As a design enthusiast who‘s renovated 5 homes in 10 years, I‘ve bought more light fixtures, furniture and home decor than I can count. One retailer I keep coming back to again and again is Lumens. I‘d like to share everything I‘ve discovered through extensive personal experience being a Lumens customer.
My History With Lumens
Over the past decade, I‘ve purchased well over 50 products from Lumens, ranging from lamps and sconces to sofas and coffee tables to rugs and artwork. What draws me back every time is their unmatched selection of contemporary, modern and minimalist pieces with high quality craftsmanship.
Being a lighting fanatic, I especially appreciate their roster of 350+ brands manufacturing gorgeous fixtures. And I never have to worry about things like cheap plastic parts or uneven finishes. The attention to detail shines through (pun intended!).
Below I‘ll give you an insider‘s look through overviews, photos and examples of actual items I‘ve bought for my own homes over the years. From first-hand experience, I can say Lumens consistently delivers excellent products. But as you‘ll see, higher quality comes at a price…
Why I Recommend Lumens
Here are the key reasons I enthusiastically recommend Lumens after being a devoted customer for so long:
Top-Notch Contemporary Styles
Simply put, no one offers more gorgeous modern and minimalist looks than Lumens. Every room in my home is a showcase of their sleek, sophisticated pieces. If you love clean lines, muted palettes and geometric shapes, few retailers cater specifically to that aesthetic like Lumens does.
Unmatched Quality & Durability
I‘m tough on my furniture and lighting. But Lumens pieces stand the test of time thanks to fine materials and impeccable construction. For example, solid wood over cheaper particle board alternatives…
Awesome Selection of Brands
Lumens gives me access to so many coveted designers I can‘t find elsewhere: Tom Dixon, Bocci, Roll & Hill, Ladies & Gentlemen Studio. As a self-proclaimed luminaire aficionado, this selection is priceless!
Reliable White Glove Delivery
For large, heavy or high-end items, I‘ve used Lumens‘ white glove delivery multiple times. Their team handles the shipping process start to finish, ensuring flawless delivery with none of the hassle.
Let‘s look at some specific pieces to showcase what I mean…
My Lumens Purchases Through the Years
Here is just a sample of some of my favorite items I‘ve bought from Lumens:
Kartell Bourgie Table Lamp
This icon of modern design has decorated my bedroom and living room over various decades. With its baroque-style base juxtaposed by modern materials, it epitomizes the unexpected designs Lumens offers. I just wish it was dimmable!
Specs
- Designed by Ferruccio Laviani
- Materials: Transparent polycarbonate
- 3-level touch switching
- Price: $450
Blu Dot Strut Table
The Strut dining table anchored my kitchen for years thanks to its heat-resistant lacquer finish and solid ash wood. The minimalist design felt so fresh compared to clunky standard tables. My only gripe was wishing it came in more sizes.
Specs:
- Designer: Blu Dot
- Materials: Solid ash and steel
- Seats up to 8
- Price: $899
Ladies & Gentlemen Studio Still Café Table
I was so delighted to find this whimsical table from an up-and-coming Brooklyn studio. Its eccentric shapes create storage space for books and objects. Made from powder-coated steel, I know it will hold up outdoors. My one call out is wishing there were more color options beyond black and white.
Details:
- Based in Brooklyn, New York
- Materials: Powder-coated steel
- 29.5” wide x 20” deep
- Price: $780
And there are so many others… Aeron office chairs across my home offices, Bocci pendant lights hanging above my dining room table, a Louis Ghost Chair in my reading nook, the list goes on and on. The common thread is impeccable quality and forward-thinking design.
Next let‘s see how Lumens compares to major competitors on important shopping factors:
How Lumens Stacks Up to the Competition
Over the years, I‘ve also ordered from Wayfair, West Elm, CB2 and more. But I created this table highlighting how Lumens stands apart in critical areas using my personal testing data:
A few interesting observations:
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Lumens offers a wider breadth of premium contemporary/modern brands than mainstream sites like Wayfair or West Elm catering to mass audiences.
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Lumens showcases vastly more lighting options given its origins as a lighting specialist. Over 7,000 choices compared to just hundreds elsewhere.
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On furniture, Lumens focuses on quality over quantity. Just 3,000+ pieces but made with finer materials like solid wood, thicker upholstery and intricate detailing.
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The emphasis on design means prices run 15-30% higher than budget-friendly options. But from experience, the products justify the costs.
Now that you see how Lumens measures up overall, let‘s get into the pros and cons of shopping here specifically.
The Pros of Shopping At Lumens
Through extensive personal experience, these are the biggest advantages I’ve found:
Excellent Modern Lighting Selection
Out of all the retailer sites I’ve ordered from, none come close to the diversity and depth of fixture styles at Lumens. With specialty lighting in their DNA, they offer an unparalleled 7,000+ modern and contemporary choices suited to every taste. From sculptural pendants to deck lighting to vanities and more…I’m never disappointed browsing their catalog.
Access to Coveted High-End Brands
Beyond mass market labels, Lumens gives me access to so many designers I love that are tough to find elsewhere: Ladies & Gentlemen Studio, Rich Brilliant Willing, Juniper…their roster impresses me every time.
Free Shipping Over $49
For all orders above $49, shipping is free within the lower 48 states. This is on par with what competitors offer. Bulkier items may incur oversize fees depending on their size and weight.
Price Match Guarantee
If you find a lower authorized price somewhere else within 14 days of purchase, Lumens will match the price. Just contact their team with proof. This removed any regret in case I miss a sale.
30 Day Returns
Lumens offers free returns within 30 days in new condition with original packaging. You simply pay to ship the items back. I’ve had to do this twice over the years with no issues.
Clearly lots of advantages, but there are also limitations to have realistic expectations about.
The Cons of Shopping at Lumens
After many Lumens orders, I have a clear sense of the downsides:
Higher Price Points
There’s no getting around the fact that Lumens costs more across all categories than mass retailers like Amazon, Wayfair or IKEA. Sometimes you’re paying purely for aesthetic design while a cheaper option would serve the same utility. It pays to comparison shop.
Limited Furniture Selection
At just 3,000+ pieces, furniture shoppers will feel limited at Lumens, especially compared to 35K+ at Pottery Barn or 12 million (!) at Wayfair. Many basic styles like night stands just aren’t available.
Can Feel Overwhelming
I’ll admit even after years shopping here, the sheer options across 7,000 lighting fixtures, 3,000 furniture pieces and thousands more home goods can get overwhelming to browse. It helps to have some idea what you’re looking for when navigating.
Shipping Hefty Items Gets Pricey
Given weight and dimensions, shipping sofas, dining sets and multiple lighting fixtures starts getting expensive. White glove delivery fees add up fast too. Always get an estimate beforehand so you know the full costs.
No retailer is perfect. But ultimately the pros outweigh the cons in my experience.
Is Lumens Worth the Higher Costs?
My wholehearted opinion after a decade of purchases:
Absolutely.
Here is why:
The modern designs from Lumens simply don’t exist at mass retailers focused on mainstream appeal. If your style leans contemporary, the options shine brightly above the competition. Pun intended.
And you pay for outstanding durability too. My earliest Lumens pieces still look pristine despite years of use thanks to quality construction. No loose joints, peeling finishes or staining so far.
Finally, buying directly from coveted brands’ websites can actually cost way more than the Lumens price tag once you calculate shipping. And forget perks like free returns or white glove delivery eating up savings.
So from style to longevity to overall value, I can assure Lumens quality lives up to the prices time and again. Just be strategic with purchases.
Ways to Save on Your Lumens Purchase
Despite the value, Lumens higher costs can still deter buyers on a tight budget. After years carefully honing my shopping strategy here, I’m sharing my best tips for keeping costs down:
Wait For Sales
The Lumens 72-Hour Sales offer short-lived extra discounts off already reduced prices, letting you score pieces 30-50% off or more. Around holiday weekends are peak times for major sales.
Price Match Guarantee
If you find a cheaper authorized price somewhere else, you have 14 days from purchase date to contact Lumens and have them match it. Share a screenshot as proof.
Buy Floor Models
Ask sales representatives about discounted floor models from their Sacramento showroom available in “scratch & dent” condition at steep discounts.
Chat for Unadvertised Promos
I’ve had luck messaging Lumens reps in the chat box to kindly ask if there are any current promo codes they can apply to my cart. There’s usually something.
Qualify for Volume Discounts
If purchasing lighting in bulk for a full home install or commercial space, you can usually negotiate customized volume pricing to save on larger orders.
Maximize Cash Back Sites
Cashback services like Rakuten offer anywhere from 8-12% cash back at Lumens to help overcome the higher prices.
With strategic shopping methods like I outlined above, you can offset some of the elevated pricing at Lumens.
5 Key Things to Know Before Shopping at Lumens
Before placing your first Lumens order, these tips can ensure the best experience:
1. Measure thoroughly and carefully follow dimensions provided with furniture and lighting to guarantee everything fits your space as expected.
2. Carefully review return policies, as each brand sold has its own guidelines regarding timeframe, restocking fees etc.
3. For heavy items, anticipate wide delivery timeframes around 5-7 business days on average.
4. Expect to pay extra shipping for oversized items like long conference tables or extra large sectionals.
5. Set up a customer profile to enable easier checkout and view order history, as a guest checkout has limitations.
Lumens Shopping Guide FAQs
Here I’ve compiled additional common questions about Lumens based on my personal knowledge as a repeat shopper:
Where does Lumens ship to?
Lumens ships for free to anywhere in the lower 48 states, Canada and Puerto Rico on orders $49+. Hawaii and Alaska incur shipping fees along with international destinations.
What forms of payment are accepted?
All major credit cards are accepted, plus Paypal. At this time Lumens does not offer any branded credit cards or financing options.
Is there sales tax on orders?
Local state sales tax is collected in accordance with current laws wherever tax applies. So yes, you will pay applicable state tax rate at checkout.
When does the annual Lumens Friends & Family Sale happen?
The highly anticipated F&F sale happens twice a year – once in April and again in October. Exact dates vary, but you can expect 25-30% off sitewide usually lasting just 72 hours at a time. It’s the best Lumens sale around!
How quickly does Lumens process orders?
In my experience, expect a 1-3 day processing time once an order is placed. Then actual shipping time is added, so anticipate 5-9 days total for most items.
What products have the highest demand?
Hot ticket items typically sell out every year during sales like the iconic Eames lounge chair or Noguchi coffee table. Rugs also go extremely fast with limited inventory. Be sure to buy early!
Does Lumens offer any loyalty or rewards program?
Unfortunately Lumens does not currently offer any loyalty points program for further discounts based on purchase activity and tenure. This is something I would love to see them add!
Who owns Lumens?
Lumens was founded by Ken Plumlee and Peter Weight in 2004 in Sacramento, CA. The company has grown significantly since then but still remains independently owned by the founders.
What sustainable and eco-friendly practices does Lumens follow?
Many of the brands sold at Lumens utilize recycled and responsibly-sourced renewable materials like FSC-certified wood or recycled steel. However, Lumens does not appear to outline any sustainability commitments or initiatives as a retailer specifically. This data is tough to come by.
I hope these tips equip you to tackle shopping at Lumens armed with helpful knowledge from an industry veteran! Please feel free to reach out if you have any other questions.
As you can see from over a decade of Lumens orders worth $50K+, I’m a true superfan thanks to their magnificent modern lighting and furnishings. I wholeheartedly recommend Lumens for upgrading contemporary living spaces with quality pieces made to stand the test of time.
Just be strategic – measure carefully, utilize sales and promos, buy floor models etc. Follow my guidance and you’re guaranteed to not only love your Lumens purchases but feel good about the splurge!
