ᐅ Lighting for the Entire Home – Looking for Advice

Created on: 17 Aug 2020 20:35
H
Hamburch
Hello everyone,
I am currently at the point of choosing lighting.

So far, mainly DIY store lamps have been installed in my current apartment (which have served their purpose), but now I want to treat myself to something nicer.

Especially the hallway and the dining table (extendable from 1.60 to 2.40 meters (5.3 to 7.9 feet)) are challenging me.
For the dining table, I could imagine three Gople or Orient P1 lamps (although they would need to be combined).
Since the dining room wall will be painted dark blue (SW Belem), I think copper or bronze could work well here.


Three copper pendant lamps hanging over a dining table; chairs next to it, glass on the table.



Copper-colored pendant lamp with teardrop-shaped shade in front of a dark wood wall.



Modern dining table with bread, olives, and wine; three glass pendant lamps hanging above.



Modern dining table in front of a dark green wall; vase with dried branches, bowl with tomatoes.


In the bedroom, I am considering an Artemide Pirce (mini).

A special challenge is the staircase area. There are three outlets: one above the landing, one at 5 meters (16.4 feet) height, and one at the terrace exit.
I have attached some photos. I have no idea what to do with these at all.


Unfinished living space with staircase on the left, large window front, and open passage on the right.



Narrow concrete shaft interior with metal ladder on the floor; cables hanging from the ceiling.



Construction corridor: exposed cable from ceiling, yellow hose on the floor, outdoor area visible.


There are many beautiful lamps, but what makes them “high quality”? Or is it like with wine in the end: quality doesn’t matter as long as it tastes good (or it looks good)?

I don’t want designer pieces throughout the entire apartment (my budget won’t allow that), but if it really clicks, I’m willing to spend more.
Stylistically, I am very drawn to Occhio Mito, for example, but that would exceed the budget.


Long, dark hallway with several ring-shaped ceiling lights, perspective looking forward.


I have also attached a floor plan to help with assessment.
The outlets are marked with an X, as usual.

Looking forward to ideas in any direction.


Floor plan of an apartment with kitchen, living room, hallway, balcony; legend on the left.
N
nordanney
31 Aug 2020 11:31
hampshire schrieb:

Apart from the fact that I would doubt that with watches – recognizing them isn’t the issue I have with unauthorized replicas. It’s the principle of counterfeiting and theft, and monetizing someone else’s intellectual property. I find that highly unethical and therefore don’t want to buy any of it.
I agree with you – it is intellectual property theft. But a 1:1 replica of a Rolex/Breitling/Omega, which now costs around 400–600€ (about 450–675 USD) and is of extremely high quality (you can actually go diving with it to 40m (130 feet)) is really impressive. I know these products from China firsthand and have compared them to the originals. Sometimes even a jeweler doesn’t spot the difference unless they pull out a magnifying glass.
Personally, I prefer to stick with Sinn.

If the fake lamps were of similar quality, the choice would be really simple.
So it’s better to stick to the original or similar designs but with reasonable quality that still comes at a fair price.
A
Alessandro
31 Aug 2020 12:47
The Steinhart design also resembles that of some Rolex models.
The function—that is, reading the time or date—remains the same. Only the quality is lower.
Compared to lamps, such an item can certainly be purchased, as it is completely legal. The quality will definitely be different...
Pinky030131 Aug 2020 13:50
What bothers me about many modern lamps is that the LEDs are built in. So, if the LED breaks, I have to replace the entire lamp. I know LEDs are supposed to last quite a long time, but does that mean it’s basically impossible for them to fail?
rick201831 Aug 2020 14:01
@Pinky0301 High-quality lighting fixtures have replaceable LED modules. In very special cases, however, only the manufacturer can replace them. The "budget" fixtures are more like disposable products.
Pinky030131 Aug 2020 14:09
What do you consider affordable? I’ve also had lamps costing several hundred euros where none of the parts were replaceable. Well, you don’t have to buy those then.
rick201831 Aug 2020 14:20
You can’t make a general statement about this. Our ceiling spotlights, for example, have replaceable LED modules. The manufacturer guarantees spare part availability for 20 years. One spotlight costs just under 300€ (+ power supply, etc.).
For pendant or floor lamps, the threshold for replaceable LEDs is higher.
A few hundred euros is actually quite affordable for lighting fixtures.