Lighting is one of the most powerful design elements in any space. The right lighting can enhance colours, create ambiance, and improve functionality. However, common lighting mistakes can easily ruin the aesthetic and practicality of your interior design. Here are ten lighting mistakes you should avoid to ensure your space looks and feels its best.
Relying Only on Overhead Lighting
Many people make the mistake of installing a single ceiling light and calling it a day. Overhead lighting alone creates harsh shadows and fails to provide depth. Instead, layer your lighting with a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a balanced and inviting space.
Choosing the Wrong Colour Temperature
Lighting colour temperature plays a major role in setting the mood. Warm white (2700K–3000K) is ideal for cosy, intimate spaces, while cool white (4000K–5000K) is better for workspaces and kitchens. Using the wrong temperature can make a room feel either too sterile or too dim. A carefully chosen temperature can also improve the perceived size of a room and affect how colours appear.
Ignoring Dimmer Switches
A lack of dimmer switches limits the versatility of your lighting. Dimmable lights allow you to adjust brightness based on the time of day, mood, or activity. They’re an easy upgrade that can completely change the atmosphere of a room, whether for work, relaxation, or entertaining.
Poor Placement of Task Lighting
Task lighting should be positioned to reduce shadows and improve visibility. For example, kitchen lighting should illuminate countertops, and bathroom mirrors should have lighting from the sides, not just from above. Incorrect placement can cause glare and reduce functionality, making daily activities harder to perform.
Using Too Many Recessed Lights
Recessed lighting is great for general illumination, but overusing it can make a space feel sterile and flat. Instead of flooding your ceiling with recessed lights, balance them with pendant lights, wall sconces, and floor lamps for a more dynamic look, ensuring variety in light sources to maintain visual interest.
Not Highlighting Architectural Features
Lighting should enhance your space’s unique architectural elements. Use accent lighting like LED strips, wall washers, or spotlights to highlight textures, artwork, or structural details. This adds depth and interest to the design, drawing attention to the features that make your space stand out.
Mismatched Light Fixtures
While mixing styles can add personality, too many mismatched light fixtures can make a space feel chaotic. Stick to a cohesive design language by choosing complementary fixtures in terms of style, finish, and colour temperature. This ensures that each fixture works harmoniously with the overall design.
Overlooking Natural Light
Artificial lighting should complement natural light, not fight against it. Consider window placement and how light moves throughout the day. Use sheer curtains or adjustable blinds to control brightness without blocking out natural light entirely, making your space feel lighter and more welcoming.
Forgetting About Smart Lighting Options
Smart lighting allows for automation, colour customisation, and energy efficiency. Many homeowners overlook the benefits of smart bulbs and systems that can be controlled via apps or voice assistants, adding convenience and flexibility. These systems allow for changes in mood, energy use, and control without ever leaving your seat.
Ignoring Light Quality and CRI
Colour Rendering Index (CRI) measures how accurately a light source displays colours. Low-CRI bulbs can make colours appear dull and unnatural. For spaces where colour accuracy matters (like kitchens and living rooms), aim for bulbs with a CRI of 90 or higher, ensuring true-to-life colours that enhance your interior.
Lighting Mistakes: Final Thoughts
Lighting is more than just a necessity—it’s a fundamental part of your interior design. By avoiding these common mistakes and making intentional lighting choices, you can create a space that is both beautiful and functional. With the right lighting, every corner of your home can be transformed. Need expert advice? VEVO Lighting & Acoustics offers customised lighting solutions to bring your vision to life.
