Lightingdirect.com was definitely my go to site to find what's available out there on a webpage. Then model numbers were taken to my local supplier, and sometimes even price matches were requested.

Be a little wary of a lot of these smaller custom fixture manufacturers if your looking to buy something custom or not mainstream. Many of them aren't UL listed due to the cost incurred, that can bite us new home builders in the butt when inspection time rolls around.

Thanks for posting about lightingdirect.com. I will be searching their fixtures tonight. Good point, about checking that light fixtures are UL listed. I have heard some of Ikea lights and plumbing fixtures are not always to code.

Carol

Carol,
Not an lighting expert and I did my slections onling using the lightingdirect/lampsplus/neeruslighting.
Once I see something I went local and they always matched or tried to do better.

Another suggestion is monitor Joss&main and other similar stores like that. They sometimes have good deals on lighting and accesories.

I have been monitoring for some time and did not find anything I wanted but I placed my order last saturday and saw couple of similar one today for about 100 dollars cheaper :(. I have already placed the order so too late but may you can keep you eye on these site sif you are not in a hurry.

Thanks akshars_mom for the ideas. Too bad about the near miss on the extra 100.00 off -- impossible to get the lowest price.

I have not heard of most of the sites you suggested, nor the store. I don't think we have any Joss and Main stores here in Canada, but have no problem ordering from the US. I will add your lighting sources to my search list.

Do you have a favourite fixture that you choose?

Carol

Carol,
Sorry for the typo's but Joss & main is not a store but a website.
https://www.jossandmain.com/

I have not personally ordered anything yet but a freind has and no problems according to her.

OntarioMom, I'm interested in reading those books you mentioned. I can't claim to have much knowledge on lighting, and that's something I should change. Thanks for the recommendations.

I do like that light fixture you posted.

Thanks for the clarification, akshars_mom. I will check them out.

MrsPete, glad you are looking for some more lighting info. The books listed are not old, but the lighting industry changes rapidly (advances in LED). Nevertheless they are the best I have seen. I have been surprised at the misinformation I have received on lighting from a few IDs. Many have told me to do almost all pot lights, but the info in those books contradicts that advice.

Carol

Any other ideas? I have really struggled with choosing my dining room chandy. Initially, I had hoped we could use our old chandelier that I do still like. However, with the open concept kitchen, dining room, great room it seems that the lighting in the kitchen should go with the chandy in the dining room. For those with open concept areas, have you used lighting from the same series, or in the same look, finish etc in all the adjoining open areas?

Carol

Any more lighting ideas folks? I'm in the throws of choosing lights and its killing me! Especially for vaulted great room/dining room. Also, do people have ideas for exterior lights? Did you do coach lights only? Coach lights plus spot lights? How about exterior lights that turn on automatically at night?

Bring me your great ideas, please!

Build.com and Overstock.com might be good sites to check out as well.

harringk,

I think your plan to light your space entirely with down light pot lights would be a mistake. Pot lights offer accent lighting when directed to walls to light say art work, and general lighting say when you want bright light to clean a room. However, one downside of pot lights is they cast shadows over people's faces which makes a person look older than they are. You really need to layer lighting by including ambient lighting (e.g. up lighting that reflects lighting off a ceiling), accent lighting (light in shelves or narrow beam pot lights directed to art), general lighting, task lighting (say a reading lamp or kitchen pendants) and decorative lighting. (pretty blingy light fixtures) Lighting can not all be down lighting, you need up lighting too.

Linked below is a set of videos recorded by Randall Whitehead, who is the author of a very helpful lighting book. His videos offer good insights and some humor as well.

Carol

Here is a link that might be useful: Randall Whitehead lighting videos

I agree that can lights only can be a problem. Rather select lighting that will work with the entire interior. For example, we have a large arch top window in our dining room with a barrel-vaulted ceiling, so we picked a light fixture that was fairly tall to help fill the space, yet it doesn't distract from the view.

We added coordinating wall sconces on either side of the hutch, plus the hutch is lit as well.

We also added cove lighting under the trim on the ceiling (still have to paint clouds up there!!) and we added spots on the other wall as I knew I would be having something on the wall in 3s...turned out to be Wm Morris wallpaper panels.

I have to admit that at night when we are dining in there, all the ambient light (of course everything is on dimmers) makes the room feel wonderfully cozy, but not dark.

HarringK - I'm in the same boat with 11' ceilings and windows that are 8'. Between a couple of the windows I'm placing some wall sconces as another layer of light. I spent a lot of time online and then went to a lighting showroom with my plans. They met/beat the online prices and I got a boatload of good advice from knowledgable lighting designers who were aware of current trends vs. classic and timeless. One isn't necessarily better, but it was a great perspective to hear from them.