6 Lighting Errors That Are Killing the Ambiance in Your Home—and How to Correct Them

Lighting is one of the most influential factors when it comes to a room's atmosphere. A well-lit space can feel inviting, while softer lighting can create a cozier, more intimate vibe. The type of fixture you choose can also change the entire look of the room—take a formal dining area, for example; without an eye-catching chandelier or pendant light, it can appear empty.

However, lighting is more than just selecting a fixture; factors like the type of bulb, wattage, and placement also matter. Here are six common lighting blunders and simple fixes for each.

Overlooking Functionality

One of the most common lighting mistakes, according to interior designer Audrey Scheck, is choosing fixtures that fail to offer sufficient illumination throughout the room. While lighting fixtures add style, they also need to be functional.

In larger spaces, like an open-concept living room, you may require multiple fixtures or extra lighting sources, such as lamps, to achieve the right ambiance.

Picking the Wrong Fixture

Not every type of lighting is suitable for all areas of the home. For instance, while recessed ceiling lights may be perfect for a living room, shaded sconces could provide a soft, ambient glow that’s more fitting for a bedroom. A large floor lamp may brighten and decorate a home office, but it would likely seem out of place in a child’s playroom. A well-designed home typically incorporates a mix of different lamps and fixtures.

Overlooking Wattage

Ben Marshall, creative director at Mitzi and HVLG, highlights that light bulb mistakes are quite frequent. "Fixtures come with a recommended maximum wattage, but this is just to indicate how much power the fixture can handle. It’s not a strict limit. I suggest experimenting with different wattages to find what works best," says Marshall.

Ignoring Warmth and Coolness

The color temperature of light is key for creating the right mood. "Some people, like myself, prefer warmer light, while others opt for brighter, cooler light. I typically recommend 2500-2700K bulbs for the right warmth," Marshall explains. Scheck, on the other hand, suggests choosing bulbs in the 2700-3000K range, which emit a welcoming glow without being too orange or too blue.

In general, warmer lighting creates a more relaxed atmosphere. For spaces like bedrooms, choose warmer bulbs, while cooler lighting is better suited for areas where you need to stay energized, like kitchens and home offices.

Overlooking Dimmer Switches

Although installing dimmer switches might come with a bit of extra cost, it’s a worthy investment given how much lighting can influence the ambiance. "Sometimes you need bright light for tasks like cleaning, but if you're hosting a dinner party, you'll want a more subtle, softer light," says Marshall. "Lighting is about creating layers, not just filling the space with bright light."

Dimmer switches aren't necessary in every room. While they’re great for bedrooms, living rooms, and dining areas, they're not essential in guest rooms or home offices.

Choosing Fluorescent Bulbs

Fluorescent bulbs may be an energy-efficient choice, but they’re not ideal for home use. If a bulb breaks, it releases a small amount of mercury that requires very careful cleanup. While breakage isn’t planned, accidents can happen, especially with children in the house. It’s safer to avoid fluorescent bulbs altogether, as they also tend to produce harsh and unflattering light.