We would greatly appreciate it if you would call the shop (510 527 2623) to make an appointment for in-person shopping. For our wiring repair customers we are able to do drop-offs and pick-ups outside, in the back alley - again please call ahead to let us know you will be coming by. We ask that you use hand sanitizer before shopping, observe safe distancing rules, and of course wear a mask over your mouth and nose.
It goes without saying, please stay home if you are not feeling well. We look forward to the day when this disease is brought under control and we can safely congregate, but until then we're committed to providing a safe shopping and working environment and appreciate your patience and cooperation.
It goes without saying, please stay home if you are not feeling well. We look forward to the day when this disease is brought under control and we can safely congregate, but until then we're committed to providing a safe shopping and working environment and appreciate your patience and cooperation.
Services
Over the past forty years Sue Johnson and her staff of artisans have created a breathtaking range of beautiful, functional home lighting, from tiny table lamps with mounted Netsuke to four-foot wide ceiling canopies of golden mica decorated with natural leaves.
Drawing inspiration from our natural environment and from the rich decorative arts heritage in the Bay Area, we have worked hard to establish our reputation for creating extraordinary home lighting.We have developed our own techniques for mounting and displaying an astonishing array of artful objects for use as table lamps and floor lamps.
Drawing inspiration from our natural environment and from the rich decorative arts heritage in the Bay Area, we have worked hard to establish our reputation for creating extraordinary home lighting.We have developed our own techniques for mounting and displaying an astonishing array of artful objects for use as table lamps and floor lamps.
Do you have an heirloom now sitting in the dust and shadows of an attic or basement? Bring it to light! A custom lamp highlights your object and puts it center stage. Bring it to the store for consultation and leave with a beautiful and functional work of art. This sort of custom made lamp can make a wonderful wedding or housewarming gift, with sentimental as well as functional value, something that can be treasured for years to come.
For more than 40 years we have been designing and making custom lamp shades. All of the unique lamp shades in our shop are made by hand by our staff of artisans. Generally any of our designs and techniques can be adapted to other sizes and shapes and decorative elements from your lamp, home or business can also be used to create a custom lamp shade that matches your decor or your vision.
Our wiring staff has many years experience providing lamp repair and rewiring services. We provide basic rewiring and restoration for table lamps, floor lamps, sconces and ceiling fixtures. We can diagnose your wiring problem and provide an accurate estimate to fix your lamp. Bring it in and our staff can help you choose the best way to wire it into a functional, unique and personal lamp.
Mica lamps are synonymous with Arts & Crafts or Mission lighting in many people's minds. This is primarily due to the prevalent use of mica in lighting at the turn of the century when these styles were at their zenith. Amber mica lamps bathe a room with a magically welcoming glow. Sue Johnson and the artisans working with her have been leading innovators in mica lamps and shades in Berkeley since 1972.
Reviews (20)
L. B.
Mar 14, 2021
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I have rarely found a retail shop to be so rude or incompetent, including Sue Johnson herself. My husband and I commissioned two shades to be made for two lamps we would buy from the shop, and spent hours choosing elements from various shades on their website to put on our shades. Carmen was our contact. She repeatedly didn't get back to us when promised, and when once she was going to email us within a day with our deposit invoice and a photo of a recommended leaf for our shades, she didn't get back to us for weeks despite reminders from me. I then emailed Sue, but she also didn&apos
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 :)
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.
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.
Lily D.
Aug 25, 2019
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After a long unsuccessful search online and at brick and mortar shops...I was referred to and ordered 4 custom made ceiling pendant lamp shades from Sue Johnson last month and they came out beautifully done! Great look, materials and quality workmanship which is important to us. Our ceiling light now has the gorgeous elegant fine look it needed. Sue and her staff are very friendly and helpful to work with. Will definitely use them again when in need in future.
Judy T.
Sep 30, 2018
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Abe E.
Sep 12, 2018
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This is the best lamp store in California!
They made me a custom shade years ago for a lamp my Dad made in the 40s from an antique candle mold. It was perfect!
Since then, I've bought another lamp shade and a number of seashell night lites. They stand behind their products and offer gracious customer service if there is any problem.
They made me a custom shade years ago for a lamp my Dad made in the 40s from an antique candle mold. It was perfect!
Since then, I've bought another lamp shade and a number of seashell night lites. They stand behind their products and offer gracious customer service if there is any problem.
David K.
Mar 21, 2018
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I dream of owning some of Sue's creation with Lindsey's work. I finally was able to do just that, own some of Sue's work. I love supporting local artists but it goes beyond that. This is world class art and I know better being a creative director of more than 20 years in the Bay Area. This is as good as it gets people...
Susie C.
Oct 09, 2017
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S. D.
Feb 02, 2017
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This store has beautiful lamps and the owner is an incredible artist. However, I would avoid going in again. Much to their credit, it is always busy and you often have to wait to even speak to anyone. That's just because they are so popular though, so all the more power to them. I brought an antique brass lamp to have repaired and for some reason, maybe it was just too small of a job, but after leaving it for a week it fell apart again and I have it put together with duct tape. I certainly wouldn't go back to have it fixed. I will go to Ensler down the street! The attitudes in the store
David T.
Jan 26, 2016
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Rebecca E.
Sep 07, 2015
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I called to find a part for a large chandelier I purchased on my Next Door site (as it turned out, totally different from the aesthetic vibe in the store, but that did not matter a lick), and I my two through directly on the phone. She helped me with my terminology to describe what I actually, which was super helpful. Then she put me on to him who was able to determine exactly what I needed. I came down to the store, really in the office, I was able to show picture of the chandelier
Toni M.
Aug 24, 2015
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I have a history w/ this store that goes back to when Tam made a driftwood lamp in the sixth grade. I bought a small, elegant paper shade for it and it lived in our living room for years. Recently I saw an article in Sunset online about making kitchen light fixtures from colanders. http://www.sunset.com/home/decorating/diy-kitchen-lighting?xid=soc_socialflow_facebook_sunset Our kitchen light fixtures are lovely enclosed white glass globes about the size of a basketball. They are both attractive and functional in the light they shed, but as we age we are no longer as ladder-worthy as we were
Sam H.
May 08, 2015
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So I picked up a nice and sturdy (that's what they used to call my grandmother when she was young) floor lamp on craigslist. But it wasn't working so I took it here, and they fixed it all up on the spot. I just sat and yucked it up while the wizards in the back got down to work.
I already had a lampshade to go with the lamp, so that saved me a bundle (I have to say, though, that the entire repair was under $70, which seemed very reasonable to me, knowing that my local electrician makes over $100/hour). But even though they couldn't sell me a shade, the staff there made sure
I already had a lampshade to go with the lamp, so that saved me a bundle (I have to say, though, that the entire repair was under $70, which seemed very reasonable to me, knowing that my local electrician makes over $100/hour). But even though they couldn't sell me a shade, the staff there made sure
Paul H.
May 24, 2014
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R. B.
Jan 28, 2014
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Wow - I've been wanting a lamp from here for the longest time. Absolutely beautiful. I've read some of the other reviews - guess I lucked out - immediate service, very friendly and helpful staff willing to help customize the lamp (make it taller), ready next day, and simply stunning. But do not go in here on a budget. For some silly reason I didn't see the base and shade were sold separately so needless to say I was a bit shocked, but it's gorgeous and that's why we Americans have credit. Definitely go in and look around, maybe pick up a nightlight. ;)
Russ B.
Dec 02, 2013
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Everything you find at Sue Johnson Lamps is a hand-made work of art whose special ingredient is love. We purchased our 1920 bungalow in 1999 and the first thing we did was to buy a Sue Johnson Mica ceiling fixture for our dining room. It was transformative and completely changed the character of the room.
I think these lamps and shades would look terrific in any style of home, but they are especially well suited to older homes (Craftsman, Tudor, Colonial Revival) such as you find in San Francisco and the East Bay. They bring a warmth and graciousness that is timeless. They can even make a
I think these lamps and shades would look terrific in any style of home, but they are especially well suited to older homes (Craftsman, Tudor, Colonial Revival) such as you find in San Francisco and the East Bay. They bring a warmth and graciousness that is timeless. They can even make a
Lisa C.
Feb 03, 2013
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The shades here are really fabulous and the fact that you can take a shade home to try it out before buying it is great! The staff are also very helpful and knowledgeable, but the friendliness and quickness of service can be hit or miss.
1. There tends to only be 2 employees in the shop at any given time. This means that sometimes you have to wait to get help, even if you've found what you want and just want to pay for it. This is not your average take-it-off-the-shelf-and-just-buy-it place. Customers with questions tend to have a lot of questions.
2. The staff seem very keen to help. Sue
1. There tends to only be 2 employees in the shop at any given time. This means that sometimes you have to wait to get help, even if you've found what you want and just want to pay for it. This is not your average take-it-off-the-shelf-and-just-buy-it place. Customers with questions tend to have a lot of questions.
2. The staff seem very keen to help. Sue
Hon H.
Nov 01, 2009
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Update 11-3-09: Sue's annual sale will be held November 6-15. Great chance to pick up some deals!
Sue's shop is a wonderland full of unique objects that have been turned into beautiful, functional, one of a kind lamps and lighting fixtures. The workroom in the back of the shop is fascinating and the artisans who work there are free with their advice - and opinions.
Over the past few years we've purchased some pieces from her shop, and just love them.
Picture a hand made mica shade with ginkgo leaves embedded within, sitting on a ribbed brass stand, topping a hunk of gleaming
Sue's shop is a wonderland full of unique objects that have been turned into beautiful, functional, one of a kind lamps and lighting fixtures. The workroom in the back of the shop is fascinating and the artisans who work there are free with their advice - and opinions.
Over the past few years we've purchased some pieces from her shop, and just love them.
Picture a hand made mica shade with ginkgo leaves embedded within, sitting on a ribbed brass stand, topping a hunk of gleaming
Lester L.
Jan 25, 2009
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This is an eclectic store with interesting/pretty lamp shades that will burn a whole in your pocket. This stuff is not cheap, but it is quality. On the other hand though...
Sue Johnson is a MEAN OLD WITCH.
When we tried to return a lampshade, she gazed at us with furious eyes, arms akimbo and splattered out a whole spiel that, "We are a small business and we do not offer returns. Store credit is the best that we can do. If you told us in advance that you might return this, then we would had put a hold on your credit card and not had charged you. But you didn't! This is not how we do
Sue Johnson is a MEAN OLD WITCH.
When we tried to return a lampshade, she gazed at us with furious eyes, arms akimbo and splattered out a whole spiel that, "We are a small business and we do not offer returns. Store credit is the best that we can do. If you told us in advance that you might return this, then we would had put a hold on your credit card and not had charged you. But you didn't! This is not how we do
Elle C.
Dec 20, 2008
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A lamp store? Why would Elle want to review a lamp store? She's SUCH an ARTsnob!!!
Oh. but my children, this is NOT a lamp store one finds in strip malls and such.
Ms Sue Johnson IS an artist, an artisan, a business woman.
The minute you walk into the shop, lit by the lovely lamps, you are away
from the land of Ikea, BBand B, Arts and Crafts Kitsch.
Each lamp is different, why you can bring in an objet d'art and tell Sue and her charming helpful assistants will transform it into a useful item,
which will light up your room, and satisfy your desire to be what you have always
Oh. but my children, this is NOT a lamp store one finds in strip malls and such.
Ms Sue Johnson IS an artist, an artisan, a business woman.
The minute you walk into the shop, lit by the lovely lamps, you are away
from the land of Ikea, BBand B, Arts and Crafts Kitsch.
Each lamp is different, why you can bring in an objet d'art and tell Sue and her charming helpful assistants will transform it into a useful item,
which will light up your room, and satisfy your desire to be what you have always
