How Much Light Will You Really Need for Your Closet Design?

Take the guesswork out of lighting, so that you can be confident in your designs! We make our estimators free to the public so that you can avoid costly mistakes associated with having too little (or too much) lighting in your design.

It only takes a few minutes to double-check that your closet design is going to be be bright enough.

If you’re not sure if you’re going to have enough light, I’m here to help!

Steve Duncan, AIA

Lighting Designer & Architect

Note: By using the lighting estimators below, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions for this website.

How Many Lumens for a Closet Design?

What Should You Look for in Quality Closet Lighting?

When it comes to designing the perfect living space, one of the most impactful yet often overlooked elements is quality residential lighting. The right lighting not only enhances the ambiance of your home but also highlights the beauty of your decor, improving both functionality and aesthetics.

In 2025, the best residential lights prioritize features like high color rendering (CRI 90+), energy efficiency, and sleek, versatile designs that cater to a variety of tastes. As an architect and lighting designer, I’ve handpicked the best lighting options that meet these high standards, ensuring your space is both well-lit and beautifully illuminated. Whether you’re remodeling or designing a new home, investing in quality residential lighting will transform your space and bring out its full potential. Check out our curated list below:

Recessed Closet Can Downlights

Recessed Closet Wall Washer Lights

Recessed Closet Adjustable Accent Lights

Closet Track Lighting

Lensed Linear LED Lighting

Closet Undercabinet Linear Lights

Closet Round Undercabinet Puck Light

Closet Adjustable Cylinder Accent Light

Closet Flushmount LED

Closet Picture Lights

Closet Recessed Wall Lights

Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality Closet Lighting?

Regardless of the vibe you are going for, there are two things that can trip up designers when they are selecting LED lighting. The first, is color rendering. ​

Color Rendering Index (CRI)

If you only remember one thing from me, please remember that color rendering is EVERYTHING when it comes to lighting. If you love incandescent and halogen lights, but hate fluorescent, then color rendering is the reason.​

We always want to find lights that have a color rendering (CRI) of at least 90, so that we can bring out the true color of our room finishes and decor. Many LED lights have a color rendering of 80, and this score is actually worse than fluorescent (which has a score of 82). As you can see in the image below, the true color of the wood is brought out with the light on the right, which has a score of 90. The red tones of the wood come through and it feels warm. In contrast, the light on the left makes the wood look a bit greenish and yellow, because it has a poor color rendering score of 80.​

Trust me! It’s worth it to spend just a little bit more on lights to make sure that you’re getting LEDs with a score of 90 or higher, so that the people and finishes in your spaces feel vibrant and full of life. Make sure to pay attention to this when you find a light you like and you’re ready to hit that “order” button.

Why Is Dimmer Compatibility Important for Quality Closet Lighting?

Lastly, make sure that the LEDs you select are dimmable. This is something you need to check in the product cutsheet or through the web store that you are browsing. ​

Also, you’ll need to make sure that the dimmer you select will be compatible with the LED light fixture.  In the past, we could easily dim incandescent and halogen lighting with a simple rotary dimmer. This may or may not work for a new LED light fixture. 

You wouldn’t expect your television remote to be able to turn on your stereo system, would you? The same is true for LED dimmers. You have to make sure that the dimmer switch can actually communicate with the light fixture. 

There’s a variety of dimming protocols: it may be TRIAC, Electronic Low Voltage (ELV), 0-10 Volt, or DALI. So make sure to work with your electrician or a sales representative to make sure that the components of your lighting design are all compatible. 

Why is it Important to Do a Closet Lighting Calculation?

If you want to be confident in your residential lighting design, you have to do a lighting calculation. It’s as simple as that. 

Footcandle Targets

But how do we actually estimate how bright a room actually needs to be? Well, the footcandle targets for a room are set by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA), and the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD).

This professional organization has studied and analyzed the functional requirements for each kind of space designed by architects. For residential projects, I like to refer back to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory & Department of Energy’s footcandle targets, since those are made freely available to the public. These are the targets I use for my own projects, and are the basis for the lighting estimator on this webpage. ​

Avoiding Lighting Mistakes – Not Enough Light

You don’t want to have too little light. It’s expensive for a contractor and electrican to come back after the fact to revise the lighting strategy and patch the walls/ceiling. This happened to an interior designer early in my career, and it wasn’t a fun situation.

For me, it was the beginning of a great collaboration with this design professional, because we worked on many projects after that – but of course it would have been better if this interior designer hadn’t made that mistake to begin with. ​

Avoiding Lighting Mistakes – Too Much Light

Likewise, you also don’t want to be too bright, and overspend on lighting, just because you’re unsure what is needed and just hoping for the best (yikes!).

This is fundamentally why I created the lighting estimator at our partner website – to balance making sure there’s enough light, while also making sure a client isn’t paying for too many lights. Hopefully using the calculator was straightforward. Reach out with questions (before buying/building anything), if you’d like help! Good luck on your project!

Works Cited: Quality Closet Lighting​

Duncan, Steve. “Why Is It Important to Do a Lighting Calculation?” Lighting Design Insights. [LightingJUMP.com, https://www.lightingjump.com/how-many-lights-forest-vibe]. 

The author emphasizes the necessity of conducting lighting calculations to ensure effective lighting design in various spaces. He cites the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) and the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) for their established footcandle targets that help determine appropriate lighting levels. Duncan also mentions the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the Department of Energy’s publicly available footcandle targets, which he uses for residential projects.

He shares a personal anecdote about the complications that arise from inadequate lighting, stressing the importance of precise calculations to avoid costly adjustments and excessive spending. The lighting estimator featured on his webpage is designed to assist clients in achieving optimal lighting without overspending. 

References – Quality Residential Lighting Design​

• Duncan, Steve. “Why Is It Important to Do a Lighting Calculation?” Lighting Design Insights. .
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory. “Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) in Residential Lighting.” NREL/TP-53467. 2012. https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy12osti/53467.pdf.
• Illuminating Engineering Society. “Standards.” https://store.ies.org/individual-standards/?v=0b3b97fa6688.
• International Association of Lighting Designers. “About the IALD.” https://iald.org/IALD/IALD/About/About-

Create the Best Designs: How Much Garage Light

Create The Best Designs With Quality Lighting: Ikon Step Light

Create The Best Designs With Quality Lighting: WAC Step Light

Create The Best Designs With Quality Lighting: GuarantLED Step Light

How Much Light Will You Really Need for Your Garage Design?

Take the guesswork out of lighting, so that you can be confident in your designs! We make our estimators free to the public so that you can avoid costly mistakes associated with having too little (or too much) lighting in your design.

It only takes a few minutes to double-check that your garage design is going to be be bright enough.

If you’re not sure if you’re going to have enough light, I’m here to help!

Steve Duncan, AIA

Lighting Designer & Architect

Note: By using the lighting estimators below, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions for this website.

How Many Lumens for a Garage?

What Should You Look for in Quality Garage Lighting?

When it comes to designing the perfect living space, one of the most impactful yet often overlooked elements is quality residential lighting. The right lighting not only enhances the ambiance of your home but also highlights the beauty of your decor, improving both functionality and aesthetics.

In 2025, the best residential lights prioritize features like high color rendering (CRI 90+), energy efficiency, and sleek, versatile designs that cater to a variety of tastes. As an architect and lighting designer, I’ve handpicked the best lighting options that meet these high standards, ensuring your space is both well-lit and beautifully illuminated. Whether you’re remodeling or designing a new home, investing in quality residential lighting will transform your space and bring out its full potential. Check out our curated list below:

Recessed Garage Can Downlights

Recessed Garage Wall Washer Lights

Recessed Garage Adjustable Accent Lights

Garage Track Lighting

Lensed Linear LED Lighting

Garage Undercabinet Linear Lights

Garage Round Undercabinet Puck Light

Garage Adjustable Cylinder Accent Light

Garage Flushmount LED

Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality Garage Lighting?

Regardless of the vibe you are going for, there are two things that can trip up designers when they are selecting LED lighting. The first, is color rendering. ​

Color Rendering Index (CRI)

If you only remember one thing from me, please remember that color rendering is EVERYTHING when it comes to lighting. If you love incandescent and halogen lights, but hate fluorescent, then color rendering is the reason.​

We always want to find lights that have a color rendering (CRI) of at least 90, so that we can bring out the true color of our room finishes and decor. Many LED lights have a color rendering of 80, and this score is actually worse than fluorescent (which has a score of 82). As you can see in the image below, the true color of the wood is brought out with the light on the right, which has a score of 90. The red tones of the wood come through and it feels warm. In contrast, the light on the left makes the wood look a bit greenish and yellow, because it has a poor color rendering score of 80.​

Trust me! It’s worth it to spend just a little bit more on lights to make sure that you’re getting LEDs with a score of 90 or higher, so that the people and finishes in your spaces feel vibrant and full of life. Make sure to pay attention to this when you find a light you like and you’re ready to hit that “order” button.

Why Is Dimmer Compatibility Important for Quality Garage Lighting?

Lastly, make sure that the LEDs you select are dimmable. This is something you need to check in the product cutsheet or through the web store that you are browsing. ​

Also, you’ll need to make sure that the dimmer you select will be compatible with the LED light fixture.  In the past, we could easily dim incandescent and halogen lighting with a simple rotary dimmer. This may or may not work for a new LED light fixture. 

You wouldn’t expect your television remote to be able to turn on your stereo system, would you? The same is true for LED dimmers. You have to make sure that the dimmer switch can actually communicate with the light fixture. 

There’s a variety of dimming protocols: it may be TRIAC, Electronic Low Voltage (ELV), 0-10 Volt, or DALI. So make sure to work with your electrician or a sales representative to make sure that the components of your lighting design are all compatible. 

Why is it Important to Do a Garage Lighting Calculation?

If you want to be confident in your residential lighting design, you have to do a lighting calculation. It’s as simple as that. 

Footcandle Targets

But how do we actually estimate how bright a room actually needs to be? Well, the footcandle targets for a room are set by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA), and the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD).

This professional organization has studied and analyzed the functional requirements for each kind of space designed by architects. For residential projects, I like to refer back to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory & Department of Energy’s footcandle targets, since those are made freely available to the public. These are the targets I use for my own projects, and are the basis for the lighting estimator on this webpage. ​

Avoiding Lighting Mistakes – Not Enough Light

You don’t want to have too little light. It’s expensive for a contractor and electrican to come back after the fact to revise the lighting strategy and patch the walls/ceiling. This happened to an interior designer early in my career, and it wasn’t a fun situation.

For me, it was the beginning of a great collaboration with this design professional, because we worked on many projects after that – but of course it would have been better if this interior designer hadn’t made that mistake to begin with. ​

Avoiding Lighting Mistakes – Too Much Light

Likewise, you also don’t want to be too bright, and overspend on lighting, just because you’re unsure what is needed and just hoping for the best (yikes!).

This is fundamentally why I created the lighting estimator at our partner website – to balance making sure there’s enough light, while also making sure a client isn’t paying for too many lights. Hopefully using the calculator was straightforward. Reach out with questions (before buying/building anything), if you’d like help! Good luck on your project!

Works Cited: Quality Garage Lighting​

Duncan, Steve. “Why Is It Important to Do a Lighting Calculation?” Lighting Design Insights. [LightingJUMP.com, https://www.lightingjump.com/how-many-lights-forest-vibe]. 

The author emphasizes the necessity of conducting lighting calculations to ensure effective lighting design in various spaces. He cites the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) and the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) for their established footcandle targets that help determine appropriate lighting levels. Duncan also mentions the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the Department of Energy’s publicly available footcandle targets, which he uses for residential projects.

He shares a personal anecdote about the complications that arise from inadequate lighting, stressing the importance of precise calculations to avoid costly adjustments and excessive spending. The lighting estimator featured on his webpage is designed to assist clients in achieving optimal lighting without overspending. 

References – Quality Residential Lighting Design​

• Duncan, Steve. “Why Is It Important to Do a Lighting Calculation?” Lighting Design Insights. .
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory. “Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) in Residential Lighting.” NREL/TP-53467. 2012. https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy12osti/53467.pdf.
• Illuminating Engineering Society. “Standards.” https://store.ies.org/individual-standards/?v=0b3b97fa6688.
• International Association of Lighting Designers. “About the IALD.” https://iald.org/IALD/IALD/About/About-

Create The Best Designs With Quality Lighting: Vibia Brisa

Create The Best Designs With Quality Lighting: WAC Balance

Create The Best Designs With Quality Lighting: Cloudy Bay Landscape

Create The Best Designs With Quality Lighting: WAC Step Light

Create The Best Designs With Quality Lighting: GuarantLED Step Light

How Much Light Will You Really Need for Your Hallway Design?

Take the guesswork out of lighting, so that you can be confident in your designs! We make our estimators free to the public so that you can avoid costly mistakes associated with having too little (or too much) lighting in your design.

It only takes a few minutes to double-check that your hallway design is going to be be bright enough.

If you’re not sure if you’re going to have enough light, I’m here to help!

Steve Duncan, AIA

Lighting Designer & Architect

Note: By using the lighting estimators below, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions for this website.

How Many Lumens for a Hallway Design?

What Should You Look for in Quality Hallway Lighting?

When it comes to designing the perfect living space, one of the most impactful yet often overlooked elements is quality residential lighting. The right lighting not only enhances the ambiance of your home but also highlights the beauty of your decor, improving both functionality and aesthetics.

In 2025, the best residential lights prioritize features like high color rendering (CRI 90+), energy efficiency, and sleek, versatile designs that cater to a variety of tastes. As an architect and lighting designer, I’ve handpicked the best lighting options that meet these high standards, ensuring your space is both well-lit and beautifully illuminated. Whether you’re remodeling or designing a new home, investing in quality residential lighting will transform your space and bring out its full potential. Check out our curated list below:

Recessed Hallway Can Downlights

Recessed Hallway Wall Washer Lights

Recessed Hallway Adjustable Accent Lights

Hallway Track Lighting

Lensed Linear LED Lighting

Hallway Undercabinet Linear Lights

Hallway Round Undercabinet Puck Light

Hallway Adjustable Cylinder Accent Light

Hallway Flushmount LED

Hallway Picture Lights

Hallway Recessed Step Lights

Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality Hallway Lighting?

Regardless of the vibe you are going for, there are two things that can trip up designers when they are selecting LED lighting. The first, is color rendering. ​

Color Rendering Index (CRI)

If you only remember one thing from me, please remember that color rendering is EVERYTHING when it comes to lighting. If you love incandescent and halogen lights, but hate fluorescent, then color rendering is the reason.​

We always want to find lights that have a color rendering (CRI) of at least 90, so that we can bring out the true color of our room finishes and decor. Many LED lights have a color rendering of 80, and this score is actually worse than fluorescent (which has a score of 82). As you can see in the image below, the true color of the wood is brought out with the light on the right, which has a score of 90. The red tones of the wood come through and it feels warm. In contrast, the light on the left makes the wood look a bit greenish and yellow, because it has a poor color rendering score of 80.​

Trust me! It’s worth it to spend just a little bit more on lights to make sure that you’re getting LEDs with a score of 90 or higher, so that the people and finishes in your spaces feel vibrant and full of life. Make sure to pay attention to this when you find a light you like and you’re ready to hit that “order” button.

Why Is Dimmer Compatibility Important for Quality Hallway Lighting?

Lastly, make sure that the LEDs you select are dimmable. This is something you need to check in the product cutsheet or through the web store that you are browsing. ​

Also, you’ll need to make sure that the dimmer you select will be compatible with the LED light fixture.  In the past, we could easily dim incandescent and halogen lighting with a simple rotary dimmer. This may or may not work for a new LED light fixture. 

You wouldn’t expect your television remote to be able to turn on your stereo system, would you? The same is true for LED dimmers. You have to make sure that the dimmer switch can actually communicate with the light fixture. 

There’s a variety of dimming protocols: it may be TRIAC, Electronic Low Voltage (ELV), 0-10 Volt, or DALI. So make sure to work with your electrician or a sales representative to make sure that the components of your lighting design are all compatible. 

Why is it Important to Do a Hallway Lighting Calculation?

If you want to be confident in your residential lighting design, you have to do a lighting calculation. It’s as simple as that. 

Footcandle Targets

But how do we actually estimate how bright a room actually needs to be? Well, the footcandle targets for a room are set by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA), and the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD).

This professional organization has studied and analyzed the functional requirements for each kind of space designed by architects. For residential projects, I like to refer back to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory & Department of Energy’s footcandle targets, since those are made freely available to the public. These are the targets I use for my own projects, and are the basis for the lighting estimator on this webpage. ​

Avoiding Lighting Mistakes – Not Enough Light

You don’t want to have too little light. It’s expensive for a contractor and electrican to come back after the fact to revise the lighting strategy and patch the walls/ceiling. This happened to an interior designer early in my career, and it wasn’t a fun situation.

For me, it was the beginning of a great collaboration with this design professional, because we worked on many projects after that – but of course it would have been better if this interior designer hadn’t made that mistake to begin with. ​

Avoiding Lighting Mistakes – Too Much Light

Likewise, you also don’t want to be too bright, and overspend on lighting, just because you’re unsure what is needed and just hoping for the best (yikes!).

This is fundamentally why I created the lighting estimator at our partner website – to balance making sure there’s enough light, while also making sure a client isn’t paying for too many lights. Hopefully using the calculator was straightforward. Reach out with questions (before buying/building anything), if you’d like help! Good luck on your project!

Works Cited: Quality Hallway Lighting​

Duncan, Steve. “Why Is It Important to Do a Lighting Calculation?” Lighting Design Insights. [LightingJUMP.com, https://www.lightingjump.com/how-many-lights-forest-vibe]. 

The author emphasizes the necessity of conducting lighting calculations to ensure effective lighting design in various spaces. He cites the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) and the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) for their established footcandle targets that help determine appropriate lighting levels. Duncan also mentions the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the Department of Energy’s publicly available footcandle targets, which he uses for residential projects.

He shares a personal anecdote about the complications that arise from inadequate lighting, stressing the importance of precise calculations to avoid costly adjustments and excessive spending. The lighting estimator featured on his webpage is designed to assist clients in achieving optimal lighting without overspending. 

References – Quality Residential Lighting Design​

• Duncan, Steve. “Why Is It Important to Do a Lighting Calculation?” Lighting Design Insights. .
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory. “Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) in Residential Lighting.” NREL/TP-53467. 2012. https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy12osti/53467.pdf.
• Illuminating Engineering Society. “Standards.” https://store.ies.org/individual-standards/?v=0b3b97fa6688.
• International Association of Lighting Designers. “About the IALD.” https://iald.org/IALD/IALD/About/About-

Create the Best Designs: How Much Bathroom Vanity Light

Create The Best Designs With Quality Lighting: WAC 120V Accent

Create The Best Designs With Quality Outdoor Lighting: Landscape Accent

Create The Best Designs With Quality Lighting: Cylinder Wall Sconce

Create The Best Designs With Quality Outdoor Lighting: WAC Tube

Create The Best Designs With Quality Lighting: Kichler Cylinder

How Much Light Will You Really Need for Your Bathroom Vanity Design?

Take the guesswork out of lighting, so that you can be confident in your designs! We make our estimators free to the public so that you can avoid costly mistakes associated with having too little (or too much) lighting in your design.

It only takes a few minutes to double-check that your bathroom vanity design is going to be be bright enough.

If you’re not sure if you’re going to have enough light, I’m here to help!

Steve Duncan, AIA

Lighting Designer & Architect

Note: By using the lighting estimators below, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions for this website.

How Many Lumens for a Bathroom Vanity?

What Should You Look for in Quality Bathroom Vanity Lighting?

When it comes to designing the perfect living space, one of the most impactful yet often overlooked elements is quality residential lighting. The right lighting not only enhances the ambiance of your home but also highlights the beauty of your decor, improving both functionality and aesthetics.

In 2025, the best residential lights prioritize features like high color rendering (CRI 90+), energy efficiency, and sleek, versatile designs that cater to a variety of tastes. As an architect and lighting designer, I’ve handpicked the best lighting options that meet these high standards, ensuring your space is both well-lit and beautifully illuminated. Whether you’re remodeling or designing a new home, investing in quality residential lighting will transform your space and bring out its full potential. Check out our curated list below:

Recessed Bathroom Vanity Can Downlights

Recessed Bathroom Vanity Wall Washer Lights

Recessed Bathroom Vanity Adjustable Accent Lights

Bathroom Vanity Track Lighting

Lensed Linear LED Lighting

Bathroom Vanity Undercabinet Linear Lights

Bathroom Vanity Round Undercabinet Puck Light

Bathroom Vanity Adjustable Cylinder Accent Light

Bathroom Vanity Flushmount LED

Bathroom Vanity Picture Lights

Bathroom Recessed Wall Lights

Landscape Pathway Lights

Outdoor Cylinder Sconces

Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality Bathroom Vanity Lighting?

Regardless of the vibe you are going for, there are two things that can trip up designers when they are selecting LED lighting. The first, is color rendering. ​

Color Rendering Index (CRI)

If you only remember one thing from me, please remember that color rendering is EVERYTHING when it comes to lighting. If you love incandescent and halogen lights, but hate fluorescent, then color rendering is the reason.​

We always want to find lights that have a color rendering (CRI) of at least 90, so that we can bring out the true color of our room finishes and decor. Many LED lights have a color rendering of 80, and this score is actually worse than fluorescent (which has a score of 82). As you can see in the image below, the true color of the wood is brought out with the light on the right, which has a score of 90. The red tones of the wood come through and it feels warm. In contrast, the light on the left makes the wood look a bit greenish and yellow, because it has a poor color rendering score of 80.​

Trust me! It’s worth it to spend just a little bit more on lights to make sure that you’re getting LEDs with a score of 90 or higher, so that the people and finishes in your spaces feel vibrant and full of life. Make sure to pay attention to this when you find a light you like and you’re ready to hit that “order” button.

Why Is Dimmer Compatibility Important for Quality Bathroom Vanity Lighting?

Lastly, make sure that the LEDs you select are dimmable. This is something you need to check in the product cutsheet or through the web store that you are browsing. ​

Also, you’ll need to make sure that the dimmer you select will be compatible with the LED light fixture.  In the past, we could easily dim incandescent and halogen lighting with a simple rotary dimmer. This may or may not work for a new LED light fixture. 

You wouldn’t expect your television remote to be able to turn on your stereo system, would you? The same is true for LED dimmers. You have to make sure that the dimmer switch can actually communicate with the light fixture. 

There’s a variety of dimming protocols: it may be TRIAC, Electronic Low Voltage (ELV), 0-10 Volt, or DALI. So make sure to work with your electrician or a sales representative to make sure that the components of your lighting design are all compatible. 

Why is it Important to Do a Bathroom VAnity Lighting Calculation?

If you want to be confident in your residential lighting design, you have to do a lighting calculation. It’s as simple as that. 

Footcandle Targets

But how do we actually estimate how bright a room actually needs to be? Well, the footcandle targets for a room are set by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA), and the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD).

This professional organization has studied and analyzed the functional requirements for each kind of space designed by architects. For residential projects, I like to refer back to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory & Department of Energy’s footcandle targets, since those are made freely available to the public. These are the targets I use for my own projects, and are the basis for the lighting estimator on this webpage. ​

Avoiding Lighting Mistakes – Not Enough Light

You don’t want to have too little light. It’s expensive for a contractor and electrican to come back after the fact to revise the lighting strategy and patch the walls/ceiling. This happened to an interior designer early in my career, and it wasn’t a fun situation.

For me, it was the beginning of a great collaboration with this design professional, because we worked on many projects after that – but of course it would have been better if this interior designer hadn’t made that mistake to begin with. ​

Avoiding Lighting Mistakes – Too Much Light

Likewise, you also don’t want to be too bright, and overspend on lighting, just because you’re unsure what is needed and just hoping for the best (yikes!).

This is fundamentally why I created the lighting estimator at our partner website – to balance making sure there’s enough light, while also making sure a client isn’t paying for too many lights. Hopefully using the calculator was straightforward. Reach out with questions (before buying/building anything), if you’d like help! Good luck on your project!

Works Cited: Quality Bathroom Vanity Lighting​

Duncan, Steve. “Why Is It Important to Do a Lighting Calculation?” Lighting Design Insights. [LightingJUMP.com, https://www.lightingjump.com/how-many-lights-forest-vibe]. 

The author emphasizes the necessity of conducting lighting calculations to ensure effective lighting design in various spaces. He cites the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) and the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) for their established footcandle targets that help determine appropriate lighting levels. Duncan also mentions the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the Department of Energy’s publicly available footcandle targets, which he uses for residential projects.

He shares a personal anecdote about the complications that arise from inadequate lighting, stressing the importance of precise calculations to avoid costly adjustments and excessive spending. The lighting estimator featured on his webpage is designed to assist clients in achieving optimal lighting without overspending. 

References – Quality Residential Lighting Design​

• Duncan, Steve. “Why Is It Important to Do a Lighting Calculation?” Lighting Design Insights. .
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory. “Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) in Residential Lighting.” NREL/TP-53467. 2012. https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy12osti/53467.pdf.
• Illuminating Engineering Society. “Standards.” https://store.ies.org/individual-standards/?v=0b3b97fa6688.
• International Association of Lighting Designers. “About the IALD.” https://iald.org/IALD/IALD/About/About-

Create the Best Designs: How Much Bedroom Light

Create the Best Designs With Quality Lighting: Besa Skip Mini

Create the Best Designs With Quality Guest Room Lighting

Create The Best Designs With Quality Lighting: WAC Inground Light

How Much Light Will You Really Need for Your Bedroom Design?

Take the guesswork out of lighting, so that you can be confident in your designs! We make our estimators free to the public so that you can avoid costly mistakes associated with having too little (or too much) lighting in your design.

It only takes a few minutes to double-check that your bedroom design is going to be be bright enough.

If you’re not sure if you’re going to have enough light, I’m here to help!

Steve Duncan, AIA

Lighting Designer & Architect

Note: By using the lighting estimators below, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions for this website.

How Many Lumens for a Bedroom?

What Should You Look for in Quality Bedroom Lighting?

When it comes to designing the perfect living space, one of the most impactful yet often overlooked elements is quality residential lighting. The right lighting not only enhances the ambiance of your home but also highlights the beauty of your decor, improving both functionality and aesthetics.

In 2025, the best residential lights prioritize features like high color rendering (CRI 90+), energy efficiency, and sleek, versatile designs that cater to a variety of tastes. As an architect and lighting designer, I’ve handpicked the best lighting options that meet these high standards, ensuring your space is both well-lit and beautifully illuminated. Whether you’re remodeling or designing a new home, investing in quality residential lighting will transform your space and bring out its full potential. Check out our curated list below:

Recessed Bedroom Can Downlights

Recessed Bedroom Wall Washer Lights

Recessed Bedroom Adjustable Accent Lights

Bedroom Track Lighting

Lensed Linear LED Lighting

Bedroom Undercabinet Linear Lights

Bedroom Round Undercabinet Puck Light

Bedroom Adjustable Cylinder Accent Light

Bedroom Flushmount LED

Bedroom Picture Lights

Bedroom Recessed Wall Lights

Landscape Pathway Lights

Outdoor Cylinder Sconces

Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality Bedroom Lighting?

Regardless of the vibe you are going for, there are two things that can trip up designers when they are selecting LED lighting. The first, is color rendering. ​

Color Rendering Index (CRI)

If you only remember one thing from me, please remember that color rendering is EVERYTHING when it comes to lighting. If you love incandescent and halogen lights, but hate fluorescent, then color rendering is the reason.​

We always want to find lights that have a color rendering (CRI) of at least 90, so that we can bring out the true color of our room finishes and decor. Many LED lights have a color rendering of 80, and this score is actually worse than fluorescent (which has a score of 82). As you can see in the image below, the true color of the wood is brought out with the light on the right, which has a score of 90. The red tones of the wood come through and it feels warm. In contrast, the light on the left makes the wood look a bit greenish and yellow, because it has a poor color rendering score of 80.​

Trust me! It’s worth it to spend just a little bit more on lights to make sure that you’re getting LEDs with a score of 90 or higher, so that the people and finishes in your spaces feel vibrant and full of life. Make sure to pay attention to this when you find a light you like and you’re ready to hit that “order” button.

Why Is Dimmer Compatibility Important for Quality Bedroom Lighting?

Lastly, make sure that the LEDs you select are dimmable. This is something you need to check in the product cutsheet or through the web store that you are browsing. ​

Also, you’ll need to make sure that the dimmer you select will be compatible with the LED light fixture.  In the past, we could easily dim incandescent and halogen lighting with a simple rotary dimmer. This may or may not work for a new LED light fixture. 

You wouldn’t expect your television remote to be able to turn on your stereo system, would you? The same is true for LED dimmers. You have to make sure that the dimmer switch can actually communicate with the light fixture. 

There’s a variety of dimming protocols: it may be TRIAC, Electronic Low Voltage (ELV), 0-10 Volt, or DALI. So make sure to work with your electrician or a sales representative to make sure that the components of your lighting design are all compatible. 

Why is it Important to Do a Bedroom Lighting Calculation?

If you want to be confident in your residential lighting design, you have to do a lighting calculation. It’s as simple as that. 

Footcandle Targets

But how do we actually estimate how bright a room actually needs to be? Well, the footcandle targets for a room are set by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA), and the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD).

This professional organization has studied and analyzed the functional requirements for each kind of space designed by architects. For residential projects, I like to refer back to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory & Department of Energy’s footcandle targets, since those are made freely available to the public. These are the targets I use for my own projects, and are the basis for the lighting estimator on this webpage. ​

Avoiding Lighting Mistakes – Not Enough Light

You don’t want to have too little light. It’s expensive for a contractor and electrican to come back after the fact to revise the lighting strategy and patch the walls/ceiling. This happened to an interior designer early in my career, and it wasn’t a fun situation.

For me, it was the beginning of a great collaboration with this design professional, because we worked on many projects after that – but of course it would have been better if this interior designer hadn’t made that mistake to begin with. ​

Avoiding Lighting Mistakes – Too Much Light

Likewise, you also don’t want to be too bright, and overspend on lighting, just because you’re unsure what is needed and just hoping for the best (yikes!).

This is fundamentally why I created the lighting estimator at our partner website – to balance making sure there’s enough light, while also making sure a client isn’t paying for too many lights. Hopefully using the calculator was straightforward. Reach out with questions (before buying/building anything), if you’d like help! Good luck on your project!

Works Cited: Quality Bedroom Lighting​

Duncan, Steve. “Why Is It Important to Do a Lighting Calculation?” Lighting Design Insights. [LightingJUMP.com, https://www.lightingjump.com/how-many-lights-forest-vibe]. 

The author emphasizes the necessity of conducting lighting calculations to ensure effective lighting design in various spaces. He cites the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) and the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) for their established footcandle targets that help determine appropriate lighting levels. Duncan also mentions the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the Department of Energy’s publicly available footcandle targets, which he uses for residential projects.

He shares a personal anecdote about the complications that arise from inadequate lighting, stressing the importance of precise calculations to avoid costly adjustments and excessive spending. The lighting estimator featured on his webpage is designed to assist clients in achieving optimal lighting without overspending. 

References – Quality Residential Lighting Design​

• Duncan, Steve. “Why Is It Important to Do a Lighting Calculation?” Lighting Design Insights. .
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory. “Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) in Residential Lighting.” NREL/TP-53467. 2012. https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy12osti/53467.pdf.
• Illuminating Engineering Society. “Standards.” https://store.ies.org/individual-standards/?v=0b3b97fa6688.
• International Association of Lighting Designers. “About the IALD.” https://iald.org/IALD/IALD/About/About-

https://lightbycolor.com/create-the-best-designs-how-much-home-office-light

Create the Best Designs With Quality Lighting: LZF Swirl

Create the Best Designs With Quality Lighting: Atollo Table Lamp

Create the Best Designs With Quality Lighting: Castle GLO

How Much Light Will You Really Need for Your Home Office Design?

Take the guesswork out of lighting, so that you can be confident in your designs! We make our estimators free to the public so that you can avoid costly mistakes associated with having too little (or too much) lighting in your design.

It only takes a few minutes to double-check that your home office design is going to be be bright enough.

If you’re not sure if you’re going to have enough light, I’m here to help!

Steve Duncan, AIA

Lighting Designer & Architect

Note: By using the lighting estimators below, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions for this website.

How Many Lumens for a Home Office?

What Should You Look for in Quality Home Office Lighting?

When it comes to designing the perfect living space, one of the most impactful yet often overlooked elements is quality residential lighting. The right lighting not only enhances the ambiance of your home but also highlights the beauty of your decor, improving both functionality and aesthetics.

In 2025, the best residential lights prioritize features like high color rendering (CRI 90+), energy efficiency, and sleek, versatile designs that cater to a variety of tastes. As an architect and lighting designer, I’ve handpicked the best lighting options that meet these high standards, ensuring your space is both well-lit and beautifully illuminated. Whether you’re remodeling or designing a new home, investing in quality residential lighting will transform your space and bring out its full potential. Check out our curated list below:

Recessed Home Office Can Downlights

Recessed Home Office Wall Washer Lights

Recessed Home Office Adjustable Accent Lights

Home Office Track Lighting

Lensed Linear LED Lighting

Home Office Undercabinet Linear Lights

Home Office Round Undercabinet Puck Light

Home Office Adjustable Cylinder Accent Light

Home Office Flushmount LED

Home Office Picture Lights

Home Office Recessed Step Lights

Landscape Pathway Lights

Outdoor Cylinder Sconces

Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality Home Office Lighting?

Regardless of the vibe you are going for, there are two things that can trip up designers when they are selecting LED lighting. The first, is color rendering. ​

Color Rendering Index (CRI)

If you only remember one thing from me, please remember that color rendering is EVERYTHING when it comes to lighting. If you love incandescent and halogen lights, but hate fluorescent, then color rendering is the reason.​

We always want to find lights that have a color rendering (CRI) of at least 90, so that we can bring out the true color of our room finishes and decor. Many LED lights have a color rendering of 80, and this score is actually worse than fluorescent (which has a score of 82). As you can see in the image below, the true color of the wood is brought out with the light on the right, which has a score of 90. The red tones of the wood come through and it feels warm. In contrast, the light on the left makes the wood look a bit greenish and yellow, because it has a poor color rendering score of 80.​

Trust me! It’s worth it to spend just a little bit more on lights to make sure that you’re getting LEDs with a score of 90 or higher, so that the people and finishes in your spaces feel vibrant and full of life. Make sure to pay attention to this when you find a light you like and you’re ready to hit that “order” button.

Why Is Dimmer Compatibility Important for Quality Home Office Lighting?

Lastly, make sure that the LEDs you select are dimmable. This is something you need to check in the product cutsheet or through the web store that you are browsing. ​

Also, you’ll need to make sure that the dimmer you select will be compatible with the LED light fixture.  In the past, we could easily dim incandescent and halogen lighting with a simple rotary dimmer. This may or may not work for a new LED light fixture. 

You wouldn’t expect your television remote to be able to turn on your stereo system, would you? The same is true for LED dimmers. You have to make sure that the dimmer switch can actually communicate with the light fixture. 

There’s a variety of dimming protocols: it may be TRIAC, Electronic Low Voltage (ELV), 0-10 Volt, or DALI. So make sure to work with your electrician or a sales representative to make sure that the components of your lighting design are all compatible. 

Why is it Important to Do a Home Office Lighting Calculation?

If you want to be confident in your residential lighting design, you have to do a lighting calculation. It’s as simple as that. 

Footcandle Targets

But how do we actually estimate how bright a room actually needs to be? Well, the footcandle targets for a room are set by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA), and the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD).

This professional organization has studied and analyzed the functional requirements for each kind of space designed by architects. For residential projects, I like to refer back to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory & Department of Energy’s footcandle targets, since those are made freely available to the public. These are the targets I use for my own projects, and are the basis for the lighting estimator on this webpage. ​

Avoiding Lighting Mistakes – Not Enough Light

You don’t want to have too little light. It’s expensive for a contractor and electrican to come back after the fact to revise the lighting strategy and patch the walls/ceiling. This happened to an interior designer early in my career, and it wasn’t a fun situation.

For me, it was the beginning of a great collaboration with this design professional, because we worked on many projects after that – but of course it would have been better if this interior designer hadn’t made that mistake to begin with. ​

Avoiding Lighting Mistakes – Too Much Light

Likewise, you also don’t want to be too bright, and overspend on lighting, just because you’re unsure what is needed and just hoping for the best (yikes!).

This is fundamentally why I created the lighting estimator at our partner website – to balance making sure there’s enough light, while also making sure a client isn’t paying for too many lights. Hopefully using the calculator was straightforward. Reach out with questions (before buying/building anything), if you’d like help! Good luck on your project!

Works Cited: Quality Home Office Lighting​

Duncan, Steve. “Why Is It Important to Do a Lighting Calculation?” Lighting Design Insights. [LightingJUMP.com, https://www.lightingjump.com/how-many-lights-forest-vibe]. 

The author emphasizes the necessity of conducting lighting calculations to ensure effective lighting design in various spaces. He cites the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) and the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) for their established footcandle targets that help determine appropriate lighting levels. Duncan also mentions the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the Department of Energy’s publicly available footcandle targets, which he uses for residential projects.

He shares a personal anecdote about the complications that arise from inadequate lighting, stressing the importance of precise calculations to avoid costly adjustments and excessive spending. The lighting estimator featured on his webpage is designed to assist clients in achieving optimal lighting without overspending. 

References – Quality Residential Lighting Design​

• Duncan, Steve. “Why Is It Important to Do a Lighting Calculation?” Lighting Design Insights. .
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory. “Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) in Residential Lighting.” NREL/TP-53467. 2012. https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy12osti/53467.pdf.
• Illuminating Engineering Society. “Standards.” https://store.ies.org/individual-standards/?v=0b3b97fa6688.
• International Association of Lighting Designers. “About the IALD.” https://iald.org/IALD/IALD/About/About-

Create the Best Designs: How Much Dining Room Light?

Create the Best Designs With Quality Lighting: Gerrit Wabi Sabi

Create the Best Designs With Quality Lighting: Lodes​

Create the Best Designs With Quality Lighting: Cylinder Wall Sconce

How Much Light Will You Really Need for Your Kitchen Design?

Take the guesswork out of lighting, so that you can be confident in your designs! We make our estimators free to the public so that you can avoid costly mistakes associated with having too little (or too much) lighting in your design.

It only takes a few minutes to double-check that your kitchen design is going to be be bright enough.

If you’re not sure if you’re going to have enough light, I’m here to help!

Steve Duncan, AIA

Lighting Designer & Architect

Note: By using the lighting estimators below, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions for this website.

How Many Lumens for a Kitchen?

What Should You Look for in Quality Kitchen Lighting?

When it comes to designing the perfect kitchen space, one of the most impactful yet often overlooked elements is quality residential lighting. The right lighting not only enhances the ambiance of your home but also highlights the beauty of your decor, improving both functionality and aesthetics.

In 2025, the best residential lights prioritize features like high color rendering (CRI 90+), energy efficiency, and sleek, versatile designs that cater to a variety of tastes. As an architect and lighting designer, I’ve handpicked the best lighting options that meet these high standards, ensuring your space is both well-lit and beautifully illuminated. Whether you’re remodeling or designing a new home, investing in quality residential lighting will transform your space and bring out its full potential. Check out our curated list below:

Recessed Kitchen Can Downlights

Recessed Kitchen Wall Washer Lights

Recessed Kitchen Adjustable Accent Lights

Kitchen Track Lighting

Lensed Linear LED Lighting

Kitchen Undercabinet Linear Lights

Kitchen Round Undercabinet Puck Light

Kitchen Adjustable Cylinder Accent Light

Kitchen Flushmount LED

Kitchen Picture Lights

Kitchen Recessed Wall Lights

Landscape Pathway Lights

Outdoor Cylinder Sconces

Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality Kitchen Lighting?

Regardless of the vibe you are going for, there are two things that can trip up designers when they are selecting LED lighting. The first, is color rendering. ​

Color Rendering Index (CRI)

If you only remember one thing from me, please remember that color rendering is EVERYTHING when it comes to lighting. If you love incandescent and halogen lights, but hate fluorescent, then color rendering is the reason.​

We always want to find lights that have a color rendering (CRI) of at least 90, so that we can bring out the true color of our room finishes and decor. Many LED lights have a color rendering of 80, and this score is actually worse than fluorescent (which has a score of 82). As you can see in the image below, the true color of the wood is brought out with the light on the right, which has a score of 90. The red tones of the wood come through and it feels warm. In contrast, the light on the left makes the wood look a bit greenish and yellow, because it has a poor color rendering score of 80.​

Trust me! It’s worth it to spend just a little bit more on lights to make sure that you’re getting LEDs with a score of 90 or higher, so that the people and finishes in your spaces feel vibrant and full of life. Make sure to pay attention to this when you find a light you like and you’re ready to hit that “order” button.

Why Is Dimmer Compatibility Important for Quality Kitchen Lighting?

Lastly, make sure that the LEDs you select are dimmable. This is something you need to check in the product cutsheet or through the web store that you are browsing. ​

Also, you’ll need to make sure that the dimmer you select will be compatible with the LED light fixture.  In the past, we could easily dim incandescent and halogen lighting with a simple rotary dimmer. This may or may not work for a new LED light fixture. 

You wouldn’t expect your television remote to be able to turn on your stereo system, would you? The same is true for LED dimmers. You have to make sure that the dimmer switch can actually communicate with the light fixture. 

There’s a variety of dimming protocols: it may be TRIAC, Electronic Low Voltage (ELV), 0-10 Volt, or DALI. So make sure to work with your electrician or a sales representative to make sure that the components of your lighting design are all compatible. 

Why is it Important to Do a Kitchen Lighting Calculation?

If you want to be confident in your residential lighting design, you have to do a lighting calculation. It’s as simple as that. 

Footcandle Targets

But how do we actually estimate how bright a room actually needs to be? Well, the footcandle targets for a room are set by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA), and the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD).

This professional organization has studied and analyzed the functional requirements for each kind of space designed by architects. For residential projects, I like to refer back to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory & Department of Energy’s footcandle targets, since those are made freely available to the public. These are the targets I use for my own projects, and are the basis for the lighting estimator on this webpage. ​

Avoiding Lighting Mistakes – Not Enough Light

You don’t want to have too little light. It’s expensive for a contractor and electrican to come back after the fact to revise the lighting strategy and patch the walls/ceiling. This happened to an interior designer early in my career, and it wasn’t a fun situation.

For me, it was the beginning of a great collaboration with this design professional, because we worked on many projects after that – but of course it would have been better if this interior designer hadn’t made that mistake to begin with. ​

Avoiding Lighting Mistakes – Too Much Light

Likewise, you also don’t want to be too bright, and overspend on lighting, just because you’re unsure what is needed and just hoping for the best (yikes!).

This is fundamentally why I created the lighting estimator at our partner website – to balance making sure there’s enough light, while also making sure a client isn’t paying for too many lights. Hopefully using the calculator was straightforward. Reach out with questions (before buying/building anything), if you’d like help! Good luck on your project!

Works Cited: Quality Kitchen Lighting​

Duncan, Steve. “Why Is It Important to Do a Lighting Calculation?” Lighting Design Insights. [LightingJUMP.com, https://www.lightingjump.com/how-many-lights-forest-vibe]. 

The author emphasizes the necessity of conducting lighting calculations to ensure effective lighting design in various spaces. He cites the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) and the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) for their established footcandle targets that help determine appropriate lighting levels. Duncan also mentions the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the Department of Energy’s publicly available footcandle targets, which he uses for residential projects.

He shares a personal anecdote about the complications that arise from inadequate lighting, stressing the importance of precise calculations to avoid costly adjustments and excessive spending. The lighting estimator featured on his webpage is designed to assist clients in achieving optimal lighting without overspending. 

References – Quality Residential Lighting Design​

• Duncan, Steve. “Why Is It Important to Do a Lighting Calculation?” Lighting Design Insights. .
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory. “Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) in Residential Lighting.” NREL/TP-53467. 2012. https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy12osti/53467.pdf.
• Illuminating Engineering Society. “Standards.” https://store.ies.org/individual-standards/?v=0b3b97fa6688.
• International Association of Lighting Designers. “About the IALD.” https://iald.org/IALD/IALD/About/About-

How Much Light Will You Really Need for Your Dining Room Design?

Take the guesswork out of lighting, so that you can be confident in your designs! We make our estimators free to the public so that you can avoid costly mistakes associated with having too little (or too much) lighting in your design.

It only takes a few minutes to double-check that your dining room design is going to be be bright enough.

If you’re not sure if you’re going to have enough light, I’m here to help!

Steve Duncan, AIA

Lighting Designer & Architect

Note: By using the lighting estimators below, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions for this website.

How Many Lumens for a Dining Room?

What Should You Look for in Quality Dining Room Lighting?

When it comes to designing the perfect dining space, one of the most impactful yet often overlooked elements is quality residential lighting. The right lighting not only enhances the ambiance of your home but also highlights the beauty of your decor, improving both functionality and aesthetics.

In 2025, the best residential lights prioritize features like high color rendering (CRI 90+), energy efficiency, and sleek, versatile designs that cater to a variety of tastes. As an architect and lighting designer, I’ve handpicked the best lighting options that meet these high standards, ensuring your space is both well-lit and beautifully illuminated. Whether you’re remodeling or designing a new home, investing in quality residential lighting will transform your space and bring out its full potential. Check out our curated list below:

Recessed Dining Room Can Downlights

Recessed Dining Room Wall Washer Lights

Recessed Dining Room Adjustable Accent Lights

Dining Room Track Lighting

Lensed Linear LED Lighting

Dining Room Undercabinet Linear Lights

Dining Room Round Undercabinet Puck Light

Dining Room Adjustable Cylinder Accent Light

Dining Room Flushmount LED

Dining Room Picture Lights

Dining Room Recessed Wall Lights

Landscape Pathway Lights

Outdoor Cylinder Sconces

Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality Dining Room Lighting?

Regardless of the vibe you are going for, there are two things that can trip up designers when they are selecting LED lighting. The first, is color rendering. ​

Color Rendering Index (CRI)

If you only remember one thing from me, please remember that color rendering is EVERYTHING when it comes to lighting. If you love incandescent and halogen lights, but hate fluorescent, then color rendering is the reason.​

We always want to find lights that have a color rendering (CRI) of at least 90, so that we can bring out the true color of our room finishes and decor. Many LED lights have a color rendering of 80, and this score is actually worse than fluorescent (which has a score of 82). As you can see in the image below, the true color of the wood is brought out with the light on the right, which has a score of 90. The red tones of the wood come through and it feels warm. In contrast, the light on the left makes the wood look a bit greenish and yellow, because it has a poor color rendering score of 80.​

Trust me! It’s worth it to spend just a little bit more on lights to make sure that you’re getting LEDs with a score of 90 or higher, so that the people and finishes in your spaces feel vibrant and full of life. Make sure to pay attention to this when you find a light you like and you’re ready to hit that “order” button.

Why Is Dimmer Compatibility Important for Quality Dining Room Lighting?

Lastly, make sure that the LEDs you select are dimmable. This is something you need to check in the product cutsheet or through the web store that you are browsing. ​

Also, you’ll need to make sure that the dimmer you select will be compatible with the LED light fixture.  In the past, we could easily dim incandescent and halogen lighting with a simple rotary dimmer. This may or may not work for a new LED light fixture. 

You wouldn’t expect your television remote to be able to turn on your stereo system, would you? The same is true for LED dimmers. You have to make sure that the dimmer switch can actually communicate with the light fixture. 

There’s a variety of dimming protocols: it may be TRIAC, Electronic Low Voltage (ELV), 0-10 Volt, or DALI. So make sure to work with your electrician or a sales representative to make sure that the components of your lighting design are all compatible. 

Why is it Important to Do a Dining Room Lighting Calculation?

If you want to be confident in your residential lighting design, you have to do a lighting calculation. It’s as simple as that. 

Footcandle Targets

But how do we actually estimate how bright a room actually needs to be? Well, the footcandle targets for a room are set by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA), and the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD).

This professional organization has studied and analyzed the functional requirements for each kind of space designed by architects. For residential projects, I like to refer back to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory & Department of Energy’s footcandle targets, since those are made freely available to the public. These are the targets I use for my own projects, and are the basis for the lighting estimator on this webpage. ​

Avoiding Lighting Mistakes – Not Enough Light

You don’t want to have too little light. It’s expensive for a contractor and electrican to come back after the fact to revise the lighting strategy and patch the walls/ceiling. This happened to an interior designer early in my career, and it wasn’t a fun situation.

For me, it was the beginning of a great collaboration with this design professional, because we worked on many projects after that – but of course it would have been better if this interior designer hadn’t made that mistake to begin with. ​

Avoiding Lighting Mistakes – Too Much Light

Likewise, you also don’t want to be too bright, and overspend on lighting, just because you’re unsure what is needed and just hoping for the best (yikes!).

This is fundamentally why I created the lighting estimator at our partner website – to balance making sure there’s enough light, while also making sure a client isn’t paying for too many lights. Hopefully using the calculator was straightforward. Reach out with questions (before buying/building anything), if you’d like help! Good luck on your project!

Works Cited: Quality Dining Room Lighting​

Duncan, Steve. “Why Is It Important to Do a Lighting Calculation?” Lighting Design Insights. [LightingJUMP.com, https://www.lightingjump.com/how-many-lights-forest-vibe]. 

The author emphasizes the necessity of conducting lighting calculations to ensure effective lighting design in various spaces. He cites the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) and the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) for their established footcandle targets that help determine appropriate lighting levels. Duncan also mentions the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the Department of Energy’s publicly available footcandle targets, which he uses for residential projects.

He shares a personal anecdote about the complications that arise from inadequate lighting, stressing the importance of precise calculations to avoid costly adjustments and excessive spending. The lighting estimator featured on his webpage is designed to assist clients in achieving optimal lighting without overspending. 

References – Quality Residential Lighting Design​

• Duncan, Steve. “Why Is It Important to Do a Lighting Calculation?” Lighting Design Insights. .
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory. “Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) in Residential Lighting.” NREL/TP-53467. 2012. https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy12osti/53467.pdf.
• Illuminating Engineering Society. “Standards.” https://store.ies.org/individual-standards/?v=0b3b97fa6688.
• International Association of Lighting Designers. “About the IALD.” https://iald.org/IALD/IALD/About/About-

Create the Best Designs: How Much Kitchen Light?

How Much Light Will You Really Need for Your Living Room Design?

Take the guesswork out of lighting, so that you can be confident in your designs! We make our estimators free to the public so that you can avoid costly mistakes associated with having too little (or too much) lighting in your design.

It only takes a few minutes to double-check that your living room design is going to be be bright enough.

If you’re not sure if you’re going to have enough light, I’m here to help!

Steve Duncan, AIA

Lighting Designer & Architect

Note: By using the lighting estimators below, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions for this website.

How Many Lumens for a Living Room?

What Should You Look for in Quality Living Room Lighting?

When it comes to designing the perfect living space, one of the most impactful yet often overlooked elements is quality residential lighting. The right lighting not only enhances the ambiance of your home but also highlights the beauty of your decor, improving both functionality and aesthetics.

In 2025, the best residential lights prioritize features like high color rendering (CRI 90+), energy efficiency, and sleek, versatile designs that cater to a variety of tastes. As an architect and lighting designer, I’ve handpicked the best lighting options that meet these high standards, ensuring your space is both well-lit and beautifully illuminated. Whether you’re remodeling or designing a new home, investing in quality residential lighting will transform your space and bring out its full potential. Check out our curated list below:

Recessed Living Room Can Downlights

Recessed Living Room Wall Washer Lights

Recessed Living Room Adjustable Accent Lights

Living Room Track Lighting

Lensed Linear LED Lighting

Living Room Undercabinet Linear Lights

Living Room Round Undercabinet Puck Light

Living Room Adjustable Cylinder Accent Light

Living Room Flushmount LED

Living Room Picture Lights

Living Room Recessed Step Lights

Landscape Pathway Lights

Outdoor Cylinder Sconces

Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality Living Room Lighting?

Regardless of the vibe you are going for, there are two things that can trip up designers when they are selecting LED lighting. The first, is color rendering. ​

Color Rendering Index (CRI)

If you only remember one thing from me, please remember that color rendering is EVERYTHING when it comes to lighting. If you love incandescent and halogen lights, but hate fluorescent, then color rendering is the reason.​

We always want to find lights that have a color rendering (CRI) of at least 90, so that we can bring out the true color of our room finishes and decor. Many LED lights have a color rendering of 80, and this score is actually worse than fluorescent (which has a score of 82). As you can see in the image below, the true color of the wood is brought out with the light on the right, which has a score of 90. The red tones of the wood come through and it feels warm. In contrast, the light on the left makes the wood look a bit greenish and yellow, because it has a poor color rendering score of 80.​

Trust me! It’s worth it to spend just a little bit more on lights to make sure that you’re getting LEDs with a score of 90 or higher, so that the people and finishes in your spaces feel vibrant and full of life. Make sure to pay attention to this when you find a light you like and you’re ready to hit that “order” button.

Why Is Dimmer Compatibility Important for Quality Living Room Lighting?

Lastly, make sure that the LEDs you select are dimmable. This is something you need to check in the product cutsheet or through the web store that you are browsing. ​

Also, you’ll need to make sure that the dimmer you select will be compatible with the LED light fixture.  In the past, we could easily dim incandescent and halogen lighting with a simple rotary dimmer. This may or may not work for a new LED light fixture. 

You wouldn’t expect your television remote to be able to turn on your stereo system, would you? The same is true for LED dimmers. You have to make sure that the dimmer switch can actually communicate with the light fixture. 

There’s a variety of dimming protocols: it may be TRIAC, Electronic Low Voltage (ELV), 0-10 Volt, or DALI. So make sure to work with your electrician or a sales representative to make sure that the components of your lighting design are all compatible. 

Why is it Important to Do a Living Room Lighting Calculation?

If you want to be confident in your residential lighting design, you have to do a lighting calculation. It’s as simple as that. 

Footcandle Targets

But how do we actually estimate how bright a room actually needs to be? Well, the footcandle targets for a room are set by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA), and the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD).

This professional organization has studied and analyzed the functional requirements for each kind of space designed by architects. For residential projects, I like to refer back to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory & Department of Energy’s footcandle targets, since those are made freely available to the public. These are the targets I use for my own projects, and are the basis for the lighting estimator on this webpage. ​

Avoiding Lighting Mistakes – Not Enough Light

You don’t want to have too little light. It’s expensive for a contractor and electrican to come back after the fact to revise the lighting strategy and patch the walls/ceiling. This happened to an interior designer early in my career, and it wasn’t a fun situation.

For me, it was the beginning of a great collaboration with this design professional, because we worked on many projects after that – but of course it would have been better if this interior designer hadn’t made that mistake to begin with. ​

Avoiding Lighting Mistakes – Too Much Light

Likewise, you also don’t want to be too bright, and overspend on lighting, just because you’re unsure what is needed and just hoping for the best (yikes!).

This is fundamentally why I created the lighting estimator at our partner website – to balance making sure there’s enough light, while also making sure a client isn’t paying for too many lights. Hopefully using the calculator was straightforward. Reach out with questions (before buying/building anything), if you’d like help! Good luck on your project!

Works Cited: Quality Living Room Lighting​

Duncan, Steve. “Why Is It Important to Do a Lighting Calculation?” Lighting Design Insights. [LightingJUMP.com, https://www.lightingjump.com/how-many-lights-forest-vibe]. 

The author emphasizes the necessity of conducting lighting calculations to ensure effective lighting design in various spaces. He cites the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) and the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) for their established footcandle targets that help determine appropriate lighting levels. Duncan also mentions the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the Department of Energy’s publicly available footcandle targets, which he uses for residential projects.

He shares a personal anecdote about the complications that arise from inadequate lighting, stressing the importance of precise calculations to avoid costly adjustments and excessive spending. The lighting estimator featured on his webpage is designed to assist clients in achieving optimal lighting without overspending. 

References – Quality Residential Lighting Design​

• Duncan, Steve. “Why Is It Important to Do a Lighting Calculation?” Lighting Design Insights. .
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory. “Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) in Residential Lighting.” NREL/TP-53467. 2012. https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy12osti/53467.pdf.
• Illuminating Engineering Society. “Standards.” https://store.ies.org/individual-standards/?v=0b3b97fa6688.
• International Association of Lighting Designers. “About the IALD.” https://iald.org/IALD/IALD/About/About-

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