Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about A19 with these commonly asked questions.
Need more help? Contact Us and we will be happy to help!
Contact UsAbout A19
What is A19?
A19 is a woman-owned and operated artisan ceramic lighting company located in Ontario, California. While our name draws inspiration from the common household light bulb, our business stands out for its unique offerings. Our unyielding commitment to local craftsmanship and meticulous quality is reflected in every handcrafted fixture, underscoring our dedication to ensuring your complete satisfaction. We take immense pride in every aspect of our business, from personally handcrafting one-of-a-kind ceramic lighting fixtures to ensuring their prompt and secure delivery to your doorstep.
Is every fixture from A19 truly handcrafted in the United States?
Yes, every ceramic wall sconce and pendant light fixture from A19 is meticulously handcrafted in the United States. Our process involves designing, molding, firing, sanding, finishing, assembling, and shipping each fixture from our dedicated Southern California studio.
Purchasing & Warranties
Can I Purchase A19 Products Directly?
Yes, you can purchase A19 products directly from us. Our commitment is to collaborate with you to meet your lighting needs. Additionally, A19 products are readily available through a network of knowledgeable lighting showrooms and distributors. If you are a lighting and decor retailer interested in offering A19 products, please feel free to reach out to us.
How to Select the Correct Lamping Option?
When it comes to selecting the correct lamping option for your A19 wall sconce or pendant light, we’re here to help you make an informed choice. At A19, we offer a diverse range of lamping options to cater to your specific lighting needs. Your decision may depend on various factors, such as the location where the fixture will be installed, including considerations like the need for a WET-rated option if the fixture will be directly exposed to rain. Additionally, you can opt for the convenience of including energy-efficient light bulbs with your order.
Should you require further assistance in determining the ideal lamping option for your specific A19 fixture, please do not hesitate to reach out to us directly or consult with one of our well-informed lighting showrooms or distributors. We are committed to providing expert advice to help you make the right selection.
How Long Are A19 Products Warranted?
A-19, Inc. stands behind the quality and durability of our ceramic fixtures. We offer the following warranty policy:
For the original consumer purchaser, our warranty extends for as long as you own your home. This warranty ensures that the ceramic fixture, which we craft with utmost care, remains free from defects in material and workmanship when properly installed and used under normal conditions. It’s important to note that this warranty covers the ceramic fixture itself and not its component parts, including items like light bulbs, which may have separate warranty terms or exclusions.
For other purchasers, including those acquiring A19 products for industrial, commercial, or business use, the warranty covers a period of 5 years from the original date of purchase, with the same understanding that it applies to the ceramic fixture specifically.
This dual warranty policy demonstrates our commitment to ensuring the quality and durability of our products, offering you peace of mind for years to come.
Customization
Does A19 Make Custom Ceramic Light Fixtures?
At A19, we specialize in handcrafting bespoke ceramic fixtures tailored to your specific requirements. Our expertise encompasses the customization of colors and the incorporation of unique cut-outs and textures. Additionally, we offer a diverse selection of shapes and sizes that can be personalized to meet your precise needs.
While we have the capability to create new shapes and sizes, it’s important to note that crafting new ceramic fixtures involves a significant amount of labor and may be cost-prohibitive, unless it’s for a larger quantity of fixtures. If you’re in search of smaller quantities, you might discover a suitable option from our extensive catalog of pre-designed styles.
We encourage you to share your vision for a custom design with us. Our team is eager to provide expert guidance and explore how we can turn your unique vision into a tangible reality. Please feel free to reach out, and let’s bring your custom ceramic light fixture ideas to life.
Can I Specify a Custom Color for My Fixture?
Absolutely! At A19, we take pride in offering you the ability to customize the color of our light fixtures to match your specific preferences, including the exact color and sheen you desire. You can simply provide us with the color and sheen from a major paint brand that you’d like us to match, and we will create light fixtures in that precise color for you. This ensures that A19’s pendants and wall sconces will seamlessly enhance the beauty of any décor, perfectly tailored to your unique style.
Can I DIY Paint My Ceramic Fixtures?
Certainly! If you’d like to take a DIY approach and paint your fixtures, you have the option to choose any style from the Islands of Light collection in “Bare Bisque” ceramic. This flexibility empowers you to easily customize your fixtures, aligning them with your specific decor preferences through your own creative touch.
How to Paint a Bare Bisque Fixture?
Painting a bare bisque fixture is a straightforward process, much like painting a wall. You can paint any of our fixtures using most indoor or outdoor-grade wall paint. For ease of cleanup and other considerations, we recommend using water-based paint. However, if you opt for oil-based paint (e.g., spray paint), it’s essential to first seal the exterior of the fixture with an appropriate primer. Please note that we do not recommend painting the interior of the fixture. Painting instructions are included with each fixture for your convenience.
Do I Have to Paint Bare Bisque Fixtures?
No, applying a finish to our fixtures is entirely optional. Our bare bisque ceramic lights possess innate beauty and are fully functional in their natural state. However, if you wish to seal the ceramic surface and make cleaning more convenient, especially for exterior applications, you have the choice of either painting the fixture yourself or allowing us to apply a finish.
If you decide to leave the ceramic bisque unfinished, you can easily refresh it by gently sanding the surface with fine-grained sandpaper. For your convenience, care and maintenance instructions are included with each of our fixtures, ensuring you can enjoy your chosen fixture in its preferred state.
Can I Order Custom Cord Lengths on Pendants?
A19 pendants come equipped with a generous 6 feet of cord, which can be easily cut to your desired length during installation. If you require longer cord lengths, they are available for an additional charge. Please reach out to us at info@a19.com to inquire about the availability and options for custom cord lengths. We are here to assist you in meeting your specific pendant lighting needs.
Can I Change the Orientation of A19’s Wall Sconces?
Absolutely! A19’s wall sconces are designed with your flexibility in mind. You have the freedom to install them in the orientation that best suits your style and needs. In most cases, there’s no fixed top or bottom, allowing you to turn them upside down or even sideways if that’s your preference.
The only exception is when our fixtures are intended for use in Outdoor Wet Locations, where they will be directly exposed to rain. In such instances, we ensure that the sconces have a specific top and bottom orientation for their protection. For indoor or covered outdoor installations, the choice is yours, so feel free to get creative with your lighting design!
Do You Offer Lighting With Custom Cut-Outs and Textures?
At A19, we believe in limitless possibilities. Our lighting fixtures can be customized with unique cut-outs and textures, enhancing their handmade nature and adding character to your space. This level of customization allows you to align your lighting with your specific design vision. For more details and to explore the endless creative possibilities, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Benefits of Ceramic
Why Should I Choose Ceramic Lighting Over Glass and Metal Lighting Fixtures?
A19’s ceramic light fixtures possess exceptional qualities that set them apart. They offer a unique aesthetic, unparalleled durability, and exceptional versatility. Unlike metal, ceramic won’t rust, making it ideal for various environments, including high-moisture areas like oceanfront properties. Our ceramic stands the test of time without deterioration concerns. Even in such challenging conditions, ceramic light fixtures maintain their integrity.
Ceramic’s opaqueness conceals the direct view of the bulb, eliminating harsh glare and providing a pleasant and gentle illumination that adds to the ambiance of your space. Moreover, working with ceramic allows us to apply a color-matched finish, ensuring seamless integration with your decor.
In addition to these benefits, our ceramic downlights are exceptional for outdoor dark sky and turtle-friendly lighting, making them environmentally conscious choices that contribute to preserving natural habitats.
Lamping Option Meanings and Ratings
What is the difference between available lamping options?
Understanding the distinctions between lamping options for various locations is crucial when selecting the right lighting for your needs:
Damp Location: Damp locations are periodically subject to moisture condensation. Fixtures suitable for damp locations are ideal for areas like bathrooms (excluding the shower or tub), basements, and building exteriors. These locations experience moisture but have no direct exposure to water. All of our ceramic lighting is standard for damp locations, making it perfect for environments like indoor bathrooms and outdoor patios. Ceramic’s corrosion resistance ensures longevity in these settings.
Wet Location: Wet locations are directly exposed to the elements, where water comes into direct contact with your lighting. These uncovered outdoor areas necessitate light fixtures that are wet-rated. If you plan to install our light fixtures in outdoor spaces where they will be directly exposed to rain, you should select our “Outdoor/WET Location” lamping option.
Outdoor Lighting: This term simply denotes lighting intended for exterior locations, as opposed to interior spaces. When choosing outdoor lighting, consider the placement of your fixtures. If they are exposed to outdoor elements like rain, you’ll need fixtures suitable for Wet Location. If your lighting is sheltered by an eave, overhang, porch, or patio, fixtures for Damp Location are typically sufficient.
Outdoor Lighting: This term simply denotes lighting intended for exterior locations, as opposed to interior spaces. When choosing outdoor lighting, consider the placement of your fixtures. If they are exposed to outdoor elements like rain, you’ll need fixtures suitable for Wet Location. If your lighting is sheltered by an eave, overhang, porch, or patio, fixtures for Damp Location are typically sufficient.
By understanding these distinctions, you can make informed choices to ensure your lighting fixtures are suitable for their intended environment. Or, give us a call and we are happy to help.
Does A19 Make ADA Compliant Lighting?
A19 wall sconces with a depth of 4 inches or less meet the projection requirements specified by the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). ADA compliance becomes a consideration primarily when selecting wall sconce lighting fixtures for public spaces.
On Which Side Do Your Corner Wall Sconces Mount to the Wall?
Our corner wall sconces are designed to mount on either the right or left side, offering flexibility in their installation to suit your specific needs.
Can I install a fixture in the shower?
Please consult your electrician for your local building codes.
Standard Light Fixtures
Our standard light fixtures are great for bathroom installations. However, there are typically safety restrictions for placement of electrical fixtures within a shower or bathtub electrical safety water zone. Our wet-rated lighting fixtures are designed for outdoor exposure to rain. They are not fully waterproof or sealed for water submersion.
Water Submersion
A somewhat commonly asked question is about water submersion. You would need to look for products that have specific IP (Ingress Protection) ratings for your application. For example, Zone 0 lighting that is installed directly inside the bath or shower, may require submersion fittings rated IP67. Our lights would not be suitable for this scenario. Our wall sconces and pendants could work beautifully however over a vanity without any special requirements.
Cleaning of A19 Light Fixtures
How do I clean my A19 fixture?
For bisque, smudges can be removed by lightly sanding with 150-grit sandpaper. Do not use liquid cleaners on the highly porous bisque surface. For fixtures with a finish, you may dust or wipe clean with a non-abrasive damp cloth or sponge.
Do You Offer Lighting With Custom Cut-Outs and Textures?
At A19, we believe in limitless possibilities. Our lighting fixtures can be customized with unique cut-outs and textures, enhancing their handmade nature and adding character to your space. This level of customization allows you to align your lighting with your specific design vision. For more details and to explore the endless creative possibilities, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Did you find your answer in our list of commonly asked questions?
If not, Contact Us and we will be happy to help you!