To the Light Bulb: 7 Common Lighting Mistakes

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When planning lighting, we still make obvious and very annoying mistakes: placing switches incorrectly or choosing light bulbs of the wrong wattage. We will tell you how to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Single 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 fixtures to divide the room into zones and create accents. The best solution is a combination of different types of lighting, for example, general and accent lighting. For small spaces like the bathroom, 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 you're on stage in front of a large audience. Such lighting strains the eyes and drains your energy. Therefore, do not neglect dimmers and lampshades that soften the harshness of light bulbs.

Mistake #3: Incorrect Wattage

For each room, you need to choose light bulbs of a specific wattage. 60-watt bulbs are suitable for the dining room (who wants to have dinner under blindingly bright light?), while 75 to 100-watt bulbs are best for the living room where you read and spend time with family. In the bathroom, 75-watt bulbs are appropriate for overhead lighting, and 60 watts 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 piece of Swiss cheese. Recessed lighting is too flat for living spaces: it's better suited for small rooms like the bathroom or storage closet, as these bulbs don't provide enough light.

Mistake #5: Not Using Dimmers

Dimmers are regulators that allow you to adjust the brightness of light bulbs, which is essential for varying the atmosphere in a room. Additionally, dimmers help significantly save electricity.

Mistake #6: Incorrectly Placed Switches

Switches should be positioned about 90 centimeters from the floor (so they visually stand out from hanging pictures and photos on the wall) and 5 centimeters from the door. A common mistake when installing switches is using a single switch for all lights, which removes flexibility in lighting planning.

Mistake #7: Lack of Lighting in Wardrobes

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