My exhaustive online search for a super-quiet, highly efficient ceiling fan in colors that would work well in the room where I wanted it and with a look that I love took me to Black Whale Home. I wanted to see my short-listed fans up-close and in-person and ask questions and get answers from knowledgeable people, rather than deal with a website chat box. Adam helped me, and he was TERRIFIC. Warm, friendly, so personable, knowledgeable, patient and very easy to talk with and work with. The fan I wanted was on back-order -- not just at Black Whale but pretty much everywhere -- and wouldn't ship for at least a couple of months. The fan is pricey (I view it as an investment) and instead of having to pay in full upfront for a fan that I would not receive for months, Adam was so kind as to allow me to pay 50% upfront, with the balance to be paid when the fan arrived. I really appreciated that. Adam was not there on the day, months later, when I went in to pick up the fan, but the woman who helped me (I think her name was Sandy) was also super-nice and friendly and loaded the boxes into my car for me. I'm excited to have the new fan installed and look forward to another opportunity to work with Black Whale. read more

Sandy knows her stuff and was very helpful Follow up and the order was received on time read more

The service and staff at Black Whale just terrific - professional and wonderful follow up with their sales. highly recommend Paula W read more

We bought 11 lights from the store during outdoor construction. We bought one too many and asked for a store credit accommodation for the extra light we miscalculated. It's brand new in a box. We were told no. Great customer service when we're spending money but not when you have a minor problem such as returning an item outside the 14 day window. We only wanted store credit to purchase a chandelier but they were unwavering. We WILL NOT return here nor recommend this place because of the lack of customer service. read more

I am an interior designer and this is my go to spot for lighting, furniture and accessories. I work with Adam who is top notch. He is easy to work with, knowledgeable and has excellent taste- this makes me look great with my clients ! All the items that I have purchased have been beautiful, great quality and on time . The entire staff works as a team and are all very welcoming and helpful. Beautiful showroom as well. read more

See all

Jenny did a terrific job with getting all the electrical upgrades we wanted for our kitchen update. She was able to get us the under counter lighting and electrical strips we needed. She also helped us pick out the perfect over island lighting to replace our old dated ones. Everything was delivered in plenty of time and worked perfectly. Highly recommend this company. read more

Black Whale Home - Hanging Lights are super elegant and stylish. - Lighting Stores Near Me - Encinitas, California

See all

I appreciate the help with my design business. BWH is super supportive of my clients. Thanks Kirsten. If you're a designer, check out their partner program (https://www.blackwhalehome.com/pages/lighting-trade-professionals). Also, great for getting me the info on what's backordered and how long they expect it'll take, so I can better plan my projects timelines. When items were going to take too long, they recommended similar options that were a better solution than what I originally had in mind. Love that! read more

I went in today to get a very specific bulb. They were extremely friendly and helpful and the price was a 3rd of what Amazon was selling the same for. So I bought 2. Customer service was great and I will be back. read more

Beautiful selection, but very pricey. While I did find quite a few light fixtures that I loved, the prices are just really out there, we are talking several thousand each, just too much for the amount of lights we need for our new home. Service was nice and the selection great, just not in our budget, so we will have to look elsewhere. read more

We recently purchased a vanity bathroom light at Black Whale Lighting. The light was on at the store. And even though it was a LED type light source the light was similar to a halogen light with even lighting. When we installed the light in our powder room, the light was completely different. It was an extremely harsh bright light. Like, twice the wattage. It was very different than what was in the showroom. We figured that maybe the light in the showroom was on a dimmer (though that information was never disclosed). We installed a dimmer switch (one recommended by manufacturer). That made the light look even harsher, almost like a fluorescent type of light. It certainly looked nothing like the light in the showroom. The next day, I carefully repacked the light and took it back. to the store.I explained the situation. The lady behind the counter very surly told me that they do not take back the light fixtures because by installing the light we voided the UL warranty (there is no such thing). I explained to her that the light in the showroom was vastly different than the one we installed. She couldn't have cared less and repeated her claim that they could not take back the light because it had been installed and wires could have been cut, scratched, etc. I told her the light was a new. That she was welcome to look but she declined. I explained that only by installing the light could I have known that there was a problem. Again, she just repeated... "we don't take back lights". So buyers be ware. This store has lousy customer service. They do not stand behind the product they sell. What was displayed in store turned out to be complete different than what we received. read more

Jenny was very helpful and our new lighting is great in our remodel. However we needed to return a couple of switches that were not correct. We were told we could not return them because it had been past 45 days. We explained we had done a remodel and we're just ready to install the switches when we realized they did not work. We needed additional lighting and feel that with the poor customer service after the sale we will shop elsewhere! Buyer beware, great customer service in the store while buying but non existent after the sale! read more

I called Black Whale for pricing as they were listed as a local dealer for a chandelier I had found on a manufacturer's website. I was given a price of $406 for the chandelier that was discontinued but still had some inventory. That sounded pretty high and I asked if that was their best price and was told an emphatic "yes, that's what the manufacturer sets for us." I then had my lightbulb moment, went back online and googled the mfr/model number, immediately found a very reputable lighting source and ordered the same chandelier for $167 including free shipping. It arrives next week. Lesson learned - always google your info first for best pricing. read more

I've gone to Black Whale several times now. Although I've been satisfied with the quality & selection of the products, I've consistently had problems with customer service, both with accuracy & arrogance when I've attempted to address the problems. Yesterday's experience made me decide that the frustration does not make it worth doing business with them any more. Called ahead of time to see if they had a particular item in stock, repeated it several times, and yet after I drove 20 min to get there, was told that they didn't carry that item. No apology, though. read more

There isn't a lot of incentive to buy in store instead of just ordering online given the lackluster service and support when problem arises. Allen the owner, sense of responsibility has been polite, concerned but ultimately lame and feeling his only duty is to offer what the manufacturer reimburses him for. Details: A multi-month problem started with 6 Tech Lighting Elton lights I bought/installed. First the new lights caused other electronics to become noisy. After I bought new dimmers and had my handyman come by and change not once, but with two new dimmers we were able to determine not the dimmer but had to be the lights. Did Black Whale specify a dimmer for these lights you ask? NO. I contacted Tech Lighting and their technician, Rachel, said yes, they were faulty lights they had new models with better filters as the ones I had were problematic. She would not only send replacement lights to Black Whale but make sure I got the new versions. And who gets to handle the re-install of 6 overhead lights that are 10' up and tricky to change? Not Black Whale, they refuse. The replacement lights come in, I make the inconvenient trip to get replacement lights then schedule my handyman over and after pulling one light from ceiling we discover Tech L. sent the identical defective lights. So Black Whale ordered new ones AGAIN. This time Tech L only ships the transformers. Allen the owner was nice enough to bring them by ... but his sense of obligation for this fiasco only went to the extent that Tech Lighting would give him a credit, $100. Do you know any handymen that want to come over to your house for $100? - twice plus time for swapping dimmers a few times? So the second set of lights have to be taken apart and then swap the transformer then reinstalled/swapped with lights in ceiling. Allen the owner put that on me with same $100 allowance. So again handyman come over, takes full 4 hours and.... now the lights FLICKER BADLY when not on all the way, dim is unusable and that's the only way to use them in evening/night time. Allen calls Tech L. then goes on vacation. Tech L rep, calls on third day and not sure what's up. After 5 days I finally get him on phone again and concludes must be my dimmer. BW orders another dimmer (how do they not have a dimmer!) and BW's guy Adam after calling me once then fails to follow up with me after, so as normal its on me to follow up with them. I thought he was going to come over and install it. Certainly that gesture of service more than warranted after first months issues followed by another month of TOTALLY MESSED up lights. I reach them Sat and their only willing to mail me the dimmer on Monday. I went ballistic and screamed at poor sales person - who has been very nice, although not the least bit "on it" in seeing things moved along or resolved. If you just want to order lights, do it online. If you want a company to take care of things when they don't go well then look elsewhere. read more

Love working with this showroom. The store is designed and organized in a way that makes it easy to take clients in to make selections. Love working with Jenny read more

Every time we need lighting this is the only place we go! Lillian Moore is such an asset! She did an amazing job with the lighting design on our kitchen and just now she helped us with another project. Love her! read more

Black Whale Home - Lillian Moore is THE expert for projects in any style!!!! - Lighting Stores Near Me - Encinitas, California

See all

Lights. Lights. Lights. How many choices can there be? There are light fixtures for everyone. The staff is cool too. Keith helped me out and he knows his stuff. I remember this store when it was in Carlsbad across from Pizza Port. I'd giggle at the store name after finishing drinks at Pizza Port. I still don't understand why the store is named as such. I need to ask Keith. read more

I needed custom lamp shades made for a client and Black Whale Lighting did an amazing job! I told them exactly what I needed and they were able to fulfill my needs. It took a while for the lamp shades to be completed, but they told me that beforehand so it was expected. No hiccups during the process. Their store is really neat, has ALL kinds of lamps and lights! read more

Staffs are so friendly and they have nice selections. Pricey though but you pay what you get. They even helped me with a chandelier that wasn't bought from them. After that we went back bought 3 big chandeliers from them. read more

WoWoWoW! These folks stand behind their products, their service is impeccable! They are a "bright light" in the business! Thank You Black Whale Lighting for selection, service and a smile. read more

A wonderful showroom with a helpful staff. If they don't have it on the floor, they will show you similar examples in a catalog. They don't charge for shipping and the prices are comparable to those online. The difference? You get service anytime there's a problem with a fixture, installation, or need a replacement part. read more

Customer service is at an all time low at this business. Staff was not the least competent and argumentative most of the time. I can't believe I followed through and even ordered an item. My expectations are low. Please read these reviews and do not even waste your time by doing business with BWL. read more

I finally walked into this place after driving by a few times wondering what kind of lighting Black Whales have. I am impressed. TONS of different lighting in a huge variety of styles. Modern to traditional to old-timey... ceiling fans and chandeliers - they have it all! I was looking for a small desk/accent lamp and I found EXACTLY what I was looking for here. The staff is very friendly and helpful. I gave this place four stars only because of the price tags I saw - you'll need some ching. I think I purchased the least expensive lamp in the place. read more

They were helpful and courteous. Our chandelier took two weeks to arrive which was fine-we had been quoted this time frame. However, when our electrician hung it, we could see it was damaged. It had been dented in on one side. Black Whale said to return it to them. Since our electrician had to come back , we asked them to pay for that visit. They paid half. We ended up with the floor model due to time constraints. I asked them since we'd had to make four trips down and hire our electrician one more time, if they'd reduce the price. They said no. I then asked if they would throw in the four led bulbs. They said they'd give us regular bulbs. I was not happy at all with that response considering all that had happened. The cost to them would have been minimal. The bulbs they gave us are of no use in this fixture. read more

Nice folks, but the ordering process is a mess. I ordered some fans and after almost 3 weeks, and many excuses blaming the delivery company, still no fans yet. I understand that some things are out of their control, but more than a few times they called to tell me "they will now be here tomorrow". Sadly, if I ordered online I would have already had them hung in my house. Frustrating. read more

As part of my home remodeling project, I needed new bathroom fixtures. Having shopped here before for a couple of lamps, I checked out their selection. Rick made suggestions and I selected one for each of two bathrooms. The LED lights are a little pricey (OK, more than a little) but they look fantastic in my house. I didn't want something that's sold at one of the local hardware or home-improvement centers. I found that Black Whale Lighting has the selection, customer service, and quality that meets my needs and expectations. read more

The staff at Black Whale Lighting can be described in three words "phe" "nom" "enal"...and one of their crew in particular needs to be singled out for this review ...Jenny! She worked with us and made some absolutely stellar recommendations as we worked through our home remodel. The showroom is just the tip of the iceberg when trying to select that perfect light fixture...their extensive catalog offers thousands of options. Very happy to provide a "ten thumbs up" recommendation for these wonderful people! ;^) read more

The worst customer service ever. I am so disappointed that my ceiling fan...that I paid for in FULL, was not in after 10 days as promised..AND no call after a month. Oops, not in until January? Lol. Never use BW again. How insulting is that "salesperson". He should be embarrassed for his incompetence. See you tomorrow for my "paid in full" purchase refund. read more

A wonderful local place to shop. Knowledgeable and helpful employees to answer all of your questions. Excellent customer service.

BWL gave me a best in class lighting experience. I can't wait to hang my new Quoizel Lights in my home.

Knocked it out of the Park!!! Thanks to Adam at Black Whale Lighting! I moved from a condo to a house and needed to lengthen a pendent light that hung over my kitchen Island... I looked ALL over San Diego (4 months) at several "premier" lighting stores and nobody could get this specialized cable for me. I also called and emailed Schonbek (the manufacturer of the cable/ light) they never got back to me!!! I called Black Whale then text messaged Adam a picture of what I needed, he called me back and said come on in, I can help you with that cable. I took my old cable up to show him just to make sure he had it and in 5 minutes I had the new longer cable and was on the road. One day later Adam followed up with me to make sure the cable worked. I told him it did, but now one of my low voltage lights isn't turning on. I asked him if he knew of a good electrician, he did. He gave me Andrews number, I called Andrew at 11:30 am on Friday and by 3:00pm the SAME DAY, Andrew comes out matches up my light, which had a blown transformer (Schonbek QMP-MIR1RN-CH), he replaces the transformer and presto my lighting problem was solved. Thanks Adam and team at Black Whale Lighting. You guys really made it easy to do business. Your service was excellent and prices were more then reasonable. Thanks, Rich read more

You buy from people you like. Despite my better judgment not wanting to, the lady talked me into talking two different chandelier shades to look at at home and sold them as a deposit. She did this telling me she wanted me to come back and buy larger fixtures. I took several weeks+ to return and then she tells me it's been too long and she will only give me store credit. What good is $25 of store credit in there? It's another hook to make you return and have to spend a lot more. Well I don't like that or her manipulations. I told her to keep her shades and left without her store credit . How stupid and short sighted is she? I live in RSF and have remodeled a house and need fixtures. She knows that. She won't be getting my business now or ever. Besides her prices are too high to overcome her lousy salesmanship. read more

If I could give negative stars I would. All I wanted was some help designing and purchasing some LED lighting for my kitchen cabinets. All I got was people who weren't really willing to spend the time to understand what I wanted and didn't want to step on toes. If your commission structure is so screwed up that it doesn't allow someone who isn't busy to help me then you need to rethink things. That's just terrible customer service. Maybe so reflect how badly their device stinks they should have called it beach rotting whale carcass. read more

I rarely post negative reviews, but my two experiences with Black Whale warranted one. The first time, our lights came in several weeks after they were supposed to, which was an inconvenience as we needed our contractor to install them in our 10 foot ceiling. That experience wasn't a huge deal and really more of a nuisance. We went back as the sales staff had great product knowledge though decidedly arrogant. We placed an order for a $1,000 light (maybe not a huge order for them, assuming the serve big commercial project) that we were told would arrive in one week as the vendor had 4 of them in stock. We emphasized the need to have it arrive on time as the light was in a very difficult place to reach (25 foot ceiling in the stairwell) and planned to time it with the completion of the painting in that area. I called after 8 days (they didn't call me as they should if a product is late) and it had not arrived. Upon inquiring further, they said they would call the vendor to see where it was and call me back. Not only did they not call me back, but when I called to see what was happening, they finally said it would need to be back-ordered and not arrive for over a month. This was a major inconvenience, but more importantly they had charged my credit card when I first ordered the light. So they were more than happy to charge my card, but made zero effort to let me know what was happening or provide adequate follow-up. And they were extremely arrogant about the whole thing... We ended up ordering the light online (for the same price) and it just arrived.... on time! Bottom line is that in an ultra competitive marketplace, there really is no need to buy from them. They have great product knowledge but are extremely arrogant and really do provide AWFUL customer service. read more

Poor customer service. It takes forever to get someone to help you. I worked with Lillian on some specialty lighting and she never got back to me on pricing - I even called once to check in, but never got pricing or a call back. I went down the street to Lighting Plus and spent thousands, so guess Black Whale didn't want the business. I also found their prices to be a lot higher than other stores for the same items. Wish I could recommend them but I wasn't impressed. read more

Great store, with knowledgeable people. If you want to buy a stock fixture go to home depot. The negative reviews about timing of getting custom fixtures are unfair as they rely on manufactures shipping estimates which are not always accurate. Bottom line is if you want that perfect fixture and need some help picking it out this is the place. The selection is huge and the expertise is why you go there. read more

Customer service. Is it so hard? Really, a simple phone call when something you've ordered comes in doesn't seem that difficult to me. Not to mention that if you are an expert in this field, shouldn't you know what needs to be ordered with a fixture so that it can actually be installed and functional? My husband and I have been there at least 8 times and called at least 2 times that just to make sure the items we ordered - and paid for! - have arrived and then to follow up on the pieces that weren't included have been ordered and arrived. At these prices one would expect to get too notch service and advice. At one point I was told that my order wasn't being shipped until other customers' orders had been fulfilled and could be shipped with mine. Are you kidding me? Are they the only game in town? If so, I'll be searching another city for anything I need in the future related to lighting. read more

This place is horrible!! Zero customer service! No returned phone calls! My "new" lights I bought ended being used lights!

I have been a customer for years and the staff of Black Whale Lighting has always been helpful and knowledgeable. Their showroom is stocked with a wide assortment and their extensive collection of catalogs, both online and paper, is invaluable. Employees have repeatedly given me solid recommendations and tips on design, manufacturers, and lighting placement. Often they have pulled out a catalog and gone straight to a page where I have found what I envisioned. I have been more than satisfied with their customer service and it was confirmed today: I had an electrician at my home installing kitchen pendant lights that I had ordered back in April. One of the transformers was defective and the tradesmen said he couldn't complete the job and I would have to get the manufacturer to replace the part. Not wanting that hassle as well as rescheduling his services after the long wait I had already experienced, I called Black Whale. Within 20 minutes Jennie located a similar transformer onsite and swapped it out for my bad one. I got it home within minutes and the electrician finished the job. Thank you, Black Whale. Had I ordered from an online retailer, I couldn't have resolved this immediately. read more

Black Whale Lighting at NEW location. Wow! I've been working with Jenny in the new location since Black Whale moved. I love this place. It's so much more airy and open. You can see the fixtures much better. I thought the old location had an immense array of lighting options..this location has more! I find the staff that works there very pleasant and knowledgeable and if they don't have the answer they find it for me. Saves me so much time. Ordering lighting is very labor intensive and I've spent up to 4 hours ordering for my projects and Jenny never loses patience. My brain shuts off way before hers does! read more