A significant aspect of interior design, lighting affects both your space and mood. A well-designed lighting system adds depth and highlights the beautiful features of your home. It also influences your mood. The brighter your space is, the happier you feel.
On the other hand, a poor lighting system may lead to depression and lower productivity. Learning about these seven common interior lighting mistakes will keep you from making your home dull and uninviting.
7 Common Lighting MistakesTo Avoid:
01. Using Dim Lights
02. Having Limited Light Sources
03. Using The Incorrect Light Placement
04. Hanging Heavy Draping
05. Choosing An Unsuitable Decor And Furniture Placement
06. Painting The Walls Dark
07. Blocking Natural Light
01. Using Dim Lights
Dim lights are the most common lighting mistake and some of the primary causes that turn your home dark and uninspiring, making it difficult for you to move around your space comfortably.
There are several reasons that may explain why your lights dim suddenly or over time:
- Power Grid:
The state of your power grid directly affects the lighting system in your home, so this doesn’t necessarily mean you’re making a mistake. The higher the electricity demand in your area, the lower the voltage needed to meet the demand.
However, your actions can add to increased demand for electricity. For instance, you might forget to disconnect things that you aren’t using at the moment, such as the swimming pool pump or heating tools like geysers.
In some cases, you may not be able to tell if it’s the power grid that’s affecting your lighting system, especially when you haven’t received any notifications regarding your power line. You can reach out to an electrician to confirm whether the problem lies in the power grid or whether there are electrical problems in your home that need to be addressed.
- Old Lighting:
Naturally, light bulbs work until they’ve reached their average rated life. For instance, if your light bulbs have 3,000 lifetime hours, they’ll be functional until their hours are complete.
- Electrical Circuit Fault:
The electrical wiring in your home may become faulty, thereby, dimming the lights. One factor that leads to faulty wiring is shifted wires, and another is a blown fuse. You can call in a professional to address this issue.
02. Having Limited Light Sources
Relying on limited light sources is a lighting mistake too. The larger your space is, the more light sources you need. For example, you can place a lamp light by the entrance and another on a shelf in the middle of your lounge. Besides lamps, long fairy light strings or ambient lights in your bedroom will be a brilliant idea. They will not only add the right touch of luminosity but also exude a charming and relaxing feel.
If you’ve noticed that you can’t properly see things while cooking in the kitchen, then it means you don’t have enough light sources. Another telltale sign is shadows on your counter space in the kitchen.
To brighten your kitchen, buy and install portable lights. Other alternatives you can consider are a stove that comes with switch lights, built-in kitchen cabinets lights, recessed can lights or a ceiling fixture. You can install recessed can light above work spots. Undercabinet lights are ideal for food prep areas while pendant lights are a common fixture over islands.
If you want to add both style and function to your kitchen, upgrade with accent lights, such as tape-lights and downlights. Placed between the cabinet and floor, tape-lights offer soft light for midnight snacks. Downlights, on the other hand, attract attention to dishes displayed in glass-front cabinets or open shelves.
03. Using The Incorrect Light Placement
Placement of the lights is crucial in livening up your place. Lights that are hung low in your dining room cast shadows on furniture, turning the space gloomy. They should be placed at a level where the room will be well-lit but not too high to the point that may make the area too bright.
For example, a wall light aligned with the dining table should have the same height as the table. The light that’s lower than the table will keep you from seeing your food clearly. In contrast, light that’s higher than the table will blind you.
04. Hanging Heavy Draping
Heavy draping impacts the lighting system as well. It is one of the most common lighting mistakes. Made of thick material and composed of multiple curtain sheets, dark and heavy curtains are suitable for the bedrooms, as they help you sleep comfortably. The brighter the room, the more difficult it will be for you to fall asleep. However, if dark and heavy draping is used in the living room, the area will look too grim and unappealing.
You can use lighter draping instead, such as soft beige ones, in common areas like the living area to emphasize how beautiful the space is and make guests feel warm and cosy.
05. Choosing An Unsuitable Decor And Furniture Placement
Selecting the wrong decor and furniture placement can ruin your lighting system. And it is one of the most common lighting mistakes.If you place a bookshelf in front of a wall light, you’ll end up blocking the light. Moreover, décor items, such as indoor plants, sometimes prevent lighting. So, if your decor and furniture placement hinder natural and indoor lighting, play around with different placements that will enliven the space.
06. Painting The Walls Dark
Your home’s wall colours may be a major contributor to poor lighting in your home. Black, dark blue, and deep grey are some colours that make a room darker than you’d like. Consider repainting your walls, but this may not be the right option if the property doesn’t belong to you.
In that case, you can install better fixtures. For your dining room, opt for recessed can lights. Flexible light tracking will be suitable for the living room. You can adjust individual lights to switch your lighting scheme anytime you want.
It’ll also help to pick light-coloured or transparent furniture. A cute, compact sofa in beige, white, or ivory will be perfect for a small living room. Match your sofa with a transparent coffee table.
07. Blocking Natural Light
Let light stream in by drawing back the curtains. You may have the best lighting system, but if you don’t invite natural light, your home will remain cold and lifeless.
Conclusion
A place that’s well-lit can brighten your mood and help you loosen up. As long as you avoid these lighting mistakes, your home will look lively, welcoming and free from light blockage.