The right lighting transforms a home. It sets the mood, highlights your design, and makes every detail shine. Yet, when renovating, lighting is often treated as an afterthought. That’s where things go wrong. From awkward shadows to harsh overheads, even the most stunning renovations can fall flat with poor lighting.
At Jones Renovations, we’ve helped countless Dubai homeowners through successful home renovation and property updates—and we’ve seen these same lighting mistakes pop up again and again. So, let’s break down the 15 most common ones and show you how to avoid them.
15 Lighting Mistakes to Avoid if You Are Renovating
1. Relying Only on Overhead Lighting
Ceiling lights are important—but they can’t do it all. One overhead fixture often casts uneven light and leaves dark corners. Layer in wall sconces, floor lamps, or under-cabinet lighting to balance the space.
2. Skipping a Lighting Plan
Many people dive into remodelling projects without a lighting plan. This leads to scattered fixtures and poor results. Always plan your lighting around the room’s layout, function, and focal points.
3. Using the Wrong Colour Temperature
Cool lights in a cosy bedroom? Warm bulbs in a modern kitchen? Choosing the wrong colour temperature can create the wrong mood. Stick to warm whites (2700–3000K) for living areas and bedrooms, and cool whites (4000–5000K) for workspaces like kitchens and bathrooms.
4. Not Using Dimmers
Dimmers offer flexibility. They allow you to shift from bright task lighting to soft ambient tones in seconds. Without them, you’re stuck with one harsh level of light all the time.
5. Ignoring Natural Light
You might be surprised how often people forget to work with their windows. Natural light changes throughout the day. When designing, observe how sunlight hits the room and use it to your advantage.
6. Installing Lights in the Wrong Spot
Too many ceiling lights in one area? None above the kitchen worktop? Placing lights without considering furniture layout or daily routines is a common blunder. Always align lights with how the space will be used.
7. Overlighting Small Spaces
Brighter isn’t always better. In smaller rooms, too much light can make the space feel clinical and cold. Soft layers of lighting work best here.
8. Undervaluing Task Lighting
Every area where you perform a task—reading, cooking, applying makeup—needs direct lighting. Overhead lights alone won’t cut it. Task lights reduce eye strain and make everyday tasks easier.
9. Forgetting Accent Lighting
Accent lighting draws attention to art, shelves, or architectural features. Skipping it means you miss out on adding depth and drama to your home.
10. Badly Placed Downlights
One of the most common issues in house improvement is downlights that cast unwanted shadows or glare. If placed too close to walls or furniture, they create uneven lighting. Position carefully to avoid this.
11. Choosing Fixtures Just for Looks
That beautiful chandelier might look stunning—but does it light the room effectively? Lighting should always be functional first, then stylish.
12. Not Matching Fixtures to Ceiling Height
Low-hanging pendants in rooms with low ceilings are a recipe for head bumps. Choose lighting that suits your ceiling height and scale.
13. Ignoring Smart Lighting Options
Modern lighting technology can simplify your life. Smart systems offer energy savings, automation, and mood control. Don’t overlook them during your renovation ideas planning.
14. Poor Outdoor Lighting
A well-lit exterior boosts both beauty and safety. Don’t forget to light pathways, entryways, and patios. Use weather-resistant fixtures and layer lighting outside just as you would indoors.
15. Cutting Costs on Lighting Quality
Cheaper fittings often mean shorter lifespan and poor performance. Invest in good-quality lighting. It’s worth it in the long run—for style, safety, and sustainability.
Why Lighting Matters in Renovating
Lighting affects everything—how we feel, how we live, and how a room is used. In fact, a study published by the ScienceDirect confirms that lighting has a significant effect on mood and perception of space (source).
So when you’re renovating, don’t just focus on tiles and paint. Get the lighting right, and everything else will fall into place.
Why Choose Jones Renovations?
At Jones Renovations, we don’t just upgrade your home—we transform how you live in it. Our expert designers work with you to plan lighting that enhances your lifestyle and complements your interior. We understand the importance of detail, and our hands-on approach ensures that no bulb is out of place.
Whether it’s a full home renovation, small property updates, or creative house improvement projects, our team delivers thoughtful designs that work for real life. Plus, we stay current with the latest technologies and trends—so your home shines in every way.
Final Thoughts
Lighting isn’t just about visibility—it’s about creating atmosphere, enhancing design, and supporting daily living. Avoiding these 15 common lighting mistakes can make your renovation more functional, beautiful, and valuable.
If you’re planning a renovating project in Dubai, Jones Renovations is here to help you light the way—cleverly and correctly. Let’s bring your space to life, one light at a time.
