3 Lighting Mistakes to Fix ASAP

Here's how to fix them ASAP.

Lighting can be one of the trickiest parts of decorating. With all of the options for fixtures (sconces! recessed! pendants!) and lamps, it can be hard to know where to start. Plus, bad lighting can totally kill the mood and turn a would-be-relaxing evening into a jarring and unflattering set-up if your bulbs are way too bright or cold. That's why we chatted with Joe Borress, president of Tri-Star Electric & Automation in Malibu, Calif., to get his best tips and tricks on avoiding the biggest lighting blunders.

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Lightbulbs vary from warm (soft and golden) to cool (brighter and bluish), and they’re measured in degrees on the Kelvin scale. “For residential use, we recommend 2,700 degrees,” Borress says. Cooler bulbs, at 3,000 or higher, will likely be too harsh for your space. Not only does cold lighting feel unwelcoming, but it's also unflattering—and no one wants unflattering light! Warm lighting also creates a cozy environment that mimics the feel of candlelight in the evening.

Too many recessed lights will make your living room look like an operating room. “Use different layers of lighting,” Borress suggests. These layers include ceiling lights, yes, but also options like floor and table lamps, wall sconces, picture lights, and more. To figure out what other lights you should have in your space, think about how each room functions. Do you like to curl up in the living room and read a book while your kids play on the floor? Think about using a floor lamp next to the sofa. Have a piece of art you particularly love? Use a picture light to highlight it and make it stand out.

“Every light should be on a dimmer,” Borress says. Lighting is for two things— seeing and creating a mood—and dimmers make the latter possible. He likes the ones by Lutron (from $25). If you’re not all that handy, consider just turning on one less lamp in the evening. Dimmers are especially important if you work from home, as they can change the same room from being your workspace to your relaxation spot with the flip of a literal switch.You can even buy smart bulbs so that you control the color, temperature, and brightness of your lighting without ever leaving your sofa! This is also a great solution for renters, as it doesn't require making any permanent changes.