Lighting FAQs

Remains Lighting Co. founder David Calligeros launched his New York City-based business in April 1996 on West 25th Street in Chelsea. His success was founded on the premise that the best way to provide value to clients in the trade is to offer outstanding an­tiques and to back them up with impeccable customer service.

First opened in a Chelsea loft, Remains Lighting Co. sold architectural salvage items including antique lighting, bronze grilles, fireplace mantels, stained glass windows, and vintage plumbing. David restored each item to the highest standards with sensitivity and attention to the requirements of his exacting interior design and architecture clientele. His keen interest in fine metalwork, as well as his goal of having a state-of-the-art workshop devoted to this class of material, led him to focus the business on antique lighting. Three years later, in 1999 David expanded his love of skilled craftsmanship by designing a line of lighting to be manufactured in the basement workshop of his new West 28th Street Manhattan showroom, launching the made-to-order Remains Lighting Permanent Collection.

David continued to expand his NYC-based operations, ultimately moving to a 25,000 sq. ft. factory in Brooklyn, where he launched the Custom Division in 2008 in order to provide fixtures designed and built according to clients’ specifications, and later introduced the company’s first Atelier Collection, Tony Duquette, in 2009.

Remains Lighting Co. is a New York City-based company with our factory located in Bushwick, NY. In addition to our factory location, we have showrooms that are open by appointment in New York City, NY and Los Angeles, CA, as well as Account Managers available for consultations in Chicago, IL and Atlanta, GA.

Yes, we welcome visitors by appointment to both our New York and Los Angeles showrooms as well as our Brooklyn factory location. To schedule a visit, please get in touch with us at clientservices@remains.com. Our fixtures are also on display at select Christopher Peacock Showrooms.

A LEED Gold certification indicates that the building has met the standards of the U.S. Green Building Council. In the case of Remains Lighting Co.’s 1920s era factory, the building was carefully and intentionally renovated for energy efficiency, water conservation, and air filtration. Special elements of our factory include a green roof with solar panels, and a street-level garden for company harvesting.

Yes. Sustainability is central to every stage of Remains Lighting Co.’s manufacturing process. We prioritize responsibly sourced raw materials, durable construction methods, and long-lasting components to reduce environmental impact over the life of each fixture. All products are crafted in our LEED Gold–certified Brooklyn, NY factory, where energy-efficient systems, waste-reduction practices, and environmentally conscious processes support a lower-carbon, more sustainable production cycle.

Remains Lighting Co. proudly employs a team of metalworkers, craftspeople, and artisans who create and restore fixtures in our Bushwick, Brooklyn, NY factory. Our fixtures are crafted primarily of brass sourced from local vendors. Some components, such as screws, sockets, and glass, are internationally sourced.

Every Remains fixture follows a tailored production path. Each project is dependent on its finish, scale, and technical requirements and receives a handcrafted, customized solution.

The process begins in our Design and Engineering department, where concepts are sketched, and the materials, proportions, and technical approach are defined. Engineers then create detailed component drawings that guide our craftsmen in the fabrication shop. Using traditional techniques, components are turned, formed, soldered, and hand-finished to achieve precise profiles and seamless joints.

Once fabricated, all parts move to Polishing, where they are brought to a uniform surface quality matched to the desired finish. When required, they then proceed to Plating and Patina, where metals are layered, oxidized, and hand-relieved to achieve the specified finish.

Assembly follows, during which master assemblers build the fixture, run wiring, and adjust chain and canopy details to meet project requirements. Each piece undergoes rigorous quality control to verify that all dimensions, finishes, and specifications meet our standards. After photography and documentation, the fixture is expertly packed and shipped by our Production team to arrive ready for installation.

Yes, we work mainly with Interior Designers, Lighting Designers, and Architects. We invite you to visit our Trade Services page and use the form there to apply for a Trade Account.

Most Remains Lighting Co. fixtures are manufactured and labeled with UL Certification, which allows them to be used in a wide range of locations within the United States. For projects outside the U.S., fixtures can be modified to meet the applicable NRTL standards required in those regions.

For fixtures in the collection that are not UL Certified, reach out to clientservices@remains.com to discuss options for certification.

Our fixtures are all handmade and finished at our Brooklyn, NY factory to order. Production times will vary based on the complexity of the design, finish, and quantity of items ordered. Generally, sconces have an estimated lead time of 4-8 weeks, and ceiling fixtures have a 6-10 week lead time. The estimated lead time for each product can be found under its Availability tab.

Quick ship and expedited lead times are available when our production capacity allows. Reach out to clientservices@remains.com to discuss rush order options.

Vintage and Antique fixtures are available in limited quantities. Adding a fixture to your cart will not place the fixture on hold; the fixture can only be guaranteed for purchase through our website once your order is placed.

If you would like to check the availability of an antique fixture or place a fixture on hold, please contact clientservices@remains.com for assistance. Fixtures subject to prior hold will invite you to "Ask About this Item", please contact us to learn about options for purchasing. 

The heights of suspended ceiling fixtures offered for sale on this site, such as chandeliers or pendant lights, are
adjustable in some, but not all, cases. See below for more detailed information regarding the height options for specific suspension types: 

Adjustable Chain, Wire, or Cord

Fixtures suspended on adjustable chain, wire, or cord can be adjusted on-site between the minimum height for the fixture and the overall height at the selected length.

Chain, Stem, Hook 

Fixtures suspended with (non-adjustable) chain, stem, or hook are not adjustable on site. If the height options offered for the fixture do not suit your site conditions, contact clientservices@remains.com to review options for custom height fixtures.  

Minimum Heights

Fixtures at minimum height are not adjustable on site. The minimum height of any given fixture may be with the minimum length of chain or stem to allow for ceiling clearance, or flush mounted on a hang straight.

Current Heights - Vintage Collection

Antique and vintage ceiling lights are sold with pre-existing heights. The specifications tab for the product will list the current height, as well as the minimum height a fixture can be adjusted to.

Please reach out to clientservices@remains.com to learn about options to adjust the overall heights of vintage ceiling lights.

Tolerances

Please allow a tolerance of +/- 1” for suspended ceiling lights. If your site condition requires more precision, please reach out to clientservices@remains.com for help with specifying your fixture(s). 

Yes, we offer customization and modification of designs exclusively to our trade lighting clients. Please visit our To-the-Trade Lighting Services page to learn more about the benefits available to the interior design and architecture community.

All fixtures in our Exterior Lighting collections can be used in exterior locations and are UL listed for Wet or Damp applications. Check the Specifications tab to review the standard UL listing for our fixtures. Other fixtures in our catalog can be modified to meet UL Wet location requirements upon request.

Please reach out to clientservices@remains.com with your project requirements to discuss product options.

Many Remains Lighting Co. exterior lighting fixtures can be modified to meet local Dark Sky requirements. Depending on the local code, modifications will vary, often they will require the addition of bulb shielding and solid panels in place of glass to minimize light pollution and intentionally direct light where needed.

Reach out to clientservices@remains.com and share your project requirements to discuss fixture modification options.

UL stands for Underwriters Laboratories, a non-profit organization that ensures safety standards for electric fixtures. A UL listing demonstrates adherence to rigorous safety standards and establishes the approved applications for the fixture type. Each listed product goes through rigorous testing to ensure we meet the applicable standard.

UL Dry is appropriate for interior spaces, UL Damp is suitable for bathrooms and covered porches, and UL Wet can be used in an exterior environment.

Our incandescent fixtures are wired for use with 120V AC. Upon request, fixtures can be wired for 220V AC.

Our integrated LED fixtures are wired for 24V DC and provided with drivers that allow for installation at 120V AC and 220V AC.

Please reach out clientservices@remains.com to discuss wiring options.

In most cases, our Specifications tab lists the recommended or required junction box sizes for each light fixture. Please consult your electrician for code requirements in your area.

We do not ship light bulbs with fixtures. The Specifications tab references the type, quantity, and maximum wattage per socket for each light fixture. Remains Lighting Company fixtures use bulbs that are readily available on the market so that you can select the style that works best for your site.

Dimmability for fixtures that use standard screw-base light bulbs is dependent on the wiring, lighting controls of your site, and the light bulbs you use. Please speak with an electrician about options for dimming your fixtures.

Dimmability compatibility options for fixtures with integrated LED lamping are detailed on the Specifications tab for those products.

Remains Lighting Co. works with leading architects, interior designers, and lighting designers to collaborate on creating bespoke lighting fixtures for residential, commercial, institutional, ecclesiastical, and hospitality projects.

Remains Lighting Co.’s custom lighting commissions can be seen in many locations across the USA, including at residential developments and private residences, churches, cultural institutions, government institutions, hospitality projects, and more.

Visit our Custom Commission Gallery page to see select past projects.

Custom lighting commissions begin with an idea, a drawing/sketch, or a precedent photo. Together with your account manager, the scope of the design will be established and prepared for our estimating team to review. Once an estimate is prepared and shared with you and your client, and all parties agree to the design and terms, a deposit is collected, and our engineers begin working on drawings for approval. From here, our team proceeds towards purchasing and fabricating the fixture(s), all while keeping in mind your anticipated installation timeline.

For more information about our custom process, please visit our Custom Commissions page

The Made-to-Order Collection is a fully designed and ready to be made collection of lighting available in 12 standard finishes.

Custom Lighting is a bespoke design brought to Remains Lighting Co. by our trade clients to develop and produce into live fixtures. Each is uniquely designed and fabricated from scratch.

Custom Commissions are fully bespoke designs brought to Remains Lighting Co. by our trade clients to develop and produce into fully realized fixtures.

Contract projects are large quantity orders (20- 250 pieces per profile) from either our made-to-order collection or a custom design.

Most items ship via insured UPS Ground to the contiguous 48 states. Large or bulky items will ship via Insured Freight. If a fixture needs to ship via Art Handler or by other specialized means, a link on the product will notify you to contact us for delivery information and costs.

If you would like to request pricing for shipments or local deliveries of large orders, reach out to clientservices@remains.com for revised shipping quotes.

Yes, we routinely ship to international destinations. To provide an accurate quote, we require the delivery address and details of your order.

Please contact our Client Services team for a quote, or for the quickest turnaround, email your shopping cart to clientservices@remains.com.

In most cases, arrangements can be made to prepare the light fixtures for pickup.

Please reach out to clientservices@remains.com to learn more.

Installation instructions are provided with the shipment of your fixtures along with a set of white gloves to maintain the fixtures’ living finish.

If you’ve misplaced your light fixture's installation instructions, please contact us at clientservices@remains.com and include your sales order number.

We do not offer installation services, and recommend that all of our light fixtures are installed by a licensed professional.

Care and maintenance instructions for your light fixture are included in your shipment.

If you’ve misplaced your instructions, please contact us at clientservices@remains.com and include your sales order number.

Remains Lighting Company specializes in brass and bronze fabrication techniques for our Made-to-order lighting fixtures and accessories. These collections also feature products with nickel finishes, white glass, and alabaster. All materials are sustainably sourced to reduce the environmental impact of our supply chain and support American manufacturing & craftsmanship, where possible.

We offer 12 standard finishes. Available finish options do vary for specific products and collections. Please refer to the product page for standard options.

We also offer numerous specialty or custom finish options upon request. Please reach out to clientservices@remains.com to learn more.

Each product page for items in our Made-to-Order collection includes a Finish Guide pop-up showing available finishes for that fixture, and a PDF with all Remains Lighting Company finishes for download.

While every effort is made to display images that represent the finish in a correct manner, images of a finish are not an exact representation of the finish in person. Please contact clientservices@remains.com if you need to request samples.

Yes, Remains Lighting Company can produce a large variety of custom finishes to meet a project’s stylistic and practical needs. Our fixtures can be painted to match the décor of an interior space or lacquered to withstand the environment of an exterior space.

Please reach out to clientservices@remains.com and share your project details to discuss custom finish options.

Our fixtures are prepared and finished per order by our skilled craftsmen at our Brooklyn, NY factory. Our standard finishes are unlacquered and intended to age and patinate with time. We make all our fixtures with solid, real metal that changes and improves with age. All Remains finishes are termed “living finishes” because they are in constant dialogue with their environment. Humidity, sunlight, handling, and other aspects of normal life impact the feel and look of our finishes.

If there are any remaining questions or issues with your order after delivery, please contact clientservices@remains.com and reference your sales order number in the email.

Our team will promptly review the request and be in touch to resolve your concerns.

All sales are final. Remains Lighting Company may, at its discretion, accept returns of standard Made-to-Order items, if returned to our facility within 14 days (2 weeks) of delivery, for credit towards another purchase. Fixture(s) must be returned in mint, uninstalled condition to be considered eligible for return, and a minimum 20% restocking fee will be assessed.

Please see our Terms and Conditions for additional information.

Vintage and Antique fixtures are available in limited quantity. Adding a fixture to your cart will not place the fixture on hold; the fixture can only be guaranteed for purchase through our website once your order is placed.

If you would like to check the availability of a fixture or place a fixture on hold, please contact clientservices@remains.com for assistance. Fixtures subject to prior hold will invite you to "Ask About this Item". Please contact us at clientservices@remains.com to learn about options for purchasing. 

Remains Lighting Co. maintains established channels for sourcing Antique and Vintage lighting or objects. While we do review inquiries outside of these relationships, only pieces that meet our strict standards for craftsmanship, condition, and historical significance will be considered for donation or purchase.

If you believe your items may meet these criteria, please contact us at clientservices@remains.com with photos and any available provenance.

The collection includes lighting and accessories from a variety of periods, including Baroque, Neoclassical, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Mid-Century Modern, and other 20th-century styles. The collection is always evolving, so the periods and specific pieces available may vary over time.

Remains Lighting Co. is very concerned with the correct attribution, description, and dating of the objects in our collection. We adhere to the following conventions on dating and attributing our Antique & Vintage collection fixtures:

Where an exact date is known (of installation or manufacture) we note the exact date, i.e. “1907” should be understood to mean that the object was made in 1907 or that it was installed as a new item in a building or landscape of that date.

Where an approximate date based on maker-attribution, stylistic, or technical aspects of the object is made, we list the approximate date by decade, the first year of the decade signifying any year within that decade, i.e. “1920” should be understood to mean within “The 1920s”.

“Signed by the maker…” should be understood to mean that the object bears a significant identifying mark unique to that maker such as a signature or hallmark.

“By the maker…” should be understood to mean that the object has been positively identified as being the work of a maker, either through research or having had a signed piece in our collection, however the current object is absent of a signature or hallmark.

“Attributed to the maker…” should be understood to mean that the object is, in our opinion, likely to be the work of a specific maker given the presence of identifying attributes, but that there is no definitive documentation.

Remains Lighting Co. prides itself on being a master of restoration; therefore, our team endeavors to restore fixtures to their original glory without making major changes to the fixtures’ appearance or structure. In instances where a fixture can be restored and rewired to the standards of UL, it will be.

In cases when an antique fixture requires modification to be wired to UL Standard, it will be stated in the Options tab on the product’s page as “UL listing available with modifications”.

Remains Lighting Co. most often works on historic restoration projects that are integrated with larger projects. For instance, when an historic library is adding a new wing, we may restore all of the historic fixtures while providing new custom-made fixtures to the addition. Remains also takes on unique work of significant single pieces, whether lighting, fireplace equipment, mirrors, or other decorative arts. Our specialty is in American and European metalworking from the 19th and 20th centuries, though our work often touches other materials and techniques such as woodworking, glass, and stone.

Remains Lighting Co. does not often have the capacity to take on small-scale antique and vintage light fixture restorations. Exceptions are made for objects of notable provenance and construction that require the specialized knowledge and skill of our team.

Restoration inquiries can be sent to our team by responding to the contact form on our Restoration page.

The restoration or conservation process begins with a consultation between our estimators and the client about the project scope. Then we perform a site assessment of the historic material. A team from the Remains Lighting staff measures, photographs, and otherwise inspects the items in question. We then write a detailed condition report with suggestions for appropriate action for each item. The items are later de-installed and crated for shipment back to our workshops. In our workshops, our team of craftsmen and women start a sequence of delicate cleaning, restoration, or recreation of damaged and missing parts, refinishing, rewiring, and performance and safety testing, until the items are restored to heirloom quality and are ready for transport back to the site for installation by a licensed electrician.