8 mistakes to avoid when ordering LED light fittings
Ordering online can be a stressful process. You get the measurements wrong; you can't decide which option would look best in your room, and in the end, you realise you've ordered the wrong product.
At Light Supplier, we will transform your online shopping regime into something of practicality and accuracy.
Save time and money on postage and return with our guide to common mistakes when ordering your LED light fittings.
Not Measuring the Space Properly
If you order a light too big or small, the room's proportions will be thrown off, and you will be left displeased with the overall aesthetic of your new fixture.
1. Overestimating the Space
Adding extra calculations to your measurements leads to a light that overpowers your room.
This is especially important if you wish to have a spotlight highlighting a specific area in your home.
Ordering a more powerful light fixture than you need can also increase your energy costs and create a glare effect.
How to avoid it: Use a tape measure to accurately measure the area and double-check them beforehand. Opt for dimmable LED options if you're unsure about the lighting.
2. Underestimating the Space
Choosing a light too small for the area leads to insufficient illumination, affecting the room's ambience. This can also cause eye strain and increase energy costs if you resort to extra lighting.
How to avoid it: Calculate the lumens needed for the space. Large, open-plan rooms with high ceilings require more powerful light fittings to fill the room.
3. Ignoring Clearance Space
This can lead to fire hazards if you install the fittings too close to flammable materials. If you forget to consider the clearance space, you may have poorly fitted lights and uneven light distribution in your home.
How to avoid it: Use a cardboard template or marking tape to outline the clearance space needed around the light fitting, considering aspects of moisture in living rooms and kitchens. Factor in the vertical clearance needed for hanging lights on low ceilings.
4. Dismissing Obstructions
Obstructions can include things such as beams, furniture, walls, and other home fixtures.
Ignoring these aspects can lead to light blockage and shadows in your home.
Features cramped into one space can create an unattractive visual in your room, and in some cases, this could pose a safety risk when a light is installed too close to a flammable object.
How to avoid it: Consider using adjustable light fittings that can be repositioned to avoid obstructions. Don't install the lights too close to ceiling fans or other décor in your room.
Ignoring the Colour Temperature
To create the perfect mood for your room, you need to consider the type of lighting that will create the desired effect.
5. Too Warm or Cool Lighting
A bulb that is too warm can create an orange effect in your home, which can be distracting in offices and dining rooms. However, cool lighting can make a place seem unwelcoming and unpleasant.
How to avoid it: Follow the Kelvin scale that assigns lower numbers (2700k-3000k) as warm lighting and higher numbers (5000k-6500k) as cool lighting.
6. Ignoring the Time of day
A bright light in a living room will create an uncomfortable space, as most people want a soft, warm light to relax in and de-stress for the day.
However, a light that is too dim for an office will make it hard to focus on your work and affect visibility, causing eye strain.
How to avoid it: Consider how natural light changes throughout the day, which can affect how the colour temperature appears in your home, and choose a bulb specific to a room's needs.
Overlooking Energy Efficiency
Failing to consider the energy efficiency of a bulb can lead to higher energy bills than expected and a higher carbon footprint. You may also need to replace your bulbs more frequently.
7. Ignoring Energy Ratings
This can lead to higher energy costs and overconsumption if you forget to check the lumens per watt of your new light fixture. This may cause you to miss out on products with rebates or tax incentives.
How to avoid it: Learn how to understand energy ratings and compare products before buying.
8. Over-lighting
If you seem to use more energy than you need to, and your home often seems overwhelming to sit in, over-lighting may be the culprit. This can drain your bulbs much quicker and cause headaches.
How to avoid it: Install dimmer switches to adjust the lighting as necessary and plan the lighting according to the task associated with each room. Consider natural lighting sources that reduce the need for artificial lighting.
Choose Light Supplier for your LED Light Fittings
At Light Supplier, we want to help you bring your dream home to life. That is why we offer an amazing range of lighting and storage supplies, perfect for every interior style.
Browse our range of LED lighting to find the best fit for your personal needs! Our knowledgeable team are ready to answer any questions to help you with your purchase.