The Design Lab · Lighting Tools

Three tools. One lighting system.

Every one of these runs on the same method: start from the room and the light it needs, then work back to the fixtures. Two are free and focused. One plans a whole house. Here is what each does, so you can pick the one that fits where you are.


Compare the three
Free

Room Lighting Calculator

One room at a time. Enter the dimensions, ceiling height, and natural light, and get the lighting that room actually needs.

Best for

Planning or sanity-checking a single room before you shop.

  • Ambient, task, and accent lumen targets
  • Recessed fixture count and spacing
  • Color temperature for the room
  • Use it as many times as you like
Open the calculator

Free, no sign-up

Free

Fixture Sizing Calculator

You already know you're hanging a fixture. This sizes it to the room and the furniture below it, so it reads right.

Best for

Getting the diameter, count, and hanging height of a pendant or chandelier right.

  • Fixture diameter range for the space
  • Count and spacing over a table or island
  • Mounting and drop heights
  • Works with the room calculator
Open the calculator

Free, no sign-up

They agree with each other. All three tools use the same foot-candle method from Guide 01, so a room you check in the calculator lines up with the same room in the planner. Start free, move up when the project grows.

Work with me

When a tool isn't enough.

Some projects want more than a calculator. I take on a limited number of residential lighting plans, a complete room-by-room spec your electrician builds from.

See consultation options