A visual guide with practical tips to make sure your project doesn't fail in what's unseen.

Light transforms. It defines volumes, alters materials, guides movement, and evokes emotions. But even though every space has its own particularities, there are mistakes that occur over and over again in lighting design even in very well-conceived projects.

Common mistake: A space with uniform lighting, lacking hierarchy and visual rhythm.

Result: Flat surfaces, lack of depth, and cold atmospheres.

How to avoid it:

• Combine layers of light: general, task, and ambient.
  

• Use spotlights or downlights to highlight key elements.
  

• Leave areas in semi-shadow to create contrast and volume.
  

Example: In a well-designed showroom, a focused light on the product, combined with wall wash lighting and ambient diffused light, can enhance the perception of the space without overwhelming it with light.

Common mistake: Treating light as a technical or decorative afterthought.

Result: Forced installations, lacking visual coherence and functional efficiency.

How to avoid it:

• Incorporate lighting design from the concept stage.
  

• Coordinate light fixtures with furniture, finishes, and pathways.
  

• Avoid having to adapt technical solutions afterward.
  

💡 Good planning can reduce construction errors, save costs, and improve the final aesthetics.

Common mistake: Inadequate light angles for the space.

Result: Light that doesn't reach where it should, or that spills over unnecessary areas.

How to avoid it:

• Choose the optics based on the ceiling height, the function of the light point, and the distance to the object.
  

• Use narrow beams (10°–24°) for high ceilings or focused accent lighting.
  

• Medium beams (36°–45°) for general or product lighting.
  

• Wide beams (60°+) for wall washing or open areas.
  

Solution: Many spotlights allow for interchangeable optics, adapting better to the space.

Common mistake: Using fixtures without visual control of the beam.

Result: Annoying light that causes eye strain or makes it uncomfortable to be in the space.

How to avoid it:

• Look for fixtures with recessed optics or anti-glare accessories.
  

• Consider elements like diffusers or "cross baffles" to limit direct LED visibility.
  

• Make sure the UGR index is below 19 in offices and reading or service areas.
  

💡A space with low glare is not only more comfortable but also more elegant.

Common mistake: Turning the lights on or off, with no other options.

Result: Monotonous lighting, without adaptation to different times or uses.

How to avoid it:

• Incorporate scene control, presence sensors, or manual dimming.
  

• Systems like DALI or Casambi allow you to adjust intensity, color, or create different moods.
  

Example: In a restaurant, you don't need the same lighting for breakfast as you do for an intimate dinner.

Common mistake: Using cool light in warm spaces or vice versa.

Result: An incoherent, unnatural feeling.

How to avoid it:

• 2700K (very warm): ideal for homes, restaurants, and cozy spaces.
  

• 3000K (warm): suitable for stores, hotels, or multipurpose spaces.
  

• 4000K (neutral): perfect for offices, technical spaces, or healthcare areas.
  

Tip: The temperature should complement the materials and the design intent.

Common mistake: Over-illuminating due to insecurity.

Result: Harsh spaces, lacking atmosphere, with higher energy consumption.

How to avoid it:

• Design by layers and needs.
  

• Not everything needs to be equally lit or all the time.
  

• Play with intensities and shadows to enrich the space.
  

Fact: A well-designed hallway can function with 100 lux; a work area may require 500–750 lux.

Common mistake: Choosing eye-catching lamps without checking their performance.

Result: Poor or poorly directed light, despite an attractive design.

How to avoid it:

• Choose fixtures with a good balance between design, performance, and visual comfort.
  

• Make sure the type of optics, installation, and light output are adapted to the intended use.
  

Common mistake: Using LEDs with a low CRI in spaces where color matters.

Result: Dull colors, inaccurate tones, and gray or green skin tones.

How to avoid it:

• In retail, fashion, art, or gastronomy, make sure to use fixtures with a CRI >90.
  

• In technical or industrial spaces, a CRI of 80 may be sufficient, depending on the activity.
  

Key fact: The CRI directly affects how we perceive the quality of a space.

Common mistake: Thinking of light only as a function.

Result: Properly designed spaces… but cold or soulless.

How to avoid it:

• Lighting also communicates.
  

• Use contrasts, warmth, shadows, reflections, or light play to evoke an emotion.
  

• Designing with light is designing perception.
  

A well-lit space not only looks better. It feels better to live in.