Lighting is one of the most powerful — yet often underestimated — elements in interior design. It doesn’t just illuminate a space; it sets the mood, highlights design features, and influences how we experience our surroundings. A beautifully designed room can feel dull or uninviting if the lighting is poorly planned. On the flip side, even simple spaces can feel elevated and luxurious with the right lighting choices. Whether you’re a homeowner revamping a living room or a business owner designing a commercial space, avoiding bad lighting choices is crucial for achieving a successful outcome.
Every room serves a different function, and lighting should align with that purpose. For instance, a kitchen needs strong, clear lighting for tasks like cooking, while a bedroom benefits from soft, relaxing tones. One of the most common lighting mistakes is using the same lighting intensity or fixture type across various rooms. Before selecting any light fixture, ask: What will this room be used for? Task lighting, ambient lighting, and accent lighting all serve different purposes and must be layered appropriately to suit the room’s function.
A single overhead fixture might seem sufficient, but it rarely delivers good results on its own. This approach leads to flat, uninviting spaces with harsh shadows. Instead, think in layers:
Ambient lighting provides general illumination.
Task lighting supports specific activities like reading or cooking.
Accent lighting highlights artwork or architectural features.
Combining these layers adds depth and dimension to your space, making it both practical and visually appealing.
Ignoring natural light is another critical error. Large windows, skylights, and even reflective surfaces can significantly influence the lighting dynamics of a room. When planning artificial lighting, first analyze how daylight enters the space throughout the day. Rooms with ample daylight may need only subtle evening lighting, while windowless areas will need a more robust setup. Use mirrors strategically to reflect light and brighten darker corners, and always aim to complement, not compete with, the natural light.
Light bulbs come in a variety of color temperatures, ranging from warm (yellowish) to cool (bluish) tones. Choosing the wrong temperature can dramatically affect the mood of a space. For example, a cool white light in a cozy bedroom can feel cold and unwelcoming, while a warm light in a workspace may hinder concentration.
As a rule of thumb:
Warm white (2700K–3000K): Best for living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas.
Neutral white (3500K–4100K): Ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.
Cool white (5000K+): Suitable for workspaces, garages, and commercial areas.
Even with the best fixtures, poor placement can ruin the lighting scheme. Lights that are too high, too low, or placed without considering furniture and flow can cause glare, shadows, or uneven lighting. For example, pendant lights over a dining table should hang low enough to light the surface but high enough to avoid blocking views. Recessed ceiling lights should be positioned to avoid casting shadows on key areas like countertops or reading nooks. Always visualize the room’s layout and user movement when deciding on placement.
Lighting isn’t static. Its needs change throughout the day and for different activities. Installing dimmers allows you to adjust brightness levels to suit various moods and times. Whether you’re entertaining guests or winding down after a long day, dimmable lights offer flexibility. Smart lighting systems take this even further, letting you control lighting from your phone or set automated schedules. Skipping this feature often results in spaces that feel either too harsh or too dim at the wrong moments.
Lighting should not only be functional but also align with the overall design language of your space. A rustic chandelier in a sleek, modern room or industrial fixtures in a traditional living area can feel visually jarring. The style, material, finish, and shape of your light fixtures should harmonize with the rest of the decor. At The Shape Interiors, we often use 3D modelling to show clients how various lighting options will look in their completed space, ensuring consistency before installation.
Lighting design is a technical and creative art — one best handled with experience. Missteps in wiring, fixture placement, or lighting selection can be expensive and difficult to fix later. This is where expert consultants play a vital role.
The Shape Interiors is the best for Interior Design Consultancy & 3D Modelling services for both Residential & Commercial Spaces.
Founded in 2017 by Kazim Ratnani, The Shape Interiors has swiftly emerged as a trusted name in the world of interior design consultancy and 3D modelling. Our expertise lies in creating bespoke designs that not only meet but exceed our clients’ expectations. We pride ourselves on delivering 360 renders that offer a comprehensive visualization of the final design, ensuring that every detail aligns perfectly with our client’s vision.
Customer satisfaction is the cornerstone of our mission. We believe that a well-designed space should reflect the client’s needs, wants, and functionality. Our designs are not just about aesthetics; they are about creating environments that resonate with our clients’ lifestyles and aspirations. Our most significant achievement is our 100% client satisfaction feedback, reflecting the trust our clients place in us. We approach every project with the same level of dedication, ensuring that each design is unique, creative, and distinguished.
Choosing The Shape Interiors means choosing a partner dedicated to bringing your vision to life. Our unique blend of creativity and technical expertise allows us to deliver designs that are both beautiful and perfectly aligned with your practical needs.
Avoiding bad lighting choices in interior design isn’t just about buying expensive fixtures or flooding a room with light. It’s about understanding how lighting functions, interacts with space, and enhances the mood. By layering different types of lighting, choosing the right color temperatures, considering placement and aesthetics, and seeking expert input, you can transform your space into a harmonious and well-lit environment.
Want to ensure your next space shines in the best possible light? Click the WhatsApp icon at the bottom right of our website and chat with our experts at The Shape Interiors today! Let’s bring your dream design to life — beautifully and brilliantly lit.
+92 335 6511005
Suite # 4 & 5, 1st Floor, Hafiz Building, Jinnah Avenue, Karachi.
info@theshapeinterior.com
