Favorite Designer Light Fixtures

If there’s one design element that instantly sets the tone in any space, it’s a well-chosen light fixture. The right light fixture can add warmth, balance, and an effortlessly elevated touch. However, when it comes to lighting, it’s not just the look – it’s about the light itself. 

I’ve learned not to compromise when it comes to lighting. I don’t just buy light fixtures from anywhere — I invest in designer pieces. Why? Because there’s a huge difference in both the quality of materials and the way the light actually behaves in a space. With designer lighting, the craftsmanship shows — from the weight of the fixture to the finish of the metal or glass. But more than that, it’s about how the fixture lights the room. The glow is softer, more intentional, and adds dimension in a way that mass-market lighting just doesn’t. Good lighting doesn’t just illuminate a space — it transforms it.

I know what you’re thinking and yes, you can find fixtures that look similar but trust me when I tell you that you don’t want to skimp on the lighting because of price. I’ve learned the lessons for you. This is actually the one area I’ve gotten most confident in when it comes to renovations or adding designer touches to spaces.

If you’re like me and you go against designer advice because you can’t afford designer recommended products, keep reading, I’ll let you in on my secret…you don’t have to pay designer prices. 

What I’ve learned is that most designers use Visual Comfort brand lighting. You can purchase Visual Comfort brand fixtures on a lot of different sites – including McGee and Co. They can definitely be on pricier side but totally worth it!! However, if you’re patient and you shop around, you can catch a good deal. On some sites you can get them as “open box” or clearance. If I’m in the market for a light fixture I usually start on Pinterest, drawing inspiration from designer photos. When I stumble across something that I really like I’ll do a visual search to try to locate it by name or brand. It never fails, 9 times out of 10 it’s a Visual Comfort fixture. All of their fixtures have a name so I’ll use that name to do a search on the 2 sites I’ve had the best luck on: 1-800-Lighting and the Visual Comfort website directly. Both of these have a Sale category that you can shop from. 

The only caveat is that the “open box” or clearance items are usually limited in stock and may not be the exact color or size you are looking for. If the fixture I’m on the hunt for isn’t there then I wait a few days and come back, checking in periodically until I get lucky. I get that this advice might not help those who are in love with a certain fixture and need it now – or those who can afford the fixture and are ready to add to cart and check out. But if you’re like me and want the designer fixtures on a budget this is a game changer. 

I’ve curated a list of my favorite chandeliers and fixtures that blend form and function with timeless style. These fixtures are neutral in tone, rich in texture, and perfect for modern organic interiors, classic spaces, and everything in between. From soft brass finishes to sculptural silhouettes, these picks will never feel trendy or overdone—just quietly beautiful. I have managed to get 4 of these as “open box” or on clearance from either 1-800 Lighting or Visual Comfort at great prices. Thinking back, I watched for the Fontaine fixture for months and I ended up getting it as an “open box” for 65% off!! I think I literally squealed out loud when I saw it pop up in my search that day. Knowing that it wouldn’t be there long I grabbed in instantly. 

For those of you who don’t know – “open box” is basically what it sounds like – it’s that someone bought the fixture and ended up sending it back for whatever reason. The company is required to inspect it to ensure all of the parts are still there and that there is no damage but they box it back up and post it for sale. I don’t know why people turn their nose up to that but their loss is my gain. Now I’m passing this tip on to you. Goodluck!