`

Strategy Guideline: High 

Performance Residential 

Lighting

J. Holton

IBACOS, Inc.

February 2012
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i

Strategy Guideline: High Performance Residential Lighting

Prepared for: 

Building America

Building Technologies Program

Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy 

U.S. Department of Energy 

Prepared by: 

J. Holton, Consultant

IBACOS, Inc.

2214 Liberty Avenue

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222

NREL Technical Monitor: Michael Gestwick

Prepared under Subcontract Number KNDJ-0-40341-02

February 2012
ii

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iii

Contents

List of Figures ............................................................................................................................................. v

List of Tables ............................................................................................................................................. vii

Definitions................................................................................................................................................. viii

Executive Summary.................................................................................................................................... x

The Need for a High Performance Lighting Guide .................................................................................. 1

The Purpose of the High Performance Lighting Guide........................................................................... 2

The Characteristics of High Performance Lighting................................................................................. 3

The Resources Needed to Apply High Performance Lighting ............................................................... 8

Homeowners..............................................................................................................................8

Builders......................................................................................................................................8

Architect and Interior Designer .................................................................................................8

Trade Partners............................................................................................................................8

Realtors, Appraisers, and Mortgage Lenders.............................................................................9

Electrical Suppliers....................................................................................................................9

Lighting Manufacturers .............................................................................................................9

Codes, Standards, and Guidelines............................................................................................10

Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) Guidelines..........................................................10

ENERGY STAR Labeling.................................................................................................14

U.S. Department of Energy Lighting Facts® Label ...........................................................14

U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Lighting Facts Label...........................................16

Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, Minimum Lamp Efficiencies...............16

U.S. Department of Energy CALiPER Program ...............................................................17

California Title 24 Requirements.......................................................................................17

The Interaction of High Performance Lighting with Other Construction Components..................... 19

Measuring High Performance Lighting Accomplishment..................................................................... 20

The Availability and Cost of High Performance Lighting ..................................................................... 21

High Performance Lighting Strategies ................................................................................................... 25

Changing the Lamps (Bulbs) ...................................................................................................25

Changing the Fixtures..............................................................................................................26

Changing the Design................................................................................................................26

Direct Lighting...................................................................................................................26

Recessed Lighting..............................................................................................................27

Indirect Lighting ................................................................................................................28

High Performance Lighting Strategies, Room by Room....................................................................... 29

Family Room and Living Room ..............................................................................................31

Principles............................................................................................................................31

Designs...............................................................................................................................31

Kitchen.....................................................................................................................................34

Principles............................................................................................................................34

Designs...............................................................................................................................35

Bedrooms.................................................................................................................................38

Principles............................................................................................................................38

Designs...............................................................................................................................38

Home Office.............................................................................................................................42

Principles............................................................................................................................42

Designs...............................................................................................................................42
iv

Dining Room............................................................................................................................45

Principles............................................................................................................................45

Designs...............................................................................................................................45

Bathroom..................................................................................................................................48

Principles............................................................................................................................48

Designs...............................................................................................................................48

Service Areas...........................................................................................................................52

Principles............................................................................................................................52

Designs...............................................................................................................................52

Hallway....................................................................................................................................57

Principles............................................................................................................................57

Designs...............................................................................................................................57

Exterior Lighting......................................................................................................................61

Principles............................................................................................................................61

Designs...............................................................................................................................61

Controls...................................................................................................................................................... 63

Examples..................................................................................................................................64

Conclusions............................................................................................................................................... 66

References................................................................................................................................................. 67

Application Resources ............................................................................................................................. 68
v

List of Figures

Figure 1. Comparison of annual energy use............................................................................................ 1

Figure 2. Ambient lighting with accent lighting....................................................................................... 3

Figure 3. Ambient lighting with task lighting. .......................................................................................... 3

Figure 4. Architecturally integrated light cove. ....................................................................................... 4

Figure 5. Lamp life, 1,000 hours. ............................................................................................................... 4

Figure 6. Ambient lighting in a light-colored room. ................................................................................ 5

Figure 7. Ambient lighting in a dark-colored room. ................................................................................ 5

Figure 8. Recessed downlight. .................................................................................................................. 5

Figure 9. Wall washers. .............................................................................................................................. 5

Figure 10. Light soffit.................................................................................................................................. 6

Figure 11. Valance lighting......................................................................................................................... 6

Figure 12. Light coves. ............................................................................................................................... 6

Figure 13. The Lighting Handbook, 10th edition, by IES. ..................................................................... 10

Figure 14. Example illumination levels................................................................................................... 11

Figure 15. Illuminance measuring heights for (left) kitchen, (right) bathroom, and floor 

illumination.......................................................................................................................................... 12

Figure 16. The ENERGY STAR label. ...................................................................................................... 14

Figure 17. The DOE Lighting Facts label................................................................................................ 15

Figure 18. The FTC Lighting Facts label................................................................................................. 16

Figure 19. A DOE CALiPER summary report. ........................................................................................ 17

Figure 20. California Title 24 Lighting Guide.......................................................................................... 18

Figure 21. Example of a decorative bath fixture. ................................................................................... 19

Figure 22. Example of a decorative ceiling fixture. ............................................................................... 19

Figure 23. Strip light. ................................................................................................................................ 21

Figure 24. Ceiling surface fixture. ........................................................................................................... 21

Figure 25. Under-cabinet fixture.............................................................................................................. 21

Figure 26. Recessed downlight. .............................................................................................................. 22

Figure 27. Ceiling surface, CFL fixture. .................................................................................................. 22

Figure 28. Wall sconce. ............................................................................................................................ 22

Figure 29. Pendant fixture........................................................................................................................ 22

Figure 30. LED recessed downlight. ....................................................................................................... 23

Figure 31. LED undercabinet light........................................................................................................... 23

Figure 32. LED track light......................................................................................................................... 24

Figure 33. LED step lights........................................................................................................................ 24

Figure 34. LED accent light (picture light).............................................................................................. 24

Figure 35. LED outdoor light.................................................................................................................... 24

Figure 36. Comparison of CFL versus incandescent reflector lamps (bulbs).................................... 25

Figure 37. CFL replacement lamp. .......................................................................................................... 26

Figure 38. LED replacement lamp. .......................................................................................................... 26

Figure 39. Direct lighting.......................................................................................................................... 27

Figure 40. Recessed lighting. .................................................................................................................. 27

Figure 41. Indirect lighting. ...................................................................................................................... 28

Figure 42. Examples of CRI values. ........................................................................................................ 29

Figure 43. Fluorescent lights of different CCTs..................................................................................... 29

Figure 44. Legend for room designs....................................................................................................... 30

Figure 45. Family room............................................................................................................................. 31

Figure 46. Direct - ceiling surface fixtures. ............................................................................................ 32

Figure 47. Direct - downlights.................................................................................................................. 32

Figure 48. Recessed downlights. ............................................................................................................ 33

Figure 49. Indirect - wall washers............................................................................................................ 33

Figure 50. Indirect - cove lights. .............................................................................................................. 34

Figure 51. Kitchen..................................................................................................................................... 34

Figure 52. Direct - ceiling surface fixture. .............................................................................................. 36
vi

Figure 53. Direct - downlights.................................................................................................................. 36

Figure 54. Recessed downlights. ............................................................................................................ 37

Figure 55. Indirect - cove lights. .............................................................................................................. 37

Figure 56. Bedroom. ................................................................................................................................. 38

Figure 57. Direct - ceiling surface fixtures. ............................................................................................ 39

Figure 58. Direct - downlights.................................................................................................................. 39

Figure 59. Recessed downlights. ............................................................................................................ 40

Figure 60. Indirect - cove lights. .............................................................................................................. 40

Figure 61. Indirect - wall washers............................................................................................................ 41

Figure 62. Home office.............................................................................................................................. 42

Figure 63. Recessed downlights. ............................................................................................................ 43

Figure 64. Indirect - cove lights. .............................................................................................................. 43

Figure 65. Indirect - Wall washers........................................................................................................... 44

Figure 66. Dining room............................................................................................................................. 45

Figure 67. Recessed downlights. ............................................................................................................ 46

Figure 68. Indirect - wall washers............................................................................................................ 46

Figure 69. Indirect - cove lights. .............................................................................................................. 47

Figure 70. Bathroom. ................................................................................................................................ 48

Figure 71. Direct - ceiling surface. .......................................................................................................... 49

Figure 72. Direct - downlights.................................................................................................................. 49

Figure 73. Recessed downlights. ............................................................................................................ 50

Figure 74. Indirect - cove lights. .............................................................................................................. 50

Figure 75. Indirect - soffit light. ............................................................................................................... 51

Figure 76. Indirect - wall washers............................................................................................................ 51

Figure 77. Closet. ...................................................................................................................................... 52

Figure 78. Direct - ceiling surface fixtures. ............................................................................................ 53

Figure 79. Direct – wall surface light....................................................................................................... 53

Figure 80. Direct – wall surface light....................................................................................................... 54

Figure 81. Direct - ceiling surface fixture. .............................................................................................. 54

Figure 82. Direct - downlights.................................................................................................................. 55

Figure 83. Direct - ceiling surface fixtures. ............................................................................................ 55

Figure 84. Recessed downlights. ............................................................................................................ 56

Figure 85. Hallway..................................................................................................................................... 57

Figure 86. Direct - ceiling surface fixtures. ............................................................................................ 58

Figure 87. Direct - wall sconces. ............................................................................................................. 58

Figure 88. Direct - downlights.................................................................................................................. 59

Figure 89. Recessed downlights. ............................................................................................................ 59

Figure 90. Indirect - wall washers............................................................................................................ 60

Figure 91. LED exterior lighting............................................................................................................... 61

Figure 92. Exterior lighting design.......................................................................................................... 62

Figure 93. Manual on/automatic off control. .......................................................................................... 64

Figure 94. Occupancy sensor.................................................................................................................. 64

Figure 95. Dimmer control........................................................................................................................ 65

Figure 96. Programmable control............................................................................................................ 65

*Unless otherwise noted, all figures and photos were created by IBACOS.
vii

List of Tables

Table 1. Residential Illuminance Recommendations. ........................................................................... 13

Table 2. General Service Incandescent Lamps...................................................................................... 16

*Unless otherwise noted, all tables were created by IBACOS.
viii

Definitions

CCT Correlated color temperature

CFL Compact fluorescent lamp

Color Rendering Ability of a light source to show all colors in a scene

Color Temperature An index for lamp light color in degrees Kelvin (K) that 

typically ranges from 1700K to 8000K

CRI Color rendering index (20–100)

Decorative Fixture An exposed fixture designed for visual appeal as well as 

lighting performance

DHW Domestic hot water

DOE U.S. Department of Energy

EISA Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007

EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

FC Footcandle, a commonly used measure of illumination

(approximately 10

lux )

FTC U.S. Federal Trade Commission

Glare Brightness that causes a reaction ranging from discomfort to 

inability to see the scene

HPL High performance lighting

HVAC Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning

IECC International Energy Conservation Code

IES Illuminating Engineering Society

LED Light emitting diode

Light Color Light that ranges from warm (e.g., candlelight) to cool (e.g., 

fluorescent grow light)

Luminaire Light fixture, including the lamp (bulb)
ix

Luminaire Efficacy Total lumens emitted by the luminaire divided by the total 

watts drawn by the luminaire’s power supply

MEL Miscellaneous electric loads

SSL Solid-state lighting
x

Executive Summary

As homes have become more energy efficient through improvements to the exterior envelope 

and the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and domestic hot water (DHW) 

systems, lighting has emerged as a component of energy use where opportunities for 

improvement are still available. This guideline offers methods to greatly reduce lighting energy 

use through the application of high quality fluorescent and light emitting diode (LED) 

technologies. High performance lighting (HPL) strategies may be applied through the range of 

builder-installed lighting—from the simplest code compliance level to built-in lighting for each 

room of the house including exterior lighting. The strategies also may be applied in varying 

degrees of depth—from simply changing lamps (bulbs) in a standard layout, to changing the 

fixtures in the standard layout as well, or moving to the preferred level of a fresh HPL design for 

the whole house.

Fully executed, HPL is ambient lighting for the entire house. It provides light levels consistent 

with the recommendations of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), offers good light color 

and color rendering, controls glare, and is very energy efficient. High performance lighting also 

covers task lighting in those areas where builders normally install cabinets, appliances, and 

fixtures—the kitchen and bathrooms. By providing quite full illumination coverage, HPL greatly 

reduces the need for additional task lighting to perhaps a few reading or desk lamps. It does not 

cover accent lighting. Thus, HPL offers control of energy use for a large percentage of the total 

house lighting energy use component. Applying HPL in a whole-house design can result in as 

much as a 65% lighting energy reduction as compared to the same design executed with 

incandescent lamps.

For the preferred whole-house lighting design, this guideline offers strategies for three 

approaches: direct lighting, recessed lighting, or indirect lighting. These offer increasing levels 

of quality refinement with escalating levels of installed cost. High performance lighting 

strategies are presented for eight representative residential room types plus exterior lighting. 

These cover virtually all of the typically used rooms in a house plus its exterior. High 

performance lighting can provide an excellent quality of residential illumination.
1

The Need for a High Performance Lighting Guide

There are now more residential lighting options available to homeowners than ever before. In the 

interest of using energy wisely, fluorescent lighting technologies have been developed for 

residential application. To overcome some of the shortcomings of residential fluorescent lighting 

and for even greater energy efficiency, light emitting diode (LED) lighting technology is now 

entering the residential market. The pace of change in the lighting industry is rapid. 

This guideline has been developed to create a structure for informed decision making and 

appropriate design and application by homeowners and builders. This guideline, along with the 

references provided in the Application Resources section, will assist users in successfully

completing a high performance lighting (HPL) installation.

New homes are being built to increasingly stringent energy performance levels. Typically, this 

involves a significantly improved thermal enclosure with higher levels of insulation, energyefficient windows, air sealing, and high efficiency heating, ventilation, and air conditioning 

(HVAC) and domestic hot water (DHW) systems. These measures can greatly reduce annual 

energy use. Because of the HVAC and DHW energy reductions, the balance of energy use for 

lighting, appliances, and miscellaneous electric loads (MEL) emerges as the end uses that present 

opportunities for improvement. Figure 1 illustrates the relationship of annual energy 

consumption for the lighting, appliance, and MEL group when comparing a house built to the 

2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and one built with 30% whole-house 

energy reductions. As illustrated, lighting efficiency is not typically considered for residential 

energy use reduction. Most codes, with the exception of California’s Title 24, place little 

emphasis on residential lighting efficiency. Lighting and the selection of appliances are the end 

uses that builders and homeowners most practically control in new construction, and excellent 

new LED lamps and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and fixtures are now commonly 

available. With existing homes, lighting tends to be a proportionally smaller component of 

energy use but one easily improved through retrofit. By fully applying HPL in a home, lighting 

energy use may be reduced by up to 65% compared to a standard incandescent-based design. 

Figure 1. Comparison of annual energy use.
2

The Purpose of the High Performance Lighting Guide

High performance lighting is lighting of excellent quality that is also very energy efficient. It is 

based principally on the use of new and improved fluorescent and LED lighting technology. The 

HPL strategies featured in this guide are drawn from recent advances in commercial lighting for 

application to typical spaces found in residential buildings. It is important to note that these 

strategies not only save energy in the home, but also serve to satisfy the homeowner’s 

expectations for high quality lighting.

For the greatest reduction in and control of lighting energy use, HPL should be applied to all 

rooms in the house and to outdoor lighting. This will satisfy the requirement for ambient lighting 

in all areas of the home and task lighting in key activity areas: the kitchen and baths. This 

complete coverage should reduce the need for additional lighting to a few small task lights such 

as those for reading or desk work. Accent lighting, if desired, is considered an optional additional 

energy use category and should employ high efficiency lamps and fixtures.
3

The Characteristics of High Performance Lighting

As suggested in The Lighting Handbook. 10th edition, published by the Illuminating Engineering 

Society (IES), a well-conceived lighting design prepared by an experienced lighting designer is 

the best way to develop the illumination plan for a home. The design would be keyed to the 

specifics of the homeowners’ living patterns and would sensitively feature the aesthetic aspects 

of the home’s architectural design and furnishings. It would accomplish this through a skillful 

balance of lighting science, technology, aesthetics (shadow, contrast, sparkle, color, glare 

control, etc.), and energy efficiency.

Most homeowners are not in a position to address home lighting in this manner. Indeed, new 

homes often come equipped with only the minimum lighting fixtures needed to meet the building 

code safety requirements. Then the balance of the lighting in the home is left to the homeowner 

to provide through personal choice or with the assistance of lighting showroom sales staff. 

Although this process can achieve satisfactory results, it typically includes little attention to 

energy-efficient lighting selections.

High performance lighting provides basic ambient lighting for all areas of the home—effective 

illumination to meet the IES guidelines in The Lighting Handbook, to provide excellent light 

quality (e.g., color, color rendering, and glare control [see the Definitions section of this guide]), 

and is very energy efficient. Lighting is typically considered as functioning in three layers:

ambient, task, and accent. Ambient lighting, the principal component of HPL, is the light needed 

for basic circulation and occupancy of a room. Task lighting meets the visibility needs of specific 

functional tasks such as food preparation or grooming. Accent lighting provides visual relief, 

visual attraction, and emphasis. Because builders normally include kitchen cabinets and 

appliances and bathroom fixtures in new home construction and often in major retrofits, and 

because these components define task areas, the task lighting for kitchens and baths is also a 

component of HPL. Task lighting for other functions such as reading or desk work is considered 

additional owner-provided fixtures. Accent lighting generally is not a feature of HPL. It is 

recommended that the homeowner-provided task and ambient lighting be installed using high 

efficiency lamps and fixtures to complement an HPL design. Figure 2 shows an example of

ambient lighting with accent lighting, and Figure 3 shows an example of ambient lighting with 

task lighting.

Figure 2. Ambient lighting with accent lighting. Figure 3. Ambient lighting with task lighting.
4

This guideline addresses a number of key aspects of lighting quality: color, accuracy of color 

rendering, control of glare, and presentation of a harmonious relationship with the architectural 

characteristics of the home (see Figure 4).

Figure 4. Architecturally integrated light cove.

One advantage of HPL is the longevity of the lamps. Screw-in CFL bulbs generally last up to ten 

times longer than standard incandescent “A” lamps. Pin-base CFL lamps last up to twelve times 

longer than incandescent lamps, linear fluorescents last up to thirty times longer, and LEDs last

up to fifty times longer. With HPL, lamps do not have to be replaced as often, providing reduced

cost and the distinct advantage of convenience when fixtures are hard to reach or are used

frequently. Figure 5 compares lamp life for LED, fluorescent, CFL, and incandescent lamps.

Figure 5. Lamp life, 1,000 hours.

The HPL described in this guide is builder-installed, hard-wired lighting. The builder and 

homeowner can control this lighting design at initial construction of the home, in either new 

construction or major remodeling.
5

The lighting designs in this guide are effective in rooms with relatively light-colored walls, 

ceilings, and floor surfaces, as shown in Figure 6. Dark-colored room surfaces, as shown in 

Figure 7, will reduce illumination levels—in some cases, drastically. To achieve the same 

illumination levels, more fixtures or higher wattage fixtures may be necessary in dark-colored

rooms. The amount of increase that is necessary depends on the extent and intensity of the darkcolored surfaces in the room.

Figure 6. Ambient lighting in a light-colored 

room.

Figure 7. Ambient lighting in a dark-colored 

room.

Many forms of HPL employ fixtures that are “design neutral”; in other words, the fixtures are 

incorporated into the basic construction of the house and do not require the aesthetic choice of a 

fixture style. With such neutral lighting, it is easier to achieve wide coverage for basic ambient 

lighting before requiring the homeowner’s fixture style decisions. Examples of such fixtures are 

downlights, wall washers, soffit lights, valance lights, and cove lights as shown in Figure 8

through Figure 12, respectively.

Figure 8. Recessed downlight. Figure 9. Wall washers.
6

Figure 10. Light soffit. Figure 11. Valance lighting.

Figure 12. Light coves.

There is a great range in the extent of coverage of lighting systems built into a house at initial 

construction, represented by the following levels: 

• Code compliance (lowest level). At this level, only the lighting required to meet the 

building code is installed, which typically includes the fixtures that are installed along 

circulation paths such as outdoor entry lights, halls, and stairs and a single light in the 

kitchen and bathrooms. All other rooms may simply have a switched outlet that 

would control an owner-supplied portable lamp. At this level, a monetary lighting 

allowance typically is offered for homeowners to select a limited number of 

additional built-in, hard-wired fixtures. This level of built-in lighting typically does 

not provide the minimum illumination to meet the levels recommended by IES.

• Key room lighting (mid-level). At this level, in addition to code compliance lighting, 

light fixtures are installed in rooms where the fixtures, cabinetry, and appliances 

generally determine the principal use patterns. This includes lighting in the kitchen 

and bathrooms, as well as an entry hall chandelier and a dining room chandelier. 

Much of a lighting allowance may be used by the homeowner in making these 

selections. Similar to the code compliance level, this approach may not offer 

sufficient coverage throughout the house to meet the guidelines of The Lighting 

Handbook by IES. 
7

• Whole-house lighting (highest level). Increasingly, builders are working with 

homebuyers, lighting suppliers, and designers to install basic, built-in lighting in each 

room of a home. To a considerable degree, this lighting consists of the use of recessed 

downlights of various types (e.g., open reflectors, wall washers, accent spots) but also 

includes many types of ceiling fixtures, pendants, and wall sconces. This level 

typically meets all the needs for ambient lighting and satisfies many of the needs for 

task and accent lighting as well. Upon completion of such lighting installation, there 

will be relatively little need for additional portable lighting. When combined with an 

HPL approach, whole-house lighting offers the most complete performance and 

efficiency. 

This guide explains how to provide room ambient light levels consistent with The Lighting 

Handbook by IES, a recognized technical authority of quality practices in the lighting industry. 

The ambient light levels discussed here will cover all but highly specialized uses of a space.
8

The Resources Needed to Apply High Performance Lighting

The successful application of HPL in residential construction requires many players. Lighting is 

an aspect of house construction that involves the homeowner, the architect, the builder, the 

interior designer, the technical trades, realtors, assessors, and the financial industry. The

following is a discussion of the major issues that each player must support in the application of 

HPL in residential construction.

Homeowners

Homeowners will benefit from an understanding and appreciation of a quality lighting 

environment. This would include issues such as the following: glare control, layers of light, light 

color and color rendering, the architectural integration of lighting, light-colored surfaces, the 

sparkle and contrast in lighting, and IES illumination levels. This understanding is best acquired 

through the experience of real lighting installations such as those found in model homes. When 

homeowners gain this understanding of lighting, they will value quality lighting and will ask for 

it. This is the basis of the HPL process.

Builders

Builders need to understand the characteristics of HPL and the value it can add to the home. 

They should understand the design issues in order to work with architects and interior designers 

in designing the lighting system. They also must understand the purchasing implications and the 

extent of trade management that may be involved, such as framing and coordination with the

electrician, drywaller, and painter. A good HPL installation must be carefully scheduled rather 

than being only a last-minute rush to buy energy-efficient light bulbs. Finally, the builder’s sales 

staff must be comfortable in explaining the quality and value that HPL brings to the new home.

The builder’s Selections Coordinator should work with the homeowner and the interior designer 

and/or architect, if appropriate. The Selections Coordinator should gain a working understanding 

of HPL objectives and process in order to be an effective interface between the homeowner and 

the electrical supply house or lighting showroom where the HPL purchases will be made. 

Architect and Interior Designer

The architect and interior designer may use this guide in developing a lighting design for the 

home to understand how light affects the perception of space; glare control; how surface 

brightness (walls and ceilings) affects the expansiveness of rooms; shadows; sparkle; ambient, 

task, and accent layers of light; correlated color temperature (CCT); color rendering index (CRI);

architectural integration (e.g., coves, valances, soffits); IES light levels; and fixture efficacy. This 

guide will provide information to help architects and designers keep abreast of the rapid changes 

in lamps, fixtures, and controls, in order to translate the homeowner’s wishes into a real 

installation.

Trade Partners

Several trades typically are involved in a lighting installation. The key player is the electrician.

Because some of the elements of an HPL design may be new to the electrician, it is valuable to 

bring the electrician into the discussion somewhat earlier than would normally occur. High 

performance lighting is not difficult for the electrician to install, but it often requires a bit of 

advance planning in both ordering and installation. Advanced control systems may require 
9

commissioning by the electrician as well as installation. Coordination with carpenters will be 

required in the case of cove, valance, or soffit lighting. Kitchen lighting often must be 

coordinated with cabinet installation. The drywall contractor will have to work around more 

built-in fixtures. The painting contractor may be required to address a few special painting areas 

for reflectivity. None of this is difficult, but it requires a bit more thought and coordination early 

in the process. Note that after several homes are built using HPL, much of this construction 

practice will become routine.

Realtors, Appraisers, and Mortgage Lenders

The realty and mortgage industries play an important role in the success of HPL application. 

High performance lighting is quality, energy-efficient lighting, and these team members must 

value it as such. Realtors need to appreciate and promote the quality and value that HPL adds to 

the home. Appraisers must include this value in their assessments, and mortgage lenders must be 

equally supportive. If homeowners want HPL as part of their home, realtors, appraisers, and 

mortgage lenders will respond.

Electrical Suppliers

Electrical suppliers play a key role in implementing HPL. They are the local source of the lamps, 

fixtures, controls, equipment, and supplies required for HPL installation. As HPL is applied in 

homes, electrical suppliers must develop the inventory to meet builders’ requirements on 

schedule. This is not always easy because some of the leading-edge technology employed in 

HPL, notably LED and CFL fixtures, is just now entering the market. As the HPL design is being 

developed, it would be helpful to include the electrician and supplier in an assessment of supply 

needs well before the schedule calls for delivery. This gives the supplier adequate time to order 

and receive the needed materials, thereby reducing the potential for future delays in construction. 

Also, electrical suppliers need to be aware of the danger of product substitutions. High 

performance lighting products are often selected carefully, and their specific performance 

characteristics are important to the success of the project. Any proposed product substitution 

should be evaluated with equal care. Again, this is not a difficult process; it simply requires a bit 

of forethought.

Lighting Manufacturers

Lighting manufacturers are the ultimate source for most of what goes into an HPL installation. 

Much is available today from manufacturers’ product lines that meets most, but not all, the needs 

of an HPL design. The leading edge of lighting technology is currently LED lighting and, to a 

lesser extent, CFL lighting. Understandably, the first luminaires are developed for commercial 

applications where cost tolerance levels are higher. But manufacturers must recognize the huge 

residential market potential and must introduce appropriate products that can fit into the 

economics of residential construction. For example, a limited offering of a few fixture types in 

LED technology that applied to recessed downlights, wall washers, undercabinet lights, and cove 

lighting would go a long way toward meeting the needs of a whole-house HPL design. Although

significant advances are being made rapidly in LED lighting, most LED lamps and fixtures are 

lacking in performance, price level, or both.
10

Codes, Standards, and Guidelines

Several codes, standards, and guidelines are resources for the application of HPL. These include 

the following:

• IES Residential Illuminance Guidelines

• ENERGY STAR® Labeling

• U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Lighting Facts Label

• U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Lighting Facts Label

• Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007 Minimum Lamp Efficiencies

• California Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standard.

Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) Guidelines

The 10th edition of The Lighting Handbook (see Figure 13), in Chapter 33, presents Residential 

Illuminance Guidelines providing an extensive list of illumination values for different room 

types and activities. These cover both ambient and task lighting. Accent lighting is covered in 

Chapter 15. The guidelines are focused on light levels for good lighting and are not the same as 

the energy codes that are focused on energy consumption. Designing to IES light levels is a great 

help in meeting residential energy code requirements.

Figure 13. The Lighting Handbook, 10th edition, by IES.
11

The IES guidelines are expressed in footcandles (FC) of illumination, a common measurement in 

the lighting industry. The examples below show common lighting experiences expressed in 

footcandles (see Figure 14):

• Bright moonlit night: 1/100 FC

• Enough light to see in a dim room: 1 FC

• Ample light to move about in a room: 3 FC

• Kitchen counter with under-cabinet lights: 20 to 90 FC.

Figure 14. Example illumination levels.
12

Figure 15 shows illuminance measuring heights for the kitchen, bathroom, and floor.

Figure 15. Illuminance measuring heights for (left) kitchen, (right) bathroom, 

and floor illumination.

(Arrows indicate surfaces to be illuminated).

IES has defined outdoor lighting zones, as shown in Table 1, based on the generally perceived 

light level of the area. They range from LZ0, no ambient light, to LZ4, high ambient light levels 

(shopping mall). Typical residential areas are approximately LZ3, moderately high ambient 

level. (See Table 26.4 in The Lighting Handbook by IES.)

Table 1 shows illuminance levels that apply to the ambient and task headings appropriate to 

HPL. The table lists both horizontal and vertical illuminance values. 
13

In most cases the horizontal illuminance is the value of interest. The principal areas of interest 

for vertical illuminance are kitchen cabinets, vanity (grooming), and outdoor entry. The 

recommended horizontal illuminance levels for most rooms may be measured at the floor. Where 

working areas are installed, such as kitchen counters or bath vanities and fixtures, horizontal 

illuminance may be measured at the work surface, typically about 3 feet. For measuring vertical 

illuminance, a height of 5 feet is satisfactory for vanity, entry locations, and kitchen cabinets. 

Furthermore, the values listed are applicable to the occupant age group 25 to 65 years old. The 

tabulated values are taken from Table 33.2 in The Lighting Handbook by IES. The handbook 

may be referenced if greater detail or different age ranges is desired. 

Table 1. Residential Illuminance Recommendations.

Room Area/Task

Horizontal

Illuminance

(FC)

Vertical

Illuminance

(FC)

Bath

Shower/tub 5 2

Toilet 10 3

Vanity (grooming) 30 40

Bedroom General (dressing) 5 3

Hallway 3 0.6

Closet

Non-walk-in 10 4

Walk-in 30 10

Dining

Formal 5 2

Informal 10 4

Study use 20 5

Family Room 10 4

Foyer (night) 3 1

Garage (general) 5 5

Kitchen

Breakfast area 20 5

Cabinets 0 5

Cooktop 30 5

General 5 2

Prep. Counter 50 7.5

Sink 30 5
14

Room Area/Task

Horizontal

Illuminance

(FC)

Vertical

Illuminance

(FC)

Laundry (general) 20 5

Living Room 3 3

Home Office 20 3

Stairs (general) 5 0

Exterior (based on Light Zone 3)

Entry – Primary 0.8 1.5

Entry – Secondary 0.4 0.1

Walk light 0.2 0.1

Steps 0.2 0

Decks/Patios 0.6 0.2

ENERGY STAR Labeling

The ENERGY STAR labeling program, run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

(EPA), provides assurance of good levels of performance and quality construction for a wide 

selection of both lamps (bulbs) and lighting fixtures. For HPL installations, ENERGY STARlabeled lamps and fixtures should be employed to the greatest extent possible. Figure 16 shows 

the ENERGY STAR label.

Figure 16. The ENERGY STAR label.
15

U.S. Department of Energy Lighting Facts® Label

This label, first developed by the DOE, lists many of the key performance facts for a lamp (see

Figure 17). Of particular interest in the application of HPL are lumen output, lumens per watt 

(efficiency), CCT, and CRI. These factors, developed from independent testing, provide a good 

means of judging lamp performance. The DOE Lighting Facts labeling program is a voluntary 

program but is being adopted by most major lamp manufacturers. Initial application has been for 

LED replacement lamps and luminaires and has been extremely helpful in assessing 

incandescent equivalence in both light output (lumens) and quality (CCT, CRI).

Note that the DOE Lighting Facts label is applicable to both lamps (bulbs) and luminaires 

(fixtures). Because of this, the term “efficacy” is used to express the efficiency of a lamp alone 

or a full light producing luminaire. This is essential for rating LED luminaires as the heat 

dissipating characteristics and optical properties have a significant impact on luminaire light 

output.

Figure 17. The DOE Lighting Facts label.
16

U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Lighting Facts Label

The FTC has adopted the Lighting Facts label (see Figure 18) in a somewhat similar form. It 

does not include a CRI or efficiency but does include information on lamp life. At the point of 

common use, the label can serve as a first-pass efficiency comparison for all medium screw-base 

lamp options. Its application will be mandatory for medium screw-base lamps of all 

technologies: incandescent, CFL, or LED. 

Figure 18. The FTC Lighting Facts label.

Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, Minimum Lamp Efficiencies

EISA 2007 established minimum levels of efficiency for “general service” lamps. These are 

estimated to produce a reduction of 25% in operating energy from 2007 technology. The 

requirements are scheduled to be phased in starting in January 2012 for several lamp sizes, all 

less than 100W. The improvements are so slight that redesigned incandescent lamps will be 

acceptable. The efficiencies do not exceed 36 lumens/watt and cannot be considered suitable for 

HPL. Table 2 shows the current phase-in schedule.

Table 2. General Service Incandescent Lamps.

Rated 

Lumens

Maximum

Rated 

Watts

Minimum 

Rated 

Lifetime (hr)

Effective

Date Lumens/Watt

1490–2600 72 1000 1/1/2012 36

1050–1489 53 1000 1/1/2013 28

750–1049 43 1000 1/1/2014 24

310–749 29 1000 1/1/2014 26
17 

U.S. Department of Energy CALiPER Program

The DOE Solid-State Lighting (SSL) “Commercially Available LED Product Evaluation and 

Reporting” CALiPER program (see Figure 19) independently tests and provides unbiased 

information on the performance of commercially available SSL products. Results are presented 

at several levels of detail, as follows: 

• Summary reports

• Detailed reports

• Benchmark reports. 

The entire SSL luminaire is tested, not only the lamp, for the following two reasons:

1. There is no industry standard test procedure for rating the luminous flux of LED devices 

or arrays, and

2. LED performance is temperature sensitive, and luminaire design has a material impact on 

the performance of LEDs used in the luminaire. 

Figure 19. A DOE CALiPER summary report. 

California Title 24 Requirements

In California, the 2008 Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standard set requirements for fixture 

efficacy and control for many rooms of the house. It requires the use of high efficacy fixtures or 

low efficacy fixtures with lighting controls in different combinations in all rooms. What it does 

not do is key installed lighting to illumination requirements. Thus, while allowing great design 

flexibility for a lighting installation, Title 24 does not guide the reduction of installed lighting to 

levels that meet the guidelines of The Lighting Handbook by IES. 

The Title 24 Residential Lighting Design Guide (see Figure 20) provides representative designs 

for many rooms of the house and includes fixture specification and control options consistent 

with the Title 24 requirements. This Strategy Guideline: High Performance Residential Lighting

may be used in conjunction with the Title 24 guide to develop a wide range of lighting solutions. 
18

This includes the range in extent of coverage (code compliant, key rooms, and whole-house 

design) and a range in lighting quality (direct lighting, recessed lighting, or indirect lighting). 

Figure 20. California Title 24 Lighting Guide.
19

The Interaction of High Performance Lighting with Other 

Construction Components

Perhaps the strongest HPL interaction is with the HVAC system. Because the wattage of the 

lamps (bulbs) is much lower than that of typical incandescent lighting, cooling loads are reduced 

and heating loads are increased. Residential lighting is not typically included, either positively or 

negatively, in Manual J Residential Load Calculation (Rutkowski 2006). Therefore, actual 

reductions in cooling load will not show up in sizing of the air conditioning unit nor will the 

actual increases in heating loads affect the sizing of the heating equipment. However, because 

more efficient lighting runs cooler than standard incandescent lighting, during air conditioning 

periods the cooling load in the home will be lower, and the air conditioning energy and 

electricity costs will be reduced as well. During heating seasons, the more efficient HPL will not 

provide as much internal heat as standard incandescent bulbs, and this will be made up by the 

heating system. However, the home heating system is generally a more cost-effective way of 

heating than are electric lights, so there will be overall energy and cost savings, even during 

winter months.

Particularly when light coves, valances, or soffits are used in an HPL design, coordination with 

carpentry trades will be critical. Carpenters will need to understand the light performance needs 

and the fixture details and dimensions to properly construct these lighting “built-ins.”

Several aspects of the interior designer’s work on the home will interact directly with an HPL 

installation. The choice of light-colored surfaces for ceilings, walls, floors, cabinetry, 

countertops, and furnishings greatly improves the effectiveness of the lighting installation. When 

light coves, valances, or soffits are employed, they may beneficially be considered as 

components of an interior trim and finish schedule process. When decorative fixtures are 

selected, such as chandeliers, pendants, wall sconces, or bathroom fixtures, while chosen for 

aesthetic properties, they should also be fixtures of high efficiency and good performance 

characteristics (e.g., CCT and CRI). ENERGY STAR fixtures are a good way to ensure this 

performance quality. Figure 21 and Figure 22 show examples of decorative fixtures.

Figure 21. Example of a decorative bath fixture. Figure 22. Example of a decorative ceiling 

fixture.
20

Measuring High Performance Lighting Accomplishment

Because HPL strategies can be applied at several levels of coverage, there are different measures 

of accomplishment that are appropriate.

• For the code compliance or key room lighting levels of completeness as previously 

described, one may choose to replace lamps in conventional (incandescent) fixtures or 

to change-out fixtures to HPL types. In either case, a practical measure is to assess the 

total installed wattage of the HPL installation employing different combinations of 

tubular fluorescent, CFL, or LED sources. The lowest total wattage is the most energy 

efficient. Note that the installed cost will affect the choices as well, and this is 

discussed in a later section of this guide.

• With a whole-house HPL design, it is practical to assess total installed wattage and 

wattage per square foot of floor area for alternative designs. It is also practical to

assess savings in installed wattage as compared to the incandescent equivalent. 

It is tempting to consider annual lighting energy cost savings as a measure of an HPL 

installation. Part of such an assessment calculation is known: the difference in installed wattage 

between the base system (incandescent) and the HPL system. What is not known is the pattern of 

use of the system by the building occupants and thus the annual hours of use of each fixture in 

the system. Further, this pattern of use is highly variable based on the homeowners’ living 

patterns and even the climate region. For these reasons, installed watts and watts per square foot

are the appropriate measures of merit for an HPL installation.
21

The Availability and Cost of High Performance Lighting

Traditional residential, incandescent lighting varies widely in both availability and cost. It ranges

from inexpensive fixtures available at big-box retailers to costly and elaborate custom fixtures 

available only on order or through lighting showrooms. There is a similar wide range of 

availability and cost for HPL, although the total number of fixture choices of both CFLs and 

LEDs is much smaller than that of incandescent offerings. High performance lighting also 

focuses primarily on background or “design neutral” built-in lighting fixtures that do not bear an 

aesthetic premium. Availability and cost are a bit different for the several categories of HPL:

tubular fluorescents, built-in CFLs, decorative CFLs, built-in LEDs, and decorative LEDs. Key 

characteristics of each of these categories follow.

Tubular fluorescent strip lights (see Figure 23 through Figure 25)—the simplest of fluorescent 

fixtures used in coves, valances, and soffits—are generally available in both big-box and lighting 

supply stores and range in cost from $20 to $30, depending on length and lamp diameter. Ceiling 

surface and under-cabinet tubular fluorescent fixtures are similarly available but are somewhat 

more expensive because of their decorative features or lenses necessary to create appropriate 

lighting quality. 

Figure 23. Strip light.

 (Courtesy of Progress Lighting)

Figure 24. Ceiling surface fixture.

 (Courtesy of Progress Lighting)

Figure 25. Under-cabinet fixture.

(Courtesy of Progress Lighting)

Compact fluorescent lighting fixtures for built-in applications, recessed downlights, and wall 

washers are somewhat limited in availability. Figure 26 shows an example of a recessed 

downlight. Big-box retailers stock only the simplest versions of these; for a wider range of 

wattage, reflector type, and trim, fixtures usually must be ordered from electrical supply houses 

or lighting showrooms. For basic models of recessed downlights, CFL versions cost 

approximately twice what the incandescent versions cost and thus fall in the $30 to $60 range. 

The costs for all other versions of built-in CFLs increase appreciably.
22

Figure 26. Recessed downlight.

(Courtesy of Progress Lighting)

Decorative CFLs, ceiling surface fixtures (see Figure 27), sconces (see Figure 28), and pendants 

(see Figure 29) are available in a wide range of styles from major residential lighting fixture 

manufacturers. They are available on order principally through electrical supply houses and 

lighting showrooms. Big-box retailers offer a very limited range of these fixtures. As with 

downlights, decorative CFL fixtures are more costly than their incandescent counterparts (i.e., 

they have more components, notably ballasts).

Figure 27. Ceiling surface, CFL fixture.

 (Courtesy of Progress Lighting)

Figure 28. Wall sconce. 

 (Courtesy of Progress Lighting)

Figure 29. Pendant fixture.

(Courtesy of Progress Lighting)
23

Built-in LED fixtures, downlights, and strip lights are becoming generally available as of this 

writing (fall 2011). Big-box retailers offer LED recessed downlights, equivalent to the widely 

used 65W BR30 incandescent downlight in its most basic white reflector form (see Figure 30). It 

is interesting to note that some of these LED fixtures cost no more than their CFL equivalents. 

Clearly, LEDs are improving in performance and decreasing in cost at a rapid rate. LED strip 

lights are generally available, but their light output, similar to that of incandescent “rope lights,” 

is suitable only for modest accent lighting. LEDs are much better suited than CFLs for 

installations that employ occupancy sensors giving instant on to full output. LED under-cabinet 

lights (see Figure 31) are also coming on the market, and some offer good light output. They are 

still much more expensive than their incandescent counterparts.

Manufacturers are just beginning to develop decorative LED fixtures. Some of the most 

interesting fixtures are in applications not well suited to CFL technology, such as the following:

• Chandeliers with sparkling points of LED light

• Track lights with the crispness of halogen MR16 lamps (see Figure 32)

• Dimmable fixtures of all types (LEDs may be dimmed with the proper driver and 

controls)

• Recessed step lights that benefit from the long life of LEDs (see Figure 33)

• Cove lights with the ability to run any length without gaps (see Figure 4)

• Accent lights and picture lights (see Figure 34)

• Outdoor fixtures (LEDs work well in cold weather) (see Figure 35)

These types of fixtures are available on order through electrical supply houses and lighting 

showrooms. Their costs are not yet competitive, but that is changing rapidly.

Figure 30. LED recessed downlight. Figure 31. LED undercabinet light.
24

Figure 32. LED track light. Figure 33. LED step lights.

Figure 34. LED accent light (picture light). Figure 35. LED outdoor light.
25

High Performance Lighting Strategies

There are three levels of HPL strategies that may be applied in new construction or remodeling:

changing the lamps (bulbs), changing the fixtures, or changing the design.

Changing the Lamps (Bulbs)

In this strategy, high efficiency replacement (medium screw-base) CFL or LED lamps are 

substituted for incandescent lamps in all of the fixtures in the house (see Figure 36 through 

Figure 38). The CFLs are quite good substitutes for general purpose A lamps (the standard light 

bulb) and are available in wattages to meet nearly all residential requirements. For reflector 

lamps, R, BR, MR, and PAR lamps, CFLs are only moderately effective replacements because 

they have relatively large light sources that do not work well with reflectors. (A filament point 

source is ideal.) Fortunately, LED technology that has compact light sources that work well with 

reflectors is becoming available. In combination, replacement CFL plus replacement LED lamps 

can be used to change out nearly all residential incandescent lamps. 

This is the simplest strategy, and it will save energy with every incandescent lamp (bulb) that is 

changed out. Unlike changing the fixtures, there is always the possibility of “back sliding” (i.e., 

returning to the use of incandescent lamps). For this reason, most energy codes give no credit to 

the installation of screw-in replacement CFL or LED lamps. Also, LEDs offer higher efficacy for 

a lighting application (say, a recessed downlight) with a well-designed LED luminaire than with 

a screw-in conversion lamp.

Figure 36. Comparison of CFL versus incandescent reflector lamps (bulbs).
26

Figure 37. CFL replacement lamp. Figure 38. LED replacement lamp.

Note that it is not practical to change-out old tubular fluorescent lamps with new higher 

efficiency lamps because the ballasts are specific to a lamp wattage. This change-out can be 

accomplished at the change-the-fixtures level.

Changing the Fixtures

In this strategy, high efficiency light fixtures are installed in place of standard fixtures wherever 

they are located in the house. This strategy is applied to the typical lighting layout used by the 

builder and does not require any new lighting design. High efficiency fixtures are available for 

nearly all types of lighting applications used in residential construction. High efficiency fixture 

types include CFL, tubular fluorescent, and LED. They include “design neutral” fixtures such as 

recessed downlights and many types of decorative fixtures of both CFL and LED. Decorative 

fixtures include ceiling surface fixtures, wall sconces, bath fixtures, chandeliers, pendants, and 

exterior fixtures. All fixtures—CFL, tubular fluorescent, and LED—include the ballast/LED 

driver specific to the lamps installed. If dimming is desired, attention must be paid to the specific 

requirements and compatibility of ballast/LED driver and dimmer. 

Changing the Design

The most effective way to employ HPL for a given room is to change the design in accordance 

with one of the three design packages: direct lighting, recessed lighting, and indirect lighting.

This approach includes incorporating as much hard-wired fluorescent and LED lighting as 

possible to minimize the amount of portable lighting used in the house. The lighting design 

should provide the ambient lighting needed for each room and, in some rooms, should also 

incorporate fluorescent/LED solutions for task lighting or even accent lighting.

Direct Lighting

This package is the simplest and, in some respects, the most efficient because it floods the entire 

room with light from a surface-mounted ceiling or wall fixture or white reflector recessed 

downlights. The main concern with this unshielded light source is glare, which can be unpleasant 

or even debilitating, with bright sources. The most appropriate application of this design is in 

service areas such as the laundry room, closets, garage, and basement. Figure 39 shows an 

example of direct lighting in a laundry room.
27

Figure 39. Direct lighting.

Recessed Lighting

This package involves the use of ceiling recessed downlights with clear reflectors (see Figure 

40). The clear reflector functions much like a PAR30 or PAR38 lamp in controlling the spread of 

light from the fixture and directing it downward. Light for the room comes from the objects 

illuminated by this downlight, typically the room furnishings and the floor. Light-colored 

furnishings and floor surfaces help to produce good illumination in the room. Dark-colored 

furnishings and surfaces, however, reduce illumination. Recessed downlights with clear 

reflectors provide an elegant appearance to the room, and, as concealed sources, they greatly 

reduce glare. With this type of lighting, the ceiling may be somewhat darker (depending largely 

on the brightness and reflectivity of the room furnishings and floor surface) and may appear 

lower. Wall surfaces may or may not be illuminated, depending on fixture position in the ceiling. 

When turned off, these fixtures present a noticeable circle in the ceiling.

Figure 40. Recessed lighting.
28

Indirect Lighting

In this package, room surfaces—ceiling, walls, and floors—are illuminated by concealed source, 

indirect lighting from source types such as coves, valances, soffits, and ceiling recessed wall 

washers. For example, above kitchen cabinets there is often a natural cove created where linear 

fluorescents may easily provide an excellent wash of light across the ceiling for room ambient 

lighting. Coves may also be found as a clean extension of framing for a coffered or “tray” ceiling 

area. A cove or valance may fit readily to either side of a fireplace and can offer a logical 

emphasis to this key feature of a room. A typical and effective application of soffit lighting is 

above the vanity mirror in a bathroom, where its lighting quality can be excellent. Although 

useful in many locations, recessed wall wash downlights should not be aimed toward windows or 

doors because they can cause a blinding glare when viewed directly. Figure 41 shows various 

types of indirect lighting.

Figure 41. Indirect lighting.

The great advantages of lighting room surfaces are the inherent “naturalness” of the concealed 

source indirect light, its control of glare, and the ability to relate to and reinforce the visual forms 

of a room. The construction of coves, valances, and soffits requires some effort, but the reward is 

great in terms of the quality of the illuminated room.

Coves, valances, or soffits can be applied in a single location in a room or in several locations. 

Valances flanking a fireplace, for example, will provide ambient light that tapers to the far side 

of the room and can be quite effective as long as the lowest levels still meet the guidelines of The 

Lighting Handbook by IES. A cove in a raised ceiling area will generally continue all around the 

room and may offer quite even lighting conditions. Recessed wall washers are excellent for 

giving emphasis to one or more surfaces of a room. Pairing a cove along one side of a room with 

wall washers along adjacent walls is an effective combination that gives a rich visual play of 

ceiling and wall emphasis—all inherent, logical components of the room.
29

High Performance Lighting Strategies, Room by Room

The following designs are representative of the three lighting approaches—direct, recessed, and 

indirect—applied to the conditions of the specific type of room. Actual installations may require 

more or fewer fixtures, depending on the room size, configuration, and/or finish color (light or 

dark surfaces). Guidance for an actual installation will require both the design approach from this 

guide and the more detailed information on the selection of lamps, fixtures, and controls as found 

in the Application Resources section of this guide.

It is recommended that fluorescent and LED lamps be specified for 3000K CCT and 80+ CRI to 

the greatest extent possible. Such lamps will give an excellent fresh white light with good indoor 

color rendering, similar to the light of a halogen lamp.

The CRI is a measure of how accurately all colors are shown. The CRI of daylight is 100; thus, a

CRI of 80 gives very good indoor color rendering (see Figure 42). Color temperature is a 

measure of how “warm” or “cool” the light is with standard incandescent bulbs at 2700K and 

cool white fluorescent at 4100K. A numeric representation for the desirable properties, the 

number 830 (80 CRI, 3000K), often appears printed on the bulb or on the packaging.

Figure 43 shows the color differences among fluorescent lights with CCTs ranging from 2700 to 

6500.

Figure 42. Examples of CRI values.

 (From bottom to top) 2700, 3000, 3500, 

 4100, 5000, and 6500.

Figure 43. Fluorescent lights of different CCTs.

The following room designs consider the principles of direct lighting, recessed lighting, and 

indirect lighting. Figure 44 provides a legend that applies to the diagrams for each room design. 
30

Figure 44. Legend for room designs.
31

Family Room and Living Room

Figure 45. Family room.

Principles

The family room (see Figure 45) and living room areas are similar in purpose, so the lighting 

designs serve the same strategy. These lighting designs are intended to provide ambient 

illumination, meeting the guidelines of The Lighting Handbook by IES, for general room use and 

circulation.

These light levels may also be satisfactory for some room tasks such as watching TV, operating 

audio equipment, or playing board games. Other tasks in these rooms, such as reading or writing,

may warrant the provision of specific task lights. These would normally be portable lamps 

selected as part of an interior design activity.

The direct lighting designs provide simple, efficient direct illumination.

The recessed lighting design, using recessed downlights (with clear reflectors), provides a 

subdued and elegant pattern of general lighting with excellent glare control. A light-colored floor 

contributes greatly to the effectiveness of this design. A row of fixtures may be located relatively 

close to a wall to provide wall surface illumination. However, this will present scallops of light 

on the wall.

The indirect lighting design uses wall washers or coves to provide the most well-integrated 

lighting with excellent glare control. Wall wash lighting might feature a display of a painting or a 

fireplace. Wall wash lighting will tend to visually expand the size of the room. Cove lighting, by 

brightening the ceiling, will give a sense of greater ceiling height. 

Designs

Figure 46 through Figure 50 show some representative designs for family rooms and living 

rooms.
32

Figure 46. Direct - ceiling surface fixtures.

Large or small fixtures.

Figure 47. Direct - downlights.

Recessed downlights with white reflectors.
33

Figure 48. Recessed downlights.

Recessed downlights with clear reflectors.

Figure 49. Indirect - wall washers.
34

Figure 50. Indirect - cove lights.

Light cove with strip lights, continuous.

Kitchen

Figure 51. Kitchen.

Principles

These lighting designs for kitchens (see Figure 51) are intended to meet or exceed the guidelines

of The Lighting Handbook by IES. These guidelines provide an acceptable level for general 

room illumination. However, in kitchen lighting, levels tend to be significantly higher because 

ambient lighting often plays a second role as task lighting. The principal task areas in kitchens 

are the counter areas, including sinks and appliances. An important secondary task area is the 

interior of cabinets.
35

Kitchen designs are somewhat more extensive than those of other rooms because builders 

typically install the lighting for kitchen task areas, such as counters, cabinets, and appliances. 

Thus, it is practical to develop designs that include light fixtures for both task and ambient 

lighting. Most of the fixtures in the designs are “background fixtures” that have little or no 

aesthetic impact on the interior design, with the exception of pendants, which are included in the 

designs because they can play an important role in task lighting in areas without overhead 

cabinetry. A number of hard-wired CFL pendant fixtures are available from manufacturers that 

use pin-base CFL lamps, not screw-base CFL bulbs. LED pendants are also increasingly coming 

onto the market. Aesthetic considerations are critical in this selection, and, in many cases, this 

choice is left to the homeowner.

The direct lighting designs provide simple, efficient direct illumination. The high level flood of 

light throughout the room provides task lighting for countertops, peninsulas, or additional tables. 

Undercabinet lights prevent shadows from a person working at the counter.

The recessed lighting design, using recessed downlights (with clear reflectors), provides a 

subdued and elegant pattern of lighting with excellent glare control. Position the recessed 

downlights directly above the front edge of the countertop to provide good counter illumination 

and to put light into the interior of cabinets. Additional recessed downlights should be added to 

provide general room illumination. Undercabinet lights may be installed to ensure good, shadowfree, counter task illumination. Pendants may be substituted for recessed downlights over 

peninsula counters, freestanding counters, or additional tables.

The indirect lighting design primarily involves cove and undercabinet lighting. When wall 

cabinets are mounted with 10 to 12 or more inches of space to the ceiling, this cove with simple 

strip fluorescent fixtures provides excellent ambient light that unobtrusively integrates into the 

design of the kitchen. This design requires the use of undercabinet lights to provide good counter 

task light levels. At locations without wall cabinets, such as at the sink or at peninsulas, recessed 

downlights (with clear reflectors) provide good task and ambient light. Pendants may be 

substituted for these downlights with a similar lighting effect. 

Designs

Figure 52 through Figure 55 show some representative designs for kitchens.
36

Figure 52. Direct - ceiling surface fixture.

Ceiling surface, 1X4, plus undercabinet lights. Or ceiling 

surface, circular fixtures, plus undercabinet lights. Alternative, ceiling surface, 2X4, 

no undercabinet lights.

Figure 53. Direct - downlights.

Recessed downlights with white reflectors, plus undercabinet lights.
37

Figure 54. Recessed downlights.

Recessed downlights with clear reflectors at the counter 

edge and peninsula centerline, optional undercounter lights. Or 

substitute pendants over a peninsula or table.

Figure 55. Indirect - cove lights.

Above cabinet cove with T-5 or T-8 strip lights, recessed downlights 

with clear reflectors above the sink and a peninsula or table, and undercabinet lights. 

Or substitute pendants over a peninsula or table.
38

Bedrooms

Figure 56. Bedroom.

Principles

Bedrooms (see Figure 56) require general ambient illumination for basic room use and 

circulation. These lighting designs are intended to provide ambient illumination meeting the 

guidelines of The Lighting Handbook by IES. These light levels may also be satisfactory for 

some room tasks such as watching TV or dressing. Other tasks, such as reading, may warrant the 

provision of specific task lights. These would normally be portable lamps selected as part of an 

interior design activity.

The direct lighting designs provide simple, efficient direct illumination. 

The recessed lighting design, using recessed downlights (with clear reflectors), provides a 

subdued and elegant pattern of lighting with excellent glare control. Downlights can be 

positioned to give reading light if the location of the bed is known. A light-colored floor 

contributes greatly to the effectiveness of this design. 

The indirect lighting designs use wall washers or coves to provide the most well-integrated 

lighting with excellent glare control. Wall wash lighting will tend to visually expand the size of 

the room. Cove lighting, by brightening the ceiling, will give a sense of greater ceiling height. 

Wall wash or cove lighting can give a directional emphasis to a bedroom that is reflective of the 

bed placement.

Designs

Figure 57 through Figure 61 show some representative designs for bedrooms.
39

Figure 57. Direct - ceiling surface fixtures.

Figure 58. Direct - downlights.

Recessed downlights with white reflectors.
40

Figure 59. Recessed downlights.

Recessed downlights with clear reflectors.

Figure 60. Indirect - cove lights.

Light cove, T-5 or T-8 strip lights, continuous.
41

Figure 61. Indirect - wall washers.
42

Home Office

Figure 62. Home office.

Principles

The key lighting requirement in the home office (see Figure 62) is to control glare conditions on 

a computer screen. For this reason, no direct lighting designs are presented because, although 

they provide efficient illumination, they do so with considerable glare. These lighting designs are 

intended to provide ambient illumination meeting the guidelines of The Lighting Handbook by 

IES.

The recessed lighting design, using recessed downlights (with clear reflectors), provides a 

subdued pattern of lighting with very little computer screen glare. A light-colored floor 

contributes greatly to the effectiveness of this design. 

The indirect lighting designs use wall washers, coves, or valances to provide the most wellintegrated lighting with excellent glare control. Wall wash and cove lighting can provide 

illumination without visual hot spots. Valance lighting can visually expand the room both 

horizontally and vertically.

Designs

Figure 63 through Figure 65 show some representative designs for home offices.
43

Figure 63. Recessed downlights.

Recessed downlights with clear reflectors.

Figure 64. Indirect - cove lights.

Light cove or valance, T-5 or T-8 strip lights, continuous.
44

Figure 65. Indirect - Wall washers.
45

Dining Room

Figure 66. Dining room.

Principles

Dining room lighting typically features specific lighting at the dining table and sometimes at a 

sideboard. Functionally, the dining room (see Figure 66) may play several roles, including a 

formal dining area or a workspace. The HPL recommendations of this guide are intended to 

provide the IES-recommended ambient illumination level in a glare-free manner. This type of 

lighting will be compatible with the later addition of specific task lighting, such as a chandelier 

or pendant lamps over the dining table or as accent lighting at the sideboard. Dimming is often a 

desirable control in dining rooms.

Because of the desirability of glare-free illumination for ambient light in the dining room, no 

direct lighting designs are offered because they generally provide efficient light but with 

considerable glare. 

The recessed lighting design, using recessed downlights (with clear reflectors), provides a 

subdued and elegant pattern of general lighting with excellent glare control. A light-colored floor 

contributes greatly to the effectiveness of this design. 

The indirect lighting designs use wall washers or coves to provide well-integrated lighting with 

directionality and excellent glare control. Wall wash lighting will tend to visually expand the size 

of the room. Cove lighting is also often used with a “tray” ceiling, providing continuous 

illumination around the room and giving a sense of greater ceiling height.

Designs

Figure 67 through Figure 69 show some representative designs for dining rooms.
46

Figure 67. Recessed downlights.

Recessed downlights with clear reflectors.

Figure 68. Indirect - wall washers.
47

Figure 69. Indirect - cove lights.

Light cove, T-5 or T-8 strip lights.
48

Bathroom

Figure 70. Bathroom.

Principles

Bathroom lighting, similar to kitchen lighting, puts great emphasis on specific task areas. 

Because bathrooms (see Figure 70) are completed with fixtures and cabinetry during initial 

construction, it is practical to install lighting that is appropriate for the task areas. The most 

demanding area for lighting is at the vanity mirror. Here the ideal light illuminates the face from 

the sides as well as from above, reducing shadowing effects. The tub, shower, and commode 

areas all need adequate light as well. This may be provided by overall ambient lighting in open 

plan bathrooms or may require individual fixtures where these areas are partitioned off.

Small, open plan bathrooms and powder rooms can often be effectively illuminated from a single 

good-quality fixture at the vanity. Larger bathrooms generally require fixtures in addition to 

those at the vanity. Most of the designs include vanity lighting above or beside the mirror. This 

choice is often guided by fixture aesthetic considerations.

The direct lighting designs provide simple, efficient direct illumination. These fixtures flood the 

room with light in all directions. Direct lighting for the entire bathroom is sometimes provided 

by a light bar above the vanity mirror. 

The recessed lighting design, using recessed downlights (with clear reflectors), provides a 

subdued and elegant pattern of lighting with excellent glare control. A light-colored floor 

contributes greatly to the effectiveness of this design. It generally requires the addition of vanity 

lights or sconces at the mirror. 

The indirect lighting designs use valances, wall washers, or coves to provide the most wellintegrated lighting with excellent glare control. Wall wash lighting will tend to visually expand 

the size of the room. A single light valance at the vanity is often sufficient for the entire room.

Designs

Figure 71 through Figure 76 show some representative designs for bathrooms.
49

Figure 71. Direct - ceiling surface.

Ceiling surface mount, vanity light above mirror, or sconces 

beside mirror. Shower and toilet have recessed downlights, wet location.

Figure 72. Direct - downlights.

Recessed downlights with white reflectors. Vanity light above mirror, or sconces beside mirror. 

Shower and toilet have recessed downlights, wet location.
50

Figure 73. Recessed downlights.

Recessed downlights with clear reflectors. Vanity light above mirror, or sconces beside mirror. 

Shower and toilet have recessed downlights, wet location.

Figure 74. Indirect - cove lights.

Cove, T-5 or T-8 strip lights. Sconces beside mirror. Shower, tub, and toilet have recessed 

downlights, wet location.
51

Figure 75. Indirect - soffit light.

Soffit above vanity, T-5 or T-8 strip lights. Shower, tub, and 

toilet have recessed downlights, wet location.

Figure 76. Indirect - wall washers. 

Wall washers. Vanity light above mirror, or sconces beside 

mirror. Shower and toilet have recessed downlights, wet location.
52

Service Areas

Figure 77. Closet.

Principles

Service areas include closets (see Figure 77), laundry rooms, utility rooms, workrooms, 

unfinished basements, and garages. Because of their utilitarian nature, service areas benefit from 

the simplest level of direct lighting with surface mounted fixtures. Although the frequency and 

length of use of these rooms may not be high, it is common for occupants to leave these lights on 

and often unattended for long periods; therefore, the efficiency of HPL can provide significant 

value in reducing lighting energy costs. Use limiting controls are particularly effective in these 

areas.

The lighting in these rooms often serves as both task lighting and ambient lighting. Thus, it

provides somewhat higher levels of illumination than ambient lighting criteria alone would 

require. It is recommended that 830 (80 CRI, 3000K) lamps be used, even in these utilitarian 

spaces, for consistency with HPL in other rooms. It is particularly important to use these lamps 

for closet lighting so that clothing colors appear accurately. Selecting recessed lighting for 

closets will provide a crisp, dramatic illumination of clothes. 

In laundries and other workrooms where cabinetry is mounted above counter surfaces, the use of 

under-cabinet lighting is recommended for good task illumination. The high quality of light 

provided by indirect lighting is typically considered unnecessary for service areas.

Designs

Figure 78 through Figure 84 show some representative designs for various types of service areas.
53

Figure 78. Direct - ceiling surface fixtures.

Ceiling mount or pendant mount, garage.

Figure 79. Direct – wall surface light.

One under-cabinet light, small closet.
54

Figure 80. Direct – wall surface light.

One under-cabinet light, medium closet.

Figure 81. Direct - ceiling surface fixture.

Ceiling mount, large closet.
55

Figure 82. Direct - downlights.

Recessed downlights with white reflectors, large closet.

Figure 83. Direct - ceiling surface fixtures.

Ceiling mount, 1X4, basement.
56

Figure 84. Recessed downlights.

Recessed downlights with clear reflectors, large closet.
57

Hallway

Figure 85. Hallway.

Principles

To meet the guidelines of The Lighting Handbook by IES, hallway designs (see Figure 85) 

should provide ambient illumination for hallways up to 6 feet wide. For halls wider than 6 feet, 

lighting should be increased proportionally. The designs shown are applicable to hallways with 

up to 10-foot ceiling height. Greater heights will require higher wattage fixtures.

The direct lighting designs will provide simple, efficient direct illumination. 

The recessed lighting designs, using recessed downlights (with clear reflectors), provide a 

subdued and elegant pattern of illumination with excellent glare control. 

The indirect lighting design employs wall washers for illumination. These give brightness 

patterns on the walls that may be continuous or intermittent, depending on spacing. The light 

areas of the walls may also serve as illumination for artwork. Recessed wall washers are a good 

option to control glare.

Designs

Figure 86 through Figure 90 show some representative designs for hallways.
58

Figure 86. Direct - ceiling surface fixtures.

Figure 87. Direct - wall sconces.
59

Figure 88. Direct - downlights.

Recessed downlights with white reflectors.

Figure 89. Recessed downlights.

Recessed downlights with clear reflectors.
60

Figure 90. Indirect - wall washers.
61

Exterior Lighting

Figure 91. LED exterior lighting.

Principles

Only recently have high efficiency fixtures, both CFL and LED, become available to apply in 

residential exterior lighting (see Figure 91). Because of this, it is now practical to extend HPL 

principles to the outside of the house as well as the interior. In an HPL exterior lighting design,

illuminated exterior areas would generally be limited to areas of practical functional purposes 

rather than decoration. Thus, high-efficiency fixtures would be applied in three functional areas:

• Circulation paths and points of entry: doors, walks, driveways

• Activity areas: patios, decks, service yards

• Security lighting: building surfaces, service areas.

Note that when decorative lighting is desired, such as for seasonal (Christmas) lighting or 

landscape lighting, high efficiency fixtures should be employed. For example, very efficient 

LED Christmas lights are now available.

Designs

Figure 92 shows a representative design for exterior lighting.
62

Figure 92. Exterior lighting design.
63

Controls

An integral part of HPL design is the selection of appropriate controls for the lighting of each 

room. The controls used for HPL fall into three categories:

• Use limiting: standard switches, occupancy sensors, timers, solar controls (see Figure 

93 and Figure 94)

• Intensity limiting: dimmers (see Figure 95)

• Programmed patterns of use: lighting management systems (see Figure 96).

Use limiting controls are the most widely applicable. Every light will have at least an on/off 

control. Some lights will benefit from occupancy sensor control, the most useful being the 

manual on/automatic off that prevents lights from staying on after people leave the room.

Because unintended shutoff may occur when room occupants are very still, say, when reading or 

watching TV, the use of motion control automatic off switches may best be limited to rooms 

where lights are often inadvertently left on. Setting the shut-off interval to a longer time period, 

such as 20 or 30 minutes, may also help to reduce unintended shutoff. Motion controlled 

automatic on/automatic off is activated when a person enters or leaves the room. Such controls 

also are used often on exterior lights where they may be triggered by roaming animals. 

Sensitivity adjustments may help to limit such annoying performance. Timers and solar controls 

are particularly applicable to controlling exterior lighting where they respond to daylight 

conditions.

Intensity limiting controls are very desirable in rooms where the function, and thus the light 

levels, varies for different activities. A good example is the dining room table, which may be 

used for both formal dining as well as school homework preparation. Dimmers must be properly 

teamed with the fluorescent, CFL, or LED fixtures they control. Fixture manufacturers provide 

specific recommendations for appropriate dimmers, usually from several manufacturers.

Programmable controls and light management systems may be installed to control some or all of 

the lights in a home. In addition to dimming and on/off control, they can include occupancy 

sensors, timers, and daylight sensors. Different lighting combinations can be programmed for a 

variety of activities, such as day, night, vacation (security), party, etc. The system can be 

controlled from wall mounted terminals or remotely. Some systems include temperature control 

and window shade control options.

The inclusion of use limiting, intensity limiting, or programmable lighting controls in a lighting 

installation should result in energy savings over and above that of the more efficient lamps and 

luminaires. The amount of additional energy and cost savings that will be realized is highly 

variable and depends on the homeowners’ pattern of use. Clearly, for lights that may be left on 

unattended for long periods of time (e.g., lights in closets, laundries, basements, exterior), the 

inclusion of use limiting controls, which is a modest cost item, can result in considerable 

potential savings. Dimming controls are somewhat more costly and offer savings, but such 

savings are modest. The greatest benefit of dimming controls is the ability to adjust light to 

desired levels. The most costly control systems are the programmable whole-house lighting 

management systems, which may offer energy use savings but principally give a high level of 

multiscene lighting pattern control.
64

Examples

The following are examples of controls applications:

• Manual on/automatic off

o Basement

o Children’s bedrooms

• Automatic on/automatic off

o Interior rooms with no daylight, closets, bathrooms

o Exterior security lighting

• Timers

o Garage

• Dimmers

o Dining room

o Kitchen, breakfast area

o Family room

o Entry hall

• Timers/solar control

o Exterior lighting.

Figure 93. Manual on/automatic off control. Figure 94. Occupancy sensor.
65

Figure 95. Dimmer control. Figure 96. Programmable control.
66

Conclusions

This guideline presents a range of lighting design strategies that may be applied to the rooms of a 

house. The strategies may be applied from the simplest of actions such as changing the lamps 

(bulbs), to changing fixtures, to a comprehensive whole-house lighting design. For the individual 

room designs, light quality options are offered that cover direct lighting, recessed lighting, or 

indirect lighting.

This document is written to provide a high-level review of high performance residential lighting 

design strategies. It does not, however, provide application-specific details for implementation of 

these strategies. In the future, such companion documents may be developed and published 

under the DOE Building America program; however, the author is not aware of any plans to do 

so at this time.

An Application Resources section has been provided that lists many sources of application 

information from manufacturers and independent authorities. Information such as light output 

and mounting and spacing recommendations from such sources will assist in implementing the 

HPL strategies.
67

References

California Energy Commission Standards (2008). “2008 Residential Compliance Manual,” 

Chapter 6, Lighting. Sacramento, CA: California Energy Commission; available at 

http://energy.ca.gov/title24.

Illuminating Engineering Society (2011). “The Lighting Handbook,” 10th edition. New York: 

Illuminating Engineering Society.

Rutkowski, H. (2006). “Manual J Residential Load Calculation,” 8th edition. Arlington, VA: Air 

Conditioning Contractors of America.

U.S. Department of Energy, CALiPER Reports (Summary, Detailed, or Benchmark), available at 

http://eere.energy.gov/buildings/ssl/caliper.
68

Application Resources

California Lighting Technology Center (2008). “Title 24 Residential Lighting Design Guide.”

Davis, CA: California Lighting Technology Center; available at 

http://cltc.ucdavis.edu/images/documents/guides_reports/title24/Title24_|

Residential_Lighting_Design_Guide_2008.pdf (accessed July 2011).

Gordon, G. (2003). “Interior Lighting,” 4th edition, Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley; available at 

http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-047144118X.html.

Karlen, M. and J.R. Benya (2004). “Lighting Design Basics.” Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley;

available at http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-0471381624.html.

Leslie, R. and Conway, K. (1996). “The Lighting Pattern Book for Homes,” 2nd edition. New 

York: McGraw-Hill.

Lighting Research Center (2000). “Builders Guide to Home Lighting.” Troy, NY: Lighting 

Research Center; available at http://www.lrc.rpi.edu/researchAreas/residential.asp.

New Buildings Institute, “Advanced Lighting Guidelines.” Vancouver, WA: New Buildings 

Institute; available at http://newbuildings.org.

Zelinsky, M. (2006). “Complete Lighting Design: A Practical Design Guide for Perfect 

Lighting.” Minneapolis, MN: Quarry Books.

Examples of manufacturer’s information are as follows:

• Progress Lighting: “Progress Lighting’s LED Recessed Brochure”

“Progress Lighting Green Brochure”

Available at progresslighting.com

(resources, print materials)

• Lithonia Lighting;DOM 6 LED, downlight specification sheet

Reality-6” LED module, specification sheet

Available at lithonialighting.com 

(LED lighting, LED lighting products)

• Juno Lighting: VuLite LED Module, specification sheet

Available at junolightinggroup.com 

(VuLite retrofit LED module, V6RL3K-WH, specification sheet)

• Halo Lighting: LED downlight specification sheets

• Available at cooperindustries.com/content/public/en/brands/halo 

(LED, 494 open reflector trims, H7 LED trims, specification sheet)
DOE/GO-102012-3471 ▪ February 2012

Printed with a renewable-source ink on paper containing at 

least 50% wastepaper, including 10% post-consumer waste.