We Asked 8 Designers for Their Favorite Light Fixtures—All Under $300

I guarantee any designer will tell you that swapping out builder-grade light fixtures for truly unique pieces is a must, even if you’re a renter. However, it’s no secret that stylish lighting often comes with a hard-to-swallow price tag, and if you're replacing multiple fixtures in your home, you’ll want to budget accordingly. We turned to eight designers who shared their favorite lighting picks that come in under $300—with a few finds ringing up under $60—so that you can upgrade your space’s lighting, and save some for the furniture, too.

1. Diana 4-Light Kitchen Island Linear Pendant (Wayfair), $188

Designer Emily Starr Alfano sourced a sizable piece that reminds her of the chandelier that hangs in her dining room—yet this pick is much more wallet-friendly. “It's a classic design that works in contemporary and more transitional spaces and is one of my favorites,” she explains.

2. Amélie Surface 8" (Cedar & Moss), $239

Designer Pallavi Kale often uses this Cedar & Moss ceiling flush mount in her projects. “I love the beautiful colors that it comes in and the various wood canopy finishes,” she notes. “I recently used this in a laundry room with a fun patterned cement tile.” However, Kale adds, one of these handmade fixtures would shine in a hallway, kitchen, or utility room, too!

3. Bell Flush Mount Light (CB2), $60

CB2 has some excellent lighting finds that come in at wonderful prices, like this modern flush mount that comes in both black and white. Says designer Heather DiSabella, “This fixture has been a go-to of mine for years. It’s perfect as a stand-alone piece or grouped in rows to draw the eye upward.”

4. Doraimi Lighting 8" Industrial Semi Flush Mount (Amazon), $40

Hoping to stay in the under-$50 range? Teri Clar of NAFASI Interiors has you covered! “I am currently flipping a house, and so I’ve had to be extra sensitive to budget,” she says, recommending a Doraimi Lighting option from Amazon. Clar adds, “The whole semi-flush brass overhead light with an Edison bulb included is only $40!”

5. Samzim Pendant Light (Amazon), $249

“I love using lighting as a way to bring in personality and interest to draw the eye up, and to make ceilings look higher,” designer Julia Baum says. “One of my favorite light fixtures is the mid-century classic P5 Pendant by Poul Henningsen for Louis Poulsen, which comes in a rainbow of colors—plus, its multi-layer canopy structure distributes light in a very natural way.” For clients seeking to recreate this look on a budget, Baum has found an excellent solution. She notes, “Amazon sells an amazing reproduction that I love to use in a kitchen or playroom.”

6. Zulema 6-Light Unique Geometric Chandelier (Wayfair), $300

Adnan Anwar can’t get enough of this sculptural Wayfair find, which he is currently using in a home office. “This one gives you great flexibility in how you configure it,” he explains. “It’s just the right mix of modern, funky, and industrial—and looks like it came from a high-end showroom!”

7. Melange 5" Solitaire Flush Mount (Circa Lighting), $299

Danielle Chiprut is loving alabaster at the moment, and this luxe looking fixture is at the top of her list. “Designed by Kelly Wearstler, this light is packed with beautiful details, and its small scale makes it super versatile,” she explains. “The combination of the hand-rubbed brass and alabaster shade makes this flush mount the perfect addition to a powder room or entry foyer.”

8. Progress Lighting Parkhurst Hall & Foyer (Amazon), $227

Love a lantern? Anwar used this classic iron piece in his previous apartment. “It has enough ornamentation to make it stylistically versatile,” he says. “I find the flourish at the top far more graceful than the popular pointy top.” Anwar also offers a quick way to determine whether a lantern’s measurements are suitable for your space. “I recommend making a box out of cardboard the size of any lantern you’re considering and holding it up in your room before purchasing,” he says.

9. Theodore Flush Mount (Olde Brick Lighting), $175

“One of my favorite flush mounts to use is the Theodore (opal) flush mount from Olde Brick Lighting,” says Molly Machmer-Wessels of Woodland Design Company. “It comes in 5 finishes making it super versatile. The shape is unique and can feel at home with more modern surroundings or a traditional aesthetic. It's a super adaptable fixture.”

Which of these light fixtures would you try? Tell us in the comments below!

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