What do consumers get wrong about outdoor lighting? Manufacturers weigh in

Misconceptions abound over the value and the use of decorative outdoor lighting. We polled a handful of manufacturers of outdoor lighting about what homeowners and designers get wrong about this segment of the business. Here’s what they had to say:

“I believe the biggest misconception is that more light equals better design. In reality, great outdoor lighting is not about the light itself; it’s more about the shadows. If you over-light your yard, you will flatten the landscape and wash out the textures, giving a more commercial atmosphere instead of the luxury space you would like for your yard.  We are seeing a low intense, layered lighting used by designers for a soft, even wash, preventing dark voids in a space.” — Riki Lent, vice president of sales & marketing, Alteck Lighting

“[A misconception is ] that it should be bright and uniform. The most successful spaces rely on restraint—layered, low-level light that creates atmosphere and contrast. Another misconception is that fixtures are purely functional, when in reality they play a key role in the overall design language.” — Paul Grosse, director of design development for Visual Comfort‘s Signature collection

“There are two persistent misconceptions. The first is that outdoor lighting is an afterthought; something addressed at the end of a project. In reality, it should be considered early. It has an immediate impact on how a home is perceived, shaping both the architecture and the overall composition with relatively minimal intervention. A well-considered lighting update can fundamentally change the exterior without requiring a full renovation. The second is that the category is limited or dated. That does not reflect the Visual Comfort Modern or Studio assortment in any way. Across both Visual Comfort Modern and Studio Collections, there is a broad range of design languages, materials, and performance capabilities. The Studio Collection, in particular, offers flexibility across price points and environments, including solutions engineered for coastal conditions where durability is critical. Within the Modern Collection, the focus is on more architectural and contemporary forms, with a strong emphasis on innovation and material clarity. Designers like Sean Lavin continue to push the category forward with collections that are deliberately minimal, designed like the Aspen Collection to technically innovative collections like Christov and Froler. The result is outdoor lighting that feels considered, current, and fully aligned with the architecture it supports.” —  Brian Fitzpatrick, senior product development manager, Visual Comfort Modern, Studio and Fan Collections

“One of the largest oversights in lighting is under-budgeting for the outdoor lighting schedule.  It’s often treated as an afterthought, when in reality it plays a huge role in your home’s curb appeal and the first impression your guests have. From a budget perspective, allocating anywhere from 10-20% of the total lighting budget for exterior application (which includes decorative lanterns and landscape lighting) is a good rule of thumb.” — Jenn Broadbent, Hinkley‘s senior product manager for the outdoor category