Home lighting is one of the most important elements of interior design. Properly planned light affects the comfort of everyday life and highlights the advantages of rooms. Unfortunately, we still make many mistakes in home lighting that can significantly reduce the aesthetic and practical values ​​of our four walls. Learn about the ten most common and how to avoid them.

1. Lack of a well-thought-out design

Home lighting errors begin at the interior design stage. Many people consider the selection and layout of light points to be a secondary issue, which later results in:

• insufficient number of light sources,

• improperly placed lighting fixtures,

• inability to later expand the installation.

The solution to this problem is to develop a detailed lighting plan at the interior design stage. Only a coherent design will avoid future difficulties and costly alterations.

2. Using only one light source

A popular solution in many homes is to hang one chandelier in the central point of the ceiling. This leads to the creation of dark corners and makes the interior seem cold and uncozy. To eliminate such errors in home lighting, it is worth using additional light sources: wall lamps, floor lamps, LED strips or task lighting, which allows you to create different light scenes.

3. Selecting the wrong light color

One of the key aspects of lighting arrangement is the correct selection of color temperature. Warm light (2700-3000 K) is conducive to rest and relaxation, so it is perfect for living rooms or bedrooms. A cooler color (4000-6500 K), on the other hand, is more suitable for the kitchen, office or bathroom, where precision and focus become important. Failure to properly plan and match the color of light to the function of the rooms are basic errors in home lighting.

4. Incorrect arrangement of lighting fixtures

Even the best lamps will not fulfill their role if they are placed in the wrong places. Such errors in home lighting occur quite often. Too intense light above the table can be dazzling, while a lack of lighting can make everyday work difficult. Therefore, before installing the fixtures, you should consider where you spend most of your time and what tasks you perform in each zone.

5. Lack of task lighting

Task lighting is an additional light source designed for a specific activity, such as reading, preparing meals or applying makeup. Unfortunately, many people consider it an unnecessary expense and, as a result, struggle with insufficient light where attention and concentration are needed. These are serious mistakes in home lighting. That is why it is worth complementing the arrangement with desk lamps, wall lamps above the mirror or fixtures above countertops in the kitchen.

6. Poorly selected lighting power

The selection of bulb power should be adapted to the size of the interior and its purpose. Too strong lighting strains the eyes and does not encourage relaxation, while too weak lighting makes normal functioning difficult. Such a mismatch of the light source is a common mistake in home lighting. To avoid them, follow simple rules:

• for small rooms, such as bathrooms or corridors, lower light intensity will be sufficient, which will not overwhelm the space,
• in larger rooms (living room, kitchen), we recommend using stronger sources to evenly illuminate the entire surface.

For kitchen countertops or desks, it is worth using additional task lighting, which we mentioned above.

7. Inappropriate lighting fixtures in humid rooms

When discussing errors in home lighting, it is necessary to mention the incorrect selection of fixtures for the conditions in rooms with increased humidity. In the bathroom or kitchen, it is necessary to use fixtures with an appropriate IP protection class. Why is this so important? Installing lamps with an insufficient class may result in:

• failures of the lighting installation resulting from exposure of the fixtures to moisture,

• a threat to the safety of users, including the risk of electric shock.

How to avoid errors? Just stick to two rules:

• In the bathroom, use fixtures with an IP44 degree of protection, and in places exposed to direct contact with water (e.g. shower area) - IP65 or higher,

• When buying lamps, make sure they meet applicable safety standards.

8. Errors in selecting dimmers

Dimmers are practical devices, but only when they are compatible with selected light sources. Some LED lamps may flicker or wear out faster if this component is not selected correctly. To prevent such errors in home lighting, it is worth thoroughly familiarizing yourself with the technical requirements of lighting and seeking specialist advice. Properly selected dimmers significantly increase the functionality of the interior and allow you to create different lighting scenes.

9. Giving up on accent lighting

Accent lighting, such as LED strips in suspended ceilings or shelf lighting, gives interiors a unique character. Omitting these elements is a common mistake in home lighting, making rooms monotonous and devoid of an individual atmosphere. However, accent lighting is a simple method to emphasize the advantages of the interior and create a cozy atmosphere in it.

10. Lack of care for energy-saving solutions

Failure to consider energy-saving solutions is a serious mistake in home lighting. Why is this important? Here are the answers:

• they consume much less energy compared to traditional light sources,
• LED technologies are characterized by a longer lifespan, which reduces the need for frequent replacement,
• automatic control systems allow you to adjust the lighting to the needs of the residents.

Investing in energy-saving lighting technologies is a step towards a modern, comfortable and ecological home.

Errors in home lighting can negatively affect the quality of life and aesthetics of the rooms. Their elimination will create a friendly, comfortable and effective space in which every household member will feel comfortable.