5 Benefits of Professional Landscape Lighting
A professional landscape lighting design highlights the best aspects of your outdoor spaces. It makes a dull piece of land come to life at night.
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Here are five major benefits of using good landscape lighting.
1. Aesthetic
Good lighting is all about visual appeal and ambiance. A professional lighting design uses different light fixtures to create dynamic effects that cater to an area’s strengths. Spotlights are great at highlighting trees, flood lights are excellent at wall washing, and fountain lights act as centerpieces.
A professional touch goes a long way in utilizing landscape lighting to its full extent.
2. Functionality
Landscape lighting is also functional. Professionals can use color temperature to invoke positive feelings and lighting places to improve visibility. Landscapes with water features require cool lighting so guests stay focused and aware of slipping points, while warm lights create a sense of relaxation and comfort.
3. Safety
Of course, we all know that lighting provides safety at night. However, professional lighting engineers can maximize visibility using the minimum amount of outdoor lights.
Experts also know about hazard areas that otherwise go unnoticed, such as illuminating outdoor stairs and patios.
4. Security
Light is an excellent deterrent for thieves and other wrongdoers. A good lighting design covers all blind spots and provides good coverage of all outdoor spaces.
5. Profits
Good lighting also helps elevate your property value. The real estate market rewards any investment you make in your landscape.
The Top 10 Landscape Lighting Brands
With so many lighting brands on the market, choosing the right one can be a real challenge. For this list, we have narrowed down brands focusing heavily on landscape lighting and offering services enhancing outdoor lights.
So, here are the top 10 landscape lighting brands in 2024.
Please note that the order of these companies doesn’t indicate rank.
Company Name | Year Founded | Headquarters | Key Products | Website |
---|---|---|---|---|
Kichler | 1938 | Ohio, USA |
| http://kichler.com |
Volt Lighting | 2008 | Florida, USA |
| http://voltlighting.com |
RC Lighting | 2013 | Guangzhou, China |
| http://rclite.com |
FX Luminaire | 1989 | California, USA |
| http://fxl.com |
Unique Lighting Systems | 1995 | California, USA |
| http://uniquelighting.com |
Hinkley Lighting | 1910 | Ohio, USA |
| hinkley.com |
Vista | 1984 | California, USA |
| http://vistapro.com |
CHZ Lighting | 2013 | Shanghai, China |
| http://chz-lighting.com |
Iwasaki Electric | 1944 | Tokyo, Japan |
| http://eye.co.jp |
Garden Light LED | 2013 | Florida, USA |
| http://gardenlightled.com |
1. Kichler
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Kichler is a lighting design company based in Ohio, USA. For the past 85 years, it has focused on lighting spaces to enhance the human experience. Today, Kichler offers various lighting fixtures for indoor and outdoor applications. It has one of the largest and most diverse catalogs for landscape lighting fixtures.
In recent years, LED lights have seen exponential growth in energy efficiency and functionality. Kichler exclusively uses LEDs to power its landscape light fixtures, enabling Kichler to design smaller, more compact fixtures with the same brightness as traditional light bulbs.
Like most LED manufacturers, Kichler has also adopted smart lighting controls to give users greater design flexibility. The Kichler Connect App lets users control their landscape lighting using a smartphone or tablet. It even supports voice commands for the physically impaired.
Kichler has two standout features that set it apart from the competition.
- Its outdoor lighting kits come with a warming lens. So customers can easily change the color temperature to a warmer hue if desired.
- These LED lights also come with a beam expander, an optic lens that helps change the beam angle of the fixtures.
Key Products & Services
- 12v Landscape Lighting Kits
- LED Path Lighting
- Low-Voltage Landscape Lighting Transformers
- Ceiling Fans & Fan Lights
2. Volt Lighting
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Volt Lighting is a pioneer in landscape fixture manufacturing. It makes high-quality outdoor landscape lighting using LED chips from CREE LED, one of the world’s most reliable LED components suppliers.
Landscape lighting kits start at $50 and go up to $500. Volt Lighting is hitting every price point imaginable in the lighting space. It also sells unique lighting fixtures for different applications.
An important feature that often gets overlooked is IP certification. Most of Volt’s landscape lights come with an IP68 rating, meaning they are completely dustproof and can survive submersion in water at a depth of 1.5 meters for at least 30 minutes. These lighting fixtures can also withstand the harshest weather. Heavy rain and strong gusts do not affect these durable LED lights.
Speaking of LEDs, Volt Lighting exclusively features LED units because of their reliability and energy efficiency. The combination of these features makes Volt one of the best landscape lighting brands in the US.
Key Products & Services
- 12v & 120v Landscape Lighting Kits
- RGBW Color LED Lights
- Transformers & Accessories
- Solar Lights
- Watertight Lighting Fixtures
3. RC Lighting
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RC Lighting is an industry-leading LED lighting manufacturer and supplier. The company is committed to delivering exceptional lighting products within budget and on time. Very few Chinese manufacturers can match RC Lighting’s quality and price points. Its dedication to quality and prioritization of customer experience has enabled RC to expand globally in just a few short years.
The RC catalog strongly focuses on outdoor landscape lighting. Here, you can find everything from waterproof fountain lights, stylish garden spike lights, and invisible ground lighting fixtures.
RC Lighting boasts impressive manufacturing capabilities. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing) and ODM (Original Design Manufacturing) are standout services. Customers can have their designs brought to life under the supervision of experienced engineers and lighting experts.
However, the strongest argument for RC Lighting is its commitment to product quality. RC Lighting sources LED chips and drivers from the most reputable manufacturers, such as CREE, OSRAM, LUMILEDS, and Mean Well. You can even request particular brand LED modules and chips be used in the lighting fixtures.
Key Products & Services
- Architectural Lighting
- Landscape Lights
- LED Fountain & In-Ground Lights
- Path Lights
- OEM & ODM Services
4. FX Luminaire
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FX Luminaire is an architecture and landscape lighting manufacturer from the United States. It strongly focuses on research and advancement of LED technology in landscape lighting. From recessed wall lights to waterproof downlights, FX has you covered.
Weather resistance and reliability are the core of FX Luminaire’s design philosophy. Many LED manufacturers fail to consider the harshness of coastal weather. Different geographical regions have different requirements, and FX-designed LED lights can handle even the toughest outdoor spaces.
As of 2009, FX Luminaire has become part of Hunter Industries. Since its acquisition by a much larger corporation, FX has seen a significant increase in its global reach. The company can now offer clients a more diverse range of products worldwide.
FX has recently invested in its Luxor Controllers, which manage outdoor lighting through zoning, dimming, and RGBW color control.
Consumers should also be familiar with FX’s product distribution strategy. Consumers can’t directly buy LED products from FX. Instead, you must order products through the FX distributor network, which locks out certain regions.
Key Products & Services
- Path Lights
- Underwater
- Deck Lights
- Transformers
- Light Control System
5. Unique Lighting Systems
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Unique Lighting Systems is a low-voltage lighting solutions provider that uses a patented hub approach to wiring. Outdoor landscape lighting is susceptible to moisture ingress, which increases failure rate and maintenance costs. The hub design increases water protection and decreases the number of connections compared to traditional wiring.
You can choose from a diverse product catalog with high CRI LEDs that can hit various color temperatures. These high-quality LEDs can be paired with Unique Systems’ fixture designs. Hundreds of cool fixtures are available, and additional customization options are available.
Unique Lighting Systems lives up to its name and offers some unique services that are a first in the landscape lighting industry. It offers a Landscape Lighting Design Assistance Program that connects customers with design professionals and experienced contractors in the landscape lighting space. The program also includes free CAD services to help customers visualize their lighting design.
Key Products & Services
- Low-voltage Landscape Lighting
- Transformers
- Home Automation
- Lighting Accessories
- HUB System
6. Hinkley Lighting
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Hinkley Lighting is one of the oldest family-owned businesses in America. For over a century, the company has provided high-quality lighting solutions.
Customization and personalization are at the heart of Hinkley’s business model. It takes a designer approach to lighting, creating tailored fixture designs based on customer requirements. In the competitive lighting industry, customization is a good way for Hinkley to differentiate itself from other landscape lighting brands.
Hinkley’s extensive product range will also please customers looking for retail LED lights. The company sells retail light fixtures through over a hundred lighting brands, including Kichler, Lutron, and Allegri.
The Hinkley Lighting product catalog is so dense that navigating it becomes difficult. It has so many outdoor landscape lighting fixtures that it becomes a negative attribute.
Key Products & Services
- Customized Lighting Solutions
- Designer Indoor and Outdoor Fixtures
- Fans with Integrated Lights
- Chandeliers
7. Vista Commercial Outdoor Lighting
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The rise and success of Vista Commercial Outdoor Lighting are a perfect example of the American Dream. Dan, a young boy from Cuba, arrived in the USA during the 1960s. Armed with electrical contractor skills and a passion for invention, he handcrafted light fixtures and sold them as a side job. After years of hard work, Dan quit his day job and established Vista, a 600-square-foot industrial space.
Today, Vista sells 179 unique lighting products, including low-voltage units, in-grade lights, retrofit kits, and lighting accessories. These light fixtures use high-quality LED modules encased in steel, aluminum, copper, or plastic housing.
The copper finish fixtures have one of the most visually stunning designs in the landscape lighting industry.
Vista products are made in the United States and employ over 200 locals. It is always good to see a company support the local economy by providing jobs and livelihood opportunities.
Key Products & Services
- Floodlights
- In-Grade Lights
- Step Lights
- Bollard Lights
- Copper Fixture Housing
8. CHZ Lighting
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CHZ is one of China’s top-notch LED manufacturing companies. In its short 11 years, it has made huge leaps in the lighting industry. The company has three production facilities across China and exports LED lights to over 100 countries.
Product reliability and consumer trust in the manufacturer are crucial for a successful business. CHZ has gained customer trust through years of hard work and shipping lighting products that comply with various international safety standards.
CHZ Landscape lighting fixtures come with the following certifications.
- ISO9001 (Product Quality), ISO14000 (Environmental Management), & ISO456001 (Occupational Safety)
- Conformité Européenne (CE)
- Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS)
- European Norms Electrical Certification (ENEC)
- and more
Key Products & Services
- Street Lighting
- Solar Lighting
- Garden Lighting
- Sports Lighting
9. Iwasaki Electric Co.
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Iwasaki Electric Corporation (EYE) is a sustainability-focused LED technology company. It provides high-quality lighting solutions to commercial and industrial clients. The company has no retail products and exclusively works on large lighting projects.
It is one of a handful of lighting companies that don’t sell retail light fixtures to consumers. Iwasaki’s past work lists various landscape lighting projects, including park lighting, street lighting, urban feature lighting, building exterior lighting, and more.
In addition to its lighting work, Iwasaki is known for its light-up billboards, lighting control systems, and water treatment solutions.
Key Products & Services
- Landscape Lighting
- Security Lighting
- Lighting Control Systems
- Water Treatment Solutions
- Horticulture Lighting
10. Garden Light LED
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Garden Light LED is an environmentally conscious landscape and architectural lighting company. Its goal is to develop innovative lighting solutions that deliver excellent performance, last a lifetime, and promote sustainability.
The company’s products use high-quality LED modules from CREE and LED drivers from Lutron. Additionally, all of its products are ETL-listed due to its ongoing collaboration with Intertek.
Garden Light LED is perhaps the only lighting business with an outrageous 20-year product warranty. A long warranty period indicates the manufacturer’s trust in their products. It also gives customers peace of mind, knowing that their purchased items will last very long.
Key Products & Services
- Landscape Lighting
- RGBW Color Lights
- Transformers
- Lighting Accessories
- Area Lights
Features Offered by Various Landscape Lighting Brands
Each landscape lighting brand on this list offers features and services to differentiate itself from the competition. Thus, choosing the right brand becomes more complicated. There is no “one perfect brand”. Instead, consumers have to choose a brand that best accommodates their lighting needs.
Company Name | Key Product | Unique Feature/Service | Advantage Against Competitors | Disadvantage Against Competitors |
---|---|---|---|---|
Kichler | 12v Landscape Lighting Kits | Adjustable Fixtures | Smartphone App | No Customization |
Volt Lighting | 12v & 120v Landscape Lighting Kits | High IP-Rating | Large Product Catalog | Lacking EU Presence |
RC Lighting | Architectural & Landscape Lighting | OEM & ODM Services | High Quality LED Components | No Smart Lighting Controls |
FX Luminaire | Path Lights | Light Control System | Global Presence | No Direct Customer Sale |
Unique Lighting Systems | Low-voltage Landscape Lighting | Weather Resistance | HUB Wiring | No Smart Lighting Controls |
Hinkley Lighting | Customized Lighting Solutions | Customization | Customization | Cluttered Catalog |
Vista | In-Grade Lights | Copper Fixture Housing | Large Fabrication Space | Lacks Product Diversity |
CHZ Lighting | Street Lighting | Safety Certifications | Large Fabrication Space | Lacks Product Diversity |
Iwasaki Electric | Landscape & Urban Lighting | N/A | Lighting Control System | No Direct Customer Sale |
Garden Light LED | Energy Efficient Landscape Lighting | N/A | RGBW Color Lights | Lacks Product Diversity |
- Features like smartphone app control might be a make-or-break moment for some. Kichler has the strongest presence in that regard, with Unique Lighting Systems and Iwasaki close behind.
- RC Lighting beats almost every other company in the OEM & ODM game. It can be a reliable manufacturer for someone opening a boutique lighting business.
- Volt Lighting’s products have high IP ratings. Customers in coastal areas will benefit from the added environmental protection. Unique systems are also a good option for weather resistance.
4 Factors to Consider Before Buying Landscape Lighting
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Always be thorough before making any important purchase decision. Here are the top four factors that affect your landscape lighting design.
1. Fixture Material
Fixtures must be robust to keep the LED components safe from accidental damage.
- Plastic and aluminum options are great for indoor use and generally blend in with the interior design.
- Brass is a good option for garden use as it resists corrosion and has good durability.
- Stainless steel is the more expensive option. It also has good corrosion resistance but is generally preferred for its polished mirror look.
2. Minimum IP-Rating
The minimum IP rating is difficult to calculate, as the requirements are region—and weather-specific. Still, an IP56 rating is good for outdoor use with light rain. Areas at risk of storms and occasional flash floods should aim for the highest rating, IP68.
3. Product Warranty
Never neglect product warranty. LED lights don’t always fail, but there is always a small chance. A long warranty period is an indication of product quality. Always look for outdoor lighting that has at least a five-year warranty.
4. Certifications
Product safety certifications are a quick way for consumers to judge the quality of a product.
- North America recognizes ISO, ETL, and UL certifications
- EU recognizes CE & ENEC
- China has the CCC certification
Conclusion
Landscape lighting has recently grown in popularity. The advancements in LED and smart control technology have only further accelerated the growth of the landscape lighting industry. Like any industry, the allure of success brings many competitors to the market. Finding the best landscape lighting brands from the pile isn’t easy. Even if you narrow down the top ten companies, you will still need some insights to help you pick the right company for your lighting needs.
Focus on applications and features first, then finalize your choice based on customer reviews and brand reputations. If you’re unsure about the product or services, call or email the company for more details.
Illuminate Your Landscape with RC Lighting!
RC Lighting is one of the world’s best architectural lighting solutions providers. Our high-performance LED products are made from quality components from the most reputable suppliers. We ensure all our products meet the high international standards that our customers expect.
You are bound to love our extensive catalog of Landscape Lighting Fixtures. Each fixture has a standard five-year warranty, so rest assured knowing we have your back.
Don’t miss out on the best landscape lighting products. Contact us Now!