Choose lightly brushed brass, aged nickel, or bronze with soft sheen to reflect light pleasantly. Avoid mirror-polished plates in tight rooms where hotspots appear. Mixed metals can work when one dominates calmly, allowing accents to whisper rather than shout and keeping ensemble harmonious.
Frosted or ribbed glass, hand-cut crystal, and thin alabaster offer sparkle with softened edges. They spread photons across surfaces, elevating textiles and art without glare. Prioritize high CRI sources so reds and woods glow naturally, maintaining the inviting character of refined interiors.

Consider cord covers painted to match walls, adhesive cable guides, and plug-in sconces with fabric cords and inline dimmers. Magnetic battery lights behind glass shelves create sparkle. Prioritize safety certifications and quality hardware so temporary installations feel deliberate, not improvised, and always polished.

Use pancake junction boxes, shallow trims, and remote drivers located in accessible closets to save space. Coordinate with electricians about load calculations and code. Aim for centered placement to maintain symmetry, and test beam spreads on walls before finalizing hole locations.

Dust reduces performance and sparkle. Schedule gentle, regular maintenance using microfiber cloths, bulb-safe cleaners, and ladder precautions in small rooms. Check connections annually, replace aging drivers, and keep spare diffusers or shades, ensuring consistent quality and longevity without last-minute scrambling.