We are always talking about how great ALA-member lighting showrooms are. With the help of Lighting magazine, we've broken down 6 of the top reasons showrooms are truly something special when it comes to shopping for lighting.

1. Choices

In a big box store, your choices are extremely limited—but that’s not the case in a showroom. In addition to whole families of a single fixture style, you’ll find loads of...

Wondering what's trending in lighting right now? Look no further than these eight design trends from Lighting magazine, then visit your local ALA-member showroom to make them a part of your home.

1. Botanicals - Pretty blooms and foliage offer an interesting riff on pattern, like in the Basilica by Eurofase.

2. Matte metals - Subtract the sheen for a more restrained accent, even...

Whether you're looking for a five-minute fix, or you've got a little more time and money to dedicate to an update, you can make an impact on your home through a lighting makeover. With the help of your local ALA-member showroom, you can easily incorporate one of these ideas into your home.

Five-minute fix

Switch out one of your light bulbs for an LED. We love this quick lighting fix for a couple of key reasons. LED light bulbs use less energy and last longer than their incandescent counterparts, so...

When it comes to lighting design, spaces not typically seen by guests sometimes do not get the attention they deserve. Household jobs are easier to tackle in an organized, well-lit space.

The laundry room, for example, requires adequate task lighting to be most functional. It is important to make sure the lighting in this room does not create distracting glare and shadows. Under-cabinet lighting may help illuminate darkened areas. An overhead light source is also a must.

You start and end almost every day in your bedroom, so shouldn't it be the place where you feel most comfortable? Through expertly curated fixtures and beautiful layers of light, your bedroom can quickly become your favorite room in the home - and not just because it's where you get your beauty rest.

Overall Illumination

The ambient, or general lighting in your bedroom is important for day-to-day activities, such as getting dressed or cleaning. You'll want a substantial, overhead fixture such as a chandelier or ceiling fan with a light kit to provide this key illumination....

Often overlooked, bathroom lighting is more than simply a functional light source. Lighting in a bathroom is obviously key for providing proper illumination for specific tasks, such as makeup application and shaving. Yet, the confines of such a small space make bathroom fixtures all the more noticeable and impactful on overall style and ambience.

When selecting lighting for a bathroom, consider the tasks that will take place in that particular bathroom. For example, is it for everyday use, just for kids, a powder room for guests?

When lighting a media viewing space, it is imperative to consider all sources of light. Natural light from outside is as influential as light from indoor fixtures. Multi-purpose spaces generally have windows, which create the need to control that light during the daytime as well as at night when even minor reflections can be distracting.

Motorized shades are a convenient and effective way to manipulate ambient light. Just as important as your light source is the time of day and season, all of which affect the amount of light coming in as well as the angle and intensity of the light....

Ready for a redo? Many homeowners resolve to kick start a new year by making improvements to themselves as well as their home. When it comes to home renovations, the first place on which most people focus their attention is the kitchen. According to the American Lighting Association (ALA), popular trends in finish-outs and appliances are impacting kitchen lighting choices.

In general, kitchen design is trending toward the contemporary side. Jeff Dross, corporate director, education and industry trends for Kichler Lighting, explains that homeowners with previously traditional taste...

The beginning of a new year is an opportunity for a fresh start for your home. One easy change that will make a big impact is a lighting update. Simply changing a fixture – a chandelier, a few pendants or even just a table lamp – can give a room a whole new look. Whether you are considering a minor update or a major renovation, stay on top of the latest lighting trends with a few tips from the American Lighting Association (ALA).

Mix and Match

Your home is a reflection of your style and personality. Create your own look by bringing in fixtures of various styles and...

Your bedroom is the perfect place to let your personal style shine, and the right lighting can provide the perfect finishing touch to your space. Whether your style leans towards more traditional, or you prefer clean lines and modern finishes, there are endless options.

Because the bedroom is a space where its critcal to have layers of light to adjust to your needs throughout the day, it's a particularly fun room to light. You'll first want to consider the sources of light you need. Most people perfer an overhead or ambient light source; task lighting on the bedside table and in...

Whether getting dressed, shaving, applying makeup or styling your hair, there are a variety of important tasks that take place in the bathroom mirror. Therefore, the quality of light in the bathroom is more important than ever. There are a few key aspects to your light bulbs you want to consider when choosing bathroom lighting:

1. Temperature - Use bulbs between 2700 - 3000 Kelvin color temperature for an appealing, warm tone.

2. CRI - This stands for color rendering index. To see the subtle colors of skin, makeup, hair and clothing, a CRI of 90-100 is best.

3. Placement...

When planning your dining room lighting, keep these easy tips in mind.

FIRST STEP: A chandelier in the middle of the room defines the space. Choose that fixture first, then work out with accent lights.

HANGING AROUND: Choose a chandelier with a diameter 12 inches less than the width of your table. The bottom of the chandelier should be 30 inches above table.

TALL ORDERS: For ceilings nine feet or higher, consider a two-tier style chandelier to fill the space from the fixture’s top to the ceiling.

DIMMER SHIMMER: Always use a dimmer on dining room lights. Light...

Proper office lighting is key to setting the stage for a productive workday. Whether setting up the lighting for a home office or adding touches to a public office space, it is critical to ensure the lighting provides optimal working conditions.

General lighting should be bright enough to provide for a comfortable workspace, but not so bright as to create undue glare off of your papers or computer screen. If your desk is in the center of the room, consider using two large LED ceiling fixtures on each side of your desk or four 6" recessed fixtures evenly spaced in the room with two of...

One of the most popular lighting layouts in kitchens is the use of shaded or hooded chandeliers above an island. Whether the island is used as prep space or seating, the shades provide glare control and reflect light down to where it is needed. Pendants and chandeliers come in a variety of styles. Currently, the biggest trends in kitchen aesthetics fall into six primary style categories:

Rustic – natural materials with a national park meets Central Park flair

New classic – timeless and simple; elegant without being overly ornate

Industrial – back to basics with simplicity...

To give your home’s exterior a fresh look, upgrade your outdoor lighting to complement existing landscaping and architectural elements. The same principles used for lighting your home’s interior apply for the exterior. You still need a mix of general, task and accent fixtures to get a comprehensive lighting design. While general lighting might be an overhead light with a few torchieres for accent, you can add path lights to serve as task lighting to help guests safely maneuver walkways. You can also draw attention to the unique architecture or outdoor features of your home with spotlights...

Today’s dining rooms reflect consumers’ changing lifestyles. Once solely for daily dining, this room has become more multipurpose. During the week, many homeowners now use the dining room as a task area for homework, crafts and meetings. On the weekends and special occasions, it is a gathering place for parties and meals. Consequently, dining rooms must be versatile with multiple lighting options that can go from functional to fashionable in the flick of a switch.

To get the best balance of illumination in the dining room, opt for layers of light. A dining room does not look well-lit...

Whether your TV is in the family room, dedicated media room or even an outdoor living area, everyone's viewing experience will be optimized with proper lighting. Poor lighting can be a distraction to relaxing family time and make viewers physically uncomfortable. Your investment in a high-definition big-screen TV and a quality sound system will be diminished if your set-up does not include proper lighting. Whether your space needs recessed cans with a pair of sconces or some other lighting configuration, an ALA-trained professional can recommend the best lighting products for your media...

You don't have to plan a lavish vacation to relax this summer. With the right lighting, your back yard can become your own private retreat, allowing you to enjoy a mini getaway without leaving your home.

It's easier - and less expensive - than you might imagine to transform your existing patio, deck or pool area into a space you'll love. A new lighting scheme can turn your back yard into an oasis by enhancing your existing outdoor furniture, landscaping and other amenities.

Layer Your Lights

Just like with indoor lighting, outdoor lighting is most effective when it...

At the end of the day, there’s nothing better than retreating to a luxurious, spa-inspired bathroom. You can create that same feel in your own bathroom with the right fixtures.

Decorative sconces, pendants, even chandeliers are popular in master bathrooms. If hanging fixtures over a tub, be sure they are at least 8 feet above the highest portion of the edge of the tub, including a 3-foot radius around the tub. Be sure to add dimmers to give your fancy fixtures the ability to soften the mood and create the perfect atmosphere. Get all the safety facts and see the latest fixtures at...

Office spaces are the perfect place to blend style with functionality. A stunning chandelier can add an unexpected element to a room, but it's not all about design. A high-quality, beautiful chandelier can also provide functional lighting to an office space.

Chandeliers add flare and a decorative focal point to almost any room in the house. They have traditionally been used in the dining room but are now commonly used in various rooms all around the home. Part of what makes chandeliers so great is their ability to serve as both a light source and a work of art. Adding a mid-century...

Until recently, shopping for light bulbs involved primarily focusing on wattage. After 2012, when the Department of Energy set standards specifying how much energy light bulbs can use, things became slightly more complicated.

Surprisingly, the tried-and-true wattage measurement we were all using to shop for light bulbs really wasn't telling us about the most important aspect of the bulb - how much light it puts out. Watts measure how much electricity is used by the bulb, not the bulb's light output.

However, for years, this wattage measurement was sufficient for determining...

Wall sconces are incredibly versatile lighting fixtures. While they are often used to add flare to a room, they can also serve very practical purposes. As a result, they are a great choice to add anywhere in your home.

Where to hang wall sconces

Where you hang your sconces depends on the lighting design you hope to create and the space in which you’re working, as they can be used for ambient lighting, task lighting or accent lighting.

If you are working in a large space, such as a living room, you may want your sconce to contribute to the room’s overall lighting – or...

Whether you're tackling a home remodel, a new build, or simply looking to update your dining room chandelier, the best place to start is always with a trained ALA-member lighting showroom professional.

When should I contact my local ALA-member showroom?

Of course, the earlier a lighting professional is involved in your project, the more they will be able to help ensure you have the optimal lighting for your space. It's never too early or too late to visit an ALA-member showroom to discuss your...

This weekend marks the start of daylight saving time. As we welcome longer days and warmer weather, now is the perfect time to start thinking about updating your outdoor space.

Outdoor lighting serves a variety of purposes, from safety and security, to adding style and interest to your home or garden. While daylight saving time means more hours of sunlight in the evenings, it is still important to consider your outdoor lighting design, especially if you plan to entertain guests over the spring and summer months.

Highlight Your Home

Adding landscape lighting to your home...

When developing a lighting plan for any room in your home, it is important to consider the three basic types of light - ambient, task and accent. The best lighting plans combine all three types to light an area according to function and style.

Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting, or general lighting, provides an area with overall illumination. Ambient lighting radiates a comfortable level of brightness without glare and allows you to see and walk about safely.

Various types of fixtures can provide overall illumination to a room, including chandeliers, ceiling fans with...

With the options available today, choosing a light bulb has become slightly more complicated for the average homeowner. If you find yourself wondering what bulb you need, here are a few tips to consider.

Know What's Available

There are three basic types of light bulbs available today:

1. Halogen Incandescent
2. CFL (Compact Fluorescent)
3. LED (Light Emitting Diode)

The halogen incandescent is very similar to the traditional household incandescent bulb, except that it is somewhat more efficient.

The CFL is more efficient still, but its use is...

Your bathroom is where you typically start and finish your day, so creating an inviting space can set the tone for a great day and a restful night's sleep. Unfortunately, many homeowners are left uninspired by their bathroom lighting design.

Where to Start

With bathroom lighting, you need to first think about the types of lighting fixtures you want to use. Many home designs use recessed LED light fixtures for overall illumination. This will illuminate your bathroom space efficiently, and adding dimmer switches will allow you to control the mood immediately.

Additionally,...

The right decor lighting this holiday season can help your guests appear more photogenic, boost their mood and make an amazing display.

When people think of the holidays, they think of string lights, glowing angels and motion-sensor reindeer. What about interior lighting? Your holiday decor shouldn't be limited to garland and a few cranberries.

We're here to help you bring some of the holiday magic inside this year.

Creating Gathering Spots

When hosting a holiday event, it is important to have plenty of cozy spaces throughout your home where family and friends can...

A longtime lighting staple of dining rooms and foyers, chandeliers are gaining popularity in unexpected places. This classic lighting piece can be found in kitchens, bedrooms, walk-in closets and even bathrooms.

Not only are these eye-catching fixtures a great source of ambient light, they can also serve as a focal point around which you can build the design of an entire room.

If you're considering installing a chandelier, here are a few tips to help you select the perfect fixture for your space.

Consider the Unexpected

Traditionally, chandeliers have come with...

Your interior lighting design has a huge impact on mood, productivity levels, sleep quality and more. It shouldn't be surprising then how important your home lighting is to a successful holiday.

With their versatility and energy efficiency, LED lights offer an array of options to light your home for the holidays. However, because LED lighting is relatively new to the residential market, it can be confusing when trying to implement this technology into your home. The holidays are not the time to play the guessing game, so consider this information when updating your bulbs and...

The holiday season is right around the corner, which makes this the perfect time to spruce up your home before entertaining friends and family. Whether your guests are coming just to watch the big game or to stay for an extended period of time, your media space will no doubt be a popular gathering spot. The American Lighting Association suggests a few ways to enhance everyone’s viewing experience.

No matter what kind of space you have, whether it’s a dedicated media room, a simple TV nook or something in between, the fundamental components are comfort and appropriate lighting. For...

Decorative lights are the unsung heroes of great lighting design. These statement fixtures are important in conveying specific design themes, and can also be used in light layering.

Choosing light fixtures can be a complicated task. Lighting and ceiling fans are crucial in not only the functionality of the rooms in your home, but also the design. Decorative light fixtures come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can help you fulfill the important task of including layers of light in your design.

Typically, decorative lights play the role of adding a layer of adornment to the...

No longer do you have to choose between comfort and design when it comes to your home. Once thought of as purely utilitarian, today's ceiling fans offer sophisticated styling, designer finishes and glamorous accents.

According to the American Lighting Association (ALA), ceiling fans are a unique home cooling option, as they blend aspects of both form and function to improve comfort while enhancing home décor. Indeed, there are many ceiling fan models available that can serve as an eclectic centerpiece for any room, without sacrificing cooling air movement.

Modern features, such...

One of the main goals of home décor is to make your space inviting. The right interior lighting adds the perfect amount of warmth to any room. For interior designers, a major point of direction will often be your home's lighting design. With numerous styles to pick from, it can be overwhelming to decide how to best light up your home.

Floor lamps can be a little tricky to perfectly incorporate into your home's design. Here are some simple tips to make floor lamps a significant part of your home lighting:

1. Look to Small Spaces

Floor lamps can provide additional ambient...

While there are plenty of ways you can bring new life to your home through lighting design, there are also some common mistakes to avoid.

If there seems to be a void or a piece missing in your home's lighting design, here are five common lighting mistakes to consider:

1. No Control Over Your Lights

It might sound simple enough, but light dimmers, motion sensors, timers and automated systems all help you stay in control of your lighting. When you're unsure if the room is too dark or too bright, dimmers help you solve the problem with a middle ground. Moods change, and so...

One of the bigger trends in home design is using natural elements to bring the outdoors inside. It's a design aesthetic that people have tried to perfect for generations, as organic looks and elements tend to create a serene environment in the home.

At the same time, bringing home lighting designs into your organic and natural décor can be a tricky task to tackle. However, there are some ways to get you moving in the right direction - toward efficient and practical lighting - while still maintaining the natural elements in your home.

Simplicity Brings Peace

For many...

The shift toward LED light bulbs in interior design is happening quickly, as manufacturers and homeowners find more ways to use these new types of lighting inside common areas of homes.

LEDs come in a wide variety of hues and colors that can transform an ordinary bathroom into something that will give you an artistic experience when you get ready for work in the morning.

According to The Wall Street Journal, not only are LEDs extremely efficient and effective at reducing home electricity costs, but they are allowing light designers to get...

Entrances, hallways and foyers all have a major commonality: These spaces are typically the focal point to the entrance of your home. Guests are greeted in these areas and you use the spaces as a means to get to other rooms throughout your home.

While these spaces are one of the first you and your guests will see upon entering your home, they can be some of the harder spots in a house to light. These areas are difficult because most foyers or entrances are not alike, which means you have to take into account the design of your home.

Creating a Grand Entrance

If you're...

Artificial light is a necessary feature for home kitchens. In this space, you work with sharp tools and depend on your eyes to chop, read labels, inspect food and to clean up afterward. With so much importance on kitchen lighting design, you have to be practical. However, this shouldn't limit you from making a bold statement in your kitchen.

Since each kitchen is different, you have to ensure your lighting design is optimal for your particular space.

Find the Focal Point of Your Kitchen

Because each kitchen is different, you want to make sure you focus on the focal point...