Chinese Lighting Seam Quality: How to Inspect Before You Buy

Seams tell you a lot about quality. In lighting, seams are where things come together — and where problems start.

Here's how to inspect seam quality when buying Chinese lighting.

Why Seams Matter

Seams reveal:

• Craftsmanship: Good seams show skill

• Durability: Poor seams fail first

• Honesty: Hidden seams can hide problems

• Longevity: Good seams last

Types of Seams to Check

Metal seams:

• Where metal pieces join

• Welds, solder joints, crimps

• Should be smooth, no gaps

Wood seams:

• Where wood pieces join

• Joints, glue lines, corners

• Should be tight, no gaps

Fabric seams:

• Where shade material joins

• Stitching, glue, folds

• Should be straight, secure

Stone seams:

• Where stone pieces meet

• Glue lines, inlays

• Should be nearly invisible

What Good Seams Look Like

Metal:

• Smooth weld, no bumps

• Even solder, no excess

• No gaps between pieces

• Finished surface matches surrounding

Wood:

• Tight joint, no light through

• Glue not visible (or minimal)

• Corners meet cleanly

• No cracks

Fabric:

• Straight stitching

• Even tension

• No loose threads

• Pattern matches at seam

Stone:

• Seam nearly invisible

• Color matched

• Smooth to touch

• No gap

What Poor Seams Look Like

Metal:

• Rough weld, bumps

• Excess solder

• Visible gaps

• Sharp edges

Wood:

• Gaps between pieces

• Visible glue squeeze-out

• Misaligned corners

• Cracks starting

Fabric:

• Crooked stitching

• Puckering

• Loose threads

• Pattern mismatch

Stone:

• Visible seam line

• Color mismatch

• Rough feel

• Gap you can feel

How to Check in Photos

Zoom in:

• Can you see seams clearly?

• Look at joins and corners

Look from multiple angles:

• Side views show seam thickness

• Inside views (if shown) reveal construction

Check edges:

• Edges often reveal seam quality

• Finished edges = attention to detail

Red Flags

• No close-up photos (hiding something)

• All seams hidden (what's underneath?)

• Inconsistent descriptions (material claims vs. photos)

• Too perfect (could be rendered, not real)

Real Example: Good Seams

I bought a metal pendant from China. Photos showed close-ups of the welds — smooth, even, finished. When it arrived, seams were nearly invisible. Quality piece.

Real Example: Poor Seams

A friend bought a lamp where seams were hidden in photos. When it arrived, metal pieces didn't line up, gaps visible, rough edges. Returned it.

Seams to Check by Light Type

The Bottom Line

Seams tell the truth about quality.

Good seams = good craftsmanship.
Poor seams = corners cut.

Inspect seams in photos. Ask for close-ups if needed.

A few minutes checking seams can save you from a disappointing purchase.