COST GUIDES
Lighting renovation and design costs (2026 price guide)
Updated 07/26
Fast Facts
Typical lighting design plan (3-bed house): Around £2,650
Typical project range: £400–£5,000
Installation costs: Electrical work and light fittings are usually quoted separately from the design service
The right lighting can completely transform your home.
Whether you're renovating a single room, extending your property or planning a whole-house refurbishment, a well-designed lighting scheme can make each space feel brighter, warmer and more practical to use.
Professional lighting design doesn't just focus on where lights go. A good design also considers:
How each room is used
The atmosphere you want to create
The technical planning needed for your electrician to install everything correctly
This guide explains what a lighting designer typically costs, what affects the price and how to budget for a lighting renovation.
Lighting design costs
The table below shows the typical cost of a lighting design plan for a three-bedroom house.
As a guide, expect to pay around £2,650 for a professionally designed lighting scheme, although projects typically range from £400 to £5,000.
It's a wide price range because lighting design can vary from a straightforward room-by-room plan to a bespoke whole-house scheme with architectural lighting and detailed technical drawings for your electrician.
| Cost provided item | Low cost | High cost | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lighting design plan - 3 bed house | £400 | £5,000 | £2,650 |
| Lighting design hourly rate | £50 | £85 | £65 |
| Last updated: July 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |||
The figures above cover the lighting design service only. The cost of light fittings, installation and any electrical work is usually quoted separately.
Lighting designer hourly rates
Some lighting designers charge by the hour, particularly for consultations or smaller projects.
Typical hourly rates range from £50 to £85, although many designers prefer to quote a fixed fee for larger projects.
Some also offer an initial consultation at a higher hourly rate before agreeing a fixed project price.
Get a quote for lighting design
The best way to understand what your project is likely to cost is to compare a selection of quotes from checked lighting designers working in your area.
If you already know how many rooms you'd like included and the style of lighting you're aiming for, you'll receive more accurate quotations.
Find a lighting designer near you
What affects lighting design costs?
No two lighting projects are exactly the same. A simple design for one room takes far less time than creating a detailed lighting scheme for an entire property.
The main factors affecting cost include:
Size of the property
Number of rooms included
Type of lighting specified
Whether smart lighting is included
Existing wiring and whether rewiring is needed
The complexity of the design
If you're planning decorative feature lighting, smart controls or architectural lighting, expect the design process to take longer and cost more.
For more detailed installation costs, see our guides to smart lighting costs, downlight installation costs and house rewiring costs.
On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.
How much does a lighting designer cost?
Most lighting designers charge a fixed project fee rather than billing by the hour.
That fee usually covers:
Initial consultation
Lighting layout for each room
Technical drawings
Product specifications
Installation guidance for your electrician
Some homeowners choose a lighting consultant instead of a full design service. Consultants generally review your existing lighting and make practical recommendations without producing detailed installation drawings.
If you're planning to renovate your outdoor lighting too, it's worth looking at our guide to the cost of installing exterior lights.
Lighting renovation cost calculator
The quickest way to estimate your budget is to think about two separate elements: the lighting design itself and the cost of an electrician installing the finished scheme.
Job Estimate Calculator
This calculator provides a guide price only. For an accurate quotation, compare a selection of quotes from checked lighting designers working in your area.
Find a lighting designer near you
Lighting renovation cost checklist
Before comparing quotes:
Find a checked lighting designer near you
Finding a checked lighting designer through Checkatrade is straightforward.
When requesting quotes, it helps to include:
How many rooms you'd like included in the design
Whether you're renovating, extending or building a new home
The types of lighting you'd like to include
Whether installation work is also required
Any budget or timescale you already have in mind
Comparing a selection of quotes from checked lighting designers working in your area is the easiest way to understand what's included and choose the right lighting designer for your project.
Find checked lighting designers near you
Enter your postcode to find a top tradesperson near you
E F S Solutions
10.00
(77 reviews)Services & skills
ElectricianLighting DesignElectric Smart ThermostatsSmoke AlarmsElectric Vehicle Charger InstallationLondon Live Electrical
10.00
(18 reviews)Services & skills
ElectricianLighting DesignImmersion Heater InstallationFuseboard / Consumer Unit RepairEnergy Efficient LightingDB Electrical Services
10.00
(71 reviews)Services & skills
ElectricianLighting DesignHot Tub WiringElectric Smart ThermostatsFault FindingAC Electrical (Surrey) Ltd
10.00
(66 reviews)Services & skills
ElectricianLighting DesignElectrical Under Floor Heating InstallationLED LightingImmersion Heater RepairD.E.C Electrical
10.00
(85 reviews)Services & skills
ElectricianLighting DesignGarden LightingElectric Gate WiringEmergency Electrician ServiceDS Lavender Limited
10.00
(149 reviews)Services & skills
ElectricianLighting DesignElectrical Under Floor Heating RepairElectric StovesElectrical Contractors
FAQs
A lighting designer typically charges around £2,650 for a lighting design plan for a three-bedroom house, although projects can range from £400 to £5,000 depending on their size and complexity.
Some do. Typical hourly rates range from £50 to £85, although many designers charge a fixed fee for larger projects.
Most lighting designers provide an initial consultation, lighting layouts, technical drawings, product specifications and installation guidance for your electrician. Light fittings and installation are usually quoted separately.
Bring in a lighting designer at the start of the first fix phase. This gives you enough time to finalise the design and the technical plans for cabling and installation. When renovating or building a home, you'll need a clear timeline for your project, including a schedule for when to speak to the relevant tradespeople and experts. You could get your lighting design sorted even earlier if you want to be organised.
A lighting designer creates the overall lighting scheme, while an electrician installs it. Many homeowners use both, particularly for larger renovation projects.
Look for someone who specialises in your kind of project, such as domestic or commercial. Some lighting designers will be members of professional bodies, such as The International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) and Professional Lighting Designers' Association (PLDA). However, these organisations mainly focus on commercial lighting design. Ask for photos or case studies to see examples of previous work, and check out reviews and testimonials from previous customers. Lastly, have a chat, ask questions and share your ideas.
For most homeowners, yes. Good lighting design increases how a space feels and functions, and can add to a property's perceived value. The cost of a professional lighting plan is often small relative to the total renovation budget, and getting it right at the design stage avoids expensive changes after installation.
Some lighting retailers and suppliers offer a free design service when you purchase fittings through them. The trade-off is that the design is tied to their product range. An independent lighting designer gives you impartial advice and wider choice, but charges a fee for their time.
See the tradespeople we've checked for your job