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Common mistake
Missing task lighting in the kitchen
“Cooking with your own shadow covering the food? Your kitchen lighting is incomplete!”
The problem
Relying on Downlights in the walkways and neglecting the work areas (counters)
Technical explanation
Task Lighting using LED strips under the upper cabinets prevents shadows and delivers 500 lux directly on the chopping area
The result
A safe, comfortable kitchen to work in that looks like a palace kitchen
Related to
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Common mistakeThe facade-lighting mistake of mounting flush to the wall
“Want your facade light to throw a stunning beam? Don't mount it flush against the wall!”
- The problem
- Mounting wall lights flush against the wall creates a harsh, very distracting Hotspot that spoils the facade.
- Technical explanation
- Moving the fitting slightly away from the wall and choosing the correct aiming angle gives a long, ideal beam that highlights the villa's height up to 16 m.
- The result
- A facade that catches the eye of the whole neighbourhood, at low cost and with smart installation.
Common mistakeOverdoing outdoor lighting (Floodlights)
“Installed stadium floodlights on your villa facade? You haven't lit it up, you've washed out its features!”
- The problem
- Flooding the facade with wide light erases the architectural details and creates light pollution.
- Technical explanation
- Highlighting a facade needs a well-planned layout of upward and downward Spotlights with narrow beams to create “contrast” between light and shadow, because shadow is what reveals the beauty.
- The result
- A palace-like facade with a far smaller electricity and installation budget.
Common mistakeAiming light at glass and mirrors
“Got a spotlight hitting the windows at night? You're blinding your guests!”
- The problem
- Aiming lights at reflective surfaces such as glass creates distracting glare that blocks the view outside.
- Technical explanation
- Light should be aimed at walkways and opaque walls. Avoid aiming lights at windows at night entirely, so you can enjoy the view of the garden.
- The result
- A comfortable evening sitting and a clear view of the villa's garden without distraction.
Common mistakeLighting windows and mirrors
“Lighting your mirrors and windows to make your home look luxurious? You're blinding yourself!”
- The problem
- Aiming lights directly at glass and mirrors bounces the light back as very uncomfortable glare.
- Technical explanation
- Glass doesn't reflect light softly like painted walls do, so lighting should be from the side or hidden behind the mirror (Backlit) to avoid discomfort.
- The result
- Hotel-style bathrooms and corridors, without visual discomfort.
Common mistakeRandomly placed bollard lights
“Has your garden turned into an airport runway because of your path lights?”
- The problem
- Placing bollard lights too close together, randomly and excessively
- Technical explanation
- The ideal path bollard is spaced every 4 to 5 metres, and its height should ideally be half the width of the area being lit
- The result
- Elegant, calm garden paths with no extra fixture costs
Common mistakeLighting glass windows
“Have lights aimed at your living room windows? You've just blinded your guests!”
- The problem
- Aiming light at glass makes it act like a mirror, reflecting harsh light into the eyes and blocking the view of the garden.
- Technical explanation
- Light should be directed at walkways and solid walls (Wall Washer), completely avoiding reflective surfaces.
- The result
- A comfortable living room at night with a clear view of the garden.
Common mistakeChoosing the wrong wattage for façades
“Want your villa façade to stand out from afar? Don't fit it with a 5 W light!”
- The problem
- Using very weak Grazer fittings for tall façades.
- Technical explanation
- A tall façade needs a 36 W fitting (about 2300 lm) to reach the top of the building, while 5 W (300 lm) is left for soft lighting of lower walkways.
- The result
- A palace façade that catches the eye of the whole neighbourhood.
Comparison3000K vs. 4000K
“Can't decide between warm yellow or natural white for your project?”
- The problem
- Choosing a gloomy colour for the façade or a harsh colour for bedrooms.
- Technical explanation
- 3000K warm yellow is ideal for classic styles and relaxation. 4000K bright white is ideal for clean modern façades and kitchens.
- The result
- Smart consistency that shows off your home's beauty correctly.
Guide values; the final decision rests with a qualified engineer under the applicable code.