4 lighting mistakes not to make, according to designers

When decorating your space, lighting should be at the top of your list. “Lighting is the most important element in interiors; it sets the mood for the entire space,” says Gabriela Eisenhart, founder of Silo Studios in Atlanta, Georgia. “I always deal with lighting first when designing a space.” However, there are some common lighting mistakes that designers will want to avoid. To ensure your home lighting is as functional and aesthetically pleasing as possible, avoid the four common mistakes listed below.

Not choosing a variety of accessories that match well

It’s fun to shop for lighting given the different styles of pieces available. “As long as the lighting meets the functional requirements, there’s no reason not to have fun and experiment with mixing styles, colors and adding different lampshades for an extra layer of color, pattern and texture,” says Richmond-based Sara. HIllery, founder of Sara Hillery Interior Design. Of course, make sure the pieces you select remain consistent with your space. “It’s important that all of the accessories in your home work together to enhance the overall design aesthetic and not compete with each other,” says Elizabeth O’Neal, founder of Elizabeth O’Neal Interiors in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Not paying attention to height and scale

These are two key factors that will make or break your lighting scheme, designers say. “Dining room chandeliers are usually hung too high,” says Shani Core, who prefers them to hang 32 inches above the dining room table. “Before you order your chandelier or lantern, make sure they include enough chain for the light to hang at the proper height,” adds the founder of Palm Beach-based Shani Core Interiors.

Don’t opt ​​for dimmers

Consider dimmers your new best friend. “LED lights, especially, can distort paint colors and change the overall feel of a room,” says Core. “I prefer to keep all LED lights on the lowest possible dim setting and on a warmer setting to mimic candlelight.” When it comes to light bulbs, Richmond prefers 2,700 Kelvin, which she says creates a warm, inviting glow.

Do not overlap lighting

Lighting is not a single issue and you should place various types throughout the room. “Most rooms need multiple lighting sources: ambient, accent, and task lighting,” says Gaia Guidi Filippi, founder of Gaia G Interiors in Dallas, Texas. “This is critical for function, but also to make a space welcoming and comfortable.” Eisenhart adds: “A common mistake is to rely solely on overhead lighting, which results in a lack of atmosphere.”