Lighting is one of the most important aspects of interior design, but it is also one of the most overlooked. Many people focus on the color, furniture, and accessories of their rooms, but neglect to consider how the lighting affects the mood, functionality, and aesthetics of their spaces. In this blog post, we will discuss four common mistakes that people make when choosing light sources for their home, and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: You Choose a Lamp or Source of Light Based on Its Looks Only and Not Its Function
It is tempting to buy a lamp or a light fixture just because it looks beautiful or trendy, but that is not enough. You also need to think about how it will serve your needs and fit your space. For example, a table lamp may look great in the store, but if it is too big or too small for your end table, it will look awkward and out of place. Similarly, a floor lamp may look stylish and modern, but if it does not provide enough light for your reading nook, it will be useless and frustrating.
The right way to choose lighting is to consider how it will look in the room overall, but also ask yourself, what is the purpose of this lamp or light source in this room? Is it to light up a dark corner? Does it provide reading light next to a chair? Does it create a focal point or a statement piece? Does it complement the other light sources in the room? By answering these questions, you will be able to find the best lighting solution for your space and your needs.
Mistake #2: You Add One Source of Light at a Time
Another common mistake that people make when choosing light sources for their home is to add one light at a time, without considering how they will work together as a whole. This can result in a room that is either too bright or too dim or has uneven or harsh lighting. For example, if you have two lamps with bright white shades on opposite sides of the room, they may create glare and contrast that is unpleasant and distracting. Or if you have only one overhead light in the center of the room, it may cast shadows and leave some areas in the dark.
The best way to avoid this mistake is to plan your lighting scheme before you buy any light sources. Think about how you want to use each area of the room, and what kind of lighting you need for each activity. For example, you may want ambient lighting for general illumination, task lighting for specific functions like reading or working, and accent lighting for highlighting features like artwork or plants. Then, think about how each light source will interact with each other in terms of the color temperature, brightness, and direction of the light. For example, you may want to use warm white bulbs for cozy and relaxing areas, cool white bulbs for crisp and energizing areas, and dimmers or switches for adjusting the intensity of the light. By planning ahead, you will be able to create a balanced and harmonious lighting scheme that suits your style and needs.
Mistake #3: You Don't Put Enough Light Sources in Each Room
A common misconception that people have when choosing light sources for their home is that less is more. They think that by using fewer lights, they will save energy and money, and create a minimalist and elegant look. However, this is not always true. In fact, using too few lights can make your room look dull, boring, and unwelcoming. It can also make it harder to perform tasks like reading, writing, or cooking.
The rule of thumb when it comes to lighting is to have five to seven light sources in each room. This does not mean that you need five blaringly bright lamps or fixtures. It means that you need a variety of light sources that provide different levels and types of illumination. For example, each room should have at least one window for natural light, one overhead light for general lighting, and one or more lamps for task or accent lighting. You may also want to add some extra light sources for creating interest and ambiance, such as a pendant light over a dining table, a wall sconce over a fireplace, or a string of fairy lights over a bed. By using enough light sources in each room, you will be able to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that showcases your personality and style.
Mistake #4: You Choose Lighting That Is Trendy Without Considering If It Is the Right Choice for a Particular Space
The last mistake that people make when choosing light sources for their home is to follow trends without thinking about whether they are suitable for their space and taste. Trends are great for inspiration and experimentation, but they are not always practical or timeless. For example, many people are adding industrial lighting to their homes these days. In some cases, this can be a great idea, especially if you have a loft, a studio, or a large space that needs a lot of light. Industrial lighting can add a lot of interest and texture to your space and create a cool and edgy vibe. However, in other cases, this can be a bad idea, especially if you have a small, cozy, or traditional space that needs a softer and more subtle light. Industrial lighting can be too harsh, too bright, or too bulky for your space, and clash with your existing decor and style.
The best way to avoid this mistake is to choose lighting that matches your space and your taste, not just the trends. Think about the size, shape, and style of your room, and what kind of mood you want to create. Then, look for light sources that enhance and complement your space, not overpower or compete with it. For example, if you have a small and cozy bedroom, you may want to use a table lamp with a fabric shade that diffuses the light and creates a soft glow. Or if you have a large and modern living room, you may want to use a floor lamp with a metal shade that directs the light and creates a sleek look. By choosing lighting that suits your space and your taste, you will be able to create a beautiful and functional space that reflects your personality and style.
Mistake #1: You Choose a Lamp or Source of Light Based on Its Looks Only and Not Its Function
It is tempting to buy a lamp or a light fixture just because it looks beautiful or trendy, but that is not enough. You also need to think about how it will serve your needs and fit your space. For example, a table lamp may look great in the store, but if it is too big or too small for your end table, it will look awkward and out of place. Similarly, a floor lamp may look stylish and modern, but if it does not provide enough light for your reading nook, it will be useless and frustrating.
The right way to choose lighting is to consider how it will look in the room overall, but also ask yourself, what is the purpose of this lamp or light source in this room? Is it to light up a dark corner? Does it provide reading light next to a chair? Does it create a focal point or a statement piece? Does it complement the other light sources in the room? By answering these questions, you will be able to find the best lighting solution for your space and your needs.
Mistake #2: You Add One Source of Light at a Time
Another common mistake that people make when choosing light sources for their home is to add one light at a time, without considering how they will work together as a whole. This can result in a room that is either too bright or too dim or has uneven or harsh lighting. For example, if you have two lamps with bright white shades on opposite sides of the room, they may create glare and contrast that is unpleasant and distracting. Or if you have only one overhead light in the center of the room, it may cast shadows and leave some areas in the dark.
The best way to avoid this mistake is to plan your lighting scheme before you buy any light sources. Think about how you want to use each area of the room, and what kind of lighting you need for each activity. For example, you may want ambient lighting for general illumination, task lighting for specific functions like reading or working, and accent lighting for highlighting features like artwork or plants. Then, think about how each light source will interact with each other in terms of the color temperature, brightness, and direction of the light. For example, you may want to use warm white bulbs for cozy and relaxing areas, cool white bulbs for crisp and energizing areas, and dimmers or switches for adjusting the intensity of the light. By planning ahead, you will be able to create a balanced and harmonious lighting scheme that suits your style and needs.
Mistake #3: You Don't Put Enough Light Sources in Each Room
A common misconception that people have when choosing light sources for their home is that less is more. They think that by using fewer lights, they will save energy and money, and create a minimalist and elegant look. However, this is not always true. In fact, using too few lights can make your room look dull, boring, and unwelcoming. It can also make it harder to perform tasks like reading, writing, or cooking.
The rule of thumb when it comes to lighting is to have five to seven light sources in each room. This does not mean that you need five blaringly bright lamps or fixtures. It means that you need a variety of light sources that provide different levels and types of illumination. For example, each room should have at least one window for natural light, one overhead light for general lighting, and one or more lamps for task or accent lighting. You may also want to add some extra light sources for creating interest and ambiance, such as a pendant light over a dining table, a wall sconce over a fireplace, or a string of fairy lights over a bed. By using enough light sources in each room, you will be able to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that showcases your personality and style.
Mistake #4: You Choose Lighting That Is Trendy Without Considering If It Is the Right Choice for a Particular Space
The last mistake that people make when choosing light sources for their home is to follow trends without thinking about whether they are suitable for their space and taste. Trends are great for inspiration and experimentation, but they are not always practical or timeless. For example, many people are adding industrial lighting to their homes these days. In some cases, this can be a great idea, especially if you have a loft, a studio, or a large space that needs a lot of light. Industrial lighting can add a lot of interest and texture to your space and create a cool and edgy vibe. However, in other cases, this can be a bad idea, especially if you have a small, cozy, or traditional space that needs a softer and more subtle light. Industrial lighting can be too harsh, too bright, or too bulky for your space, and clash with your existing decor and style.
The best way to avoid this mistake is to choose lighting that matches your space and your taste, not just the trends. Think about the size, shape, and style of your room, and what kind of mood you want to create. Then, look for light sources that enhance and complement your space, not overpower or compete with it. For example, if you have a small and cozy bedroom, you may want to use a table lamp with a fabric shade that diffuses the light and creates a soft glow. Or if you have a large and modern living room, you may want to use a floor lamp with a metal shade that directs the light and creates a sleek look. By choosing lighting that suits your space and your taste, you will be able to create a beautiful and functional space that reflects your personality and style.