Installing new lighting systems requires a number of lighting accessories and equipment, including sockets and starters, mounting plates and switch plates. These accessories provide both function and design in a lighting system, so keep utility and aesthetic factors in mind when making lighting equipment decisions.

Lamp sockets may be designed for wall installation or use in a free standing light fixture. Other lighting accessories are used for specialty lighting systems such as for a photography studio or a theater's stage lighting. Decide the type of light bulbs you want to use before making lighting equipment decisions to make sure you get compatible products.

When shopping for lighting accessories, do the following:

1. Get light sockets and starters to install new bulbs;

2. Look for decorative lighting accessories for indoor and outdoor use;

3. Search for lighting equipment for stage lighting systems.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Shop for lamp sockets and starters for any bulb

Lamp sockets and light sockets are necessary for any new light installation. Use lamp sockets for freestanding or suspended lighting equipment, and light sockets and starters for wall and ceiling mounted fixtures. Both are available for a range of bulb types and sizes.

I recommend: Bulbman sells sockets and starters for any bulb, searchable by bulb burning type and then size. Aubuchon Hardware sells lamp sockets exclusively, rather than starters for in-wall fixtures, as well as a range of other lighting and electrical products.

Get lighting accessories for home and garden decor

Residential decor and design is a huge avenue for the use of lighting and lamp accessories. Home lighting accessories may be used either in the home, with fixtures and switch plates, or outdoors in a yard or garden. Even accessories as simple as switch plates can be highly decorative in the home with specialty materials and designs in brass or porcelain.

I recommend: Garbe's lighting and accessories sells basic indoor lamp accessories like combination light and ceiling fans, as well as exterior lighting accessories for the home and garden. Rejuvenation specializes in antique decor lamp accessories such as brass and porcelain switch plates and fixtures.

Shop for specialty lighting equipment for theater stage light systems

Specialty lighting equipment is necessary for certain purposes such as stage lighting. Stage lighting accessories include a complete range of system equipment from bulbs and controls to filters and effects. Shop for all aspects of a lighting system when installing stage lighting equipment and accessories.

I recommend: Full Compass lighting equipment covers various aspects of stage lighting, including fixtures, controllers, dimmers and lamps. The Stage Lighting Store also sells complete systems, breaking products down into various categories such as cables, effects, colors, dimmers, filters, rigging and controls.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check compatibility on lighting equipment and accessories. Some lamp sockets and lighting fixtures are compatible only with a certain type of bulb, such as halogen or fluorescent, while others may be used with any type of light bulb.