FAQ

General information

What is Social Light and what do you do?

At Social Light, we’re passionate about lighting that feels right - functional, beautiful, and designed to enhance the way you live. We’re a boutique lighting studio + showroom that offers premium designer lights, lighting advice, and tailored lighting solutions for residential and commercial spaces. Our team combines design expertise and real-world technical knowledge to help you make confident decisions about lighting that’s right for your project. 

Where are you based and can I see your lights in person?

Yes - Our workshop and office are in Cambridge, New Zealand, where we also make custom-sized linear lights. We have a small sampling on display here and we welcome appointments if you’d like to talk or see samples. 

We’re also at the Residium Design Centre, 165 The Strand, Parnell, Auckland. The Residium is open daily (Mon–Fri 9-5, Sat 10-5, Sun 10-4), and it’s a great place to explore lighting ideas alongside other suppliers. We often work from the showroom one day a week (usually Thursday or Friday), but we recommend contacting us before you visit so we can be there to talk with you. 

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Products & Lighting Help

What kinds of lighting products do you offer?

We focus on beautifully designed lighting from excellent brands around the world. Our range includes pendants, wall lights, outdoor lights, chandeliers, and linear lighting. While all our lights are functional and well made, we specialise in pieces that add character and atmosphere - the “pretty” and purposeful lights that elevate a home or space. 

Can you help me choose lights for my space?

Yes - we love helping people with lighting choices. Whether you’re looking for a single fitting or need advice across a whole home, we can recommend lights, alternatives, and ways to layer lighting for the best result. Our team’s mix of design and electrical experience means we can talk through practical and aesthetic options with you. 

Do you offer custom lighting?

We do. We manufacture custom-sized Capsühl linear lights in our Cambridge workshop and can work with designers, architects, or homeowners to create unique pieces tailored to your space. This means you don’t have to compromise on size or fit. 

Lighting Solutions & Advice

Can you help with lighting design and consultation?

Yes - we offer lighting advice ranging from simple guidance to more complex lighting design. See here.

What are lumens, CRI, and Kelvins?

These are terms that help describe how light behaves:

• Lumens measure light output - how bright the light is.
  
  
• CRI (Colour Rendering Index) tells you how accurately a light shows colours (higher is better).
  
  
• Kelvins describe colour temperature -warmer (softer, cozier) or cooler (brighter, clearer) light.
  
  Understanding these helps you choose lighting that matches the mood and function of each space.
  
  

Are your lighting options energy efficient?

Yes. We focus on LED lighting solutions, which use less energy, last longer, and reduce running costs compared with older technologies. 

Ordering, Delivery, Returns & Warranty

How do I place an order?

You can order directly through our online shop. If you’d prefer help, you can also contact us by email or phone and we’ll walk you through the process. 

Why do delivery times vary so much?

Some of the incredible lighting brands we work with make products to order (for example in Italy). That means production and international transport can take time. We do our best to give accurate estimates on product pages, but if you have a deadline, just ask us. 

Do I have to pay up front for slow-moving items?

For products that take longer than a week to arrive and are over NZ$500, we ask for a 50% deposit with the balance due before shipping. This helps manage production timelines and ensures you receive your lighting without delay. 

What is your returns policy?

Because many items are made or sourced specifically for your order, we generally can’t accept returns or exchanges. That’s why we encourage you to ask questions and get support before you buy. If there’s a genuine fault or mistake on our part, we’ll always make it right. 

Do your lights come with a warranty?

Yes - all our lighting products come with a 2-year warranty against manufacturing defects. Some suppliers offer longer warranties, and even if something seems outside that timeframe, please let us know - we’re here to help. 

Installation & Trade

Do you provide installation services?

We don’t install lights ourselves, but we’re happy to help you understand what you need for your electrician or installer. We work with great electricians around the country, but we don’t play favourites - you choose who you work with. 

Do you offer trade accounts?

Yes - we offer Trade Cash Accounts with special pricing and benefits for designers, architects, builders, and other industry professionals. Get in touch to see if you’re eligible. 

Anything Else?

We genuinely want to help you make the best lighting decisions for your home or project. If your question isn’t here, just reach out - we’re always happy to talk through ideas, options, and what might work best for your space.