Lighting Installation in Edinburgh
Good lighting transforms how a space looks and functions. Whether you are upgrading to energy-efficient LEDs, adding statement fittings to a period property, creating a practical kitchen lighting scheme, or illuminating your garden, professional installation ensures the work is done safely and to a high standard.
To discuss your lighting project or arrange a quote, call 0131 358 9935 or email [email protected].
Indoor Lighting
From simple fitting replacements to complete room redesigns, we handle all aspects of indoor lighting installation.
Ceiling light installation and replacement
From simple pendants to chandeliers and flush fittings
Recessed downlight installation
LED downlights for kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces
Track and spot lighting
Directional lighting for kitchens, galleries, and workspaces
Dimmer switch installation
Control light levels for ambiance and energy saving
Under-cabinet lighting
Task lighting for kitchens and utility areas
Bathroom lighting
IP-rated fittings for wet areas, including mirrors and showers
LED upgrades
Replacing old halogen or incandescent fittings with efficient LED alternatives
Outdoor and Garden Lighting
Extend the use of your outdoor spaces and improve security with professionally installed exterior lighting.
Garden and pathway lighting
Low-voltage systems to illuminate paths, borders, and features
Security lighting
PIR sensor lights and dusk-to-dawn fittings
Patio and deck lighting
Create usable outdoor living spaces after dark
Wall-mounted external lights
Entrance lighting and architectural highlighting
Outbuilding and garage lighting
Functional lighting for sheds, workshops, and garages
Lighting in Edinburgh Properties
Edinburgh's diverse housing stock presents different opportunities and challenges for lighting installation. Understanding these helps us deliver the best results for your specific property.
Tenement Flats
Traditional Edinburgh tenements typically have high ceilings—an asset for dramatic pendant fittings and chandeliers. However, installing recessed downlights can be challenging due to lathe and plaster ceilings and limited void space. We assess each property individually and can often find solutions, though surface-mounted alternatives may sometimes be more practical.
Period Properties
Georgian and Victorian properties often have ornate ceiling roses, picture rails, and other period features that influence lighting choices. We take care to work sympathetically with these features, whether you are installing reproduction fittings that complement the period or contemporary lighting that contrasts with it.
Modern Homes and New Builds
Modern construction with plasterboard ceilings and accessible voids makes recessed lighting straightforward to install. We can create multi-zone lighting schemes with separate circuits and dimming control to suit how you use each space.
Gardens and Outdoor Spaces
Edinburgh's compact city gardens, larger suburban plots, and everything in between can all benefit from well-designed outdoor lighting. We install low-voltage systems that are safe and energy-efficient, creating ambiance while improving safety on paths and steps.
LED Lighting Upgrades
LED technology has transformed domestic lighting, offering significant benefits over older incandescent and halogen fittings:
Energy Efficiency
LEDs use up to 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs, significantly reducing electricity costs.
Long Lifespan
Quality LED fittings last 25,000-50,000 hours—years of use without replacement.
Better Light Quality
Modern LEDs offer excellent colour rendering and a range of colour temperatures from warm to cool.
Reduced Heat
LEDs run much cooler than halogen downlights, reducing fire risk in enclosed spaces.
We can replace existing halogen or incandescent fittings with LED equivalents, or install new LED lighting as part of a broader upgrade. Where existing transformers or dimmers are not compatible with LED, we replace these at the same time.
How We Work
Discussion
We discuss what you want to achieve, whether that is a simple fitting replacement or a complete lighting redesign. For larger projects, a site visit helps us understand the space and its possibilities.
Quotation
You receive a clear quote detailing the work, any fittings we are supplying, and the total cost. For straightforward jobs, we can often quote over the phone or by email.
Installation
We carry out the work at an agreed time, keeping disruption to a minimum. We protect your furnishings, work tidily, and clean up after ourselves.
Testing and Handover
We test the installation to ensure everything works correctly, demonstrate any controls (such as dimmers or smart features), and provide certification for notifiable work.
Typical Timescales
Single Fitting
30-60 minutes
Kitchen Downlights (6-8)
3-4 hours
Full Room Redesign
4-8 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about lighting installation in Edinburgh.
How much does it cost to install a new light fitting?
A straightforward light fitting replacement typically costs £60-90 for the installation (fitting supplied by you) or £80-150 including a standard fitting. More complex installations—such as recessed downlights or new circuits—cost more depending on the work involved. We provide clear quotes before starting work.
Can you install downlights in an older Edinburgh flat?
Yes, but it requires careful assessment. Many Edinburgh tenements have lathe and plaster ceilings with limited void space above. We assess whether downlights are feasible and discuss alternatives if not. In some cases, surface-mounted alternatives or pendant fittings may be more practical.
Do I need an electrician to change a light fitting?
Legally, you can change a light fitting yourself if you are competent and it is a like-for-like replacement on an existing circuit. However, adding new lighting points, installing new circuits, or working in bathrooms is notifiable work that should be carried out by a qualified electrician.
Can you install lights in a bathroom?
Yes. Bathroom lighting must meet specific IP (Ingress Protection) ratings depending on proximity to water sources. We install appropriate IP-rated fittings and ensure the installation complies with regulations. Bathroom lighting typically requires connection to an RCD-protected circuit.
How long does a lighting installation take?
A single light fitting replacement takes 30-60 minutes. Installing multiple downlights in a kitchen might take 3-4 hours. A full room lighting redesign with new circuits could take a full day. We discuss realistic timescales when quoting.
Can you help design my lighting scheme?
We can advise on practical aspects—how many lights you need, appropriate fittings for the space, dimming options, and electrical requirements. For comprehensive interior design, you may want to work with a lighting designer, and we are happy to implement their specifications.
Do you install smart lighting systems?
Yes. We can install smart bulbs, smart switches, and integrated systems like Philips Hue or similar. This includes the electrical installation and basic setup, though ongoing configuration of schedules and scenes is typically done through the manufacturer's app.
Is outdoor lighting installation covered by building regulations?
Adding new outdoor lighting circuits is notifiable work and must comply with regulations. We handle the notification and provide appropriate certification. Simple replacement of existing outdoor fittings on an existing circuit does not require notification.
Can I have separate switches for different lights?
Yes. We can install multiple switching arrangements—separate switches for different zones, two-way switching for stairs and hallways, or dimmer controls for specific fittings. This is easier to implement during a rewire but can often be added to existing circuits.
Discuss Your Lighting Project
Whether you have specific fittings to install or want advice on lighting options for your space, we are happy to help.
Get in Touch
Helpful Information
- • The room or area involved
- • Whether you have fittings or need us to supply
- • Any specific requirements (dimming, zones)
- • Property type (flat, house, period)
Note: This page covers planned lighting work. If you have a lighting circuit fault, sparking fittings, or another issue that needs attention today, information is available on our emergency electrician page.