Interior Expert Explains the 5 Lighting Mistakes You Might be Making
Lighting can completely change the look of your home. However, depending on how you use it, the results can vary dramatically. Every room in our homes has a different function, whether that be for relaxing, working, sleeping, or eating. However, many people overlook the importance of lighting in each space and how it can affect the overall atmosphere in the room. By switching up some of these small lighting mistakes, you can transform the look and feel of your space, instantly.
Ally Dowsing-Reynolds, co-founder and lighting expert at Dowsing & Reynolds, shares her tips with us on how to light your home and avoid these common mistakes, from incorporating dimmer switches to choosing the correct lighting fixtures.
1. Only using one light source, relying on the ‘big light’
Ally explains, “Relying on one light source in your space can create an uninviting atmosphere. A single light feature in the centre of the room will illuminate the space, however, not allow for a feeling of ambience and cosiness.
“Having only one light source, especially if it is overhead lighting, can make a room feel stark and uninviting; it can also cast heavy shadows in corners and create a gloomy feel, making the room feel smaller. Instead, add lamps around the room; this will give the space a more welcoming feel with lighting at different levels and not relying on a sometimes harsh overhead light. Adding lamps to corners can brighten them up and make the room feel more spacious.”
We often refer to these brightly lit overhead fixtures as the ‘big light’, something many have an aversion to. The preference against using this lighting is usually due to the harsh brightness, creating an overwhelming and uninviting feel in the space. To avoid this, add lamps, wall lights and dimmable lighting to your room and give it a more welcoming, homely feel.
2. Overlooking lighting temperatures
“The temperature of the bulbs you use depends on multiple factors. When choosing the right one for you, consider the function of the room, the desired mood you want to create, and what you will be using the lighting for.” Says Ally.
“Cool lighting is often perceived as being brighter than other bulb temperatures; that is why it is best used in spaces where you need to focus. Kitchens, bathrooms and offices can benefit from the use of cool lighting as they are more task-oriented spaces, allowing a clearer light source.”
“Warm lighting is a relaxing temperature, best used in rooms you want to feel calm and unwind in. The bedroom, living room and other social spaces benefit from this cosy lighting, as they give an inviting and comfortable feel.”
Ally continues, “Neutral lighting is often seen as the middle ground between both warm and cool lighting, hence its growing popularity. It is also the shade considered closest to mimicking the temperature of daylight, meaning it is perfect for spaces where there is less natural light. Neutral lighting works well in offices, reading nooks or libraries, as it allows the eyes to focus more easily and reduces eye strain.”
3. Using insect-attracting lighting
Your bedroom should be a relaxing, peaceful place for you to unwind, but in summer months when we open up our windows, the room can become a haven for unexpected visitors like moths and flies.
Ally tells us, “People are often unaware that the lighting you choose may be tempting insects into your room at night. Cool-toned lighting is the most effective at attracting insects into the home, as it not only mimics the moonlight but the brightness can also disorientate the bugs, making them fly towards the light source and into your bedroom. Instead, choose a warm or neutral light in your space to reduce the likelihood of insects being enticed into your bedroom at night.”
“If you want to stick with cool-toned lighting, dimmer switches are a great option to reduce the brightness and, in turn, reduce the chances of insects being attracted into your bedroom.”
4. Not utilising natural light
Natural lighting can have a huge impact on how your space looks. The direction your room faces affects how much sunlight it receives, with south-facing spaces typically being brighter than those facing north.
Ally says, “Where possible, try to enhance the amount of natural light that your room gets by incorporating colours and materials that reflect it around the room, giving the illusion of a bigger and brighter space.
“Mirrors are a simple and effective way of increasing the amount of light in your bedroom. Incorporating a mirror into your space can help to bounce more natural lighting around the room and, in turn, make it feel brighter.
“Though darker shades of greens, blues and black are becoming increasingly popular, they can also make the room feel more enclosed. These shades can look great and help your space feel more cosy, however, the dark shades absorb the natural light rather than reflecting it. Instead, opt for pale, neutral shades when decorating your bedroom. These airy colours reflect more light around the room and give the illusion of a much bigger space.”
5. Not incorporating dimmer switches
Adding a dimmer switch is the perfect way to instantly upgrade your lighting. These switches allow you to change up the mood within your space, whether you want to create a cosy space or brighten up the room for functional use.
“Dimmer switches are easy to incorporate into your home and can be used on multiple fixtures, including wall lights, overhead lighting and spotlights. They are straightforward to install and will instantly enhance the ambience in any room.”
“Incorporating a dimmer switch is also a great way to reduce energy consumption, as the dimmable nature allows you to only use the light you need. In turn, reducing the power used and saving you both energy and money in the long run.”
Why are we adverse to using the so-called ‘big light’?
Ally adds, “The so-called ‘big light’ gets a bad rap, however, it isn’t all bad. The trick is to incorporate layered lighting into your space to sit alongside an overhead fixture.
“Placing your lighting at different levels not only gives the effect of visually stretching the space and making it appear bigger than it is, but it also elevates the look of the room.
“Utilise high, mid and low level lighting in your space. For the high-level, or overhead lighting, a statement ceiling light can work well as it acts as a focal point in your room. To add depth throughout your space, use mid-level lighting such as wall lights; these add atmosphere and an elevated feel to the space while drawing the eye toward the wall and making the most of the space you have. Low-level lighting with floor and table lamps adds another layer of visual intrigue and illuminates key areas within the room.”