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Being a good neighbor is having a cup of sugar handy on the off chance someone asks… and, according to Thumbtack, keeping up with your yard. According to the home services platform’s fourth annual Curb Appeal Report, which draws findings from a survey of 1,029 adults, nothing will irritate the people next door quite like excessive outdoor lighting, overly bright paint colors, neglected landscaping, yard signs, and loud water features—in that particular order.
What’s the deal with their top pet peeve, too much lighting? While perimeter floodlights and solar-powered pathway lamps might seem like the perfect balance of ambience and safety to you, there is a good chance—especially if your properties are particularly close—that they’re a visual nuisance to your neighbor come sundown. So where should you draw the line? Because giving up summer nights outdoors is clearly not an option, we asked interior designers to recommend fixtures that offer plenty of illumination without blinding the folks next door.
Tinted or Textured Glass Shades
The Lumi Wall Sconce by Articolo is a beautiful example of how outdoor lighting can create atmosphere without overwhelming a space. Its softly diffused light provides warmth and intimacy while minimizing glare, making it ideal for outdoor entertaining areas where comfort, ambience, and consideration for neighbors are equally important. —Lonni Paul, founder of Lonni Paul Design
We love this one because the light glows rather than glares. The handmade, hammered glass diffuses everything into a soft, dreamy warmth, and since each shade is cast by hand, no two are quite alike. It brings real soul to an outdoor space. —Karen Asprea, founder and principal of Asprea Studio
Dark Sky–Friendly Lights
In our firm, we are often working on projects in Lake Tahoe, which generally require dark sky–compliant fixtures that provide a beautiful ambience, yet respect the beauty of the home’s setting. I love this option for a more contemporary look. —Chloe Legras, founder of Boxwood Avenue
Lights Down Low
Our exterior lighting designs often include wash lights for hedges and boundary walls, path lights that combine beauty and function, directional uplights to highlight trees and architectural details, and decorative fixtures such as sconces, ceiling lights, fans, and market lights where appropriate. A standout favorite is SPJ Lighting’s JS100 path light. Its elegant brass detailing and graceful silhouette create a timeless, elevated look that complements a wide range of landscapes. —Alexandra Azat, founder of Plaster & Patina
Our intent is to ensure the lighting feels laced into the environment, concealed by foliage and other elements, while providing a moody atmosphere. The Monsieur Lebonnet lamp is a chic option; its knit sheath over the glass comes in an array of soothing colorways. —Matt Donahoe, founder of Bureau Interior Design
Classic Lanterns
We’re big fans of Jamb. Their Fenton wall lantern is sophisticated and subtle. It is beautiful to look at and won’t overwhelm the neighbors. —Brett Northart, managing partner of Riviera Development
Depending on the architecture of the home, one of our favorite things is some sort of lantern-looking wall sconce (Bevelo has great options). You can go more modern, traditional, or contemporary. —Sadie Beachy, principal designer at S.Flynn Design + Build
I like the Hinkley Rowley outdoor sconce from Lumens. It’s solid brass with a beautiful silhouette—an elevated transitional fixture that balances timeless elegance with clean, modern lines. —Tobe Morrow, principal designer and founder of Morrow & Co.
Recessed Bulbs
This pathway light is one of our go-to outdoor fixtures because the light source is deeply recessed, allowing the fixture to produce a warm, inviting glow without exposing the bulb itself. It minimizes light spill and glare. We always recommend specifying a 2700K bulb temperature, which provides the warmest, most natural-looking light and creates a welcoming atmosphere after dark. —Ferial Sadeghian, CEO of iDGroup
Woven Pendants
At Hotel Drover, I used a combination of these pendants, often hanging them in large trees, particularly when there was a dining table beneath. I love their loose, handwoven look and the way they can feel sculptural as a group or stand on their own. —Adam Kober, president and creative director of Kober Design Group