In the ever-evolving world of commercial design, lighting has become one of the most influential factors shaping productivity, energy efficiency, and aesthetics. In 2018, the industry saw a powerful shift toward smarter, greener, and more human-centric lighting environments. From innovative LED retrofitting to smart automation systems, the commercial lighting design landscape in 2018 offered plenty of ways to brighten up business spaces while saving money and creating a lasting impression.
Whether you’re designing a boutique retail store, a high-efficiency office, or a cozy cafe, understanding the commercial lighting design trends for 2018 can help you plan better for the future. Let’s explore the key developments that shaped lighting choices in that transformative year.
The Rise of LED Retrofitting
One of the most influential commercial lighting trends in 2018 was LED retrofitting, the process of replacing traditional lighting systems with modern LED alternatives. This was not just a cosmetic upgrade; it was a strategic move that delivered measurable benefits.
Why LED Took the Spotlight:
- Energy Efficiency: LED lights use up to 75% less energy than incandescent or halogen lighting.
- Longevity: LEDs can last more than 25,000 hours, dramatically reducing maintenance frequency.
- Customizability: Businesses could fine-tune color temperature, brightness, and even beam angles to create dynamic workspaces.
- Cost Savings: Lower utility bills and fewer replacement costs meant better bottom lines.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, widespread LED adoption in the United States could save approximately 348 TWh of electricity by 2027, equivalent to the annual electrical output of 44 large power plants.
For businesses looking to meet new building codes or sustainability certifications, LED retrofitting became a top priority in 2018, and it continues to remain relevant today.
Integration of Natural Light
Designers and architects in 2018 also prioritized natural lighting as a powerful, passive tool for improving indoor environments. By increasing the use of daylight in commercial interiors, businesses began to see improvements in both energy consumption and employee wellness.
Benefits of Natural Light in Commercial Spaces:
- Improved Mood and Morale: Studies show that natural light boosts serotonin levels, improving workplace satisfaction.
- Enhanced Productivity: Employees working in natural light report fewer headaches, improved focus, and better overall performance.
- Lower Energy Costs: Smart lighting systems can detect ambient daylight and adjust artificial light levels accordingly.
Innovative tools like daylight harvesting sensors became a popular addition to office lighting in 2018, blending human comfort with technological intelligence.
For example, the International WELL Building Institute outlines how natural light contributes to wellness and sustainability, both critical concerns in commercial real estate design.
Smart Lighting Systems & Automation
Perhaps the most futuristic of the commercial lighting design trends for 2018 was the growing prevalence of smart lighting systems. These technologies transformed how businesses managed energy and ambiance by embedding intelligence directly into lighting fixtures.
Key Smart Lighting Features Introduced in 2018:
- Occupancy Sensors: Lights turn off in unoccupied rooms, saving energy.
- Daylight Harvesting: Lighting systems adjust based on the amount of natural light available.
- Scene Control: Customize lighting settings for meetings, presentations, or mood lighting with the touch of a button or a voice command.
- IoT Integration: Lights connected via the Internet of Things (IoT) offered remote control and diagnostics.
Incorporating smart lighting not only aligned with growing interest in building automation systems, but also helped organizations achieve LEED certifications and other green building standards.
Minimalism & Clean Design Aesthetics
Form was just as important as function in 2018. Minimalist lighting fixtures, often featuring slim, geometric designs and subtle finishes, became popular in commercial settings.
- Recessed Lighting: Provided clean ceiling lines and focused illumination without clutter.
- Linear LED Fixtures: Added a modern aesthetic to open-plan offices and lobbies.
- Pendant Lights: Brought elegance to commercial spaces like cafes, salons, and coworking hubs.
These lighting elements blended functionality with artistry, helping to define the space’s character while maintaining a professional ambiance.
Tunable White Lighting for Wellness
A less widely known but highly innovative trend in 2018 was tunable white lighting, systems that adjust color temperatures throughout the day to mimic natural circadian rhythms.
Benefits:
- Warmer tones in the morning create a calm and welcoming atmosphere.
- Cooler tones in the afternoon promote alertness and focus.
- Dynamic color changes reduce eye strain and support mental health.
This wellness-focused approach to commercial lighting aligns with evolving knowledge in biophilic design, which emphasizes nature-inspired solutions in built environments.
The Push Toward Sustainability
Sustainability wasn’t just a buzzword in 2018, it was a driving force behind lighting decisions. More businesses were setting energy goals, pursuing carbon neutrality, and working toward green building certifications.
Sustainable Lighting Strategies:
- Choosing ENERGY STAR® rated LED fixtures
- Integrating motion and daylight sensors
- Scheduling lighting based on usage patterns
- Recycling or properly disposing of old fluorescent tubes
Eco-conscious design became a valuable brand asset, especially for businesses in hospitality, retail, and technology sectors.
Practical Advice for Businesses in 2025 Looking Back at 2018
While these trends originated in 2018, many of them laid the foundation for the lighting innovations we see today in 2025. Businesses undergoing renovations or new construction can take advantage of these legacy trends by:
- Retrofitting with modern LEDs that build upon 2018’s efficiency standards.
- Upgrading to cloud-connected smart lighting with even more features.
- Using tunable lighting and wellness-focused design to support employee health.
- Building daylight strategy into architectural planning.
FAQs About Commercial Lighting Design Trends for 2018
Q: Are 2018 commercial lighting trends still relevant today?
A: Absolutely. Trends like LED retrofitting, smart lighting systems, and wellness-focused lighting are not only relevant, they’ve evolved and become more efficient. Think of 2018 as the launching pad for today’s intelligent and sustainable lighting systems.
Q: What’s the difference between smart lighting in 2018 and today?
A: In 2018, smart lighting focused on occupancy and daylight sensors. Today, those systems are more advanced, offering AI-driven automation, cloud-based monitoring, and integration with HVAC and security systems.
Q: Is it still worth retrofitting to LED in 2025 if my business hasn’t done so yet?
A: 100%. LED retrofitting remains one of the most cost-effective energy-saving upgrades, and modern LED options offer even better performance than those available in 2018.
Q: How does natural light impact employee productivity?
A: Natural light improves circadian alignment, reduces eye strain, and enhances mood, all of which directly impact focus and efficiency.
Final Thought
The commercial lighting design trends of 2018 sparked a movement toward intelligent, sustainable, and human-focused lighting environments. From smart sensors and LED upgrades to biophilic design principles and wellness-centric strategies, these innovations set a new standard for how businesses light their spaces.
If you’re considering upgrading your lighting systems, there’s never been a better time to revisit these proven strategies and pair them with the cutting-edge technology of today. Whether you’re retrofitting an office or building a commercial space from the ground up, Expert Electric is here to help light the way forward.
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