Lighting Projects Electricians Are Likely to See More of in 2026
- 7 Core Electrical Wholesale Ltd
- 3 days ago
- 7 min read
Lighting continues to evolve quickly, and expectations from upcoming projects are changing along with it. As technology advances and customer expectations shift, lighting is playing a much bigger role in how spaces function, feel and perform.
Homeowners and businesses alike are paying closer attention to lighting quality, energy efficiency and how lighting can enhance both the appearance and usability of a space. As a result, lighting conversations are happening earlier in projects and customers are increasingly looking for guidance on the right solutions.
For electricians and contractors, this means lighting projects are becoming more varied and more considered. From garden lighting upgrades and kitchen refurbishments to warehouse improvements and smart lighting systems, customers are asking more questions and expecting better results.
As we move through 2026, here are some of the lighting projects electricians will see in 2026, and a few key things to consider when planning installations.
Outdoor Lighting Is Becoming a Bigger Part of the Job
Gardens are increasingly being seen as usable living spaces rather than areas that disappear after dark and as the days begin to get longer and the weather improves, it's quickly becoming a priority for many homeowners and businesses. Garden areas, patios, pathways and outdoor seating spaces are often upgraded during the spring months to make them more usable and visually appealing.
Outdoor lighting isn’t just about aesthetics though, it also plays an important role in safety and security. Well-positioned lighting can improve visibility around entrances and pathways while helping deter unwanted activity.
Things to consider include:
Practical, layered lighting to achieve purposeful lighting that feels natural rather than over-lit.
Choosing fittings with the correct IP rating for outdoor environments
Beam control and positioning ensure lighting is effective and reduces callbacks
Accent lighting to bring depth and character by highlighting trees and special features
Smart control and dimming are increasingly being requested, allowing homeowners to adjust lighting levels and scenes without increasing overall brightness
Ensuring durability in exposed conditions
Using LED fittings and motion sensors to improve energy efficiency
Outdoor lighting installations often look simple but can quickly lead to call-backs if positioning, durability or product choice isn’t considered properly from the start.
Case Study: Integral LED
Interior Lighting Upgrades
Kitchen refurbishments remain one of the most common projects electricians encounter and lighting plays a significant role in the overall result.
Customers are increasingly looking for lighting that not only works well but also enhances the appearance of the space.
Typical upgrades include:
Replacing older fittings with modern LED downlights
LED strip lighting but make it COB offering seamless, spotless illumination perfect for under cabinets and shelving
Smart control and motion sensor, plus features like dim-to-warm transitions additionally help to create dynamic, adaptable environments
One of the most common issues electricians encounter on kitchen installs is poor planning of lighting placement. Too many downlights, inconsistent colour temperatures or incompatible dimming setups can all lead to problems later.
Taking time to plan the layout properly during the early stages of the job can help avoid costly adjustments later.
Smart Lighting Is Becoming More Common
You may notice that smart lighting is becoming more common, and many homeowners are now interested in lighting that can be controlled through:
Mobile apps
Voice assistants
Smart switches
Automated schedules
For electricians, this can introduce additional considerations around compatibility and system setup.
Smart lighting can offer real benefits to customers, including convenience, improved security and the ability to manage lighting usage more efficiently. However, it’s important to ensure that the chosen system integrates properly with the rest of the installation.
Understanding how smart switches, drivers and compatible fittings work together can help ensure these systems operate smoothly once installed.
Energy Efficiency Is Still Driving Lighting Upgrades
Rising energy costs and increased awareness around sustainability mean both homeowners and businesses are paying much closer attention to how much energy their lighting systems consume.
In commercial environments especially, lighting can account for a significant portion of a building’s energy use. As a result, many organisations are reviewing their existing lighting systems as part of wider efforts to improve efficiency and reduce long-term operating costs. Upgrading lighting is often one of the most straightforward ways to achieve noticeable savings, particularly in larger spaces such as offices, warehouses and retail environments where lights may be running for extended periods throughout the day.
However, improving energy efficiency isn’t just about replacing fittings. The way lighting is designed, installed and controlled can have just as much impact on long-term performance. Factors such as lighting layout, operating hours, sensor controls and daylight integration all play an important role in ensuring lighting systems deliver the efficiency savings customers expect.
Many customers are now looking for lighting solutions that offer:
Lower overall energy consumption
Reduced running costs over time
Longer replacement cycles
Smarter control of when lighting is actually needed
Businesses are increasingly reviewing lighting systems to identify areas where energy is being wasted. In many cases, improvements can be made by introducing:
Occupancy or motion sensors, ensuring lights only operate when spaces are in use
Daylight sensors, allowing lighting to adjust automatically based on natural light levels
Lighting zones, enabling different areas to be controlled independently
Timers or smart controls, reducing unnecessary operating hours
For electricians, this shift means lighting conversations are no longer just about brightness or appearance. Customers increasingly want guidance on how lighting can improve efficiency, reduce costs and support more sustainable energy use.
Commercial and Industrial Lighting Upgrades
Businesses are increasingly viewing lighting as more than just a functional necessity. Instead, it is being used to support productivity, reduce operational costs and meet wider sustainability goals.
As a result, electricians and contractors are seeing growing demand for smarter lighting systems, improved controls and more energy-conscious lighting design across offices, warehouses, retail environments and public buildings.
Human Centric Lighting: Supporting wellness, productivity and circadian health
In many modern workplaces, lighting is now being designed with the wellbeing and productivity of occupants in mind.
Rather than just providing static illumination, there are lighting systems designed to align with the body’s natural circadian rhythm. Tuneable white LED systems can gradually adjust throughout the day, providing cooler, higher-intensity light in the morning to support alertness and focus, and warm tones later in the day to reduce eye strain and fatigue.
This approach is becoming increasingly common in environments such as:
Offices
Healthcare facilities
Educational buildings
Hospitality environments
By mimicking natural daylight patterns, human-centric lighting can help create more comfortable environments while supporting focus and overall wellbeing.
For electricians involved in commercial projects, understanding how these systems work and how they integrate with lighting controls can be increasingly valuable when working with designers and building managers.
Case Study: Sparken Hill Academy (Lumineux)
Sparken Hill Academy in Worksop implemented a truSmart lighting control system, integrating Sierra battens and sensors to create a fully connected classroom lighting network. Smart switches allow teachers to instantly adjust lighting scenes for different activities while improving energy management.
Sustainable Commercial Lighting Design for Net-Zero
Sustainability is no longer a feature added at the end of a project, and more now is a core driver of lighting design decisions. In some cases, lighting design and energy efficiency can even influence whether a project wins approval.
Modern commercial lighting systems often incorporate:
High-efficiency lighting technology
Smart control systems
Daylight harvesting
Zoning to reduce unnecessary energy use
When specifying lighting for commercial environments, it is increasingly important to consider factors such as:
Whole-life performance of lighting systems
Fixtures designed with recyclable materials
Modular components that allow easier maintenance or upgrades
Longer service lifespans to reduce replacement cycles
Case Study: Severn Hospice (Kosnic Lighting)
Severn Hospice set out to enhance its care environment while significantly reducing its energy footprint. By implementing Kosnic’s advanced lighting solutions and expertise in healthcare lighting design, the project successfully delivered both improved patient comfort and greater sustainability.
Read more: https://kosnic.com/severn-hospice/
Security and Safety Lighting
Recent changes to building regulations and increased attention on building safety have placed greater emphasis on ensuring lighting supports safe environments, particularly in larger or publicly accessible buildings.
Lighting plays an important role in:
Ensuring safe evacuation routes
Improving visibility in outdoor areas
Supporting workplace safety standards
Common installations include:
Motion sensor floodlights
Emergency lighting systems
Exit signage
Entrance lighting
Car park lighting
Perimeter lighting
In many environments, these systems must be carefully positioned and integrated with wider building safety measures to ensure they operate effectively when needed.
Case Study: Barber & Bistro (Ansell Lighting)
Even the smallest details, including emergency lighting plays a role when it comes to crafting a safe and relaxing space. Featuring the Adler emergency exit sign, with it’s innovative features. Designed for flexibility whilst dramatically reduces waste, and aesthetically pleasing too.
Planning Lighting Installs Properly
Lighting projects can often appear straightforward, but issues can quickly arise if product selection, positioning or system compatibility aren’t considered early in the job.
Electricians who take the time to properly plan lighting installations are far less likely to face call-backs or customer dissatisfaction later, and it also sets them apart from their competitors. Additionally, good planning not only ensures the lighting performs as expected but also helps avoid unnecessary adjustments once the installation is complete.
When approaching a lighting project, it’s worth considering a few key factors from the outset:
Choosing fittings that are suitable for the specific environment
Planning the lighting layout before installation begins
Ensuring compatibility with dimming systems or smart controls
Selecting reliable, energy-efficient products designed for long-term performance
Many lighting manufacturers also offer planning tools, design guidance and technical support, which can be valuable when working on more complex installations. Taking advantage of these resources can help ensure the right solution is chosen from the start.
As lighting technology continues to evolve, electricians are increasingly expected to guide customers toward solutions that balance performance, efficiency and reliability.
Supporting Your Next Lighting Project
Whether it’s a domestic retrofit, an outdoor lighting upgrade or a commercial project you’re quoting for, choosing the right products can make a significant difference to how smoothly the installation runs.
Having access to reliable products, strong supplier partnerships and knowledgeable support can help electricians complete lighting projects efficiently and with confidence.
As lighting continues to evolve in 2026, understanding the types of projects customers are requesting, and the considerations behind them, can help electricians stay ahead of demand and deliver installations that perform well long after the job is finished.
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