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Fact

A corridor needs no more than 100 lux

Reviewed under Eng. Abdullah Al Balushi

Flooding corridors with bright light makes you lose the sense of contrast when you enter the Majlis.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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Common mistakeDouble-height ceilings and wasted luxury

“Got a double-height ceiling? Don't repeat the mistake that ruins the whole look of the living room!”

The problem
Using wide-angle (60°) spotlights in high ceilings, so the light scatters in the air and never reaches the floor.
Technical explanation
Ceilings 6 to 7 m high need a narrow Beam Angle of 15° or less.
The result
Light reaches the floor with a dramatic effect that conveys luxury and avoids wasted light.

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

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