6 Mistakes You're Making with Home Lighting (Part 1)

Ever walk into a room and feel like you’re about to be interrogated by a detective in a 1940s noir film? Or maybe you’ve stepped into your kitchen and felt like you were under the fluorescent hum of a high-security hospital wing?

Lighting is the secret sauce of home design, yet it’s one of the areas homeowners most often overlook. Whether you live in a newer home in Herriman or a classic bungalow in Sandy, lighting has a major impact on how your home looks and feels.

At Your Handyman Pros, we see lighting mistakes all the time. In Part 1 of this two-part series, we’re covering three common issues and some simple ways to improve them.

1. Sticking to One Light Source

One of the most common lighting mistakes is relying entirely on a single ceiling fixture. While it provides general illumination, it often leaves corners darker and can make a room feel less inviting.

The Fix

Think in layers:

• Ambient lighting: General room lighting

• Task lighting: Reading lamps, desk lights, or under-cabinet lighting

• Accent lighting: Lighting used to highlight artwork, shelving, or architectural features

Combining these layers creates depth and helps a room feel more comfortable and functional.

2. Ignoring Color Temperature

Have you ever installed a new bulb and suddenly felt like your living room belonged in a convenience store? That's color temperature at work.

The Fix

Check the Kelvin (K) rating on the bulb package:

• 2700K-3000K (Warm White): Great for bedrooms, family rooms, and living spaces

• 3500K-4100K (Neutral White): Often works well in kitchens, laundry rooms, and home offices

• 5000K+ (Daylight): Commonly used in garages, workshops, utility rooms, and task-focused spaces

Using the appropriate color temperature for each room can dramatically improve comfort and usability.

3. Poor Placement and Shadows

Even good fixtures can produce poor results if they are positioned incorrectly. If you're constantly casting shadows over your workspace while cooking or grooming, placement may be the issue.

The Fix

Task lighting should illuminate the work area rather than shine from behind you.

• Under-cabinet lighting can make a noticeable difference in kitchens

• Side-mounted bathroom sconces often provide more even lighting around mirrors

• Reading lights should be positioned to light the page without creating glare

A few placement adjustments can make everyday activities easier and more comfortable.

Ready to Lighten Up?

That wraps up Part 1 of our series on common home lighting mistakes. In Part 2, we'll cover additional lighting upgrades that can help your home feel more polished, functional, and up to date.

Updating your lighting does not require a major remodel, but it often benefits from proper planning and installation.

At Your Handyman Pros, we help homeowners throughout the Salt Lake Valley upgrade fixtures, improve lighting layouts, and tackle the small projects that make homes feel more comfortable and functional. We are a licensed and insured B100 General Contractor and coordinate with individually licensed and insured specialty trades when needed.