Our History
Connecticut Lighting Centers was established in 1972 in Hartford, CT by Arthur Director along with a staff of six employees. The store was the first in the area to promote the “lighting center” concept – a store solely committed to the sale of lighting fixtures, decorative tables, floor lamps, paddle fans, and accessories.
David Director standing with his late father, Art Director and late mother, Edythe Director.
Connecticut Lighting Centers has a proud legacy of growth, innovation, and leadership in the home furnishings and lighting industry. Today, the company features the largest display of lighting, ceiling fans, decorative hardware, window shades, and home accents in the state of Connecticut, representing the most prominent brands in the industry. Connecticut Lighting Centers is also recognized as one of the largest independent lighting retailers in the United States, serving both residential and commercial markets not only throughout Connecticut, but nationally as well.
Founded as a family-owned business, Connecticut Lighting Centers is led by the Director family, with David Director serving as Chief Executive Officer, Todd Director as President, and Brett Director as Vice President. Supporting the company’s continued growth and customer relationships are members of the next generation, including Jenna Lepore, David’s daughter, who leads Key Accounts and Strategic Sales, and Jon Lepore, who manages day-to-day operations at the Southington Showroom.
Together with a dedicated and experienced management team, the family remains deeply committed to upholding the highest standards of customer service, operational excellence, and design expertise. Their mission has always been to provide customers with the most current technologies and design-forward solutions, spanning decorative, architectural and commercial lighting, ceiling fans, decorative and functional hardware, custom window shading, and curated home accents—sourced from around the world and delivered expertise and competitive pricing.
The company’s growth has been deliberate and strategic. In 1994, Connecticut Lighting Centers expanded with the opening of a second location in Plainville, Connecticut. Continued success led to a move in 1999 to a significantly larger facility in Southington, allowing the company to expand its showroom presence and inventory to better serve both retail and trade customers. As the business continued to evolve, a major milestone occurred in 2017, when the Southington showroom relocated from Queen Street to 50 Graham Place, moving into a space approximately twice the size of the prior location. This expansion allowed for a more immersive, design-forward showroom experience and significantly enhanced the display of lighting, ceiling fans, decorative hardware, window shades, and home accents.
In 2003, the company further strengthened its infrastructure with the acquisition of a 23,000-square-foot warehouse facility, establishing a centralized distribution hub to support its growing operations, along with dedicated office space for corporate functions.
A new and innovative chapter began in 2006 with the launch of Restoration Lighting Gallery, located across the street from the Hartford showroom. Often described as the “gourmet shop” of the business, Restoration Lighting Gallery focuses on lamp shades, custom repairs, restoration services, and distinctive lighting and home accent pieces—many of them one-of-a-kind. This concept, executed at a level unmatched in the industry, reinforced Connecticut Lighting Centers’ reputation as a true authority in lighting craftsmanship and design.
For many years, Connecticut Lighting Centers operated across three separate buildings in Hartford. In 2022, the company proudly consolidated its operations just a short distance away at 312 Murphy Road. This move marked a major milestone, bringing the Hartford showroom, corporate headquarters, Restoration Lighting Gallery, and distribution center together under one roof. Today, Connecticut Lighting Centers operates two state-of-the-art showrooms—in Hartford and Southington—showcasing complete solutions across lighting, ceiling fans, decorative hardware, window shades, and home accents in inspiring, design-forward environments.
Beyond business success, the Director family strongly believes in giving back to the community that has supported Connecticut Lighting Centers for generations. Through the family’s charitable foundation and ongoing community involvement, the company actively supports local organizations, charitable initiatives, and causes that make a meaningful impact. Philanthropy, volunteerism, and community engagement are core values of the organization, reflecting the family’s belief that long-term success carries a responsibility to invest in people, neighborhoods, and future generations.
At its core, Connecticut Lighting Centers remains a family business built on trust, relationships, and a passion for creating beautiful, functional spaces. Proud of its history, committed to its community, and focused on shaping the future of the industry, the company continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. At Connecticut Lighting Centers, we don’t just sell lighting—we sell solutions, helping homeowners, builders, designers, electrical contractors, and commercial partners bring their spaces to life through thoughtful design, technical expertise, and unmatched service.