While it’s true that top-of-the-line kitchen and bathroom fixtures, custom woodwork and a great space layout are key factors in the success of a new home, lighting also plays a major part, albeit in a more subtle way. From ambient lighting to task lighting to decorative lighting, the lighting options you need to consider from home lighting distributors and wholesalers are varied and many.
As you plan for the lighting in your next residential project, you’ll first want to:
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Check out wholesale lighting distributors online
The great thing about online home lighting distributors is they carry such a huge variety of lighting that you can peruse from the comfort of your computer; the downside is you don't have an informed lighting representative right there to tell you if a particular fixture will meet your size and wattage requirements. If you know exactly what you want, however, purchasing lighting from a home lighting distributor is a good bet.
I recommend: LightingDirect allows you to shop for lighting by room, by style, by type of fixture – you name it. Shipping is free for orders over $50, and with more than 50 warehouses nationwide, you shouldn’t have to wait too long for your purchases from this lighting distributor.
Consider green lighting
Energy efficiency is no longer just a buzzword - it's become a major player in today's homes and offices. Home lighting distributors and wholesalers have take note of this, and many now offer energy-efficient lighting options.
I recommend: Bellacor offers green alternatives, such as Energy Star products and fluorescent lighting, in addition to free shipping and no-hassle returns.
Ask for discounts
Many lighting suppliers offer special pricing or discounts to real estate, design and construction professionals. If you don't see such discounts immediately on lighting wholesalers' websites or in a store, just ask - most wholesale lighting suppliers are willing to make a deal, especially when they know you could become a repeat customer.
I recommend: CSN Lighting has trade pricing and discounts on volume orders for contractors, builders and designers.
Discount Lighting Direct is a lighting wholesaler that offers high-quality, brand-name discount lighting fixtures from manufacturers at wholesale prices.
Seek out a professional
Because lighting is so important to a home, perhaps this is an area that you should consider outsourcing. There are many designs firms out there who can provide design suggestions for your overall space or just figure out which lighting works best where. These designers will also have a long list of wholesale lighting suppliers for you to choose from and can usually secure good deals.
I recommend: Get bids from local interior designers at
Renovation Experts.