Avoid These 5 Common Lighting Mistakes

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood, atmosphere, and functionality of a space. However, it’s not always used properly, and many people make common lighting mistakes that can detract from the overall look, feel, and usefulness of a space. In this blog, we will discuss five common lighting mistakes to avoid to help you illuminate your residential, commercial, or industrial space in the best possible way.

1. Utilizing a one-dimensional lighting design: One of the most common mistakes people make is using only one type of lighting for a space. Different areas in a room require different types of lighting in order to achieve a layered lighting design that incorporates three layers—ambient, task, and accent lighting.

Ambient lighting is the primary source of lighting in the room. Task lighting is focused light that highlights work areas of an application. Accent lighting is light that draws attention to architectural features or artwork.

It's important to mix and match different types of lighting to create a balanced and well-lit space.

2. No Control… Ignoring Dimmers, Sensors and Smart Controls: The easiest solution is the one often overlooked. And the easiest way to change the ambiance and spirit of an application, not to mention the functionality and energy savings, is by adding dimmers and controls to a design. Controls are often overlooked but are essential for almost any application, and the advancements in control technology have made these affordable and easy enough for anyone to apply.

Is the light in your living room too harsh? Is the light in your warehouse only needed when you have activity in the aisle? Do you need the lights in your parking lot to come on at dusk? All of these problems can be solved with the integration of controls to your lighting plan.

3. Using the wrong color temperature for the setting: First let’s state that color is a personal choice, as is color temperature, so there is no right way or wrong way to select color temperature. However, there is scientific data that shows color temperature differences do have an impact on mood and have an impact on perceived brightness, among other factors. So, if you are considering color temperature in your settings, there are some guidelines to follow:

Warm color temperatures (2700K - 3000K) provide a relaxing mood and are often used in residential living settings such as living rooms and bedrooms.

Cool color temperatures (3500K - 4500K) are generally used in commercial settings such as office spaces, retail, and healthcare. This color temperature is used for areas where tasks / work is being performed as it is said to improve visual alertness and acuity.

Daylight color temperatures (5000K+) are generally used in outdoor commercial spaces, such as car dealerships, and in indoor applications, such as industrial manufacturing, because they are perceived as a brighter light source.

Important things to consider when selecting a color temperature are the colors and tones in the room you are lighting. If your room has cooler tones, such as blues and silvers, then a cool temperature will be complementary, but if you have wood tones and gold accents, then the cooler color temperature lights will wash them out. In that case, you should choose a warmer color temperature light source.

4. Scale Problems: Not considering the size of the fixture:This problem may seem far-fetched and simple to fix, but you may be surprised to find out that it happens far too frequently. People often choose their lighting fixtures based on style, not size, and when they install the light in the actual setting, it’s often ridiculously small or ridiculously large for their space.

A light fixture that is too large actually overwhelms the space, and one that is too small gets lost in the room.

To solve these scale problems think of your fixture selection like you would a piece of furniture. Consider the room size, the ceiling height, and the environment. Have a plan and a tape measure, and you will solve your scale problems.

5. Poor Placement of Lighting: Placing lighting fixtures in the wrong locations can create shadows, glare, and uneven lighting. It's crucial to consider the placement of lighting to ensure even illumination throughout the space. Avoid placing lights directly overhead, as this can create harsh shadows on people's faces. It can also create darkness in workspaces such as countertops or vanities. Instead, opt for a combination of overhead, wall-mounted, and floor lamps to achieve a balanced and well-lit room. Lighting placement becomes even more serious when we layout street lighting and parking lot lighting as it can create safety concerns and even cause accidents or harm. So proper placement should really be handled by professionals who can create a custom designed lighting plan for your application.

Obviously there are many other lighting mistakes that can create a less than desirable lighting design, but by avoiding these five common ones and following the tips provided in this blog post, you can illuminate your space in a way that enhances its beauty, functionality, and comfort.

With the right lighting scheme, you can transform any application into a well-lit and inviting setting.