Your cart is currently empty!
Author: Steve Duncan, AIA
-
Create the Best Designs With Quality Lighting: Bover Voiles
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: Bover Voiles
- 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: Bover Voiles
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI (bulbs not included)- 2700K
90 CRI – 3000K
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 Bover Voiles
- What Should You Look for In Quality Lighting?
- Decorative Lighting Comparison: Bover Voiles
- 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 Bover Voiles
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 Bover Voiles
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 Bover Voiles
- 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: Besa Skip Mini
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: Besa Skip Mini
- 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: Besa Skip Mini
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI (bulbs not included)- 2700K
90 CRI – 3000K
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: Besa Skip Mini
- 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 Besa Skip Mini
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 Besa Skip Mini
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 Besa Skip Mini
- 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: Umage Ribbon Mini
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: Umage Ribbon Mini
- 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: Umage Ribbon Mini
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI (bulbs not included)- 2700K
90 CRI – 3000K
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 Umage Ribbon Mini
- What Should You Look for In Quality Lighting?
- Decorative Lighting Comparison: Umage Ribbon Mini
- 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 Umage Ribbon Mini
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 Umage Ribbon Mini
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 Umage Ribbon Mini
- 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: Sonneman Modern Tiers
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: Sonneman Modern Tiers
- 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: Sonneman Modern Tiers
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI (bulbs not included)- 2700K
90 CRI – 3000K
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 Sonneman Modern Tiers
- What Should You Look for In Quality Lighting?
- Decorative Lighting Comparison: Sonneman Modern Tiers
- 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 Sonneman Modern Tiers
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 Sonneman Modern Tiers
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 Sonneman Modern Tiers
- 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: Mini Signal 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:
- 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
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 3000K
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 Mini Signal Pendant
- What Should You Look for In Quality Lighting?
- Decorative Lighting Comparison
- 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 Mini Signal 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 Mini Signal 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 Mini Signal 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: Fabian Mochi
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: Fabian Mochi
- 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: Fabian Mochi
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 3000K
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: Fabian Mochi
- What Should You Look for In Quality Lighting?
- Decorative Lighting Comparison: Fabian Mochi
- 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 Fabian Mochi
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 Fabian Mochi
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 Fabian Mochi
- 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: LZF Link 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: LZF Link 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: LZF Link Pendant
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI (bulbs not included)- 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: LZF Link 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 LZF Link
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 LZF Link
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 LZF Link
- 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: Lamina Mayor 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: Lamina Mayor
- 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: Lamina Mayor
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 3000K
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: Lamina Mayor
- What Should You Look for In Quality Lighting?
- Decorative Lighting Comparison: Lamina Mayor
- 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 Lamina Mayor
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 Lamina Mayor
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 Lamina Mayor
- 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: Ceramic Petal 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 – Ceramic Petal 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: Ceramic Petal Pendant
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 3000K
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
- What Should You Look for In Quality Lighting?
- Decorative Lighting Comparison: Ceramic Petal 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 Ceramic Petal 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 Ceramic Petal 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 Ceramic Petal 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: AFX Callie
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 – AFX Callie Mini:
- UL Listed for Safety
- Have a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of at least 90
- Customer Rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 3000K
90 CRI – 2700K
90 CRI – 3000K
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: AFX Callie Mini
- What Should You Look for In Quality Lighting?
- 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 AFX Callie Mini
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 AFX Callie Mini
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 AFX Callie Mini
- 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-
