Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Handcrafted Custom Lamps & Shades in Berkeley, CA
Since 1972, Sue W Johnson Custom Lamps Custom Lamps & Shades has been dedicated to crafting unique, high-quality lighting solutions that blend artistry with functionality. Our team of skilled artisans specializes in creating custom lamps and shades tailored to individual tastes, using materials like mica, recycled metal, and natural textures. We pride ourselves on transforming everyday lighting into statement pieces that reflect personal style and elevate interior spaces. Our commitment to sustainability is evident in our use of recycled materials, ensuring both environmental responsibility and distinctive design. In addition to custom creations, we offer expert repair services for vintage and modern lamps, preserving their beauty and extending their lifespan.Our Berkeley-based studio serves as a hub for clients seeking personalized lighting solutions, with a portfolio spanning table lamps, ceiling fixtures, wall sconces, and floor lamps. We believe lighting should be both practical and inspiring, offering consultations to help clients choose the perfect pieces for their homes. With decades of experience, we continue to innovate while maintaining traditional craftsmanship techniques. Our showroom features rotating collections, including seasonal specials and one-of-a-kind designs, ensuring there's always something new to discover. Customer satisfaction remains our top priority, from initial concept through final installation.
Services
Custom Lamp Design
Lamp Repair Services
Mica Lamp Shades
Recycled Metal Fixtures
Ceiling Lamps
Wall Sconces
Floor Lamps
Table Lamps
Lighting Collections
Lamp Shade Creation
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- We offer over 50 years of experience in handcrafted lamp design
- Our team creates custom lighting solutions from client materials
- We specialize in repairing and restoring vintage lighting fixtures
- We use sustainable materials like recycled metal and natural textures
- Our Berkeley studio features rotating collections of unique designs
Services
Custom Lamp Design
We craft bespoke lighting fixtures tailored to client specifications. Our artisans transform materials like mica, wood, and recycled metal into unique statement pieces. Each design undergoes collaborative consultation to ensure perfect integration with the client's interior space while maintaining functional illumination.
Lamp Repair Services
Our experts specialize in restoring vintage and damaged lighting fixtures. We preserve original craftsmanship while updating wiring to modern safety standards. This service includes shade replacement, structural repairs, and complete system overhauls for both antique and contemporary lamps.
Mica Lamp Shades
We create custom shades using genuine mica sheets that diffuse light beautifully. These durable, heat-resistant shades feature organic patterns and textures that enhance any room's ambiance. Available in various shapes and sizes to fit both new and existing fixtures.
Recycled Metal Fixtures
Our sustainable lighting line repurposes industrial materials into artistic fixtures. Skilled metalworkers shape reclaimed components into modern designs that combine environmental responsibility with distinctive aesthetics, available in multiple finish options.
Lighting Collections
We offer rotating seasonal collections featuring exclusive limited-edition pieces. These curated selections showcase our artisans' latest innovations, including themed designs that incorporate natural elements, cultural motifs, and contemporary patterns.
People
Sue Johnson
Owner & Lead Designer
Founder Sue W Johnson Custom Lamps Custom Lamps & Shades has specialized in artisan lighting for over 50 years. Her innovative designs combine traditional techniques with modern aesthetics, establishing the studio as a Bay Area lighting authority.
Questions
Do you create custom lighting based on client materials?
Yes, we specialize in transforming client-provided materials into custom lighting fixtures while maintaining safety and functionality standards.
Can you repair antique lighting fixtures?
Our team restores vintage lamps and chandeliers, preserving original design elements while updating electrical components to modern safety requirements.
What sustainable materials do you work with?
We use reclaimed metal, mica sheets, and recycled paper in our designs, offering eco-friendly alternatives without compromising aesthetic quality.
Do you offer lighting consultations?
Yes, we provide in-studio consultations to help clients select or design lighting that complements their space and personal style.
Are your lamp shades customizable?
We create made-to-order shades in various materials, sizes, and patterns to perfectly match your existing fixtures and decor.
Reviews (7)
JoAnn S.
May 18, 2022
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I was window shopping in Berkeley on a beautiful Spring day when I noticed a shop filled with lamps and shades. Was it an antique store specializing in lamps? I walked inside. Lamps were everywhere. What a feast for my eyes! I couldn't help myself from taking pictures with my phone. I loved the creativity I was seeing in this little shop. It was buzzing with a warm glow coming from the handmade shades.
When Sue Johnson was a young woman she got a job in Orinda making lamps. She walked away from that job making $2 an hour, with the tools to create her life work. I wonder if she ever guessed that 50 years later she would have a business selling beautiful lamps all over the world? I take my hat off to Sue Johnson for taking her skills and vision and running with it. How many hand made lamps and shades has she help "birth" in the last 50 years?
How many people have been gifted with a treasure light from Sue? You can walk into Sue's shop and get a lamp that has already been made. Or you can take a prize from your past, that means a lot to you, and see if Sue and her crew can make it into a one-of-a-kind lamp.
When Sue Johnson was a young woman she got a job in Orinda making lamps. She walked away from that job making $2 an hour, with the tools to create her life work. I wonder if she ever guessed that 50 years later she would have a business selling beautiful lamps all over the world? I take my hat off to Sue Johnson for taking her skills and vision and running with it. How many hand made lamps and shades has she help "birth" in the last 50 years?
How many people have been gifted with a treasure light from Sue? You can walk into Sue's shop and get a lamp that has already been made. Or you can take a prize from your past, that means a lot to you, and see if Sue and her crew can make it into a one-of-a-kind lamp.
Toni Wilcox
Mar 22, 2022
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I cannot begin to tell you how beautiful and suitable my lamp and shade from Sue Johnson are. It took several patient email exchanges, with pics and recommendations, for me to make a choice but I had no idea how much I could love a lamp until now. Packed with care and worth the 8 week(ish) wait.
Raph Ael
Aug 17, 2021
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Sue is the best, she lights up the room! If you need a unique piece this is the right place to go! Ty so much!
Frederick Chavez
Mar 05, 2021
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If you like Art and excellent service, make this lamp shop your destination for creative inspiration.
Ruchika M.
Oct 14, 2020
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My bf and I were exploring one of my favorite parts of Berkeley (recommend it, close to Gourmet Ghetto) and we could not help but amble into this shop - it looked too enticing. Super unique store and the lamp collection is admirable to say the least. The owner is amicable and polite; we enjoyed conversing with her! Some of the lamps are sure expensive but they are special and there's a story behind each lamp. The next time we are looking for beautiful lighting, we know where we're going :)
Jocelyn Pou
May 24, 2020
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You're going to love this shop and convince yourself to buy one of Sue's many beautiful creations. And if you're broke, just go take a look at these one of a kind lamps and handmade shades.
Vivian A.
Feb 01, 2020
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This place is a gem and the craft is remarkable. As I sat in the midst of her shop I noticed that the lamps came in all shapes and colors, and that I was surrounded by a wonderful golden glow that shone through lamp shades made of mica or parchment. I especially liked the animals, and figurines that some of lamps supported. You will enjoy visiting here and Sue is especially warm and easy to talk to.
