Business Details
20 Years
experience
Expert Lighting Restoration & Custom Fabrication in Berkeley
At Panache Lighting, we combine artistry and innovation to deliver exceptional lighting solutions that honor the past while embracing modern functionality. Founded in 2006 by Jana Olson, our business has specialized in restoring vintage and antique lighting fixtures, preserving their historical integrity while adapting them for contemporary spaces. Our meticulous craftsmanship extends to custom fabrication, where we collaborate closely with clients to transform unique visions into bespoke lighting masterpieces. Following Jana's unexpected passing in 2024, the business has transitioned to Alexandra Marchant, a skilled artisan with nine years of experience in lighting restoration and a graduate degree in sculpture.Alexandra's background in ceramics, glass blowing, and custom lighting design ensures continuity in quality and creativity. We specialize in deep cleaning, rewiring, large-scale custom builds, and repurposing reclaimed materials into statement pieces. Every project reflects our commitment to precision, from minor height adjustments to international conversions and UL listing. Our Berkeley-based workshop serves clients seeking to preserve heirloom fixtures or create distinctive lighting solutions. By maintaining rigorous attention to detail and client collaboration, we continue Panache Lighting's legacy of excellence in both restoration and innovation.
Services
Lighting Restoration
Custom Fabrication
Antique Restoration
Repurposed Fixtures
UL Listing
Deep Cleaning
Rewiring
Large Scale Builds
Fixture Modification
International Conversions
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- We offer 9 years of specialized expertise in lighting restoration and fabrication.
- Our team provides meticulous craftsmanship for both vintage preservation and custom designs.
- We specialize in repurposing reclaimed materials into unique lighting solutions.
- All fixtures undergo UL listing for safety and quality assurance.
- Personalized service tailored to each client's vision and space requirements.
Services
Lighting Restoration
Specialized restoration of vintage and antique lighting fixtures preserves historical integrity while modernizing functionality. Our process includes deep cleaning, rewiring, and precise modifications to maintain original character. Clients receive expert consultation to determine optimal restoration approaches for heirloom or decorative pieces.
Custom Fabrication
Transform creative visions into unique lighting masterpieces through collaborative custom design. We craft statement chandeliers, intricate sconces, and tailored fixtures using traditional techniques combined with modern innovation. Each piece undergoes rigorous quality checks to ensure structural integrity and aesthetic excellence.
Repurposed Fixtures
Create distinctive lighting solutions by repurposing reclaimed materials into artistic fixtures. Our process combines salvaged elements with new components to produce one-of-a-kind pieces that blend history with contemporary design. This sustainable approach maintains character while meeting modern safety standards.
UL Listing
Ensure lighting fixtures meet national safety standards through professional UL certification services. We handle complete electrical system evaluations and necessary modifications to achieve compliance. This service guarantees both aesthetic preservation and operational safety for restored or custom fixtures.
International Conversions
Adapt lighting fixtures for international electrical systems while maintaining design integrity. Our specialists modify voltage requirements and plug configurations to meet global standards without compromising original aesthetics. This service enables seamless integration of vintage pieces into worldwide locations.
People
Alexandra Marchant
Owner
Alexandra Marchant brings nine years of lighting restoration expertise to Panache Lighting. With an MFA in sculpture and prior experience managing Omega Lighting's workshop, she specializes in combining artistic vision with technical precision. Her ceramic and glassworking background enhances her approach to custom fabrication and antique preservation.
Questions
What types of lighting restoration services do you offer?
We specialize in vintage and antique fixture restoration including deep cleaning, rewiring, and structural modifications while preserving original character.
Can you create custom lighting designs from scratch?
Yes, our bespoke fabrication service transforms client concepts into unique lighting masterpieces through collaborative design and artisanal craftsmanship.
Do you work with reclaimed materials for custom projects?
We offer repurposed lighting solutions that creatively integrate reclaimed components into new fixtures while maintaining structural integrity and safety.
Are your restored fixtures up to modern safety standards?
All restorations include UL listing and electrical system upgrades to meet current safety requirements without compromising historical authenticity.
Can you adapt fixtures for international electrical systems?
We provide international conversion services to modify voltage requirements and plug configurations for global fixture compatibility.
What are your consultation and appointment hours?
We offer in-person consultations Monday-Thursday 10am-5pm and by appointment outside these hours for project discussions.
Reviews (6)
Vance C.
Jun 09, 2022
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For those of us that repair old things Jana has a great supply of parts. I get my vintage cordage from her and glad to have a local resource.
Eileen A.
Mar 13, 2022
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Jana is a delight to work with, and I have an Art Deco fixture that she rewired and refurbished in her old store, Omega Too, that I purchased 20 years ago. It is hanging happily in my dining room. I want to have a companion or complementary chandelier in my living room and she is currently making one for me out of another one she has at her shop. I am amazed at her artistry.
Marolyn W.
Apr 25, 2019
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I asked around several lighting companies and none would touch the little Tiffany lamp that needed repair of its base. The leaded glass shade had been too heavy for the original soddering. She was at ease taking on the project and did a great and timely job. I give her my highest recommendation for lamp repair.
Robert B.
Sep 30, 2018
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I am fan of Panache Lighting! Jana was able to get started on my project right away. She explained everything in detail, and I'm satisfied with the results. Pricing is more than fair. I have another project which I'll be bringing in soon!
B. C.
Apr 15, 2017
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Just had a favorite, old lamp repaired. The switch wasn't working very consistently and the inner workings of the lamp had become very loose and wobbly and I hadn't been able to figure out how to tighten it up. Jana was able to do the work immediately, while I waited and did a fabulous job. She replaced the switch and tightened up the connections so the lamp is just like new as far as I'm concerned. Very happy with her work. Price was very reasonable.
Thomas E.
Aug 21, 2016
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I had two vintage florescent desk lamps that were inoperable due to age. The ballasts were original and burned out. The wiring insulation was cracked and broken. One lamp didn't have a base plate to hold in the ballasts. I had taken the lamps to three different lamp shops in the East Bay but to no avail. I starting looking up lamp shops in San Francisco but fortunately I was referred to Jana before I started venturing into the City. Jana went far beyond the call of duty.
Besides making both lamps operable, she installed new ballasts, installed new switches, fabricated a base plate for one of the lamps, threaded the posts on the base so that the base plates could be held in place by nuts rather than pressure fasteners, and rewired both lamps. It was evident that Jana knew what she was talking about during our first conversation, especially when I compared our conversation with my experiences with the other lamp shop owners. She kept the repair in budget and was timely in the repair. The caliber of her repair work far exceeded my expectations. I recommend her without qualification.
Besides making both lamps operable, she installed new ballasts, installed new switches, fabricated a base plate for one of the lamps, threaded the posts on the base so that the base plates could be held in place by nuts rather than pressure fasteners, and rewired both lamps. It was evident that Jana knew what she was talking about during our first conversation, especially when I compared our conversation with my experiences with the other lamp shop owners. She kept the repair in budget and was timely in the repair. The caliber of her repair work far exceeded my expectations. I recommend her without qualification.
