House of Lights Gets Glowing Reviews Within Industry

When LeBron James wanted new home lighting, merchants Barry and Susie Levett were flattered he chose their shop, the , 5818 Mayfield Rd., Mayfield Heights.

But they weren’t too surprised. The Levetts and their staff of certified lighting consultants are used to repeat customers of all persuasions, from people furnishing mansions and second homes to the renters down the street.  

"We can cater to anyone regardless of income," Barry Levett said.

They do so with award-winning pizzazz, according to Verandah, a Hearst home and home décor magazine. The store won the magazine’s Arts Prize for best lighting store on the East Coast/Atlantic States region in 1995.

"We were honored just to be nominated, and didn’t think we’d win against the competition," Susie Levett said. "Now I know how people feel when they get an Oscar."

Barry Levett said, "No one has it pulled together like we do. This award was recognition of what we’ve worked so hard to achieve."   

They attend six or seven major furnishings shows, including Highpoint, each year, "more than any other lighters," he said. "We have the freshest stock in the industry."

Barry Levett was a 29-year-old lighting manufacturer’s representative, working out of Pittsburgh, when he decided to buy his best customer’s store on Carnegie Avenue, the original House of Lights. He moved the store to Mayfield Road in 1971, and married Susie in 1979. He continues to be satisfied with both decisions.

"It’s been all because of Susie’s energy that the business has been able to thrive during the economic downturn," he said. "She’s the busiest person in the world."

The House of Lights’ 10,000-square-foot showroom is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday and Thursday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.