A Bright Idea : Lighting Trends offers lights and lamps at affordable prices. Selection is a bit sparse now, but owners say that will be changing.

One of the most costly categories of home furnishings can be quality lamps and lighting fix tures. One reason for this is the high cost of shipping.

Several years ago, a chandelier was manufactured that could be shipped unassembled in a flat carton; the consumer could then put it together. This cut the shipping cost considerably and allowed a very low selling price.

But the fixture was of necessity mostly plastic and did not appeal to the quality-conscious buyer.

For many shoppers, $300 for a chandelier is about as high as they want to go.

Many economy-priced table lamps are well-designed and meet most decorative requirements. So when I visited Lighting Trends, it was apparent that these retailers are focusing on today’s shopper.

The highest price tag I spotted was $199 for a beautiful wood and wrought iron chandelier from Italy (retail $449).

A stunning lamp in the window, a 40-inch-high Art Deco torchier that would work as a floor lamp or as a table lamp, had a $50 tag. Originally, it probably commanded at least $150. But both of these were one of a kind, as are quite a few of the pieces at Lighting Trends.

The inventory of other great buys was deeper. Try $5 for utility lamps and clamp-on desk lamps. A solid brass outdoor lantern that originally sold for $24.95 was marked down to $9, and there were stacks of these.

Dan and Fred Mazewski have been proprietors of another lighting operation at the same location called Southland Lighting.

Like the wise merchandisers they are, the Mazewskis are going with the flow of these recessionary times. So in January, they changed their purchasing practices and now buy almost exclusively from local manufacturers (no shipping costs) who have overstocks and purchase liquidations from store or manufacturer closings.

They then price their inventory at figures that will fit the budgets of today’s shoppers.

There’s not a big selection yet at Lighting Trends, but what’s here is choice and inexpensive.

A brass pharmacy lamp that originally was $199.95 is $89.

Makeup lights were incredible buys. A smashing eight-bulb mirrored makeup light was $39.

It gets better. How about a six-bulb vanity strip for $12?

Since at present the inventory seems to be either one of a kind or 50 of one design, this is the type of store where you just keep checking. The Mazewskis say more inventory is coming in all the time.

WHERE TO SHOP

What: Lighting Trends, 13542 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks.

Hours: Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.

Cards: American Express, MasterCard, Visa.

Call: (818) 501-5092.