices, good craic, very well lit! *surprise*

I can't say I have much need for lights...that's really my dad's forte. He knows all about bulbs…read moreand wattages and all that jazz, whereas I'm pretty clueless, plus he's the one who buys all that kind of stuff, so I've never really paid attention. Furthermore, apart from a few lamps, the only lights we have in our house are spotlights. Dozens and dozens of 'em. So, now you're wondering (understandably enough) why I was in a lighting shop. Especially one this fancy. Swinging chandeliers, delicate dripping lights, posh lampshades, and everything in between...as ornate and theatrical as you like. Well, not only did Arc have Yankee Candles, but it had 10% off Yankee Candles. Ah yes, that'll be two beautifully scented melts please. Forget stunning lighting - it's all about the Yankee Candles. Oh I do so love a bargain...

Popped in here yesterday to pick up some electrical terminal blocks to fit a ceiling light, that…read moresounded very professional didn't it? To be honest I only had a vague idea of what I was looking for but the blokes in Castle helped me out as soon as I walked through the door. This is an old school DIY and hardware store - they seem to have everything behind that counter. The good thing about coming here rather than going to a chain shop is that I was able to walk in ask an expert and leave within 5 minutes. I also didn't have to buy anything I didn't need. They stock plumbing, electrical and decorating equipment including paint but I would suggest just going in and speaking to the guys who work there - they couldn't have been more helpful. What's more, the electrical blocks cost me under £2! Great value!

Castle DIY is an independent hardware store on the Antrim Road, just off by the Cavehill Road…read moreintersection. It's a great place for a bit of local knowledge. I'm not a driver so if something goes wrong or I need to get some paint, its hassle to go to one of the big B&Q or the other big stores. The staff have a great knowledge of everything they sell. I needed some orange paint and whilst they didn't have a certain insane colour (not my choice!), but they offered to get it delivered in withouth any extra charge. Pleasant, knowledgeable guys who will go that extra mile to help.