Top 10 Designer Lighting Brands to Elevate Your Home’s Ambiance

Designer lighting is a reflection of your creativity and aesthetics. With so many options available, it can be difficult to choose the right one. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve listed the best designer lighting brands selected for their creativity, innovation, and exceptional after-sales services, all of which will elevate your home’s ambiance. 

Let’s start.  

The Top 10 Designer Lighting Brands to Revamp Your Indoor Lighting

Here’s a list of the ten best designer lighting brands worldwide. Please note that the order of these companies does not reflect their ranking.

Check out this brief overview of each brand, highlighting its history, culture, artistic influence, and impact. 

1. Visual Comfort

Visual Comfort is a household name for luxury lighting solutions in America. Founded in 1987 by Andy Singer, it quickly rose to the ranks of contemporary lighting producers. His sister Gale Singer later established Circa Lighting (reseller of VC), which became known for its industry disrupting Lighting Showrooms that let clients experience the lamps before buying.

Andy rose to prominence by the 1980s boom of overseas production (particularly in China), which helped him bring his unique ideas to life. Later, he collaborated with Bill Blass, a luxury clothing brand, to make extraordinary lighting collections that became an instant favorite of the interior design community in the USA. 

Visual Comfort’s collection has a vast variety of decorative lighting, ceiling fans, and general lighting infused with modern trends, artistic flare, exquisite finishes, and artisan materials. They routinely collaborate with prominent designers, such as Kelly Wearstler, Aerin Lauder, Niermann Weeks, Ralph Lauren, and Kate Spade.

The company provides exemplary support to its clients, whether they are direct customers or trade partners, with knowledgeable staff and extensive after-sales support.

Popular Collections

• Signature Collection
• Modern Collection
• Fan Collection

Key Features 

• High-End Designer Collaborations
• Diverse styles, from traditional to modern
• Premium Materials

2. Flos Lighting

Flos Lighting started its journey in 1962 and was run by Dino Gavina and Cesare Cassina, based in Merano, Italy. They are boundary pushers, and this is reflected in their lighting design, which infuses modern trends with cutting-edge technology to make masterpiece lighting solutions. You can see more of a cultural and poetic essence in their product catalog. 

The Italian brand had a breakthrough when its lighting products were displayed in the Italian exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York in 1972. Since then, Flos’s lamps became known for their industry-disrupting modern designs and mass appeal. 

Additionally, they collaborated with design legends such as Philippe Starck and the Castiglioni brothers, creating iconic pieces.

They are leading the way in artificial lighting with their cutting research and design department, which produces innovative decorative lighting for customers. These innovations are routinely published in their magazine called Flos Stories.

In  2018, Floss took commendable steps towards introducing sustainability to its company. The company delivers products worldwide, ensuring timely delivery and well-managed customer support. 

Popular Products 

• Parentesi – A Designer Suspended Light
• Snoopy- A Designer Table Lamp
• Arco – An Iconic Designer Side Table Lamp

Key Features

• Innovative Dining Room Light Designs
• Iconic Collaborations
• Fine Italian craftsmanship

3. Sonneman Lighting

Rober Sonneman is a lighting designer and entrepreneur behind Sonneman Lighting. He founded the company in 2003 but has been producing minimalist and chic lighting products since the late 60s, inspired by contemporary art of that time. The modern art design is still reflected in their products. 

A team of highly talented product designers and a futuristic approach enable them to produce premium lighting fixtures that can instantly enhance the aesthetics of the place. A blend of architecture and lighting that is a unique form of modernism. Sonneman’s showrooms are present in numerous places across the USA and Canada. The clients can also take virtual tours of their amazing design studios. 

Sonneman collaborates with and provides special benefits such as discounted rates, free shipping, and swatch samples to interior designers, architects, and lighting designers. Due to the complexity of the art, the company has limited manufacturing capacity. The shipment is also limited to the USA. Shipping outside the country requires extra arrangements. 

Popular Products

• Modern Chandeliers 
• Minimalist Scones and Wall Lamps
• Suspended LED Ceiling Lights

Key Features

• Modern Minimalism
• Energy Efficiency
• Versatile Collections

4. Currey & Company

Currey & Company was established in 1988 and manufactures lighting products that exhibit natural warmth, vintage vibes of metals, and a tint of bohemian glamor. It’s a second-generation family-owned business based in Georgia that keeps the tradition alive.

This unique designer brand produces products inspired by real-life trending fashion trends. Not only do they produce fantastic lighting fixtures, but they also manufacture furniture to go along with them. The majority of the products are handcrafted by artisans, which adds a unique flair to the products. 

Recently, they launched their new product line, which is made from cast aluminum artistry and has become a trendsetter. Usually, designer brands showcase their products in lighting studios, but Currey takes it one step further with their “The Ticking Tent” initiative that lets customers experience the full journey of aesthetic interior decor. 

Currey encourages partnerships with retailers and interior designers. The brand also collaborates with renowned designers such as Aviva Stanoff, Barry Goralnick, and Bunny Williams. The company has a vibrant structure and has more than 500 employees working worldwide. They ship globally across the Caribbean, Western Europe, Asia, Australia, the Middle East and Russia.

Popular Products 

• Suzanne Duin Collection
• Cordless Lighting
• Multi-Drop Pendants

Key Features

• Handcrafted Designs
• Eclectic Styles
• Use of Natural Materials

5. Kelly Wearstler

Kelly Wearstler is a Los Angeles-based designer famous for her extraordinary creative direction, lighting projects, and architectural and interior designs. Her lighting designs are a unique blend of history and modern technology. 

She established the brand in 1995 under her own name and successfully penetrated the global market. Now, the company has more than 50 creative professionals working with it. Kelly routinely collabs with big brand names like Visual Comfort, as we discuss above. 

Kelly Wearstler’s company works globally with artisans. They welcome dichotomies like imagination and discipline, traditions and modernisms. Recently, they’ve incorporated AI tools into creative outputs.

Additionally, they provide exciting opportunities to retailers with their signature trade programs that offer exciting discounts on lighting and furniture products. The company mainly operates in the USA. 

Popular Products

• Maris Collections 
• Lotura Table Lamps
• Outdoor Lighting Sconces
• Chandeliers 

Key Features

• Sculptural Aesthetic
• Artistic Influences
• Luxury Appeal

6. Artemide

Another Italian marvel on our list is the Artemide, which first came into the scene in the 60s and quickly became one of the famous illumination brands worldwide. Known for blending function and aesthetic appeal, the brand’s R&D team has filed numerous patents to date.  

Artemide’s driving motto is ‘The Human Light’ philosophy, reflecting innovation, research, and high-quality manufacturing.

The company emphasizes sustainability, which is evident in its many LED and eco-friendly options. Artemide’s classic designs, like the Tolomeo lamps and IN-EI Collection, are popular worldwide for their beauty. They are also featured in the Compasso D’oro Awards. Their main products are statement lamps that can easily double as artistic sculptures, thanks to their striking aesthetics.

Artemide collaborates with international designers and universities. Actively conducting design workshops to produce top talent. It is the vision of a well-known lighting designer, Ernesto Gismondim, who helped Artemide products ship to more than 90 countries. 

Popular Products  

• Novelties 2024
• “O” Suspended Outdoor Lights
• INTEGRALIS Collection

Key Features

• Functional Elegance
• Sustainable Design
• Iconic Collections

7. Louis Poulsen 

Next up is Louis Poulsen, Europe’s leading designer lighting brand, founded in Denmark in 1874. The brand carries a long legacy of Danish design and innovation. Started as soon as electricity was first introduced in the area. Ludvig R. Poulsen initially sold lighting lamps and electrical appliances. Later, Louis joined his uncle, and the era of stunning lighting design began.  

1924 was the pivotal year when the company’s lighting lamp was featured in the Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs & Industriels Modernes in Paris. This helped the company become a luxury brand globally. 

Louis Poulson has worked with notable experts in the architectural, engineering, and lighting design fields on major projects. Their stunning lamp designs emphasize soft, glare-free lighting to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Additionally, the company’s core philosophy revolves around sustainability. They work internationally with organizations with similar causes and produce highly efficient lighting products that are good for the environment. 

Louis Poulsen sells products worldwide and has a reliable trade program for lighting professionals. 

Main Products

• Ceiling Pendants
• Floor Lamps
• Wall Sconce
• Luxury Table Lamps

Key Features

• Soft, Ambient Lighting
• Scandinavian Heritage
• Architectural Partnerships

8. Tom Dixon

Tom Dixon is the UK’s top, award-winning designer lighting brand founded in 2002. Tom started as a musician and later delved into the magical world of art, where his talents truly shine. His creative artwork became the highlight of the UK’s artistic scene in the mid-1980s. 

The company’s exotic lighting products push the boundaries of imagination yet are grounded enough to be functional lighting pieces. The products are known for industrial, modern designs that use materials like metal, aged brass and glass innovatively.

Dixon’s experience in the manufacturing sector helps him build innovative designs that are unique to this brand. A popular English brand with a prominent international presence, especially in Japan and Germany. 

Recently, they have partnered with the world-renowned furniture brand Ikea and made their lighting products compatible with it. Now, customers can enjoy luxury with functionality. Their standout designs, like the Melt and Copper Shade pendants, are instantly recognizable.

Main Products 

• Melt Cone Fat Table Gold LED
• PUFF Ceiling Light
• Melt, Stone & Bell Portable lights

Key Features

• Industrial Aesthetic
• Premium Craftsmanship
• Statement Pieces

9. Bocci

Bocci is a Canadian luxury designer brand known for creating sculptural, art-inspired lighting that doubles as decor. They have a multi-disciplinary design studio that frequently uses glass and metal in creative ways, with designs that focus on texture and organic shapes. 

It was founded in 2006 by the designer Omer Arbel and entrepreneur Randy Bishop with an aim to make a place for cultivating art and inspire the next generation. Bocci’s first lamp, 14, became a hit because of its stunning design. Pieces like the 14 and 73 series create ethereal, atmospheric effects in any space.

Bocci’s team of talented designers, glassblowers, chemists, engineers, and architects creates incredible lighting designs worthy of postmodern art. Their dealerships expand worldwide. 

Main Products 

• Bocci Series 14, 16, 19
• Ceilings Suspension Lighting 
• Outdoor Luxury Lights

Key Features

• Artistic Lighting
• Unique Material Use
• Atmospheric Designs

10. Pablo Designs

Lastly, we have Pablo Designs, which features American contemporary lighting that focuses on minimalism and clean lines, which are perfect for modern interiors. It was founded by industrial designer Pablo Pardo in 1993, with a major emphasis on creative designs, sustainable materials, and energy-efficient LED technology.

The sustainability approach resulted in highly functional, practical lighting solutions that are also visually appealing, like the Tube Top and Pixo lamps. Pablo routinely collaborates with famous designers such as Brad Ascalon, Carmine Deganello, and Dana Cannam. You can get Pablo products delivered to your doorsteps across the USA. However, their international shipping is limited. 

Main Products 

• Bel Occhio Chandelier
• Belmont Table Silverdale Light
• Bola Disc Flush Brass Wall Light

Key Features

• Minimalist, Modern Style 
• Eco-Friendly Innovations
• Functional Aesthetics

Choosing the Right Lighting Brand

Choosing the right lighting brand, especially for designer lighting, is often subjective. Each designer brings a unique artistic vision that sets their work apart. Look for one that resonates with your personal sense of creativity.

You can learn more about trending lighting options by exploring Architectural Digest’s recommended sources. It is a reputable design and fashion magazine based in America.

Tips for Installing Luxury Lighting

Designer lighting is different from ordinary lighting fixtures in the sense they require extra care and thought to get the best out of it. Here are some tips that can help achieve that. 

1. Plan Your Lighting Layout

Decide whether the lighting is for decoration, ambiance, task-oriented, or a focus point. Plan light layering to create depth and aesthetics. For more details on the lighting layout, check out this guide. 

Hiring an interior designer at this stage would also help. Investing in dimmer switches will also help with aesthetics. 

2. Hire Professionals 

Luxury lighting often requires precise wiring and mounting. These fixtures are expensive, and you don’t want to risk any accidents. A professional ensures safe and proper installation, especially for complex or heavy fixtures like chandeliers. 

3. Electrical Requirements

Consider the electrical requirements of the lighting fixture and ensure it is compatible with your home’s electrical system. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions and ensure your electrician does the same.

Luxury Lighting Maintenance and Care

Regular fixtures can function for years with minimal cleaning or maintenance, but luxury lighting requires extra care to preserve its shine and aesthetics. These pieces are often not easily replaceable, as many are available in limited stock and may be unavailable when needed. Here is what you need to do.

1. Follow the Manufacturer’s Guidelines

The best way to maintain designer lighting fixtures is to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. These will specify the appropriate chemicals and tools to use without damaging the specialized materials of the fixture. Or better yet, schedule Professional Maintenance and let the pros handle it. 

2. Regular Cleaning

Use a soft, lint-free cloth or feather duster to remove dust from surfaces. Metals require polish to get the shine back. For glass, a diluted vinegar solution or dedicated glass cleaner would suffice. Fixtures with lots of small pieces, like fancy chandeliers, need to be dismantled carefully before deep cleaning. 

3. Use the Right Cleaning Tools

Use microfiber cloths, small brushes, or extendable dusters to safely clean the luxury fixtures with any scratches or abrasions. 

4. Avoid Harsh Chemicals and Direct Sunlight

Only use the chemical cleaners recommended by the manufacturers. Additionally, make sure the luxury fixture is installed away from direct sunlight to avoid any accidental fade. 

Conclusion

This guide provides an overview of the global designer lighting market. We discuss the major players in the market, as well as the up-and-coming ones. Each designer brings a unique blend of art and lighting that becomes their signature mark. 

We also share tips on the maintenance and installation of luxury lighting. Reviewing each company’s key features lets you easily recognize which brand resonates with you the most.

Meet All Your Lighting Needs with RC Lighting 

RC Lighting is a leading LED lighting manufacturer. Our clientele has spread across the globe for the past two decades. We use premium, high-quality materials for our lighting products, balancing elegance with functionality.

All our products are made using state-of-the-art chips from suppliers like CREE, OSRAM, and LUMILEDS, ensuring years of safe and reliable operation. We offer extensive OEM services for designer brands to help clients bring their luxury lighting ideas to life.

Get the best lighting products at affordable prices. Contact us Now!