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Monday, May 19th
Despite the name, Light in the Box isn't what you would call a "light fixture specialist”. This store serves as a direct-from-the-manufacturer supplier of thousands upon thousands of products, with new items added daily. Yes, that sometimes includes light fixtures, but we'd encourage you to set your expectations on the low side as you begin browsing the inventory here.
Choose a fixture type, then use filters
When you first land on the Lights & Lighting main page, you'll need to indicate a general ballpark of the kind of light fixtures you're shopping for: Pendant, Outdoor, Indoor, Wall, and so on. You can also use the filters if you have a general price range in mind, a particular lighting color or temperature, voltage, or the room where the fixture will be used. Once you've chosen a type of light fixture, you'll have access to more filters. For example, in Pendant Lights, you can also narrow down the options by finish, style, number of bulbs, design shape, and several other filters.
Surprisingly popular for light fixtures
We were pleasantly surprised to see not just a wide range of light fixtures and styles at Light in the Box, but also options that had plenty of customer reviews with photos. This retailer can be a little hit-or-miss, depending on what you're shopping for, but from the look of it, light fixtures can be a win.
Fixtures with feathers?!
And, the styles range from minimalist to "oh wow, is that really a thing?” In the latter category, we invite you to search for "LED Pendant Light Chandelier Gorgeous Extra Large White Ostrich Feather Bouquet” (and the product title was even longer than that, hello keywords...). Yes, we said feathers, and more than 40 shoppers loved this light fixture enough to average 4.9 stars out of 5. You can get the feathers in multiple colors, too, and some of the customer reviews have photos of a blue-feathered fixture in a dining room ("It makes my entire dining room look like royalty”, the customer gushed), pink feathers in a bedroom, you get the idea. And, for just $229.99, it can be yours too.
No returns on light fixtures
But, you should know upfront that all Lights & Lighting products are ineligible for returns at Light in the Box. No exceptions. If you unbox those feathers, for example, and think "Maybe this wasn't a good idea”, you're out of luck.
Some customers absolutely love shopping here
That's an important point, because not all customers love the shopping experience here. Don't get us wrong: Light in the Box has some enthusiastic fans, with over 80,000 store reviews on Trustpilot and via Google, which average a remarkably solid 4.4 stars. For those who love this retailer, it's a great place to shop for virtually anything that comes to mind for the home.
Failing grade from the BBB
On the other hand, the Better Business Bureau has rated Light in the Box with the worst-possible grade (namely, an "F”). There were over 600 complaints filed with the BBB in the last three years, and about a quarter of those never got a response from the retailer. Complaints range from "I never got my order and I can't get the company to give me a refund” to "I didn't know that I'd have to send this item to China to get a refund”.
A little risky when buying light fixtures
Could you get a light fixture you love here? Maybe. Can you rest assured that you're going to receive top-notch customer service (in fluent English)? Maybe not. And, of course, there are no options for in-store pickup or returns of online orders, no connections with professional installers, or any of the other benefits offered by Light in the Box's higher-ranked rivals on our list. It's a fun place to shop, but it comes up short in the reliability department, earning a lower rating from us.
Light fixtures play a crucial role in interior design, providing both illumination and aesthetic appeal to a space. From minimalist designs to ornate chandeliers, light fixtures come in various styles to suit different needs and decor schemes. And in recent years shopping for light fixtures online has surged in popularity.
In today's world the best selection of light fixtures is just a few clicks away. Even if you need some help with the installation, many of today's most popular online retailers can connect you with vetted professionals near you. You've literally got nothing to lose.
Let's take a closer look at some of the most common light fixture types, to help you know what you're shopping for. First up are chandeliers, elaborate ceiling-mounted fixtures featuring multiple arms with lights. Chandeliers come in various sizes and designs, from classic crystal to modern metal and glass compositions. They often serve as statement pieces in dining rooms, foyers, or living spaces.
Next we've got pendant lights. These light fixtures hang from the ceiling by a cord, chain, or rod, typically over kitchen islands, dining tables, or in hallways. They come in a wide range of styles, including sleek and minimalist designs, vintage-inspired fixtures, and geometric shapes.
If you've got limited space or a low ceiling, you'll likely need to consider flush mount and semi-flush mount light fixtures. Flush mount lights sit snug against the ceiling, while semi-flush mount lights hang slightly lower, providing a bit more visual interest.
Wall sconces are mounted to walls and provide ambient or accent lighting. They come in various styles, including traditional, contemporary, and industrial, and can be used to enhance the ambiance of bedrooms, hallways, or outdoor spaces.
And finally, there's track lighting: a linear track with adjustable fixtures that can be moved and angled to direct light where needed. This versatile option is commonly used in kitchens, galleries, or retail spaces, allowing for customizable illumination.
So, now that you have a better idea of what light fixtures you'll need, it's time to get shopping. To help you decide where to start the process of finding the perfect light fixtures, keep the following criteria in mind:
Whether you're looking for a grand chandelier to make a statement or minimalist pendant lights to illuminate a space in a more modern way, there's a perfect fixture out there to enhance your home's ambiance and aesthetics. To help you in your quest, the experts at Top Consumer Reviews have evaluated and ranked some of today's most popular retailers of light fixtures. Happy shopping!
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