Where to Buy Lighting Fixtures From High Point Manufacturers and Showrooms
High Point is the center of furniture and lighting manufacturing in North Carolina, and most major lighting brands either have showrooms there or manufacture there
High Point, located in Guilford County about 90 miles west of Raleigh, hosts the largest concentration of lighting showrooms and manufacturers on the East Coast. If you are looking for fixtures—pendant lights, chandeliers, wall sconces, table lamps, outdoor lighting, or specialty pieces—you can see hundreds of options in person by visiting showrooms in High Point rather than ordering blind from a catalog or website.
Most showrooms are open to the public, though some require an appointment or a designer's referral. Prices at showroom level are often lower than retail because you are buying closer to the source. Many showrooms also offer custom orders, bulk pricing for contractors and designers, and direct shipping to South Carolina addresses.
Key Takeaways
- High Point showrooms let you see lighting fixtures in person before buying, which matters because color temperature, scale, and finish look different in real light than in photos.
- Most major lighting brands operate showrooms in the High Point Market Center or nearby buildings, and many are open to walk-in customers without an appointment.
- Showroom prices are typically lower than retail because you are purchasing directly from the distributor or manufacturer rather than through a middleman.
- If you need custom finishes, bulk orders, or fixtures for a specific design scheme, showroom staff can often work with you on specifications and timeline.
The High Point Market Center and Its Lighting District
The High Point Market Center, located at 220 East Commerce Avenue, is the hub of the lighting industry in the region. The complex contains over 100 showrooms across multiple buildings, and lighting fixtures occupy a significant portion of the space. Brands like Kichler, Quoizel, Feiss, Hinkley, and Progress Lighting maintain permanent showrooms there, along with dozens of smaller and specialty manufacturers.
The Market Center is open to the public year-round during business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some showrooms also open on Saturday mornings. You do not need an appointment to walk through the buildings and browse, though calling ahead to confirm a specific showroom's hours is a good idea, especially if you are traveling from South Carolina.
The lighting showrooms are concentrated in Buildings 1, 2, and 3, though fixtures appear throughout the complex. Each showroom typically displays multiple product lines, so you can compare styles, price points, and finishes in one visit. Many showrooms have sample installations set up so you can see how fixtures look when lit.
What to Expect When You Visit a High Point Showroom
Showroom staff are trained to help you find fixtures that match your space, budget, and design goals. Bring photos of your room, measurements of the space where you want to install the fixture, and information about your existing décor. If you are replacing a fixture, bring the old one or a photo of it so staff can suggest compatible options.
Most showrooms can order fixtures in different finishes—brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, polished chrome, matte black, and others—even if the display model is in a single finish. Lead times vary by brand and whether the fixture is in stock or made to order. Standard orders typically ship within two to four weeks; custom orders may take longer.
Showroom prices are marked, but negotiation is common, especially for larger orders or if you are buying multiple fixtures. Ask about contractor discounts if you are working with a designer or builder. Many showrooms also offer volume pricing for commercial projects or new construction.
Independent and Specialty Lighting Showrooms in High Point
Beyond the Market Center, High Point has independent lighting showrooms and design studios that specialize in specific styles or price ranges. These include mid-century modern specialists, outdoor lighting experts, and high-end designer showrooms. Many of these are located on or near Main Street and in the surrounding warehouse district.
Independent showrooms often carry brands you will not find in the Market Center and may offer more personalized design consultation. Some work exclusively with designers and architects, but many welcome retail customers. A quick online search for "lighting showrooms High Point NC" or a call to the High Point Convention and Visitors Bureau (336-884-5255) can point you to showrooms that match your style and budget.
Shipping and Installation Services
Most High Point showrooms ship directly to South Carolina addresses. Shipping costs depend on the size and weight of the fixture and your delivery address. Some showrooms include shipping in the price; others charge a separate fee. Ask about this before you order.
Showrooms do not typically install fixtures, but they can recommend licensed electricians in your area or provide installation instructions for DIY projects. Some fixtures are simple enough to install yourself if you are comfortable working with electrical wiring; others require a licensed electrician for safety and code compliance. Ask the showroom staff which category your fixture falls into.
Planning a Showroom Visit From South Carolina
High Point is about two to three hours from most of South Carolina depending on where you are starting. If you are making a day trip, plan to spend three to four hours browsing showrooms. If you want to see multiple brands and have detailed consultations, consider staying overnight.
The High Point Convention and Visitors Bureau website (highpointcvb.com) lists hotels, restaurants, and directions. Many visitors combine a lighting showroom visit with browsing furniture showrooms, since the same buildings house both. If you are working with a designer or architect, they may already have relationships with High Point showrooms and can arrange a private showing or group visit.
Call ahead to confirm showroom hours and ask if the specific brands you want to see are in stock. This saves time and ensures you see what you came for. Some showrooms close for inventory or special events, so a quick phone call prevents a wasted trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment to visit High Point showrooms?
Most showrooms in the High Point Market Center welcome walk-in customers during business hours without an appointment. However, calling ahead is smart—it takes five minutes and confirms the showroom is open and has staff available to help. Some specialty showrooms do require appointments or designer referrals, so ask when you call.
Can I order a fixture in a different color or finish than what is on display?
Yes. Most manufacturers offer multiple finishes for the same fixture design. The showroom can order it in brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, matte black, polished chrome, or other finishes even if only one finish is displayed. Lead times and pricing may vary by finish, so ask before you order.
Are showroom prices cheaper than buying online?
Often yes, because you are buying directly from the distributor or manufacturer rather than through a retail middleman. Showroom prices are typically 20 to 40 percent lower than big-box or online retail prices for the same fixture. Showroom staff may also negotiate on price, especially for larger orders.
What if I buy a fixture and it does not fit my space?
Return policies vary by showroom and manufacturer. Most allow returns within 30 days if the fixture is unused and in original packaging. Ask about the return policy before you buy. If the fixture is custom-ordered or made to your specifications, returns may not be allowed, so confirm this upfront.
Can a showroom help me design a lighting plan for my whole house?
Many showrooms offer design consultation, though the depth and cost vary. Some offer free advice when you are buying; others charge a consultation fee. If you need a full lighting design for multiple rooms, ask if the showroom works with independent lighting designers or can recommend one in South Carolina.