Choosing a light fixture is a great way to add ambiance and eye-catching style to your space. But if you’re in the market for fresh lights, there's no shortage of places to buy lighting fixtures. Fortunately, our team has purchased plenty of lights for use in our own homes and as part of our product testing, so we have firsthand experience shopping with quite a few retailers.
Wondering where to start? “You should choose your light fixture based on the size of the room and the furniture in it,” says Sheva Knopfler, co-founder of Lights.com. This can mean one statement piece or multiple smaller ones. “For example, over a kitchen island, you may choose one large fixture or multiple smaller fixtures.”
We've learned that, as you shop, not only do you need to consider your needs, but you also have to find a retailer that carries the type of lighting fixture you want.We've rounded up the best places to buy lighting fixtures for every budget, style, and room size, as well as varying illumination needs.
Lamps Plus
For lighting options for every room as well as outdoor spaces, Lamps Plus has one of the biggest and best collections. They carry lighting fixtures from a variety of retailers, including those for outdoor features like fountains and entertaining areas.
Each fixture includes a detailed description and all of the specifications so that you know if it is compatible with your needs. Customer photos and suggested accessories to complete your look make it easy to design.
There are a lot of choices so finding the right thing can take some searching. Fortunately, you can filter by style, type of lighting, price, size, shape, and other categories.
The quality can vary by retailer and even by fixture. It’s best to read the reviews for any fixture that you want to purchase to learn about real experiences with ordering, delivery, and installation.
Return Policy: 60 days | Delivery Options: Standard ground, two-day shipping, next-day shipping | Average Wait Time for Bespoke Items: Not applicable
Wayfair
One of the best parts of Wayfair is that you can find one-of-a-kind, quirky pieces that aren’t available anywhere else. They carry everything from furniture and accessories to lighting fixtures, which makes it easy to style an entire room.
Wayfair uses the same format to list all of the specifications and features, no matter the brand. This makes it really easy to compare fixtures. The customer photos and reviews and the “customers also viewed” suggestions are also helpful to find just the right thing.
Like other retailers that carry multiple brands, the quality can vary across the entire selection. Wayfair has a lot of customer reviews, especially on some of their most popular options. Unfortunately, these can also be out-of-stock or have a longer wait.
Return Policy: 30 days | Delivery Options: Standard ground | Average Wait Time for Bespoke Items: Not applicable
AllModern
If you like clean lines and modern style, the light fixtures from AllModern will appeal to you. You can search by the type of fixture as well as by room. One of our favorite ways to browse is through the AllModern Get Inspired section. You can look through recommended fixtures that suit your style as well as top-rated pieces.
Some are a bit pricey but quality is consistently good and shipping is free on most purchases over $35. You can find some of the same fixtures elsewhere for less but shopping through AllModern does take a lot of the searching off your plate. They curate plenty of options that suit a modern or minimalist style and you can get inspiration.
Return Policy: 30 days | Delivery Options: Standard ground | Average Wait Time for Bespoke Items: Not applicable
Target
You can find a variety of affordable fixtures that can be shipped directly to your home or picked up in the store at Target. Many of their popular pieces are kept in stock, including specially designed collections from celebrities like Chip and Joanna Gaines. Target also has a particularly great collection of lighting for kids and teens, with novelty shapes and fun designs.
Target doesn’t carry as many large fixtures like chandeliers, especially in their stores. Smaller lighting fixtures and task lighting are really their forte. Because they are widely available and budget-friendly, you can change out your small table and floor lamps to update your room without worrying about committing to a large, expensive fixture.
Return Policy: 90 days | Delivery Options: Standard ground, in-store pickup | Average Wait Time for Bespoke Items: Not applicable
Serena & Lily
Fresh, coastal style is in abundance at Serena & Lily. This retailer carries a variety of products that all work well together.
You can sign up for their VIP list to get updates when they have new pieces, recommendations on how to pair accessories to create a cohesive look, and notification of sales. You can also work with a design expert on small and large projects or request a catalog to browse that way.
They are quite expensive but you’ll find everything from quirky, statement fixtures to classic style that brightens up your space. They have a great selection of natural materials such as rattan, natural wood, and bone inlay. Their fixtures have a lot of great details that make them worth the high price tags.
Return Policy: 30 days | Delivery Options: Standard ground, expedited, oversized, doorstep delivery, room of choice delivery, white glove delivery | Average Wait Time for Bespoke Items: Not applicable
Rejuvenation
Rejuvenation began in Oregon almost 50 years ago specializing in architectural salvage. Their designs still focus on high-quality, heirloom pieces that evoke a sense of history.
They have a very large selection of lighting fixtures, including those that are designed with accessibility in mind. They are one of the only retailers to carry fixtures that are ADA-compliant but still high style.
You can search by style of lighting, price point, new and featured fixtures, sales, in-stock items, and other filters. Their Ideas & Inspiration lists are also very helpful if you are at the beginning of your search. Their fixtures are expensive but shopping sales can result in purchasing a high-quality fixture for a budget-friendly price.
Return Policy: 30 days | Delivery Options: Standard ground, rushed delivery, white glove delivery | Average Wait Time for Bespoke Items: Varies
Joss & Main
Traditional, timeless style is plentiful at Joss & Main—and because this online-only retailer is under the same umbrella as Wayfair and AllModern, they offer the same design services and free shipping on purchases over $35. They have another curated style focus and make searching for inspiration and a new fixture easy.
While AllModern has sleek designs, Joss & Main tends to carry fixtures that look at home in classic or traditional style. There are plenty of oil-rubbed bronze finishes and heavy glass globes.
Quality is pretty consistent across the many brands carried by Joss & Main. But if you decide that your purchase won’t work for your space, you have to pay a return fee and make sure that you keep the original packaging. Fortunately, there are a lot of customer reviews with real-life photos to help you make a decision.
Return Policy: 30 days | Delivery Options: Standard ground | Average Wait Time for Bespoke Items: Not applicable
The Home Depot
The light fixtures from The Home Depot follow an on-trend design at a budget-friendly price. You can order online for delivery to the store, at your home, or for pickup. They also carry everything that you’ll need to install the fixture and have an extensive network of professional electricians that can help with installation.
They do offer design services but not all associates have as much expertise as the design teams at other retailers. The associates in-store are not involved in fixture design and may not have the same insight. If you already have an idea of what you want and are looking to get the best value, The Home Depot fixtures are a great place to look.
Return Policy: 90 days | Delivery Options: Standard ground, two-day delivery, in-store pickup | Average Wait Time for Bespoke Items: Not applicable
Lowe's
Another budget-friendly option with a simple, on-trend style, Lowe’s has options that you can pick up in-store, get delivered, or browse in person. The in-store selection isn’t as large as what they have online and not all stores have the exact same inventory. Fortunately, they can ship to your nearest store for no extra charge.
Like The Home Depot, they carry all of the tools and hardware you need for DIY or professional installation as well.
Their design services aren’t as specialized but they do have a lot of simple designs that work with a variety of styles. If you want something simple or timeless, you’ll like their selection. There are a few statement pieces but for the most part, Lowe’s lighting tends toward style that appeals to a wide variety of folks and looks.
Return Policy: 90 days | Delivery Options: Standard ground, two-day delivery, in-store pickup | Average Wait Time for Bespoke Items: Not applicable
Schoolhouse
For heritage style, these fixtures are inspired by the type of lighting you might see in an old schoolhouse. There are some statement fixtures but they specialize in simple, classic designs.
Some fixtures can be customized by color or finish. They also offer lines that work together and design recommendations for creating your entire room’s look.
The fixtures are quite expensive, especially for larger items like chandeliers. They do have a large sale selection. If you don’t have a specific color or finish in mind, you can find lamps and scones for up to 70% off their list price.
For larger budgets, the Inspiration tab has plenty of ideas to pair lighting with other accessories, furniture, and even wallpaper and hardware from Schoolhouse to complete your look.
Return Policy: 30 days | Delivery Options: Standard ground | Average Wait Time for Bespoke Items: Not applicable
West Elm
West Elm has plenty of modern fixtures, including some that make a really bold statement in your room. They tend toward midcentury modern style but have some simpler fixtures that can work with other styles as well.
If you want a sustainably made fixture, you can search by fixture style, price, and availability. There are also one-on-one design services available, which is great if you want recommendations on accessories and furniture to go in your room as well.
There are plenty of interesting collaborations between West Elm and other designers, such as the Museum of Modern Art, local artisans, and Artists-in-Residence. These specialty collections are not always available, however. If you wait too long to purchase a piece that you like, you might see it on sale for a lower price or it might no longer be available.
Return Policy: 30 days | Delivery Options: Standard ground, rush delivery, white glove delivery | Average Wait Time for Bespoke Items: Not applicable
IKEA
For some of the most budget-conscious options, consider fixtures from Swedish retailer IKEA. These are available around the world, although you may need to go to the store to pick up some orders.
IKEA pieces often require some assembly, which is one way that they keep costs low. The included instructions are helpful to put your fixture together. There are also plenty of tutorials on the IKEA website and professional assembly and installation are available for an extra cost in some cases.
Styles tend to be minimalist and modern. There are also plenty of options made with textured materials like rattan.
IKEA also prioritizes sustainability when they source its materials and design fixtures, accessories, and furniture. They also keep the supply chain eco-friendly by shipping things unassembled in efficient boxes and packaging.
Return Policy: 180 days | Delivery Options: Standard ground, scheduled delivery, in-home delivery | Average Wait Time for Bespoke Items: Not applicable
Pottery Barn
Pottery Barn is owned by the same group as West Elm and Rejuvenation so a lot of the same great features are available, including helpful design services, sustainable business practices, and a VIP list that is free to sign up for and provides discounts, updates on new releases, and notifications of big sales.
Pottery Barn designs tend more towards a timeless, classic appeal. They do have some simple designs that work with a variety of styles. Their larger statement pieces are definitely hefty and come with a high price tag to match.
If you like solid wood and fixtures with on-trend finishes like brass and stained natural woods, you’ll like the selection from Pottery Barn. They also have a lot of collections that include chandeliers, table lamps, floor lamps, and sconces. While the looks are complimentary, you can also mix and match between collections or other pieces because Pottery Barn has such a cohesive design.
Return Policy: 30 days | Delivery Options: Standard ground, next-day, white glove delivery | Average Wait Time for Bespoke Items: 3+ months (from Custom Lighting shop)
Frontgate
Frontgate is best described as luxury meets classic style. They have a lot of simple silhouettes, especially in table and floor lamps. But there are fun accent pieces as well, including a fox table lamp, shell chandeliers, and indoor/outdoor hanging lantern wall sconces.
They have a particularly good selection of lighting using interesting materials to add texture and detail to your room, such as leather, brass, shells, crystal, and mercury glass.
They are very expensive, but a few simple steps can result in great deals on well-made pieces that will last for years. Their clearance section is full of deals on lighting and decor that can save up to 70 percent or more off the list price. If you subscribe to their newsletter, you can get a 20 percent off coupon as well as notification of sales, updates on new release fixtures, and styling tips.
Return Policy: 90 days | Delivery Options: Standard ground, expedited, truck shipping | Average Wait Time for Bespoke Items: Not applicable
Restoration Hardware
For the ultimate in luxury, consider lighting from RH. They have a lot of options in luxury materials, including marble, travertine, and other natural stones. Their chandeliers are also pieces that make you say wow, especially in a large space. You can find chandeliers with two tiers made of angle iron or delicate pieces with geometric crystals in a drop or line design.
One of the best things about looking through the RH Look Book, which has plenty of style inspiration, is that they have a lot of design options in the same materials so you can find the best shape for your space.
These are expensive lighting fixtures, some costing more than a car. If you're an RH member, you can get lowered pricing as well as complimentary design services and consultations. There is an annual membership fee, however, it isn’t required to purchase from RH.
Return Policy: 30 days | Delivery Options: Standard ground, rush delivery, white glove delivery | Average Wait Time for Bespoke Items: Not applicable
What to Look for in a Lighting Fixture Retailer
Lighting Selection
It can be helpful to look for a place to buy lighting fixtures that carries multiple brands, like Lamps Plus or Wayfair. It provides plenty of options at a variety of price points. However, if you want something with more consistent quality, consider West Elm, Pottery Barn, or another retailer that suits your style and designs their own pieces.
Delivery and Installation Options
Many lighting fixtures can be delivered right to your door or to a nearby store for pickup. Smaller fixtures, including table lamps and floor lamps, typically don’t need professional installation. Even some installed lighting is simple enough for those with basic knowledge of their electrical system to DIY the install. Assembly-required pieces, like those from IKEA, tend to be the most affordable but will take some extra work to put together. If you aren’t sure, however, it’s best to have a professional take care of installation.
Return Policy
Make sure that you do plenty of research on the electricity requirements before you purchase a light fixture to ensure that it works with your setup. Photos and reviews can be helpful to determine if the fixture will look the same in an actual room as it does in the ads. Wayfair and West Elm both have helpful reviews with photos under most fixtures. Large retailers, including Target, The Home Depot, and Lowe’s, have a lot of brick and mortar stores which can make returns faster.
FAQ
How big should a ceiling light be?
When selecting a new light fixture, you should consider both the size of the room and where it is placed.
“There are many factors to consider, like the height of the ceiling, the placement of the light (if it’s above a table or in a walking area), and the quantity of fixtures you are looking for,” says Knopfler. “Generally, if you are choosing a chandelier over the table, it should be about ⅔ the width of the table. Pendant lights, if hung in multiples, should measure to be ⅓ the size of the table.”
What is the best ceiling light material?
Steel and metal are popular choices because they are durable and can have different finishes to complement your look. Wood and glass look great with classic or coastal style. Some specialty materials, such as natural stone, crystal, or even shells, make a big impact. These are often harder to find and come with a big price tag as well.
What wattage should ceiling lights be?
When selecting a ceiling light, it’s important to pay attention to the actual light output. This is especially true if it is the primary way to illuminate your space. “The wattage of your ceiling light depends on the amount of natural light the room receives, as well as what other lighting you may already have in the space. Generally, 60-75 watts should be sufficient for your ceiling light,” says Knopfler. A dimmable fixture can provide options for ambiance.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Katie Melynn, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. Katie has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. When putting together this list, she considered the most popular retailers with a variety of fixtures at different price points. She also looked for places with helpful search tools and customer reviews.
Our Experts:
- Sheva Knopfler, co-founder of Lights.com