LED lighting offers many possibilities: different light colors, compact designs, dimmable lights and a wide selection for living spaces, outdoor areas and commercial applications.
However, this variety does not always make the choice easier. A luminaire can be technically high-quality and still not suitable for the intended application. Often, the problems are not with the product itself, but with an incorrect selection or inadequate lighting planning.
We show seven typical mistakes and explain what you should look for when choosing your LED lighting.
1. Choosing brightness based only on wattage
One of the most common mistakes is to continue judging the brightness of an LED by its wattage.
The wattage primarily describes the electrical power consumption. How much light is actually generated can be seen from the luminous flux in lumens.
Two LED luminaires with the same wattage can have different lumen values. Therefore, the lumen value should be the focus for product selection.
Important factors include:
- Size and use of the room
- Number of light sources
- Position of the luminaires
- Wall and ceiling colors
- Desired basic or accent lighting
A single high wattage does not automatically replace a well-thought-out distribution of multiple light sources.
Learn more about lumens and brightness
2. Using the same light color for all rooms
The light color influences how a room is perceived. It is specified in Kelvin.
As a rough guide:
- 2700 to 3000 Kelvin: warm white and cozy light
- approx. 4000 Kelvin: neutral white and functional light
- approx. 6500 Kelvin: daylight white and very cool light
Warm white is often used in living and sleeping areas. Neutral white is suitable for kitchens, work areas, offices and utility rooms, among others. Daylight white can be useful where a particularly functional or high-contrast illumination is desired.
However, the appropriate light color does not depend solely on the room. Furnishings, surfaces, personal preferences and specific use also play a role.
Luminaires with 3CCT or 5CCT offer additional flexibility. With these, the light color can be adjusted depending on the version.
3. Planning only one central ceiling light
A single ceiling light can basically illuminate a room. However, it does not automatically provide a pleasant and functional lighting effect.
A balanced lighting concept often consists of several layers:
General lighting
It provides uniform orientation in the room. Ceiling lights, panels or several recessed spotlights, for example, are suitable for this.
Task lighting
It supports specific activities, such as on a kitchen countertop, a desk or a mirror.
Accent lighting
It highlights individual areas, furniture, pictures or architectural elements.
By combining these layers, a room not only appears brighter, but usually also more structured and pleasant.
4. Not considering the beam angle
The beam angle describes how widely the light from a luminaire is distributed.
A narrower beam angle creates a more focused light cone. This can be useful for accents, display areas or specific work areas.
A wide beam angle distributes light over a larger area and is often better suited for uniform general lighting.
For recessed spotlights and track spotlights, therefore, not only wattage and lumens should be considered. Equally important are:
- Beam angle
- Mounting height
- Distance between luminaires
- Swivel capability
- Desired size of the illuminated area
A very bright spot with a narrow light cone can leave dark areas in the room despite a high lumen value.
5. Ignoring the protection class for bathrooms and outdoor areas
Not every luminaire is suitable for damp rooms or outdoor areas.
The IP protection class indicates how well an electrical product is protected against the ingress of foreign bodies and water. The required protection class depends on the specific installation location and the expected load there.
Particular attention is required for:
- Bathrooms
- Showers and washing areas
- Covered outdoor areas
- Open facades
- Basements and garages
- Damp rooms
- Commercial work areas
However, a high IP protection class alone does not automatically make a luminaire suitable for every installation location. In addition, the manufacturer's specifications, the intended mounting method and the applicable installation requirements must be observed.
Electrical work should be carried out by appropriately qualified specialists.
6. Not matching dimmable light and dimmer
The designation "dimmable" does not automatically mean that an LED will function flawlessly with every existing dimmer.
Light sources, drivers and dimmers must be technically compatible. With unsuitable combinations, the following problems can occur, among others:
- Flickering
- Humming
- Limited dimming range
- Delayed turn-on
- Uneven brightness
- Complete functional failure
Before purchasing, therefore, it should be checked:
- Is the LED explicitly dimmable?
- Is the dimmer used suitable for LED loads?
- Is there a specified minimum or maximum load?
- Is the driver also dimmable for luminaires with a separate driver?
For permanently installed lighting systems, a technical check before conversion is recommended.
7. Deciding only by appearance or price
Design and price are important selection criteria. However, they should not be the only criteria.
Before purchasing an LED luminaire or light source, at least the following information should be checked:
- Lumens
- Watts
- Light color or Kelvin
- Beam angle
- Dimmability
- Protection class
- Dimensions
- Cut-out or installation dimension
- Socket or connection type
- Scope of delivery
For instance, with recessed frames, it is crucial whether the light source and socket are included. With recessed luminaires, the cut-out dimension and installation depth must match the existing ceiling. With track systems, it must be checked for which system the respective component is intended.
A clear technical description helps to avoid incorrect purchases and unnecessary effort during installation.
Checklist before purchase
- How is the room or area used?
- How much brightness is needed?
- What light color is desired?
- Should the light be broadly distributed or specifically directed?
- Is a dimmable solution needed?
- What protection class is required at the installation site?
- Do the dimensions, cut-out and installation depth fit?
- What is included in the scope of delivery?
The more precisely these points are clarified in advance, the easier it will be to select a suitable lighting solution.
Conclusion: Good lighting begins before installation
LED lighting should not be selected based solely on wattage or appearance. Lumens, light color, light distribution, protection class and installation situation must all match.
PurpleLights originated from the electrical master and planning company PurpleHome. We use this technical background to present products clearly and facilitate the selection of suitable lighting solutions.