7 Lighting Choices Designers Wish You’d Reconsider in 2025

Interior Design

7 Lighting Choices Designers Wish You’d Reconsider in 2025

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Lighting is one of those inescapable home essentials: You can choose whether or not to embrace wainscoting, splashy wallpapers, or that statement-making kitchen island, but you simply can’t sidestep illumination. And while personal taste is always on the table—eclectic pendants, vintage chandeliers, modern sconces—there are a few faux pas design experts hope you’ll leave behind this coming year. We chatted with top designers who revealed the seven lighting decisions they’re officially over—and you should be, too.

1. Defaulting to Perfectly Symmetrical Fixtures

Symmetry often feels like the safest bet for visually balancing a room. Matching table lamps on both ends of a sofa or bed, for instance, can make a space look polished in a pinch—but according to Adam Dunn, Senior Vice President of Design at Four Hands, leaning too hard on mirror-image fixtures can leave a design feeling stale.

“While there is nothing wrong with symmetry, you can achieve a more authentic, inviting space by mixing unique shapes, sizes, textures, colors, and placements,” says Dunn.

He recommends experimenting with pairs that are siblings, not twins. Different lamps, heights, or even fabrics can instantly give your living room or bedroom a lived-in, cultivated feel—minus the hyper-coordinated look.

Quick Conclusion

• Perfect matchy-matchy lamps can look rigid.

• Embrace variation in shapes, colors, and heights for a more interesting visual.

• Mixing finishes or styles brings depth and warmth to the room.

2. Only Using Overhead Lighting

No one can deny overhead lighting is practical. But Kanika Bakshi-Khurana, founder and principal designer at Kanika Design, believes that relying on just a ceiling fixture (especially recessed lighting) is a missed opportunity for warmth and depth.

“Don’t get me wrong—it’s functional, but when it’s the only light source in a room, it makes the space feel flat and lifeless,” she explains.

Her advice? Layer multiple light sources to add dimension and mood. Look for statement fixtures, whether that’s a sculptural floor lamp in the corner or a pair of eye-catching sconces that double as art.

Quick Conclusion

• Overhead lighting alone creates a flat, uninspired ambiance.

• Layer lighting with table lamps, sconces, or floor lamps to add character.

• Combining different types of lighting fosters a more welcoming environment.

3. Relying on Just One Kind of Light Fixture

Even if you’re layering your lighting, using only one type of fixture can undermine the entire effort. Adam Dunn emphasizes that variety in both style and function is key.

“You want to have a mix of overhead, task, and accent lighting that is not only balanced but catered to the activities you’ll be doing in each room,” Dunn says. “For example, you wouldn’t want to layer overhead and accent lighting in the kitchen without working task lighting (perfect for cooking) into the mix.”

Remember, the kitchen isn’t just for grabbing snacks; it’s often the hub for socializing, experimenting with recipes, and even catching up on work. Make sure your lighting scheme reflects that.

Quick Conclusion

• Each room needs a tailored lighting plan (overhead, task, accent) for functionality.

• In places like the kitchen, task lighting for cooking is non-negotiable.

• Layering different fixtures ensures you’re covered for every activity.

4. Overlooking Bulb Temperature

The quest for the perfect fixture shouldn’t overshadow a crucial detail: the bulbs. Jamie Gasparovic, founder and principal designer at Studio Gaspo, warns that harsh, high-Kelvin bulbs can torpedo the cozy factor in your home.

“Having 5000K bulbs might be great for an operating room, but does not make for a cozy and welcoming environment at home,” Gasparovic says.

Instead, she suggests opting for bulbs in the 2700K to 3000K range. These bulbs emit a softer, warmer glow that’s more flattering and comfortable—perfect for everyday living.

Quick Conclusion

• Bulb temperature dramatically affects how a room feels.

• Avoid overly bright, high-Kelvin bulbs for your living spaces.

• Aim for the 2700K–3000K sweet spot to create a warm, inviting ambiance.

5. Chasing Every Lighting Trend

Swapping out light fixtures regularly can be pricey—and there’s no guarantee a once-popular style will mesh with your ever-evolving decor. Dunn recommends investing in timeless, high-quality pieces instead of chasing the latest Instagram-driven fad.

“An easy way to cut through the noise is to seek out timeless, high-quality pieces. Clean lines, organic textures, and simple silhouettes afford greater versatility while ensuring pieces will withstand the test of time,” Dunn says.

A statement pendant or chandelier can be a big-ticket item, so choose one that can adapt to different design refreshes and color palettes.

Quick Conclusion

• Constantly chasing lighting trends is costly and can lead to style conflicts.

• Invest in fixtures with classic shapes or organic textures to stay on point for years.

• Choose pieces that will remain relevant even as your decor evolves.

6. Misjudging Exact Placement

Even if you’re certain your space needs more light, consider placement carefully. Dunn warns that simply installing a chandelier or pendant without evaluating every angle can lead to awkward shadows or a fixture that’s more of a design obstacle than an asset.

“People sometimes forget to consider how all aspects of the design will work together in the space,” Dunn says.

Bakshi-Khurana agrees: A chandelier that’s too high might not illuminate your dining table the way you intended, while a pendant that’s too large can appear overwhelming from certain vantage points. Factor in ceiling height, room proportions, and everyday traffic flow so your fixture truly shines.

“Placement should reflect how the space is used, not just what looks good on paper,” Bakshi-Khurana adds.

Quick Conclusion

• Improper height or size can diminish a fixture’s impact.

• Consider sight lines and how you move around the room.

• Test placement before committing (with measurements or mock-ups).

7. Installing Competing Fixtures

Open-plan living spaces continue to reign supreme—but remember, that means everything can be seen at once. If you go all out with dramatic pendants, a showstopper dining fixture, and a statement chandelier in the same open area, the result is visual chaos.

“It’s overkill to do flashy pendants over an island, a dining fixture, and a statement chandelier in one big room,” Gasparovic says.

If your living room, dining area, and kitchen share one expansive space, pick one or two statement zones at most. Keep other fixtures subdued so the focal pieces can truly shine.

Quick Conclusion

• In open-concept spaces, multiple statement fixtures can clash.

• Limit yourself to one or two “star of the show” fixtures.

• Simpler fixtures elsewhere ensure your statement piece remains the center of attention.

Reconsider these seven lighting pitfalls when planning your 2025 home refresh. By mixing styles, layering light sources, choosing the right bulbs, investing in timeless fixtures, paying attention to placement, and avoiding too many stars in one room, you’ll ensure every corner of your home glows with intentionality and design-savvy flair.

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