Brighten Up Your Space
Lighting is said to be the unsung hero of interior design and rightly so. Improper lighting can turn a beautifully decorated room into an underwhelming place.
That’s how much power lighting fixtures hold. If you’ve got each decor element in perfect condition but the lighting elements are lacking, the aesthetics of your entire room will be ruined.
Harsh Lighting
Overly bright lighting that holds the potential to blind you should be avoided at all costs. Bright, direct lights tend to cast stark shadows creating an inviting atmosphere.
Instead, opt for soft, diffused lighting that fills a room with a warm glow. Lamps with shades and lighting fixtures with fabric covers allow you to adjust the intensity according to your needs.
Blocking Windows
We take natural light for granted and underestimate its benefits. Please don’t make the mistake of blocking your windows as it will hinder the natural light a room receives.
When windows are blocked, you will miss out on the illumination benefit along with the warmth natural light brings into a room. Go for sheer curtains or light-filtering shades that allow the sunlight to stream in while also enjoying a sense of privacy.
Ignoring Scale
You might want to install a gigantic chandelier in the living room but chances are it will ruin the entire look of your room. Choosing the wrong size lighting fixtures can tip off the entire balance and harmony of a room.
If you opt for too big fixtures, they will make a place feel cluttered while smaller ones can’t be seen as they’ll be hidden by the decor.
Inconsistent Styles
When it comes to home decor, every element needs to be in cohesion. The same applies to lighting fixtures.
Mixing different variations of lighting fixtures can lead to a disjointed and chaotic look in your room. Always remember to go for lighting that goes well with the rest of the theme.
Poor Placement
You can choose the right fixture but if it’s installed in the wrong location, the ambiance of the entire room will be destroyed. If ceiling lights are hung too high, they won’t be able to illuminate the whole room.
Similarly, if they’re too low, your vision will be compromised and you might not be able to view everything properly.
Lack of Layers
If you want to set up a boring room ambiance, don’t layer your lighting fixtures. Most people would want an inviting atmosphere.
To do so, go for layered lighting that will involve ambient, task, and accent lights. Ambient lighting is focused on doing the basic job of illumination while task lighting is more about providing a warm glow.
Accent lights will usually be used highlighting artwork and other decor elements.
Skipping Dimmer Switches
One mistake you don’t want to make is not getting dimmer switches with your lighting fixtures. Dimmer switches allow you to tamper with lighting adjustments and set it according to the event’s mood.
If you’ve got guests over, you can soften the light, setting up a comfortable and inviting environment.
Using Cold Bulbs
A home full of cool white bulbs leads to a stark and uninviting atmosphere. And nobody wants that.
These bulbs, no doubt, are perfect for illumination purposes, but they lack the warmth needed to create a cozy environment. The ideal option is to mix and match bulbs of different temperatures.
Incorrect Lighting
Each room comes with its distinctive features and decor elements. Using the same type of lighting in every area can create a bland atmosphere.
Warm lighting is suitable for bedside tables, while kitchens and offices require heavy task lighting. By choosing the appropriate lighting for every room, you’re able to improve the functionality of each room while also maintaining its aesthetics.
Going all out With Recessed Lighting
There has been a rise in recessed lighting fixtures for home decor purposes. This change is understandable given the low cost of installing this type of lighting option and it also gets the job done.
However, a problem occurs when you go overboard. The main drawback of recessed lighting is that it only lights up a specific area and not an entire room.
And it can look tacky when overused.
Underestimating Portable Fixtures
Homeowners tend to ignore the potential portable fixtures hold. These versatile pieces can instantly improve functionality throughout your home and are perfect for decor purposes too.
These lighting options unlike fixed ones can be easily moved around and adjusted according to different layouts and activities.
Insufficient Circuits
Having adequate circuits around the house is a life-saver and homeowners sometimes don’t understand this fact. If you don’t have sufficient circuit boards throughout the home, the chances of potential hazards and performance issues will increase.
With limited circuits, you might not be able to layer different types of lighting fixtures together restricting you from setting up a warm and aesthetic environment.
Ignoring Reflective Surfaces
Lighting fixtures and reflective surfaces such as mirrors and other glossy finishes go hand in hand. They tend to complement each other perfectly.
By strategically installing your lighting fixtures around mirrors, you’re able to create an illusion of a larger space. Glossy paint or finishes on furniture attract light and diffuse it across a room, adding depth and dimension to the existing decor.
Neglecting Seasonal Lighting
Nobody wants to visit a home that looks the same throughout the entire year. Make sure you switch lighting elements as different seasons roll around.
These switches can be as simple as swapping out lightbulbs for string lights during the fall. However, you don’t want to make any mistakes when it comes to seasonal lighting decor.
To prepare yourself for fall, give this article on “Lighting Mistakes to Avoid for Fall Ambiance” a read.
Dismissing Home Automation
Allow technology to make your life easier and bring in home automation for lighting fixtures. A smart lighting system will allow you to control your lights remotely via smartphone apps and voice commands.
With the help of an automation feature, you can take things to the next level by creating lighting schedules and whatnot. If you’re interested in setting up a smart home, take help from “What’s All the Rage About AI and Smart Homes“.
