frequently asked questions

Designing with decorative lighting should be more about expressing your personal style rather than adhering to a strict lighting code. However, there are some questions that frequently arise, so we’ve listed some of those along with some general tips on ordering to assist you in making your selection. Should you need further assistance, please contact us at 877.762.2323.

General Tips
  • Consider installing dimmer switches to control the intensity of the light to suit the mood and conserve energy.
  • Most of the fixtures will accommodate a compact fluorescent bulb when looking to achieve maximum efficiency. 
  • Plan ahead by beginning your lighting selection early in your decorating process and consider lead times.  Many fixtures may be in production with a typical lead time ranging from 4 – 8 weeks

Chandeliers
  • As a general rule, chandeliers should be hung approximately 30" – 36" above the table top and should be approximately 6" narrower than the table on each side.  If the ceiling is 10' or taller you should slightly increase the distance between the bottom of the fixture and the table top.
  • Consider 2-tiered chandeliers for ceilings that are 10' or taller.
  • Ceiling lights for foyers and other rooms should not drop below 7' 6".  A general guideline to use for choosing width is to add the room dimensions together.  If your room is 16' x 20', add 16 + 20 = 36.  Your chandelier should be approximately 36" wide.  Again, this is a generalization; you must still consider your ceiling height and the weight and design of the fixture, which could influence the overall size.
  • All of our chandeliers come with 6' of matching chain and canopy.  Additional chain is available for purchase – please contact us at 877.762.2323 to order.
Sconces
  • Most sconces are designed to be hardwired.
  • Not all back plates are the same size.  Make a note of the size of the back plate to determine if it will cover an existing junction box.  If new construction and you are ordering a sconce with a small back plate, be sure to consult your electrician on the proper installation of the electrical box.  For instance, on a sconce with a 2 ½ x 4 ½" back plate, you will want to have a switch box installed as opposed to a standard junction box.
  • Generally, it is recommended that sconces not be mounted less than 60" from the floor.  However, always bear in mind the placement of the back plate in relation to the overall fixture.

Wall Lamps
  • All wall lamps are shipped with 8' of cord and a cord cover. Cord cover length will vary depending on the fixture. However, most can be easily converted to hardwire by removing the cord cover and pulling the cord through the center hole of the mounting plate and wiring directly to a junction box in the wall.

Picture Lights
  • Typically a picture light should be approximately half the size of your artwork.

Exterior Lights

Our exterior lights are not lacquered and will gracefully age and patina once exposed outdoors.

Scale / Size Approximate Guidelines

Wall Mounted Fixtures
(dimensions indicate maximum overall height of fixture)

Ceiling Height

6' 8" (80")
Door Height

7' (84")
Door Height

8' (96")
Door Height

9' (108")
Door Height

8' – 9.5'

14"

18"

18"

18"

10' – 11.5'

21"

21"

21"

21"

12' – 14'

21"

24"

24"

24"

14' – 16'

24"

27"

27"

27"

Over 16'

27" +

27" +

30" +

30" +


Ceiling Mounted Fixtures
(dimensions indicate maximum overall height of fixture)

Ceiling Height

6' 8" (80")
Door Height

7' (84")
Door Height

8' (96")
Door Height

9' (108")
Door Height

9' (108")

18"

16"

6"

 

9.5' (114")

24"

20"

14"

 

10' (120")

31"

31"

18"

7"

10.5' (126")

34"

34"

26"

13"

11'(132")

38"

38"

31"

21"

11.5' (138")

45"

45"

36"

24"

12' (144")

50"

50"

38"

30"

12.5' (150")

54"

54"

42"

36"

Commercial & Contract Installations
  • Most of the lights on our web site are UL listed.  If your installation requires UL listing, please contact us for verification.
  • We can accommodate large commercial projects. 

Finishes
  • All Circa Lighting products are made from the finest materials available.  All metal finishes are natural and will weather naturally.  Many of our metal finishes are not lacquered.
  • Due to the handmade nature of many items, variations will occur.
  • Every component has been individually finished by master craftsmen. You may notice small imperfections. These are not defects, but true evidence that each piece is a crafted work of art.

Care Instructions
  • Clean all our products with a soft, dry cloth only. When it is necessary to use a cleaning agent, use only a mild detergent on a soft, damp cloth. Do not use scouring agents, abrasive sponges, hydrochloric acid, vinegar (acetic acid) cleaners, ammonia, or metal silicates.

Returns
  • We realize it may be difficult to visualize a particular light in your space.  That's why we encourage you to contact one of our sales reps at 877.762.2323 for additional help in obtaining specific information.  Should your light end up not working in your space as expected, it is returnable as long as it has not been installed.  Please read our full Return Policy.