WRITER | CANDIE CONAT
PHOTOS | VILLAGE LAMP SHOP
The Village Lamp Shop in Rochester celebrates 40 years in 2017. Tom Beuthien started the shop in 1977 after spending several years learning the trade of lamp repair and restoration from his father-in-law. Tom’s wife Ann assisted in the shop one day a week while also raising their two sons.
For the past 20 years, it’s those two sons, Bill and Jim, who run the store as a team. Tom still spends one day a week in the store making lamp repairs while Ann spends a couple of days each week assisting customers in their selections.
The Village Lamp Shop is widely known for their attention to detail and extensive experience in lamp repairs and restoration of all kinds. The store’s exciting and varied inventory is due in great part to the Beuthiens use of their artistic talents to create most of the items themselves. They collect old lamps and other items and transform them into amazing new creations. The brothers also design and produce all of the hardback lampshades in the store.
Ann says that one of the most popular items in the store has long been what are called up-lights. These are wired from the bottom and have a night light bulb that reflects through shades made from unique fabric designs. Her favorites are shades known as silk string shades. These fascinating handmade shades have been around since the 1920s. In addition, the store gets many visitors interested in glass lampshades, which have become very hard to find in good condition.
Over the years, the Beuthien family has seen many lighting trends come and go, but one thing has remained unchanged: The Village Lamp Shop is the go-to place for lamp repairs and restoration and unusual custom lighting.
The Village Lamp Shop 139 Romeo Street, Rochester Michigan 48307 l (248) 651-5714 l VillageLampShop.com
