Why Your Lighting Looks Bad - 5 Potential Reasons 5&Bonus

The light distribution is quite harsh.

If you are confident that the quality and quantity of your lights are adequate, yet something seems amiss, consider assessing the positioning and distribution of the light sources in your setup. This is a consideration that a proficient architect or lighting designer would meticulously evaluate; nonetheless, it is acknowledged that not all projects possess the requisite funding and resources. Although not a replacement for expert consultation, we have outlined many general best practices for your installation consideration.
Assume you have allocated 2000 lumens for your area. You have verified that the color temperature, hue, and CRI are all accurate. Is it advisable to utilize two 1000 lumen bulbs? Alternatively, four bulbs with a luminosity of 500 lumens? Where should the bulbs be positioned? These are the fundamental inquiries that affect light dispersion and the potential for glare or discomfort among inhabitants of a location.

The primary guiding idea is to design your lighting to closely replicate the distribution of natural daylight. Humans are mostly accustomed to getting natural light from the sky, which is essentially a vast dome of illumination radiating from all directions.
What is the significance of this? The rationale is that light bulbs exhibit a distribution of light that is nearly antithetical to that of the natural sky. They are singular point light sources that radiate substantial focused illumination from a diminutive area. In this regard, they more closely resemble the sun itself.
Reflecting on the discomfort experienced when sunlight directly penetrates your eyes elucidates why a singular, intense light source can pose challenges. Many individuals appreciate natural light; nevertheless, direct sunlight in the eyes is often deemed unpleasant. We frequently resort to wearing a hat or donning sunglasses.
In considering light distribution, a common principle is that a greater number of lower-intensity bulbs effectively emulates a more natural light distribution. This method will diminish the light intensity originating from any specific location in your environment.
If that is not feasible, you may alternatively contemplate utilizing the surfaces of your walls and ceilings to your benefit. By orienting your lamps and fixtures to illuminate the wall or ceiling, and allowing the light to reflect back into the space, you may effectively augment the surface area from which the light emanates. This approach is frequently employed in wall-washer and cove lighting applications, resulting in a beautiful and comfortable environment. If color accuracy is paramount, ensure that the wall colors are predominantly neutral; otherwise, you risk saturating your room with inaccurate lighting.
LED strip lights serve as an excellent alternative to traditional bulbs, as they generate substantial illumination while being spread across an extended, linear expanse. During installation, it is advisable to position the LEDs to avoid direct illumination towards individuals, as the unshielded LEDs emit bright light that may result in discomforting glare. A straightforward solution to mitigate this issue is to employ the wall or ceiling bounce technique, or to utilize aluminum channels equipped with diffusers that aid in dispersing light and diminishing direct glare.

Bonus: Are You Susceptible to Flicker Sensitivity?

If you experience migraines or headaches in a particular place, this may be attributed to imperceptible flicker. Fluorescent lamps and certain LED bulbs are susceptible to generating light in rapid on/off cycles that align with the frequency of the electrical grid (50 or 60 hertz). Although this flicker is not immediately perceptible, research indicates it may lead to adverse health consequences, particularly in susceptible individuals.