Lighting serves an essential role in how any space looks, feels, and functions. From professional workspaces to cozy living rooms, arranging the right lighting makes a world of difference. Unfortunately, many people make mistakes, and some of them are very common occurrences. The results are unnecessary energy costs and poorly lit spaces. Knowing frequent lighting mistakes helps you avoid them, especially if you learn what to do instead.

Using Overhead Lighting Only

Relying on overhead lights exclusively is a very common lighting mistake. Overhead fixtures are effective sources of general illumination, but they might create harsh shadows and fail to provide even lighting. Avoid this mistake by incorporating lighting layers that balance overhead fixtures with task lighting and ambient illumination.

Picking an Improper Bulb Brightness

Many people wind up picking bulbs that are either too bright or dim for the given space. Overly bright lighting feels unwelcoming and even harsh, but overly dim lighting strains the human eye. Pay attention to the brightness of a bulb, which is measured in lumens. A range of 1,500 to 3,000 lumens works for general living spaces; task-focused rooms, including offices and kitchens, might need more.

Disregarding Color Temperature

A bulb’s color temperature is measured in Kelvin and has a substantial impact on a space’s mood. Cool white light might feel sterile in the range of 5,000K to 6,000K, but the 2,000K to 2,700K range of overly warm light might not be enough illumination for certain tasks. Pick color temperatures appropriate to the purpose of your space. Cooler light is good for task-oriented rooms, but warm light helps you relax in living room and bedrooms.

Skipping Dimmers

Dimmers provide flexibility and control over light intensity; without one, a space only has one brightness level at all times. This is an affordable upgrade that gives you both ambiance and functionality.

Poor Fixture Placement

Lights in incorrect positions result in uneven illumination, glare, and shadows. Avoid dark spots by putting recessed lights close enough together. Highlight key areas, including reading nooks, countertops, and artwork.

Skipping Natural Light

Not using natural light can waste energy and prevent you from connecting to the outdoors. Keep windows unobstructed, and arrange mirrors so light bounces around a space to create an airy feel.

Don’t Take This Lightly

The lighting in any space might make or break the functionality and design in that room or area. Avoid the common mistakes by implementing mindful strategies to make your workspace or home practical and beautiful. Since lighting involves electrical work and sometimes physical adjustments to your home’s infrastructure, many tasks are better left in the hands of industry professionals. If you live in Reno, NV, count on Burnett Electric for lighting services that are safe, reliable, and effective options, and call us today