Lighting How To & DIY
Improve the value of your home by discovering our lighting step-by-step tips & ideas.
How to Install Outdoor String Lights
Master electrician Heath Eastman helps a homeowner give her backyard space some charm and coziness with a simple lighting upgrade.
How to Make Mason Jar Patio Lights
These charming lanterns brighten an evening barbecue spread, and they're a cinch to make from supplies you can pick up at the home center.
How to Install a Wall Sconce
Adding a wall-mounted light fixture in the living room, bedroom, or bathroom is a very achievable project. These pro tips and tools will shed light on the simplest way to install a wall sconce.
How to Move a Light Fixture
Master electrician Heath Eastman helps a homeowner with an askew light fixture, centering it over their dining room table.
Buying the Right Light Bulb: Types, Wattage, Lumens & More
Light bulbs. Everyone uses them. And there are plenty of options when it comes to what kinds of light bulbs to use in your home or apartment. Read this guide to learn how to choose the right light bulbs for your home.
Updating a Push-Button Light Switch
You can replace an antique light switch without updating the look. Master Electrician, Heath Eastman tells you how.
How to Make a DIY Solar Lantern
A solar lantern is the perfect way to add a little ambiance without the hassle of expensive hard-wired lighting. Follow these directions to learn how to make your own DIY solar lantern for less than $15.
How to Control Smart Lighting
Ask This Old House home technology expert Ross Trethewey tests out some new smart lighting configurations.
How to Insulate Around Recessed LED Fixtures
Scott Caron offers advice on how to keep your home energy-efficient when using recessed lights
Are Smart Bulbs the Answer to Your Sleep Problems?
Artificial light has a negative impact on sleeping habits. Here's a solution that might help
How to Switch Basement Lighting
Ask This Old House master electrician Scott Caron helps a homeowner add switching to basement lights that used to be controlled by a pull string
How to Wire for a New Ceiling Light
Ask This Old House electrician Scott Caron installs a new switch and ceiling fixture for a homeowner
5 Creative Design Ideas for Outdoor Lighting
Achieve a magical look in your yard with these nightscaping suggestions
How to Install Undercabinet LED Lighting
Help make meal prep easier and add mood lighting with peel-and-stick tape lined with LEDs
How to Add Overhead Lighting to a Bedroom
Ask This Old House master electrician Scott Caron adds dimmable overhead lighting to a dark bedroom
How to Install Cable Lighting
Ask This Old House master electrician Scott Caron replaces a track lighting setup with cable lighting in a new baby’s nursery.
How to Install a Motorized Light Lift
Ask This Old House master electrician Scott Caron helps a homeowner install an electric lift to move her light fixture up and down, allowing easy access to the fixture for changing lights and cleaning
How to Install Surface-mounted Downlights
Ask This Old House master electrician Scott Caron helps a homeowner improve his living room with surface-mounted downlights
How to Install Ultra-Thin Exterior Lighting
Ask This Old House master electrician Scott Caron installs ultra-thin, LED lights on a garage to replace a broken floodlight.
Articulating Library Lights
Use hardworking sconces to illuminate a reading nook, sink wall, fireplace mantel, or any other place you want to brighten in style
How to Install Under-Cabinet Lighting and Power
Electrician Scott Caron helps a homeowner upgrade her kitchen with new LED lights and electrical outlets
How to Add a Little Mood Lighting to Your Deck
Use energy-efficient LEDs to cast a warm glow on the deck, stairs, and trees, and you can extend the party (safely) into the night
How to Convert a Recessed Light to a Pendant
Scott Caron, master electrician for Ask This Old House, helps a homeowner convert recessed lights into stylish new pendant lights
How to Understand the Lighting Facts Label
Scott Caron, master electrician for Ask This Old House, deciphers the information on a lightbulb label
How to Install Fiesta String Lights
Ask This Old House master electrician Scott Caron helps a homeowner install fiesta string lights to get the party started in Texas
How to Add an Overhead Light
Ask This Old House master electrician Scott Caron helps a homeowner install a chandelier in a dimly lit dining room
How to Install Track Lights and Speakers
Scott Caron, master electrician for Ask This Old House, installs LED track lights and LED track lights with Bluetooth speaker technology to brighten up a loft bedroom
How to Install an Antique Light Fixture
Scott Caron, master electrician for Ask This Old House, helps a homeowner install an antique light fixture in her historic St. Paul, MN, home
How to Install an Outdoor Wall Sconce and Recessed Lights
Ask This Old House master electrician Scott Caron installs an outdoor wall sconce and recessed lights at an old church that now serves as a house
How to Replace a Post Light
Ask This Old House master electrician Scott Caron helps a homeowner replace a lamppost light in his driveway
How to Use LED Lighting
Electrician Scott Caron shows new technologies and applications for LED lighting.
How to Add Automatic Lighting to a Closet
Lighting expert Scott Caron shows a homeowner how to brighten up a dark closet and never have to flip on a light switch