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Beautiful European Lighting Captures the Hearts of Celebrities and Everyday Texans — the D’Lightus Difference

Dallas Showroom Open, Houston in the Works and Worldwide Shipping Online

BY // 11.07.19

Any designer knows that the right lighting is essential to set the mood of a room. And a go-to European lighting source, for designers and celebrities alike, has a showroom right here in Dallas.

Quintessentially chic French duo Sandrine Farges and Jean Khelifi-Duprat created D’Lightus nearly two decades ago out of a shared passion and vision: to offer an inspirational selection of mid-century modern European designer lighting, decor and jewelry here in the United States.

In 2000, Sandrine and Jean had just moved from France to Los Angeles. Jean was raised in the South of France in a family of antiquarians and is armed with an artistic educational background, while Sandrine studied law and interior design. When they relocated to California, they brought with them some of the most beautiful, high-end lighting pieces from Europe, and started selling to famed mid-century and antique stores in Los Angeles and New York.

Sandrine and Jean quickly picked up some celebrity clients from the movies and music business who still shop with them today — though of course, being discreet Europeans they are reluctant to name names. Sandrine and Jean acquired so many customers they opened their own showrooms in New York, West Palm Beach, Houston, Dallas and Boston.

Today, the showrooms in Dallas and Boston remain open but they have also added an online presence, selling on dlightus.com, 1stdibs, Incollect, Decaso, and Pamono.

Large Mid-Century Modern translucent Murano glass chandeliers by Mazzega
Large Mid-Century Modern translucent Murano glass chandeliers by Mazzega

“Our clientele is spread across the largest cities in the United States,” Sandrine says. “We’ve kept relationships with our customers in New York and Los Angeles, where we used to have showrooms. We mainly work with interior designers in San Francisco, New York, Boston, Chicago, Palm Beach, Houston, and really all the big cities.

“We have a growing clientele in Dallas, where we have had a showroom for a few years now.”

Designers rely on D’Lightus not only for its top quality fixtures, but also for an impressive inventory. Sandrine and Jean are always on the hunt for new treasures. They are able to add new inventory weekly to their online stores, and have monthly shipments from Europe to the Dallas showroom. The vintage lighting has been professionally rewired and they offer worldwide shipping.

D’Lightus is focusing on its Dallas double showroom, and has its sights set on opening a Houston showroom by next year’s end. The lightning gurus previously had a popular double showroom in Antiques of River Oaks for five or six years until the owners of ARO retired and closed the store.

D’Lightus sells directly to consumers and offers special to-the-trade discounts.

“We have all kinds of clients, and we try to maintain our prices as low as possible. We want to be accessible to most people — it is important to us,” Sandrine says.

“We love when our clients are satisfied and happy. It’s a simple, but powerful source of happiness.”

Mid Century Modern Enamel/Brass Sputnik 33 lights Chandelier
Mid Century Modern Enamel/Brass Sputnik 33 lights Chandelier

Seeking the Timeless and Unique

Since the inception of D’Lightus, finding the best Murano glass pieces has been a top focus. “We particularly love Murano glass lighting from the 1920s to the 1980s — the most creative and sophisticated period for lighting,” Sandrine says.

“In the very beginning of D’Lightus, while visiting Murano, we discovered we could access old stocks, and could purchase these vintage stocks from the factories. We are always in search of new glasses and lighting fixtures that are different — that have a real personality.

“We love noble materials and sophisticated handwork. The artistic work of Murano glass is an endless inspiration source, though we also love marble, brass, and chrome.”

D’Lightus carries lighting from mainly celebrated French and Italian designers including Mazzega, Venini, Stilnovo, Barovier & Toso, Fontana Arte, La Murrina, Vistosi, Maison Bagues, and Maison Charles.

They also have select furniture pieces from Italian designers from the 1960s, mirrors, vases and other European decor items.

In addition, D’Lightus offers a unique collection of contemporary Murano glass jewelry by artist Paola B.

“When searching for lighting, we really try to find timeless pieces. Items that can go in a contemporary environment, or a more neoclassical environment — this is our quest,” Sandrine says.

“We choose unique pieces that inspire us. Our criteria are: quality, excellent condition, authenticity, style, and simplicity or sophistication.”

Sandrine notes that the current trend in France, and increasingly in the United States, is mixing mid-century design with other styles.

“I am very satisfied with this trend — I think the most beautiful interiors are created when mixing styles,” he says. “If you place a pair of extremely contemporary armchairs with (vintage) Mid Century Modern-style Murano chandeliers, it is absolutely gorgeous and extremely interesting.

“And consequently, when you do that, each piece becomes an entity and can be seen almost like a piece of art. Everything gives value to each other.”

D’lightus at Brown & Co, Dallas Design District, 1333 Oak Lawn Avenue, 214.748.8353, dlightus.com.

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