Common Lighting Mistakes You Might Be Making – And How a Consultant Fixes Them

Lighting can make or break a space. A beautifully designed room can feel cold and uninviting if the lighting isn’t right. On the other hand, a well-lit space feels welcoming, functional, and visually appealing.

Many homeowners and even designers unknowingly make lighting mistakes that compromise the look and function of a room. Let’s explore the most common errors—and how a lighting consultant can fix them.

1. Over-Reliance on a Single Light Source

One ceiling light is not enough. Relying solely on overhead lighting creates harsh shadows, glare, and a lack of depth.

The fix: A consultant designs a layered lighting scheme, combining:

• Ambient lighting for general brightness.
• Task lighting for specific needs, such as floor and table lamps.
• Accent lighting to highlight architectural details using wall lights.

A well-lit space uses multiple sources of light to create balance and atmosphere.

2. Incorrect Colour Temperature

Ever walked into a room that felt off without knowing why? It’s often due to inconsistent colour temperatures.

The fix: A consultant helps select the right temperature for each space:

• Warm white (2700K-3000K) – Ideal for cosy living areas and bedrooms.
• Neutral white (3500K-4000K) – Best suited for kitchens and offices.
• Cool white (5000K-6500K) – Recommended for task-focused areas like bathrooms.

Consistency is key in creating a harmonious feel across your home or business.

3. Poor Fixture Placement

Even the best lights won’t work if they’re placed incorrectly.

• Fixtures too close together create overlit areas.
• Lights placed at the wrong angles cause harsh glare.
• Insufficient lighting leaves dark, uninviting spaces.

The fix: A professional consultant maps out optimal fixture placement, ensuring every part of the space is evenly illuminated without discomfort.

4. Neglecting Energy Efficiency

Outdated bulbs waste energy and cost more in the long run. Many homeowners still use halogen or incandescent lights, unaware that LED alternatives can provide:

• 80% energy savings.
• Longer lifespan (up to 50,000 hours).
• Less heat output (safer for interiors).

The fix: A lighting consultant recommends the best LED solutions tailored to your design, ensuring savings without sacrificing quality.

Get Lighting Right with Expert Consultancy

Lighting design is an art and a science—and avoiding these mistakes requires expert planning.

At Lighting Design Online, we work with homeowners, architects, and businesses to ensure flawless lighting schemes that enhance function, mood, and efficiency.

Avoid costly mistakes—book a consultation with us today.