Bad lighting can — dare we say — ruin a room.
“Layering your lighting sources is the best way to achieve quality lighting in your home,” says East Hampton-based interior designer Glenn Ban. What’s the easiest way to accomplish that? Use all three types of lighting: ambient, accent and task. “Multiple lighting options allow you to adjust the room’s brightness level and highlight the design details within the space,” explains Ban.
Still, the ultimate goal should be to express your style. Many shops and showrooms on the South Fork can help you realize Myour bright vision, from sourcing unique bases to rewiring a vintage find and completing it with the perfect lampshade. We asked Ban, known for combining crisp, clean architecture with modern and vintage furniture and contemporary art, to enlighten us.
Glenn Ban Interiors, 74 Montauk Highway, unit 23, East Hampton, 516-592-2185, by appointment
First and foremost, Ban’s showroom is well worth the visit for design inspiration. Here, you’ll see various lighting options for purchase or custom order. His current favorites include Stone & Sawyer midcentury-minded table lamps. Located and made in upstate N.Y., their stoneware ceramic lamp bodies are glazed and built by hand. He’s also fond of BTC’s “Hector” floor lamp, a “classic British design with a bone china shade; it’s beautiful, unlit, and lit with a wonderful glow.”
Gustavo Olivierri Antiques, 74 Montauk Highway, suite 3, East Hampton, 305-851-1347
“This showroom is known for its highly curated selection of offerings, including French, Italian and mid-century designs,” says Ban. You may find anything from carved limestone table lamps to a 1960s rope chandelier by the French Modernist designer duo Audoux-Minet.
Le Lampade, 75 Washington St., Sag Harbor, 631-899-4140, www.lelampade.com
For lovers of the mid-century, designer Alessandro Di Tosto sources unique, one-of-a-kind lighting directly from Italy, including flush-mount brass ceiling fixtures in the Arredoluce style.
Laurin Copen Antiques, 1703 Montauk Highway, Bridgehampton, 631-537-2802
“With a focus on industrial, Swedish, rustic, folk and mid-century lighting, this is an excellent source,” says Ban. “I recently saw a modern Scandinavian brass-tone metal pendant that caught my eye.”
Wyeth, 3654 Montauk Highway, Sagaponack, 631-604-2103
“This is a designer go-to for special pieces,” says Ban. In addition to rare and meticulously crafted vintage finds, Wyeth carries its namesake line of spare, original floor and wall lamp fixtures made of bronze.
East End Lamp & Chandelier Works , 425 County Road 39A, suite 109, Southampton, 631-683-8959; by appointment
Beloved antique lamps tend to show their age simply by not turning on. Don’t fret. Ban recommends this “terrific source to rewire vintage lighting,” whether it’s a simple socket repair, a cord change or total restoration.
Visual Comfort & Co., 355 David Whites Lane, Southampton, 631-983-4700
At this local standby, you’ll find skilled designers to help you achieve multi-layered lighting plans on any budget. “I recommend Visual Comfort & Co. to find in-stock lighting and outdoor selections,” says Ban.
Sag Harbor Variety Store, 114 Main St., Sag Harbor, 631-725-9706
No lamp is complete without the right shade. Ban recommends this “great spot with an informative staff who are always willing to help.” His pro tip: Bring your lamp when you go so you can try the shades on!
Southforker Rec: Nellie’s of Amagansett, 230 Main St., Amagansett, 631-267-1000
Are you searching for a fantastic, fabric-covered lampshade to brighten your world? Check out the whimsical custom shades designed and handmade by Luceria North Fork, smartly stocked at Nellie’s.
