We hear people mention little things about Revival often. While we have loved the shop for a while now, we were happy to get a reminder of its brilliance from reader Danny (look for his latest Revival find in a post later today!).
The range of styles and periods represented is impressive, and stopping in regularly for architectural or historical inspiration is always a worthwhile experience.
Having moved to Irving Park from its original South Loop spot (where the salvage was showcased in the 1891 Chicago Illuminating Company building), Revival has quickly adapted to its new northside home.
And with it, undoubtedly, have come new people seeking "architectural eye catchers" in the neighborhood.
Here are a few things that caught our eye:
I noticed that re.Revival (or whatever this place is called) keeps ALL THE LIGHTS ON when they're closed. While this tacit intrigues window shoppers, it makes me cringe at the waste of energy. If I were you, I wouldn't bother with after-hours ogling. For most of us, even if we kept our lights off for an entire year, we still couldn't even afford a candlestick at this joint. So, Revival, we get that you're industrial-fancy. Now pick up "the clapper" and turn them off.
great store, great displays, great inspirations, not so great prices, i understand mark up but,get real.
I love the white drum shades they put on all the lamps, so I asked one of the salespeople where the lampshades were from...explaining that my grandmother had left me a mid-century tripod lamp without its shade...and that I would love to get a shade for it. The salesman became very unfriendly and tight-lipped...like I was attempting retail espionage or something (but really, anyone can buy stuff at flea markets and estate sales and resell with a massive mark-up, can't they?). He would only say that they were "made for them by a retired person." Not helpful. No further conversation or offer of procuring one for me. Too bad--I would happily have bought one from them, but instead I was so put-off by his attitude, I decided to never go back. I recommend a visit to Revival's (numerous) friendly, competitors instead.
view lorie's profile
A Lamp & Fixture Shoppe (3181 N Elston Ave) will probably have the shades you are looking for. They can also fix any lamp you bring in. I had a family heirloom vintage lamp fixed there and while it was pricey, the shop guys were great and really helpful. I replaced the god-awful shade it had with a rectangular box shade that is to die for.
view jeeves67's profile