Category: Architecture

  • Foscarini Spokes: Love the Look, But How Many Lights?

    Foscarini Spokes: Love the Look, But How Many Lights?

    How Many Lights Will You Really Need for Your Design? Foscarini Spokes

    Let’s take the guesswork out of lighting so you can design with confidence! Ensuring the right amount of illumination is essential for both functionality and ambiance. The Foscarini Spokes pendant light delivers an impressive 3316 lumens, but how many lights do you actually need for your space?

    To make sure your design is bright enough, use our lighting estimator below to calculate the ideal number of Foscarini Spokes lights based on your room’s size. Whether you’re working on a residential or commercial project, this tool helps you achieve the perfect lighting balance.

    Note: By using the lighting estimator below, you agree to the terms and conditions of this website.

    How many lights foscarini spokes

    How Many Lights Will You Need? Foscarini Spokes

    how many lights foscarini

    How to Estimate How Many Lights You Will Need for Your Room

    • Step 1: Use the drop down button to select the Room Type.
    • Step 2: Fill in the square footage of your room.
    • Step 3: Use the drop down button to select your ceiling height.
    • Step 4: Use the drop down button to select how bright your room finishes will be (bright, medium, or dark).

    The calculator will automatically tell you how many lumens you need for your room, and weather you need additional lights.

    Reach out with questions if you’d like me to double check your work, before you purchase anything. If you are working on a building permit, or putting together a lighting budget, feel free to use my free lighting design guide here (excel format).

    Jellyfish Light

    Foscarini Spokes: Need Additional Light?

    If you’ve used our calculator and are still wondering how many lights you need, consider supplementing your design with accent lighting. While the Foscarini Spokes pendant provides stunning illumination, some spaces may require additional fixtures for optimal brightness and balance.

    Below, I’ve curated a list of go-to lighting options that I frequently use in projects with architects and developers. These fixtures are organized for quick comparison of cost, wattage, and aesthetics, ensuring you find the perfect complement to your Foscarini Spokes setup.

    Every light is UL-listed for safety and has a color rendering index (CRI) of 90+, guaranteeing high-quality illumination.

    Not sure if you need more lighting? Reach out with any questions—I’m happy to help fine-tune your design!

    Steve Duncan, AIA

    Recessed Can Downlights

    Best Residential Lights_Feit LEDR56930CA

    90 CRI – 3000K

    Best Residential Lights_Juno Gen2

    90 CRI – 3000K

    Best Residential Lights_WAC Volta 2 Inch

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

    Recessed Wall Washer Lights

    Best Residential Lights_WAC Lotos Recessed Wall Washer LED

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

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

    Recessed Adjustable Accent Lights

    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

    What Should You Look for in Quality Residential Lighting?

    Architect calculating how many lights are needed for her project if she uses foscarini spokes.

    When designing the perfect living space, one of the most impactful yet often overlooked elements is quality residential lighting. Whether you’re considering the Foscarini Spokes pendant or determining how many lights are needed for your space, the right lighting enhances ambiance, highlights decor, and improves functionality.

    In 2025, the best residential lighting solutions prioritize high color rendering (CRI 90+), energy efficiency, and sleek, versatile designs that suit a variety of interiors. As an architect and lighting designer, I’ve carefully selected the best lighting options to meet these high standards, ensuring that your space is not only well-lit but also beautifully illuminated.

    Whether you’re remodeling or designing a new home, choosing the right Foscarini Spokes fixture and determining how many lights you need will elevate your space and maximize its potential.

    Foscarini Spokes: Quality Residential 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

    Foscarini Spokes: Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality Residential 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.

    Foscarini Spokes: 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. 

    Why is Dimmer Compatibility Important?

    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. 

    Foscarini Spokes: 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. 

    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. ​

    Foscarini Spokes: 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!

    Foscarini Spokes Works Cited: Quality Residential Lighting & How Many Lights​

    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 – How Many Lights Foscarini Spokes​

    https://lightbycolor.com/plasma-orbs-and-architecture
    https://lightbycolor.com/furniture-and-cymatics
  • Juno Recessed: Love the Light, But Is It Bright Enough?

    Juno Recessed: Love the Light, But Is It Bright Enough?

    How Many Lights Will You Really Need for Your Design? Juno Recessed Light

    Let’s take the guesswork out of lighting so you can design with confidence! Ensuring the right amount of illumination is essential for both functionality and ambiance. The Juno Recessed Light delivers an impressive 1000 lumens, but how many lights do you actually need for your space?

    To make sure your design is bright enough, use our lighting estimator below to calculate the ideal number of Juno Recessed Lights based on your room’s size. Whether you’re working on a residential or commercial project, this tool helps you achieve the perfect lighting balance.

    Note: By using the lighting estimator below, you agree to the terms and conditions of this website.

    How Bright_Juno Recessed Gen2

    How Many Lights Will You Need? Juno Recessed Light

    Best Residential Lights_Juno Recessed Gen2

    How to Estimate How Many Lights You Will Need for Your Room

    • Step 1: Use the drop down button to select the Room Type.
    • Step 2: Fill in the square footage of your room.
    • Step 3: Use the drop down button to select your ceiling height.
    • Step 4: Use the drop down button to select how bright your room finishes will be (bright, medium, or dark).

    The calculator will automatically tell you how many lumens you need for your room, and weather you need additional lights.

    Reach out with questions if you’d like me to double check your work, before you purchase anything. If you are working on a building permit, or putting together a lighting budget, feel free to use my free lighting design guide here (excel format).

    Juno Recessed Light: Need Additional Light?

    If you’ve used our calculator and are still wondering how many lights you need, consider supplementing your design with accent lighting. While the Juno Recessed Light provides stunning illumination, some spaces may require additional fixtures for optimal brightness and balance.

    Below, I’ve curated a list of go-to lighting options that I frequently use in projects with architects and developers. These fixtures are organized for quick comparison of cost, wattage, and aesthetics, ensuring you find the perfect complement to your Juno Recessed Light setup.

    Every light is UL-listed for safety and has a color rendering index (CRI) of 90+, guaranteeing high-quality illumination.

    Not sure if you need more lighting? Reach out with any questions—I’m happy to help fine-tune your design!

    Steve Duncan, AIA

    Recessed Adjustable Accent Lights

    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

    Adjustable Cylinder Accent Light

    Best Residential Lights_Satco Nuvo 62-1105

    90 CRI – 3000K

    Best Residential Lights_WAC Silo X10

    90 CRI – 3000K

    Track Lighting

    Best Residential Lights_Cloudy Bay Track Light

    90 CRI – 3000K, 4000K, 5000K

    Best Residential Lights_Flos Track Light

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

    Recessed Can Downlights

    Best Residential Lights_Feit LEDR56930CA

    90 CRI – 3000K

    Best Residential Lights_Juno Gen2

    90 CRI – 3000K

    Best Residential Lights_WAC Volta 2 Inch

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

    Recessed Wall Washer Lights

    Best Residential Lights_WAC Lotos Recessed Wall Washer LED

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

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

    Undercabinet Linear Lights

    Best Residential Lights_NSL LED Undercabinet

    90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 4000K

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

    Round Undercabinet Puck Light

    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

    What Should You Look for in Quality Residential Lighting?

    Architect calculating how many lights are needed for her project if she uses foscarini spokes.

    When designing the perfect living space, one of the most impactful yet often overlooked elements is quality residential lighting. Whether you’re considering the Juno Recessed Light or determining how many lights are needed for your space, the right lighting enhances ambiance, highlights decor, and improves functionality.

    In 2025, the best residential lighting solutions prioritize high color rendering (CRI 90+), energy efficiency, and sleek, versatile designs that suit a variety of interiors. As an architect and lighting designer, I’ve carefully selected the best lighting options to meet these high standards, ensuring that your space is not only well-lit but also beautifully illuminated.

    Whether you’re remodeling or designing a new home, choosing the right Juno Recessed Light and determining how many lights you need will elevate your space and maximize its potential.

    Juno Recessed Light: Quality Residential 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

    Juno Recessed Light: Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality Residential 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.

    Juno Recessed Light: 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. 

    Why is Dimmer Compatibility Important?

    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. 

    Juno Recessed Light: 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. 

    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. ​

    Juno Recessed Light: 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!

    Best Residential Lights_Juno Gen2

    Table of Contents: How Many Lights Juno Recessed Can Light

    Juno Recessed Light Works Cited: Quality Residential Lighting & How Many Lights​

    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 – How Many Lights Juno Recessed Light

    https://lightbycolor.com/plasma-orbs-and-architecture
    https://lightbycolor.com/lighting-and-cymatics
  • Feit Recessed: Love the Light, But Is It Bright Enough?

    Feit Recessed: Love the Light, But Is It Bright Enough?

    How Many Lights Will You Really Need for Your Design? Feit Recessed Light

    Let’s take the guesswork out of lighting so you can design with confidence! Ensuring the right amount of illumination is essential for both functionality and ambiance. The Feit Recessed Light delivers an impressive 1290 lumens, but how many lights do you actually need for your space?

    To make sure your design is bright enough, use our lighting estimator below to calculate the ideal number of Feit Recessed Light based on your room’s size. Whether you’re working on a residential or commercial project, this tool helps you achieve the perfect lighting balance.

    Note: By using the lighting estimator below, you agree to the terms and conditions of this website. Reach out to me if you have any questions, before you order or start construction.

    How Bright_Feit LEDR569030CA

    How Many Lights Will You Need? Feit Recessed Light

    Best Residential Lights_Feit LEDR56930CA

    How to Estimate How Many Lights You Will Need for Your Room

    • Step 1: Use the drop down button to select the Room Type.
    • Step 2: Fill in the square footage of your room.
    • Step 3: Use the drop down button to select your ceiling height.
    • Step 4: Use the drop down button to select how bright your room finishes will be (bright, medium, or dark).

    The calculator will automatically tell you how many lumens you need for your room, and weather you need additional lights.

    Reach out with questions if you’d like me to double check your work, before you purchase anything. If you are working on a building permit, or putting together a lighting budget, feel free to use my free lighting design guide here (excel format).

    How Many Builder Grade Recessed Lights Will I Need? Video Tutorial

    Feit Recessed Light: Need Additional Light?

    If you’ve used our calculator and are still wondering how many lights you need, consider supplementing your design with accent lighting. While the Feit Recessed Light provides stunning illumination, some spaces may require additional fixtures for optimal brightness and balance.

    Below, I’ve curated a list of go-to lighting options that I frequently use in projects with architects and developers. These fixtures are organized for quick comparison of cost, wattage, and aesthetics, ensuring you find the perfect complement to your Feit Recessed Light setup.

    Every light is UL-listed for safety and has a color rendering index (CRI) of 90+, guaranteeing high-quality illumination.

    Not sure if you need more lighting? Reach out with any questions—I’m happy to help fine-tune your design!

    Steve Duncan, AIA

    Recessed Adjustable Accent Lights

    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

    Adjustable Cylinder Accent Light

    Best Residential Lights_Satco Nuvo 62-1105

    90 CRI – 3000K

    Best Residential Lights_WAC Silo X10

    90 CRI – 3000K

    Track Lighting

    Best Residential Lights_Cloudy Bay Track Light

    90 CRI – 3000K, 4000K, 5000K

    Best Residential Lights_Flos Track Light

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

    Recessed Can Downlights

    Best Residential Lights_Feit LEDR56930CA

    90 CRI – 3000K

    Best Residential Lights_Juno Gen2

    90 CRI – 3000K

    Best Residential Lights_WAC Volta 2 Inch

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

    Recessed Wall Washer Lights

    Best Residential Lights_WAC Lotos Recessed Wall Washer LED

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

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

    Undercabinet Linear Lights

    Best Residential Lights_NSL LED Undercabinet

    90 CRI – 2700K, 3000K, 4000K

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

    Round Undercabinet Puck Light

    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

    What Should You Look for in Quality Residential Lighting?

    Architect calculating how many lights are needed for her project if she uses foscarini spokes.

    When designing the perfect living space, one of the most impactful yet often overlooked elements is quality residential lighting. Whether you’re considering the Feit Recessed Light or determining how many lights are needed for your space, the right lighting enhances ambiance, highlights decor, and improves functionality.

    In 2025, the best residential lighting solutions prioritize high color rendering (CRI 90+), energy efficiency, and sleek, versatile designs that suit a variety of interiors. As an architect and lighting designer, I’ve carefully selected the best lighting options to meet these high standards, ensuring that your space is not only well-lit but also beautifully illuminated.

    Whether you’re remodeling or designing a new home, choosing the right Feit Recessed Light and determining how many lights you need will elevate your space and maximize its potential.

    Feit Recessed Light: Quality Residential 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

    Feit Recessed Light: Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality Residential 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.

    Feit Recessed Light: 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. 

    Why is Dimmer Compatibility Important?

    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. 

    Feit Recessed Light: 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. 

    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. ​

    Feit Recessed Light: 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!

    Best Residential Lights_Feit LEDR56930CA
    1000 Lumens

    Table of Contents: How Many Lights Feit Recessed Can Light

    Feit Recessed Light Works Cited: Quality Residential Lighting & How Many Lights​

    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 – How Many Lights Feit Recessed Light

    https://lightbycolor.com/plasma-orbs-and-architecture
    https://lightbycolor.com/furniture-and-cymatics
    https://lightbycolor.com/lighting-and-cymatics
  • Petal Pendant: Love the Light, But Is It Bright Enough?

    Petal Pendant: Love the Light, But Is It Bright Enough?

    How Many Lights Will You Really Need for Your Design? Petal Pendant Light

    Let’s take the guesswork out of lighting so you can design with confidence! Ensuring the right amount of illumination is essential for both functionality and ambiance. The Petal Pendant light delivers 50 lumens per LED bulb, which is fairly dim, but the manufacturer offers a variety of quantities (6 lights, 9 lights, and so on). So how many pendant lights do you actually need for your space?

    To make sure your design is bright enough, use our lighting estimator below to calculate the ideal number of Petal Pendant lights based on your room’s size. Whether you’re working on a residential or commercial project, this tool helps you achieve the perfect lighting balance.

    Note: By using the lighting estimator below, you agree to the terms and conditions of this website.

    How Bright_Ceramic Petal Pendant

    How Many Lights Will You Need? Petal Pendant

    Best Residential Lights_Ceramic Petal Pendant

    How to Estimate How Many Lights You Will Need for Your Room

    • Step 1: Use the drop down button to select the Room Type.
    • Step 2: Fill in the square footage of your room.
    • Step 3: Use the drop down button to select your ceiling height.
    • Step 4: Use the drop down button to select how bright your room finishes will be (bright, medium, or dark).

    The calculator will automatically tell you how many lumens you need for your room, and weather you need additional lights.

    Reach out with questions if you’d like me to double check your work, before you purchase anything. If you are working on a building permit, or putting together a lighting budget, feel free to use my free lighting design guide here (excel format).

    Petal Pendant: Need Additional Light?

    If you’ve used our calculator and are still wondering how many lights you need, consider supplementing your design with accent lighting. While the Petal Pendant pendant provides stunning illumination, some spaces may require additional fixtures for optimal brightness and balance.

    Below, I’ve curated a list of go-to lighting options that I frequently use in projects with architects and developers. These fixtures are organized for quick comparison of cost, wattage, and aesthetics, ensuring you find the perfect complement to your Petal Pendant setup.

    Every light is UL-listed for safety and has a color rendering index (CRI) of 90+, guaranteeing high-quality illumination.

    Not sure if you need more lighting? Reach out with any questions—I’m happy to help fine-tune your design!

    Steve Duncan, AIA

    Recessed Can Downlights

    Best Residential Lights_Feit LEDR56930CA

    90 CRI – 3000K

    Best Residential Lights_Juno Gen2

    90 CRI – 3000K

    Best Residential Lights_WAC Volta 2 Inch

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

    Recessed Wall Washer Lights

    Best Residential Lights_WAC Lotos Recessed Wall Washer LED

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

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

    Recessed Adjustable Accent Lights

    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

    What Should You Look for in Quality Residential Lighting?

    Architect calculating how many lights are needed for her project if she uses foscarini spokes.

    When designing the perfect living space, one of the most impactful yet often overlooked elements is quality residential lighting. Whether you’re considering the Petal Pendant pendant or determining how many lights are needed for your space, the right lighting enhances ambiance, highlights decor, and improves functionality.

    In 2025, the best residential lighting solutions prioritize high color rendering (CRI 90+), energy efficiency, and sleek, versatile designs that suit a variety of interiors. As an architect and lighting designer, I’ve carefully selected the best lighting options to meet these high standards, ensuring that your space is not only well-lit but also beautifully illuminated.

    Whether you’re remodeling or designing a new home, choosing the right Petal Pendant fixture and determining how many lights you need will elevate your space and maximize its potential.

    Petal Pendant: Quality Residential 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

    Petal Pendant: Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality Residential 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.

    Petal Pendant: 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. 

    Why is Dimmer Compatibility Important?

    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. 

    Petal Pendant: 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. 

    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. ​

    Petal Pendant: 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!

    Best Residential Lights_Ceramic Petal Pendant

    Petal Pendant Works Cited: Quality Residential Lighting & How Many Lights​

    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 – How Many Lights Petal Pendant

  • Kite Pendant: Love the Light, But Is It Bright Enough?

    Kite Pendant: Love the Light, But Is It Bright Enough?

    How Many Lights Will You Really Need for Your Design? Kite Pendant Light

    Let’s take the guesswork out of lighting so you can design with confidence! Ensuring the right amount of illumination is essential for both functionality and ambiance. The Kite pendant light delivers an impressive 4800 lumens, but how many lights do you actually need for your space?

    To make sure your design is bright enough, use our lighting estimator below to calculate the ideal number of Kite Pendant lights based on your room’s size. Whether you’re working on a residential or commercial project, this tool helps you achieve the perfect lighting balance.

    Note: By using the lighting estimator below, you agree to the terms and conditions of this website.

    How Bright_Lamina Mayor LED Linear Suspension

    How Many Lights Will You Need? Kite Pendant Light

    Best Residential Lights_Lamina Mayor

    How to Estimate How Many Lights You Will Need for Your Room

    • Step 1: Use the drop down button to select the Room Type.
    • Step 2: Fill in the square footage of your room.
    • Step 3: Use the drop down button to select your ceiling height.
    • Step 4: Use the drop down button to select how bright your room finishes will be (bright, medium, or dark).

    The calculator will automatically tell you how many lumens you need for your room, and weather you need additional lights.

    Reach out with questions if you’d like me to double check your work, before you purchase anything. If you are working on a building permit, or putting together a lighting budget, feel free to use my free lighting design guide here (excel format).

    Kite Pendant Light: Need Additional Light?

    If you’ve used our calculator and are still wondering how many lights you need, consider supplementing your design with accent lighting. While the Kite Pendant Light pendant provides stunning illumination, some spaces may require additional fixtures for optimal brightness and balance.

    Below, I’ve curated a list of go-to lighting options that I frequently use in projects with architects and developers. These fixtures are organized for quick comparison of cost, wattage, and aesthetics, ensuring you find the perfect complement to your Kite Pendant Light setup.

    Every light is UL-listed for safety and has a color rendering index (CRI) of 90+, guaranteeing high-quality illumination.

    Not sure if you need more lighting? Reach out with any questions—I’m happy to help fine-tune your design!

    Steve Duncan, AIA

    Recessed Can Downlights

    Best Residential Lights_Feit LEDR56930CA

    90 CRI – 3000K

    Best Residential Lights_Juno Gen2

    90 CRI – 3000K

    Best Residential Lights_WAC Volta 2 Inch

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

    Recessed Wall Washer Lights

    Best Residential Lights_WAC Lotos Recessed Wall Washer LED

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

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

    Recessed Adjustable Accent Lights

    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

    What Should You Look for in Quality Residential Lighting?

    Architect calculating how many lights are needed for her project if she uses foscarini spokes.

    When designing the perfect living space, one of the most impactful yet often overlooked elements is quality residential lighting. Whether you’re considering the Kite pendant light or determining how many lights are needed for your space, the right lighting enhances ambiance, highlights decor, and improves functionality.

    In 2025, the best residential lighting solutions prioritize high color rendering (CRI 90+), energy efficiency, and sleek, versatile designs that suit a variety of interiors. As an architect and lighting designer, I’ve carefully selected the best lighting options to meet these high standards, ensuring that your space is not only well-lit but also beautifully illuminated.

    Whether you’re remodeling or designing a new home, choosing the right pendant fixture and determining how many lights you need will elevate your space and maximize its potential.

    Kite Pendant Light: Quality Residential 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

    Kite Pendant Light: Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality Residential 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.

    Kite Pendant Light: 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. 

    Why is Dimmer Compatibility Important?

    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. 

    Kite Pendant Light: 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. 

    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. ​

    Kite Pendant Light: 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!

    Best Residential Lights_Lamina Mayor

    Kite Pendant Light Works Cited: Quality Residential Lighting & How Many Lights​

    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 – How Many Lights Kite Pendant

    https://lightbycolor.com/plasma-orbs-and-architecture
    https://lightbycolor.com/furniture-and-cymatics
    https://lightbycolor.com/lighting-and-cymatics
  • You Mini: Love the Light, But Is It Bright Enough?

    You Mini: Love the Light, But Is It Bright Enough?

    How Many Lights Will You Really Need for Your Design? You Mini Pendant

    Let’s take the guesswork out of lighting so you can design with confidence! Ensuring the right amount of illumination is essential for both functionality and ambiance. The You Mini pendant light delivers an impressive 800 lumens, but how many lights do you actually need for your space?

    To make sure your design is bright enough, use our lighting estimator below to calculate the ideal number of You Mini lights based on your room’s size. Whether you’re working on a residential or commercial project, this tool helps you achieve the perfect lighting balance.

    Note: By using the lighting estimator below, you agree to the terms and conditions of this website.

    How Bright_You Mini Pendant

    How Many Lights Will You Need? You Mini Pendant

    Best Residential Lights_You Mini Pendant

    How to Estimate How Many Lights You Will Need for Your Room

    • Step 1: Use the drop down button to select the Room Type.
    • Step 2: Fill in the square footage of your room.
    • Step 3: Use the drop down button to select your ceiling height.
    • Step 4: Use the drop down button to select how bright your room finishes will be (bright, medium, or dark).

    The calculator will automatically tell you how many lumens you need for your room, and weather you need additional lights.

    Reach out with questions if you’d like me to double check your work, before you purchase anything. If you are working on a building permit, or putting together a lighting budget, feel free to use my free lighting design guide here (excel format).

    You Mini Pendant: Need Additional Light?

    If you’ve used our calculator and are still wondering how many lights you need, consider supplementing your design with accent lighting. While the You Mini pendant provides stunning illumination, some spaces may require additional fixtures for optimal brightness and balance.

    Below, I’ve curated a list of go-to lighting options that I frequently use in projects with architects and developers. These fixtures are organized for quick comparison of cost, wattage, and aesthetics, ensuring you find the perfect complement to your You Mini setup.

    Every light is UL-listed for safety and has a color rendering index (CRI) of 90+, guaranteeing high-quality illumination.

    Not sure if you need more lighting? Reach out with any questions—I’m happy to help fine-tune your design!

    Steve Duncan, AIA

    Recessed Can Downlights

    Best Residential Lights_Feit LEDR56930CA

    90 CRI – 3000K

    Best Residential Lights_Juno Gen2

    90 CRI – 3000K

    Best Residential Lights_WAC Volta 2 Inch

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

    Recessed Wall Washer Lights

    Best Residential Lights_WAC Lotos Recessed Wall Washer LED

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

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

    Recessed Adjustable Accent Lights

    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

    What Should You Look for in Quality Residential Lighting?

    Architect calculating how many lights are needed for her project if she uses foscarini spokes.

    When designing the perfect living space, one of the most impactful yet often overlooked elements is quality residential lighting. Whether you’re considering the You Mini pendant or determining how many lights are needed for your space, the right lighting enhances ambiance, highlights decor, and improves functionality.

    In 2025, the best residential lighting solutions prioritize high color rendering (CRI 90+), energy efficiency, and sleek, versatile designs that suit a variety of interiors. As an architect and lighting designer, I’ve carefully selected the best lighting options to meet these high standards, ensuring that your space is not only well-lit but also beautifully illuminated.

    Whether you’re remodeling or designing a new home, choosing the right You Mini fixture and determining how many lights you need will elevate your space and maximize its potential.

    You Mini: Quality Residential 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

    You Mini Pendant: Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality Residential 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.

    You Mini Pendant: 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. 

    Why is Dimmer Compatibility Important?

    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. 

    You Mini Pendant: 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. 

    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. ​

    You Mini Pendant: 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!

    How Bright_You Mini Pendant

    You Mini Pedant Works Cited: Quality Residential Lighting & How Many Lights​

    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 – How Many Lights You Mini Pendant

    https://lightbycolor.com/plasma-orbs-and-architecture
    https://lightbycolor.com/furniture-and-cymatics
    https://lightbycolor.com/lighting-and-cymatics
  • WAC Multihead: Love the Light, But Is It Bright Enough?

    WAC Multihead: Love the Light, But Is It Bright Enough?

    How Many Lights Will You Really Need for Your Design? WAC Multihead Adjustable Light

    Let’s take the guesswork out of lighting so you can design with confidence! Ensuring the right amount of illumination is essential for both functionality and ambiance. The WACMultihead Adjustable light delivers an impressive 2235 lumens, but how many lights do you actually need for your space?

    To make sure your design is bright enough, use our lighting estimator below to calculate the ideal number of WAC lights based on your room’s size. Whether you’re working on a residential or commercial project, this tool helps you achieve the perfect lighting balance.

    Note: By using the lighting estimator below, you agree to the terms and conditions of this website.

    How Bright_WAC Silo Multi

    How Many Lights Will You Need? WAC Multihead Adjustable Light

    Best Residential Lights_WAC Silo Trimless

    How to Estimate How Many Lights You Will Need for Your Room

    • Step 1: Use the drop down button to select the Room Type.
    • Step 2: Fill in the square footage of your room.
    • Step 3: Use the drop down button to select your ceiling height.
    • Step 4: Use the drop down button to select how bright your room finishes will be (bright, medium, or dark).

    The calculator will automatically tell you how many lumens you need for your room, and weather you need additional lights.

    Reach out with questions if you’d like me to double check your work, before you purchase anything. If you are working on a building permit, or putting together a lighting budget, feel free to use my free lighting design guide here (excel format).

    WAC Multihead Adjustable Light: Need Additional Light?

    If you’ve used our calculator and are still wondering how many lights you need, consider supplementing your design with accent lighting. While the WAC Multihead Adjustable light provides stunning illumination, some spaces may require additional fixtures for optimal brightness and balance.

    Below, I’ve curated a list of go-to lighting options that I frequently use in projects with architects and developers. These fixtures are organized for quick comparison of cost, wattage, and aesthetics, ensuring you find the perfect complement to your WAC can light setup.

    Every light is UL-listed for safety and has a color rendering index (CRI) of 90+, guaranteeing high-quality illumination.

    Not sure if you need more lighting? Reach out with any questions—I’m happy to help fine-tune your design!

    Steve Duncan, AIA

    Recessed Can Downlights

    Best Residential Lights_Feit LEDR56930CA

    90 CRI – 3000K

    Best Residential Lights_Juno Gen2

    90 CRI – 3000K

    Best Residential Lights_WAC Volta 2 Inch

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

    Recessed Wall Washer Lights

    Best Residential Lights_WAC Lotos Recessed Wall Washer LED

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

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

    Recessed Adjustable Accent Lights

    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

    What Should You Look for in Quality Residential Lighting?

    Architect calculating how many lights are needed for her project if she uses foscarini spokes.

    When designing the perfect living space, one of the most impactful yet often overlooked elements is quality residential lighting. Whether you’re considering the WAC Multihead Adjustable can light or determining how many lights are needed for your space, the right lighting enhances ambiance, highlights decor, and improves functionality.

    In 2025, the best residential lighting solutions prioritize high color rendering (CRI 90+), energy efficiency, and sleek, versatile designs that suit a variety of interiors. As an architect and lighting designer, I’ve carefully selected the best lighting options to meet these high standards, ensuring that your space is not only well-lit but also beautifully illuminated.

    Whether you’re remodeling or designing a new home, choosing the right can light and determining how many lights you need will elevate your space and maximize its potential.

    WAC Multihead Adjustable Light: Quality Residential 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

    WAC Multihead Light: Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality Residential 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.

    WAC Multihead Light: 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. 

    Why is Dimmer Compatibility Important?

    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. 

    WAC Multihead Light: 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. 

    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. ​

    WAC Multihead Light: 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 the beginning of this page – 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!

    Best Residential Lights_WAC Silo Trimless

    WAC Multihead Adjustable Light Works Cited: Quality Residential Lighting & How Many Lights​

    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 – How Many Lights WAC Multihead Adjustable Light

  • Lotus Multihead: Love the Light, But Is It Bright Enough?

    Lotus Multihead: Love the Light, But Is It Bright Enough?

    How Many Lights Will You Really Need for Your Design? Lotus Multihead Adjustable Light

    Let’s take the guesswork out of lighting so you can design with confidence! Ensuring the right amount of illumination is essential for both functionality and ambiance. The Lotus Multihead Adjustable light delivers an impressive 2250 lumens, but how many lights do you actually need for your space?

    To make sure your design is bright enough, use our lighting estimator below to calculate the ideal number of Lotus lights based on your room’s size. Whether you’re working on a residential or commercial project, this tool helps you achieve the perfect lighting balance.

    Note: By using the lighting estimator below, you agree to the terms and conditions of this website.

    How Bright_Lotus Multi Head Adjustable

    How Many Lights Will You Need? Lotus Multihead Adjustable Light

    Best Residential Lights_Lotus Multihead

    How to Estimate How Many Lights You Will Need for Your Room

    • Step 1: Use the drop down button to select the Room Type.
    • Step 2: Fill in the square footage of your room.
    • Step 3: Use the drop down button to select your ceiling height.
    • Step 4: Use the drop down button to select how bright your room finishes will be (bright, medium, or dark).

    The calculator will automatically tell you how many lumens you need for your room, and weather you need additional lights.

    Reach out with questions if you’d like me to double check your work, before you purchase anything. If you are working on a building permit, or putting together a lighting budget, feel free to use my free lighting design guide here (excel format).

    How Many Square Multi Head Lights Will I Need? Video Tutorial

    Lotus Multihead Adjustable Light: Need Additional Light?

    If you’ve used our calculator and are still wondering how many lights you need, consider supplementing your design with accent lighting. While the Lotus Multihead Adjustable light provides stunning illumination, some spaces may require additional fixtures for optimal brightness and balance.

    Below, I’ve curated a list of go-to lighting options that I frequently use in projects with architects and developers. These fixtures are organized for quick comparison of cost, wattage, and aesthetics, ensuring you find the perfect complement to your Lotus can light setup.

    Every light is UL-listed for safety and has a color rendering index (CRI) of 90+, guaranteeing high-quality illumination.

    Not sure if you need more lighting? Reach out with any questions—I’m happy to help fine-tune your design!

    Steve Duncan, AIA

    Recessed Can Downlights

    Best Residential Lights_Feit LEDR56930CA

    90 CRI – 3000K

    Best Residential Lights_Juno Gen2

    90 CRI – 3000K

    Best Residential Lights_WAC Volta 2 Inch

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

    Recessed Wall Washer Lights

    Best Residential Lights_WAC Lotos Recessed Wall Washer LED

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

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

    Recessed Adjustable Accent Lights

    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

    What Should You Look for in Quality Residential Lighting?

    Architect calculating how many lights are needed for her project if she uses foscarini spokes.

    When designing the perfect living space, one of the most impactful yet often overlooked elements is quality residential lighting. Whether you’re considering the Lotus Multihead Adjustable can light or determining how many lights are needed for your space, the right lighting enhances ambiance, highlights decor, and improves functionality.

    In 2025, the best residential lighting solutions prioritize high color rendering (CRI 90+), energy efficiency, and sleek, versatile designs that suit a variety of interiors. As an architect and lighting designer, I’ve carefully selected the best lighting options to meet these high standards, ensuring that your space is not only well-lit but also beautifully illuminated.

    Whether you’re remodeling or designing a new home, choosing the right can light and determining how many lights you need will elevate your space and maximize its potential.

    Lotus Multihead Adjustable Light: Quality Residential 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

    Lotus Can Light: Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality Residential 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.

    Lotus Can Light: 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. 

    Why is Dimmer Compatibility Important?

    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. 

    Lotus Can Light: 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. 

    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. ​

    Lotus Can Light: 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 the beginning of this page – 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!

    Best Residential Lights_Lotus Multihead

    Lotus Multihead Adjustable Light Works Cited: Quality Residential Lighting & How Many Lights​

    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 – How Many Lights Lotus Multihead Adjustable Light

  • Eurofase Midway: Love the Light, But Is It Bright Enough?

    Eurofase Midway: Love the Light, But Is It Bright Enough?

    How Many Lights Will You Really Need for Your Design? Eurofase Midway Multihead Adjustable Light

    Let’s take the guesswork out of lighting so you can design with confidence! Ensuring the right amount of illumination is essential for both functionality and ambiance. The Eurofase Midway light delivers an impressive 2025 lumens, but how many lights do you actually need for your space?

    To make sure your design is bright enough, use our lighting estimator below to calculate the ideal number of Eurofase Midway lights based on your room’s size. Whether you’re working on a residential or commercial project, this tool helps you achieve the perfect lighting balance.

    Note: By using the lighting estimator below, you agree to the terms and conditions of this website. Reach out to me if you have any questions, before you order or start construction.

    How Bright_Eurofase Midway

    How Many Lights Will You Need? Eurofase Midway Can Light

    Best Residential Lights_Eurofase Midway

    How to Estimate How Many Lights You Will Need for Your Room

    • Step 1: Use the drop down button to select the Room Type.
    • Step 2: Fill in the square footage of your room.
    • Step 3: Use the drop down button to select your ceiling height.
    • Step 4: Use the drop down button to select how bright your room finishes will be (bright, medium, or dark).

    The calculator will automatically tell you how many lumens you need for your room, and weather you need additional lights.

    Reach out with questions if you’d like me to double check your work, before you purchase anything. If you are working on a building permit, or putting together a lighting budget, feel free to use my free lighting design guide here (excel format).

    How Many Multi-Head Lights Will I Need? Budget Friendly Option: Video Tutorial

    Eurofase Midway Multi-Head Adjustable Recessed Light: Need Additional Light?

    If you’ve used our calculator and are still wondering how many lights you need, consider supplementing your design with accent lighting. While the Eurofase light provides stunning illumination, some spaces may require additional fixtures for optimal brightness and balance.

    Below, I’ve curated a list of go-to lighting options that I frequently use in projects with architects and developers. These fixtures are organized for quick comparison of cost, wattage, and aesthetics, ensuring you find the perfect complement to your Eurofase Midway lighting setup.

    Every light is UL-listed for safety and has a color rendering index (CRI) of 90+, guaranteeing high-quality illumination.

    Not sure if you need more lighting? Reach out with any questions—I’m happy to help fine-tune your design!

    Steve Duncan, AIA

    Recessed Can Downlights

    Best Residential Lights_Feit LEDR56930CA

    90 CRI – 3000K

    Best Residential Lights_Juno Gen2

    90 CRI – 3000K

    Best Residential Lights_WAC Volta 2 Inch

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

    Recessed Wall Washer Lights

    Best Residential Lights_WAC Lotos Recessed Wall Washer LED

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

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

    Recessed Adjustable Accent Lights

    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

    What Should You Look for in Quality Residential Lighting?

    Architect calculating how many lights are needed for her project if she uses foscarini spokes.

    When designing the perfect living space, one of the most impactful yet often overlooked elements is quality residential lighting. Whether you’re considering the Eurofase Midway can light or determining how many lights are needed for your space, the right lighting enhances ambiance, highlights decor, and improves functionality.

    In 2025, the best residential lighting solutions prioritize high color rendering (CRI 90+), energy efficiency, and sleek, versatile designs that suit a variety of interiors. As an architect and lighting designer, I’ve carefully selected the best lighting options to meet these high standards, ensuring that your space is not only well-lit but also beautifully illuminated.

    Whether you’re remodeling or designing a new home, choosing the right can light and determining how many lights you need will elevate your space and maximize its potential.

    Eurofase Midway: Quality Residential 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

    Eurofase Midway: Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality Residential 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.

    Eurofase Midway Light: 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. 

    Why is Dimmer Compatibility Important?

    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. 

    Eurofase Midway Light: 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. 

    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. ​

    Eurofase Midway Light: 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 the beginning of this page – 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!

    Best Residential Lights_Eurofase Midway

    Eurofase Midway Works Cited: Quality Residential Lighting & How Many Lights​

    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 – How Many Eurofase Midway Light

  • Lotus Flangeless: Love the Light, But Is It Bright Enough?

    Lotus Flangeless: Love the Light, But Is It Bright Enough?

    How Many Lights Will You Really Need for Your Design? Lotus Flangeless Can Light

    Let’s take the guesswork out of lighting so you can design with confidence! Ensuring the right amount of illumination is essential for both functionality and ambiance. The Lotus Flangeless can light delivers an impressive 900 lumens, but how many lights do you actually need for your space?

    To make sure your design is bright enough, use our lighting estimator below to calculate the ideal number of Lotus lights based on your room’s size. Whether you’re working on a residential or commercial project, this tool helps you achieve the perfect lighting balance.

    Note: By using the lighting estimator below, you agree to the terms and conditions of this website. Reach out to me if you have any questions, before you order or start construction.

    How Bright_Lotus Trimless Warm Dim

    How Many Lights Will You Need? Lotus Flangeless Can Light

    Best Residential Lights_Lotus Trimless Warm Dim

    How to Estimate How Many Lights You Will Need for Your Room

    • Step 1: Use the drop down button to select the Room Type.
    • Step 2: Fill in the square footage of your room.
    • Step 3: Use the drop down button to select your ceiling height.
    • Step 4: Use the drop down button to select how bright your room finishes will be (bright, medium, or dark).

    The calculator will automatically tell you how many lumens you need for your room, and weather you need additional lights.

    Reach out with questions if you’d like me to double check your work, before you purchase anything. If you are working on a building permit, or putting together a lighting budget, feel free to use my free lighting design guide here (excel format).

    Lotus Flangeless Can Light: Need Additional Light?

    If you’ve used our calculator and are still wondering how many lights you need, consider supplementing your design with accent lighting. While the Lotus Flangeless light provides stunning illumination, some spaces may require additional fixtures for optimal brightness and balance.

    Below, I’ve curated a list of go-to lighting options that I frequently use in projects with architects and developers. These fixtures are organized for quick comparison of cost, wattage, and aesthetics, ensuring you find the perfect complement to your Lotus can light setup.

    Every light is UL-listed for safety and has a color rendering index (CRI) of 90+, guaranteeing high-quality illumination.

    Not sure if you need more lighting? Reach out with any questions—I’m happy to help fine-tune your design!

    Steve Duncan, AIA

    Recessed Can Downlights

    Best Residential Lights_Feit LEDR56930CA

    90 CRI – 3000K

    Best Residential Lights_Juno Gen2

    90 CRI – 3000K

    Best Residential Lights_WAC Volta 2 Inch

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

    Recessed Wall Washer Lights

    Best Residential Lights_WAC Lotos Recessed Wall Washer LED

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

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

    Recessed Adjustable Accent Lights

    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

    What Should You Look for in Quality Residential Lighting?

    Architect calculating how many lights are needed for her project if she uses foscarini spokes.

    When designing the perfect living space, one of the most impactful yet often overlooked elements is quality residential lighting. Whether you’re considering the Lotus Flangeless can light or determining how many lights are needed for your space, the right lighting enhances ambiance, highlights decor, and improves functionality.

    In 2025, the best residential lighting solutions prioritize high color rendering (CRI 90+), energy efficiency, and sleek, versatile designs that suit a variety of interiors. As an architect and lighting designer, I’ve carefully selected the best lighting options to meet these high standards, ensuring that your space is not only well-lit but also beautifully illuminated.

    Whether you’re remodeling or designing a new home, choosing the right can light and determining how many lights you need will elevate your space and maximize its potential.

    Lotus Flangeless Can Light: Quality Residential 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

    Lotus Can Light: Why Is Color Rendering Important for Quality Residential 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.

    Lotus Can Light: 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. 

    Why is Dimmer Compatibility Important?

    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. 

    Lotus Can Light: 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. 

    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. ​

    Lotus Can Light: 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 the beginning of this page – 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!

    Best Residential Lights_Lotus Trimless Warm Dim

    Lotus Flangeless Can Light Works Cited: Quality Residential Lighting & How Many Lights​

    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 – How Many Lights Lotus Flangeless Can Light