We have updated our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Effective July 1

Lighting Ideas & Inspiration

Explore inspiring lighting ideas that will drastically make your home more efficient & appealing.

porch_light_xl

Filed under:

Front Porch Lights: From A to Z

More than just a beacon leading to the front door, exterior lighting helps define the look of a house. With planning and a bit of math, you can put your home's best face forward.
Mason jars with lights

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.
recessed_lighting

Best Recessed Lights (2024 Guide)

Recessed lighting fixtures (also known as can lights) save space by sitting flush with your ceiling, making your home feel less cluttered. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the best recessed lights on Amazon to help you find the product that’s right for you and your home.
Lead image for best under-cabinet lighting guide

Best Under-Cabinet Lighting (2024 Guide)

In this review, we compare and analyze today's best under-cabinet lighting options so you can find the perfect ambiance for your home.
floor_lamp

The 5 Best Floor Lamps (2024 Review)

Floor lamps don’t only provide your home with additional light—they can also contribute to its look. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best floor lamps on Amazon.
web_04_WS_Easy_DIY_EasyDIY_04272022MT_0073
Play

How to Build a Modern Tripod Lamp

House One editor and This Old House DIY expert Jenn Largesse shares how to build a sleek three-legged lamp from stock parts and basic tools.
Lighting_iStock_1411583621

The 5 Best LED Lights (2024 Review)

LED lights can help you enhance your gaming or movie-watching setup, decorate your countertops, or just give any room in your home a new aesthetic. Here are our picks for the best LED lights on Amazon.
LED_iStock_1410865411

The 5 Best LED Strip Lights (2024 Review)

Strip lights can upgrade the look of any room or space. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best LED strip lights on Amazon to help you find the product that’s right for you and your home. The products included in this article are available at various home improvement stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon.
web_0321_NB_Smarthome_2128_plaza_ext_night_02

5 Savvy Uses for Smart Lighting

Sure, you’ll never have to come home to a dark house again. But this technology is also helpful when it comes to home security, monitoring energy usage, and more
Master_Bath

Everything to Know About Bathroom Chandeliers

Are you considering adding a chandelier to your bathroom? Bring glamour to your most personal space with one of these fabulous fixtures.
best_outdoor_solar_light_panel

Best Outdoor Solar Lights (2024 Guide)

Outdoor solar lighting allows you to brighten your yard without batteries or cords. Here are our top picks for the best outdoor solar lights.
best_christmas_lights_stock2

Best Christmas Lights (2024 Guide)

In this review and guide, we evaluate some of the best Christmas lights for a range of applications, personal tastes, and budgets.
Lights_haven_kenilworth_049

14 Best Pergola Lighting Ideas

Entertain or just relax with these illuminating ideas for your pergola or other outdoor living space.
garage_lighting_ideas

5 Garage Lighting Ideas (2024 Guide)

Whether you plan on using your garage as a working space for DIY projects or as a storage area, you’ll need it to be well-lit to navigate around the space. Keep reading for garage lighting ideas, products, and tips.
Screen_Shot_2020_09_30_at_9.23.36_AM
Play

Building Breakthroughs: Smart Light Switches

TOH smart home tech expert Ross Trethewey teaches a new trade apprentice how retrofitting new smart lighting systems into old houses provides more user control, energy savings, and peace of mind.
0920_Idea_House_CapeIdeaCottage_06092020JK_0323

Pro Lighting Tips | 2020 Idea House: Cottage on the Cape

Interior designer Denise Enright tells us what inspired her lighting selections throughout The TOH 2020 Idea House on the Cape.
art_bright_bulbs_1146562

10 DIY String Light Ideas

Nothing warms up a space like string lights. They add coziness, are painless to display, and are typically very affordable (you can often grab perfectly good options from the clearance section). Perhaps you’ve only utilized them during the holiday season, but they look just as pretty when hung up all year round
kb2a6104_suntunnel_drt

Velux Sun Tunnel Skylights

Sun tunnels are a cost-effective, energy-efficient, and simple-to-install alternative to skylights. Learn whether they're the right fit to bring more natural light to your home. 
20_path_lights

5 Creative Design Ideas for Outdoor Lighting

Achieve a magical look in your yard with these nightscaping suggestions
lutron_dimmer
Play

Ask This Old House Know-How: DIY Dimmers

Master Electrician Scott Caron demonstrates how to upgrade to a wireless dimming system to easily adjust lighting schemes throughout the home by remote control
overhead_1
Play

How to Add Overhead Lighting to a Bedroom

Ask This Old House master electrician Scott Caron adds dimmable overhead lighting to a dark bedroom
library_lights_promo

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
caron_overhead
Play

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
kevin_light_bulb
Play

Ask Kevin: Tips on New Lightbulb Options

This Old House host Kevin O'Connor explains what to look for when choosing energy-efficient lightbulbs
caron_lighting_closet
Play

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
caron_kevin_convert_lamp
Play

How to Convert a Kerosene Lantern into a Lamp

Master electrician Scott Caron brings electricity to a lantern that used to be lit with kerosene
outdoor_light_xl_a

4 Outdoor Lighting Upgrades for Summer Entertaining

Brighten your outdoor space with lights and laughter
led_light_bulb_xl

Demystifying LED Lightbulbs

If you have nagging questions about these energy-saving and long-lasting bulbs, we have the answers
choose_xl
Play

How to Choose Recessed Lights

Electrician Charles Vargas explains light-bulb options for recessed fixtures.
ceiling_fan_update_xl

3 Ways to Spiff Up a Ceiling Fan

Give an old ceiling fan a refined new look in three easy steps
path_lights_xl

All About Path Lighting

With a little knowledge and a little planning, you can lead family and friends safely to your door and cast your home in a whole new light
lighting_x_0

Exterior Lighting Right Where You Need It

A common sense approach to outdoor lighting
2011_05_opener

All About Landscape Lighting

From selecting the best outdoor lights to setting them up, our experts share how to brighten up the outside of your house.