Bert Frank Lighting: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

Quick answer

Most Bert Frank pieces are made to order, so plan for a standard lead time of 10 to 12 weeks plus shipping. Choose a chandelier for a central statement, a pendant for focused or task light, and a wall light for architectural glow. Match the finish to your room's metals, and confirm dimensions before you commit.

If you are considering Bert Frank lighting, you probably have practical questions: how long will it take to arrive, which finish works with your scheme, and whether a chandelier or pendant is the right call. This FAQ answers the ones we hear most often, with concrete guidance you can act on.

Bert Frank is a British designer lighting brand known for disciplined lines, honest materials, and a mid-century sensibility. The answers below draw on the actual product specifications and lead times so you can plan with confidence.

How long does Bert Frank lighting take to arrive?

Most Bert Frank fixtures are made to order, so the standard lead time is 10 to 12 weeks plus shipping. That applies to pieces like the RIDDLE CHANDELIER 5, COLT PENDANT SINGLE, and EOS PENDANT SINGLE. The DURANT PENDANT LIGHT also has a 10 to 12 week lead time. If you are working to a project deadline, order early and factor in delivery and installation.

Because each piece is built to your chosen finish or material, the lead time starts from order confirmation, not from a stock date. For large or complex installations, such as the BERAN DROP CHANDELIER 4, the brand may ask for your required drop measurement before production begins. Always confirm the final timeline with the store when you order.

• Add a buffer of at least two weeks for shipping and any site coordination.
• If you need a fixture sooner, ask whether any display or stock pieces are available.

Can I choose a different finish or material?

Yes. Many Bert Frank designs offer material and colour options so you can tailor the fixture to your interior. The DURANT PENDANT LIGHT is available in four brass finishes with powder-coat details in ten colours. The RIDDLE CHANDELIER 5 and EOS PENDANT SINGLE also offer material and colour or shade choices. The COLT PENDANT SINGLE is offered in a material option, and the EOS WALL LIGHT by 1508 LONDON lets you select material, marble, and shade.

Finish choice affects both look and maintenance. Unlacquered brass will develop a patina over time, while powder-coated colours hold a more uniform appearance. If you are matching existing hardware, request a sample or check the finish against your other metals in person before ordering.

• Order finish samples if you are matching brass to taps, handles, or cabinet hardware.
• For high-touch areas, consider how a living finish will age with use.

Chandelier or pendant: which should I choose?

A chandelier is usually the central statement in a room, while a pendant can be more focused or repeated. The BERAN DROP CHANDELIER 4 combines four large alabaster stone diffusers in a linear formation, making it a showpiece for a dining table or double-height space. The RIDDLE CHANDELIER 5 suspends five perforated, machined-brass pendants from a circular spreader plate, so it reads as a single sculptural piece.

If you want task or accent light, a single pendant is often more practical. The COLT PENDANT SINGLE is crafted from heavyweight machined cast brass with a sleek slotted diffuser that casts soft light to ceiling and floor, and it has an integral LED source. The EOS PENDANT SINGLE uses a frosted glass globe and textured shade to create a focal point without dominating the room.

• Measure your table or island first; a chandelier should feel generous but not crowded.
• For lower ceilings, a single pendant or a low-profile chandelier usually works better than a deep drop.

What makes the EOS WALL LIGHT by 1508 LONDON different?

The EOS WALL LIGHT by 1508 LONDON is a limited-edition piece designed by 1508 London for WOW!house 2025. It distils quiet luxury into a poised, architectural form: two cast-brass shades sit at either end of a refined bar, punctuated by marble and brass spheres. An alabaster diffuser softens the light into a warm, ambient glow.

Because it is hand-machined and finished in Birmingham, it suits spaces where craft and material are part of the design story. It is a strong choice for a hallway, bedroom, or living area where you want a wall light that reads as sculpture rather than a simple sconce. Its limited-edition status also means availability may be more constrained than standard lines.

• Use it on a dimmer to make the most of the ambient alabaster glow.
• Check the backplate dimensions and mounting height against your wall space before ordering.

How do I care for brass and alabaster?

Brass is a living material. Unlacquered brass will darken and patina over time, which many people want; if you prefer a uniform look, choose a lacquered or powder-coated finish. For routine care, dust with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners, ammonia, or rough sponges, which can scratch the surface or strip a finish.

Alabaster and marble are natural materials with unique veining, so treat them gently. Wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth and dry immediately. Do not use acidic or alkaline cleaners on stone. For the BERAN DROP CHANDELIER 4, the unique veining of each stone diffuser is part of the design, so expect natural variation rather than a perfectly uniform surface.

• Always test any cleaner on a hidden area first.
• Keep harsh chemicals away from brass, alabaster, and marble surfaces.

Can I install Bert Frank lighting myself?

Some fixtures, like a single pendant or wall light, can be installed by a competent DIYer if the wiring is already in place. However, chandeliers and larger pendants often require two people and may need a qualified electrician, especially if you are adding a new circuit or working at height. The BERAN DROP CHANDELIER 4 and RIDDLE CHANDELIER 5 are substantial pieces that benefit from professional installation.

Before you start, check the weight of the fixture and whether your ceiling or wall can support it. If you are unsure about your electrical setup, or if local regulations require a licensed electrician, book a professional. It is also worth confirming the drop or mounting height before installation so you only drill once.

• Turn off the power at the breaker before any electrical work.
• For heavy fixtures, use a suitable ceiling anchor or joist and consider a professional.

How do I choose the right size for my room?

Start with the room's function and ceiling height. For a dining room, a chandelier should generally be about half to two-thirds the width of the table, but always check the specific fixture's dimensions. The RIDDLE CHANDELIER 5 has a circular spreader plate, so it needs a ceiling area that can accommodate its footprint. The BERAN DROP CHANDELIER 4 is linear, so it suits a long table or a rectangular room.

For pendants, consider the drop. The COLT PENDANT SINGLE and EOS PENDANT SINGLE can be hung at different heights depending on the task. If you are lighting an island, aim for the bottom of the pendant to sit around 30 to 36 inches above the counter, but adjust for your sightlines. When in doubt, make a cardboard template and hold it up before you commit.

• Measure twice: ceiling height, table width, and available drop.
• For multiple pendants, space them evenly and check the total width against your surface.

Your Bert Frank lighting checklist

Lead time

Most Bert Frank fixtures are made to order with a standard lead time of 10 to 12 weeks plus shipping. Order early and add a buffer for delivery and installation.

Finish and material

Many designs offer material, colour, marble, or shade options, such as the DURANT PENDANT LIGHT's four brass finishes and ten powder-coat colours. Request samples if you are matching existing metals.

Type and size

Choose a chandelier for a central statement and a pendant for focused or task light; always check dimensions and drop against your room and table. Measure ceiling height, table width, and available drop before ordering.

Care

Dust brass with a soft dry cloth; wipe alabaster and marble gently and avoid harsh cleaners. Expect natural patina on unlacquered brass and unique veining in stone.

Installation

Single pendants and wall lights can be DIY if wiring is in place; larger chandeliers may need two people or a qualified electrician. Turn off power at the breaker and use suitable anchors for heavy fixtures.

Product facts at a glance

• DURANT PENDANT LIGHT: Pairs ridged clear glass with refined brasswork; available in four brass finishes with powder-coat details in ten colours. Gives you wide finish flexibility to match your scheme while keeping a consistent Bert Frank look.
• BERAN DROP CHANDELIER 4: Combines four large alabaster stone diffusers in a linear formation; each diffuser has unique veining. Ideal for a long table or rectangular room, and the natural stone variation means no two are identical.
• RIDDLE CHANDELIER 5: Five perforated, machined-brass pendants suspended from a circular spreader plate. Reads as a single sculptural piece, so it works well as a central statement over a dining table.
• COLT PENDANT SINGLE: Crafted from heavyweight machined cast brass with a sleek slotted diffuser that casts soft light to ceiling and floor; integral LED light source. A versatile, energy-efficient choice for task or accent lighting where you want light in two directions.

Bert Frank lighting rewards a little planning. Confirm lead times, choose finishes that suit your space, and match the fixture type to the job. If you are still unsure, start with the piece that solves your main lighting need, then build the rest of the scheme around it.