Before the Light Bulb: 7 Common Lighting Mistakes

Mistake #1: Only One Light Source

The key to proper lighting is a combination of levels, meaning placing several light sources at different heights. Don't rely on just one lamp; always combine various light fixtures, enabling you to divide the room into zones and create accents. The best solution would be a combination of different types of lighting, for example, general and accent lighting. For small spaces like bathrooms, having only one light source creates unnecessary shadows.

Mistake #2: Too Bright Lighting

There is nothing worse than bright lights that make you feel uncomfortable, as if on stage in front of a large audience. Such lighting causes eye strain and drains your mental energy. Therefore, don't overlook dimmers and shades that soften the harshness of bulbs.

Mistake #3: Incorrect Wattage Selection

Each room requires light bulbs of specific wattage. 60-watt bulbs are suitable for dining rooms (who wants to dine under blindingly bright light?), whereas 75–100-watt bulbs are appropriate for living rooms where you read and spend time with family. In the bathroom, 75-watt bulbs are suitable for overhead lighting, and 60-watt bulbs suffice for side lighting.

Mistake #4: Too Much Recessed Lighting

Use recessed lighting wisely. A large number of such bulbs will turn your ceiling into a chunk of Swiss cheese. Recessed lighting is too flat for living spaces; it's better suited for small rooms like bathrooms or storage areas, as these bulbs do not provide sufficient light.

M Mistake #5: Not Using Dimmers

Dimmers are regulators for lighting power, allowing you to adjust the brightness of bulbs, which is a necessary condition for varying the ambiance in a room. Additionally, dimmers allow you to save significantly on electricity.

Mistake #6: Incorrect Switch Placement

Switches should be located about 90 centimeters from the floor (so they visually separate from hanging wall art and photographs) and 5 centimeters from the door. A common mistake in switch installation is "one for all," meaning one switch or dimmer controls all light sources, which removes flexibility in lighting planning.

Mistake #7: Lack of Lighting in Wardrobes

Don't forget about internal lighting in wardrobes. Several built-in lights are simply indispensable to distinguish one pair of black pants from another. By the way, a good solution would be installing several small bulbs around the perimeter of the wardrobe mirror.