Gifts 
Lighting can completely transform the way your home feels. The right setup makes a space look open, welcoming, and stylish. The wrong one? It can make even a large room feel cramped and uninviting.
Here are the most common lighting mistakes that shrink your space—and how to fix them.
The Common Lighting Mistakes That Are Making Your Home Look Smaller
1. Relying on a Single Overhead Light
Many homes have just one central ceiling fixture, but this creates harsh shadows and uneven brightness. These shadows make walls feel closer together, visually shrinking the room.
Fix it: Layer your lighting. Combine overhead fixtures with floor lamps, table lamps, wall sconces, and under-cabinet lighting to create depth and balance.
2. Choosing the Wrong Bulb Color Temperature
Too-warm lighting can make a room feel dim and closed-in, while overly cool lighting can feel harsh and sterile.
Fix it: For living spaces, aim for a warm white (around 2700–3000K). For kitchens or workspaces, go slightly cooler (3000–4000K) for clarity without losing comfort.
3. Ignoring Corners and Vertical Space
Dark corners visually “cut off” parts of the room, making it feel smaller. Similarly, lighting that only focuses horizontally can make ceilings feel lower.
Fix it: Use corner floor lamps or wall-mounted lights to brighten dark areas. Add upward-facing fixtures to create the illusion of taller ceilings.
4. Using Oversized or Undersized Fixtures
A massive chandelier in a small room or a tiny pendant over a large table can throw off proportions, making the space feel awkward and cramped.
Fix it: Scale your lighting to the room. A general rule: fixture diameter (in inches) ≈ room width + length (in feet).
5. Forgetting About Natural Light
Heavy curtains or furniture blocking windows limit daylight, which is the best way to make a room feel bigger.
Fix it: Keep window treatments light and airy, and arrange furniture to maximize sunlight flow.
6. Not Using Dimmers
A single fixed brightness level can make rooms feel flat and one-dimensional.
Fix it: Install dimmers to adjust mood and depth depending on time of day and activity.
Final Thought
Lighting is more than just a necessity—it’s a design tool. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can open up your home, highlight its best features, and make every room feel spacious and inviting.
