How to Avoid 5 Lighting Common Mistakes

Buying a house and decorating the interior to your style preference is one joy of homeownership. However, while we are taught which colors complement each other and may have some knowledge about furniture, few people outside the industry are experts on lighting. You may have an eye for quality and choose beautiful fixtures, but is the lighting design right by room?

We list 5 common lighting mistakes and how you can avoid them.

Not Measuring First

You would not purchase a new sectional without measuring the length and width of your living room, right? In the same regard, you should not overlook proportion when buying a light fixture. For instance, we carry a selection of gorgeously crafted and refurbished antique chandeliers – in all different sizes. While a 30-inch long ceiling fixture might look stunning in your entryway, it is likely too large for a half-bathroom. Take measurements first, rather than making a room appear smaller than it is with oversized light fixtures.

Neglecting Layers

There are three types of lighting: Ambient, accent and task. Most rooms at least have a source of general (ambient) illumination, but many lack all three levels. To balance a room and create a comfortable environment, each layer of lighting is needed. Therefore, it’s essential to accent wall decor with vintage sconces and use desk lamps for extra light to perform our most intricate tasks. Layered lighting will go a long way to improve a room!

Lacking Control

How many times were you told as a kid to turn off the lights when you left a room, only to forget? With motion sensors or lighting on a timer, no one is left explaining a high electricity bill. We also recommend dimmers, which can keep you from placing too many lights in one room. Rather than switching between recessed lights and table lamps at different times of the day, control your ambient lighting at the touch of a button.

Failing to Upgrade

The number one type of light bulb we push for our customers is LED. Not only can LED bulbs save you money by consuming less energy when in use, but they last longer. You won’t have to worry about changing blown bulbs once a month! If you are still using incandescent or halogen light bulbs, especially without dimmers, make the switch to energy-efficient LEDs.

Lights for Decoration

While it is perfectly normal to choose a light fixture for its appearance, we do not suggest you always select look over performance. Often, you end up with a fixture that does not illuminate well enough, so additional lights are added. When it reaches the point that your tables and floor space are cluttered with fixtures, the lighting in that room is inefficient.

At Restoration Lighting Gallery, we want to help you make the best lighting decisions for your home. Whether you need a custom lamp shade or new light bulb, visit our gallery!