Lighting Built Around How You Live
Many DC homes were built long before anyone expected a ceiling full of fixtures. Plaster ceilings, shallow joists, and narrow floor plans mean a good layout takes planning. We walk the space with you, look at where natural light falls, and recommend fixtures that light the room evenly without glare.
Kitchens usually get task lighting under cabinets and focused cans over prep areas. Living rooms benefit from layered light — ambient recessed fixtures, accent lighting for art or built-ins, and dimmers to set the mood. Hallways and stairwells get lighting that keeps every step visible.
We also think about what you won't see: the wiring paths, the switch locations, and the loads on each circuit. A layout that looks good on paper but crowds a single circuit will flicker and trip, so we design the electrical side of the plan at the same time as the fixture side.
Residential Lighting Services
Our licensed electricians handle every part of the installation, including new circuits when your existing wiring can't carry the added load. Whether you're updating one room or relighting the whole house, the same crew stays with the project from the first walkthrough to the final bulb test.
- Recessed (can) lighting in new and existing ceilings
- LED retrofits that cut energy use and heat
- Dimmer, smart switch, and occupancy sensor installation
- Pendant, chandelier, and ceiling fan installation
- Under-cabinet and cove lighting
- Outdoor, porch, and security lighting
- Remodel-rated fixtures for plaster and shallow-ceiling homes
- New dedicated lighting circuits where existing wiring is maxed out
How a Lighting Project Works
It starts with a walkthrough. We note ceiling types, attic or joist access, existing switch locations, and the condition of the wiring that will feed the new fixtures. From there you get a written scope and a clear schedule before any work begins.
On installation day we protect floors and furniture, cut and wire each opening, and verify every fixture before we clean up. At the end you get a walkthrough of your own — every switch labeled, every dimmer set to the level you want, and every question answered before we leave.
Safe, Code-Compliant Work
Every fixture we install is wired to current electrical code, with correctly rated boxes, connections, and circuit protection. Where older wiring is a concern, we tell you plainly and give you options before any work starts.
That matters most in older DC row houses and mid-century Maryland homes, where lighting circuits often share space with original wiring that was never inspected. If we find something unsafe while opening a ceiling, we document it and fix it rather than leaving it hidden behind a new fixture. Ready to brighten your home? Call (202) 521-4835 for a free quote.
Lighting for Older DMV Homes
Capitol Hill row houses, Takoma bungalows, and Alexandria colonials all present different lighting challenges, and the same fixture rarely works in all three. Low ceilings call for flush and trim-profile fixtures; tall parlor ceilings can take pendants and chandeliers that would swallow a smaller room.
Because we work in these housing stocks every week, we can usually tell you during the walkthrough which approach will work and which will fight the house. That experience saves you from buying fixtures twice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you add recessed lights to an older plaster ceiling?
Yes. We use remodel-rated fixtures and careful cutting techniques to install recessed lighting in plaster and drywall ceilings with minimal patching.
Are LED fixtures worth the switch?
LED fixtures use far less energy than incandescent bulbs, run cooler, and last much longer, which makes them a practical upgrade for most homes.
Do you install smart lighting controls?
Yes. We install smart switches, dimmers, and sensors that work with popular home automation platforms.
How many recessed lights does a room need?
It depends on the room's size, ceiling height, and how you use it. We plan spacing during the walkthrough so the light is even without over-lighting the space.
Will new lighting overload my electrical panel?
Modern LED fixtures draw very little power, but multiple new circuits or large fixtures can add up. We calculate the load and add a circuit if the panel needs room.
Can you move a switch to a more convenient spot?
Yes. We relocate and add switches as part of a lighting project, including three-way setups at the top and bottom of stairs.