Skip to content
Address LightingLighting culture & awareness

Home / Knowledge library / Common mistake

Common mistake

White (Opal) diffusers in offices

Reviewed under Eng. Abdullah Al Balushi

“Working on your laptop at home and your eyes water and your head aches? Your lighting is the cause!”

The problem

A white diffuser spreads light in all directions and causes glare on the computer screen.

Technical explanation

Study rooms and offices need deep Reflectors that reduce unified glare (UGR <

The result

Better focus, higher productivity and eye protection.

Related to

Similar entries

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.

Page for this entry

Common mistakeThe Kelvin crisis on facades

“Your villa has a modern white design, and it's lit in 2700K yellow? That's the biggest architectural mistake!”

The problem
Choosing a very warm (heritage-style) light colour on a modern, clean facade makes it look old and yellowed.
Technical explanation
Modern facades and gardens suit 4000K (natural white) lighting, while classic designs suit 3000K, and heritage designs 2700K.
The result
Bringing out the villa's architectural identity and making it look its finest and most elegant to anyone viewing it from outside.

Page for this entry

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.

Page for this entry

Common mistakeModern façades and yellow light (2700K)

“A modern villa with a clean design, lit with traditional yellow? Biggest mistake!”

The problem
Choosing a very warm Kelvin for modern façades makes them look gloomy and yellow.
Technical explanation
Modern façades suit 4000K (natural white) for its clean look, while 3000K suits classic and 2700K suits traditional styles.
The result
Presents the villa's architectural identity in its truest form.

Page for this entry

Spec explainedLighting plants (Spike & Up-light)

“You spent a fortune landscaping your garden... and at night it looks like a graveyard?”

The problem
Failing to bring out the beautiful texture of tree trunks and leaves
Technical explanation
Using a 3000K Spike light with a narrow angle (Up-light) that shines from the trunk upward brings out the tree’s colour and creates wonderful dramatic shadows on the villa walls
The result
A garden full of life that invites you to sit outside at night

Page for this entry

ComparisonLighting plants: warm vs. coloured green

“Have trees in your garden? Don’t buy a green light to light them!”

The problem
Using green light on plants makes them look artificial and eerie
Technical explanation
Luxury lies in lighting trees with warm yellow (3000K) or natural (4000K) light to bring out their true natural colour
The result
A natural garden overflowing with life and calm

Page for this entry

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.

Page for this entry

Common mistakeBuying “cream” colour

“Asked the shop for “cream” lighting and got a sickly yellow? Don't rely on trade names!”

The problem
Buying lighting based on sellers' names (cream, ice white) results in mismatched colours around the home.
Technical explanation
Always rely on Kelvin: 3000K for a comfortable warm yellow, 4000K for natural white. And make sure the number is the same throughout the room.
The result
Colour consistency that is calming and brings out the furniture's true colours.

Page for this entry

Guide values; the final decision rests with a qualified engineer under the applicable code.

MistakesFree consultation