Your cart is currently empty!
Author: Steve Duncan, AIA
-
Create the Best Designs With Quality Lighting: RBW Ripple
What Should You Look for In Quality 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 living room lighting prioritizes 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 of the best lights of 2025 below, and our free residential lighting guide here.:
– Steve Duncan, AIA | Architect & Lighting Designer
Quality Lighting Criteria: RBW Ripple
- UL Listed for Safety
- Have a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of at least 90
- Customer Rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars
Decorative Lighting Comparison: RBW Ripple
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
PAIRS WELL WITH:
Recessed Can Downlights
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K
Recessed Wall Washer Lights
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K
Recessed Adjustable Accent Lights
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K
Track Lighting
90 CRI – 3000K, 4000K, 5000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 4000K, 5000K
Lensed Linear LED Lighting
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K
Undercabinet Linear Lights
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 4000K
90 CRI – 2200K, 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4500K
90 CRI – 3000K
Round Undercabinet Puck Light
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 4000K
Adjustable Cylinder Accent Light
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
Flushmount LED
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
Picture Lights
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
Recessed Step Lights
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
Table of Contents – Quality Lighting
- What Should You Look for In Quality Lighting?
- Decorative Lighting Comparison: RBW Ripple
- PAIRS WELL WITH:
- Recessed Can Downlights
- Recessed Wall Washer Lights
- Recessed Adjustable Accent Lights
- Track Lighting
- Lensed Linear LED Lighting
- Undercabinet Linear Lights
- Round Undercabinet Puck Light
- Adjustable Cylinder Accent Light
- Flushmount LED
- Picture Lights
- Recessed Step Lights
- Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality Lighting?
- Why Is Dimmer Compatibility Important?
- Why is it Important to Do a Lighting Calculation?
- Works Cited: Quality Lighting RBW Ripple
Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality 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?
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 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. It only takes a few minutes. Too see a demonstration check out our video example here:
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 Lighting RBW Ripple
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 Lighting RBW Ripple
- 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 Puck
What Should You Look for In Quality 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 living room lighting prioritizes 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 of the best lights of 2025 below, and our free residential lighting guide here.:
– Steve Duncan, AIA | Architect & Lighting Designer
Quality Lighting Criteria: Vibia Puck
- UL Listed for Safety
- Have a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of at least 90
- Customer Rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars
Decorative Lighting Comparison: Vibia Puck
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
PAIRS WELL WITH:
Recessed Can Downlights
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K
Recessed Wall Washer Lights
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K
Recessed Adjustable Accent Lights
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K
Track Lighting
90 CRI – 3000K, 4000K, 5000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 4000K, 5000K
Lensed Linear LED Lighting
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K
Undercabinet Linear Lights
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 4000K
90 CRI – 2200K, 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4500K
90 CRI – 3000K
Round Undercabinet Puck Light
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 4000K
Adjustable Cylinder Accent Light
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
Flushmount LED
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
Picture Lights
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
Recessed Step Lights
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
Table of Contents – Quality Lighting
- What Should You Look for In Quality Lighting?
- Decorative Lighting Comparison: Vibia Puck
- PAIRS WELL WITH:
- Recessed Can Downlights
- Recessed Wall Washer Lights
- Recessed Adjustable Accent Lights
- Track Lighting
- Lensed Linear LED Lighting
- Undercabinet Linear Lights
- Round Undercabinet Puck Light
- Adjustable Cylinder Accent Light
- Flushmount LED
- Picture Lights
- Recessed Step Lights
- Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality Lighting?
- Why Is Dimmer Compatibility Important?
- Why is it Important to Do a Lighting Calculation?
- Works Cited: Quality Lighting Vibia Puck
Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality 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?
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 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. It only takes a few minutes. Too see a demonstration check out our video example here:
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 Lighting Vibia Puck
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 Lighting Vibia Puck
- 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: Marset Plaff-On
What Should You Look for In Quality 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 living room lighting prioritizes 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 of the best lights of 2025 below, and our free residential lighting guide here.:
– Steve Duncan, AIA | Architect & Lighting Designer
Quality Lighting Criteria: Marset Plaff-On
- UL Listed for Safety
- Have a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of at least 90
- Customer Rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars
Decorative Lighting Comparison: Marset Plaff-On
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
PAIRS WELL WITH:
Recessed Can Downlights
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K
Recessed Wall Washer Lights
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K
Recessed Adjustable Accent Lights
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K
Track Lighting
90 CRI – 3000K, 4000K, 5000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 4000K, 5000K
Lensed Linear LED Lighting
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K
Undercabinet Linear Lights
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 4000K
90 CRI – 2200K, 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4500K
90 CRI – 3000K
Round Undercabinet Puck Light
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 4000K
Adjustable Cylinder Accent Light
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
Flushmount LED
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
Picture Lights
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
Recessed Step Lights
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
Table of Contents – Quality Lighting
- What Should You Look for In Quality Lighting?
- Decorative Lighting Comparison: Marset Plaff-On
- PAIRS WELL WITH:
- Recessed Can Downlights
- Recessed Wall Washer Lights
- Recessed Adjustable Accent Lights
- Track Lighting
- Lensed Linear LED Lighting
- Undercabinet Linear Lights
- Round Undercabinet Puck Light
- Adjustable Cylinder Accent Light
- Flushmount LED
- Picture Lights
- Recessed Step Lights
- Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality Lighting?
- Why Is Dimmer Compatibility Important?
- Why is it Important to Do a Lighting Calculation?
- Works Cited: Quality Lighting
Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality 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?
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 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. It only takes a few minutes. Too see a demonstration check out our video example here:
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 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 Lighting
- 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: Plato Trio
What Should You Look for In Quality 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 living room lighting prioritizes 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 of the best 90 living room lights of 2025 below, and our free residential lighting guide here.:
– Steve Duncan, AIA | Architect & Lighting Designer
Quality Lighting Criteria: Plato Trio
- UL Listed for Safety
- Have a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of at least 90
- Customer Rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars
Decorative Lighting Comparison: Plato Trio
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
PAIRS WELL WITH:
Recessed Can Downlights
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K
Recessed Wall Washer Lights
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K
Recessed Adjustable Accent Lights
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K
Track Lighting
90 CRI – 3000K, 4000K, 5000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 4000K, 5000K
Lensed Linear LED Lighting
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K
Undercabinet Linear Lights
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 4000K
90 CRI – 2200K, 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4500K
90 CRI – 3000K
Round Undercabinet Puck Light
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 4000K
Adjustable Cylinder Accent Light
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
Flushmount LED
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
Picture Lights
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
Recessed Step Lights
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
Table of Contents – Quality Lighting
- What Should You Look for In Quality Lighting?
- Decorative Lighting Comparison: Plato Trio
- PAIRS WELL WITH:
- Recessed Can Downlights
- Recessed Wall Washer Lights
- Recessed Adjustable Accent Lights
- Track Lighting
- Lensed Linear LED Lighting
- Undercabinet Linear Lights
- Round Undercabinet Puck Light
- Adjustable Cylinder Accent Light
- Flushmount LED
- Picture Lights
- Recessed Step Lights
- Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality Lighting?
- Why Is Dimmer Compatibility Important?
- Why is it Important to Do a Lighting Calculation?
- Works Cited: Quality Lighting Plato Trio
Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality 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?
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 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. It only takes a few minutes. Too see a demonstration check out our video example here:
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 Lighting Plato Trio
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 Lighting Plato Trio
- 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: Ellipse Pendant
What Should You Look for In Quality 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 living room lighting prioritizes 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 of the best lights of 2025 below, and our free residential lighting guide here.:
– Steve Duncan, AIA | Architect & Lighting Designer
Quality Lighting Criteria: Ellipse Pendant
- UL Listed for Safety
- Have a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of at least 90
- Customer Rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars
Decorative Lighting Comparison: Ellipse Pendant
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
PAIRS WELL WITH:
Recessed Can Downlights
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K
Recessed Wall Washer Lights
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K
Recessed Adjustable Accent Lights
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K
Track Lighting
90 CRI – 3000K, 4000K, 5000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 4000K, 5000K
Lensed Linear LED Lighting
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K
Undercabinet Linear Lights
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 4000K
90 CRI – 2200K, 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4500K
90 CRI – 3000K
Round Undercabinet Puck Light
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 4000K
Adjustable Cylinder Accent Light
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
Flushmount LED
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
Picture Lights
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
Recessed Step Lights
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
Table of Contents – Quality Lighting Ellipse Pendant
- What Should You Look for In Quality Lighting?
- Decorative Lighting Comparison: Ellipse Pendant
- PAIRS WELL WITH:
- Recessed Can Downlights
- Recessed Wall Washer Lights
- Recessed Adjustable Accent Lights
- Track Lighting
- Lensed Linear LED Lighting
- Undercabinet Linear Lights
- Round Undercabinet Puck Light
- Adjustable Cylinder Accent Light
- Flushmount LED
- Picture Lights
- Recessed Step Lights
- Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality Lighting?
- Why Is Dimmer Compatibility Important?
- Why is it Important to Do a Lighting Calculation?
- Works Cited: Quality Lighting Ellipse Pendant
Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality 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?
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 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. It only takes a few minutes. Too see a demonstration check out our video example here:
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 Lighting Ellipse Pendant
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 Lighting Ellipse Pendant
- 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: Boyd Loop Double
What Should You Look for In Quality 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 living room lighting prioritizes 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 of the best lights of 2025 below, and our free residential lighting guide here.:
– Steve Duncan, AIA | Architect & Lighting Designer
Quality Lighting Criteria: Boyd Loop Double
- UL Listed for Safety
- Have a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of at least 90
- Customer Rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars
Decorative Lighting Comparison: Boyd Loop Double
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 3000K
PAIRS WELL WITH:
Recessed Can Downlights
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K
Recessed Wall Washer Lights
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K
Recessed Adjustable Accent Lights
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K
Track Lighting
90 CRI – 3000K, 4000K, 5000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 4000K, 5000K
Lensed Linear LED Lighting
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K
Undercabinet Linear Lights
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 4000K
90 CRI – 2200K, 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4500K
90 CRI – 3000K
Round Undercabinet Puck Light
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 4000K
Adjustable Cylinder Accent Light
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
Flushmount LED
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
Picture Lights
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
Recessed Step Lights
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
Table of Contents – Quality Lighting
- What Should You Look for In Quality Lighting?
- Decorative Lighting Comparison: Boyd Loop Double
- PAIRS WELL WITH:
- Recessed Can Downlights
- Recessed Wall Washer Lights
- Recessed Adjustable Accent Lights
- Track Lighting
- Lensed Linear LED Lighting
- Undercabinet Linear Lights
- Round Undercabinet Puck Light
- Adjustable Cylinder Accent Light
- Flushmount LED
- Picture Lights
- Recessed Step Lights
- Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality Lighting?
- Why Is Dimmer Compatibility Important?
- Why is it Important to Do a Lighting Calculation?
- Works Cited: Quality Lighting Boyd Loop Double
Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality 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?
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 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. It only takes a few minutes. Too see a demonstration check out our video example here:
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 Lighting Boyd Loop Double
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 Lighting Boyd Loop Double
- 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: Graypants Chrona
What Should You Look for In Quality 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 living room lighting prioritizes 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 of the best lights of 2025 below, and our free residential lighting guide here.:
– Steve Duncan, AIA | Architect & Lighting Designer
Quality Lighting Criteria: Graypants Chrona
- UL Listed for Safety
- Have a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of at least 90
- Customer Rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars
Decorative Lighting Comparison: Graypants Chrona
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 3000K
PAIRS WELL WITH:
Recessed Can Downlights
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K
Recessed Wall Washer Lights
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K
Recessed Adjustable Accent Lights
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K
Track Lighting
90 CRI – 3000K, 4000K, 5000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 4000K, 5000K
Lensed Linear LED Lighting
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K
Undercabinet Linear Lights
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 4000K
90 CRI – 2200K, 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4500K
90 CRI – 3000K
Round Undercabinet Puck Light
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 4000K
Adjustable Cylinder Accent Light
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
Flushmount LED
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
Picture Lights
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
Recessed Step Lights
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
Table of Contents – Quality Lighting
- What Should You Look for In Quality Lighting?
- Decorative Lighting Comparison: Graypants Chrona
- PAIRS WELL WITH:
- Recessed Can Downlights
- Recessed Wall Washer Lights
- Recessed Adjustable Accent Lights
- Track Lighting
- Lensed Linear LED Lighting
- Undercabinet Linear Lights
- Round Undercabinet Puck Light
- Adjustable Cylinder Accent Light
- Flushmount LED
- Picture Lights
- Recessed Step Lights
- Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality Lighting?
- Why Is Dimmer Compatibility Important?
- Why is it Important to Do a Lighting Calculation?
- Works Cited: Quality Lighting Graypants Chrona
Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality 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?
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 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. It only takes a few minutes. Too see a demonstration check out our video example here:
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 Lighting Graypants Chrona
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 Lighting Graypants Chrona
- 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: Souda Archive
What Should You Look for In Quality 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 living room lighting prioritizes 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 of the best lights of 2025 below, and our free residential lighting guide here.:
– Steve Duncan, AIA | Architect & Lighting Designer
Quality Lighting Criteria: Souda Archive
- UL Listed for Safety
- Have a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of at least 90
- Customer Rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars
Decorative Lighting Comparison: Souda Archive
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI (bulbs not included)- 2700K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
PAIRS WELL WITH:
Recessed Can Downlights
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K
Recessed Wall Washer Lights
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K
Recessed Adjustable Accent Lights
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K
Track Lighting
90 CRI – 3000K, 4000K, 5000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 4000K, 5000K
Lensed Linear LED Lighting
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K
Undercabinet Linear Lights
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 4000K
90 CRI – 2200K, 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4500K
90 CRI – 3000K
Round Undercabinet Puck Light
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 4000K
Adjustable Cylinder Accent Light
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
Flushmount LED
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
Picture Lights
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
Recessed Step Lights
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
Table of Contents – Quality Lighting Souda Archive
- What Should You Look for In Quality Lighting?
- Decorative Lighting Comparison: Souda Archive
- PAIRS WELL WITH:
- Recessed Can Downlights
- Recessed Wall Washer Lights
- Recessed Adjustable Accent Lights
- Track Lighting
- Lensed Linear LED Lighting
- Undercabinet Linear Lights
- Round Undercabinet Puck Light
- Adjustable Cylinder Accent Light
- Flushmount LED
- Picture Lights
- Recessed Step Lights
- Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality Lighting?
- Why Is Dimmer Compatibility Important?
- Why is it Important to Do a Lighting Calculation?
- Works Cited: Quality Lighting Souda Archive
Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality 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?
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 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. It only takes a few minutes. Too see a demonstration check out our video example here:
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 Lighting Souda Archive
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 Lighting Souda Archive
- 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: Castle GLO
What Should You Look for In Quality 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 living room lighting prioritizes 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 of the best lights of 2025 below, and our free residential lighting guide here.:
– Steve Duncan, AIA | Architect & Lighting Designer
Quality Lighting Criteria: Castle GLO
- UL Listed for Safety
- Have a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of at least 90
- Customer Rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars
Decorative Lighting Comparison: Castle GLO
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI (bulbs not included)- 2700K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
PAIRS WELL WITH:
Recessed Can Downlights
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K
Recessed Wall Washer Lights
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K
Recessed Adjustable Accent Lights
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K
Track Lighting
90 CRI – 3000K, 4000K, 5000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 4000K, 5000K
Lensed Linear LED Lighting
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K
Undercabinet Linear Lights
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 4000K
90 CRI – 2200K, 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4500K
90 CRI – 3000K
Round Undercabinet Puck Light
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 4000K
Adjustable Cylinder Accent Light
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
Flushmount LED
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
Picture Lights
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
Recessed Step Lights
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
Table of Contents – Quality Lighting Castle GLO
- What Should You Look for In Quality Lighting?
- Decorative Lighting Comparison: Castle GLO
- PAIRS WELL WITH:
- Recessed Can Downlights
- Recessed Wall Washer Lights
- Recessed Adjustable Accent Lights
- Track Lighting
- Lensed Linear LED Lighting
- Undercabinet Linear Lights
- Round Undercabinet Puck Light
- Adjustable Cylinder Accent Light
- Flushmount LED
- Picture Lights
- Recessed Step Lights
- Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality Lighting?
- Why Is Dimmer Compatibility Important?
- Why is it Important to Do a Lighting Calculation?
- Works Cited: Quality Lighting Castle GLO
Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality 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?
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 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. It only takes a few minutes. Too see a demonstration check out our video example here:
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 Lighting Castle GLO
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 Lighting Castle GLO
- 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: Artcraft Gem
What Should You Look for In Quality 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 living room lighting prioritizes 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 of the best lights of 2025 below, and our free residential lighting guide here.:
– Steve Duncan, AIA | Architect & Lighting Designer
Quality Lighting Criteria: Artcraft Gem
- UL Listed for Safety
- Have a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of at least 90
- Customer Rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars
Decorative Lighting Comparison: Artcraft Gem
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI (bulbs not included)- 2700K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
PAIRS WELL WITH:
Recessed Can Downlights
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K
Recessed Wall Washer Lights
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K
Recessed Adjustable Accent Lights
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K
Track Lighting
90 CRI – 3000K, 4000K, 5000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 4000K, 5000K
Lensed Linear LED Lighting
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K
Undercabinet Linear Lights
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 4000K
90 CRI – 2200K, 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4500K
90 CRI – 3000K
Round Undercabinet Puck Light
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 4000K
Adjustable Cylinder Accent Light
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
Flushmount LED
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
Picture Lights
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
Recessed Step Lights
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
Table of Contents – Quality Lighting: Artcraft Gem
- What Should You Look for In Quality Lighting?
- Decorative Lighting Comparison: Artcraft Gem
- PAIRS WELL WITH:
- Recessed Can Downlights
- Recessed Wall Washer Lights
- Recessed Adjustable Accent Lights
- Track Lighting
- Lensed Linear LED Lighting
- Undercabinet Linear Lights
- Round Undercabinet Puck Light
- Adjustable Cylinder Accent Light
- Flushmount LED
- Picture Lights
- Recessed Step Lights
- Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality Lighting?
- Why Is Dimmer Compatibility Important?
- Why is it Important to Do a Lighting Calculation?
- Works Cited: Quality Lighting Artcraft Gem
Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality 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?
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 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. It only takes a few minutes. Too see a demonstration check out our video example here:
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 Lighting Artcraft Gem
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 Lighting Artcraft Gem
- 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-
