As fall arrives and daylight hours diminish, consumer interest in home lighting shifts noticeably, according to an analysis by City Lights SF. The company examined Google Trends data for ten home lighting search terms over the course of four seasons from 2022 to 2025, noting distinct seasonal preferences.
The analysis shows that searches for living room lighting begin to increase around September 27, while kitchen lighting searches start rising around November 4. This suggests a gradual change in consumer focus as the evenings get darker. Overall, interest in home lighting is about 29% higher in fall compared to summer, with searches for "warm lighting" increasing by 55.7% during this transition.
Carolyn Babcock, director of e-commerce for City Lights SF, explained that requests for warmer lighting typically reflect a desire for a softer, more inviting glow rather than simply reducing brightness. The company assists customers in achieving this effect by selecting warmer color temperatures and incorporating various light sources for a bright yet comfortable ambiance.
City Lights SF identified early indicators of this trend, noting that searches for warm light bulbs peaked in early August, while interest in porch lighting began to rise around September 20. Babcock also advised homeowners to consider the placement of lighting fixtures, emphasizing the importance of illuminating entrances effectively without causing harsh glare.
In addition to the timing of searches, the website provides resources on selecting the best color light for living rooms, further highlighting the influence of color temperature on a space's atmosphere. While the correlation between daylight hours and search patterns is evident, the data should not be interpreted as direct cause and effect.
