Photo courtesy of Circa Lighting
Let us enlighten you for a minute—lighting can make or break a space. The perfect type of light will illuminate a room, of course, but also create the right ambience and warm up your home (literally and figuratively).
So, how can you get started? First, read our designer tips on how to properly light your home (including the different types of lighting for each space). Then, keep scrolling below, where 10 of the state’s top interior designers shed some light on where they shop for lighting for their clients and why:
Consider chain stores…
There are Capitol Lighting locations scattered all across the Garden State, and our designers are big fans. Megan Pisano of her eponymous design firm in Chatham shops at the East Hanover location for “recessed, architectural, lamps, pendants and chandeliers.” Anna Maria Mannarino, owner of Holmdel’s Mannarino Designs, shops often at the Eatontown store, which she says has a great showroom with lots of variety that makes it easy for clients to find what they’re looking for. Additionally, “here you can usually purchase off the floor, when necessary, and there’s a short lead time if your item must be ordered.” Meanwhile, Bergen-based Wendy Wallin of Impeccable Designs in Ramsey commends the Capitol Lighting in Paramus for their service and selection. “Everyone I work with there makes it easy to specify products as they know a lot about their industry,” she notes. Another good option in Paramus is Lighting Superstore, says Jennifer Vreeland McDermott of JV Design in Englewood Cliffs. “You need to see finishes and the actual size of the fixture in person—this can be very misleading online,” she notes.
…But shop local too
Though the selection is vast at the big-box showrooms, local lighting retailers know their stuff as well. Diana Weinstein of Diana Weinstein Interior Design in Glen Ridge recommends two: West Essex Lighting in West Caldwell and Luxe Light Studio in Fairfield. “They’re both great showrooms and great resources for homeowners designing their own spaces.” Up in Bergen County, family-owned Wyckoff Lighting Center is a favorite of Allison Prior of Allison Prior Interiors. “My clients know that lighting is a favorite detail of mine,” she says, and “I love having the local Wyckoff Lighting Center to source the best brands and unique styles.” Maria Bowers of BDesign’D in Hunterdon County frequents Hesco Lighting in Annandale. “This boutique lighting store has an amazing selection of both interior and exterior lighting, plus each employee has generous knowledge of the products they carry,” she notes. “If the finish or size is not in the store, they will order it for you.” Monmouth County has two standouts, meanwhile. Pendants, sconces, recessed lighting and more—you’ll find it all at Chester Lighting in Red Bank, according to Katy Champion-Uras and Elissa Palamara, founders of Swell Design Co. in Atlantic Highlands. And they know a guy. “Ask for Ron—he’ll take care of you and help you find what you need.” Lauren Tobias, principal designer of LT Designs in Ocean, shops at Warshauer Lighting in Shrewsbury for its selection of many different brands and its “helpful and kind” sales associates.
Branch out when needed
Clearly we have lots of options here in New Jersey, but a little trek to New York City can’t hurt once in a while! Sarah Elizabeth of her eponymous design firm in Upper Montclair likes Circa Lighting at 200 Lexington Ave. in New York, which she dubs as a “one-stop shop for lighting for all areas of the home.” She says their selection runs the gamut style-wise, from traditional to modern to transitional, and most of the time you’ll be able to find items in stock. Hunterdon County’s Bowers also likes shopping online for lighting on occasion—her go-to’s are Shades of Light and Circa Lighting. “Their selections cover a wide range of budgets, and their customer service has always been fast and efficient,” she notes.
Next, check out our experts’ favorite places to shop for furniture in New Jersey.
Tell us your favorite places to shop for furniture on Instagram @njhomemag. And for more design, decor and shopping tips from the pros, check out the latest issue of NJ HOME, online and on newsstands now!