You have ordered a new light full of anticipation - the design is a hit, the quality is impressive. But then the moment of disappointment: the light suddenly looks completely different from what you imagined. Too cool, too warm, too dark or somehow "not as seen in the store"?
Don't worry - you're not alone with this feeling. In this guide, you will find out why your luminaire looks different than expected and how you can take targeted countermeasures.
It becomes clear that not all light is the same when you switch on a new luminaire. The effect can vary greatly - depending on many factors:
1. the color and structure of the surroundings
- Walls, ceiling, floor: Light-colored surfaces reflect light, dark ones absorb it.
- Materials: Glossy tiles, matt wallpaper, wood - all of these influence how light is distributed in the room.
- Color temperature and wall color: A warm light color (e.g. 2700K) has a different effect on a beige wall than on a gray one.
Tip: Observe your room colors in daylight. This will help you to better assess how artificial light might behave there.
2. reflections caused by the luminaire design
- Glass housing, chrome or metal: often reflect ambient light and colors of the Surroundings.
- Opal or smoky lampshades: Soften the light - good for cozy zones.
- Clear glass: Emits direct light - perfect for highlights, but sensitive to reflections.
Important: The lighting effect you see in product images is usually taken in a studio - the conditions in your home are different.
3. mixed light situations
Your new luminaire does not stand alone - there may already be retro light bulbs, LED spotlights or a ceiling washlight in the room. These can have a massive impact on the light image:
- Different color temperatures (e.g. 2700K vs. 4000K) have a disharmonious effect.
- Old light bulb + new LED: This often results in a yellowish or blue contrast.
- Shadow casting or overexposure: Light sources can "blend in" with each other.
Solution: Create uniformity - same color temperatures, same bulb types, same light characteristics.
4. not every light source is the same
Particularly with replaceable light sources, the light can vary greatly depending on the bulb selected.
- Color temperature: 2700K = warm white, 4000K = neutral white, 6000K = daylight white
- Lumen = brightness. More lumen = more light output.
- Color rendering index (CRI): The higher (max. 100), the more natural the light appears.
Our tip for skapetze®: If you want to play it safe, use our curated s.luce light sources, perfectly matched to our lights.
5. step-by-step to the perfect lighting effect
A. Analyze the room:
- Which wall colors dominate?
- Are there strong contrasts?
- Is the room more open or compact?
B. Coordinate light sources:
- Use the same color temperatures
- Use dimmable light sources to remain flexible
C. Choose a suitable housing and light source:
- Warm, diffuse light for living rooms
- Direct, bright light for work areas
- Opal glass for glare-sensitive zones
D. Optional: Request lighting design
- Our experts will provide you with professional lighting design - individually tailored to your home.
6. digital representation ≠ reality
At skapetze® we strive to present luminaires in "real light". Without exaggeration! Nevertheless, the impression of luminaires when buying online can sometimes be deceptive.
Online photos of luminaires are often
- Taken under studio conditions
- Optimized in terms of colour
- Neutrally lit
Therefore: They show the potential of the Luminaire - not necessarily the lighting effect in your living room. It's like buying furniture: the sofa always looks slightly different in the catalog than in the real home.
8. return & Solutions
At skapetze®, we want you to be happy with your choice.
- 14 days right of return
- Personal support to clarify the cause
- Replaceable light sources? We recommend alternatives.
- Voucher possible for exchange
Our goal: You should not only have a beautiful luminaire, but also the perfect lighting experience.
The interplay of:
- Room color and materials
- Reflections from the housing
- Mixed light with other luminaires
- Image representation vs. reality
- and the selected light source
... often leads to a different impression than intended.
But: with a little sensitivity and know-how, almost any lighting situation can be optimized.
Get advice now
If you have any questions, our lighting consultants will be happy to help you and create a professional lighting concept for you.
