The United States is one of the world’s most influential lighting markets, shaping global trends in residential, commercial, and architectural illumination. From heritage brands with over a century of craftsmanship to technology-driven innovators focused on smart and energy-efficient lighting, choosing the right lighting brand is critical for homeowners, designers, contractors, and distributors alike.
This article highlights the Top 10 Lighting Brands in the US, explains what makes each brand stand out, and—importantly—explores how OEM/ODM manufacturing plays a behind-the-scenes role in today’s lighting industry.
Why Choosing the Right Lighting Brand Matters
A lighting brand represents more than just aesthetics. It reflects:
- Product quality and safety certifications
- Design philosophy and innovation capability
- Reliability in supply and lead times
- Ability to support customization or large-scale projects
- Long-term value and brand reputation
As demand for customized, energy-efficient, and design-forward lighting grows toward 2026, understanding how brands work—especially how many rely on OEM/ODM factories—helps buyers make smarter sourcing decisions.
Top 10 Lighting Brands in the US (2026 Recommended)
1. Acuity Brands
Website: https://www.acuitybrands.com
Acuity Brands is one of the largest lighting manufacturers in North America, serving commercial, institutional, and industrial markets. Its portfolio includes well-known names like Lithonia Lighting, Juno, and Peerless.
Why it stands out:
- Industry leader in commercial LED lighting
- Advanced lighting controls and smart building solutions
- Strong focus on energy efficiency and sustainability
Acuity primarily focuses on in-house engineering and manufacturing but also collaborates with global component suppliers, demonstrating how large brands balance internal production with external sourcing.
2. Kichler Lighting
Website: https://www.kichler.com
Kichler is a household name in residential and landscape lighting. Known for stylish yet practical designs, it’s a favorite among builders and homeowners.
Key strengths:
- Wide product range: chandeliers, pendants, outdoor lighting
- Strong distribution network across the US
- Trend-driven designs updated annually
Like many residential lighting brands, Kichler works closely with OEM manufacturers overseas to scale production while maintaining brand-led design control.
3. Visual Comfort & Co.
Website: https://www.visualcomfort.com
Visual Comfort bridges luxury design and lighting craftsmanship, collaborating with renowned designers such as Kelly Wearstler and Thomas O’Brien.
Why designers love it:
- High-end aesthetic and premium finishes
- Designer-led collections
- Strong brand recognition in luxury interiors
While design and quality control are brand-managed, parts of production rely on specialized ODM partners capable of executing complex finishes and metalwork.
4. Hinkley Lighting
Website: https://www.hinkleylighting.com
Founded in 1922, Hinkley Lighting combines American heritage with modern design sensibilities.
Brand highlights:
- Classic and transitional styles
- Strong quality assurance standards
- UL-certified products for residential and commercial use
Hinkley represents a common US model: design, testing, and branding handled domestically, with OEM manufacturing support ensuring cost efficiency and scalability.
5. Hubbell Lighting
Website: https://www.hubbell.com
Hubbell is a powerhouse in industrial, utility, and infrastructure lighting, serving transportation, sports, and public-sector projects.
What sets it apart:
- Engineering-driven solutions
- Rugged, specification-grade fixtures
- Strong presence in government and infrastructure projects
OEM partnerships are often used for specific components, reflecting how even highly engineered brands rely on global supply chains.
6. Progress Lighting (Signify)
Website: https://www.progresslighting.com
Progress Lighting, now part of Signify (formerly Philips Lighting), focuses on residential and light commercial lighting.
Key advantages:
- Backed by Signify’s global R&D
- Strong LED and smart lighting integration
- Builder- and contractor-friendly product lines
Signify’s global footprint makes extensive use of OEM and ODM factories, especially in Asia, while maintaining strict global quality standards.
7. GE Lighting (A Savant Company)
Website: https://www.gelighting.com
GE Lighting has evolved from a traditional lighting manufacturer into a smart lighting brand under Savant ownership.
Why it matters:
- Pioneer in electric lighting history
- Strong presence in smart bulbs and connected lighting
- Focus on user-friendly consumer products
Most GE Lighting products today are produced through OEM manufacturing, a common approach in consumer electronics-driven lighting segments.
8. Lutron Electronics
Website: https://www.lutron.com
While best known for lighting controls rather than fixtures, Lutron plays a critical role in modern lighting systems.
Strengths:
- Smart dimmers and lighting automation
- Architectural lighting integration
- Preferred brand for luxury residential projects
Lutron demonstrates how lighting brands increasingly expand beyond fixtures into complete lighting ecosystems, often partnering with fixture OEMs for compatibility.
9. WAC Lighting
Website: https://waclighting.com/
WAC Lighting is a popular brand offering modern, stylish lighting solutions including LED, recessed, under-cabinet, track, and decorative fixtures.
Why WAC stands out:
- Strong mix of aesthetic design and performance
- Good value in residential and light commercial markets
- Emphasis on energy efficiency and sleek design
WAC strikes a balance between aesthetic appeal and modern lighting technology.
10. Maxim Lighting
Website: https://www.maximlighting.com
Maxim Lighting offers a broad portfolio covering residential, commercial, and outdoor lighting.
Why it’s recommended:
- Competitive pricing
- Quick-to-market designs
- Strong North American distribution
Maxim’s model reflects a growing trend: brand-driven design combined with OEM manufacturing to meet market demand quickly.
Understanding the Role of OEM/ODM in Lighting
While this article highlights lighting brands with public-facing consumer and spec markets, it’s worth noting that many of the lighting products you see on the market are manufactured through OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) partnerships. In this model:
- OEMs build custom products based on a brand’s specifications.
- ODMs design and produce lighting that brands can rebrand or adapt.
OEM/ODM relationships are common with larger brands (including those listed above) and smaller boutique labels, enabling flexibility in design, manufacturing, and market responsiveness. These partnerships are essential in the US lighting ecosystem, where customization and bespoke projects are frequent — from architectural corridors to residential fixtures.
What to Look for When Choosing a Lighting Brand (2026 Perspective)
When selecting a lighting brand — whether for specification in design projects or personal use — consider:
✔ Product Range and Design Style
Abrand that offers both functional (recessed, track) and decorative (chandeliers, pendants) choices enables cohesive lighting schemes across spaces.
✔ Energy Efficiency and LED Integration
Given modern standards, look for brands that prioritize LED technology — lower energy use and longer lamp life. (For example, US Dept. of Energy points out that LEDs can use up to 75–90% less energy than incandescent bulbs.) (Source: https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/led-lighting)
✔ Global and Local Support
Brands with robust support networks (dealers, technical guides, warranties) simplify installation and maintenance.
✔ Innovation and Smart Lighting
As smart home systems continue to expand, brands that integrate controls (dimming, wireless, IoT) provide future-proof solutions.
✔ Sustainability and Manufacturing Transparency
Sourcing matters. Brands with sustainable practices and transparent supply chains are increasingly valued by both consumers and specifiers.
Why These 10 Brands Matter for 2026 Lighting Projects
This list mixes legacy players like GE Lighting — rooted in more than a century of innovation — with modern LED leaders like Cree and WAC Lighting. Each offers a unique combination of:
- Diverse lighting products (residential, commercial, architectural)
- Design innovation
- Energy-efficient solutions
- Strong market presence
Together, they represent the most reliable and forward-looking lighting brands available for US markets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the best lighting brand in the US right now?
There is no single “best” lighting brand for every situation. The best lighting brand in the US depends on your needs. For commercial and architectural projects, brands like Acuity Brands, Hubbell, and Cooper Lighting are often preferred due to performance and compliance standards. For residential and decorative lighting, Kichler, Hudson Valley Lighting, and WAC Lighting are popular for their design variety and availability.
- Are most US lighting brands actually made in the USA?
Not entirely. While many US lighting brands handle design, engineering, testing, and certification domestically, a significant portion of manufacturing is done through OEM or ODM factories overseas. This hybrid model allows brands to maintain quality and innovation while controlling cost and lead time.
- What is the difference between a lighting brand and a lighting manufacturer?
A lighting brand focuses on design, branding, marketing, and distribution, while a lighting manufacturer (OEM/ODM) focuses on production, assembly, and sometimes product development. In many cases, a single lighting product is the result of close collaboration between a US brand and an overseas OEM or ODM factory.
- Do top lighting brands work with OEM or ODM manufacturers?
Yes. Most major lighting brands in the US work with OEM and ODM manufacturers, especially for decorative lighting, LED fixtures, and large-volume product lines. This is a standard and accepted practice in the global lighting industry and does not indicate lower quality when managed properly.
- How can buyers tell if a lighting brand is reliable?
Reliable lighting brands usually offer:
- Clear product specifications and certifications (UL, ETL, DLC, etc.)
- Consistent product lines and long-term availability
- Strong customer support and warranty policies
- Transparent brand history and market presence
These factors matter more than whether manufacturing is domestic or overseas.
- If I want to start my own lighting brand, should I work with an OEM or ODM factory?
Most new lighting brands start with ODM solutions to reduce development time and cost, then move to OEM production once they establish stable designs and sales volume. This approach is widely used by successful lighting brands in the US market today.
Conclusion
The US lighting market continues to evolve through advances in LED performance, design trends, and smart controls. From heritage manufacturers like GE Lighting to design-led groups like Hudson Valley Lighting, the brands above provide strong options for homeowners, designers, architects, and specifiers looking for quality, innovation, and long-term value.
Whether your next project calls for architectural luminaires, decorative pendants, or integrated smart lighting systems, aligning with brands that combine performance, design, and support will help ensure success in 2026 and beyond.
Leave a Reply