Lighting a room seems easy but certain missteps can cause a comfy space to feel off. Here are some common mistakes you should avoid:
Not thinking in layers
Installing a row of recessed lights in a room and calling it a day seems easy, but this strategy will ultimately disappoint. Overhead lighting is a go-to option but it’s not enough. Omitting task lighting, like floor lamps, table lamps, could strain your eyes while reading or writing. If you only install recessed lights in your bedroom, you won’t get the cozy effect that bedside lamps can provide.
Dismissing dimmer switches
Many designers consider this a major pet peeve. Dimmers are one of the best-kept secrets of lighting design as they allow you to control your lighting from day to night and depending on your mood.
Forgetting about shadows
Placing a light in the wrong spot could create more of a problem than a solution.
Overhead lighting can cast shadows on your face. If you must go with overhead lights, choose longer, horizontal fixtures to illuminate your face. In kitchen workspaces, you’ll often see shadows exactly where you need light. Solve this by installing under-cabinet lighting.
Picking the wrong size fixture
A common mistake homeowners make is choosing a too-small chandelier over a large dining table or an oversized lamp on a table next to a sofa makes the area look disproportionate.
Add the room’s height and width in feet, the dimensions of which should be the approximate diameter of your chandelier.
Not positioning lamps at a helpful height
Ideally, the bottom of a pendant light should be 30 to 36 inches above a kitchen island and the bottom of a chandelier should be 66 inches from the floor in a dining room. When you’re sitting next to a table lamp, the bottom of the shade should fall at shoulder height.
Not considering your room’s paint
If the walls are too dark, no matter how many lights you place in a room, it just won’t have that light airy feeling. While obvious, even slightly different hues in the same color family can make a difference.
Forgetting that lights consume energy
While you’re probably not totally oblivious to this fact, taking stock of what bulbs you use is very important. Longer-lasting CFL and LED bulbs can cost more upfront but can save you money over time.