Frequently Asked Questions

These are the three layers every well-lit room needs. Ambient lighting is your base layer — general illumination for the whole space. Task lighting is focused light for specific activities: reading, cooking, applying makeup. Accent lighting highlights architecture, art, or features you want people to notice. Most homes only have ambient lighting, which is why they feel flat. Layer all three and the space comes alive.

It matters more than most people realize. Colour temperature is measured in Kelvin (K) and determines whether light feels warm or cool.

• 2700K–3000K: Warm white. Feels cozy and residential. Best for living rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms.
• 3000K–3500K: Neutral white. Clean and bright without feeling clinical. Good for kitchens and bathrooms.
• 4000K+: Cool white. Crisp and energizing. Better suited for garages, workshops, or commercial spaces.

Most homes look best in 2700K–3000K. Mixing temperatures in the same space creates a disconnected, unfinished feel — pick one and stick to it.

For chandeliers or pendants over a dining table or island: measure the length and width of the table in inches, then add those two numbers together. That gives you the ideal fixture diameter in inches. A 36" × 72" table works well with a fixture around 108" wide — or a series of smaller pendants that together span that width.

For entry or great room chandeliers: add the room's length and width in feet. That number in inches is a good starting diameter. Height matters too — allow at least 7 feet of clearance from the floor to the bottom of any hanging fixture in a walkable space.

Still not sure? Bring your room dimensions to a consultation and we'll size it properly.

Q: How many pot lights do I need in a room?

A common rule of thumb: divide your ceiling height by 2. That's roughly how far apart pot lights should be spaced. An 8-foot ceiling = lights every 4 feet. But pot light count alone isn't the answer — the real question is whether pot lights are the right tool for every layer, and usually they're not. Pot lights are great for ambient and task lighting; they're a poor substitute for accent and decorative lighting. We see a lot of homes that have 30 pot lights and still feel like something's missing.

Earlier than most people do. Ideally before framing is finished and definitely before drywall goes up. The most expensive lighting mistakes happen when decisions get made at the fixture-selection stage — because by then, the wiring, switch placement, and structural options are locked in. If you're mid-plan right now, call us before you finalize anything.

Yes. Wall sconces and uplighting draw the eye upward and make ceilings feel higher. Accent lighting on artwork or architecture creates depth. Bright, evenly distributed overhead lighting tends to flatten a space. Strategic layering with dimming capability gives you flexibility to shift the mood entirely.

The ones we see constantly:

• Pot lights everywhere with nothing else — no pendants, no sconces, no decorative fixtures
• Fixtures that are too small for the space
• Mismatched colour temperatures in the same room or open-plan area
• No dimming — fixed-brightness lighting removes all flexibility
• Making decisions after the walls are closed

All of these are preventable. That's why we push consultations before decisions get locked in.

Yes. Most fixtures we carry are compatible with dimmer switches, and we can advise on smart lighting options. Dimmers are one of the highest-value upgrades you can add to any lighting plan — they change the entire character of a space. We recommend them in almost every room.

A real conversation about your project — not a sales pitch. We'll talk through your space, your goals, your timeline, and your budget. You'll leave with a clear direction: which fixture types make sense, how to layer your lighting, what to watch out for, and what to prioritize. No obligation, no pressure.

Anyone planning a renovation or new build, any homeowner who feels overwhelmed by the options, and any designer or contractor who wants a reliable lighting partner for a specific project. Also anyone who has walked into a lighting store and left more confused than when they arrived — that happens a lot, and it's exactly what we're here to fix.

A rough floor plan is helpful but not required. If you have one, bring it. If you don't, we can work with room dimensions, photos of your space, or even just a conversation about what you're trying to achieve. The more context you can give us, the more specific our guidance will be.

Yes, for larger projects. On-site consultations let us see your actual space — the proportions, the natural light, the architecture — and give you guidance based on what's really there, not what's on paper. Contact us to discuss whether an on-site visit makes sense for your project.

Most in-store consultations run 30–60 minutes depending on the complexity of the project. Larger builds or full-home renovations may benefit from a longer session or a follow-up. We'll take the time we need to get it right.

Online: Visa and Mastercard. In-store: Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, and e-transfer.

If your order hasn't shipped yet, contact us as soon as possible at (250) 862-3245 (Kelowna) or (604) 591-8895 (Surrey) and we'll submit a cancellation request. You'll receive email confirmation within 24 hours.

Please note: custom and built-to-order items cannot be cancelled. Once an order has shipped, it cannot be cancelled — see our return policy instead.

Online Orders - Please be aware that some items may have already shipped from our store or the manufacturer and be in route for final delivery to you. In such a case, cancellation fees may apply. Once an order has already shipped, it cannot be cancelled, rerouted or redirected. If you would like to return the item, you will need to follow our Standard Return Policy. Please do not refuse the delivery of non-damaged goods as this will result in up to a 50% restocking fee. A delivery refusal may also result in the loss of your product and may void any possibility of a refund. You may also be charged for shipping costs both to and from your address. Some items that are custom made or built-to-order cannot be cancelled.

Online Orders - If you are cancelling an order due to backorder, we recommend you first call us at 250-862-3245 OR email us at hello@pinelighting.ca  to verify the accuracy of the date before making your final decision. At times, manufacturers state items as backordered but have already shipped or are going to ship the items very soon. If the item is truly unavailable for an extended period, we sincerely apologize for the delay. Please note that since a cancellation request is time sensitive, please contact us immediatley regarding your intentions. 

Instore Orders - Please contact the branch and sales associate in charge of your order, they will assist you with the cancellation request.  

Lead times are listed on individual product pages, but these are estimates from the manufacturer. If your project is time-sensitive, call us before ordering — we can check real-time availability and advise on alternatives. We'd rather you know upfront than be surprised later.

Yes — and we strongly recommend it. Both our Kelowna and Surrey showrooms carry a curated selection of fixtures you can see and compare in person. There's a real difference between a fixture on a screen and one lit up in a showroom. Come in before you commit.

Small packages are delivered with UPS, Fedex, Purlator, Or Post Office 

Shipping is available in 3 delivery speeds: normal, rush and priority rush. Shipping is free for the normal delivery options.

The price of the other delivery options are calculated in the checkout process and depends on the size and weight of the item(s).

Large items will be delivered by a carrier by truck.

No — we're unable to ship to PO Box addresses.

Truck freight delivers to your curb or driveway only. The carrier will call to set up a delivery window (usually 2–4 hours during business hours). Make sure the contact number on your order is accurate.

When your delivery arrives: inspect the packaging before the driver leaves and note any damage on the delivery receipt — even if it looks minor. Take photos. Forward photos and notes to hello@pinelighting.ca as quickly as possible.

Do not refuse delivery of undamaged goods — refusals can result in restocking fees up to 50%.

We'll contact you by phone or email when your order is ready. Orders arranged for pickup are charged in full when the merchandise arrives at the showroom.

PINE LIGHTING strives to provide its customers with the most accurate information on product availability using the tools and resources made available by the manufacturers we represent, lead times are posted on the individual product pages, but these are estimates only.

Estimates are based on the assumption that the item you have selected  is currently in stock with the manufacturer and the manufacturer's typical speed at which orders are processed and shipped.

Normal deliveries usually ship in 3-4 weeks. Rush deliveries usually ship in 2 weeks. Priority rush deliveries usually ship within 1 - 2 weeks. If your purchase/project is time sensitive, we strongly suggest that you contact the store at (250)-862-3245 to inquire about expedited shipping services. 

PINE LIGHTING is not responsible for any costs associated with shipment delays.

For standard parcels: the carrier will leave a notice and attempt redelivery or hold the package at a nearby pickup location.

For large freight: if the carrier can't reach you, you may be responsible for storage fees or return freight charges. Make sure your contact number is current.

Standard (free): Small packages ship via UPS, FedEx, Purolator, or Canada Post. Most standard orders ship within 3–4 weeks.

Rush and Priority Rush: Expedited options are available at checkout. Rush typically ships in 2 weeks; Priority Rush in 1–2 weeks. If your timeline is tight, call us first — we can advise on the best option.

Large items ship via truck freight (curbside delivery). The carrier will contact you to arrange a delivery window.

Stock items can be returned within 30 days in original, uninstalled condition with original packaging and receipt.

Not eligible for return:

• Clearance and sale items
• Special or custom orders
• Installed, assembled, or modified items
• Items without original packaging
• Light bulbs, parts, and shades
• Large orders (6+ of one item, or invoice over $1,000)

If you're unsure whether an item is returnable, ask your salesperson before purchasing.

Call us at (250) 862-3245 to start the process. We'll issue a Return Goods Authorization (RGA) number with return instructions. Returns sent without an RGA number or to the wrong address are subject to a 50% restocking fee.

Ship the item back in original packaging using a trackable carrier and email your tracking number to your store contact. Refunds are processed once the item is received and inspected, less any applicable restocking and freight costs.

Contact us within 2 business days of delivery with photos and a description. For freight deliveries, note any damage on the bill of lading when you sign — even if the box looks only slightly damaged. This protects you.

We'll repair or replace damaged or defective items at no charge. If you'd prefer a return instead, standard return policy fees apply.

All products carry a 1-year manufacturer's warranty covering repair or replacement of the product (labour not included). LED bulbs and LED fixtures typically carry 3–5 year warranties — this varies by manufacturer.

Warranty is void if incorrect installation methods are used, the fixture is installed in an unsuitable location, or the product is damaged by harsh cleaners or misuse.

For a warranty issue, email photos and a description to hello@pinelighting.ca or contact your salesperson directly.