Choosing lighting is simple right? Just get some ceiling fixtures and you’re done. Wrong. There are so many little mistakes that can be made with lighting. Here are some of the common ones along with solutions so you can get your lighting just right.
It’s Too Bright
This is what happens when there is so much recessed lighting in a space, it feels like a runway.
Solution: Plan out your lighting beforehand with an expert like an interior designer. If you already have them installed, see if you can get a dimmer so the room won’t feel as bright.
The Light Fixture is Too Big or Too Small
Undersized fixtures don’t provide enough light while oversized ones can be overwhelming and take over the room.
Solution: A trick I like to use is to add the length and width of the room (in feet). This should be the diameter of the light fixture (in inches). Or you can make a mockup of your fixture out of cardboard to see what it will look like in your space.
Can’t See What I’m Cooking
Even in a well lit kitchen, without under cabinet lights, it can leave you in the shadows, unable to see what you’re cooking or doing.
Solution: Under cabinet lighting. You can get led strips or puck lights that will help you see your food.
Bathroom is Too Dark
This usually happens when you rely on vanity lighting to light a large bathroom. You definitely need vanity lighting but counting on task lighting to light the whole space will usually leave a bathroom looking dark.
Solution: Add some recessed lights or a ceiling light fixture to help prevent this issue.
Wrong Color Temperature
You bring home the bulbs for your fixture and realize that the color temperature is just off.
Solution: Each room needs a different color temperature based on the use of the room. Here’s a quick rundown: Soft White: 2700-3000 K. This is best for dens, living rooms, hallways and bedrooms. Warm White: 3000-4000 K. This is best for kitchens and bathrooms.
Bright White: 4000-5000 K. This is best for work spaces such as a home office.
Daylight: 5000-6500 K. This is best for offices, medical rooms and commercial spaces.
This is not set in stone and can be adjusted according to personal preference.
Now that you know how to avoid these common pitfalls, go and make your lighting awesome! If you need some light fixture ideas, click here.
I recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
