Frequently asked questions

We'll cover our most common questions here. Of course, if you need us, we are here for you: studio@mattalfordstudio.com.

Yes, my team and I make every single fixture in our studio.

The lightbulbs that we sell are imported from China, and our fabric lampshades are made by a few different production partners around the U.S. and overseas.

We're based in Los Angeles, California.

I started the studio because I love making things. Spending hours on a piece and then sending it into the world is so rewarding. There's nothing wrong with factory-made lighting, but I am personally hungry to feel a little more connected to the objects I surround myself with.

Over time, my why has shifted. Today, I’m just as passionate about building a studio that supports other craftspeople and allows them to have good, sustainable lives.

I’m proud that our team is paid above industry averages, has access to health insurance and benefits, and spends their days making things that bring people joy.

I generally start with you guys. I imagine how you'll use a light...where it will go...what quality of light will it provide.

From there I look to history. I want my stuff to feel timeless and not trendy, so most of my designs keep one foot planted in classic interiors.

My final gut check: In 20 years will this be in a landfill or will it be in a flea market? If it’s the former, I keep working. If it’s the latter, I know I’m good to go.

Absolutely. We love working with designers and architects and offer a dedicated trade program.

At this time I'm not accepting custom commissions while I work on expanding my own collection.

We do offer modifications to our existing designs.

We’re a small studio and don’t hire often, but when we do, we’ll share openings on Indeed and in our newsletter.

We're always happy to accept a resume, which you can send to jobs@mattalfordstudio.com. In your email please note which department you'd like to be considered for: Production, Logistics, Metal Finishing, or Client Services.

We’re generally in the studio Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm (Pacific). We do our best to respond within one business day. During especially busy periods, it may take a little longer, but we will always get back to you.

Sure thing! We're open by appointment only. Email studio@mattalfordstudio.com to schedule a visit.

99% of our work is solid brass. A few of our powder-coated pieces are steel.

We recommend dusting regularly with a soft, dry cloth. Brass will naturally patina over time, which we consider part of its beauty. Here's a link to our care page for more detailed information.

Our products are handmade and hand-finished. As such, slight variations are normal and expected. Each piece is unique, but all are finished to the same standard. 

Almost everything is UL listed, but a few pieces are not. This information will always be included under the "Specifications" tab of the product page. 

All of our hard-wired fixtures are dimmable when paired with a compatible dimmer and bulb.

Most of our plug-in fixtures have the option of either dimming or on/off. 

For most of my designs the bulbs are sold separately so that you may choose the brightness and light quality that best suits your project. If your fixture needs a specific bulb base or shape, it will be mentioned in the product specifications.

For designs that utilize G9 sockets we go ahead and include a bulb since those can be a little trickier to source.

If you need help picking a bulb, don't hesitate to reach out. We're always happy to chat Lumens and Kelvins ;) 

Our collection is comprised of in-stock items and made-to-order items. This will always be listed at the very top of the product page. Our current production and processing times are:

  • Made to order: Shipping within 4-6 weeks
  • In-Stock: Shipping within 1-2 business days

If you've ordered multiple items, we will ship everything in the same package once the final piece is ready.

Occasionally, depending on availability. Feel free to reach out and we’ll see what’s possible. Please note that there will be a surcharge for this service.

Changes and cancelations are possible for the first 48 hours after placing your order. After that, the order is sent over to our production room and can no longer be changed or cancelled.

If your order is unable to be cancelled, please refer to our return policy.

At the moment, I’m not accepting custom commissions as I focus on growing my own collection. 

We are often able to arrange modifications to our existing designs. Send us a message prior to placing your order and we will help you out. 

Yes. Designers and architects can apply for our trade program.

Finish samples are available for trade partners upon request. Please also reference our Finishes Page and our Material Charts for helpful information and high-res images.

Yes, we will ship anywhere in the world.

Please note that all of our stuff is made for North American voltage systems and may require local re-wiring for compatibility. If you have any questions please send us a note and we are happy to help.

Yes. Our fixtures come with a one-year warranty covering defects in workmanship and materials.

If a repair is needed, all work is handled by us here in our Los Angeles studio so we can be sure it’s done properly and with care.

In cases where there’s a question about whether an issue is related to workmanship or normal wear and use, that determination is made by our team. We approach these situations thoughtfully and fairly, and always with the intention of standing behind our work.

We ship everything from our studio in Los Angeles, California.

Domestic orders ship via UPS with door-to-door tracking and insurance.

International couriers may vary, but we will always provide door-to-door tracking and insurance. 

Yes, please send us a note with your order and shipping address and we will provide a quote.

Domestic shipping fees are banded as such:

  • 1 - 99 USD .... 9.95
  • 100 - 250 USD ... 14.95
  • 250 - 500 USD ... 21.95
  • 500+ .... FREE

International shipping charges are calculated differently, and will auto-populate in your cart during checkout.

Pickup from our Los Angeles studio is available for free. We will notify you via email once your pieces are ready for pickup.

Yes. You’ll receive tracking information as soon as your order ships.

Please contact us within 48 hours of delivery and include photos of both the product and the packaging so we can make it right.

Please note: our insurance company has strict processing timelines, so please send this right away. If we are not notified within 48 hours your damage claim will be denied. 

If your package is lost in transit, reach out and we’ll work with the carrier to resolve it.

We've seen more porch piracy lately, so please ensure that there is a safe delivery spot available for your package. Once an item has been delivered it is no longer covered by shipping insurance. If you'd like to add a signature requirement for delivery, please email us or mention this in the checkout notes.

Yes, we do. Please notify us within 21 days and we will work with you to set up a return or an exchange.

Returned items will require an RMA number, which we will provide in our email conversation. Due to the nature of our work, some pieces aren't eligible for return/exchange:

  • One-of-a-kind works
  • Customized pieces
  • Items delivered outside of the US
  • Items that have been installed or are no longer in resealable condition
  • Shipping charges or rush-order surcharges
  • Bulk orders of 8 or more items, including orders placed sequentially

Return shipping is the responsibility of the client. Once we receive your order we will process a full refund, minus a 10% restocking fee.

Yes, we ship internationally. We'll handle the paperwork, but you will be responsible for import duties and associated fees. These will be collected by the courier prior to delivery.

Studio

Yes, my team and I make every single fixture in our studio.

The lightbulbs that we sell are imported from China, and our fabric lampshades are made by a few different production partners around the U.S. and overseas.

We're based in Los Angeles, California.

I started the studio because I love making things. Spending hours on a piece and then sending it into the world is so rewarding. There's nothing wrong with factory-made lighting, but I am personally hungry to feel a little more connected to the objects I surround myself with.

Over time, my why has shifted. Today, I’m just as passionate about building a studio that supports other craftspeople and allows them to have good, sustainable lives.

I’m proud that our team is paid above industry averages, has access to health insurance and benefits, and spends their days making things that bring people joy.

I generally start with you guys. I imagine how you'll use a light...where it will go...what quality of light will it provide.

From there I look to history. I want my stuff to feel timeless and not trendy, so most of my designs keep one foot planted in classic interiors.

My final gut check: In 20 years will this be in a landfill or will it be in a flea market? If it’s the former, I keep working. If it’s the latter, I know I’m good to go.

Absolutely. We love working with designers and architects and offer a dedicated trade program.

At this time I'm not accepting custom commissions while I work on expanding my own collection.

We do offer modifications to our existing designs.

We’re a small studio and don’t hire often, but when we do, we’ll share openings on Indeed and in our newsletter.

We're always happy to accept a resume, which you can send to jobs@mattalfordstudio.com. In your email please note which department you'd like to be considered for: Production, Logistics, Metal Finishing, or Client Services.

We’re generally in the studio Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm (Pacific). We do our best to respond within one business day. During especially busy periods, it may take a little longer, but we will always get back to you.

Sure thing! We're open by appointment only. Email studio@mattalfordstudio.com to schedule a visit.

Products

99% of our work is solid brass. A few of our powder-coated pieces are steel.

We recommend dusting regularly with a soft, dry cloth. Brass will naturally patina over time, which we consider part of its beauty. Here's a link to our care page for more detailed information.

Our products are handmade and hand-finished. As such, slight variations are normal and expected. Each piece is unique, but all are finished to the same standard. 

Almost everything is UL listed, but a few pieces are not. This information will always be included under the "Specifications" tab of the product page. 

All of our hard-wired fixtures are dimmable when paired with a compatible dimmer and bulb.

Most of our plug-in fixtures have the option of either dimming or on/off. 

For most of my designs the bulbs are sold separately so that you may choose the brightness and light quality that best suits your project. If your fixture needs a specific bulb base or shape, it will be mentioned in the product specifications.

For designs that utilize G9 sockets we go ahead and include a bulb since those can be a little trickier to source.

If you need help picking a bulb, don't hesitate to reach out. We're always happy to chat Lumens and Kelvins ;) 

Ordering

Our collection is comprised of in-stock items and made-to-order items. This will always be listed at the very top of the product page. Our current production and processing times are:

  • Made to order: Shipping within 4-6 weeks
  • In-Stock: Shipping within 1-2 business days

If you've ordered multiple items, we will ship everything in the same package once the final piece is ready.

Occasionally, depending on availability. Feel free to reach out and we’ll see what’s possible. Please note that there will be a surcharge for this service.

Changes and cancelations are possible for the first 48 hours after placing your order. After that, the order is sent over to our production room and can no longer be changed or cancelled.

If your order is unable to be cancelled, please refer to our return policy.

At the moment, I’m not accepting custom commissions as I focus on growing my own collection. 

We are often able to arrange modifications to our existing designs. Send us a message prior to placing your order and we will help you out. 

Yes. Designers and architects can apply for our trade program.

Finish samples are available for trade partners upon request. Please also reference our Finishes Page and our Material Charts for helpful information and high-res images.

Yes, we will ship anywhere in the world.

Please note that all of our stuff is made for North American voltage systems and may require local re-wiring for compatibility. If you have any questions please send us a note and we are happy to help.

Yes. Our fixtures come with a one-year warranty covering defects in workmanship and materials.

If a repair is needed, all work is handled by us here in our Los Angeles studio so we can be sure it’s done properly and with care.

In cases where there’s a question about whether an issue is related to workmanship or normal wear and use, that determination is made by our team. We approach these situations thoughtfully and fairly, and always with the intention of standing behind our work.

Shipping & Returns

We ship everything from our studio in Los Angeles, California.

Domestic orders ship via UPS with door-to-door tracking and insurance.

International couriers may vary, but we will always provide door-to-door tracking and insurance. 

Yes, please send us a note with your order and shipping address and we will provide a quote.

Domestic shipping fees are banded as such:

  • 1 - 99 USD .... 9.95
  • 100 - 250 USD ... 14.95
  • 250 - 500 USD ... 21.95
  • 500+ .... FREE

International shipping charges are calculated differently, and will auto-populate in your cart during checkout.

Pickup from our Los Angeles studio is available for free. We will notify you via email once your pieces are ready for pickup.

Yes. You’ll receive tracking information as soon as your order ships.

Please contact us within 48 hours of delivery and include photos of both the product and the packaging so we can make it right.

Please note: our insurance company has strict processing timelines, so please send this right away. If we are not notified within 48 hours your damage claim will be denied. 

If your package is lost in transit, reach out and we’ll work with the carrier to resolve it.

We've seen more porch piracy lately, so please ensure that there is a safe delivery spot available for your package. Once an item has been delivered it is no longer covered by shipping insurance. If you'd like to add a signature requirement for delivery, please email us or mention this in the checkout notes.

Yes, we do. Please notify us within 21 days and we will work with you to set up a return or an exchange.

Returned items will require an RMA number, which we will provide in our email conversation. Due to the nature of our work, some pieces aren't eligible for return/exchange:

  • One-of-a-kind works
  • Customized pieces
  • Items delivered outside of the US
  • Items that have been installed or are no longer in resealable condition
  • Shipping charges or rush-order surcharges
  • Bulk orders of 8 or more items, including orders placed sequentially

Return shipping is the responsibility of the client. Once we receive your order we will process a full refund, minus a 10% restocking fee.

Yes, we ship internationally. We'll handle the paperwork, but you will be responsible for import duties and associated fees. These will be collected by the courier prior to delivery.