Be it a sleek midcentury modern flush mount or an attention-grabbing Maria Theresa chandelier, vintage lighting is more sought after than ever these days (and for good reason). While sourcing vintage lighting requires more effort than purchasing new, the craftsmanship and attention to detail of these pieces are often incomparable to anything that’s mass-produced today.

If you’re ready to explore the timeless trend of vintage lighting, here are some tips straight from three lighting, design, and renovation experts.

Pay Attention to the Electrical Components

Before you fall in love with a vintage light fixture, you first need to assess the current wiring.

Jack Prestia is the owner of The Big Chandelier and holds certification from the Underwriters Laboratories (UL). He shares advice on what to look for when it comes to wiring.

“There are two threats to using antique light fixtures in a project,” he says. “One is that a whole lot of vintage and antique light fixtures come from Europe. These need to be rewired from the very get-go because the sockets they use in Europe are different.”

If the light fixture is wired for American sockets, the other main issue is determining the age of the wiring. “The wires and the sockets would need to be inspected and evaluated by somebody that knows how to rewire antique fixtures, and it’s pretty much a guarantee that if it’s 50 years or older, the wires have to be replaced,” Prestia says.

He also notes that it’s important to check into your region’s building codes before installing a vintage light fixture. Some city building codes only allow you to install light fixtures tested by a UL-certified professional, even on residential projects.

Re-Use Instead of Replace

If you’re the owner of an older home, there’s a good chance you’ve inherited a few original light fixtures throughout your home. Not every fixture might work perfectly for how you use each space, but Sara McDaniel of Simply Southern Cottage offers a genius workaround.

“If you don’t prefer vintage lights in the original location, repurpose them elsewhere,” she says. “For example, take vintage wall scones and flank a hallway or bedroom door for an added Charles Dickens vibe to the interior of your home.”

However, Prestia notes that when moving an original light fixture, there’s a high probability that old rubber wiring will sustain damage and short circuit, so plan to invest in rewiring if you want it to remain in safe working condition.

Know When to Mix Styles (And When Not To)

Jennifer Prince, owner of it’s FOUND vintage in Lynchburg, Virginia, often helps her customers source vintage light fixtures for their old and new homes. One of her biggest pieces of advice is knowing your style before purchasing.

“If you’re going for a midcentury modern vibe, an ornate chandelier or Victorian-era lighting won’t blend,” she says. “If you like a more eclectic look, purchase lighting based on what draws you, as long as there is a cohesive color story or construction element within your room.”

For example, she notes that a large, boho-style chandelier can be a stunning focal point for a clean, minimalistic design.

Use the Right Keywords

When searching for vintage lighting on Etsy or Facebook Marketplace, McDaniel recommends being as specific as possible with the keywords you use.

“Add the specific type of lighting you are looking for alongside the word vintage, and you should find some great online resources,” she says.

For example, she often searches for phrases like “vintage wall scones” or “vintage outdoor lantern” when on the hunt. But if you want to take it a step further, you can learn the exact names of the light fixture styles you like and type those in, such as “vintage crystal Empire chandelier” or “vintage Art Deco flush mount light.”

Hire a Qualified Installer

Installing vintage wall sconces and chandeliers often requires specific expertise. For example, if you’re working with a heavy piece, a qualified installer will know how to ensure your chandelier won’t come crashing down in the middle of the night.

“Light fixtures can be quite heavy, and so a house that was built in the 80s that has blue plastic electrical boxes up in the ceiling that are just floating in the sheetrock will not handle the weight,” Prestia says. “Metal electrical boxes that are on blocking or attached to the stud are really a must if the fixture is at all heavy.”