Christie's Lighting in Charleston: Fixtures, Design Help, and Where to Find Them
What Christie's Lighting Offers
Christie's Lighting is a lighting showroom in Charleston that carries residential and commercial fixtures, ceiling fans, and outdoor lighting. The store stocks brands including Kichler, Progress Lighting, and Quoizel, along with a selection of LED bulbs and replacement parts. Staff can help you choose fixtures that fit your space and existing décor, and the showroom lets you see how different styles and finishes look in person before you buy.
The store handles both walk-in customers and special orders. If you need a specific fixture that is not on the floor, Christie's can order it for you. They also offer installation recommendations and can connect you with local electricians if you need help hanging or wiring fixtures.
Key Takeaways
- Christie's Lighting carries ceiling fixtures, pendant lights, chandeliers, outdoor lights, and ceiling fans from established brands like Kichler and Progress Lighting.
- You can see fixtures in person at the showroom to compare styles, finishes, and how light looks in different settings before making a purchase.
- The store takes special orders if you want a fixture not currently in stock, which is useful for matching specific design styles or hard-to-find pieces.
- Staff can advise on fixture placement, bulb types, and dimming options, and can recommend local electricians for installation work.
Browsing the Showroom
Walking through Christie's lets you compare fixtures side by side and see how different finishes—brushed nickel, bronze, chrome, or brass—read in natural and showroom light. This matters because a fixture that looks one way under store lights may feel different in your home, especially depending on whether your walls are light or dark and how much natural light your room gets.
The showroom is organized by room type and fixture category, so you can focus on ceiling lights, wall sconces, pendant lights, or outdoor fixtures depending on what you need. Staff can show you how to pair fixtures with dimmer switches and explain the difference between warm and cool LED bulbs if you are replacing older incandescent or halogen lights.
Special Orders and Brands
If you have seen a fixture online or in a designer's portfolio and want to order it through Christie's, bring the product name or image with you. The store can often source pieces from brands they carry, and sometimes from brands they do not regularly stock. Lead times vary depending on the brand and whether the item is in production, so ask about timing before you commit.
Kichler and Progress Lighting are core inventory, which means Christie's usually has their current collections on hand. Quoizel fixtures are also regularly stocked. If you are drawn to a specific designer brand or a custom piece, the staff can tell you whether it is something they can order and what the cost and timeline would be.
Lighting for Different Rooms
Kitchens need bright, focused light over work surfaces and softer ambient light for eating and gathering. Christie's carries under-cabinet lights, island pendants, and recessed fixtures that work well in kitchens. Bathrooms benefit from fixtures that provide even light around the mirror and do not create harsh shadows—the showroom has vanity lights and sconces designed for this purpose.
Bedrooms and living rooms often call for dimmable fixtures and softer finishes. Outdoor spaces need weather-resistant fixtures rated for wet or damp locations, depending on whether they are under a covered porch or fully exposed. The staff can help you understand which fixtures are rated for which conditions and what bulb types work best in each setting.
LED Bulbs and Replacements
Christie's stocks LED bulbs in different color temperatures—warm white (2700K) for living spaces, neutral white (4000K) for kitchens and work areas, and cool white (5000K) for task lighting. They also carry specialty bulbs like dimmable LEDs, smart bulbs that work with home automation systems, and vintage-style Edison bulbs for fixtures that call for that look.
If you have an older fixture and need to replace the bulb, bring the fixture or a photo of it with you. The staff can tell you what wattage and base type you need and whether the fixture works with dimmers or smart home systems. LED bulbs last much longer than older incandescent bulbs, so the upfront cost is usually offset by lower energy use and fewer replacements over time.
Installation and Electrician Referrals
Some fixtures are straightforward enough to install yourself if you are comfortable working with electrical wiring and turning off the breaker. Others—especially chandeliers, recessed lights, or anything requiring new wiring—should be handled by a licensed electrician. Christie's can recommend local electricians who have worked on their fixtures before and understand the specific requirements of different brands and styles.
Before you buy, ask the staff whether the fixture you are choosing is a simple swap for an existing light or whether it will require new wiring or structural work. This affects both the cost and the timeline for your project. If you are planning a larger lighting renovation, Christie's can help you think through the whole room rather than just individual fixtures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a fixture online and pick it up at the showroom?
Contact Christie's directly to ask about online ordering and in-store pickup options. Policies vary by item and brand, and some special orders may need to ship to your home instead. Call ahead to confirm what works for the specific fixture you want.
Do you install fixtures, or do I need to hire an electrician?
Christie's does not install fixtures themselves, but they can recommend licensed electricians in the Charleston area who do. Installation complexity varies—some fixtures are simple swaps, while others require new wiring or structural work. The staff can tell you what your fixture will need.
What is the difference between warm and cool LED bulbs?
Warm white (2700K) has a yellowish tone and feels cozy in bedrooms and living rooms. Cool white (4000K to 5000K) is brighter and more neutral, better for kitchens and workspaces. Christie's carries both, and staff can show you samples so you can see the difference in person.
Can I return or exchange a fixture if I change my mind?
Return and exchange policies depend on whether the fixture is in stock, special-ordered, or clearance. Ask about the store's policy before you buy, especially for special orders or discontinued items that may not be returnable.
Do you carry outdoor lighting for wet locations?
Yes, Christie's stocks outdoor fixtures rated for different conditions—covered porches, open decks, and fully exposed areas. Tell the staff where you plan to install the light, and they can recommend fixtures with the right weather rating and materials for that location.