WordofMany

Lighting

top 5 lighting mistakes that make your home look darker

By Eleanor Vance

Published: 13 Feb 2025

A Dark and Stormy Night (and Living Room)

Let me paint you a picture. It’s a Friday night. I'm curled up on the couch, ready for a movie marathon. But instead of cozy movie magic, I'm squinting, my eyes straining to see the screen. Why? Because my living room is, frankly, depressing. The lighting is atrocious, casting long, ugly shadows and making the whole space feel darker than a dungeon. This isn't just a minor annoyance; it's a total mood killer. That's when I realized that many of us make lighting mistakes that can make our homes feel smaller, darker and just, well, blah. So, let's shine a light (pun intended!) on five common mistakes and how to fix them.

dark living room with poor lighting | Image: Supplied

Mistake #1: Relying Solely on Overhead Lighting

Remember those harsh, single ceiling lights from your grandma's house? They’re the lighting equivalent of a fashion faux pas. Overhead lighting alone casts unflattering shadows and creates a stark, uninviting atmosphere. Think Dracula's castle, not your dream home. Instead, layer your lighting! Combine overhead with lamps, sconces, and even strategically placed candles for a warm, inviting glow. I recently switched out our builder-grade fixture for a beautiful, modern chandelier and added some stylish floor lamps. The difference is night and day – literally!

living room with layered lighting | Image: Supplied

Mistake #2: Neglecting Natural Light

Natural light is your best friend. It’s free, it’s beautiful, and it makes a huge difference in how bright and airy your space feels. So, why do we often block it out? Heavy curtains, furniture placement... we're guilty as charged! Keep windows unobstructed as much as possible. Use sheer curtains or blinds instead of thick drapes to allow maximum light penetration. And, if possible, use mirrors to reflect sunlight throughout your living space, bouncing that brightness around. I actually rearranged my living room to face a window, and, wow, what a difference!

living room with lots of natural light | Image: Supplied

Mistake #3: Ignoring the Importance of Bulb Color Temperature

Choosing the right light bulb is crucial and super easy to overlook. Did you know that bulbs have different color temperatures, measured in Kelvins (K)? Lower Kelvin numbers (around 2700K) provide a warm, yellowish light, ideal for living rooms and bedrooms. Higher Kelvin numbers (5000K or more) produce a cool, bluish light, better suited for kitchens and bathrooms. Using the wrong color temperature can make your space look either too cold and sterile or too dingy and yellow. Recently, my friend used daylight bulbs in her bedroom – it looked like an operating room! Get it right, people!

different types of light bulbs | Image: Supplied

Mistake #4: Forgetting About Accent Lighting

Accent lighting isn't just for fancy hotels and art galleries. It’s about highlighting your favorite features—a stunning piece of artwork, a cozy fireplace, or even that awesome bookshelf collection you are so proud of. Using track lighting, spotlights, or even strategically placed LED strip lights can add depth and drama to your space. I used to have some random artwork on the walls but I wasn’t showcasing them properly. When I installed small spotlights, the effect was night and day. I can’t believe how much this changed the look and feel of my home.

living room with accent lighting | Image: Supplied

Mistake #5: Insufficient Lighting in Key Areas

This might seem obvious, but it's a mistake so many of us make. Think about the areas where you spend the most time: reading nooks, kitchen counters, dining tables. Are they adequately lit? Poor lighting in these crucial zones can lead to eye strain, accidents, and a generally unpleasant experience. Make sure you have ample task lighting in these areas; it isn’t just about aesthetics. You will thank yourself later, trust me. And, oh man, I swear my kitchen was dangerous before adding some proper task lighting. Now it's so much safer (and more enjoyable) to cook!