skip to main content

How to buy quality light fixtures? Which stores, brands?

prairiemoon2 z6b MA

12 years ago

I need to purchase two light fixtures. One for a covered porch and one utility light for the top of the basement stairs. I replaced one about 4 yrs ago and it barely lasted 3 years. I bought it at a box store. I am wondering if I should try an actual lighting store, but usually their prices are 3x higher than a box store. I want something that is safe and lasts but doesn't have to be high end. I've heard to stay away from IKEA light fixtures, but that's about the only advise I've heard. Does anyone have any information or experience to help me figure this out?

I am sure I will be needing other light fixtures soon, so I would like to know what to look for in general. Thanks.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

a2gemini
12 years ago
We are putting in Hubbardton Forge - high quality but is high cost....
prairiemoon2 z6b MA
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks for that info. Good luck with your purchases.
Related Professionals
Philadelphia Furniture & Accessories · Savannah Furniture & Accessories · Fallbrook Furniture & Accessories · Hilton Head Island Furniture & Accessories · San Juan Capistrano Furniture & Accessories · Westport Furniture & Accessories · Aspen Hill Interior Designers & Decorators · Fredericksburg Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · Adrian Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · Dayton Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · Garden City Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · Lockport Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · Prichard Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · Rogers Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · Saint Louis Park Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures
michoumonster
11 years ago
i have had good luck with murray feiss and kichler brands. i recently bought some landmark and hinckley and they seem similar in quality too. they are decent quality, more mid-tier as compared to hubbardton forge (which is very pricey).
brickeyee
11 years ago
"lifespain is more then 50000 hours, also most LED light suppliers offer at least 2 or 3 years warranty, "

50,000 hours is 5.7 years.

They are likely not using the longest life capacitors in their power supplies (solid tantalum) thus the short warranty.

Aluminum electrolytic caps only last about 3-4 years.

Related Stories

MOVING Home-Buying Checklist: 20 Things to Consider Beyond the Inspection

By Laura Gaskill

Quality of life is just as important as construction quality. Learn what to look for at open houses to ensure comfort in your new home

BATHROOM DESIGN Convert Your Tub Space to a Shower — the Fixtures-Shopping Phase

By By Any Design Ltd.

Step 2 in swapping your tub for a sleek new shower: Determine your mechanical needs and buy quality fixtures

KITCHEN DESIGN 12 Great Kitchen Styles — Which One’s for You?

By Sheila Schmitz

Sometimes you can be surprised by the kitchen style that really calls to you. The proof is in the pictures

KITCHEN DESIGN Houzz Quiz: Which Kitchen Backsplash Material Is Right for You?

By Jennifer Ott Design

With so many options available, see if we can help you narrow down the selection

FURNITURE Smart Shopper: How to Judge Antique Furniture Quality

Pick the treasures from the trash without expert experience by learning how to evaluate antiques and what questions to ask

FURNITURE Holding Out for Quality

By Michael Cannell

Cheap furniture has its place, but more shoppers are waiting to invest for the long haul

DECORATING GUIDES 8 Qualities of Great Interior Design

By The Inman Company

We identify some elusive attributes of excellent interiors to get you past "I know it when I see it"

FURNITURE Which Dining Table Shape Should You Choose?

By Joanna Tovia

Rectangular, oval, round or square: Here are ways to choose your dining table shape (or make the most of the one you already have)

DECORATING GUIDES 12 Antique Store Finds to Nab Now, Place Later

By Charmean Neithart Interiors

See the accessories one decorator always buys when she spots them — as long as she gets there first

REMODELING GUIDES Which Window for Your World?

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

The view and fresh air from your windows make a huge impact on the experience of being in your house

Sponsored

More Discussions

Help replacing lighting/fan in MCM living/dining with vaulted ceiling

7

Moooi Random Light II vs other brand

2

Ceiling light shade too small for 2 bulbs(pics in comments)

6

Kitchen lighting help needed

0

fixture source?

0