The sofa is purchased, the rug is measured out; picking out the right lighting is the finishing touch that will tie your space together. It’s jewelry for your home, in a way. Though as anyone who has spent days scrolling through catalogues of marble sconces and rattan lampshades will tell you, this is a task easier said than done—do you go with a surefire classic or opt for something bolder? To indulge the metaphor a little further: Timeless diamonds or a tasseled shell necklace? And what else do you need to keep in mind when you’re shopping for lighting online?
Vogue’s Guide to Shopping for Lighting Online
To answer this, we went to the experts. “It’s still much easier to understand scale and volume when you see a fixture in person.” says Michelle Flicker, principal at Studio Dorion. “Be mindful of the size, drop, and shape of any fixture you’re considering online.” Overall, dimensions and scale are the most important things to look out for on digital storefronts (per designer Allison Handler, be wary of sites that offer limited product info and missing specs); though ambiance is equally critical. “I focus on things like brightness, warmth, and dimming, making sure the lighting matches the feel I want for the space,” explains Handler. “Materials and finishes matter a lot to me because you can immediately tell the difference in quality with lighting.”
Another common online shopping problem? “It’s easy to get duped by a dupe,” says designer Sam Sacks. “I run all my sources through Trustpilot to see if there are any buyer beware notices to look out for.” More practically, for secondhand or vintage sites like Etsy or 1stDibs, make sure each lamp has the right certification for your region. (In North America, Sacks says to look out for a UL listing: It’s the stamp electricians will need to see before they install your fixture.)
With this in mind, we compiled 13 great online resources for light shopping. From Art Deco table lamps to sleek chrome pendants to scalloped glass sconces, we’re betting you can find your dream light fixture in the edit.
A great resource for designers like Louis Poulsen, Herman Miller, and Hay, DWR’s catalogue is full of fun finds. Lately, we’re gravitating towards the more sculptural, tiered designs; a happy coincidence, as per Handler this is one of the standout trends of the year. “I love how pleated and ruffled shades bring a little personality back into lighting,” she says. “They soften a space instantly, which helps the lighting feel less harsh.”