The Best Independent Design Shops In Chicago

Owner Beth opened the South Loop Loft (not actually in the South Loop) in 2014 after spending a 15-year career traveling the globe and falling in love with textiles and design. Her showroom in West Town is a gorgeous walk-up that you can visit on Saturday afternoons or on weekdays by appointment. Shop her pieces online, including everything from unique decor to full-scale furniture. You can also rent certain pieces and hire her for residential and photoshoot styling.

If light is what you’re after, Lightologyis your must-see destination in Chicago. Their showroom dazzles with lamps, bulbs and chandeliers of all shapes, sizes and styles. The three-story mecca is one of the largest light showrooms in North America, and it shows. They display lighting techniques from designers around the world and have absolutely everything you can imagine, stunning their customers and passerby daily. Check out their website for national shipping and a series of tips from their designers on how to best light any space.

Space519 is your perfect destination when you don’t know what you’re shopping for. They bill their expansive Mag Mile location as a general store, offering up eco-friendly cosmetics, plush apparel, furniture, apothecary, home decor and much more. But you don’t have to settle for the items on the shelves – the latter are usually for sale as well. Inquire about whatever catches your eye and don’t forget about their specially tailored online shop.

The Orange Skin showroom in River North is a haven of colorful, eclectic modern design. Though it is truly just a showroom, their massive inventory is sure to have whatever elusive piece you’re searching for. Since 2001 the architects behind Orange Skin have committed to ‘increasing design awareness and appreciation among the American consumer’ as well as providing the consumer ‘with access to Modern International design otherwise largely inaccessible to the domestic market.’ Check out their space Monday through Saturday and consider their services for space planning, interior design and product rental.

Elements is an upscale home goods shop, and a staple in River North since 1986. Their inventory runs the gamut from stunning jewelry and handbags to place settings and photo frames. Their online shopping experience is simple, but stop into the store for the newest arrivals and sale items. They’re open daily and always eager to help with a product recommendation or an exquisite gift wrapping.