Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for Lighting & Ceiling Fans in Durham, NC
University Lights has been a family-owned and operated business since 1971, serving Central North Carolina with premium lighting solutions. Our team brings over 45 years of combined experience in lighting design and installation, catering to both residential and commercial clients. With two spacious showrooms in Durham and Garner, we offer an extensive selection of chandeliers, ceiling fans, wall sconces, and specialty light bulbs. Our dedicated staff provides personalized service to guide customers through every project, from single fixture replacements to full-home renovations. We prioritize customer satisfaction through knowledgeable consultations and hands-on demonstrations of our products.Our commitment to quality is reflected in our partnerships with top manufacturers and our ability to source rare vintage components. We maintain flexible business hours to accommodate busy schedules while ensuring one-on-one attention for every client. Our expertise extends to repairing lamps and ceiling fans from all brands, including vintage models. With a legacy spanning five decades, we continue to uphold our founding principles of integrity, expertise, and community service.
Services
Light Fixtures
Ceiling Fans
Chandeliers
Lamp Repair
Exterior Lighting
Vintage Bulbs
Ceiling Pendants
Wall Sconces
Details
- Year established: 1971
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1971 with 45+ years of combined industry experience
- Two spacious showrooms featuring 42+ installed ceiling fan models
- Specialists in sourcing rare vintage light bulbs and fixtures
- Expert repair services for all brands of lamps and ceiling fans
- Personalized consultations with knowledgeable lighting professionals
Services
Light Fixtures
We offer an extensive selection of indoor and outdoor light fixtures including chandeliers, ceiling pendants, and wall sconces. Our inventory spans contemporary designs to traditional styles, with options for residential and commercial applications. Our experts help clients choose appropriate lighting solutions that enhance both aesthetics and functionality.
Ceiling Fans
Our ceiling fan selection includes energy-efficient models from leading brands like Hunter and Matthews Fan Co. We provide installation guidance and carry specialty fans including the historic Hunter Original Cast Iron model. Showrooms feature 42+ working displays to help customers evaluate performance and design options.
Lamp Repair
We offer repair services for lamps and ceiling fans from all brands, including vintage models. Our technicians handle electrical components, motor replacements, and restoration of antique fixtures. This service extends the lifespan of valuable lighting investments while maintaining safety standards.
Light Bulbs
We stock specialty light bulbs including vintage and hard-to-find types. Our inventory covers various wattages, shapes, and technologies from traditional incandescent to modern LED options. Staff can help identify appropriate replacements for unique fixtures while considering energy efficiency.
Lighting Consultation
Our experienced team provides personalized lighting consultations for residential and commercial projects. We help clients develop cohesive lighting plans that balance ambient, task, and accent lighting. Services include showroom walkthroughs and guidance on fixture placement and selection.
People
Rod Chandler
Co-Owner
Co-owner since the 1990s with over 60 years combined lighting industry experience. Passionate about automotive restoration and mentoring next-generation team members.
Jay Chandler
Co-Owner
Co-owner focused on outdoor lighting solutions and landscaping integration. Actively trains new staff while maintaining hands-on involvement in customer service.
Kirk Chandler
Showroom Sales Manager
Leads Durham showroom operations with extensive retail lighting experience. Specializes in guiding customers through complete lighting projects from concept to installation.
Rebecca Chandler
Warehouse Manager
Manages Garner location inventory and customer service operations with 15 years company experience. Combines organizational expertise with personalized client assistance.
Questions
What are University Lights' current business hours?
Our Durham location is open Monday-Friday 10am-5:30pm. Garner location operates Monday-Friday 8am-5pm. Both locations are closed weekends.
Do you offer lighting installation services?
While we don't perform installations directly, our staff provides detailed guidance for DIY installations and can recommend qualified local professionals.
Can I return lighting fixtures?
Fixtures that have been hung cannot be returned. Special order items carry a 25% restocking fee if returned in original condition.
Do you carry vintage light bulbs?
Yes, we specialize in sourcing and supplying vintage and hard-to-find light bulbs for antique fixtures and specialty applications.
Are appointments required for showroom visits?
Walk-ins are welcome, but we recommend scheduling appointments for new home builds or major renovations to ensure dedicated staff assistance.
What lighting brands do you carry?
We feature top manufacturers including Hunter, Matthews Fan Co, Minka Aire, Modern Forms, and Fanimation across our lighting and ceiling fan selections.
Reviews (7)
Vanessa D. E. McMillan
Sep 02, 2021
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I took my lamp in to have repaired. Emily was very helpful. She came to the door to help me in and out. Jake did a great job in repairing my lamp. He didn't charge me a arm and a leg either. Just $20.00 and I am back in the saddle again. Many thanks to the staff. I appreciate you.
Martin Sanderson
Jun 29, 2021
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Great prices and selection's. Go and brows and of your interested make an appointment so you don't make any mistakes. Love the wood grain on this fan.
Shannon Julian
Jun 15, 2021
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After looking through the selections at the two big box stores, we wanted something better. We found the perfect light fixtures at University Lights. Great selection and excellent customer service. We were so impressed that we also selected a ceiling fan. The prices were reasonable, the quality was great, and the customer service was top shelf. We continue to be impressed and pleased with our selections and experience.
Ted Broussard
Apr 15, 2021
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Outstanding service! Kirk guided us through fixture selection, track lighting design, and several rounds of trying out new light bulbs. Through every step, he was friendly, helpful and patient. He made the whole process much easier than it could have been. We highly recommend working with Kirk at University Lights.
Katy Creech
Mar 31, 2021
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Kirk and the team at University Lights were AMAZING to work with. I own a local brewery, and we've been struggling for years with the negative effect our lighting had on our ambience. We showed up at University Lights with a very vague idea of how we wanted the feeling of our space to change and a very modest budget with which to accomplish it. Kirk jumped right on the project, and even came out to our taproom several times to consult.
He helped us find the best valued products to get the job done and was very thoughtful about each piece. It's very hard to capture in photos just how much better our space feels with our new lights installed, but I can't say enough good things about it. It has improved the feel of the space dramatically, especially after dark. It was well worth the (modest) investment, and I know for a fact that the University Lights team saved us thousands of dollars as compared to hiring a designer and ordering through a larger retailer. My brewery is called The Glass Jug, and they did our location on Hwy 55 in Durham, if you want to see an example of their work in person.
He helped us find the best valued products to get the job done and was very thoughtful about each piece. It's very hard to capture in photos just how much better our space feels with our new lights installed, but I can't say enough good things about it. It has improved the feel of the space dramatically, especially after dark. It was well worth the (modest) investment, and I know for a fact that the University Lights team saved us thousands of dollars as compared to hiring a designer and ordering through a larger retailer. My brewery is called The Glass Jug, and they did our location on Hwy 55 in Durham, if you want to see an example of their work in person.
Claire Dobert
Mar 26, 2021
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See that 'GLOBE light' behind the red chair. "Universal Lights" looked at this very old lamp post and said, "lets see what we can do". Jake spotted this wonderful glass globe in the back, and i knew this is what i wanted. I wondered if this could be done. Well they really exceeded what i thought they would do. All this was done in 3 days or so, and quite professionally. They were as happy as i was with their engineering feat but oh so simple and cool. I just love it. Many thanks. They are fun, professional and the price was fair. Thank you so much.
Tom Cox
Oct 06, 2020
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An exceptional business. Customer service is beyond amazing. They answer your questions, they don't hurry you, and they know what they're doing. And they do this while keeping their prices comparable to the big box stores. ( PS: I first went to University Lights 32 years ago when I got married, bought a house and renovated it with my wife. I've been going ever since. Thank you, University Lights.)
