How to Plan Lighting for Your Whole-Home Remodel
Lighting is the unsung hero of interior design. The same room can feel cold and clinical or warm and inviting depending entirely on lighting. A comprehensive lighting plan layers different light types to create spaces that are both beautiful and functional—day or night.
Quick Summary
Time needed
8-16 hours of planning
Difficulty
Moderate (technical + aesthetic)
Cost
$5,000-$40,000 for fixtures
Why Lighting Design Matters
Most homes are poorly lit—either too bright and flat or too dim and gloomy. Great lighting design creates visual interest, highlights architectural features, enables tasks, and sets the mood. It's the difference between a house and a home.
During a whole-home remodel, you have the rare opportunity to get lighting right. Adding lights after construction is expensive and disruptive. Now is the time to plan comprehensively.
The Three Layers of Lighting
Ambient (General)
Overall room illumination. The base layer that lets you see and move around safely.
Task
Focused light for specific activities: reading, cooking, grooming, working.
Accent
Highlights features: artwork, architectural details, displays. Adds drama.
- Transforms how spaces feel: The same room can feel completely different based solely on lighting.
- Enables flexibility: Dim for movie night, bright for cleaning, focused for reading—all in one space.
- Highlights design investment: Beautiful finishes look best with proper lighting. Poor lighting undermines everything.
- Affects wellbeing: Lighting impacts mood, sleep quality, and even productivity.
- Difficult to add later: Wiring and ceiling work after construction is expensive and messy.
Room-by-Room Lighting Guide
Different rooms have different lighting needs based on activities. Here's how to approach each space.
Kitchen Lighting
Kitchens need the most lighting—it's a workspace where you handle sharp objects and hot surfaces. Layer generously.
Recommended Fixtures:
- Ambient: Recessed cans throughout (4-6 foot spacing)
- Task: Under-cabinet lighting (LED strips or pucks)
- Task: Pendants over island (2-3 fixtures, 28-34" above counter)
- Accent: In-cabinet lighting for glass-front cabinets
- Accent: Toe kick lighting (optional, dramatic)
Living Room Lighting
Living rooms serve many functions—conversation, TV viewing, reading, entertaining. Flexibility is key.
Recommended Fixtures:
- Ambient: Recessed cans or flush mounts (dimmable)
- Ambient: Chandelier or statement pendant if room scale allows
- Task: Table lamps near seating for reading
- Task: Floor lamps in dark corners
- Accent: Picture lights for artwork
- Accent: Wall sconces for ambient glow
Primary Bathroom Lighting
Bathrooms need bright, shadow-free lighting at the vanity plus softer options for relaxing baths.
Recommended Fixtures:
- Ambient: Recessed cans (waterproof rated in shower)
- Task: Vanity sconces flanking mirror (ideal) or bar light above
- Task: Lighted mirror (alternative to sconces)
- Accent: Shower niche lighting
- Accent: Toe kick or floating vanity underlighting
- Night: Low-level LED strip for nighttime navigation
Bedroom Lighting
Bedrooms need soft, relaxing light. Avoid harsh overhead lighting that makes the room feel clinical.
Recommended Fixtures:
- Ambient: Recessed cans on dimmer (optional, use sparingly)
- Ambient: Ceiling fan with light kit
- Task: Bedside table lamps or wall-mounted reading lights
- Task: Closet lighting (LED strips or ceiling fixtures)
- Accent: Cove lighting (built into ceiling detail)
Dining Room Lighting
Dining rooms are all about ambiance. The chandelier is the star; everything else supports it.
Recommended Fixtures:
- Ambient: Chandelier or pendant over table (30-36" above table)
- Ambient: Recessed cans (dimmable, for general light when needed)
- Accent: Wall sconces
- Accent: Buffet lamps or picture lights
Sizing rule: Chandelier width should be approximately the room width + length in feet, expressed as inches. (12' x 14' room = 26" chandelier)
Lighting Controls
The best lighting design is useless without proper controls. Plan switches and dimmers thoughtfully.
Dimmers Are Essential
Install dimmers on nearly every fixture except utility spaces. The $30-$100 per switch adds invaluable flexibility. For LED, ensure bulbs and dimmers are compatible (many LEDs don't dim smoothly with standard dimmers).
Three-Way Switches
Plan switches at every entry point to a room. Nothing is more annoying than walking across a dark room to reach a switch. Three-way (and four-way) switches allow control from multiple locations.
Smart Lighting
Consider smart switches or bulbs for advanced control: scenes (movie mode, dinner party), schedules (gradual morning wake-up), voice control, and remote access. Plan during electrical rough-in for proper wiring.
Switch Placement
Standard height: 48" to center. Group switches logically near doorways. Consider multi-gang boxes for rooms with multiple circuits. Plan switch locations before electrical rough-in.
Color Temperature Consistency
Use consistent color temperature throughout connected spaces. Mix of warm (2700K) and cool (4000K) bulbs looks jarring. For residential, 2700K-3000K (warm white) is most comfortable. Choose one temperature and use it everywhere.
Fixture Selection Tips
With the plan in place, here's guidance on selecting actual fixtures.
Recessed Cans
- • 4" for task areas, 6" for general ambient
- • LED retrofit trims are most efficient
- • Gimbal trim for directional aiming
- • IC-rated for insulation contact
- • Budget: $75-$200 installed per can
Pendants
- • Scale to room and surface below
- • 28-34" above counter/table
- • Odd numbers (1 or 3) often look best
- • Space 24-30" apart over islands
- • Budget: $200-$2,000+ each
Whole-Home Lighting Budget Guidelines:
Total range: $8,500-$40,000+ depending on fixture quality and home size
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Relying solely on recessed cans
Why it's a problem: Creates flat, shadowless light that feels institutional
What to do instead: Layer with pendants, sconces, and lamps for visual interest and warmth.
Centering vanity light above mirror
Why it's a problem: Creates unflattering shadows under chin, eyes, and nose
What to do instead: Use sconces flanking mirror or vertical fixtures at face height.
Mixing color temperatures
Why it's a problem: 2700K in living room next to 4000K in kitchen looks jarring
What to do instead: Choose one warm color temp (2700K-3000K) for all connected spaces.
Forgetting dimmers
Why it's a problem: Bright or off are the only options—no flexibility
What to do instead: Dimmer on every fixture except utility spaces. Budget $30-$100/switch.
Undersizing chandeliers
Why it's a problem: Small fixtures in large rooms look lost and inadequate
What to do instead: Use the formula: room length + width (in feet) = chandelier width (in inches).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does lighting cost for a whole-home remodel?
Budget 5-10% of remodel cost. For a $300,000 project, expect $15,000-$30,000 for all fixtures, installation, switches, and dimmers.
How many recessed lights do I need?
General rule: one per 25 sq ft with 4-6 foot spacing. A 200 sq ft room needs about 8. Varies by ceiling height and other light sources.
Should all lights be on dimmers?
Yes, except utility spaces. Dimmers add $30-$100/switch but provide essential flexibility. For LED, ensure dimmer compatibility.
What color temperature should I use?
2700K-3000K (warm white) for residential. Be consistent throughout connected spaces. Avoid mixing warm and cool temperatures.
What's the difference between ambient, task, and accent lighting?
Ambient = overall illumination (recessed, chandeliers). Task = specific work areas (under-cabinet, reading lights). Accent = highlights features (picture lights, display lighting).
Ready for the Next Step?
With lighting designed, the final design element is smart home infrastructure—networking, automation, and security systems that need to be planned while walls are open.