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Nowell's Lighting Established in 1954 Nowell's Lighting has been offering fine lighting solutions for over 50 years. Our 5000 sq. ft. San Rafael, CA location includes a fine antique lighting showroom with glass and fabric shades and a repair, restoration, fabrication shop.

We are your one stop location for unique fine lighting fixtures. Whether you are looking for that special fixture for your home or want to repair or restore an existing light fixture. We are here to serve you with highest degree of quality.

- Retail Lighting - antique, vintage, modern and custom
- Lighting Accessories - light bulbs, lamp shades, lamp parts
- Metal Refinish - brass, silver and other metals
- Lamp & Light Fixture Repair and Restoration
Highlights and features
  • Repair, Restore, Custom Build light fixtures of all types.
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Services
Be the leader in the industry of antique lamp reproduction and restoration. Have available one of a kind lighting fixtures, vintage styles you won't find anywhere else. Maintain the trust and integrity of our family to yours and always provide the best craftsmanship possible. Our commitment is to provide the best lighting solutions and services to our customers.
Many of the parts you see here are interchangeable, and even the simplest changes, like substituting one style of arm for another, alter a fixture's personality. If you don't see exactly what you want, ask us, or send us some specifications, or show us a picture.
Nowell's is pleased to continue offering our fine and pure Nowell's Lamp Oil, the most efficient oil on the market. It has all the brightness and safety of kerosene and paraffin, but burns more thoroughly. It produces almost no soot and throws off practically no unburned raw fuel, the main cause of a kerosene lamp's odor.
Yes, we specialize in custom lighting fabrication for contractors, arquitects and designers projects, as well as custom residential design. You may speak to a customer service representative at (415) 332-4933 if you have questions about a custom project. Can Nowell's Lighting electrify a candle chandelier/candle sconces or turn something into a table lamp or ceiling fixture?.
People
Juan
Manager
Over 10 years of custom fabrication and repair work for antique light fixtures. Other staff members have over 15 years experience and were trained by previous owners with over 20 years experience each.
Reviews (35)
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Lyle Hoover
Feb 18, 2022
On January 31, Nowell's re-installed a pendant light they had repaired. The operation was smooth, fast and professional in every way. It makes our home so much more attractive!
Katy B.
Dec 10, 2021
It wasn't cheap, but they created a custom string of LED lights to hang inside my unusual Noguchi/Akari "light sculpture"--- a tall geometric columnar paper lantern for the living room. It looks great and the work was solid and just what I asked for.
Joe F.
Oct 27, 2021
Very knowledgeable and very good custom work. Right from first entering the shop, Esther greeted us and asked how she could help. I showed her our broken pendulum lo-voltage kitchen lights and asked what they could do, since I was tired of fixing them (very fragile). She suggested they be re-built and made with a rod instead of hanging wire and go from lo-vo to line voltage (110/120).

I left them with her and about 2 weeks later they were done. A magnificent job! Took them home, installed them and the rest is history, they look and work great. And they do all work in-house.
Eloise M.
Jul 29, 2021
This is a great place. Not only do they have incredible light fixtures, but they repair your light fixtures perfectly. I brought in my hall flush ceiling light to Nowell's to have it rewired. My fixture is made of very expensive metals and I love it so. I was so very grateful that Nowell's was able to repair and update the wiring for me. The beautiful vintage light fixtures are a must see. I love this store and recommend it highly.
Phil Xman
Jun 06, 2021
I'm an Electrical Contractor in the Bay Area. I use Nowells's exclusively now. They do great work at a fair price. They are always helpful and kind.
David E. W.
May 28, 2021
We had matching older table lamps repaired. The price was right and the people were friendly and very helpful. Say hello to Esther.
Krischen Sandoval
Apr 13, 2021
Excellent customer service! Very talented with all lighting fixtures!
Maxx B.
Jan 03, 2021
This business is a hidden jewel! If you are looking for any type of lighting fixture, shade or glass replacement, this is the spot. Esther and Juan are knowledgeable, creative and incredibly pleasant to work with.
Christine C.
May 16, 2020
The switch, on my floor lamp, stopped working and I was left in the dark. Searching for "lamp repair near me" I came across Nowell's and I liked that they had been around a long time (previously in Sausalito). I could not have been happier! An appointment was made, in this Covid19 era, and I went knowing that I'd be protected. Best of all, I was told "come back in 30" and it will be ready".and spot-on, it was! Thanks Nowell's!
Mia Sunderman
May 07, 2020
Great family owned business. At first sight, there didn't seem to be too many choices, but we found almost everything we needed. Lots of unique fixtures. It's a great little gem.
Cheray Unman
Feb 22, 2020
Love the service and huge offering of antique lamps, shades and parts. They also have a lovely selection of new lamp shades and designer light bulbs. I have had three lamps rewired there and all have turned out beautiful. Esther Pineda is always there too.
Douglas G.
Nov 22, 2019
Just went to Nowells ((for first time) in San Rafael. Had to match a 6shade glass piece - trying for days. Waited on by the Pinedas (father son and daughter in law. They were fabulous. All thre pitches in and found a match. Great customer service!
Kay C.
Sep 20, 2019
Ten months ago I took my brass floor lamp to Nowell's, because the light would flicker and sometimes just go out unpredictably. Having been a customer twice before, I was confident to go there again. I explained the problem to Esther. She said that Juan would probably fix my lamp within a week or two. About ten days later I got a call to come get my lamp. Esther told me that it just could not be repaired, because the wiring was shot and it was too hard to pull it all out to replace.

Because it's brass, less than ten years old, I did not follow their suggestion to just dump it. (I'd paid about $160 when I bought it new) so I took it home and just stopped using it. Imagine my surprise and delight this week when I tried The Lamp and Shade Shop on 4th Street in San Rafael where I'd first purchased this lamp a decade ago.

The woman who runs that shop (and does the repairs) recognized the style and said she was confident what needed to be done. Two days later I picked it up, delighted to pay the $40 repair fee that was on the low end of her estimate. I love this place! I have no idea why Nowell's told me my lamp couldn't be fixed. I guess they just didn't want to bother with it. That old maxim, "Get a second opinion" also holds true with lamps!
Cari A.
Sep 17, 2019
This is the best lighting repair place ever. Juan somehow duplicated a no longer available internal part for my dining room fixture saving me from having to buy a new fixture, pay an electrician to install it and pay a carpenter to repair the old hole unique to this fixture. You may have to wait a little when you go in because they are the only place of this kind in Marin County but well worth the wait.
Cari A.
Sep 17, 2019
This is the best lighting repair place ever. Juan somehow duplicated a no longer available internal part for my dining room fixture saving me from having to buy a new fixture, pay an electrician to install it and pay a carpenter to repair the old hole unique to this fixture. You may have to wait a little when you go in because they are the only place of this kind in Marin County but well worth the wait.
Kevin Loughman
Jul 16, 2019
If you need a lamp repaired, an antique lamp or parts, this is the place to go.
Nigel H.
Jun 26, 2019
Had been searching for a particular lampshade and couldn't find what I wanted in any of the local lamp stores. Finally ended up at Nowell's. Services was excellent and they made me the perfect lampshade. Didn't cost that much either. I would recommend Nowell's without hesitation.
Nigel H.
Jun 26, 2019
Had been searching for a particular lampshade and couldn't find what I wanted in any of the local lamp stores. Finally ended up at Nowell's. Services was excellent and they made me the perfect lampshade. Didn't cost that much either. I would recommend Nowell's without hesitation.
Lydia W.
Feb 21, 2019
I took an antique pewter lamp of my mother's (that had been my grandmother's) that had broken into Nowell's on the recommendation of my neighbors on Next-door. Juan looked at it, and showed me that it had been soldered before - because it had originally been a candlestick, so wasn't used to the weight of the bulbs and the lampshade - and suggested a way to reinforce it and repair it, while maintaining the integrity of the lamp, and the value of the antique.

He told me it would take several weeks to repair, but I got a call the next day that it was done. I couldn't even tell that it had been broken, as his repair was impeccable. I am BEYOND thrilled that my beloved lamp is now looking perfect, and works well. I cannot recommend Juan highly enough!
Lydia W.
Feb 20, 2019
I took an antique pewter lamp of my mother's (that had been my grandmother's) that had broken into Nowell's on the recommendation of my neighbors on Next-door. Juan looked at it, and showed me that it had been soldered before - because it had originally been a candlestick, so wasn't used to the weight of the bulbs and the lampshade - and suggested a way to reinforce it and repair it, while maintaining the integrity of the lamp, and the value of the antique.

He told me it would take several weeks to repair, but I got a call the next day that it was done. I couldn't even tell that it had been broken, as his repair was impeccable. I am BEYOND thrilled that my beloved lamp is now looking perfect, and works well.
J. A.
Jan 12, 2019
What a gem. We found a small Italian glass chandelier from the 30s for our kitchen. Just beautiful! Great customer service. So glad they are in San Rafael.
Dennis Phinney
Aug 03, 2018
Awesome organization, they fixed my lamp while I waited. They truly know the meaning of customer service, best service in Marin.
Jeanne O.
Jul 18, 2018
The Pineda know their stuff- fixed my vintage lamp same day and not costly. Second time here - both five star visits!
Maria Carmella L.
Jun 28, 2018
Its a small shop and has had a history long time location in Sausalito. As I said its a small shop eith a small official
Mark C.
Mar 08, 2018
Been using these guys for years now and really appreciate all they've done for me! I own a classic wood motoryacht from the mid 1960s, it has a lot of custom light fixtures that can't be replaced so as they succumb to one problem or another Nowell's rebuilds them for me. I have YET to have an issue (and being associated with a boat, there have been a number of bizarre ones!) that they haven't been able to deal with. Most involve rewiring and custom rebuilding, the work has always been thoughtful and meticulous and, again, much appreciated!
Mark C.
Mar 08, 2018
Been using these guys for years now and really appreciate all they've done for me! I own a classic wood motoryacht from the mid 1960s, it has a lot of custom light fixtures that can't be replaced so as they succumb to one problem or another Nowell's rebuilds them for me. I have YET to have an issue (and being associated with a boat, there have been a number of bizarre ones!) that they haven't been able to deal with. Most involve rewiring and custom rebuilding, the work has always been thoughtful and meticulous and, again, much appreciated!
Mike D.
Apr 30, 2017
Juan is the guy you want to talk to if you care about quality and lighting. I bought a half-century-old brass light that needed a new canopy, and Juan refinished a very high quality brass piece to match perfectly. He genuinely loves lighting (he makes some of the pieces they sell) and the store is a treasure trove of vintage lights. My only complaint is that they don't have much (any?) mid-century for sale, as most of their merch seems to be 1940s or prior. But they are happy to work on it, so I was happy.
Joyce C.
Feb 20, 2017
I have been looking for exactly the perfect dining room chandelier for over a year. I found a one-of-a-kind mid-century one that I love at Nowell's Lighting. They have pieces that no other business has. Juan was fabulous to work with. The price of the light was reasonable and Juan saw too it that we had sets of extra bulbs to use when we would need them.

He brought the chandelier to my home in Bolinas, adjusted the length little-by-little until I was satisfied with the height, hung it, caulked around the place in the ceiling which the carpenter had cut a little too large, and helped me set up the dining room table and chairs again. I couldn't be more pleased. This business is owned by a family who loves their trade and are excellent craftspeople -- very customer oriented.
Laurence F.
Oct 14, 2014
Juan and staff are friendly and knowledgeable. The shop has a nice feel to it and I always enjoy walking thru each room looking at the merchandise. They did a very good job on fixing my atomic mid-century lamp at a reasonable price. I was so pleased that I brought in the lamp's twin for the same repair. Laurence
Michael T.
Feb 11, 2012
We have been buying lighting fixtures from Nowell's for decades. We bought several more when they had a big sale that I thought was a "going out of business" sale. Glad to find out I was wrong! I was having a problem with a relatively new wall lamp. My bride contacted Juan and he came over after work and disconnected the lamp, repaired it overnight, and reinstalled it this morning.

It was great to see his vintage pickup truck outside our home. Now that I know that the shop is still open I'm going to have to start dropping in to look for more lighting treasures for our Craftsman home.
Ron
Apr 12, 2006
This is the place to take your ailing lamp to get it fixed.you can also buy beautiful antique lighting fixtures for the ceiling, table lamps, etc. I have.
Josselyn R.
Two years ago when we moved into our 125 year old Victorian we realized that we needed help with lighting. Nowell's has been wonderful! Juan, the manager, came immediately and cleaned our elaborate crystal chandelier. After that he helped us find 3 period ceiling lights. He custom made a kitchen fixture that fits right into our 1887 home. Then he adapted old lanterns for outdoor use.

It has been an absolute pleasure working with Juan. He is knowledgeable, artistic, creative, prompt, and fun. We got personal attention, perfect products for a very reasonable price. We give him and his staff the highest of recommendations!!!
Heidi K.
My expectations were far surpassed! We are restoring a Victorian house in San Francisco, and needed new light fixtures for all the rooms on the main floor. After considering many options, including vintage, as well as Rejuvenation we decided on Nowell's. The photos in their catalog are black & white, so it was a little difficult to take the leap of faith and order 6 fixtures. However, when we arrived to pick the fixtures up they were even more beautiful that I had imagined.

The workmanship is exceptional, and the etched glass shades are gorgeous. I can't wait to hang these up in our house!

Juan Pineda provided excellent customer service, and the turn around time was 3 weeks for 6 fairly complicated fixtures. I am very satisfied with my experience, and would highly recommend Nowell's as a resource - especially if you are looking for vintage style light fixtures. Again, the quality is really exceptional.
Michael T.
We have been buying lighting fixtures from Nowell's for decades. We bought several more when they had a big sale that I thought was a "going out of business" sale. Glad to find out I was wrong! I was having a problem with a relatively new wall lamp. My bride contacted Juan and he came over after work and disconnected the lamp, repaired it overnight, and reinstalled it this morning.

It was great to see his vintage pickup truck outside our home. Now that I know that the shop is still open I'm going to have to start dropping in to look for more lighting treasures for our Craftsman home.
Laurence F.
Juan and staff are friendly and knowledgeable. The shop has a nice feel to it and I always enjoy walking thru each room looking at the merchandise... They did a very good job on fixing my atomic mid-century lamp at a reasonable price. I was so pleased that I brought in the lamp's twin for the same repair...