Please be warned, a delightfully odd shop but not a place to do business or trust among other issues. Their return policy is misleading, useless and seems deliberately dishonest. I agree with T.T., do yourself a big favor and find another place to spend your money. My experience there leads me to believe that bad outcomes likely go to their core and are not a one time occurrence. Not knowing a lot about electronic devices I trusted she was selling me what I asked for. That turned out to be more trust expensively misplaced. read more

This is the place to get lightbulbs from an expert who helps customers understand LED vs incandescent and how to assess what type of light works for each person. Simply the best in Portland. read more

A very unique store and a must visit when you're in Portland... the couple that were managing the store are adorable ... so much personality...were so very friendly and kept conversing with us ...and giving us snippets about the lights ....and Star Wars Legos... great visit they have ...all the different kind of bulbs. read more

Sunlan Lighting - Front window - Lighting Stores Near Me - Portland, Oregon

This tiny, quirky, overstuffed lighting store has all the hard to find bulbs, parts and pieces that most other stores don't carry. They have all the regular lighting parts too! Plus the most knowledgeable lady running the show! Kay's vast understanding of all things lighting is mind blowing. Special light for Turkish chandelier that has not been rewired to US parts? Yep, has it. Specific halogen bulb for outdoor, in tree lighting? Yep, aisle x, shelf, z. Edison's, LEDs, lumens? It's all there. When you enter, it's like walking into an abyss. There are lights everywhere, blinking, doing their Edison thing, something to see everywhere like an old time curiosity shop. While I have walked through on my own to browse because it's fun to see so many parts and items that I never imagined existed, if I need something specific, I just ask as soon as I walk in. If I have the old bulb, at just the sight of it, Kay tells a helper to get replacements announcing the model number and wattage without the bulb ever leaving my hand. Magic! Sometimes she doodles on a piece of paper to explain things, which of course I never understand, but I save the doodles so I'm prepared when I need another replacement part. If I want to look at options, one of the helpers guides me through the labyrinth of aisles and magically points to the items. You just can't image how much inventory is packed, jam packed into the tiny shop but in a organized way, with an intricate plan only those who work here are privy to; like the seasonings in KFC, it's a guarded secret. Over the years and the many remodels, whenever something unique or special is needed, my contractor says, "Sunlan." It's the answer to every lighting part need. How the cast of Portlandia never filmed an episode around Sunlan Lighting is both a mystery and a missed opportunity. The experience is pure Portland. read more

They got it all...mostly. They're also courageous in doing stuff that's very positive for the neighborhood. In December, they put up a display representing the major religious and the window was shattered one night. Their response was that they would continue to do what the conscience speaks to. read more

Ridiculous return policy. Easier and cheaper to find what I need online. Don't waste your time.

"There is a light, that shines, special for you, wooooo." Light: This place has all the weird specialty bulbs you could need. I worked with them to find a solution for a bulb that had been discontinued and they got me right where I needed to be. It required some conversation, me taking a bulb home, bringing it back, and then taking another home that worked. Their knowledge was deep, and they were super helpful. Shines: Sunlan is a shining example of why big box stores can't solve al your problems. My need wasn't for a vintage bulb, but a weird specialty overhead fan. Home Depot and Lowe's couldn't solve for my needs. Sunlan could. And I was happy to spend money into my local community. Special for you: This place is very special. The owner draws cartoons about lightbulbs and you'll get one with your purchase. There's all sorts of vintage lightbulb ephemera in here. It's kooky in a good way. Woooooo: WOOOO! Sunlan is funlan. read more

Yeah 5 stars. What... you know of a better light bulb store? I didn't think so. This place is definitely Old Portland, quirky and bizarre AF, but will also get you exactly what you need. I can't imagine the type of bulb or string light that this place doesn't have. I was looking for a very specific Edison bulb and they had me covered, even going so far as to give me plenty of other options in LED. But nope, I wanted the real thing and I was in and out with exactly what I wanted in like 6 minutes, and for 6 dollars. Amazon wanted to charge me twice as much. They take health and COVID preparedness VERY seriously, as I think there might be some staff health issues. Be prepared to jump through a couple of extra hoops, but really it's worth it. We should all be more careful. Maybe don't come browse right now as it's a small shop and I mentioned they're being very cautious. But If you need a bulb, they've got you covered. read more

We have walked by this place so many times, but never thought to stop in. I never knew there were so many varieties of light bulbs until I finally stopped into this store. It is crowded and hard to navigate on your own, but thankfully there is helpful staff around to help you. read more

You need to come here and at least pop in! There are so many fun bulbs and they are actually affordable. I left with a mosaic light bulb and I love it read more

This shop is run by some absolute badasses who know their lights. The jaw dropping range and variety at this shop amounts to an unstoppable flood of "yes, we have that"s. You can also test bulbs on dimmers. Seeing is believing, and if you want to see, they let you. They are not finicky, they encourage removing the bulbs from the boxes, they want you to experience what you buy before you buy it. Honestly, I got so high from this experience I had a few giddy spontaneous laughs while browsing. Coincidentally, or perhaps not, I noticed every other customer who stopped in seemed to be lifted up to the same wavelength of joy, curiosity and excitement. The place has to be magical, I tell you. read more

I've been a big fan since their early days. They are the oldest same-owner business on Mississippi Avenue. I recommend only asking the main charismatic lady at the register for advice. read more

Four stars for inventory, minus three for the troll lady who is the only cashier. She ALWAYS makes you wait. Always. She's deliberately slow and always finds something to do once she's halfway through writing up your purchase and charging you. The latest and last time I will ever go here, I put my four little bulbs on the counter, and she said, "just a minute, I have to call the police first. Someone just parked in our loading zone." Um. No. I'm not going to stand here and wait five minutes while you call the non-emergency line about a parking violation. They will move the car in ten minutes anyway. So I said," never mind, then." And headed for the door. Troll lady says," oh, wait I will ring you up first." Nope. Not going to give you any more money. Not going to see what distracts you mid-purchase. Not going to deal with you anymore. Bye Sunlan. Cool store. Bad condescending attitude to customers. Out. read more

Love, Love, Love this store! They have everything you would ever need! I have several lamps that are very old and from other countries. They have lightbulbs that work. Amazing. Also, the wealth of knowledge they hold is vast and thorough. Definitely worth a trip to see, even if you are not needling lighting. read more

A step back in time to say the least. If it lights...they've got it. Along with great knowledgeable service. Old incandescents to fancy LED's. Even if you don't needs any lightbulbs, stop by the next time you're on Mississippi Ave. Scot Abplanalp read more

Totes cool joint, went 8n to browse and ended up browsing for an hour. Typical portland coolness, I love it !! Regular bulbs, of which i bought two LED's, are more expensive than the big box stores but ya just dont get this "feel" when you are at a Home Depot. Ya feel me ? read more

Three stars for inventory. They have everything Minus one star for service. We went to get some advice about a lightbox, since we've been feeling a bit down with the rainy days. We stood there for awhile, were ignored, asked for help, were ignored, then were interrupted when we finally got help so the lady could answer the phone, ring up other people, have conversations, whatever. We never got our questions answered and we left. I know she's supposed to be some kind of local character, renowned for her grouchiness and personality, but I thought she was unfriendly and unhelpful. We were ready to spend money and she lost the sale. If I need an odd or interesting light bulb I would go there, but only if I were ready and able to help myself. The service there sucks and quirky isn't always admirable, especially when I really do need my questions answered. read more

We needed a lot of specialty-sized dimmable LED light bulbs to replace the incandescent bulbs that were overheating our chandelier. We showed the bulb to the staff person, and he showed us two options (putting them in a socket so we could see what they look like when lit), one of which was exactly what we wanted. We were able to get as many as we needed and were in and out in about 10 minutes. It was totally worth driving across town to go here. read more

Sunlan is Portland's and the country's supplier of light bulbs. The light bulb was invented by Thomas Edison. it displaced all forms of fire, candles, oil lamps and natural gas lamps. You would think that bulbs are generic. They are not, and there are hundreds of formats standardized by tens of standards groups, and that is just in residential and commercial bulbs.. I needed a halogen bulb for a Flos desk lamp. We all want efficiency, but replacing fixtures, switches and sockets takes time. Each lighting technology has a different color temperature and color rendering index. What's a color rendering index? it's measure of how close a lighting source comes to natural light, like sunlight. The higher the color rendering index the better. Halogen is a great solution between inefficient standard bulbs and bluish-colored LED and fluorescents, still often lacking in color rendering. Sunlan had very solid and customer-oriented in person and on phone service. They work on a first come first served queue pattern - so there may be a wait for your stellar customer focused experience. They didn't have my bulb, but "we should have those, so we'll order some". Sunlan is Portland's best source for unusual light bulbs you can't find in your usual spots. read more

This little hole-in-the-wall place is a wonderland of shiny things. Yes, go there if you need a certain kind of bulb or whatever, but look around the store. You might find something out of the ordinary that will brighten up your home, or become a conversation piece. read more

Need a light bulb? Looking for something specific or different? Want a Portland experience? In search of a unique gift? Want to bring your lighting to the next level? Have ANY light bulb question?? Check this place out! This place is awesome. This little store has been here a looong time and the owners are just the sweetest. I learn something new every time I come here and leave with a fun new bulb. read more

Outstanding selection and service from a local business woman. I strongly recommend it.

Normally we would pop in to get a bulb replacement, but because of covid we called first. We're looking for a led bulb for a flashlight & even though my hubby politely asked, the owner's response was extremely RUDE & aggressive. She said she doesn't carry led bulbs for flashlights because they aren't economically responsible. Okaaaay, guess we're going to a corporate chain instead of buying local. read more

Labrynthian and comprehensive. This little lighting store is like Hermione's bag: it seems bigger on the inside and it holds everything in place rather mysteriously. Is it gravity? Is it magic? It is held together by the employee's vast knowledge about light bulbs? Who else can tell you the model number and wattage of a bulb by sight? This shop is walking into that old game show, Name That Tune, but for light bulbs. read more

They could charge for admission. Visiting Sunlan is like stepping back in time. Incredibly well stocked with obscure parts of every size and type imaginable. I came in and asked for a certain build. I couldn't recall the proper name or it. 118mm J7, but LED instead of halogen. And a replacement socket. The owner has run this business for. ~ 30 years. She knew what I needed and directed me to a section of small drawers, from my feet to over my head. 4th row, 2nd drawer from the top. On the left side. She must have thousands of items and she knows exactly what she has and where it is. Try that with the greeter when you walk into Home Depot! read more

Such a great place for all of your lighting needs, a plethora of bulb styles, sockets, cords, etc. A very cool store and the owner and staff are awesome. She gives out free cartoons @ checkout! C'mon. I needed to be in that store today, us being in a pandemic, needed a little happy communication today. Thank you. read more

Our favorite bulb store in all of the Northwest. If they don't have your lamp it's would be a miracle.

I wish I could give more than 5 stars! The lady who helped us at the front saved us time and effort by testing my bulb and trouble shooting the ballast issue. I am so happy we have enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff in our community. And thank to you ACE in St Johns for directing us to Sunlan. read more

You know that thing you have to do, when a weird lightbulb in some track light or fancy lamp blows out in your house? That thing, where you take the stupid bulb to the Fred Meyer and try to match it up and end up getting the wrong wattage or something and have to go BACK to the Fred Meyer and stand in the returns line to get your $6 back? So you then go to your local TruValue Hardware, where you stare really hard at all the lightbulbs they have on the shelf, trying to find the one you need, and the dude who works there just scratches his head and says, "man, I really thought we had that one in stock..." So you THEN have to face the fact that you'll probably need to drive to The Home Depot, where you actually WILL find your lightbulb, but only after driving to Vancouver, parking a mile from the door, wasting 15 minutes trying to find someone to help you, and another 20 standing in line? Yeah, don't do that anymore. Just go to Mississippi Avenue and see the Lightbulb Lady. It's not an intimidating process at all. Show her the burnt-out bulb you're attempting to replace. She'll then point you to some guy working in the back room, who you'll show the bulb to again. He'll then give you a replacement bulb. You'll pay a price equivalent to the Depot, your small child will get a pat on the head and a lollipop, and you'll be out of there in under five minutes. Plus, as you would expect, The Lightbulb Lady is a character. Check the place out next time you're facing a potential bulb replacement nightmare and thank me later. read more

Just so you know, they DON'T do repairs. Just have the parts and pieces which doesn't help me since I don't do repairs either!

Yes, they have a lot of lightbulbs. Yes, it looks like a lot of these reviews are from employees or others close to the business. I used to think this place was all that - until my last visit. I simply wanted to purchase 20 of a certain type of bulb. They were marked at $2.50 each. I asked the woman who is planted in the front of the store if she would be able to give me a break if I bought so many. Her response floored me. "You'll get a little off if you buy a whole box (25 bulbs) - as our prices are already so low". So without looking up the discount, she sends me back to get one of her people to get me a box. But I still would like to know what discount they are giving for an entire box. She is the keeper of the keys so to speak, so it's back up to find out what the discount is for an entire box. At this point, I am done. It is SO cramped in this tiny store, and impatient annoying Portland people were demanding to be helped - I couldn't take it anymore and just left. A friend asked what the discount was - 10 cents off a bulb - so a discount of $2.50 off of a box that would normally be $62.50. Really Sunlan? You need to make $30+ off a box of light bulbs? (I contacted the manufacturer and was quoted the wholesale price - $1.11) Their prices on anything LED is ASTRONOMICAL - check it out in the store, and then just buy online. They want $70 for LED fluorescent replacements that are about $38 online. I will never darken the door of that place again. Beware the troll! read more

Best and only place for bulbs and lighting in Portland. Common or rare and hard to find, they have it all and will help you get the right bulb. We moved here from Asia with lamps that "stopped working". It turns out they use a different standard that is close to the USA, but the socket is a bit deeper. Sunlan had the bulbs to make it work. read more

One of the coolest light bulb stores Ive ever been into. From the outside, you would think this is an antique shop with all the lamps and figurines in the front window. Once you enter, its clear that all they sell is lighting related. From spicing up your interior decoration to hunting for obscure bulbs, this place will have them. There are two types of customers: one type that need special bulbs and know they can find it here, or first timers you walk around in wonder. The staff are quite helpful and give pointers, such as testing light bulbs at the light bulb station. The nostalgic halogen light bulbs were a true highlight of their collection. I ended up walking out with $40 worth of stuff. read more

My relationship with this place has run the gamut. At first, I was horrified by its presence-"How can this store stay in business," I thought. Then I moved into the neighborhood and on subsequent walks, warmed up to the store. It's their amazing window displays that did it for me. Every month, some new, quirky collection is displayed for all to see. It may be an impressive Star Wars LEGO collection or water guns or vinyl and stuffed geese wearing costumes - yes, it's that quirky. One day, though, I finally decided to step foot in here in an attempt to work on a lamp project I've been working on and have discovered that first, this place is huge. Second, it is filled from top to bottom with more light bulbs and lamp parts than I'm sure most people have ever imagined. Third, the people are/were super helpful and the owner is a character. She's genuine, though, and gets my full support. I've been here three times now within the past week and have looked forward to it every time. One last thing, despite all the stuff, this place does have order to it. Everything is neatly compartmentalized and takes little to no time for the staff to locate. Definitely check this place out. You may not ever find another store like it. read more

Hands down, Sunlan Lighting is the most comprehensive, and quite possibly the only store out there selling exclusively LIGHT BULBS. Their bizarre window display drew me in and when one of the friendly yokels offered a tour, I couldn't possibly turn him down. They sell every light bulb available under the sun, and every bulb even imaginable; from your run of the mill to energy efficient, decorative, Edison, Christmas themed, black lights, SAD lights to fight depression, and even parts to build your own lamps. With a motto like "we light up your life!" how can you go wrong? read more

Sunlan Lighting is quintessential Portland. It's right up there with Voodoo Donuts, Hippo Hardware, Music Millennium. Okay, it's not a Powell's but... They've been there for 22 years, and ALL they do is lightbulbs. Have you EVER seen a lightbulb store anywhere but Portland? It's such a fun and funky store - worth going to just to stand in front of the windows and stare at the displays. Once inside, there are options you've never thought about. It kind of makes you want to go home, and redecorate, just so you can experiment with cool lighting and light bulbs! read more

If you need an "odd" light, a hard too find light, don't know what kind of light you need or have a light bulb questions...Go see the light bulb lady. I have been using this store for years and am never let down. Lesa D. writes a great review of this store and I couldn't agree with her more. read more

Kay is awesome! She's a rare breed. Her and the team at Sunlan will go to great lengths to find the right bulbs I need. They usually have everything in stock- if they don't they can get it shipped very quickly. I'm regularly faced with sourcing light bulbs of all types in quantity and Sunlan always comes through. read more

Just visited Sunlan lighting with a decorating client. The inventory in this store is truly remarkable. This place has pretty much every type of light bulb you can imagine, plus quite a few that I guarantee will surprise you. Find specialty bulbs, such as ultra-cool steampunky edison-style creations, the latest halogen and led designs, and all the really odd replacement bulbs you couldn't possibly find at a Home Depot. This is also a good place to buy light bulbs by the case at reasonable prices. And, given the changing laws which will make many incandescent bulbs inaccessible in short order, you really might want to consider stocking up. The staff was very friendly, patient, and informative. The owner is a hoot--a unique personality with a great sense of humor. Because she's outspoken and a true individual you'll either love her or find her difficult (as some yelp reviewers have). I loved her. I'm taking off one star only because the store has only one register. The store is well staffed, but once you've got what you want you may stand in line for awhile. That's because the owner is at the register and sometimes has to answer the historic and truly esoteric questions that the other (well educated) staff can't handle. Things might move more quickly if she was at an information desk and a staff member handled the register, but I'm sure she's got excellent reasons for doing it the way that she does. read more

The woman at the front of the store is really weird. The store has an automatic door which closes without assistance. She will scream (literally) at you if you touch the door while it is trying to close. She yelled at me, as I thought the wind had blown it open, so was trying to help close it. She has been talking in a whisper due to allergies but she can sure yell when she wants to. I was so disconcerted and put off. I will never step foot in that store again. read more