How Much Does Lighting Design Cost? [2025 Data]
The average cost of lighting design is $3,500, with most homeowners spending between $1,500 and $7,000. Key factors include project size, complexity, materials, and labor.
Lighting design cost reflects the planning and selection of fixtures, layout, and controls to create an effective and attractive lighting scheme.
Main cost factors include project size, design complexity, fixture quality, and labor rates, with design fees often charged per room or by the hour.
Most homeowners pay between $100 and $500 per room for design services, with additional fees for materials and installation.
Investing in professional lighting design can improve your home’s comfort, boost curb appeal, and increase energy efficiency, often leading to a strong return on investment.
A well-designed lighting plan can enhance safety, highlight architectural details, and reduce long-term energy and maintenance costs.
This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by an Angi Editor in accordance with our AI policy.
Lighting design cost is a key consideration for homeowners planning to enhance their space. The average cost of lighting design is $3,500, with a range from $500 to $12,000. Costs depend on project scope, design complexity, and fixture selection. For most homes, expect to pay $100 to $500 per room for design services alone, plus additional costs for materials and installation.
A well-planned lighting design can transform the look and feel of your home, but budgeting for the entire project is essential. This guide covers the main cost factors, ongoing expenses, and money-saving tips to help you make informed choices.
Lighting Design Cost Factors
Lighting design projects can range from a simple room refresh to a comprehensive whole-home or landscape overhaul. Understanding the primary cost factors helps you budget wisely and set realistic expectations.
Types
Lighting design comes in several forms, each with its own cost profile:
Interior projects often focus on specific rooms like kitchens, living rooms, or bathrooms.
Exterior and landscape lighting design emphasizes curb appeal and safety.
Specialty lighting may highlight art, architectural features, or unique spaces.
New construction allows for more flexibility and integrated design.
Remodels or retrofits may require additional planning and adjustments.
The type of lighting project you’re dealing with significantly impacts your total lighting design cost. For example, kitchens and bathrooms often require more detailed planning and specialized fixtures, while landscape lighting may involve weatherproof materials and outdoor installation.
| Lighting Design Type | Average Cost Range | Standard Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Single room | $500–$2,000 | One room, basic fixtures |
| Whole home | $3,000–$10,000 | Multiple rooms, cohesive design |
| Landscape/outdoor | $1,500–$7,000 | Pathways, patios, gardens |
| Kitchen or bath remodel | $1,200–$4,500 | Task and accent lighting |
| Specialty/custom lighting | $2,000–$12,000 | Art, architectural features |
Size
The size of your space—measured by square footage or number of rooms—directly influences design costs. Most lighting designers charge $100 to $500 per room for design services, or $1 to $5 per square foot for larger spaces.
Larger projects require more time, planning, and materials. Smaller projects are less expensive, but keep in mind that unique layouts or special features can add to the price even in compact spaces.
| Square Footage | Average Design Cost |
|---|---|
| Up to 500 | $500–$1,500 |
| 500–2,000 | $1,500–$5,000 |
| Over 2,000 | $5,000–$10,000 |
Materials
Fixture selection is a major driver of lighting design cost. Basic fixtures are affordable, while designer or custom options can quickly increase your budget. Brand reputation, material quality, and energy efficiency all play a role in determining the final price tag for your fixtures and controls.
The type of lighting—such as recessed, pendant, track, or smart lighting—also affects the cost. High-efficiency and smart fixtures often cost more upfront but may reduce long-term operating expenses.
| Fixture/Material Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Basic fixtures | $50–$200 each |
| Mid-range fixtures | $200–$600 each |
| High-end/custom | $600–$5,000+ |
| Recessed lighting | $100–$500 each |
| Pendant/track lights | $150–$800 each |
| Smart lighting | $200–$1,000+ |
Labor
Lighting design involves several professionals, including lighting designers, electricians, and installers. Lighting designers charge $75 to $200 per hour or offer flat fees per room or project. Labor rates vary by region, with higher costs in urban areas or regions with higher living expenses.
Labor costs often include consultation, design plan creation, revisions, and site visits. Installation and electrical work are billed separately. Always clarify what is included in your designer’s fee to avoid surprises.
Prep
Preparation costs are often the first step in a lighting design project. This includes initial consultations, site assessments, and development of the design plan. Drafting detailed lighting plans or 3D renderings can cost $100 to $400, depending on complexity.
If your electrical system needs evaluation or upgrades before implementing the new design, expect additional expenses for inspections or preliminary work.
Additional Cost Factors
Beyond the basics, several other factors can influence lighting design cost:
Permit fees for electrical upgrades or new installations can range from $50 to $500.
Costs for removing and disposing of old fixtures may add $100 to $300 to your total.
Post-installation cleanup or debris removal involves a small extra charge.
Integration with smart home systems, specialty dimmers, or advanced controls increases both material and labor costs.
Decorative add-ons like accent lighting, custom fixtures, or specialty bulbs.
Structural modifications, such as cutting into ceilings or walls to accommodate new lighting layouts.
Lighting Design Ongoing Costs
Lighting design is not a one-time expense. Ongoing costs include maintenance, energy use, repairs, and, in some cases, insurance considerations.
Maintenance
Routine maintenance helps keep your lighting system in top condition. This includes cleaning fixtures, replacing bulbs, and checking for wiring issues. Standard fixtures need little more than occasional cleaning and bulb changes, while specialty or smart lighting systems may require professional maintenance visits, costing $100 to $300 per year.
Operating Costs
The type of lighting you choose has a significant effect on long-term operating costs:
LED lighting systems are the most energy efficient, often costing just a few dollars per month per fixture.
Incandescent and halogen lights use more electricity and need more frequent bulb replacements.
Smart lighting systems can help reduce energy use through automation and scheduling, but may require a higher initial investment.
Repairs
Over time, lighting systems may need repairs such as fixture replacement or addressing wiring issues. Basic repairs, like swapping out a faulty fixture, cost $100 to $300. More complex electrical repairs or troubleshooting smart systems can run $300 to $1,000. For safety and code compliance, always call a licensed professional for repairs involving wiring or circuit changes.
Insurance
Major lighting design projects, especially those involving electrical upgrades or high-value custom fixtures, may affect your homeowner’s insurance. Some insurers may require notification or an increase in coverage after significant electrical work. Insuring custom or designer lighting installations can add to your policy, depending on value and risk.
DIY Lighting Design vs. Hiring a Pro
Some homeowners consider DIY lighting design to save on costs. While this approach offers potential savings, it comes with increased risk and demands significant time and skill.
DIY expenses include purchasing design software ($50 to $300), tools, fixtures, and any required permits. You may save on labor, but mistakes in design or installation can lead to costly repairs or code violations. DIY projects demand comfort with electrical basics, design principles, and safety protocols. Time commitment is also a factor—expect to spend several weekends on even a modest project.
Hiring a professional lighting designer ensures a cohesive, code-compliant result. Pros bring expertise in layout, fixture selection, and integration with your home’s architecture. For complex or whole-home projects, professional design reduces the risk of errors and maximizes both aesthetics and energy efficiency.
For example, a DIY single-room project might cost $500 to $1,200, while hiring a pro for the same space could run $1,000 to $2,000. For whole-home projects, the gap is even wider, but so are the risks if mistakes occur. In general, we recommend hiring a local lighting design company if your project involves more than basic fixture swaps or if you want a tailored, high-impact result.
Cost of Common Lighting Design Add-Ons
Many homeowners choose to enhance their lighting design with add-ons and upgrades. Here are some popular options and their costs:
Smart controls and automation costs: $200 to $2,000 per system
Dimmers and specialty switches: $50 to $200 per switch
Accent or task lighting: $100 to $600 per fixture
Outdoor or landscape lighting integration costs: $1,500 to $7,000
Custom or designer fixture installation costs: $600 to $5,000+ each
Lighting for artwork or architectural features: $300 to $2,500 per area
Emergency or security lighting systems: $250 to $2,000 per system
These add-ons can personalize your lighting plan and improve safety, security, and comfort, but they also add to your overall project budget.
Tips to Reduce Lighting Design Costs
Here are a few helpful ways to keep lighting design costs within budget:
Choose energy-efficient fixtures to lower long-term costs.
Limit custom or specialty lighting to key areas.
Bundle lighting design with other renovation projects.
Source fixtures and materials independently, if allowed.
Get multiple quotes from lighting designers.
Opt for phased installation to spread out costs.
Use standard fixtures in less prominent areas.
Consider DIY for simple design tasks or fixture swaps.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
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