Progress Lighting Blog

Your Guide to Dark Sky Lighting

Written by Progress Lighting | Oct 19, 2023 3:45:00 PM

It's essential to have the proper outdoor lighting for your space, but it's equally important to consider the environmental impact of our choices. Dark-sky-friendly outdoor light fixtures have gained prominence in recent years as a conscientious way to light up our outdoor spaces while minimizing light pollution.

What are Dark-Sky-Friendly Light Fixtures?

Dark-sky-friendly outdoor light fixtures are designed to minimize light pollution by directing light downwards and reducing or eliminating light spillage into the night sky. Traditional outdoor lighting often scatters light in all directions, including upwards, contributing to light pollution that obscures our view of the stars, disrupts natural ecosystems, and wastes energy. By choosing dark-sky-friendly fixtures, we can help restore and preserve the beauty of our natural nightscapes.

The most critical characteristic of dark-sky-friendly fixtures is their ability to direct light downwards. Dark-sky-friendly fixtures maximize the efficiency of light distribution, ensuring that more of the emitted light serves its intended purpose. Fixtures are designed to minimize glare, making it easier on the eyes and reducing light pollution.

Trendy Picks for Dark Sky Compliant Lighting

Far from being simple shaded outdoor lights, new dark-sky-friendly fixtures offer fashion-forward styles that fit many current design trends. Here's a round-up of some of the latest designs.

 

Dual Tone Finish

The Hutchence Collection adorns transitional exteriors with a modern cottage style. Its open, arched frame finished in antique bronze encloses a stunning, contrasting opaque shade coated in gorgeous painted antique copper. An ample wash of warm light is delicately cast downward

 


Industrial Appeal

Offering signature industrial appeal with modern flair, the Precinct Collection features an architectural bracket design holding a metal, warehouse-style shade finished in textured black.

 

The Ward Collection conveys simple, clean styling in a big way with a streamlined conical metal shade finished in textured black. Both collections cast generous downward illumination while protecting the area from light spillage.

 

Minimal Design for Maximum Impact

Establish a bold statement with the modern Stallworth Collection, whose minimalistic design offers maximum visual interest for contemporary and modern craftsman exteriors. The light's open framework, finished in crisp matte black, is a contemporary take on classic lantern styling with angular lines. A cylindrical metal shade projects a wash of warm downlight.

Modern Farmhouse Fave

A perennial favorite, our Cedar Springs Collection fixtures feature an oversized, fun take on a traditional warehouse shade. The solid shade is offered in a broad color palette of pistachio, navy, red, black and white, fitting just about everyone's taste. The dark-sky-friendly collection includes wall lanterns, flush mounts, post lights and pendants that are ideal for many outdoor locations – and they look great inside a home, too.

Dark-sky-friendly outdoor light fixtures help reduce light pollution and preserve our natural nightscapes. You can find more of our responsible outdoor lighting styles here.