Interior Lighting: 6 Mistakes You Might Be Making
Thanks to Modern Floor Lamps.net for the basis of this important post on things to consider when selecting lighting for your home or work place. Gorgeous wall color, art and furnishings suffer when lighting design is neglected.
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Good example of ‘layering’ lighting at different levels of a space. Ceiling chandelier adds interest, is appropriate scale for the room.
“All home lighting needs are the same.”
False.
Every home is different. Luckily, there are some common lighting mistakes that many people are making in their homes that you can learn from and avoid.
#1 Relying on Only One Light Source
The right lighting adds warmth, interest and creates atmosphere.
The key to good lighting is layering it at different heights.
“Don’t rely on only one kind of light source. Mix a variety of overhead and floor or table lamps,” Alan Tanksley says.
“Warm ‘pools’ of light draw people in and create intimacy.”
#2 Using Overhead Lighting That’s Too Bri
ght
According to Barclay Butera, “there’s nothing worse than bright lights that make you feel like you’re onstage”. He recommends using dimmers and soft white bulbs in every room, including bathrooms, because “lighting shouldn’t wash down on you: It’s harsh and unflattering.”
#3 Going Overboard With Recessed Lighting
Anthony Baratta says: “use recessed lighting sparingly. Too many fixtures turn your ceiling into Swiss cheese!” Plus, be mindful of where you place that kind of lighting. “Limit overhead ‘can’ lighting to functional areas such as bathrooms and laundry rooms — the light is too harsh and flat for your living areas”.
#4 Forgetting About Dimmers
Side lighting is more effective next to bathroom mirrors. Dimmers add atmosphere.
To Martyn Lawrence Bullard, “Lighting is everything. It creates atmosphere, drama, and intrigue in a room. The easiest way to accomplish this is with a dimmer switch. I always use dimmers, even in the powder room!”
#5 Light Switches Placed in the Wrong Place
“We locate (tops of) light switches about 36″ above the floor. (Standard placement is 48″). That way they stay out of the way of the art on our walls. We put switches about 1½” to 2″ off the side of the door casing for the same reason”, Gil Shafer explains.
And I would add-
#6 Choosing the Wrong Scale Light fixture for the Space
This ceiling mounted, overhead light is too small and plain for this space.
Select a light fixture in a scale appropriate to the space. The plain ‘flush mount’ or ‘semi-flush mount’ light right for the hall or a closet feels puny in the center of your living room ceiling, which calls for something a bit more special. (First photo above shows an example of a good choice.)
And don’t get me started on the icy blue wall color not in happy company with the warm stone of the fireplace..
If you have questions about the lighting or color choices in your living spaces, give Cathy a call. 720-273-0177
