Lightolier is a company with a rich history of growth and innovation. Founded in 1904, in the early days of electric lighting and by the 1920's, the company had published the first application-oriented "Stylebook" catalog. By the Second World War, Lightolier had built a reputation for design leadership in decorative lighting.

After the war, the company entered the architectural lighting market in a major way. Rapidly, Lightolier earned recognition for its sophisticated and sensitive designs. With its introduction of track lighting in the 1960's, the company became an important player in the fast growing store lighting market. Also in the 1960's the company began asserting its expertise in downlighting reflector technology. Lightolier figured importantly in the use of downlights in residential, as well as hospitality and entertainment spaces.

Throughout the 1970's, Lightolier pioneered high-performance fluorescent lighting, lighting systems for stores and office work spaces. Into the 1990's, Lightolier has concentrated on Energy Smart lighting and actively supports the development and adoption of good lighting.