Category: Lighting

  • Create The Best Designs With Quality Lighting: Core USB

    Create The Best Designs With Quality Lighting: Core USB

    Designer Architect - Selecting quality lighting for her project.

    What Should You Look for In Quality Under Cabinet Lighting?

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

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

    – Steve Duncan, AIA | Architect & Lighting Designer

    Quality Under Cabinet Lighting Criteria – Core USB:

    • UL Listed for Safety
    • Have a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of at least 90
    • Customer Rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars

    Under Cabinet Linear Lighting Comparison: Core USB

    Best Residential Lights_NSL LED Undercabinet

    90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 4000K

    90 CRI – 2200K, 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4500K

    Best Residential Lights_Core Lighting USB Series

    90 CRI – 3000K

    Round Under Cabinet Puck Lighting Comparison

    Best Residential Lights_DALS 6001 LED Puck

    90 CRI – 3000K

    Best Residential Lights_WAC LED HR LED90 Button Light

    90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K

    Best Residential Lights_Core Adjustable Puck Light

    90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 4000K

    Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality Under Cabinet 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.​

    Color Rendering Comparison of two LEDs which are illuminating a wood furniture piece.

    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 Under Cabinet Lighting – Core USB​

    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 Under Cabinet Lighting​: Core USB

    Check out our other lighting guides:

  • Create The Best Designs With Quality Lighting: WAC  Under Cabinet

    Create The Best Designs With Quality Lighting: WAC Under Cabinet

    Designer Architect - Selecting quality lighting for her project.

    What Should You Look for In Quality Under Cabinet Lighting?

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

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

    – Steve Duncan, AIA | Architect & Lighting Designer

    Quality Undercabinet Lighting Criteria – WAC InvisiLED Under Cabinet:

    • UL Listed for Safety
    • Have a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of at least 90
    • Customer Rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars

    Under Cabinet Linear Lighting Comparison

    Best Residential Lights_NSL LED Undercabinet

    90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 4000K

    90 CRI – 2200K, 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4500K

    Best Residential Lights_Core Lighting USB Series

    90 CRI – 3000K

    Round Under Cabinet Puck Lighting Comparison

    Best Residential Lights_DALS 6001 LED Puck

    90 CRI – 3000K

    Best Residential Lights_WAC LED HR LED90 Button Light

    90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K

    Best Residential Lights_Core Adjustable Puck Light

    90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 4000K

    Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality Under Cabinet 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.​

    Color Rendering Comparison of two LEDs which are illuminating a wood furniture piece.

    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 Under Cabinet Lighting – WAC Under Cabinet​

    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 Under Cabinet Lighting​: WAC Under Cabinet

    Check out our other lighting guides:

  • Create The Best Designs With Quality Lighting: NSL Under Cabinet

    Create The Best Designs With Quality Lighting: NSL Under Cabinet

    Designer Architect - Selecting quality lighting for her project.

    What Should You Look for In Quality Under Cabinet Lighting?

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

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

    – Steve Duncan, AIA | Architect & Lighting Designer

    Quality Undercabinet Lighting Criteria – NSL Under Cabinet:

    • UL Listed for Safety
    • Have a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of at least 90
    • Customer Rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars

    Undercabinet Linear Lighting Comparison: NSL Under Cabinet

    Best Residential Lights_NSL LED Undercabinet

    90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 4000K

    90 CRI – 2200K, 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4500K

    Best Residential Lights_Core Lighting USB Series

    90 CRI – 3000K

    Round Undercabinet Puck Lighting Comparison

    Best Residential Lights_DALS 6001 LED Puck

    90 CRI – 3000K

    Best Residential Lights_WAC LED HR LED90 Button Light

    90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K

    Best Residential Lights_Core Adjustable Puck Light

    90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 4000K

    Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality Undercabinet 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.​

    Color Rendering Comparison of two LEDs which are illuminating a wood furniture piece.

    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 Undercabinet Lighting – NSL Under Cabinet​

    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 Undercabinet Lighting: NSL Under Cabinet​

    Check out our other lighting guides:

  • Create The Best Designs With Quality Lighting: FLOS Light Strip

    Create The Best Designs With Quality Lighting: FLOS Light Strip

    Designer Architect - Selecting quality lighting for her project.

    What Should You Look for In Quality Recessed Linear LED Lighting?

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

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

    – Steve Duncan, AIA | Architect & Lighting Designer

    Quality Recessed Linear LED Criteria – FLOS Light Strip:

    • UL Listed for Safety
    • Have a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of at least 90
    • Customer Rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars

    Recessed Linear LED Lighting Comparison: FLOS Light Strip

    Best Residential Lights_Kichler 6T

    90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K

    Best Residential Lights_WAC InvisiLED 24V

    90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K

    90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K

    Why Is Color Rendering Important for Recessed Linear LED 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.​

    Color Rendering Comparison of two LEDs which are illuminating a wood furniture piece.

    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 Recessed Linear LED LightingFLOS Light Strip

    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 Recessed Linear LED Lighting​: FLOS Light Strip

  • Create The Best Designs With Quality Lighting: WAC InvisiLED

    Create The Best Designs With Quality Lighting: WAC InvisiLED

    Designer Architect - Selecting quality lighting for her project.

    What Should You Look for In Quality Recessed Linear LED Lighting: WAC InvisiLED?

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

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

    – Steve Duncan, AIA | Architect & Lighting Designer

    Quality Recessed Linear LED Criteria – WAC InvisiLED:

    • UL Listed for Safety
    • Have a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of at least 90
    • Customer Rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars

    Recessed Linear LED Lighting Comparison: WAC InvisiLED

    Best Residential Lights_Kichler 6T

    90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K

    Best Residential Lights_WAC InvisiLED 24V

    90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K

    90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K

    Why Is Color Rendering Important for Recessed Linear LED 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.​

    Color Rendering Comparison of two LEDs which are illuminating a wood furniture piece.

    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 Recessed Linear LED Lighting – WAC InvisLED​

    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 Recessed Linear LED Lighting​: WAC InvisiLED

  • Create The Best Designs With Quality Lighting: Kichler LED Tape

    Create The Best Designs With Quality Lighting: Kichler LED Tape

    Designer Architect - Selecting quality lighting for her project.

    What Should You Look for In Quality Recessed Linear LED Lighting?

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

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

    – Steve Duncan, AIA | Architect & Lighting Designer

    Quality Recessed Linear LED Criteria – Kichler LED Tape:

    • UL Listed for Safety
    • Have a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of at least 90
    • Customer Rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars

    Recessed Linear LED Lighting Comparison: Kichler LED Tape

    Best Residential Lights_Kichler 6T

    90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K

    Best Residential Lights_WAC InvisiLED 24V

    90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K

    90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K

    Why Is Color Rendering Important for Recessed Linear LED 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.​

    Color Rendering Comparison of two LEDs which are illuminating a wood furniture piece.

    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 Recessed Linear LED 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 Recessed Linear LED Lighting​: Kichler LED Tape

  • Create The Best Designs With Quality Lighting: Flos Track

    Create The Best Designs With Quality Lighting: Flos Track

    Designer Architect - Selecting quality lighting for her project.

    What Should You Look for In Quality Track Lighting?

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

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

    – Steve Duncan, AIA | Architect & Lighting Designer

    Quality Track Lighting Criteria – Flos Track:

    • UL Listed for Safety
    • Have a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of at least 90
    • Customer Rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars

    Quality Track Lighting Comparison – Flos Track

    Best Residential Lights_Cloudy Bay Track Light

    90 CRI – 3000K, 4000K, 5000K

    Best Residential Lights_WAC Charge H Track

    90 CRI – 3000K

    Best Residential Lights_Flos Track Light

    90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 4000K, 5000K

    Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality Recessed 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.​

    Color Rendering Comparison of two LEDs which are illuminating a wood furniture piece.

    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: Flos Track Quality Track 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 Flos Track Lighting​

    Check out our other lighting guides:

  • Create The Best Designs With Quality Lighting: WAC Charge Track

    Create The Best Designs With Quality Lighting: WAC Charge Track

    Designer Architect - Selecting quality lighting for her project.

    What Should You Look for In Quality Track Lighting?

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

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

    – Steve Duncan, AIA | Architect & Lighting Designer

    Quality Track Lighting Criteria – WAC Charge Track:

    • UL Listed for Safety
    • Have a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of at least 90
    • Customer Rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars

    WAC Charge Track – Quality Track Lighting Comparison

    Best Residential Lights_Cloudy Bay Track Light

    90 CRI – 3000K, 4000K, 5000K

    Best Residential Lights_WAC Charge H Track

    90 CRI – 3000K

    Best Residential Lights_Flos Track Light

    90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 4000K, 5000K

    Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality Recessed 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.​

    Color Rendering Comparison of two LEDs which are illuminating a wood furniture piece.

    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: WAC Charge Track 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 – WAC Charge Track Lighting​

    Check out our other lighting guides:

  • Create The Best Designs With Quality Lighting: Cloudy Bay Track

    Create The Best Designs With Quality Lighting: Cloudy Bay Track

    Designer Architect - Selecting quality lighting for her project.

    What Should You Look for In Quality Track Lighting?

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

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

    – Steve Duncan, AIA | Architect & Lighting Designer

    Quality Track Lighting Criteria – Cloudy Bay Track:

    • UL Listed for Safety
    • Have a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of at least 90
    • Customer Rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars

    Cloudy Bay Track – Quality Lighting Comparison

    Best Residential Lights_Cloudy Bay Track Light

    90 CRI – 3000K, 4000K, 5000K

    Best Residential Lights_WAC Charge H Track

    90 CRI – 3000K

    Best Residential Lights_Flos Track Light

    90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 4000K, 5000K

    Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality Recessed 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.​

    Color Rendering Comparison of two LEDs which are illuminating a wood furniture piece.

    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: Cloudy Bay Track 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 – Cloudy Bay Track Lighting​

    Check out our other lighting guides:

  • Create The Best Designs With Quality Lighting: WAC Adjustable

    Create The Best Designs With Quality Lighting: WAC Adjustable

    Designer Architect - Selecting quality lighting for her project.

    What Should You Look for In Quality Recessed Adjustable Lighting?

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

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

    – Steve Duncan, AIA | Architect & Lighting Designer

    Quality Recessed Adjustable Lighting Criteria – WAC Adjustable:

    • UL Listed for Safety
    • Have a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of at least 90
    • Customer Rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars

    Quality Recessed Adjustable Lighting Comparison: WAC Adjustable

    90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K

    90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K

    Best Residential Lights_WAC Volta 2 Inch Adjustable

    90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K

    Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality Recessed Adjustable 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.​

    Color Rendering Comparison of two LEDs which are illuminating a wood furniture piece.

    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: WAC AdjustableQuality Recessed Adjustable 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 – WAC AdjustableQuality Recessed Adjustable Lighting​

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