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.
DWR
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.”
Lulu and Georgia
Between designer collaborations with Heidi Caillier and Sarah Sherman Samuel and artful in-house creations, Lulu and Georgia excels at design that’s a little craft revival, a little fashion-inspired, and a lot cozy.
Arhaus
We love Arhaus for pieces that look like they were sourced from the coolest Soho loft. Brassy fixtures and sculptural silhouettes rule here—the more patinaed, the better.
Soho Home
Inspired by (and in some cases, directly taken from) Soho Houses from around the world, Soho Home’s lighting section is chock full of luxe-looking lamps. The materials are elevated, with solid green marble and molded glass making everything look more upscale.
West Elm
We love West Elm for its curation of sophisticated basics—thanks in part to ongoing collaborations with designers and stylists like Pierce Ward and Colin King—but lately, an exciting crop of more experimental styles makes this a retailer worth bookmarking. (How pretty is this pleated silk ribbon pendant light?)
Hudson Valley Lighting
This is a favorite of Handler’s: “Hudson Valley Lighting really stands out for its ability to blend vintage character with modern sophistication,” says the designer. “Their designs embody history and craftsmanship, with a refined edge that keeps the pieces feeling current and relevant.” It’s a mix that means you’re pretty much guaranteed to find something you like in its product selection, whether that’s an industrial pendant light for your breakfast nook or a delicate glass sconce for your powder room.
CB2
Mod, sculptural statement pieces find a natural home at CB2. If you’re looking for a new accent piece to bring life to an empty corner (at a typically fairly reasonable price point), this is where you’ll find a squat burgundy table lamp or a polished chrome ceiling light.
IKEA
Don’t discount the Swedish flat-pack retailer: Its lighting selection is reliably good. We love IKEA’s orb-like lamps placed on the floor or on a low-profile console for a moody, cozy look; but if you like things airier, the Gullsudare paper pendant is a perennial favorite at under $20.
Lostine
Best described as modern American craft style, Lostine focuses on natural materials and simple earth tones: clean, geometric bases in walnut wood and bell-shaped ceramic pendants. This is statement lighting for the minimalist.
Serena and Lily
For decorating your beach house—even if only aspirationally—the coastal designs at Serena and Lily should be your first port of call. Rattan materials and soft scallops rule here; though we’re also charmed by the more contemporary table lamps available in an array of punchy pastels.
Joon Loloi
For a dose of sophisticated charm, use a Joon Loloi lamp to accent a reading nook or bedside table. The brand’s scalloped shades are a highlight, even when they’re made with Art Deco-inspired Capiz shell and brass instead of the traditional linen.
Pooky
British darling Pooky officially launched stateside in 2024, and has occupied our collective consciousness ever since. The brand is known for its artful lampshades, which frequently feature painterly prints in every shade of the color wheel, though it’s especially great for anyone who wants something bespoke on a budget. You can customize everything from the base to the shade for a seemingly endless number of style combinations until you find your perfect lamp.
Anthropologie
Shell-shaped rattan, checkerboard ceramic, velvet fringe… Anthropologie is an unexpectedly great spot to find unique lighting, all with a bohemian bent. Go here to find your next statement piece. A nice bonus: shipping over $50 is typically free.
