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Selecting Lighting: Key Tips (6 Contractor Fails!)

Ever walked into a room and felt…off?

Maybe it felt cold, unwelcoming, or just plain…blah?

Chances are, the culprit was bad lighting.

I’ve seen it time and time again in my years as a flooring contractor.

Lighting can make or break a space.

It’s not just about screwing in a bulb.

It’s about crafting an atmosphere, evoking feelings, and making a space functional.

Unfortunately, I’ve seen contractors make some serious lighting blunders.

These mistakes can leave homeowners in the dark, both literally and figuratively.

So, let’s shed some light on the subject (pun intended!).

I’ll walk you through the fundamentals of selecting the right lighting for your home.

I’ll also expose the six most common contractor fails I’ve witnessed.

These are the mistakes that can haunt your spaces forever.

1. Understanding Lighting Fundamentals

Lighting is so much more than just illumination.

It’s a crucial element of interior design and architecture.

It impacts how we perceive space, color, and texture.

Think about a museum.

The lighting is carefully designed to highlight the artwork and create a specific mood.

Your home deserves the same level of attention.

There are three main types of lighting to consider:

• Ambient: This provides overall illumination. Think of it as the general light that fills a room. It’s your foundation.

• Task: This is focused lighting for specific activities. Think reading lamps, under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen, or desk lamps.

• Accent: This highlights specific features or objects. Think spotlights on artwork, uplighting on plants, or lights inside a display cabinet.

The key is to layer these types of lighting to create a balanced and versatile space.

Now, let’s talk about color temperature.

This is measured in Kelvins (K).

Lower numbers (2700K-3000K) create a warm, cozy light, perfect for bedrooms and living rooms.

Higher numbers (4000K-5000K) create a cooler, brighter light, ideal for kitchens and offices.

Lumens measure the brightness of a light source.

The higher the lumens, the brighter the light.

Think of it this way: Lumens are like the amount of light a bulb produces.

Watts, on the other hand, are like the amount of energy the bulb consumes.

You can use this guide to choose the appropriate lumens based on the room size:

Source: IES Lighting Handbook

I always tell my clients to consider the mood they want to create in each room.

Do you want a relaxing oasis or a vibrant workspace?

The right color temperature and lumens will help you achieve that.

2. Fail #1: Ignoring Natural Light

This is a big one, and it drives me crazy.

I’ve walked into homes where the contractor completely ignored the windows.

They treat natural light as an afterthought, rather than a valuable resource.

Natural light is free, it’s healthy, and it’s beautiful.

Why wouldn’t you want to maximize it?

I remember one house I worked on.

The living room had huge, gorgeous windows with a stunning view of the forest.

But the contractor had installed heavy, dark drapes and placed furniture in a way that blocked the light.

The room felt gloomy and claustrophobic, despite the potential.

It was a crime against natural light!

Neglecting natural light can lead to:

• Increased energy bills (because you’re relying more on artificial light).

• Depressed mood (lack of sunlight can affect your mental health).

• Unflattering appearance (artificial light can wash out skin tones).

So, how do you integrate artificial lighting with natural sources?

• Maximize windows: Keep them clean and unobstructed.

• Choose the right window treatments: Opt for sheer curtains or blinds that let in light while providing privacy.

• Position furniture strategically: Don’t block windows with large pieces of furniture.

• Use light-colored paint: This will reflect natural light and brighten the room.

• Supplement with artificial light: Use a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting to fill in the gaps and provide light when natural light is insufficient.

I always recommend conducting a “light audit” of your home.

Pay attention to how natural light enters each room at different times of day.

Then, plan your artificial lighting accordingly.

3. Fail #2: Misjudging Fixture Size and Scale

Scale is everything in design.

A fixture that’s too big can overwhelm a space.

One that’s too small can look insignificant and out of place.

I once saw a tiny chandelier hanging in a grand two-story foyer.

It looked like a lonely little ornament lost in a vast expanse.

Conversely, I’ve seen massive pendant lights crowding a small kitchen island.

They were so overwhelming that they made the space feel cramped and uncomfortable.

The impact of scale on space perception is huge.

Oversized fixtures can make a room feel smaller, while undersized fixtures can make it feel empty.

Here are some general guidelines for selecting the right size fixtures:

• Chandeliers: For dining rooms, the diameter of the chandelier should be about half the width of the table. For foyers, consider the height of the ceiling. A good rule of thumb is to add the width and length of the room in feet and that number is the diameter of the chandelier in inches.

• Pendant Lights: For kitchen islands, space pendants about 24-30 inches apart. The bottom of the pendant should be about 30-36 inches above the countertop.

• Wall Sconces: Place sconces at eye level, about 60-66 inches from the floor.

• Lamps: The height of the lamp should be proportional to the size of the table it sits on. The lampshade should also be appropriately sized.

Pro Tip: Use painter’s tape to mock up the size of the fixture on the ceiling or wall before you buy it. This will give you a better sense of how it will look in the space.

4. Fail #3: Poor Placement of Lighting Fixtures

Even the most beautiful fixtures can look terrible if they’re placed in the wrong spot.

I’ve seen recessed lights installed directly above a dining table, creating harsh shadows on people’s faces.

I’ve also seen wall sconces placed too high, making them ineffective and unattractive.

Common mistakes in fixture placement include:

• Blocking natural light: Don’t place fixtures in front of windows.

• Creating glare: Avoid placing fixtures where they will reflect off shiny surfaces.

• Ignoring task areas: Make sure you have adequate task lighting in areas where you’ll be working, such as the kitchen and home office.

• Overlooking furniture layout: Consider how your furniture is arranged when planning your lighting. You want to make sure that the light is directed where it’s needed most.

The key is to consider the function of each room and the furniture layout.

In the living room, you might want to create a cozy atmosphere with a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting.

Place floor lamps near seating areas for reading.

Use accent lighting to highlight artwork or architectural features.

In the kitchen, you’ll need bright task lighting over the countertops and stove.

Under-cabinet lighting is a must for prepping food.

Pendant lights over the island can provide both task and ambient lighting.

Always think about how you’ll be using the space and place your fixtures accordingly.

5. Fail #4: Overlooking Dimming Options

I’m a huge fan of dimmers.

They’re a game-changer when it comes to lighting control.

Dimmers allow you to adjust the brightness of your lights, creating different moods and atmospheres.

Static lighting is fine, but it’s not nearly as versatile as adjustable lighting.

Imagine you’re hosting a dinner party.

You can start with bright, cheerful lighting while you’re preparing the meal.

Then, dim the lights to create a more intimate and romantic atmosphere during dinner.

After dinner, you can dim the lights even further for a relaxing evening of conversation.

Dimmers also help you save energy.

Dimming your lights by just 25% can reduce energy consumption by 20%.

I’ve seen dimmers transform spaces.

I worked on a home theater project where we installed dimmers on all the lights.

During movie night, the homeowners could dim the lights to create a true cinematic experience.

Dimmers are especially useful in bedrooms.

You can dim the lights to create a relaxing atmosphere before bed.

You can also use dimmers to create a soft, gentle light in the morning.

Don’t underestimate the power of dimming.

It’s a simple and affordable way to enhance your lighting design.

6. Fail #5: Neglecting Layered Lighting

Remember those three types of lighting I mentioned earlier:

Ambient, task, and accent?

The key to great lighting is to use all three in combination.

This is called layered lighting.

It creates depth, dimension, and visual interest.

Think about a room with only overhead lighting.

It’s flat, boring, and unflattering.

There are no shadows, no highlights, and no sense of drama.

Now, imagine a room with layered lighting.

There’s ambient light providing overall illumination.

There’s task lighting focused on specific activities.

And there’s accent lighting highlighting special features.

The room feels warm, inviting, and dynamic.

I’ve seen spaces completely transformed by layered lighting.

I worked on a living room that was dark and dreary.

The only lighting was a single overhead fixture.

We added recessed lights for ambient lighting, floor lamps for task lighting, and spotlights for accent lighting.

The result was amazing.

The room felt brighter, more spacious, and much more inviting.

To achieve balanced and versatile lighting design, consider the following:

• Start with ambient lighting: This will provide the foundation for your lighting scheme.

• Add task lighting: Focus on areas where you’ll be working or performing specific activities.

• Finish with accent lighting: Use this to highlight architectural features, artwork, or other objects of interest.

• Use dimmers: This will give you even more control over the light levels in your room.

7. Fail #6: Choosing Style Over Functionality

We’ve all been there.

We see a trendy, eye-catching fixture and fall in love.

But sometimes, style comes at the expense of functionality.

I remember a homeowner who bought a beautiful chandelier for her dining room.

It was stunning, but it provided almost no light.

It was more of a decorative object than a functional light fixture.

She regretted her purchase because she couldn’t see her food properly during dinner.

I’ve also seen homeowners buy fixtures that are difficult to clean or maintain.

Or fixtures that are too fragile for their lifestyle.

The allure of trendy fixtures is strong, but it’s important to consider practicality.

Before you buy any lighting fixture, ask yourself:

• Does it provide adequate light for the space?

• Is it easy to clean and maintain?

• Is it durable enough for my lifestyle?

• Does it complement the overall style of my home?

• Does it fit within my budget?

It’s possible to find fixtures that are both stylish and functional.

The key is to do your research and choose wisely.

Don’t let aesthetics cloud your judgment.

Remember, lighting is about more than just looks.

It’s about creating a comfortable, functional, and inviting space.

8. Conclusion: Embracing the Power of Thoughtful Lighting

Lighting is a powerful tool.

It can transform a space, evoke emotions, and enhance functionality.

But as I’ve shown, poor lighting choices can have the opposite effect.

I’ve shared some common contractor fails and tips to avoid them.

Ignoring natural light, misjudging fixture size, poor placement, overlooking dimming, neglecting layered lighting, and choosing style over functionality…

These are all mistakes that can be easily avoided with a little planning and forethought.

I encourage you to take lighting selection seriously.

Don’t just think of it as an afterthought.

Consider it an integral part of your home’s design.

Learn from the contractor fails I’ve discussed.

Don’t make the same mistakes.

Instead, embrace the power of thoughtful lighting.

Create spaces that are not only beautiful but also comfortable, functional, and inviting.

Your home deserves it.

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