The Journal — Read Before You Renovate
Materials, budgets, upkeep — the lessons we've learned, written down.
91 articles
Light Shades Small Enough for Tight Spaces: A Practical Guide
Find light shades small enough for hallways, sconces, and cozy rooms. This guide...
Light Bulb Guide Size: How to Match Base, Shape, and Brightness to Your Fixture
Use this light bulb guide size to pick the right base, shape, and brightness for...
Pendant Light Shades: How to Choose the Right One for Every Room
Pendant light shades control everything about your room. Learn how to choose the...
Lamp and Lamp Shades: A Lighting Designer's Guide to Getting Both Right
Lamp and lamp shades work together to shape the light in your room. Learn how to...
The Ceiling Light Cover Guide: How to Choose, Replace, and Upgrade
Replacing a ceiling light cover is a quick DIY upgrade that changes how a room f...
Covered Ceiling Lights: A Lighting Engineer's Guide to Choosing Wisely
Covered ceiling lights are the unsung heroes of hallways and porches. Learn how ...
How to Choose the Right Flush Mount Ceiling Light for Every Room
Find the perfect flush mount ceiling light for every room, hall, and entryway. C...
Pendant Lighting: A Lighting Engineer's Guide to Hanging It Right
Learn pendant lighting rules from a lighting engineer: hanging height, spacing, ...
Table Lamps: How to Choose the Right One for Every Room
Table lamps do more than light a room. Learn how to choose the right size, shade...
How to Choose a Desk Lamp That Actually Works for Your Eyes
Choosing a desk lamp? Read this lighting engineer's guide to color temperature, ...
Lamp Shades and How to Choose the Right One for Every Room
Lamp shades and how to choose the right shape, fabric, and color for every room....
Why Lighting Is the Most Overlooked Part of Home Design
After walking through 200+ Texas homes, Leo Brennan has seen the same pattern re...