5 Common Lighting Design Mistakes (And How to Fix Them Without Spending a Fortune)

Getting your lighting right can make a huge difference to how your home feels—but most of us make a few easy-to-fix mistakes without even realising. Whether your space feels a bit flat, too dark, or just not quite right, chances are it’s down to a few common lighting design slip-ups.

The good news? You don’t need to rip everything out or blow your budget to sort it. Here are five lighting design mistakes we see all the time—and how you can fix them with smart, affordable lighting swaps.

1. Relying on Just One Overhead Light

This is the classic mistake. A single ceiling light might tick the “illumination” box, but it rarely creates a space that feels inviting, balanced, or layered.

💡 The Fix:

Add more light sources at different heights. Think floor lamps in corners, table lamps on sideboards, or wall lights to soften the space. This creates a layered effect that feels warmer and more stylish—without a full electrical rework.

🛒 Try this: Look at our floor lamps and plug-in wall lights for renter-friendly or budget-friendly layering.

2. Using the Wrong Bulb Colour

Ever walk into a room and feel like something’s off—even though everything’s tidy and styled? It could be your bulb temperature. Too cool and things feel stark and cold; too warm and you can lose clarity in kitchens or workspaces.

💡 The Fix:

Use warm white bulbs (2700K–3000K) in living rooms and bedrooms for a cosy feel, and cooler whites (4000K+) in kitchens or bathrooms for a cleaner, crisper look. And avoid mixing colours in the same room—it throws the whole mood off.

🛒 Explore our range of LED bulbs with different tones—they’re energy-efficient and low cost.

3. Not Enough Task Lighting

Ever tried chopping veg in the shadows or reading with a lamp that’s more for show than function? Task lighting is one of the most underrated parts of good lighting design.

💡 The Fix:

Add lights that focus on specific zones—like under-cabinet strip lights, adjustable desk lamps, or mirrored bathroom lights. These don’t just improve function; they add depth and dimension to your space.

🛒 Check out our task lighting section for simple plug-and-play solutions.

4. Poor Light Placement

Even if you’ve got enough lights, where they’re placed can make or break your lighting design. Ceiling lights too far apart, floor lamps stuck in a corner, or downlights casting shadows in all the wrong places? It happens.

💡 The Fix:

Think about how light falls. Wall lights work best around eye level, floor lamps should be angled to fill dark corners, and mirrors can be used to bounce light around awkward rooms.

🛒 Wall lighting is a great way to correct layout without rewiring—especially when you choose plug-in styles.

Tom Dixon, Beat Downward Decorative Wall Light

5. Ignoring Dimmers and Smart Controls

Your space isn’t always used the same way, so your lighting shouldn’t be stuck at full blast all the time. A bit of flexibility goes a long way—and it doesn’t have to mean rewiring.

💡 The Fix:

Add dimmable bulbs, use smart plugs, or try dimmer-compatible lamps to easily control mood and brightness. It’s a small tweak that makes a big difference in how your home feels—especially in the evenings.

🛒 We stock a range of smart bulbs and dimmable fittings that don’t cost the earth—and work with most existing setups.

Smart Lighting Doesn’t Have to Cost a Fortune

Fixing lighting design mistakes isn’t about spending loads—it’s about making thoughtful swaps that work better for the way you live. At Light Monster, we make it easy to find affordable lighting that feels good, looks stylish, and just works.

Whether you're layering your lights, changing your bulbs, or adding a few dimmable lamps—we’ve got the value picks to make it happen.

Let There Be (Better) Light

You don’t have to be an expert to get your lighting right. Just avoid the common mistakes, use a bit of layering, and pick the right products for your space. And remember: at Light Monster, we only stock lighting we’d use ourselves—great design, great prices, no faff.