Top landscape lighting trends of 2025
Location: Garden City, NY.
Spring is almost here, and with it comes the end of another long, cold New York winter. As we leave behind the cold, gray days and get ready for the full bloom of the season, the urge to refresh and revitalize our homes becomes stronger. Warmer months bring longer days, outdoor gatherings, and a renewed appreciation for the beauty of our surroundings. It’s the perfect time to think about home improvement projects that enhance both functionality and aesthetics - whether it’s refining outdoor spaces, enhancing curb appeal, or reimagining the way a property is illuminated.
One of the most impactful ways to transform a property is through lighting. Landscape lighting is no longer just about visibility; it has evolved into a key design element that shapes the ambiance and character of a space. Homeowners today see their outdoor areas as extensions of their interior living spaces, where lighting plays a crucial role in creating a welcoming and visually stunning environment. Whether it’s highlighting architectural details, accentuating landscaping, or setting the perfect mood for an evening outdoors, the right lighting can bring an entirely new dimension to a home.
As 2025 unfolds, landscape lighting trends are shifting toward more refined, sophisticated, and intentional designs. This year’s trends focus on seamless integration with architecture, warm and natural tones, sculptural lighting elements, and layered illumination techniques that add depth and elegance. The emphasis is on creating a curated outdoor experience - one that balances functionality with artistic expression.
The outdoor lighting industry is constantly growing!
The outdoor lighting industry has seen significant growth in recent years, and 2025 is no exception. In 2024, the value of the global outdoor lighting market amounted to about 15.22 billion U.S. dollars and it is expected to rise to 23.8 billion U.S. dollars by 2030. This represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9% from 2024 to 2031.
As homeowners increasingly invest in their outdoor spaces, the demand for high-quality, innovative lighting solutions continues to rise. This growth can be attributed to several key factors, all of which point toward a deeper integration of lighting into the overall design of outdoor environments.
First, the luxury home market has played a major role in shaping the demand for sophisticated landscape lighting. With more homeowners viewing their properties as a personal sanctuary, outdoor lighting is no longer just about function; it’s about creating an ambiance that matches the aesthetic of the home. This trend is especially apparent in upscale neighborhoods and luxury properties, where homeowners are willing to invest in custom lighting solutions that elevate the exterior design.
Additionally, outdoor living has become more than just a trend. Homeowners are designing their backyards, patios, and gardens to mirror the comfort and style of their indoor spaces. As a result, lighting plays a pivotal role in transforming these areas into functional and visually appealing environments. From illuminating dining areas to highlighting architectural features, outdoor lighting is key in creating the perfect atmosphere for entertaining or simply relaxing in the evening.
Furthermore, advancements in technology have revolutionized the outdoor lighting industry. The integration of smart lighting systems has made it easier than ever for homeowners to control their lighting remotely. With mobile apps and voice-activated assistants, individuals can now adjust the brightness, color, and timing of their outdoor lights at the touch of a button. This level of convenience and customization has driven the demand for more technologically advanced lighting solutions, further fueling industry growth.
Lastly, the overall awareness of the importance of outdoor lighting has increased. Homeowners now understand the role that lighting plays in not just enhancing aesthetics but also providing security, safety, and functionality. Properly illuminated walkways, driveways, and entryways improve visibility and reduce the risk of accidents. In addition, well-lit properties are less likely to become targets for intruders, making lighting a key component of home security.
The landscape lighting industry’s growth is a reflection of the increasing importance of outdoor spaces and the role lighting plays in enhancing both their beauty and practicality. As the demand for high-quality, energy-efficient, and technologically advanced lighting continues to rise, 2025 promises to be an exciting year for landscape lighting innovation and design.
Do Long Islanders invest in landscape lighting?
Long Island, known for its upscale neighborhoods and high-end real estate, is a region where homeowners prioritize the appearance and functionality of their properties. With many residents already investing substantially in landscaping to create beautiful, lush gardens and outdoor spaces, adding landscape lighting is the next natural step to fully enjoy the beauty of these areas. Landscape lighting has become an increasingly important investment, enhancing both the aesthetic and practical aspects of the outdoors.
Long Islanders invest in landscape lighting for several key reasons:
Boost curb appeal: Thoughtfully placed lighting highlights gardens, architecture, and pathways, creating a striking first impression.
Extend outdoor usability: Lighting enhances backyards, pools, and outdoor kitchens, setting the right mood for evening entertainment or relaxation.
Improve security & safety:Properly placed fixtures around entrances and walkways deter intruders and reduce accidents in dark areas.
Increase property value: Landscape lighting enhances a property’s visual appeal, making it more desirable on the market.
On average, homeowners in the U.S. spend about $3,250 on landscape lighting, though costs can vary significantly depending on factors such as the quality and number of fixtures, the complexity of the design, and additional elements like installation, wiring, and smart lighting integration, all of which can influence the final price.
What are some of the main trends of landscape lighting in 2025?
Minimalist and low-profile fixtures
A key trend in 2025 is the move toward subtle, sleek lighting that integrates seamlessly into outdoor spaces. Gone are the days of large, obtrusive fixtures - this year’s focus is on minimalist, in-ground, and hidden lighting that provides illumination without drawing attention to the fixtures themselves.
Location: Garden City, NY.
Low-profile lighting under steps and architectural ledges adds a clean and modern touch.
Recessed path lights blend into walkways, creating a streamlined, unobtrusive look.
Understated yet functional lighting solutions enhance spaces without distracting from their beauty.
Architectural wash lighting & textural highlighting
Homeowners and lighting designers are increasingly focused on how lighting interacts with materials like brick, stone, wood, and stucco. This year, wall washing and grazing techniques are the go-to methods for making textures pop and creating a striking play of light and shadow.
Location: Roslyn, NY.
Soft, diffused lighting enhances depth without creating harsh contrasts.
Grazing effects highlight the natural texture of masonry or wood, adding visual interest.
Warm uplighting emphasizes the rich tones of architectural materials, bringing out their natural beauty.
Warm and natural outdoor lighting tones
As a shift from cooler white tones, 2025’s landscape lighting trends feature warmer hues (2700K–3000K) that create a cozy and inviting atmosphere outdoors. This trend emphasizes softer, more natural lighting that complements the surroundings rather than overpowering them.
Warm-toned outdoor lighting enhances the beauty of stone, wood, and greenery.
Ambiance-focused lighting mimics the gentle glow of candlelight, perfect for creating a relaxing environment.
Thoughtful placement reduces glare and maintains a natural, tranquil vibe.
For an in-depth look at color temperature, explore our article, “Choosing the right LED color temperature for outdoor landscape lights“.
Layered landscape lighting for depth and mood
Instead of relying on a single light source, lighting designers in 2025 are embracing layered lighting strategies that create depth and visual interest. This approach allows for dynamic lighting setups that add complexity and character to outdoor areas.
Location: Syosset, NY.
A mix of uplighting, downlighting, and accent lighting creates a multi-dimensional effect.
Strategic placement of pathway lights, wall lights, and spotlights guides movement through the space.
The use of shadows and silhouettes adds artistic ambiance, elevating the overall atmosphere.
Browse this collection of photos for outdoor landscape lighting inspiration.
Directional and framing lighting
In 2025, precision lighting is becoming essential in outdoor design. Rather than general illumination, outdoor lighting is now used to direct attention toward specific features like sculptures, fountains, and architectural elements.
Framing techniques subtly highlight landscaping and hardscaping details, creating focal points.
Targeted spotlighting enhances key elements without overwhelming the space.
Precision-controlled lighting ensures a curated visual experience, focused on the most important features.
Luxury outdoor living enhancements
Landscape lighting is no longer just functional - it’s a key design element for luxury outdoor living. Homeowners are using outdoor lighting to replicate the ambiance of high-end hotels and resorts, elevating their outdoor spaces into sophisticated, resort-like retreats.
Location: Glen Cove, NY.
Integrated lighting for outdoor dining, fire pits, and poolside areas enhances the experience of these spaces.
Hidden hardscape lights in pergolas and lounge areas add a high-end touch.
Curated lighting designs enhance the home’s overall aesthetic, blending beautifully with the property’s architecture.
Advancements in smart lighting technology
Smart lighting is transforming how homeowners interact with their outdoor spaces. The ability to control lighting remotely and create customized scenes is becoming increasingly popular.
Mobile app controls allow homeowners to adjust color and timing with ease.
Automated lighting systems create pre-set lighting scenes that change throughout the evening.
Zoned lighting control allows different areas to be lit independently, adding flexibility and personalization.
Conclusion
These top landscape lighting trends of 2025 highlight a shift toward sophisticated, design-driven solutions that seamlessly blend aesthetics with functionality. Homeowners and designers are moving beyond basic illumination, embracing lighting as an essential element of outdoor design. Whether it’s sleek, minimalist fixtures, architectural wash lighting, or smart, customizable systems, these trends reflect a growing desire for lighting that not only enhances safety and usability but also adds depth, character, and elegance to a space.
As outdoor living continues to evolve, lighting is no longer just about visibility - it’s about creating ambiance, highlighting craftsmanship, and personalizing spaces to match individual styles. With innovations in materials, technology, and design, landscape lighting in 2025 is all about curating an intentional, high-end outdoor experience that transforms properties after sunset.
If you have any questions or need assistance with landscape lighting services for your property, we're here to help. We offer professional design and installation services on Long Island, NY, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today, and we’ll connect you with one of our expert lighting designers to discuss your needs and provide a custom design proposal for your home.