What Are the Best Types of Commercial Lighting?
- Micheal
- Apr 15
- 5 min read
When it comes to commercial spaces—whether it’s a buzzing café in Melbourne, a warehouse in Brisbane, or a chic office in Sydney—lighting is more than just a way to brighten a room. It’s about safety, productivity, energy efficiency, and even mood. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the best commercial lighting for your business? Let’s break it down in plain Aussie English, minus the jargon.
Why Commercial Lighting Matters
Good lighting isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s a game-changer.
Safety: Dimly lit stairwells or warehouse aisles? That’s an accident waiting to happen.
Productivity: Harsh or flickering lights can give staff headaches (and kill their vibe).
Customer Experience: A café with warm, inviting lighting sells more lattes than one that feels like a hospital.
Energy Bills: Pick the wrong lights, and you’ll watch your power costs soar faster than a kangaroo on a trampoline.
Top Commercial Lighting Options in Australia
Here’s a rundown of the most popular (and practical) lighting types for Aussie businesses:
1. LED Lighting: The All-Rounder
Best for: Almost everything—offices, retail shops, warehouses, car parks.
Why Aussies Love It:
Energy Efficiency: LEDs use up to 80% less power than old-school halogens. Perfect for beating those rising energy costs.
Long Lifespan: Lasts 15–25 years (or 50,000 hours). Fewer bulb changes = fewer headaches.
Versatility: Want warm light for a cosy restaurant? Cool white for a clinic? LEDs do it all.
Eco-Friendly: No toxic mercury, and they’re recyclable.
Downsides:
Upfront Cost: More expensive than traditional bulbs, but rebates (like Victoria’s VEET scheme) can help.
Pro Tip:
Look for LEDs with a high Colour Rendering Index (CRI)—90+ is ideal for retail or art galleries where colours need to pop.
2. Fluorescent Tubes: The Budget Hero
Best for: Warehouses, schools, hospitals.
Why It’s Still Used:
Cheap to Buy: A go-to for businesses watching their pennies.
Bright & Even Light: Great for large spaces like workshops or storage areas.
But Watch Out:
Flickering & Humming: Old fluorescents can annoy staff (and customers).
Toxic Waste: Contains mercury—requires careful disposal.
Energy Hog: Not as efficient as LEDs.
Pro Tip:
Upgrade to T5 or T8 LED tube replacements—they fit existing fixtures and slash energy use.
Check out our detailed blog on: Top benefits of Upgrading to LED Lighting
3. Solar-Powered Lighting: The Eco Warrior
Best for: Car parks, outdoor signage, pathways.
Why Aussies Are Switching:
Zero Running Costs: Sunshine is free (and we’ve got plenty of it!).
Off-Grid Reliability: No worries about blackouts.
Eco Cred: Shows customers you’re serious about sustainability.
Downsides:
Upfront Cost: High initial investment.
Weather Dependent: Cloudy weeks = dimmer lights (unless you’ve got battery backup).
Pro Tip:
Pair solar lights with motion sensors to save energy in low-traffic areas.
4. High Bay Lights: The Warehouse Workhorse
Best for: Factories, gyms, aircraft hangars.
Why They Shine:
Super Bright: Illuminates high-ceiling spaces (6–15 metres) without shadows.
Durable: Built to handle dust, moisture, and Aussie summers.
Options:
LED High Bays: Energy-efficient and long-lasting.
Metal Halide: Cheaper upfront but costs more to run.
Pro Tip:
Choose adjustable high bays to direct light exactly where it’s needed.
5. Smart Lighting: The Tech-Savvy Choice
Best for: Offices, hotels, retail stores.
Why It’s Cool:
Remote Control: Adjust brightness or colour via your phone.
Automation: Lights turn on/off based on occupancy or time of day.
Data Tracking: Monitor energy use in real time.
Downsides:
Cost: Fancy tech = higher price tag.
Setup Complexity: You’ll need a pro to install and configure it.
Pro Tip:
Start small—like smart sensors in meeting rooms or toilets—to save energy without breaking the bank.
Have a look at the-5 smart home electrical solutions
Key Factors to Consider
Picking the “best” lighting depends on your business needs. Ask yourself:
1. What’s the space used for?
Office: Bright, glare-free light to reduce eye strain.
Retail: Warm, focused lighting to highlight products.
Warehouse: Ultra-bright, shadow-free zones for safety.
2. What’s your budget?
Low upfront cost: Fluorescents.
Long-term savings: LEDs or solar.
3. How high are the ceilings?
Under 4 metres: Panel lights or downlights.
Over 6 metres: High bays.
4. Do you need smart features?
Motion sensors, dimming, or colour control?
Australian Standards & Rebates
AS/NZS 1680: The Aussie standard for workplace lighting. Check if your lights comply!
Government Rebates: Programs like NSW’s Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) offer discounts for upgrading to LEDs.
NABERS Rating: Energy-efficient lighting can boost your building’s sustainability score.
Real-World Examples
Café in Melbourne: Swapped halogens for warm LEDs—customers stayed longer, and bills dropped 40%.
Brisbane Warehouse: Installed motion-sensor LEDs in storage areas—cut energy use by 60%.
Sydney Office: Upgraded to smart lighting—staff reported fewer headaches and better focus.
Key Takeaways
LEDs are king for most businesses—save money and hassle long-term.
Commercial Solar is great outdoors if you’ve got the budget and sunshine.
Smart lighting adds convenience and cuts costs (but start small).
Always check Aussie standards—safety first!
Final Thoughts: Keep It Real
Picking commercial lighting is like choosing between a trusty pair of Blundstones and flashy new sneakers—you want what works. LEDs? They’re your Blunnies: tough, reliable, and perfect for daily grind. Solar and smart lights? Those are your limited-edition kicks—cool if you’ve got the cash, but not essential.
But here’s the kicker: a lighting plan that’s perfect for a Byron Bay boutique might totally bomb in a dusty Mackay workshop. Your space, your rules. Think about what you need: safety, vibes, savings? And if you’re stuck, have a yarn with a local sparky—they’ll decode the Aussie standards, rebates, and why that “dimmable” bulb is giving you the ick.
Good lighting isn’t just about seeing better—it’s about feeling better. Happy staff, chill customers, and a fat stack of saved power bills? Now that’s what we call a win.
FAQs
Q: How much does commercial LED lighting cost in Australia?
A: Roughly 50–200 per fixture, plus installation. But rebates can cover up to 50%!
Q: Can I install lights myself to save money?
A: For basic swaps (like changing bulbs), maybe. But wiring or high bays? Leave it to a licensed electrician—it’s not worth the risk.
Q: Will LEDs survive our scorching summers?
A: Aussie summers are no joke, but good LEDs can take the heat. Just check the box for ones rated up to 50°C—they’re built to handle our “sticky 45-degree arvo” weather.
Q: Are fluorescent lights getting the boot?
A: Yep! Lots of states are saying “nah, mate” to fluorescents to push greener options. Time to ditch the flickering tubes and join the LED club—it’s cheaper and brighter.
Q: What lighting makes my shop look top-notch?
A: Warm LEDs (in the 3000K–4000K range) that make colours pop. Think of it like VSCO filters for your products—everything looks richer, crisper, and way more “shut up and take my money.”
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