Why Does the Cost of Lighting
Vary So Much?

You want to make informed purchasing decisions when remodeling, restoring and decorating your home. Understanding the factors affecting the cost of lighting is an essential part of that decision making process. Here are four of the key factors that influence the cost of lighting to help you ask the questions that will lead to your perfect solution.

Labor is one of the two biggest factors affecting the final cost of a fixture.

Overseas workers are paid less to oversee machines that do most of the work. The cost of lighting produced this way will fall on the lower end of the spectrum despite transportation costs required to move them to U.S. shelves. Additionally, workers (both overseas and domestic) paid to supervise machines that spit out products are generally paid less than someone who crafts a fixture by hand, which lowers the final cost.

Domestic manufacturing pays American workers domestic wages which will increase costs. And manufacturers who combine machine-assisted labor and handcraft will need to charge more for their final product because of the labor-intensive quality of any level of handcrafted work.

Next up on the list of the two most variable factors affecting the cost of lighting is the quality of the base materials used in the product.

On the lower end of cost, you’ll find fixtures stamped out of cheaper metals like thin steel or cast aluminum. These sacrifice long-term durability for a lower price. They may wear out, corrode or malfunction beyond repair within a decade or less. This is typical of fixtures manufactured overseas and sold in big box stores.

On the other higher end of the cost spectrum, you’ll find fixtures made from materials like solid brass, stainless steel or other high-grade metals that have proven track records of durability. This increased durability will increase cost. On top of that, manufacturers who use durable materials may machine their own parts rather than rely on mass produced catalog parts, which also increases cost.

Material quality also extends to the finish on the fixture. On the lower end you’ll find cheaper, sprayed-on acrylic paints that will chip and wear easily. Finishes like hand applied patinas, decorative precious metals, and added protection will all increase the final cost of lighting. And don’t forget shades when necessary. Mold-made, ‘factory-perfect’ glass will ask a lower price than the more aesthetically pleasing and labor-intensive blown glass. The higher prices usually translate into better durability and aesthetic appeal.

Design is where function and aesthetics intersect, and it will impact the final cost of lighting in a few different ways. A simple, easily constructed mold that can be repeatedly produced will fetch a lower price, whereas especially intricate designs that require special manufacturing and extra labor will command a higher price tag.

Designs produced by specific, well-known designers within the industry will also tend to have a higher price point to capture the name associated with the iconic designs.

Customizable options and limited-edition pieces contribute to the premium end of the price spectrum as well. The design may go as far as a personalized, entirely custom piece exclusive to you, in which case the sky’s the limit for cost.

Finally, the safety of the fixture contributes to the cost of lighting. Maintaining compliance with electrical codes and fire safety regulations will typically increase cost, though not substantially. Fixtures with advanced safety technologies like overload protection or integrated surge suppression may cost more because of the added components and engineering required. In the same vein, the labor required for quality control can be counted under safety, as build quality and wiring, bulb function and more are checked throughout the manufacturing process.

Pinning down specific numbers as to how much lighting should cost is nearly impossible. But now you know all the main factors that contribute to cost, and you’re equipped with the knowledge to ask pertinent questions when you’re shopping.

As for us, the team at Old California has been manufacturing historically inspired, luxury lighting since 1989. We draw on our favorite timeless designs from classic architectural styles, and each fixture is made to order, one piece at a time. We use robust materials, offer a slew of customization options and we back the majority of our fixtures with a lifetime warranty.

Although we're not the most expensive option on the market, you’ll pay more for one of our light fixtures than you would for something that was mass produced. You’ll also be guaranteed its beauty will last for generations to come.

We pay for surprise safety inspections and audits from UL to ensure the safety of the products that ship out of our Southern California factory. And speaking of the factory, all our lighting has been handcrafted just south of Los Angeles since the day our doors opened. Purchasing our lighting means you’re supporting domestic manufacturing and American workers.

Your house is important. You spend a lot of time there and it should be beautiful. Handcrafted lighting is an extra-special, personalized and lasting touch that’s an easy way to elevate any part of your home. Old California will help you accomplish that upgrade and make it last.

After all, ‘We want your house to shine!’