1. Working without a lighting plot
It's surprising how many projects just leave it to the contractors to place lights at random without a specific plan. Whilst many electricians are adept at standard lighting installations this doesn't mean that it will satisfy the needs of the client.
It's well worth discussing in detail with the electrician before work starts and establishing a plan for the lighting. This way the electrician's quote will be accurate (no nasty surprises further on) and you will get the lights where you actually need them.
For a more complex scheme a lighting designer can really add something magical (according to our clients!) and offer different means of control. But most importantly, with a well thought out lighting plot, everyone concerned with the project will be working towards the same goal.
2. Failure to follow the lighting plot
This may seem obvious when you've gone to the trouble of providing a detailed lighting plot but it's amazing how often problems arise with the lighting installation because the electrician has failed to follow the drawing and more importantly, failed to read any notes attached to the drawing by the client, architect or lighting designer.
The latter point in particular is a constant issue so its always worth stressing to the contractor the importance of adhering to the drawings and consulting with client and/or designer before making any changes to the design or position of light fittings.
Unfortunately some electricians just don't bother to read the notes, some because they think they understand the intent from the drawings, some because they think they know better!. - Maybe this should be titled "Choose a good electrician". there are plenty of good ones to choose from so don't go just with the first or cheapest quote. Make sure they are on the same page with regard to the lighting design.
3. Remember the ambient, natural light.
Good architecture uses natural light to create interest rather than just flooding an area with light. Where this approach is employed the effect can be continued and enhanced by the addition of concealed indirect lighting to pick up as the natural light fades.
Nothing can beat natural light so this should always be taken into account from the start. Good lighting can enhance natural light and bring life to those dark corners resulting from a deep extension. Modern LED coves can be fitted with tuneable linear LEDS which can be adjusted from a warm colour temperature (for evenings) to a cool one to emulate natural light.
By utilising modern lighting technology the two sources can be combined with breathtaking results.
I'm not saying you need to go to such lengths in your own home but it's worth considering how light works before you decide to just add a skylight to the extension for instance. Make sure it will actually benefit the space by giving light where you need it without making the surroundings feel under lit.
Remaining aware how the natural light evolves throughout the day will benefit your mental health by working with your circadian rhythm (see our blog 'Lighting in the smart home' for more details.
4. The ubiquitous downlight.
Over use of downlights (otherwise known as recessed spots) can destroy the mood and create very unflattering light.
However, when used creatively they have enormous benefits. We tend to use downlights to highlight specific features and artworks rather than for for general lighting. Obviously there are times when a grid of downlights is the right thing for the job but often cove lighting, table & floor lamps and other bespoke light fittings will do it far better and create a more welcoming and relaxing environment.
In the bedroom below, three angled downlights are used purely to highlight the wall above the bed. The rest of the room is lit by concealed linear LEDs. The kitchen only uses downlights directly above the island unit to provide good task lighting whilst the rest of the area uses linear LEDs in various forms along with wall lights.
5. Too much light from above.
This really follows on from the above item about downlight but it applies equally to pendants and chandeliers. The old idea of a central 'big light" in a room has long gone because most people want more subtle lighting to relax with. Of course a bright light source is useful when cleaning but otherwise a chandelier should be dimmed to a glow, more for effect than function, allowing other fittings to take over and provide direction to the light.
6. Fear of shadows.
Lighting is as much about where the light doesn't fall as where it does. Consider woodland on a sunny day with dappled light highlighting some areas whilst others step back.
Similarly in a well designed piece of architecture the windows and other openings are purposely designed to direct the light towards certain features. A pioneer of this approach is Le Corbusier, the famous architect from the last century. (See our blog 'Light, Architecture & Interiors'}.
At the same time, casting your own shadow onto a kitchen worktop can be really annoying and totally avoidable with a bit of thought. Wherever possible kitchen worktops should have dedicated task lights directly above them so there is no chance of anyone casting an unwanted shadow.
7. Failing to consider the furniture layout.
Obviously, the lighting in your home has to be somewhat adaptable to allow for changes in layout but generally most of the major items remain in place.
The dining table is one area where misplaced or ill-considered lighting can have a disastrous result, affecting the mood and comfort of the diners. Most dining areas will benefit from either a row of low hanging pendants over the centre line of the table or a row of narrow beam spots aimed at the centre. The latter offers a particularly flattering soft light if aimed at a white tablecloth or central floral arrangement due to the lovely reflected light from these surfaces.
Flexibility can be built in to allow for the table to be extended for a dinner party simply be placing the lights on a discreet track.
I'm sure many of us have had a romantic evening ruined at a restaurant where the lighting hasn't been thought through (or is it just me?) resulting in a harsh unflattering downlight on one or both diners. Totally avoidable.
The same is true of seating areas or the bedroom where the main aim is to relax, not be dazzled.
8. Neglecting to incorporate dimmers
Modern light fittings are inherently very bright so its important to have the ability to dim them to a suitable level to suit the mood and activity. This can easily be achieved will wall mounted dimmers in place of the switches but for a more complex lighting plot we would recomment the use of some sort of lighting control system. This type of system allows you to program scenes that bring up a selection of lights at the touch of a button, all at pre-set levels.
However, when choosing lighting control it's important to avoid those 'smart' systems that rely totally on the wifi network to operate. This is fine when alls well but the system is rendered useless in the event of a router failure. A well designed system will also incorporate keypads at the entrance to each room and be capable of continued operation during wifi downtime.
A tool we've used now for decades without issue is the magnificent Rako lighting control system. This system has a choice of wired or wireless keypads so even if you neglect to place a keypad in the right position a wireless one can be added later without the need to run more cables.
9. Fear of modern technology
In such a technologically changing world its surprising how many people are reluctant to embrace new lighting technology in the home despite its common usage in the workplace, hotels & restaurants.
The LED bulb is still considered with suspicion by many yet its use is now commonplace in a variety of forms and bulbs from reputable manufacturers now far exceed the capabilities of the old, inefficient incandescent bulb.
However, the best advance that utilise LED technology has to be the invention of linear LEDs (LED tape). Whilst this was relatively low power when first introduced it now provides really powerful light from a slim strip that can be concealed in coves and various other areas to great effect and can easily be used as the main light source.
When combined with a lighting control system the possibilities are endless.
10. Failing to use a Lighting Designer
Obviously, I'm bound to say this but in most cases its true. - Take a look at the rest of our site to see some examples of what can be achieved with a lighting designer on board. Then, if you still need convincing see our post "Why Use a Lighting Designer".
