FAQs

Ordering

How do I place an order?

Orders may be placed online, in our showrooms or by contacting customer service via email or phone:

P  +44 (0)20 3925 0708
E  customerservice.uk@visualcomfort.com

View our showroom locations.

 

When can I expect my order to arrive?

In-stock items will ship within 7 business days. Please refer to the tracking number on your invoice for up-to-date delivery information.

The estimated lead time for backordered items will be noted on your order confirmation. We recommend checking stock online or with a customer service representative prior to placing your order.

 

How do I place a custom order?

Customization options are available for a selection of our products. Our customer service representatives will be happy to discuss custom capabilities, provide quotes and estimate lead times. Please note: all custom orders are final sale and ineligible for return.

P  +44 (0)20 3925 0708
E  customerservice.uk@visualcomfort.com

View our showroom locations.

 

How do I cancel an order?

If you need to cancel all or part of your order, please contact us as soon as possible. Cancellations are not guaranteed until you receive an email confirming cancellation. Once an order has shipped, it may not be cancelled. If the order cannot be cancelled, please refer to our return policy.

 

How do I check my order status?

If you placed your order online, please sign in to view your order history.

If you checked out as a guest, you may look up your order status here.

If you placed your order via email or phone, please contact customer service to check the status of your order:

P  +44 (0)20 3925 0715
E  customerservice.uk@visualcomfort.com

 

When can I expect to receive an invoice for my order?

Orders containing multiple items may ship separately. Once an item from your order has shipped, you will receive a paid receipt along with tracking information.

 

What methods of payment do you accept?

Payment by credit card is required for all online orders. We accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express.

International Orders

Can my order be delivered internationally?

Absolutely! Please contact us with your shipping address and we will be glad to estimate shipping charges prior to purchase. 

We accept the following methods of payment for international orders:

Visa

MasterCard

American Express

Once I've placed my order, when can I expect my card to be charged?

Visual Comfort & Co. will charge your credit card when you place your order.

What are my international shipping options?

We use a variety of couriers including Fedex, UPS and DHL; however, you may use your own courier for transit. Should you have a preferred freight forwarder or consolidator, please notify us of their address when placing your order.

Can I expedite my shipping?

Estimates for expedited shipping charges including transit times are available upon request.

How much duty and taxes are charged on international orders?

Duty (or customs tariffs) is set by the destination country's customs authorities and is based on a combination of the country of origin or manufacturing of the goods being purchased, and the classification of that merchandise in accordance with a harmonized system adopted and used by each country. Value Added Tax (VAT) rates are set by the destination country. You can contact your country’s local customs department to estimate these fees.

Who should I contact if I have questions regarding my order?

Customers located in UK, Europe and other 220v countries, can contact our London showroom for assistance at:

P  +44 (0)20 3925 0708
E  customerservice.uk@visualcomfort.com

Customers located within North America, South America, Canada, and other 110v countries can contact us at:

P  +1.877.762.2323
E  international@visualcomfort.com

Will the fixtures be compatible with my country’s voltage?

Yes. All 220-240v items are shipped from the UK warehouse. Please contact:

E  customerservice.uk@visualcomfort.com

All 110v items are shipped from the US warehouse. Please contact:

E  international@visualcomfort.com

Will I need a broker to import the product in my country?

A broker is not required. We will provide a commercial invoice and packing list for your order. Local taxes and import duties will apply. The courier will email you directly for payment if applicable.

Your options are as follows:

  • Will call/pick up from the UK warehouse.
  • We ship directly to the shipping address on your order (fees will apply).
  • For international shipments, you can engage the services of a freight forwarder.

EU orders ship via the France warehouse. VAT will apply, import duties will not apply.

Price Matching

We are committed to offering you our best price 365 days a year. Should you find an identical product offered for a lower price by another authorized dealer, just send us a copy of your quote or link to the website for review and we’ll match it!

Finishes

What materials are the finishes made of?

All Visual Comfort & Co. products are made from the finest materials available. Many of our metal finishes are unlacquered and will naturally patina. Please contact us with questions about our finishes and materials.

Will silver finishes tarnish over time?

Our Polished Silver is true silver and will tarnish. This finish is best suited to those who prefer to let the finish patina naturally, giving your fixture the look of an antique. 

All Visual Comfort & Co. items are handmade. Does that mean they vary by fixture? 

Every component has been individually finished by master craftsmen. You may notice small imperfections. These are not defects but true evidence that each piece is a crafted work of art.

Care Instructions

How do I clean my light fixtures?

Clean all our products with a soft, dry cloth only. Do not use scouring agents, abrasive sponges, hydrochloric acid, vinegar (acetic acid) cleaners, ammonia or metal silicates.

Mercury Glass: Clean with a feather duster. Wiping with a cloth or cleaning solvents may remove antiquing.

How do I polish my light fixtures?

When polishing is necessary we recommend the following:

  • Simichrome Polish for Chrome and Polished Nickel
  • Goddard’s brand polishing cloths for Polished Silver
  • Bri-Wax to refresh and protect our Bronze and Gun Metal finishes
  • Brasso will remove existing patina and brighten our Natural Brass, Hand-Rubbed Antique Brass and Antique Burnished Brass finishes
  • Our Soft Silver and Soft Brass finishes should not be treated. Clean with a soft, dry cloth only.

Ceiling Fixture Installation Tips

Hanging Lights over a Kitchen Island

We recommend installing ceiling fixtures 76 - 91 cm from the surface of your kitchen island. When installing multiple fixtures, the widest part of the fixtures should be spaced a minimum of 76 cm apart for optimal airflow, light spread, and visibility.

Hanging Linear Fixtures over a Surface

The key to sizing an elongated light fixture is proportion. We recommend selecting a light measuring no more than 2/3 the length of the table or island. Consider hanging a pair of linear fixtures to light extra long surfaces.

Hanging Lights over a Dining Table

We recommend leaving approximately 76 - 91 cm between the bottom of your fixture and the surface of your dining table. The width of your fixture should be at least 15 cm narrower than the width of your table.

Hanging Lights over a Round Table

We recommend leaving approximately 76 - 91 cm between the bottom of your fixture and the surface of your table. Choose a fixture with a width measuring between 1/2 and 3/4 the diameter of around table.

Hanging Lights in an Entry or Hallway

Light fixtures should comfortably clear the thresholds of any adjacent doors and the heads of all family members! Leave a minimum of 200cm from the floor to the bottom of the fixture, and 120 cm from the widest part of the fixture to any surrounding wall.

For Ceilings 3 Meters or Taller

Consider two-tiered chandeliers for ceilings 3 m or taller. Please note the "overall height" measurement in each fixture's specifications.

TIP: Consider installing dimmer switches to conserve energy and control the intensity of light emitted. Be sure to use bulbs that are compatible with your dimmer type.

Wall Fixture Installation Tips

Beside a Bathroom Mirror

To evenly illuminate a bathroom mirror from either side, we recommend mounting your sconce(s) just above eye level, or about 152 - 165 cm from the floor to the center height of the sconce backplate.

Above a Bathroom Mirror

The ideal linear bath light will measure at least 3/4 the width of the mirror but not extend over its edges. For larger mirrors, consider mounting a pair of evenly-spaced linear sconces.

In a Hallway or Living Space

When installing multiple wall sconces to accent a hallway, dining room or other living space, consider leaving a minimum of 2.4 - 3 m between each fixture for a balanced spread of light.

Beside the Bed

If your sconce has a switch, be sure to install it where it can be easily reached from a sitting position in the bed. For best results, leave approximately 140 - 152 cm of space from the floor to the top of the sconce.

TIP: Consider installing dimmer switches to conserve energy and control the intensity of light emitted. Be sure to use bulbs that are compatible with your dimmer type.

 

What kind of installation are my wall fixtures wired for?

The majority of our sconces are intended for hardwire application only, but may be modified with a plug by a certified electrician unless noted otherwise. Wall fixtures that are wired with a plug will include 92 cm of cord cover and may be modified for hardwire application unless noted otherwise. If you are unsure if a particular style is suited for your needs, please contact a sales representative for assistance. 

What do I need to know about the size of a sconce's backplate?

Backplate sizes vary. Make note of the size of your existing junction box and select a fixture with a backplate large enough to cover it. We recommend confirming junction box specifications with your electrician before placing your order.

SAFETY TIP: Leave ample space between the ceiling and the top of your fixtures to allow adequate airflow and prevent overheating. This is especially important when using incandescent bulbs.

 

Outdoor Light Installation Tips

Note: Our exterior lights are not lacquered and will gracefully patina over time.

Scale / Size Approximate Guidelines

Wall Mounted Fixtures
(dimensions indicate maximum overall height of fixture)
Ceiling Height204 cm
Door Height
214 cm
Door Height
244 cm
Door Height
275 cm
Door Height
244 - 290 cm 36 cm 46 cm 46 cm 46 cm
305 - 351 cm 53 cm 53 cm 53 cm 53 cm
366 - 427 cm 53 cm 61 cm 61 cm 61 cm
427 - 488 cm 61 cm 69 cm 69 cm 69 cm
Over 488 cm 69 cm + 69 cm + 76 cm + 76 cm +

Ceiling Mounted Fixtures
(dimensions indicate maximum overall height of fixture)
Ceiling Height204 cm
Door Height
214 cm
Door Height
244 cm
Door Height
275 cm
Door Height
247 cm 46 cm 41 cm 15 cm  
290 cm 61 cm 51 cm 36 cm  
305 cm 79 cm 79 cm 46 cm 18 cm
320 cm 86 cm 86 cm 66 cm 33 cm
335 cm 97 cm 97 cm 79 cm 53 cm
351 cm 114 cm 114 cm 91 cm 61 cm
366 cm 127 cm 127 cm 97 cm 76 cm
381 cm 137 cm 137 cm 107 cm 92 cm

What is the difference between damp-rated and wet-rated fixtures?

If the fixture will be installed in a place where it will be in direct contact with rain or snow, we recommend selecting a wet-rated model. Damp-rated fixtures may be installed in covered areas and are recommended for bathrooms where fixtures may be exposed to steam or collect condensation.