Top Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Lighting

Hey there! At Coast Lighting in Redwood City, we’ve seen it all when it comes to lighting, brilliant successes and, well, some bright mistakes. Whether you're a homeowner planning a remodel, a designer styling a dream space, or a builder trying to keep the project on track, lighting can make or break your outcome. And because lighting isn’t something most people shop for every day, there’s a lot of room for error.

That’s why we’ve pulled together a list of the top mistakes to avoid when buying lighting, based on decades of helping our Bay Area clients find the perfect fixtures. Let’s save you from a few headaches, shall we?

Mistake #1: Prioritizing Style Over Function

Looks Matter, But So Does Lighting Coverage
We get it. That sculptural pendant or ultra-minimalist sconce might be love at first sight. But before you fall too hard, take a step back and ask yourself:

Will this actually light the space the way I need it to?

We’ve had clients who picked a beautiful flush-mount for a large entryway only to find it barely lit the space. Remember: form should follow function.

Pro Tip: When in doubt, layer your lighting, use a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting for balanced results.

Mistake #2: Skipping the Lighting Plan

“We’ll Just Pick Fixtures at the End” – Famous Last Words

Waiting until the end of the project to think about lighting is like trying to add icing after the cake’s been cut. By that point, junction boxes are set, ceiling heights are locked in, and options become limited.

We’ve had last-minute panicked calls that went something like, “We need fixtures for six rooms, tomorrow.” Not ideal.

What to Do Instead: Plan lighting early, just like you would paint colors or tile. Come into our showroom or send us your floor plan, and we’ll help you map it out before the walls are closed up.

Mistake #3: Not Considering Natural Light

How Much Daylight Is in the Room?

Lighting doesn’t exist in a vacuum. A north-facing room with small windows will need more artificial light than a south-facing space drenched in sun. Ignore natural light, and you risk over-lighting some areas and under-lighting others.

Lighting Tip: Use dimmers or color-tunable LEDs in rooms with fluctuating daylight so you can adjust throughout the day.

Mistake #4: Choosing the Wrong Color Temperature

Warm or Cool? It Depends.

This one trips up a lot of people. Color temperature (measured in Kelvins) affects how a room feels.

 Here’s the gist:

• 2700K–3000K (Warm White): Cozy, inviting—great for bedrooms, dining areas, and living rooms.
• 3500K–4000K (Neutral White): Clean and bright—perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and offices.
• 5000K+ (Daylight): Crisp and energizing—best for task-heavy or utility areas.
  
  

We’ve had clients install cool daylight bulbs in their living room and call us the next day saying, “Why does it feel like a doctor’s office?”

The Fix: Always test a bulb’s color temp in your space before committing.

Mistake #5: Ignoring Scale and Proportion

That Chandelier Looked Smaller Online

Online shopping is convenient, but it’s easy to misjudge size. One client ordered a pendant for her dining table that looked perfect in photos, only to realize it was massive and overwhelmed the room.

Lighting is spatial. What works in one home might look completely off in another.

Pro Tip: Bring measurements when you shop. And if you’re unsure, we’ll help you mock up fixture placement in our showroom.

Mistake #6: Forgetting About Dimmers

All or Nothing Lighting = Mood Killer

A single switch turning all your lights to 100% might seem simple, but it limits ambiance. Dimmers add versatility, dinner parties, movie nights, and early mornings, all call for different light levels.

Bonus: Dimmers can extend the lifespan of your bulbs and save on energy costs.

Quick Fix: Ask us about compatible dimmers for your selected fixtures, we’ll make sure they work together.

Mistake #7: Using the Wrong Bulbs

Not All Bulbs Are Created Equal

LEDs, halogens, integrated fixtures, smart bulbs, there’s a lot out there. And not all bulbs are compatible with every fixture or dimmer. We’ve seen lights flicker, hum, or not turn on at all due to the wrong bulb choice.

Solution: When you purchase a fixture, talk to us about the right bulb, wattage, base type, dimming compatibility, and color temp. We’ll sort it out for you.

Mistake #9: Overlooking Installation Requirements

Some Fixtures Need Extra Planning

Some modern chandeliers or recessed lights require special housing, ceiling support, or specific wiring. Clients sometimes fall in love with a fixture only to realize it’s not compatible with their ceiling type, or that they’ll need to call in a drywall repair after install.

Lighting Tip: Always consult with your contractor and our team before purchasing anything complicated. We’ll let you know what’s realistic and what’s not.

Mistake #10: Not Asking for Help

You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

Lighting can get technical and overwhelming. But that’s what we’re here for. At Coast Lightingg, our job is to make lighting simple, stylish, and stress-free. Whether it’s your first home or your tenth project, we’re ready to help you avoid mistakes, find the perfect solution, and love your space.

Final Thoughts

Buying lighting doesn’t have to be a guessing game. With a little planning, and a lot of support from your local lighting experts, it can be one of the most rewarding parts of your project.

Stop by our Redwood City showroom to see fixtures in action, chat with our team, and get expert help at every step. Or shoot us a message with your floor plan, we’re happy to consult.