6 common lighting mistakes to avoid in your interior design

 Image of ceiling pendant lights

The art and science of lighting are intertwined. In addition to changing the mood of your space, it can also have an impact on your day-to-day activities – too dark and you might feel depressed, too bright, and you might get headaches. That’s why it’s so important to be educated about lighting mistakes, and how to make the most out of your home’s lighting!

We'll cover some of the more common lighting errors we've seen and how you can avoid them in this article. If you’re getting ready to renovate your new home, keep an eye out and take some notes!

Mistake #1: Using only a single type of light

We tend to err on the side of functional lighting when we think about lights. As a result, most homeowners only use one type of lighting in each room – as long as it does its job and lights up the room – you're good to go. However, only using one type of lighting may not be the best option. 

There is no doubt that lighting is an essential aspect of transforming a space – different lighting can help transform your space drastically. With most of us spending more time at home, creating these differences can be a welcome change. 

For one, yellow light can help you relax and unwind in the evening, while a brighter white light can be more helpful for getting work done during the day. 

Having different types of lighting are great when it comes to elevating the mood in your home.

Mistake #2: Incorrect light installation for high ceilings

Lighting solutions for high ceilings can be challenging. This is because the light source is farther from the ground, resulting in dim lighting in your bedroom or living room. 

To resolve this, it’s best to opt for hanging pendant lights or chandeliers and try using scone lights for walls or lamps for the floors. In this way, the living room would remain bright even after dark.

Consider these pendant lights for your home:

MONKER Pendant Lamp

Product image of MONKER Pendant Lamp

 

  • No. of Bulbs: 36
  • Power: 36W
  • Fitting Type: G4
  • Colour: Frosted White
  • Material: Acrylic/Aluminium
  • Dimensions (D x H): 700mm x 550mm

CASEY Cloud Series Pendant Lamp

Product image of CASEY Cloud Series Pendant Lamp

  • Power: 40W
  • Colour Temperature: 3000K (Warm white)
  • Colour: White
  • Material: PC
  • Dimensions: 500mm x 170mm

You can also use magnetic track lights for a more adventurous lighting style:

RENE Magnetic F540-Series Linear Diffused Light

Product image of RENE Magnetic F540-Series Linear Diffused Light

  • Power: 24W
  • Dimensions: L543mm x W22mm x H45mm
  • Options: 
    • Standard (Switch operated)
      • Single Colour
      • Non-dimmable
    • Smart 2.4G (Remote Control)
      • White tuneable 2700K - 6500K (Warm white to Daylight)
      • Dimmable
    • Smart Zigbee (Phone App, Voice-control systems)
      • White tuneable 2700K - 6500K (Warm white to Daylight)
      • Dimmable

LUXED Recessed Spotlight GU10/Module - Black & LUXED Recessed Spotlight GU10/Module White - 9W Module

Product image of LUXE Recessed Spotlight GU/10 Module Black & WhiteProduct image of LUXE Recessed Spotlight GU/10 Module Black & White

A higher ceiling requires a higher wattage bulb to provide sufficient illumination. This 9W LED module variant enables a home design to remain elegant with spotlights that are bright enough.

  • Material: Aluminium
  • Outer Rim: 105mm
  • Cut Hole: 100mm
  • Ceiling Height Clearance: 80 to 120mm
  • Fitting Type: GU10 Bulb or LED Module
  • Colour Temperature: 3000K (Warm white), 4000K (Cool white), 6000K (Daylight)
  • Angle Adjustable: Yes

Mistake #3: Neglecting task lighting

A task light serves to focus your attention on specific areas, helping you perform your daily routine efficiently. Task lighting is used most often in the kitchen and home office because these are the places where we are most productive. 

Hanging pendant lights over your kitchen island can help to light up the surface more effectively. Having track lights placed in various directions can also help you stay focused on your task without the distraction of shadows or glaring lights.

The following are some great pendant lights and track lights to consider:

TIMBURR Pendant Lamp

Product image of TIMBURR Pendant Lamp

  • Power: Max 40W
  • Colour Temperature: 3200K - 3500K (Warm white)
  • Colour: Light wood with brown black leather
  • Material: Wood
  • Dimensions (L x W x H): 930mm x 200mm x 90mm
  • Wire Length: Max 1 metre (Adjustable)

 

CYRILL Cloud Series Pendant Lamp

Product image of CYRILL Cloud Series Pendant Lamp

  • Power: 18W
  • Bulb Head: E27 (Corn light)
  • Colour Temperature: 3000K (Warm white)
  • Colour: Black (Aluminium), Black White (Glass)
  • Material: Aluminium, Glass
  • Dimensions: 200mm, 300mm (Diameter)
  • Wire Length: 1metre (Adjustable)


RENE Magnetic D87-Series Spot Light 7W

Product image of RENE Magnetic D87-Series Spot Light 7W

  • Power: 7W
  • Dimensions: ФD53mm x L87mm (Diameter x Length)
  • Options: 
    • Standard (Switch operated)
      • Single Colour
      • Non-dimmable
    • Smart 2.4G (Remote Control)
      • White tuneable 2700K - 6500K (Warm white to Daylight)
      • Dimmable
    • Smart Zigbee (Phone App, Voice-control systems)
      • White tuneable 2700K - 6500K (Warm white to Daylight)
      • Dimmable

Mistake #4: Not using the light dimmer features

Using only one type of light for your room is limiting, and it might not be the best solution to your day-to-day lighting needs. 

You can consider getting a light with dimmer features rather than installing multiple lights in your living room or bedroom. 

Getting a light with a dimming setting allows you to adjust lighting settings to suit your needs. For example, you can dim the brightness in the evening, adjust it for reading, or crank it up to focus on work during the day.

Mistake #5: Overuse of recessed lights

Recessed lights are great because they take up little or no space, are bright, and are functional. Don't overdo it with recessed lighting, however. An overabundance of them can make you "see stars"

Having just the right amount of recessed lighting in your kitchen, bedroom, or living room will brighten up the room. But when there are too many installed, it can be distracting as the lights can get too glaring.

Mistake #6: Forgetting shadows cast by light

When done right, lighting is a given. In contrast, when lighting is wrongly installed in the wrong place, it becomes blatantly obvious and casts ugly shadows. Shadows not only detract from a room's design, but they can also distract you from the task at hand.

Unless you're a professional, it can be challenging to imagine how well lit your room might be. Thus, getting your lighting solutions resolved by a professional from the get-go prevents you from having to reinstall lights later and regretting expensive lighting purchases!

Getting your home lighting solutions in Singapore

Lightsmart.sg is a lightings store in Singapore that brings bespoke lighting solutions for your home at an affordable price. 

As homeowners ourselves, we understand how overwhelming and frustrating it can be to shop for lights in Singapore. From led lights, ceiling lights, track lightings, pendant lights, hanging lights, to smart lighting in Singapore, we curate the best lighting solutions for your home interior.

Learn more about how you should light your space well so that it complements your daily needs. Chat with us on WhatsApp and let us help you find the best lighting solutions for your home.

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