10 Lighting Mistakes That Make Homes Look Cheap (And How to Fix Them)

Bad lighting can ruin even the most expensive décor. Avoid these common mistakes to instantly improve how your home looks and feels.

1. Using Only One Light Source

Fix: Add layers — ceiling lights, lamps, and accent lighting.

2. Lights That Are Too Harsh

Fix: Choose warm white bulbs (2700K–3000K) for living spaces.

3. Ignoring Dimmers

Fix: Install dimmer switches to control brightness and mood.

4. Poor Bathroom Lighting

Fix: Add side lighting near mirrors to eliminate shadows.

5. Overlooking Under-Cabinet Lighting

Fix: LED strips make kitchens look modern and expensive.

6. Exposed Bare Bulbs

Fix: Use fixtures or diffusers for a polished look.

7. Mismatched Color Temperatures

Fix: Keep all bulbs in a room the same warmth.

8. Too Few Light Fixtures

Fix: Spread lighting evenly throughout the space.

9. Not Highlighting Features

Fix: Use accent lighting to showcase artwork or architecture.

10. Using Outdated Fixtures

Fix: Modern fixtures can instantly update a room.