LIGHTING
Browse By Tag
Keeping up-to-date with the latest product recalls is essential in keeping our homes safe. The U. S. Consumer Product...
Kitchens are no longer just functional spaces for preparing food—they’re the heart of the home, where style meets uti...
We all love our dogs. However, they often do things that baffle our minds and leave pet parents feeling frustrated, s...
Q: Our neighborhood is doing a holiday light decorating contest this year. My husband thinks we can win by adding eve...
Lighting is maybe the most significant tool you can use to set the scene in each room of your home. While cool, brigh...
I’ve been in the emergency power world for the past few years, somewhat obsessing over it. While most of my journeys ...
Highlights The typical cost range to replace a light fixture is from $112 to $287, with a national average cost of $...
Don’t pack those string lights away after the holidays. Instead, use them to bring light and a bit of character throu...
Whether you’re battling with the neighbors for the best holiday lighting display or want to hang outdoor lights for t...
It’s unwise to leave power needs up to chance—especially during an emergency situation or while enjoying off-grid adv...
Q: The incandescent bulb in my porch light burned out and I want to replace it with a more efficient LED, but I’m con...
When the power goes out, we have options. Prior generations weren't just inconvenienced; they also had to deal with t...
As the maker of the world’s first outdoor portable power station, Jackery recently introduced its most flexible and h...
Improving your home is exciting: Whether they’re minor or substantial, indoors or out, property upgrades can change t...
LED shop lights are widely regarded as the best option for several reasons. There is tremendous variety, so there’s s...
The plants, flowers, and produce in your garden beds and boxes look glorious in daylight, but once the sun sets, they...
Nothing disrupts a relaxing evening outside like mosquitoes. Just like clockwork, when the sun goes down, the bugs co...
Great hard hat lights are quite difficult to come by. They’re either too dim, slip off, or simply can’t hold up to th...
Does your lighting design date the appearance of your home? Here’s a bright idea: Change out the fixtures (or even ju...
Outdoor lighting is one of the best enhancements for any home exterior, whether for patios and decks or walkways and ...
Smart outdoor lights can be useful throughout the backyard or garden, with choices to light up pathways, improve secu...
Pressure washers are invaluable tools for removing graffiti, dirt, and other stuck-on debris from surfaces, but there...
Maintain curb appeal after dusk with a thoughtful outdoor lighting plan for your home and garden. Using upward-facing...
Insufficient light is one of the worst stressors for indoor plants. Poor plant lighting can cause stems to stretch or...
Highlights The typical cost range for a GFCI outlet installation is $130 to $300, with customers paying a national a...
If you're a tax procrastinator and you're just now finding out that you're getting a refund, it might be tempting to ...
Many lighting projects might challenge the average DIYer, but learning how to install LED strip lights while avoiding...
Highlights The typical cost to install a whole-house surge protector ranges from $70 to $700, with the national aver...
Many of the everyday tasks of life—locking the door, adjusting the thermostat, dimming the lights, and capturing porc...
Darkness needn’t put a damper on backyard activities like swimming and barbecuing. By installing backyard lighting, y...
Q: Every winter I see a candle displayed in my neighbor’s window. It’s beautiful, but I’m not sure if there’s more to...
We may still be a couple weeks away from the day after Thanksgiving, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait until Bla...
Swimming pools may conjure images of fun in the sun, but they aren’t exclusively used during the daytime. Many pool o...
As the winter holiday season approaches each year, homeowners once again begin planning their Christmas light display...
When installing off-grid solar power, a solar charge controller (or solar regulator) will function as the brain of yo...
Outdoor solar lights simplify exterior illumination, giving you beautiful, functional lighting without the need for w...
Keeping your home dust-free is sometimes easier said than done. Unfortunately, dust collects everywhere, not just on ...
Solar-powered lanterns are similar to traditional lanterns, but instead of relying on batteries or electricity to wo...
Typical Range: $100 to $500 National Average: $330Recessed lighting is a great way to illuminate a room and make i...
Designed to be rugged and used in demanding situations, tactical flashlights should be bright, durable, and dependabl...
Outdoor motion-sensing lights illuminate your property when needed without wasting power. Much in the same way a moti...
While there are security systems that offer outdoor cameras, they also come with hefty up-front costs and typically h...
Shining some light on below-grade spaces can do a lot for your home. Proper lighting increases the usability of your ...
In most homes, flush mount lights illuminate the rooms. While nothing is wrong with standard dome lighting, trading o...
Using energy-efficient light bulbs is a simple way to help reduce your bills. Having energy-efficient bulbs on hand m...
It’s probably no surprise to reveal that Bob Vila’s editors are all about home gear and care: Our product reviews sta...
Chandeliers have come a long way from elaborate lighting exclusively reserved for mansions, castles, and palaces of t...
Track lighting kits are a great option for lighting medium- to large-size rooms in which other forms of lights are ei...
Q: My neighbors’ front porch light is green, rather than white or yellow. I know that a blue porch light signifies su...
Cables are used to connect one device to another, whether the device is a television, router, or computer. However, n...
Bathroom lighting can help style the space and add the functionality you desire. Whether you want an automated experi...
The right lighting can make a house feel like a home. Besides providing utilitarian illumination, good lighting helps...
String lights are a traditional part of outdoor holiday decorating, but their appeal extends beyond a holiday season....
Today’s lamps are manufactured in different types of designs with a range of functions. Some are dimmable, and many o...
Outdoor light bulbs provide extra security and crucial visibility for those coming and going after dark while enhanci...
Lighting quality is important in any room, but is especially crucial in your work space. Poor lighting isn’t just a m...
High-quality solar deck lights can add a lovely glow to your deck space without adding a penny to your electric bill....
If you’ve been throwing your dead Christmas lights in the trash, we get it. After spending what seems like all 25 day...
What would the holidays be without Christmas lights? These twinkling decorations can illuminate even the darkest of w...
What would the holidays be without outdoor Christmas lights to illuminate the winter darkness? Whether they’re tiny t...
Back to WorkMany employers are in the process of instituting back-to-work plans that require either full-time or part...
Tactical flashlights—intended to offer the same powerful light intensity as flashlights used by the military—are typi...
Philips is a major player in the lighting industry worldwide. Offering everything from conventional lamps and tubes t...
Consumers can choose from a wide variety of tactical-style flashlights that are designed to offer the same benefits a...
The world is full of lights, so it may seem unnecessary to have a flashlight until the power goes out, or you leave c...
Q: Lighting experts tout the longevity and potential money savings of LEDs, but is all that true? Are there ways to e...
Watts have been used to indicate the strength of light bulbs for more than 150 years, but they are actually a measure...
Cordless lamps are an attractive and affordable way to illuminate a space without the need for an outlet. These batte...
Improve the visibility and nocturnal appeal of your home with lighting that doesn't require complicated wiring.
Outdoor string lights are both stylish and functional, illuminating your outdoor living space while providing an invi...
Low-voltage landscape lighting can add drama and interest to a home’s features while providing visibility for outdoor...
For those who forget to turn lights off, a motion sensor light switch offers an excellent solution for empty rooms th...
If you frequently hear car alarms sounding off at night in your neighborhood, it might be time for a floodlight camer...
Handheld spotlights are a type of powerful flashlight that are great tools to have with you in a roadside emergency k...
Being left in the dark during a power outage, after a severe weather event, or while on an outdoor adventure can lead...
String lights, pendants and other kinds of lighting can make your deck safer—and more stylish—when the sun goes down.
In a standard, single-pole switch, one light switch controls one light fixture—on/off. Things get a bit trickier with...
Hydroponics—the practice of growing plants in water rather than soil—is popular because it offers a way to produce a ...
Extreme weather conditions like hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, and thunderstorms pose obvious power-outage threats...
Even a small deck or yard can make warm weather much more enjoyable because you can move meals outside, sit under the...
Be it a dining room, the front porch, or the back patio, lighting has a significant impact on the look of a space. Th...
Whether you are safe at home or out on a camping trip, it can be daunting when the lights go out and you are left in ...
Outdoor wall lights make the spaces outside your home warm, beautiful, and secure. Whether lighting a deck, brighteni...
A desk lamp provides supplemental lighting to make it easier to read or review documents, work on a computer, or pay ...
For brightening a campsite or outdoor gathering when standard electric lighting isn’t an option, a propane lantern is...
If you’ve ever wanted to add a bit of accent lighting around your home, but would prefer to avoid the cost and inconv...
From acting as a simple night-light to creating a spectacular atmosphere, a moon lamp can provide both useful light a...
Smart light switches are a way of configuring a home's lighting to respond to verbal commands, program light timers, ...
A bedside lamp isn’t just a source of light, it’s a gateway to relaxation. There are several factors to think about w...
For voracious bookworms and avid bedtime readers, a reliable book light is a handy tool. These gadgets make reading i...
When shopping for bathroom lighting, striking the perfect balance between bright and flattering is tricky. Not to men...
Vanity lighting makes our bathrooms sanctuaries, as the bathroom is where we prepare ourselves for the day and then r...
If your health care provider has ever pulled a tiny flashlight from the pocket of a lab coat to examine the pupils of...
Those undertaking electrical projects around the home need certain tool box essentials at the ready, including a volt...
Whether you want glamour for a large hallway or function for a narrow one, there’s something for all different styles and needs in this roundup.
Working with limited lighting isn’t safe, and sometimes holding a flashlight isn’t a viable option. A high-quality ha...
Solar string lights illuminate your outdoor space while adding sparkle and whimsy, creating a pleasant atmosphere for...
Indoor gardens are fun additions to virtually any space, and they’re especially well suited to those who love cooking...
Lava lamps—also known as motion lamps—appeal to both kids and adults because they’re a fun combination of light and m...
Harnessing the sun to create backup power is an alternative to fuel-guzzling gas generators or dual fuel generators. ...
Whether you’re an electrician, mechanic, or DIYer, a quality pair of wire cutters can make an indispensable addition ...
It’s well known that a bright light deters would-be thieves and ne’er-do-wells, but home dwellers either had to have ...
A night light helps a child feel safe and secure at bedtime, allowing them to sleep more soundly. Night lights aren’t...
“Location, location, location!” may be a well-known real estate rallying cry, but the orientation of a house is impor...
Smart dimmer switches can help set the mood with appropriate lighting for a variety of occasions, from entertaining f...
Light-emitting diode (LED) technology offers bright illumination while using a fraction of the electricity used by in...
For those who are attempting to cultivate houseplants, start plants from seed, or grow vegetables indoors, natural li...
Modern wall sconces can enhance your current lighting decor while adding task, accent, or general illumination to the...
Chandeliers, under-cabinet lighting, and ceiling fans all have their place in lighting a home. But to add additional ...
For decades, home interiors reflected the slightly yellowish glow of incandescent lights until LED light bulbs arrive...
The simple act of replacing a standard light switch with a dimmer switch can change the ambiance of your home. By adj...
When working on important tasks, you need sufficient lighting in your work area, whether it is a professional work lo...
For those summer barbecues that linger long after the sun goes down, nothing adds ambiance and flair to the outdoor l...
Pendant lights come in many shapes and styles and add either ambient or task lighting in any room of a home. A lighti...
Smart light bulbs are a great place to begin making your home, well, smarter. You can turn them on and off, set timer...
Your mom was right: Insufficient reading light can cause problems, from fatigue to headaches, and, over time, even ey...
When you have a limited number of windows and overhead lights, floor lamps can reduce eyestrain and control a room’s ...
There are plenty of good reasons to own a quality headlamp—for taking an early morning jog, pitching a tent under the...
Whatever the project may be, working in the garage demands sufficient lighting. Dismal, poorly lit garages are not on...
If you’ve ever struggled to find your keys or fumbled with them in a lock, then you likely understand the importance ...
A night light is no longer just a simple plug-in used in a child’s room to soothe fear of the dark. The best night li...
A surefire way to hinder progress is by trying to work in the dark. It fatigues your eyes and your mind. Plus, when y...
Talk about a bright idea! Bright light fixtures installed directly underneath the kitchen cabinets illuminate the cou...
String lights aren’t just for festive holidays. These bright, affordable mini-bulbs can add sparkle and enjoyment to your outdoor spaces, whatever the season.
If you’ve ever fumbled with your keys in a lock because the porch light went out or stumbled around in the dark due t...
LED light strips are long circuit boards with surface-mount device light-emitting diodes (SMD LEDs) that bring illumi...
Outdoor string lights can brighten a backyard or a patio space and make warm nights more relaxing and festive. These ...
When it comes to plants, all light is not equal. Unless you have a greenhouse or an unlimited number of south-facing ...
Portable generators supply power to a home, appliances, small electronics, and even an RV in the event of a power out...
Path lights help extend outdoor enjoyment well past sunset, and when solar powered, they don’t even add to your elect...
Flashlights have come a long way since they were first introduced in 1898. Battery-operated and portable, these handh...
Outdoor illumination keeps the home visible at night and helps deter crime, but leaving lights on all night is a cost...
Nowadays, many renters and homeowners choose light-emitting diode bulbs (LEDs) over the classic incandescent, fluores...
Decorating with colorful lights is a fun, festive part of the holiday season, both indoors and outside the home. For ...
In the evolution of illumination—from torches to torchiers—track lighting is a relative newcomer. While originally us...
Mix and match from this menu of alluring options to achieve the perfect lighting for your dining room.
Since the technology arrived in the 1930s, installing recessed lighting has become de rigueur in new construction and...
You’ve heard of LEDs. You’re aware of compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). So what’s the next big idea in home illumination? They’re called smart bulbs, and they co...
Window treatments let you control light, privacy, and indoor temperature while complementing your décor. While you’ve...
Q: My kitchen doesn’t get much natural light, and our current light fixtures don’t provide adequate illumination for ...
There are so many decisions to make when you're remodeling a kitchen—cabinetry, appliances, countertop material, faucets, backsplash—that it’s easy to shortchange...
Whether you use it for parking your car, as a workshop, a storage hub, or all of the above, you need good lighting in...
Q: I’m redoing my master bath and am overwhelmed by illumination options. How do I decide on the best bathroom lighti...
Unobtrusive illumination installed flush with the ceiling, recessed lighting can be found in virtually all types of h...
This article has been brought to you by SupplyHouse. com. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. Even if y...
When the weather gets warm, outdoor living heats up, and porches and patios become the place to be. As your sunny days shift to balmy nights, add some atmosphere ...
Incandescent light bulbs are known to occasionally shatter in their fixtures—and when they do, it’s both difficult an...
Never underestimate the importance of curb appeal. Not only does your home exterior give a first impression to guests, it can also influence real estate transacti...
If you recently set out to upgrade your home with more energy-efficient light bulbs, you've likely seen there's a big...
A dearth of space in your dining area need not put a damper on your next get-together. Yes, even if your eating area ...
Q: Our screened-in porch is undergoing some updates, including the installation of overhead lights and addition of a ...
Wooden lanterns placed throughout the home—on the window sill, fireplace hearth, dining table, or the steps up to the...
Stylish lighting is key to a truly finished room. The right lighting fixture adds drama, creates a focal point, establishes a cohesive style for your space—and gi...
Few architectural structures and details survive centuries of passing trends and technological advances in the way th...
It’s not your imagination: The light bulb section at the hardware store has expanded. With so many types, colors, and...
A light is a light, right? Well, not quite. The truth is that when it comes to residential lighting, many homeowners mistakenly believe that any light will do the...
Nothing spoils an outdoor gathering like unwanted guests, namely the buzzy ones. Enjoy summer nights free from the mo...
Hunting for a statement piece that really speaks to you requires a certain amount of time and patience. Fortunately f...
Shopping for a new lamp, pendant light, or wall sconce comes with a healthy dose of sticker shock. Who knew that lighting a home could set you back a small fortun...
Any interior designer will recommend layering multiple light sources, from wall sconces to floor lamps, for both illu...
If you have an unfinished basement, you probably don’t want to spend a ton of time down there. The air is musty, the floors are damp, and it feels just a tiny bit...
Q: Help! We have multiple lights flickering in our house. As far as I know my house isn’t haunted, but I can’t help w...
Thoughtful lighting is key to evoking a desired ambience in nearly any space. (They don't call it "mood lighting" for...
Sure, days are longer in summer, but still not quite long enough to squeeze in all the seasonal fun. Stay out after dusk when you light the night with these 8 DIY...
Bringing natural light into your home is both economical and enjoyable. Here are seven ways to let the sun shine in throughout your house.
To coax a candle into burning more slowly so that you can enjoy it for a longer period of time, try out one or all of...
Recessed lighting has been around since the 1930s, and even though its popularity seems to have waned in recent years...
Though bedrooms are primarily for sleeping, they aren’t meant to be dark all the time. A bedroom should have a combination of both portable and installed lighting...
Bringing light to a dark room will immediately make it more appealing. If making structural changes like adding windows, doors or skylights just isn’t in the card...
Concrete is one of the most versatile materials. And unlike many raw materials, concrete can be molded into any shape...
Whether you've bought a new pendant light or sacrificed your weekend to DIY one of your own, deciding how to hang the light is just as important as the light itse...
Up until recently, buying a light bulb was probably as routine for most people as buying a carton of milk. But new li...
When it comes to lighting, form and function are equally important. You want your fixtures to let you see what you're...
If avoiding frustration and preserving your holiday spirit are at the top of the wish list this holiday season, lear...
There's much more to lighting your home than just picking out a few attractive decorative fixtures. With these helpful tips from the experts at Bellacor.com, you ...
From soda bottles and bicycle chains to cutlery and toothpicks, these dazzling chandeliers illuminate the value—and fun—of putting unremarkable old stuff to brill...
Jean Nayar is the author of Detailing Light (The Whitney Library of Design), a book on lighting designed by the count...
Landscape lighting can turn a visitor from feeling wary to welcome. It can change the rest of the yard from Nightmare...
Today’s residential lighting considerations go beyond decorative fixtures. Lighting influences our general well-being...
The spaces that people use for social purposes are defined in part by light. Too often, however, lighting design miss...
If you have a tired table lamp, a lackluster lantern, or a pooped-out pendant, take inspiration (and instruction) from these fresh and easy DIY ideas—and let ther...
Let’s face it: Many homes today feature inadequate, poorly positioned, and sometimes plain-old ugly light fixtures. B...
Warmer weather encourages us to spend more time on the deck, porch, or patio. Of course, lighting can extend outdoor ...
You bought a beautiful antique lamp but upon closer inspection, you notice there is damage to the sheathing, the plas...
Under-cabinet lighting can vastly improve the workability and appearance of your kitchen. For starters, under-cabinet...
Even if you are not an avid DIYer, you can easily make one of these garden luminaries to lighten your landscape.
Updating the entrance to your home is a relatively easy thing to do. Add a pop of color by painting the front door in...
I like mood lighting as much as anyone, particularly first thing in the morning when the full blast of light from a 1...
While any projects having to do with electricity are not to be taken lightly, installing a light fixture is a task ma...
Bob talks with landscape architect Rick Lamb about revisions to the plan. Bob points out the redesigned parking area and the plan for magically melting the snow.
Bob meets electrician Barry Driscoll, who is retrofitting an old gas light fixture to make a modern electrical one. Then Bob meets with lighting consultant Penny ...
Bob meets with architect Gregory Rochlin and expert carpenter Danny Ruffini to restore old double-hung windows and replace lead sash weights with new spring-loade...
A double window is installed in the kitchen, which will let in a lot of sunlight and give a view of the back yard.
The front of the Melrose house gets finishing touches, including a new, insect-resistant porch deck, new trellises, and a porch light.
A high-tech lighting control system is reviewed, as well as furniture, storage, and decorating choices in various rooms.
Bob surveys the interior decorating of the penthouse apartment, as well as the top-quality materials and appliances in the kitchen. Also, Bob learns about the dif...
Barry Driscoll (from Driscoll Electric) is installing some new Lightolier recessed fixtures specially designed for use in remodels.
Bob tours the exterior of the completed Victorian restoration project house, remarking on the color scheme, breezeway, and artist's studio. Inside the house, Bob ...
Bob explores the practice of custom lamp making and learns more about the outdoor fireplace.
Bob inspects the remote device, controlling the PA system, HVAC, lighting, and entertainment systems. In the basement, Bob Ryley is exploring the wires and cables...
Bob peeks into the "first kitchen", the kitchen in the first family's private living quarters. Todd Graves (from GE) shows Bob the Halogen oven.
Bob exhibits a complete proper lighting plan of the loft project and looks on as a suspended track lighting system is suspended in the bedroom. Also, lighting des...
Bob meets with lighting designer Markus Earley, who explains the differences between various types of lights. Then, Bob also meets with Tony Zwain, who explains h...
Bob goes over the lighting plan with designer Markus Earley, then meets with electrician Tony Zwain to learn how electricity is distributed throughout the building.
Collaborating architect Lisa Shire accompanies Bob, as he continues his tour of the completed loft conversion.
Ed House (from Cliff Electrical Contractors) is installing recessed lighting.
Bob visits the Lightolier manufacturing plant, which covers 6 acres, and receives a tour from the director of design, Bob Wetikin.
Carpenter Bob Ryley works on the mahogany deck, while new kitchen appliances are installed and the lighting and cabinets undergo examination.
Bob recaps the entire Elmwood project. It was a community effort involving an array of houses, though great pains were made to adhere to the historic look of the ...
Bob takes a final tour of the home workout area, discussing the tub surround and the new exercise equipment.
Rope lights are installed in the ceiling of the living room. The ropes are cut to length, capped, and clipped into place. They are then covered with a stained gla...
Bob and carpenter Cortney Lofton demonstrate how to install light panels on the ceiling in the attic.
Bob meets with Donald Young for a tour of the home's Zen garden. Donald discusses the plant choices and lighting requirements in a garden of this size. Slate tile...
Bob, the architect, and the homeowner discuss plans for the new greenhouse. The exact position of the greenhouse in relation to the existing house is chosen so as...
Bob joins landscape designer Ruth Foster to discuss her plan for a stone patio and hot tub. Low-voltage outdoor lighting will also be installed.
Track lighting is installed in the automotive portion of the garage, and Bob reviews the bulbs, hardware, and mounting techniques used.
Bob takes a close look at the boat storage part of the building (the 'boat barn'), highlighting interior features like the lighting and mechanical systems. Contra...
The designer shows Bob around the addition, pointing out certain highlights, such as the breezeway with exposed studs and the Victorian-influenced lighting design...
Bob meets with Lynn from the Shirley-Eustis Colonial Governor's Mansion Association. Together they tour the Federal-style home, noting an Irish crystal chandelier...
Bob lays out the lighting design for the kitchen. Electrician Steven Bradley shows Bob how to install a high-hat light fixture, from the mounting to the wiring to...
Bob meets with a landscaper to discuss the existing plantings, some of which will be removed or cut back to maximize the amount of interior light. Trees, shrubs, ...
Bob helps carpenter Bob Ryley and crew install a new box bay window, which will enlarge the dining space and enhance the interior atmosphere.
After taking stock of progress that's been made, Bob begins wiring a hanging light fixture for a special colonial lantern in the front hall.
Bob has finished wiring the Colonial-style light fixture in the entryway and, back in the kitchen, the refrigerator ice maker is hooked up.
Bob and carpenter-contractor Bob Ryley review the exterior of the home, pointing out the new trellis and the new entryway. Next, they move inside to have a look ...
The circle-head window, and its accompanying window seat, are now finished in the family room basement.
General contractor Ron Gan builds an inexpensive do-it-yourself lighting fixture in the bathroom.
AJ Paron-Wildes (from Bellacor.com) joins Bob to talk about selecting lighting fixtures. Depending on the room or activity, different fixtures are recommended.