ᐅ Is an additional cost for high-quality lighting fixtures necessary?

I am currently working on the lighting design. We had it professionally done by a local supplier. What surprised me were the sometimes crazy prices. There wasn’t a single hanging lamp (dining area strip light) under €800 (about $860), with most closer to €2000 (about $2150). Ceiling lights and spotlights were also priced at about four times the cost I found online. I’m wondering if the price premium for lighting is justified. Especially considering the usage over the next 10 to 30 years, I’m willing to spend more on certain items, but only if the quality matches the price. Does anyone have experience with this? Thank you!

Bauenaberwie schrieb:

I am wondering whether the extra cost for the lighting is justified. Considering the usage over the next 10-30 years, I’m willing to spend more on certain things but only if the quality matches the price. Does anyone have experience with this? Thanks!

At some point, the additional cost no longer justifies the increase in quality. A good example is the Occhio Sento, which costs around 600-700 € as a small wall lamp. Imitation Sentos, like the Top Light Puk, cost about a quarter of that price while still offering very good quality.

I’m happy to spend money on good products, but in my opinion, the price increases for lamps are often exaggerated because the improvement in quality does not keep up with the price jump. My conclusion: good lamps cost a fair amount, but designer lines that are often offered by professional dealers are significantly overpriced.

Benutzer200 schrieb:

At some point, price increases no longer justify the additional quality. A good example is Occhio Sento, which costs between 600-700 € (about 650-750 USD) as a small wall lamp. Fake Sento versions, like the Top Light Puk, cost about a quarter of that price, yet still maintain very good quality.

I’m happy to spend money on good products, but when it comes to lamps, in my opinion, prices are often exaggerated since the quality improvement doesn’t match the price increase. My conclusion: Good lamps cost good money, but designer lines, often sold by professional dealers, are significantly overpriced.

They mostly serve as "status symbols" due to their recognizability. The main differences are usually in the quality of the electronics/socket and the surface finish. This is especially noticeable with chrome or brass finishes. It’s like the difference between a cheap imitation Vuitton made from faux leather and the original made from real leather.

We wanted a hanging lamp in a simple Scandinavian style.
The "original" cost €300 (about $320) for a very basic lamp with a shade. The replica was €50 (about $53), so we initially bought the replica. The quality was terrible. The metal shade was flimsy and its shape uneven. In addition, there was a visible seam in one spot, so it was clearly bent and welded.
Then we looked at the original: the shade was made of solid material, at least twice as heavy. Perfect shape, not flimsy, no weld seam.
Conclusion: very cheap is very cheap. Whether a €1000 (about $1065) lamp is three times better than a €300 (about $320) lamp? I don’t know, I tend to doubt it.

Did you pay for the lighting designer separately, or is that cost included in the expensive lamps?

@Bauenaberwie
I am very interested in professional lighting design.
Would you be willing to share it with us and provide some details?

Benutzer200 schrieb:

At some point, price increases no longer justify the added quality. A good example is the Occhio Sento wall lamp, which costs around 600-700 euros (approximately 650-760 US dollars). Fake Sentos, like the Top Light Puk, are about a quarter of that price while still offering very good quality.

I can’t agree with you.. I’ve seen and tested both. There’s a huge difference between them—quality-wise, that is. Although you’re right about the price difference 😕