Thinking about upgrading your outdoor lighting system? Whether you’re ready for a completely new system design or want to make a few small improvements, here are the outdoor lighting trends to watch for the upcoming year.
1. Ambient lighting
Outdoor lighting systems often focus on two primary things: Providing uniform lighting for the house or structure, and landscape lighting that highlights key features in the outdoor space, from lighting up pathways to spotlighting trees or elements of the landscape. First on our outdoor lighting trends list is ambient lighting. It is a little different than either one of the lighting concepts mentioned above. It’s not focused on the structure or meant to highlight anything specific. Instead, outdoor ambient lighting should blend into the background, making the use of any and all outdoor spaces more enjoyable.
2. Outdoor task lighting
Task lighting is common for indoor spaces, especially for offices or areas set aside for hobbies and studying. Indoor task lighting might be as simple as a wall-mounted light or conveniently placed floor lamp. For 2025, moving the concept of task lighting outdoors is picking up popularity. After all, we spend a lot of time in outdoor spaces and bring activities with us. So when dusk falls, it’s nice to have a nearby convenient light to provide illumination so you can continue with whatever you’re doing.
3. Warm-tone LED lighting
We all know LED lighting is more energy-efficient, as well as more durable and long-lasting. It saves money and works great. Even better, you can choose the tone with modern outdoor lighting LED bulbs to get the look you want for those outdoor spaces. While a brighter, whiter tone is good for security lights, go with a warmer tone for other outdoor lights. And stick with the chosen tone for all the lighting in that area to create a consistently warm glow that’s welcoming and bright, but not too bright.
4. Unobtrusive stair and rail lighting
Safety is an important function of outdoor lighting. When people are navigating outdoor spaces after dark, having clearly lit walkways, stairs, and railings is very important. Not only does good outdoor navigational lighting increase safety, but it also increases comfort by leading people seamlessly from one area to another. With all the fixture options available, it’s now easy to create this safety and comfort via illumination while keeping things seamless and minimal.
5. App-controlled smart lights
Have more fun with your outdoor lighting with this trend for 2025. Smart lighting can be tuned to the mood of the moment with different colors, changing patterns, and dimming for just the right amount of brightness. With the convenience of an app, you can set a schedule for lights or make changes anytime.
6. Coordinated indoor and outdoor lighting
Consistency in an outdoor lighting system is one of the key differences that sets professional systems apart. With professionally designed and installed systems, you get a cohesive look that provides uniformity across all your outdoor spaces. That’s the polished look you appreciate, one that considers all the details and ensures that each part of the system belongs. In 2025, we’re taking that concept one step further by coordinating outdoor lighting with the nearby indoor spaces. This can be done in two key ways: by choosing fixtures that are complementary, and by adjusting the tone of both indoor and outdoor bulbs to match.
7. More festive string lights
String lights are a perennial favorite, whether in the small, fairy lights used to wind around trees or cafe-style bistro lights strung across a patio. So it’s not the lighting type that’s new; string lights have proven themselves time and again to create a welcoming ambiance and magical feel. In 2025, think about adding more string lights, and expanding that vibe to more outdoor spaces: poolside, around the fire pit, along walkways, and in gardens.
8. Bold entrances
For residential outdoor trends, consider the entrances to your home. Bold colors and dramatic decor are trending for a front entrance that makes a statement. The outdoor lighting should play along nicely, with updated fixtures that match the bold feel. And don’t forget about other entrances. Freshen things up with new paint on the door and trim, highlight with seasonal plantings nearby and make sure to light up each entrance with door-side sconces and eye-catching overhead fixtures.
9. Lighting in layers
To get this outdoor lighting trend right, think about each outdoor space as a stack of separate layers. If your lighting is only on one layer, the overall look can be rather flat and uninteresting. But when each layer is considered and included, you end up with outdoor spaces that have depth and warmth. For example, you might start with low-level pathway lighting, add bistro lights overhead, and install wash lights along the hardscaping nearby.
10. Sleek minimalist design
Overall outdoor lighting trends for 2025 are moving toward sleek and minimal choices. This includes simpler landscape designs that allow space between plantings and don’t overcrowd areas. It might also venture into interesting textures and sleek design choices for outdoor hardscaping and structures. Of course, outdoor lighting needs to be included in this trend.
Otherwise, those minimalist choices will clash with the outdated fixtures and lighting systems. Consider both where outdoor lighting could be less obtrusive, as a background effect rather than a focal point, and where outdoor lighting can bring attention to some of the design choices you want to highlight.
When you’re ready to upgrade your outdoor lighting, get in touch for a free estimate from your favorite St. Louis outdoor lighting professionals.
