Decide whether you're looking for style, value or both. Are you a collector looking for an investment piece, or are you simply looking for a fixture to add a unique decorative flourish? If it's the former, limit your shopping to reputable antiques dealers and specialty lighting stores, both of which should be able to give you the provenance, pedigree and other important details about fixtures that interest you.

If you're more interested in aesthetics than monetary considerations, you may find bargains at flea markets, garage sales, thrift stores and online auction sites such as eBay. Just be prepared to do some additional rehabbing — the lighting you choose may need extensive cleaning, finish restoration or repairs.

Consider hiring an appraiser. Even if you're confident in your lighting retailer, it can be wise to seek a second opinion, especially if you're shelling out a lot of cash. Not only can a professional appraiser confirm the maker, period, materials and value of your lamp, but his or her written documentation is helpful for insurance records. Ask your dealer or check the American Society of Appraisers for a pro in your area.

Have the wiring and circuitry checked. After you've purchased your vintage chandelier, sconces or other lighting, take it to a licensed electrician for an opinion on the soundness of the wiring. Pieces that are more than four or five decades old likely won't follow today's safety or compatibility standards, and even newer fixtures may have frayed cables or other danger spots.

Confirm the bulb size and wattage. As long as you're visiting the electrician, ask about the most appropriate type of bulb for your lighting fixture. Because today's standard bulbs may not fit, inquire whether you'll need a specialty version (available through antique parts suppliers, as detailed below) or an adapter.

Find a good parts supplier. Let's say you've found a vintage lamp with a base that makes your heart beat faster, but its shade is stained and threadbare. Or the chandelier that caught your eye is missing a few crystals. A retailer that specializes in antique lighting parts can be an invaluable resource. If you don't have one in your community, search online.

Clean and restore with care. If you've bought a pricey collectible, ask the dealer for advice about cleaning the surface. The patina that some materials, such as bronze, acquire over time is considered desirable; removing it could diminish the piece's value. No matter how valuable your piece is, find out whether the finish requires specialized cleaning products or methods to prevent damage. Pieces with significant wear and tear might need professional restoration to make them sparkle again.

And finally, if you're skeptical about buying vintage lighting, you can go the next best route: reproductions. Companies such as Rejuvenation, Layla Grayce and Urban Archaeology, to name a few, carry a broad assortment of fixtures and lamps inspired by older models yet made with updated standards in mind.