When it comes to lighting design for a residential remodel or a light commercial build-out, layout is everything. Poor placement, incorrect fixture choice, or mismatched lighting tones can result in unhappy clients, failed inspections, and costly rework.
At All County Electric Supply, we help electricians, contractors, and builders every day with high-quality lighting solutions from trusted manufacturers, plus layout advice and professional design support. Here are five common lighting layout mistakes—and how you can avoid them on your next project.
1. Ignoring Room Function
The Pitfall:
Using a single, one-size-fits-all lighting plan for every space.
Why It’s a Problem:
Lighting should be tailored to the function of the room. Kitchens need bright, focused task lighting over counters plus ambient light throughout. Hallways may only need soft general illumination.
How to Avoid It:
Start every design with an understanding of how the space will be used. Then layer lighting with a combination of ambient, task, and accent fixtures. Add dimmers or smart controls—such as Lutron systems—for flexible adjustments.
2. Poor Fixture Placement
The Pitfall:
Placing fixtures too close to walls or running recessed lights in straight lines “because it looks clean.”
Why It’s a Problem:
Improper spacing can cause glare, dark spots, or harsh shadows. Recessed lights installed too close to walls often highlight imperfections instead of providing even illumination.
How to Avoid It:
Follow manufacturer spacing guidelines and factor in beam angles. Position fixtures to highlight focal points—like kitchen islands or artwork—while avoiding direct glare in high-traffic areas.
3. Underestimating Lumen Output
The Pitfall:
Choosing stylish fixtures that don’t produce enough light for the room’s size or purpose.
Why It’s a Problem:
Underlit spaces feel dull and uninviting. Clients may try to “fix” the issue later with mismatched lamps, impacting the overall look and your professional reputation.
How to Avoid It:
Use lighting calculations to determine the right lumen level for each space. Not sure how? Bring your specs to the counter and our team can help you find the perfect lighting products with the right output. Always check the manufacturer’s spec sheet for actual lumens, not just wattage.
4. Forgetting About Color Temperature
The Pitfall:
Mixing different color temperatures (Kelvin ratings) in the same room or using the wrong tone for the application.
Why It’s a Problem:
Inconsistent color temperatures create visual imbalance. For example, blending warm 2700K lights with cooler 4000K lights can make the space feel mismatched and uncomfortable.
How to Avoid It:
Choose a consistent Kelvin rating for each space. Warmer tones (2700K–3000K) are ideal for residential living areas, while cooler whites (4000K+) work well in task-heavy areas like offices, workshops, and garages.
5. Overlooking Lighting Controls
The Pitfall:
Treating controls as an afterthought or defaulting to basic on/off switches.
Why It’s a Problem:
Today’s clients expect flexibility and efficiency. Without thoughtful controls, even a well-designed layout can feel outdated.
How to Avoid It:
Incorporate control planning into the design phase. Multi-location dimmers, occupancy sensors, and smart systems like Lutron Caséta improve convenience, save energy, and add lasting value.
Light It Right with All County Electric Supply
Whether you’re starting a new build or managing a complex retrofit, our team has the expertise to help you avoid these pitfalls and deliver flawless results.
All County Electric Supply offers a full range of lighting solutions from leading manufacturers like Eaton, Lutron, and Hubbell—plus the know-how to design layouts that work.
Stop by, call, or send us your plans—we’ll help you get it right the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions
One of the most common mistakes is ignoring the function of the room. Each space requires a different lighting approach—task-heavy spaces like kitchens need bright, focused lighting, while living areas benefit from softer, warmer light.
Start by multiplying the room’s square footage by the recommended lumens per square foot for the room type (e.g., 20 lumens per sq. ft. for living rooms, 50 for kitchens). This gives you the total lumens needed, which you can divide by the lumen output of your chosen fixture.
Mixing warm and cool color temperatures in the same room can cause visual discomfort and make a space feel mismatched. Consistency creates a cohesive, comfortable look.
Consider dimmers, multi-location controls, occupancy sensors, and smart lighting systems like Lutron Caséta. These options improve convenience, energy efficiency, and flexibility.
You can find top-quality lighting products from trusted brands at All County Electric Supply. Our team offers layout guidance and manufacturer recommendations to help you get the job done right.