Lighting Recommendations

for Dark Skies

Choosing the Right Lighting

This is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce light pollution.

Our recommended bulbs and fixtures all fall at 2200K or below, providing warm, amber light that minimizes skyglow, protects wildlife, and keeps your nights naturally dark.

What to look for when choosing outdoor lighting:

Low color temperature: Select bulbs 2200K or lower for the warmest, most dark-sky-friendly light.
Fully shielded fixtures: Look for fixtures that direct light downward and prevent glare or light spilling into the sky.
The right brightness: Choose the lowest lumens needed for the task to avoid overlighting.
Smart controls: When possible, use timers, dimmers, or motion sensors to ensure lights are used only when needed.

Dark Sky Essentials

You can make a difference by talking with your neighbors, advocating for city and county-wide dark sky ordinances, getting involved in DarkSky Wisconsin, and by following these simple rules when choosing your own lighting.

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Before: 5000K lighting and High Pressure Sodium (HPS) After: 1800K lighting resulting in power savings of 74% and skyglow reduction of 90%

Explore our curated list of dark-sky–friendly bulbs and fixtures below and make lighting choices that support wildlife, conserve energy, and protect the remaining dark skies in Wisconsin.

Take action for Wisconsin’s dark skies.

From better lighting choices to community advocacy, your actions can make a real difference.