Lighting is a crucial element of home design, but many people make mistakes that can affect the ambiance, usability, and energy efficiency of their home. Poor lighting can turn a room into a dismal, uninviting, or even unwelcoming space. In this blog, we will spot five common lighting mistakes and give simple solutions to have a well-lit and warm home.
1. Use of One Light Source
Too many people rely on a single ceiling fixture to illuminate a whole room. It creates harsh shadows, unbecoming light, and an unpleasant mood.
The Fix: Layer lighting to combine light and create depth. Use three types of light:
- Ambient lighting (ceiling or recessed fixtures for general lighting)
- Task lighting (table lamps, under-cabinet lights for reading or accomplishing a task)
- Accent lighting (wall sconces, LED strips, or pendant lights to highlight decor)
By layering lights, you ensure a warm, well-balanced, and functional room.
2. Choosing the Wrong Color Temperature
Having an incorrect color temperature of light bulbs in a room makes it too warm or cold. Cool white bulbs, for example, can make a bedroom too sterile, while warm yellow bulbs in an office make it hard to concentrate.
The Fix: Choose the correct Kelvin (K) temperature for the room’s intended application:
- Warm White (2700K-3000K) – Ideal for bedrooms and living rooms (warm and comfortable).
- Cool White (3500K-4000K) – Perfect for the kitchen and bathroom (bright and refreshing).
- Daylight (5000K-6500K) – Perfect for the home office or the garage (bright and powerful).
Using the proper color temperature boosts comfort and productivity in your home.
3. Ignoring Dimmer Switches
Most homes have fixed brightness levels, so you can’t adjust lighting by mood or time. The lights will be too bright at night, and the lights may be too dim for activities.
The Fix: Install dimmer switches to control light brightness. Dimmers allow you to:
- Create a warm atmosphere for relaxation
- Brighten for reading or work
- Save energy by reducing electricity consumption
Dimmer switches are appropriate for living rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms, providing more flexible and energy-efficient lighting.
4. Inadequate Light Fixture Placement
Incorrect placement of light fixtures causes glare, shadows, or uneven light. Some typical placement mistakes are:
- Overhead lighting directly above seating areas, creating harsh shadows.
- Kitchen lighting improperly placed, with dark work spaces on counter-tops.
- Bathroom mirrors lit from only one direction, creating facial shadows.
The Fix:
- In the kitchen: Place recessed or pendant lighting in front of your task areas, not behind.
- In the bathroom: Place wall sconces beside the mirror on both sides, not just from overhead.
- In living rooms: Position floor lamps or table lamps so that there are fewer direct shadows and an inviting warm light.
Proper placement gives more even light and makes your house more lovely.
5. The Wrong Bulb for the Room
All bulbs are not equal! Some people install low-lumen bulbs in large rooms and it makes the room look dull, or high-wattage bulbs in small fixtures and cause glare and heat.
The Fix: Choose the right wattage and lumens bulbs for your room:
- For large rooms: Install bulbs of 800-1600 lumens to illuminate the room.
- For reading areas or bedside lights: Install soft bulbs of 400-800 lumens for relaxation.
- For chandelier or decorative fixtures: Select LED bulbs appropriate for the size and style of the fixture.
LED bulbs are long lasting, have multiple brightness, and use less energy. They are also a fine addition to any room.
Final Thoughts
Lighting has the capability of making or breaking a room’s atmosphere, and by avoiding these mistakes, you can generate a cozy, functional, and stylish room. It takes merely layering the lights, picking the right bulbs, and managing light levels to give your house’s lighting an overnight transformation.
What are some lighting missteps you have made in the past? Comment below!
