Lighting is becoming a more important part of how homeowners expect their spaces to look and function, with new research showing that those planning to invest in new lighting has almost doubled since 2023.
The Häfele UK Homes for Living report found that 17% of homeowners planning improvements intend to invest in new decorative or functional lighting, up from 9% in 2023. The findings also show demand for different types of lighting. Among homeowners who do not currently have layered kitchen lighting, 51% would like to add it. The same proportion of those without cabinet or integrated lighting would like the feature, while 50% of homeowners without smart kitchen lighting say they want it.
Lighting is also becoming more closely linked to how homeowners want their spaces to work and feel. Of those surveyed,15% would prioritise better functional lighting in their next kitchen, while 11% would prioritise mood lighting that can change colour or brightness. Similarly, 16% of homeowners say being able to change lighting to create different atmospheres for cooking, working, entertaining or relaxing is important to them, compared with 12% in 2023.
The research suggests homeowners are also becoming less willing to compromise on lighting when budgets are under pressure. Just 3% say they would downgrade lighting next time they buy or update a kitchen, compared with 9% in 2023. Reinforcing lighting's role, the research also found that 16% of homeowners identify poor or inflexible lighting as a major kitchen problem.
“Lighting is one of the strongest examples of how homeowners now expect spaces to work harder," says Jake Loughlin, Category Manager for Lighting at Häfele UK. "It is not just about making a room look good, but helping it function better and adapt more easily to daily life.”
Demand also extends beyond the kitchen. In bedrooms, 37% of homeowners would like integrated wardrobe lighting, 35% want smart lighting and 33% changeable lighting.
To support customers, Häfele Lighting brings furniture and room lighting together into one connected range. Products include its plug-and-play Loox LED lighting and pendant and room lighting options from Eglo.
The range is supported by Häfele’s Lighting Configurator, which helps customers create bespoke layouts with live material quotes before ordering through MyHäfele. Strip lighting can be cut to exact requirements through Service+ Customised, while the Lighting Design Service provides fully costed specifications and parts lists for more complex projects.
Jake concluded: “As expectations around lighting continue to evolve, our focus is on making it easier for our customers to turn their ideas into finished projects. Bringing the products, design tools and specialist support together provides the flexibility to respond to different customer requirements, from integrated furniture lighting to a complete room scheme.”
To access the full Homes for Living report, visit hafele.co.uk/homes-for-living
