Lighting by Room and Function
Chandeliers and large pendants serve as ambient lighting — the primary light source for dining rooms, entryways, and living rooms. Wall sconces add layers of accent lighting along hallways, flanking mirrors, or framing a headboard. Table lamps provide task lighting on desks, nightstands, and console tables. Floor lamps fill dark corners and work as reading lights next to lounge chairs. Most rooms need at least two types (ambient plus task or accent) to feel properly lit. Start with the overhead fixture, then layer in secondary sources.
Finishes and Materials
Hudson Valley Lighting specializes in metal finishes with character. Aged brass has a warm, slightly tarnished look that pairs with transitional and traditional interiors. Patina brass is darker and more uneven, with a vintage feel. Polished nickel reads modern and clean. French iron is a dark, matte finish that works in rustic and industrial spaces. Many fixtures combine two finishes — brass with black, or nickel with glass. Shade materials range from hand-blown glass (diffused, warm light) to linen and rattan (textured, softer light) to exposed-bulb designs (direct, brighter light).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right size light fixture for my room?
For ceiling fixtures, add the room length and width in feet — that number in inches is your ideal fixture diameter. A 12x14-foot room needs a 26-inch fixture. Over a dining table, the fixture should be 12 inches narrower than the table and hang 30-36 inches above the surface. For table lamps, the shade bottom should sit at seated eye level (about 40 inches from the floor). For floor lamps next to seating, the shade bottom should sit at 58-64 inches.
What is the difference between Hudson Valley, Troy, and Mitzi lighting?
All three are brands under the Hudson Valley Lighting Group, each targeting a different style. Hudson Valley is the heritage line — transitional to traditional designs, hand-finished metals, premium materials, and higher price points. Troy Lighting leans industrial and modern with larger-scale fixtures. Mitzi targets modern, colorful, youthful designs at a more accessible price. All three are designed in New York and share the same quality standards for electrical components and finishes.
Can I use LED bulbs in these fixtures?
Yes. All fixtures in our collection are compatible with standard LED bulbs. Most use E26 (standard) or E12 (candelabra) bases. For fixtures with exposed bulbs, decorative LED filament bulbs in warm white (2700K) match the look of vintage incandescent bulbs. For fixtures with shades, any LED bulb in the correct base size works. Check each product page for the recommended bulb type, wattage, and whether bulbs are included.
Do I need an electrician to install a new light fixture?
If you are replacing an existing fixture and the electrical box is already in the ceiling or wall, most installations are a straightforward DIY project — turn off power at the breaker, disconnect the old fixture, connect the new wires (match black to black, white to white, ground to ground), and mount. Heavy fixtures (over 50 pounds) require a fan-rated junction box. New installations where no electrical box exists require a licensed electrician.
