A key mistake in living room lighting is relying only on overhead lighting, which flattens the space and makes it feel cold and small. Avoid using a single light source or unlayered lighting. Instead, layer ambient light with task lighting and accent lighting to add warmth, depth, and dimension. Another error is using harsh, cool-toned bulbs; choose warm, dimmable bulbs around 2700K to 3000K instead. Proper fixture height matters too—hang chandeliers where clearance is about seven feet above walkways to keep the space inviting and safe.