If I am splurging on one thing in a home, it’s ALWAYS going to be the lighting.  Out of all the home decisions and purchases you have to make when building or renovating a home, splurging on high quality lighting will give you the best bang for your buck.  Lighting sets the tone and vibe for the whole home!

Honestly, a lot of times I will start in the kitchen and pick the pendants for that space.  Then I will pick everything else on the first floor based entirely on that first lighting choice. So, if you are looking to give your home a more elevated look, the best home splurge is lighting. I am telling you. Just splurge on showstopping lights.

I think lighting can transform a space more than almost any other design element in your house. You can go cheap on tile and countertops but good lighting will really dress up a space.  And I know this is a controversial opinion, especially in warmer Southern states like Virginia – but, I tend to think ceiling fans look cheap. They just aren’t for me and won’t be in any of our flips until further notice. We wire for them, but I always opt for a light that draws the eye and completes the space.

So to guide you on your quest for the best splurge-worthy lighting, I have a few lighting companies that I love and recommend.  In fact, I scour their websites for new arrivals on a weekly basis for the best light fixtures – everything from chandeliers to sconces to pendant lights.  I wanted to share these sources (and some of my favorite light fixtures!)  with you guys.

My Favorite Home Lighting Sources

Shades of Light is my all-time fave source to score eye catching light fixtures. They have reasonable price points, lots of different styles, and they are local to Richmond! And if you live nearby, they also have an amazing outlet that you should check out.  I have scored some really great lighting finds there! But even if you’re not local, you can shop online from an extensive collection of everything from traditional to modern lighting styles. 

Serena and Lily is my go-to for statement lighting pieces. Caveat: they can be pretttyyy pricey.  So if you are on a tight budget, DO NOT – I repeat – DO NOT click on this link.  It will only lead to heartbreak because their lighting is so beautiful! And you will want it.  Very coastal. Ultra clean looking. And very splurge-worthy.  Yes, please!  But, I will say, you can find Serena and Lily lighting dupes from places like Wayfair, Target and Ikea.  So if you’re on a budget and can handle the temptation, Serena and Lily is a great source of inspiration.

Pottery Barn has one of my favorite exterior lights – the Manor Indoor/Outdoor Sconce (see it below!).  And I have also used one of their pendants for a really small island which you can see here. This is the perfect pendant if you have a small island. The three-tier really adds great dimension to a small space.

Visual Comfort  is another great source for trendy, showstopping lighting. I love the modern vibes of many of their lighting pieces and that they collaborate with many household interior design names like Aerin, Ralph Lauren and Suzanne Kasler.

Lumens has a great selection. If you are aiming for more of a modern aesthetic I would highly suggest this website. They also carry companies like Currey & Co. which I am crushing on pretty hard right now.

And last but certainly not least, Wayfair. If you are on a tighter budget, I would look at Shades of Light for inspo, and then head to Wayfair to search for a dupe.  Chances are you can find something similar to the look you are going for but at a much more reasonable price point.  You can also find some interesting Serena and Lily lighting dupes on Wayfair! 

My Top Splurge-worthy Lighting Fixtures

Below I’ve rounded up the lighting I’ve ordered recently or plan on ordering for our house and other houses I am building.  These are just a few of my favorites!

ONE | Pottery Barn’s Manor Indoor/Outdoor Glass Sconce
This is my go-to outdoor sconce. We have two on our back porch and I just used it on the Modern Farmhouse. I love how traditional yet modern it is.

TWO | Headlands Bell Pendant by Serena & Lily
I used this pendant light in R St. (you can click here to see) as the dining room chandelier because the house was so narrow.  But I also think these would be amazing in the kitchen! Julia Engel has very similar ones in her kitchen.  The Headlands Bell Pendant is now an iconic look that helped put Serena and Lily lighting on the splurge-worthy map.

THREE | Full Circle Wall Sconce by Shades of Light
I am installing this or something similar at 32nd St. in the half bath. In fact, I think wall sconces really elevate a bathroom giving it an upscale but approachable feel.

FOUR | Seychelles Chandelier by Serena & Lily
I’ve been in love with this chandelier for a long time and finally found the perfect spot for it in our home! It is light and airy but oozes style.  If you’re willing to splurge, Serena and Lily lighting (especially the Seychelles) is worth it!

FIVE | Belleair Bluffs Outdoor Barn Light
I used this in black on the Modern Farmhouse, and I am ordering it in the silver colorway for the 32nd St. house. I’m really loving white (of course!) exteriors so using softer colored light fixtures and hardware will give the house more warmth.

SIX |Young House Love Wicker Bell Pendant by Shades Of Light
If you have a smaller kitchen and are looking for pendant lights, these would be so cute! I love how bohemian they are.  They bring a touch of organic warmth to a space without being visually heavy.

SEVEN |  Syllabus Pendant by Currey & Company
This pendant by Currey & Co. is sooooo good! In fact, I am using them as the kitchen pendants in the home I am building on Carrington St. Unfortunately, the picture on Lumens doesn’t do it justice. Click here to see it installed.

EIGHT| Nautical Cage Sconce by Shades of Light
I haven’t used these yet but I am very excited to find a home to put them in! I think these would be so fun in a bathroom! Wouldn’t they be really fantastic in a beach house bathroom with their nautical flair?

There you have it! I hope this guide to my favorite lighting sources is helpful.  And I hope you are inspired by some of my current favorite light fixtures.  One thing is for sure.  You will never regret splurging and spending a little more on statement light fixtures.

Xx, Amanda