Top 5 Pain Points for Lighting Designers

Top 5 Pain Points for Lighting Designers

5 Common Outdoor Lighting Problems (And How to Solve Them Beautifully)

Outdoor lighting should feel effortless — warm pools of light guiding a pathway, elegant lanterns framing an entrance, soft illumination grazing textured walls.

Yet for many lighting engineers, designers, and homeowners alike, outdoor lighting becomes a source of frustration rather than joy.

After more than 35 years of crafting outdoor lighting in South Africa, we’ve seen the same challenges arise time and again. The good news? Every one of them has a solution.

Let’s explore the five most common outdoor lighting problems — and how to solve them with confidence.

1. Corrosion and Coastal Damage

The Problem

For lighting designers working in coastal regions, corrosion is the number one enemy. Salt air, humidity and harsh weather conditions quickly destroy inferior fittings.

For homeowners, the biggest mistake is choosing price over longevity — only to replace fittings within a few years.

The Solution

Choose outdoor lighting manufactured from inherently corrosion-resistant materials such as:

  • Aluminium

  • Fibreglass resin

  • Stainless steel hardware

  • Brass fittings

  • Quality glass

Look for coastal-quality fittings with a meaningful warranty. A long warranty is a sign that the manufacturer truly stands behind their product.

Outdoor lighting is not a short-term purchase. Invest in fittings that age beautifully.

 

2. Choosing the Wrong Lighting for the Purpose

The Problem

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is choosing a fitting purely because it “looks nice.”

But outdoor lighting should always begin with one simple question:

What is the lighting for?

Is it:

  • Security and visibility?

  • Ambience and mood?

  • Highlighting a feature tree or water element?

  • Guiding a driveway or pathway safely?

Without clarity, spaces end up either too harsh, too dim, or visually unbalanced.

The Solution

Match the fitting to the purpose:

  • Security & visibility: Bollards, column lights, and structured wall lights.

  • Ambience: Up-down lights and soft wall-washing fittings.

  • Feature lighting: Garden spike lights or focused spotlights.

When form follows function, the result feels intentional and timeless.

3. Poor Placement and Spacing

Source: Garden.Lighting | Sahil Rajan

The Problem

Lighting engineers often get called in to fix dark gaps, glare issues, or uneven brightness caused by incorrect spacing.

A common homeowner mistake? Assuming one powerful light will illuminate an entire driveway or garden.

Outdoor lighting doesn’t work that way.

The Solution

  • Plan cable routes and power sources early in the build.

  • Consider beam spread and mounting height.

  • Rather use multiple well-spaced fittings than one overly bright unit.

  • Large, remote spaces may benefit from a taller column light rather than several small fixtures.

Golden rule: Symmetry and rhythm create elegance outdoors.

4. Ignoring Maintenance and Accessibility

The Problem

Maintenance is often overlooked. And if a light blows, are you able to fix it? Or 

Homeowners rarely ask:

  • Can I change the globe easily?

  • Will I need to buy a new fitting if the light source blows? 

  • Do I need specialised tools?

  • Can I clean insects out without dismantling the fitting?

Over time, difficult maintenance turns beautiful lighting into a frustration.

The Solution

Choose fittings that:

  • Use standard globes (such as E27 lamp holders)

  • Allow easy access for globe changes

  • Can be opened and cleaned without specialised equipment

  • Are built with high-quality internal components

Outdoor lighting should enhance your home — not complicate it. 
On top of this, you won't need to add to global waste problems by discarding entire fittings. 

5. Choosing Trends Over Timelessness

The Problem

Trendy, off-the-shelf fittings may look appealing today — but what happens in five years when you renovate or need a replacement?

Designers frequently face the challenge of discontinued product lines that no longer match existing installations.

The Solution

Invest in lighting with heritage and continuity.

Timeless outdoor lighting is defined by:

  • Classic proportions

  • Neutral finishes such as charcoal, bronze, and soft greys

  • Replaceable components

  • Long-term availability

Outdoor lighting is architectural. It should grow with your home, not date it.

The Bigger Picture

For lighting engineers and designers, the core challenges are durability, correct specification, spacing, and long-term reliability.

For homeowners, the most common mistakes are:

  • Buying purely on aesthetics

  • Ignoring material quality

  • Underestimating lighting purpose

  • Overlooking longevity

When craftsmanship meets thoughtful design, outdoor lighting becomes more than functional — it becomes part of your home’s story.

Ready to Light Your Space Beautifully?

Discover handcrafted, coastal-quality outdoor lighting made in South Africa and designed to last for decades.

Explore the full range here:
👉 https://www.lifetimelighting.co.za

Beautiful lighting to last a lifetime.

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