What is a Lutron lighting system, and is it the best lighting solution for your home?
Opinions on Lutron vary, with some users finding it complex. But in my 20 years of experience in installing automated lighting solutions I have seen time and again why Lutron is the market leader. Any problems are always due to a poor setup – not the technology itself.
So how do Lutron lighting systems work?
In this post, I’ll break down 10 important things to know about Lutron, including:
- What Lutron lighting is
- How a Lutron system works
- 3 key benefits of Lutron
If you’re considering installing a Lutron lighting system, you’re in good hands. My company Clearly Automated is an award-winning Lutron installer in the UK – we’ve won two Lutron Excellence Awards for our work.
Let’s get into it!
Table of Contents
10 Things to Know About Lutron Lighting Systems
What Is a Lutron Lighting system?
A Lutron lighting system is a professionally designed solution that lets you manage all the lighting in your home from a central platform – rather than relying on individual switches.
This allows you to perform a range of unique actions such as:
- Create custom lighting scenes
- Set up automated schedules
- Integrate lighting, shading and audiovisual together
- Control everything from one device
After designing and installing Lutron systems for over 20 years, this is the distinction I always explain to clients: Lutron is a lighting infrastructure.
When designed properly, it becomes an integral part of your home.
Case Study: Barn Conversion with Integrated Lutron Control
In a stunning barn conversion nestled in South Yorkshire, Clearly Automated created a fully integrated Lutron lighting system.
The property features an array of glass doors, offering panoramic views, and Lutron lighting and blinds are seamlessly controlled through a single touchscreen or mobile app.
This integration allows the owner to instantly adjust natural light, temperature, and mood lighting with a simple tap.
How Does Lutron Differ from Smart Bulbs?
At first glance, it’s easy to assume Lutron is just a more expensive smart bulb system. In reality, the differences are fundamental.
With most smart bulb systems, homeowners commonly experience:
- Inconsistent reliability
Bulbs rely on shared Wi-Fi or Bluetooth signals, and compete for bandwidth. - Lag and response issues
Especially as more bulbs are added to the system, or the control pad is too far from the bulb. - Dropouts and re-pairing issues
Bulbs lose connection and you have to keep manually re-pairing.
By contrast, Lutron systems use a proprietary wireless communication protocol called Clear Connect RF, developed only for lighting and shading control. Clear Connect operates on dedicated sub-GHz frequencies (region-dependent) that deliver:
- Consistent performance
No other devices are on the frequency. - Reliable communication
Even through walls and across large properties, or when operating via an app while away from home. - Stable device relationships
Switches, keypads, lights and shades remain permanently associated with the system – rather than behaving as independent devices that need re-pairing.
This basic comparison doesn’t even get into smart home automation – that’s coming below!
I often tell clients that Lutron’s precision engineering is the lighting and blind-control equivalent of Swiss watches or supercars. Everything is designed to do one job exceptionally well, with satisfaction as the priority.
That’s also why many homeowners who “don’t get” Lutron have usually experienced a poorly designed system – not a limitation of the technology itself.
How Does Lutron Lighting Work?
With a Lutron lighting system, the buttons you press don’t control the lights or blinds directly – they tell the system what to do.
In a traditional setup, each switch controls one light directly. But in a Lutron system, a button click sends a command to the control system, which then:
- Interprets the programmed scene or action
- Sends precise instructions to the relevant lighting and shading hardware
- Executes those actions simultaneously and consistently
Another way to picture it is like an orchestra. Each musician follows the conductor, rather than playing independently. Lutron acts as the conductor, making sure every light and blind responds together, on cue, instead of behaving like separate instruments trying to play on their own.
Case Study: Heritage Switches Adapted for Lutron Lighting
In a Grade II listed Georgian property in London, we adapted Forbes & Lomax toggles for a bespoke Lutron lighting system.
Rather than each switch controlling a single light, the toggles were programmed to activate scenes such as “Bedside”, “Low Level”, and “Night”. Each setting orchestrates a pre-defined combination of multiple lights and motorised shades, adjusting brightness levels and positions together to create a specific atmosphere.
With a single action, the room responds as a whole – something that simply isn’t possible with traditional switches.
The Main Parts of a Lutron Lighting System
A professionally installed Lutron system is made up of four distinct components, each with a specific role:
- User interfaces
Wall-mounted keypads, touchscreens and switches – or mobile and tablet apps. - Lighting control hardware
Light fittings, dimming modules, switching hardware and load controllers. - Shading and blind systems
Motorised blinds, window treatments, dedicated drive units and control modules. - Control and communication layer
A central control platform with dedicated wired or proprietary wireless communication.
Does Everything Have to Be Lutron-Brand in a Lutron Lighting System?
No, and this is one of the most misunderstood aspects of Lutron lighting systems.
Because Lutron is engineered as infrastructure, its hardware integrate with different user interfaces without sacrificing reliability or consistency.
As professional Lutron installers, we’re often flexible about which parts of a system are Lutron-branded.
This is because while Lutron is the gold standard for lighting and blind control, it does not specialise in touchscreen interfaces. When homeowners want advanced touchscreen control with highly customisable layouts, many installers pair Lutron hardware with dedicated control platforms.
Case Study: Award-Winning Lutron Lighting System with Crestron Interfaces
In one of our projects – which went on to win a 2021 Lutron Excellence Award – all lighting and blinds used Lutron motors, drives, and control hardware.
But the homeowner interacted with the system through Crestron touchscreen interfaces.
The reason was simple: the client wanted advanced control for certain spaces, while retaining Lutron’s proven lighting and shading performance throughout the property.
What Are the Options for Controlling a Lutron Lighting System?
There are five main ways to control a Lutron lighting system. You may only need one of them, or you can combine multiple methods for different rooms and features throughout your home.
They are:
- Wall Keypads
Lutron supplies a wide range of dedicated lighting keypads, including Alisse wall controls, Palladiom keypads, and Pico wireless controls, allowing lights and blinds to be controlled through pre-programmed scenes rather than simple on/off switching. - Traditional-Style Switches
Lutron systems can be adapted to work with traditional switch styles, including toggle and retractive switches, making them suitable for period properties where modern keypads may not be appropriate. - Mobile and Tablet App
The Lutron app, supplied by Lutron, allows homeowners to control lighting and blinds from smartphones and tablets, whether they are at home or away. - Touchscreens
Advanced touchscreen interfaces are typically provided by third-party control system manufacturers and integrated with Lutron, offering visual dashboards and whole-home control alongside Lutron’s lighting and shading hardware. - Voice Control
Lutron supports voice control through compatible voice assistants, allowing users to operate lights and shades using spoken commands once the relevant voice platform has been set up.
Additionally, geofencing can be used with Lutron systems to automate lighting and shading based on your location.
By integrating the Lutron app with your smartphone, the system can detect when you’ve arrived home or left the property, and automatically adjust your settings – such as turning on lights or closing blinds.
Key Lutron Benefit: Custom Scenes and Schedules
Lutron systems give you the ability to create unlimited custom lighting scenes and automated schedules, allowing you to tailor your home’s lighting and shading to your exact needs.
- What are scenes?
Scenes are pre-set configurations of lights and shades that you can activate with a single button press or voice command. For example, a “Movie Night” scene could dim the lights, lower the blinds, and turn on your home theater setup. A “Morning” scene could gradually brighten the lights and open the shades to wake you up naturally. - What are schedules?
Schedules allow you to automate when your lights and blinds turn on, off, or adjust during the day based on your routine. For example, you could set your lights to gradually brighten at 7 a.m. to wake you up, and then automatically dim them at night as you wind down.
Lutron’s scene and scheduling features are powerful, but can be complex to set up for someone new to the system. Improper setup can result in scenes that don’t trigger correctly, or schedules that conflict with one another.
That’s why at Clearly Automated, we provide full consultation services to ensure that every client’s lighting, shading, and automation needs are fully realised. Our team assists with the setup of all scenes and schedules, tailoring them to your lifestyle and ensuring everything works seamlessly from day one.
Case Study: Europe’s Best Integrated Home
In a Clearly Automated project that won Best Integrated Home Level III at the CEDIA Awards, we used Lutron lighting and shading systems that automatically adjusted based on sensors and astronomical time clocks.
The homeowner’s lighting responded to changing daylight conditions, with sensors detecting motion and adjusting the lights as needed.
This setup not only won the highest accolade in Europe but also demonstrated how Lutron’s advanced automation can elevate a home’s functionality and ease of use.
Key Lutron Benefit: Daylight Automation
Natural light has a profound impact on our wellbeing – influencing our energy, mood, and sleep cycles.
This is why Lutron introduced “daylight automation” to automatically adjust your home’s lighting to mimic natural light as closely as possible. Using sophisticated sensors and an astronomical clock, Lutron systems can track the time of day, geographical location, and weather patterns to adjust the lighting levels and colour temperature in real-time.
This results in lighting that feels natural and comfortable, much like the benefits of a SAD lamp but integrated into your home’s environment.
Case Study: Automated Lighting with Astronomical Clock Control in a Conservatory
Clearly Automated installed battery-operated Lutron Triathlon Roller Shades and a Lutron lighting system in a client’s conservatory, which works according to an astronomical clock.
The blinds and lighting based on the time of day, regulating natural light and protecting the room’s furniture and artwork.
The seamless integration into their Lutron system provided hands-off control, so they never have to touch a switch.
Key Lutron Benefit: Wide Range of Lighting Fittings
Lutron offers a wide range of lighting fittings that blend seamlessly with their control solutions to provide the ultimate in comfort, convenience, and aesthetic appeal.
Here are the main types of lighting fittings available in the Lutron range:
- Recessed Lighting
Recessed lights are a discreet and elegant solution for providing even, ambient light while keeping the ceiling line clean. Perfect for creating a modern, minimalist look, Lutron’s recessed lighting fixtures can be integrated into the ceiling with precise dimming control. - Track Lighting
Track lighting is an excellent choice for illuminating larger spaces or areas where focus light is needed, such as artwork or task areas. Lutron’s track lighting systems allow you to direct light where it’s needed most. - Decorative Lighting
Lutron offers a stunning selection of decorative light fixtures, including pendant lights, chandeliers, and wall sconces. These fixtures do more than just illuminate a room — they serve as design statements, adding style and character to your interior. - Wall Wash Lighting
Wall wash lighting is perfect for highlighting architectural features, art collections, or creating mood lighting on accent walls. These fixtures provide even light distribution along vertical surfaces, ensuring that your walls or artwork are beautifully illuminated without harsh shadows. - Under-Cabinet Lighting
Ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and workspaces, Lutron’s under-cabinet lighting provides functional task lighting without sacrificing style. - Outdoor Lighting
For those looking to enhance their outdoor living spaces, Lutron also offers a range of weather-resistant lighting solutions. Whether you want to illuminate landscape features, pathways, or create ambient lighting around the patio, Lutron’s outdoor fittings are designed for both beauty and durability.
Case Study: Lutron Lighting Installation at a Mayfair Townhouse
This Lutron installation at a Mayfair townhouse involved careful over 18 months planning to create a lighting solution that enhanced both functionality and design.
The project included a stunning pendant light fitting controlled via Lutron’s dimming system, along with track lighting to highlight artwork, and recessed lighting behind bathroom cabinets, shelving units, and in the media room.
One of the standout elements was the lighting for a living wall of exotic plants, where metal halide spotlights were used to provide the right light balance.
What’s the History of Lutron?
Lutron is a US-based company whose history of innovation stretches back to the late 1950s, when founder Joel Spira invented the world’s first solid-state lighting dimmer. It was an invention that created an entire industry.
Today, Lutron is recognised as a global leader in lighting control and automation. Industry analysis shows Lutron Electronics Co. Inc. as dominating 18% of the global lighting control system market – it’s the biggest company in the industry.
What matters more, however, is how Lutron has chosen to evolve.
In a world increasingly defined by over-consumption and short product lifecycles, Lutron remains a family-owned company building products that last for decades.
That ethos resonates strongly with me as a Lutron installer.
I often say to clients that more people want serenity, simplicity, and quality in their homes. Lutron’s approach aligns perfectly with that mindset. Their systems deliver quiet, daily satisfaction through thoughtful engineering.
If you appreciate perfectly crafted products, Lutron’s lighting and electronic shading systems stand apart.
How to Know What Lutron Lighting System Is Best for Your Home?
Throughout this article, I’ve covered the key features and benefits of Lutron’s lighting and shading systems.
But it’s normal to find yourself with more questions than answers after learning about all the possibilities — after all, creating the perfect Lutron system for your home involves a detailed understanding of your space, preferences and needs.
For this reason, I recommend every client schedules a one-on-one consultation with me. In 20 years I’ve worked with every kind of Lutron lighting system, and will provide personalised advice on the best approach for your project. There’s no obligation and no pressure.
As a recognised Lutron Platinum Dealer — and one of only three in the North of England as of 2025 — my company Clearly Automated is uniquely equipped to provide the expert guidance you need to bring your lighting and shading vision to life.
Get in touch today to start creating the perfect lighting environment for your home.
Free Consultation on Lutron Lighting Systems
Lutron lighting systems come in different fittings, power options and control interfaces – there’s no one “fixed” option.
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Christian Dodgson, Managing Director of Clearly Automated, will call you back for a no-obligation telephone consultation.
