Ellen DeGeneres Magnus Medium Pendant Light by Visual Comfort Studio

Light is the artistic finishing touch to your home, painting rooms with illumination and layering glow to create different moods and ambiance. But online lighting shopping is fraught with challenges: how do you know whether the fixture will fit in your chosen space or match the aesthetic you’re designing?

This lighting buying guide offers advice on how to choose light fixtures from online stores, so you can bathe your home in elegant illumination, even when an expert store is far away.

Bookmark this guide so you can return to it whenever buying light fixtures online.

Light Fixture Size Guide: How to Measure Before You Buy

Sizing up your lighting fixtures online can be a genuine challenge. As one of our lighting consultants said, “When customers shop online, the biggest challenge is usually visualizing scale. A fixture can look perfect in a product photo but feel too small, too large, or too dim once it is in the room. That’s why sizing tools, product specifications, and guidance from a lighting specialist can make such a difference before placing an order.”

There are two main measurements you need to consider:

• The size of the space you’re illuminating
• The dimensions of the lighting fixture, which should be provided by the online lighting retailer in the description or specifications of the piece

Use your tape measure to test the dimensions within the given space. Consider the width, depth, and height, or the diameter of circular fixtures. Check how far sconces protrude into the room, and measure the length of pendant light chains and cables. Adjustable lengths are ideal for spaces where you’re unsure of the correct height to mount your pendant lights.

How to Choose the Right Chandelier, Pendant, or Ceiling Light Size

Ceiling lights are often a room’s primary source of ambient light. Choosing the right size is essential, whether you’re looking for subtle finishes in bathrooms and bedrooms or something grander for an expansive dining space.

Buying ceiling lights online is easier than you might think, especially when you choose a retailer that has multiple photos of each style. Check these points before buying:

• Diameter (the length from one side to the other across a circular pendant or ceiling light)
• Finishes and colors
• Bulb types
• Depth between ceiling and base of light
• Length of any cables or chains
• Options for dimmers

There are no hard and fast rules for sizing up pendant lights, but you certainly don’t want lights so high that the illumination diffuses into, for example, a very tall or vaulted ceiling.

Similarly, avoid overly long pendant cables or chains in low spaces or high-traffic areas.

Alluria 24 Inch 3 Light Bath Vanity Light by Kovacs

How to Match Light Fixture Finishes, Materials, and Room Style

Finishes that complement or contrast with your existing aesthetic are sometimes easier to find online rather than in-store, because you can browse dozens of options at once. Some sites even let you compare lighting options, seeing shades, lamps, or other fixtures side by side so you can decide which suits your décor choices best.

You may want to match these finishes and interior design choices:

• Rattan, copper, and distressed woods for coastal décor
• Bright, reflective metals like zinc and chrome for contemporary bathrooms
• Glass and marble bubbles and globes for softening areas with dark wood or metals

Some finishes work across multiple spaces. Moisture-resistant plastics and coated metals, for example, are suitable for both kitchen and outdoor lighting, where the humidity is naturally higher. With this knowledge, you can extend the theme of your kitchen into your patio or barbecue area. Remember to check that the bulbs and fixtures you buy are damp- or wet-rated, as needed.

How to Read Light Fixture Dimensions, Specs, and Product Details

If you feel overwhelmed by the volume of information offered when buying lighting fixtures online, these are the most important aspects to look out for:

• Dimensions: L means length, W means width (which in a circular fixture usually means diameter), and H means height. You may also see D for depth, which is how far a light protrudes from the wall or ceiling. Pendant lights will also include chain length.
• Lamping information: This means the type of bulbs this fixture requires and how many you need. It may also include the shape of compatible bulbs and recommended wattage/lumen ratings.
• UL rating: This will show you if the fixture is suitable for dry, damp, or wet conditions. Most fixtures will be marked “UL Rating: Dry.” Look for wet-rated fixtures for outdoor use.

Some fixtures may also have warranty information, a description of the product, and reviews from previous buyers.

How to Tell If a Light Fixture Will Be Bright Enough

When buying lighting online, look for the lumens rating and what bulbs are recommended for the fixtures you’re browsing. The higher the lumens rating, the brighter the bulb will be.

However, there are other factors to consider. A very bright bulb in a translucent or semi-opaque shade will still not shed enough light to brighten a shadowy space. A single, bright bulb may actually create more shadows than it eliminates, which is why layering is such an important technique in lighting design.

How to Use Lighting Sizing Calculators Before Ordering

Some expert lighting retailers offer sizing calculators to help you better understand how a fixture will fit in your space and the best position to mount it. Most size calculators offer a range rather than a fixed length or height. For example, experts suggest that pendant lights in the kitchen should be 30-36 inches above the countertop of an island. The six-inch difference is where your personal preference comes into play.

As well as confirming fixtures are the right size, set a budget and a margin you’re comfortable going over. Beautiful fixtures in multiple styles range in price from less than $100 to $1,000s. If you’re planning lighting for your entire home, don’t spend your total budget on one favorite chandelier or sculptural lamp.

How to Shop Lighting Lookbooks, Catalogs, and Trend Edits

Sometimes, it helps to see how others have integrated beautiful lighting fixtures into their spaces. Inspirational lighting guides and lookbooks often include photos that show the lighting fixture in various positions, so you can get a sense of what it looks like when mounted.

Look for trend edits and guides published in the last six months. These may include recent inspiration from designers and interior specialists or lighting consultants who have their finger on the pulse of lighting trends. An online lighting retailer’s catalog will often have the latest looks, showcasing how and where to place each type of fixture.

Henley 42 Inch Chandelier – Noah 24 Inch Bath Vanity Light – Capitol Lighting

When to Call a Lighting Specialist Before Buying Online

Sometimes, you need a little extra advice. Call Capitol Lighting’s consultants for expert information on bulb types and compatibility, layering techniques, and sizing.

Online Light Fixture Buying Checklist

Before clicking the “buy now” button, remember to check that:

• You’re happy with the finish of your chosen light fixtures
• You’ve confirmed the dimensions are suitable for your chosen space
• The bulbs and fixtures are rated for the environment, e.g., wet-rated for outdoor use
• The price is within your chosen budget
• You’ve taken advice from experts, where appropriate and available

Once you understand how to choose light fixtures online, you may find that you prefer the experience of buying lighting online from the comfort of your own home. The joy of browsing beautifully designed lighting fixtures online can help bring a new dimension to interior design.

For more advice on any aspect of lighting design, call a member of our team.

FAQs

Is online lighting shopping more difficult than purchasing lighting fixtures in a store?

Each method has its pros and cons. In store, you may be able to see the fixtures within a space’s context or ask a lighting consultant for advice. When buying lighting fixtures online, you can review more options in a shorter time and scroll through detailed specifications easily.

Should I review the wattage of bulbs to understand the brightness?

No, modern light bulbs use lumens to determine brightness. Wattage is simply a measurement of how much energy the bulbs consume.

Do I need to consult a lighting specialist before buying lighting fixtures online?

Not necessarily. Many homeowners have a flair for lighting design and can use the information available online to size up fixtures and choose finishes that match or enhance their existing décor themes. If you do need advice, you can call a lighting expert at 1.800.544.4846.