What to Ask Before Buying Decorative Lighting: A Showroom Checklist

What to ask before buying decorative lighting

Buying lighting is easier when you can compare fittings at their real size, see the finish in natural light and view them switched on. This checklist will help you get specific advice during a visit to Illuminations of Camberley rather than relying on a catalogue photograph.

Short answer: Bring room measurements, ceiling heights, photographs, paint or fabric samples and an approximate budget for each room. If work is already scheduled, also bring the date your electrician needs the fittings.

The seven essential questions

1. Can I see the light switched on?

Many fittings in our Camberley showroom can be viewed illuminated. This lets you judge brightness, glare, glass reflections, colour temperature, finish and scale—details that can look very different in an online photograph.

2. What is the lead time if I order today?

Lead times vary by product and supplier. We can check current availability before you commit and tell you whether a fitting is available quickly, awaiting new stock or made to order. Tell us at the beginning if your electrician or decorator is working to a fixed date.

3. What happens if the light does not work in my room?

We help you consider dimensions, ceiling height, drop, brightness and compatibility before ordering. Ask us to explain the applicable return terms before purchasing, particularly for specially ordered, assembled or altered products.

Your statutory rights remain unaffected if goods are faulty, incorrectly described or do not do what they are supposed to do. Change-of-mind rights can differ depending on how the purchase was completed. See GOV.UK guidance on returns and refunds.

4. Do you offer a multi-room discount?

We can prepare a coordinated quotation for a multi-room or whole-house project. Any saving depends on the brands, quantities, products and supplier terms involved, so it is assessed individually rather than applied as a blanket discount.

5. What IP rating do I need for my bathroom?

The correct protection depends on the fitting's position relative to the bath or shower and its likely exposure to splashing or water jets. Equipment in bathroom zones 1 and 2 normally requires at least IPX4, although the position and installation must be assessed properly.

We can help select a suitable fitting, but the final position and installation should be confirmed by a registered electrician. See Electrical Safety First bathroom guidance and the IET explanation of bathroom IP requirements.

6. Can you help me plan lighting for all my rooms?

Yes. Illuminations offers free in-store advice for anything from one fitting to a coordinated whole-house scheme. Plans, photographs, measurements and samples help us consider scale, light levels, finishes and how adjoining rooms work together.

7. What brands can you source from catalogues?

Alongside the fittings displayed in our showroom, we can source from established decorative-lighting suppliers including Där, Laura Ashley Lighting, Endon, Searchlight, Inspired Lighting, Trio and Grossmann. Bring a photograph or reference: if the exact light is unavailable, we may be able to identify a suitable alternative.

Technical questions worth asking

Will a new light work with my existing dimmer?

Not automatically. The fitting or bulb must be dimmable and the LED lamp, driver and dimmer must be compatible. Older dimmers designed for incandescent lamps can perform poorly with low-wattage LEDs. Bring a photograph or model number of the dimmer when possible.

Can decorative lighting work with smart-home controls?

Often, but compatibility depends on the control system, driver, dimming method and minimum electrical load. Tell us whether you use Rako, Philips Hue, Casambi, Lutron or another platform before ordering.

Do I need a transformer or LED driver?

Some low-voltage and integrated-LED fittings require a driver; others connect directly to the mains. We can check what is supplied and whether a component needs to remain accessible for future maintenance.

How do I compare LED brightness with an old bulb?

Compare lumens rather than watts. Lumens measure light output, while watts measure energy use. Colour temperature also matters: approximately 2700–3000K generally gives the warm appearance preferred in domestic interiors. The Energy Saving Trust lighting guide reports that LEDs can use around 80% less electricity than comparable halogen lighting.

What if my lighting point does not have an earth wire?

Tell us before choosing the fitting. A Class 2 or double-insulated light does not require a protective earth connection, but the existing wiring and proposed fitting should still be checked by a registered electrician.

Questions about ordering, installation and support

Can you quote for an entire house?

Yes. We can organise selections room by room and prepare a consolidated quotation, helping you control the overall budget and decide where spending more will make the greatest difference.

Will you match a price I have found elsewhere?

Bring the complete like-for-like quotation, including the exact model, finish, availability and any delivery charge. We will check what we can offer, although we cannot promise to match every online retailer or overseas marketplace.

Do you install lighting?

We specialise in planning, specifying and supplying decorative lighting. Ask us about current local electrician recommendations if you need installation assistance. Electrical work in homes must comply with Part P of the Building Regulations. GOV.UK publishes Approved Document P, and Electrical Safety First recommends using a registered electrician.

What warranty is included?

Our showroom range carries a minimum three-year Illuminations warranty. Individual manufacturer terms can vary, so we will confirm the applicable cover for the product you select. This warranty is additional to statutory consumer rights.

Can replacement glass, shades or LED drivers be obtained?

Often, depending on the manufacturer and age of the product. Keep your receipt, product reference and installation information. We can approach the supplier to check whether the required component remains available.

Do you deliver?

Our online service is collection-only. Products can be collected from Illuminations of Camberley, 66–68 High Street, Camberley, Surrey GU15 3RS, once we have confirmed that the complete order is ready.

What to bring to the showroom

• Room dimensions and ceiling heights.

• Photographs from several angles.

• Island, dining-table or furniture dimensions.

• Paint, wallpaper, fabric or flooring samples.

• Details of existing dimmers or smart controls.

• The position of electrical points.

• Your preferred completion date.

• A rough budget for each room.

• Images of styles you like—and dislike.

About this advice

Prepared by Andy Elliott, Director of Illuminations of Camberley, with approximately 20 years' experience helping customers select decorative lighting.

Illuminations of Camberley is an independent lighting showroom at 66–68 High Street, Camberley GU15 3RS. Our team has approximately 100 years of combined lighting experience.

Last reviewed: 29 September 2026.

This guide provides general product-selection information. Electrical suitability and installation should be confirmed by a competent registered electrician.