Lighting might seem like a finishing touch in the grand scheme of home renovation, but it's actually one of the most powerful tools for shaping your home's comfort, functionality, and visual appeal. Unfortunately, many new homeowners in Singapore realise—too late—that their lighting choices aren’t working the way they hoped.

At Shiok Lighting, we've worked with thousands of homeowners each year to navigate their first, second and even third reno journey. Based on what we've seen, here are 5 common lighting mistakes to avoid—and how to get it right from the start.

1. Relying Only on Ceiling Lights

Ceiling downlights are indeed a staple in most Singapore homes, providing a functional source of illumination that is commonly found in various rooms, including living areas, kitchens, and bathrooms. However, relying solely on these downlights can create a range of lighting issues that detract from the overall ambiance of your home. One of the primary concerns is that this type of lighting can lead to a flat and uninspired atmosphere.

The absence of layered lighting options, such as ambient, task, and accent lighting, can leave the space feeling sterile and unwelcoming. In a home setting, this can translate to a living room that feels stark and uninviting, or a bedroom that lacks the soothing qualities necessary for relaxation.

What to do instead:

Layer your lighting. Combine ambient lighting (e.g. ceiling lights) with task lighting (e.g. under-cabinet kitchen lights) and accent lighting (e.g. wall sconces, LED strips, table lamps). This creates depth, flexibility, and better control over the mood of your space. To enhance the overall lighting design in your home, it is essential to consider a more diverse approach to lighting that incorporates various sources and techniques. By layering different types of lighting, you can create a more dynamic and visually interesting environment. This layered approach not only adds depth to the space but also allows for greater control over the mood and functionality of each room. For instance, in a living room, combining downlights with soft-glowing lamps and strategically placed accent lights can create a cozy nook perfect for reading or entertaining guests.

2. Choosing the Wrong Colour Temperature

Many homeowners don’t realise how much the colour temperature of light, which is measured in Kelvins (K), can significantly affect the mood and ambiance of a room. The colour temperature of a light source plays a crucial role in how we perceive our living spaces and can influence our emotions, productivity, and overall comfort. For instance, warm white lighting, typically around 2700K, emits a soft, cosy glow that is often associated with relaxation and comfort. This type of lighting is ideal for spaces where you want to create a welcoming atmosphere, such as living rooms, bedrooms, or dining areas. It mimics the natural light of a setting sun, promoting a sense of calm and tranquility.

On the other hand, cool white light, which falls around 4000K, provides a brighter and more neutral tone. This type of lighting is often used in workspaces or kitchens where clarity and visibility are essential. It can help to energize the space, making it feel more vibrant and conducive to productivity.

Common mistake:

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is using daylight lighting (6000K) throughout the home. This can lead to an environment that feels cold and uncomfortable, stripping away the warmth and intimacy that these spaces are meant to provide.

What to do instead:  Instead, it is advisable to consider a more balanced approach to lighting, incorporating a mix of warm white and cool white options depending on the function of the room. By thoughtfully selecting the appropriate colour temperature for each space, homeowners can create a harmonious atmosphere that enhances both the aesthetic appeal and the emotional comfort of their homes. Use warm white (2700K–3000K) for living spaces and bedrooms to create a welcoming atmosphere. Save cooler tones (4000K–6000K) for bathrooms, service yards, or areas needing high visibility.

3. Underestimating Dimmers

Dimmers might seem like a luxury, but they’re actually one of the most useful and practical features you can incorporate into your lighting system. Without dimmers, you're stuck with full brightness all the time, which can be particularly harsh and uninviting during the evenings. The glaring light can create an uncomfortable atmosphere, detracting from the overall experience of relaxation or social interaction. In contrast, dimmers allow you to adjust the light intensity to suit various occasions and moods, enhancing the functionality and aesthetic of your space.

What to do instead:

Consider installing dimmable lights in key spaces such as the living room, bedroom, or dining area, where the ability to control lighting can dramatically change the ambiance. In the living room, a dimmer switch can transform a bright and energizing environment during the day into a cozy and intimate setting in the evening, perfect for winding down after a long day or for hosting a movie night with friends. In the bedroom, soft, dimmed lighting can create a serene atmosphere conducive to relaxation and sleep, promoting a restful environment that encourages a good night’s sleep. Furthermore, in the dining area, adjustable lighting can enhance the dining experience, allowing you to create the perfect mood for a romantic dinner or a festive gathering with family and friends.

With the right dimmer setup, you can easily switch from a bright, functional space during the day to a warm, inviting ambiance at night—all with a simple turn of the knob or a tap on your smart app. This level of control not only improves the comfort of your home but also adds an element of sophistication and style to your lighting design. By investing in dimmable lights and smart dimmer switches, you are essentially giving yourself the power to craft your environment to meet your needs and preferences, making it a truly worthwhile addition to any lighting system.

4. Poor Lighting Placement

Lighting isn’t just about choosing the right fixture—it’s also about where and how you place it. The placement of lighting fixtures is a critical aspect of interior design that can significantly influence the ambiance and functionality of a space. Too often, we see lights that are either too close to walls, creating harsh shadows, or placed without considering furniture layout, which can lead to inefficient lighting that fails to illuminate the areas where it is most needed. This oversight can detract from the overall aesthetic and comfort of a room.

What to do instead:

To achieve optimal lighting, it is essential to plan your lighting scheme after your furniture layout is firmly established. Consider what areas require task lighting, such as kitchen counters or vanity mirrors. Additionally, think about how you want each zone to feel; for example, softer lighting may be more suitable for a cozy reading nook, while brighter, more focused lighting could enhance productivity in a home office.

Furthermore, a well-placed spotlight can serve to highlight a decorative feature, drawing the eye and adding a focal point to the space. In contrast, LED strips under shelves not only provide functional lighting for items stored there but also add visual interest, creating a layered lighting effect that enhances the overall design. These subtle yet impactful details can transform a room from ordinary to extraordinary.

It is advisable to have a thorough discussion with your interior designer or contractor, who will be present on-site to provide valuable insights and advice regarding the feasibility of your lighting ideas. Their expertise can help you navigate the complexities of lighting design, ensuring that your vision is both practical and achievable. Following this planning phase, a comprehensive lighting plan will be developed by them, outlining the placement for the lighting points. With this plan in hand, it will be significantly easier to select suitable lighting fixtures that align with your aesthetic preferences and functional requirements, ultimately enhancing the beauty and utility of your space.

5. Forgetting to Think Long-Term

During renovation, it's easy to focus on immediate aesthetic and functional needs, but lighting is a long-term element that impacts your home's ambiance and functionality. Choosing low-quality components or unreliable vendors can cause issues like inconsistent lighting, flickering, or failure. Poorly made bulbs may burn out quickly, increasing maintenance costs. Unreliable vendors often provide inadequate customer support and difficult-to-claim warranties. Subpar components can also pose safety risks, such as fire hazards from overheating or short-circuiting, leading to disruptions and unexpected expenses.

So, what steps can you take to ensure that your lighting choices are sound and sustainable?

First and foremost, it is wise to invest in high-quality components that come with proper warranties. Selecting branded LED chips (e.g. CREE, Philips), which are known for their longevity and energy efficiency, along with safety-marked drivers, is a crucial step in ensuring that your lighting will stand the test of time. These components are designed to provide consistent performance and reliability, reducing the likelihood of issues that could arise from inferior products. Furthermore, opting for changeable bulbs can significantly simplify future maintenance and upgrades. This choice allows you to replace only the bulbs when necessary, rather than needing to replace entire fixtures, which can be both cumbersome and costly.

Always remember to inquire about the level of support that your lighting provider offers after the sale. A reputable company should be willing to provide ongoing assistance, helping you navigate any challenges that may arise in the future.

At Shiok Lighting, we prioritize the education of our customers, ensuring that they are well-informed about their options and the implications of their choices. Our team is dedicated to recommending solutions that are as future-proof as possible, allowing you to enjoy your lighting without the worry of frequent replacements or repairs. By taking the time to invest in quality lighting solutions and seeking professional guidance, you can create a well-lit environment that enhances your home’s beauty and functionality for years to come.

Final Thoughts

Lighting is one of the easiest ways to elevate the look and feel of your new home—but only if you plan it right. Avoiding these common pitfalls can save you from costly reworks and help you create a space that truly feels like home.

If you're planning your renovation and unsure where to begin, come chat with our team at Shiok Lighting. Whether you're into minimalist Japandi, bold eclecticism, modern luxe, or timeless Scandinavian design, we'll help you light your home in a way that works—and wows. Visit our showroom to speak with us today!