Lamps and Shades was established by Joseph Crowley in 1990 to answer a need in the immediate coastal area for replacement shades and unique lamps. Joe’s diligence and research created a store that offered a wide variety of products to suit the taste of most any customer. As time passed the business reacted to the needs and wants of its clientele which extended to the nearby metropolitan areas of Washington, Wilmington and Dover. Lamp repair services and custom shade recovery were added to the business.

     Lamps and Shades originally was located at the east end of a shopping complex that sat at the intersections of Route 1 and Old Landing Roads. The small space was quickly outgrown and precipitated a move to the center of the complex and joined with his wife Joan’s business known as Henlopen Floor Center. In 1992, Henlopen Floor Center was sold but the window covering division was retained and consolidated under the Lamps and Shades title. The business was relocated under severe time constraints in 1998 due to demolition of the shopping complex to 4147 Highway One next to Mr Copy. The new location was much smaller in size but was easier for Joe to handle with his failing health. Window treatments remained a large part of the business with Joan doing most of the designing. Their niece Robin May joined the business in 1994 as part time office help and installer of the window treatments.

     In July of 2005, the store became an exclusive area dealer for Mary Hadley Pottery.  This addition was an outlet for creating personalized and one of a kind designs for everyday use and unique gifts.  Some of the different canisters have also been converted into lamps.  After 16 years of conducting business on the Route 1 corrider, we moved to our current location on Route 24 in September of 2006.  The store is now managed by Joe and Joan Crowley's neice Robin and we continue to provide personal service to all of our loyal customers who we appreciate daily.