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“Light is the magical ingredient that makes or breaks a space; it’s one of the most important elements in all my interiors.” So Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz told Elle Decor in the magazine’s June/July 1994 issue. The Puerto Rican interior designer is right — lighting can affect both the atmosphere and the function of a room.
Lighting doesn’t take up space in an obvious way, like cabinetry or a sofa. Many of its sources aren’t even in our line of sight (think potlights and other overhead lights). So it’s easy to make lighting an afterthought when planning a room — or worse yet, create a lighting scheme that undermines the rest of your design.
Here are five common lighting mistakes to avoid.
1. Too many recessed lights
Bulbs that are embedded in the ceiling can certainly brighten up a room and disperse light evenly. But it’s not exactly the most cosy option, according to The Spruce. “There’s a reason the ‘big light’ is no longer beloved, and the bright glare they produce makes it hard to relax and fully enjoy a room,” says the publication.
2. Ignoring colour temperature
Bulb temperature refers to how warm (yellow) or cool (blue) the light from a source is, and it’s measured in Kelvins (K). “Use a warm white bulb (2700K to 3000K) to create a cosy, inviting atmosphere,” says the website for interior designer Brian Gluckstein. “Anything above that will be extremely bright white and more suitable for non residential space.”
3. Not layering lighting
It’s not enough to check for a big light source in the middle of the ceiling and call it a day. Ambient, task and accent lighting are all important for an attractive and functional space. Ambient lighting provides general illumination, while task lighting helps you do specific tasks, like reading, cooking, working or putting on makeup. Accent lighting, meanwhile, literally spotlights things like art or architectural elements.
4. Making mistakes when hanging lights
Take measurements to ensure your lighting — particularly pendants and chandeliers — is installed at the right height, is the right size and is symmetrical. “For the average eight-foot ceiling, hang your dining room chandelier about 30 to 36 inches from the table,” says The Spruce. “This final height might differ depending on how high your ceiling is and the table style you’ve chosen.”
5. Not mixing lighting finishes
The metals and finishes on your light fixtures don’t need to match those that are already in a room. In fact, mixing them can create a more interesting look. “As an example, if your kitchen fixtures are nickel, try a brass light fixture over your island,” says Gluckstein’s website.
“If mixing metals feels too adventurous, try just mixing finishes so that some pieces are shiny and some are matte. For example, if your room features polished nickel finishes, consider using a brushed nickel light fixture for a bit of variety.”