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All Rara Forma fixtures are designed, finished, assembled and shipped from right here in our WV studio. From coast to coast, we try to domestically manufacture and source as many of our parts as we can from small US companies.

Lead Time

Every Rara Forma fixture is made to order. Production times may vary depending on fixtures, finishes and quantity ordered. Based on our order volume, we’re currently operating on a 6-8 week lead time for all made-to-order items While expedited shipping is available, as a small business, we’re generally not able to accommodate rush orders.

Custom Orders

We’re always happy to make small modifications to any of our fixtures when possible to meet your specific needs. Need something a little more custom? Depending on the scope of the project and our current availability, we’d love to discuss and explore your ideas for completely custom fixtures. Contact us to get started.

Add-Ons + Upgrades

Most of our lighting has the option to add or upgrade specific components such as adding an on/off canopy switch, adding a plug and cord or changing the drop height of a hanging fixture. The available options for each fixture will be displayed in that fixture’s listing. If an option is not listed, it is generally not available for that specific fixture.

Warranty

All Rara Forma fixtures are warranted against defects in electrical parts and systems for 2 years from purchase date. We can not be held liable for damages caused by mishandling, damage during installation or improper bulb usage. All repairs and replacements will be completed by Rara Forma in our WV studio. We are not responsible for costs incurred in the installation or removal of fixtures. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Changes in finish/patina, fabric shades, glass globes and other fixture parts are not covered under warranty. Replacement parts and installation hardware may be available upon request.

International Use

Many of our fixtures can be wired for international use. Contact us to get started.

Order Cancellations

We understand plans (and minds) change. We accept order cancellations within 14 days of placing your order.

Sales Tax

Items shipped within the state of West Virginia will be charged 6% WV state sales tax.

Domestic

All items ship via ground shipping (generally UPS). Depending on your location, shipping transit time is usually 2-7 business days however we are not responsible for delays in transit times. For certain shipping locations or package sizes, alternate carriers (FedEx, USPS) may be used to best ensure your package arrives safely. Rara Forma is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

International

All items ship via UPS International Expedited shipping. Depending on your location, shipping transit time is usually 3-7 business days however we are not responsible for delays in transit times or customs processing. We are not responsible for any customs fees, import duties, taxes or other assorted fees charged by your country. For certain shipping locations or package sizes, alternate carriers (FedEx, USPS) may be used to best ensure your package arrives safely.

Returns + Exchanges

Every Rara Forma piece is made to order so we are unfortunately unable to accept returns or exchanges except in the rare case of defects in workmanship or order discrepancies. If you believe your order is defective, has a discrepancy or was damaged in shipping, you must let us know within 5 days of receiving the item(s) in order to process a return. Items shipped to job sites or receiving warehouses should be opened and inspected upon arrival. Authorized returned items must be carefully repackaged to ensure their safety and all packages will be inspected before being accepted.

Packaging

We care about the environment as much as you do and know the onus of responsibility should be on the company, not the consumer. That’s why we use as much recyclable materials as possible in all of our packing and shipping. And, to further lessen our impact, we try to reuse as much of the packing materials as we can from the parts and supplies shipments we receive.

Always use two hands when adjusting fixtures, swiveling shades, adjusting cord lengths or changing light bulbs. Special care should be used when adjusting keyed swivels to avoid damaging internal wiring.

Refrain from touching your fixtures with bare hands as much as possible. Over time, fingerprints and skin oils can affect and tarnish the metal surfaces.

Brass Finishes

All our brass finishes are solid, unlacquered brass. They have been hand-waxed to preserve the finish and a beautiful, natural patina will occur over time. Clean by wiping gently with a dry microfiber cloth. If you wish to preserve the original finish and slow down any patina that may occur, occasional waxing or polishing may be required. Our Classic Brass finish can be lightly polished periodically with a brass-specific metal polish if you wish to restore the original finish or to prevent patina. All other brass finishes should be dusted and waxed only.

Due to their handcrafted nature, some imperfections and inconsistencies in the surfaces and finishes may be present and are considered part of the beauty, honesty and organic nature of the materials and processes, helping to craft the story of your heirloom-quality fixture.

Powder Coating

Powder coated shades and parts may be cleaned by wiping gently with a microfiber cloth. If a more thorough cleaning is required, a mixture of dish soap and warm water can be used to very lightly wipe affected areas. Thoroughly dry pieces immediately after cleaning to prevent damage or oxidation.

Glass

Glass shades can be cleaned by wiping gently with a microfiber cloth. If a more thorough cleaning is required, a mixture of distilled water + vinegar may be used.

Installation

Installation should always be done by a professionally certified electrician when possible. Rara Forma cannot be held responsible or liable for damages caused by improper installation.

Installation instructions are included with every fixture and are available to download on each individual product page. Some fixtures may have unique or different installation requirements so please reference the instructions before installing. If you have any installation questions, please feel free to ask us!

Light Bulbs

Choosing a light bulb for your new lamp can seem overwhelming. So many sizes, shapes and numbers! We’ve tried to make it easy for you -- each product page includes the recommended bulb size and shape for that fixture.

We will always recommend LED bulbs for their quality of light, long lives and environmental benefits. LED bulbs also offer a wide spectrum of light color depending on your use and preference. They range from “soft white” to “daylight.” The lower the number, the warmer the light (2700-3000k). For some task oriented applications, such as a bathroom or kitchen, a starker, whiter light might be preferred (4500-5000k).

Drop Length

Total fixture height, or drop length, listed in the item details is the measurement from the ceiling to the bottom most part of the fixture including shades (bulbs are not included in measurements).

Custom Sizing

Custom drop lengths are available for most hanging lighting. If you need a custom length not listed, please contact us to discuss options.
Custom arm spans are available for most of our chandeliers. Please contact us to discuss sizing options and pricing.

Sloped Ceilings

Many of our chandeliers and pendant lamps come with a canopy-mounted swivel to ensure your lamp will hang straight down on a gently sloped or uneven ceiling. However, some solid rod pendants are not designed to be used on a sloped ceiling or, if your ceiling is more than a 30° slope, alternative designs and hanging methods may be necessary. Please contact us for a solution.

Choosing the Correct Height

Dining

Setting the right mood with lighting in your dining room is almost as important as the food you’re serving. Chandeliers or pendants should be approximately 30-36” above the surface of your dining table.

Kitchen

Kitchen lighting is just as much about function as it is form. Hanging fixtures should be approximately 30-36” above your island or work surface to give adequate light. Pendants should be spaced 18-30” apart (depending on the number and size of pendants) and should be a minimum of 4-6” from the island edge.

Bedroom

While table lamps and wall sconces are more common, using hanging fixtures in the bedroom is a great way to reduce nightstand clutter. Pendants should ideally be placed 18-30” above the top of your nightstand (depending on fixture type and the use of secondary task lighting) and at least 60-70” from the bedroom floor.

While we strive to keep our prices as competitive and affordable as we can whilst never sacrificing quality or good design, we still understand that every penny counts, especially when client budgets are stretched thin. That’s why we’re happy to partner with designers and architects to offer them exclusive discounts, limited offers and members-only perks. If you’re a member of the trade, apply today to gain access to all the benefits of our exclusive trade program.