Lighting can make or break the feel of your home. It’s not just about seeing clearly—how a room feels, how you interact with the space, and even how much energy you use daily.
The right lighting setup can make your living room feel cozy, your kitchen look fresh and clean, and your bedroom become a relaxing retreat. But get it wrong, and the space can feel cold, harsh, or unsafe.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common lighting mistakes that people (yes, even interior designers!) often make—and more importantly, how to fix or avoid them entirely.
1. Choosing the Wrong Size Fixture
Let’s be honest—sometimes we fall in love with a gorgeous chandelier online, only to realise it's too massive for the dining area or too tiny for the space.
🔍 Why it matters:
When a light fixture is too big or too small, it throws the whole room off balance. Oversized lights can dominate a space and feel overwhelming, while undersized ones might look awkward and underwhelming.
✅ Easy fix:
- Measure the room dimensions before you shop.
- Add the length and width of your room (in feet); that number in inches is a good ballpark for your fixture’s diameter.
- For dining tables, your light fixture should be about two-thirds the width of the table.
2. Relying on One Light Source in a Room
Have you ever walked into a room with just a single overhead bulb? It feels like an interrogation room, not a cozy home.
🔍 Why it matters:
A single light source usually leaves corners in shadows and lacks depth or mood.
✅ Easy fix:
Layer your lighting! Ideally, every room should have a mix of:
- Ambient lighting: your ceiling light or main fixture.
- Task lighting: desk lamps, reading lights, and kitchen under-cabinet lights.
- Accent lighting: wall sconces or small lamps that add warmth and highlight décor.
Pro tip: Dimmer switches on your ambient lights allow you to adjust brightness depending on the time of day or mood.
3. Going Overboard with Downlights
Downlights are popular, especially in modern homes, but more isn’t always better.
🔍 Why it matters:
An overload of bright, recessed downlights can create a clinical, harsh effect—like a hospital hallway.
✅ Easy fix:
- Use fewer downlights and space them correctly.
- Choose dimmable warm white LEDs (2700K to 3000K) for a cozier glow.
- Mix in other light sources like floor lamps or pendant lighting to soften the look.
4. Not Using Enough Light (Especially in the Bedroom)
Bedrooms are often designed for sleep—but what about reading, folding clothes, or getting dressed?
🔍 Why it matters:
Without proper lighting, you’re left with dark spots and poor visibility.
✅ Easy fix:
- Add table lamps or wall sconces next to the bed.
- Use layered lighting, even in smaller rooms.
- Consider motion-sensor or low-light nightlights for added safety and convenience.
5. Forgetting the Power of Layers
Lighting isn’t one-dimensional, and your setup shouldn’t be either.
🔍 Why it matters:
A single lighting layer makes a room feel flat and lifeless.
✅ Easy fix:
Mix the three essential lighting types in every room. Think of your lighting like seasoning a dish—you need different elements to bring out the best in the space.
6. Going Overboard with Task Lighting
Yes, task lights are functional, but too many can create a cluttered and chaotic room.
🔍 Why it matters:
An abundance of task lamps makes spaces look busy and overwhelming.
✅ Easy fix:
Focus your task lighting only where you truly need it—above a vanity mirror, kitchen counters, or a reading chair. Keep the rest subtle.
7. Using the Wrong Dimmer with LED Lights
Just because your LED bulb says “dimmable” doesn’t mean it will work with every dimmer switch.
🔍 Why it matters:
Old dimmers designed for incandescent bulbs can flicker or not dim LED lights properly.
✅ Easy fix:
Use an LED-compatible dimmer switch. It’ll give you smooth dimming and increase the life of your LED bulbs.
8. Picking the Wrong Colour Temperature
Lighting colour affects your feelings in a room—even if you don’t realise it.
🔍 Why it matters:
- A too-cool light in the bedroom can feel sterile.
- A too-warm light in the kitchen can make it look dingy.
✅ Easy fix:
Match colour temperature to the room's function:
- Warm white (2700–3000K): Cozy for bedrooms and living rooms.
- Cool white (3000–5000K): Bright and energetic, ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and workspaces.
- Daylight (5000–6500K): Very bright—best used for garages or hobby rooms.
9. Ignoring Small Spaces Like Hallways or Closets
These areas may be small, but they still deserve good lighting.
🔍 Why it matters:
Dim or shadowy hallways and closets can be both frustrating and unsafe.
✅ Easy fix:
Use compact LED downlights or motion-sensor lighting. These make these spaces functional and even add a touch of luxury.
10. Letting Shadows Ruin the Vibe
Have you ever tried putting on makeup or shaving in a bathroom with a ceiling light directly above your head? Not fun.
🔍 Why it matters:
Poorly placed lights can create awkward shadows on faces and workspaces.
✅ Easy fix:
- Add side lighting around mirrors (like wall sconces or vanity lights).
- Use under-cabinet lighting in kitchens to eliminate countertop shadows.
11. Avoiding LED Upgrades
Still using incandescent or CFLs? It’s time to switch.
🔍 Why it matters:
LEDs last longer, use less power, and are better for the environment.
✅ Easy fix:
- Start with high-usage areas (kitchen, hallway, living room).
- Look for warm dimmable LEDs to replicate that cozy incandescent feel.
Final Thoughts: Good Lighting = Good Living
Lighting isn’t just functional—it’s emotional. It sets the mood, highlights your favourite spaces, and creates comfort. When done right, it enhances your lifestyle in subtle but powerful ways.
The good news? You don’t need to be a design pro to avoid these common mistakes. With a bit of planning, a few smart swaps, and the right type of bulbs, you can transform your home’s lighting in a way that looks beautiful and feels even better.
Need help choosing the perfect lighting?
Visit LiquidLEDs for high-quality, stylish LED lighting that brings every room to life.