USE LIGHTING TO HELP SELL YOUR HOME

When it comes to putting your home on the market, it’s important to pay attention to the staging process.  Long-story-short, a properly furnished and clean home will generally attract more buyers than one that is bare; however, many sellers often fail to underestimate the power of lighting in the whole procedure.

Improper or poor lighting can make a great home appear dim and grimy, while harsh lighting can make otherwise beautiful furnishings look unflattering.  To combat this, it’s essential to utilize lighting that will properly highlight unique architectural features in your home and accentuate your space in becoming ways.

1.) DETERMINE YOUR LIGHTING NEEDS—Your first step should be evaluating each room for the amount of natural light already present so that you can get a feel for how much supplemental light you’ll need.  Since most open houses and showings are done during daylight hours, areas that are already abundant in natural light won’t need much tweaking, while shaded areas may need to be supplemented with appropriate electric lighting.

2.) CONSIDER DRAMATIC LIGHTING—In areas such as foyers or entryways that are generally be seen first, feel free to opt for impressive lighting fixtures.  Unlike bedrooms or offices where certain levels of light are often needed for tasks, foyers or other high-ceilinged areas are perfect for dramatic lighting; however, note that smaller entryways may appear better with decorative sconces instead.

3.) USE ADEQUATE TASK LIGHTING IN THE KITCHEN—Since the kitchen tends to be one of the major selling features of any home, it needs to have a large amount of ambient light.  While most buyers would like it to come from natural sources, don’t underestimate the importance of task lighting for specific activities such as cooking at the stove or preparing food on an island.  With this, track lighting is often ideal; however, if you’re looking to save money, consider small adhesive-backed lights that can be placed under your cabinets.

4.) USE DIRECTED LIGHTING FOR SPECIAL FEATURES—To emphasize special architectural details such as antique woodworking or a beautiful fireplace, use recessed lighting or other directed lamps to draw buyers’ attention with soft light.

6.) AVOID HARSH LIGHTING—With the growing popularity of energy-efficient fluorescent LED bulbs, many homeowners use them in every room.  While these types of lamps are great in bathrooms and kitchens where their clean, intense light is needed, they tend to be a bit harsh in living spaces.  For bedrooms and family rooms, opt for softer light that will create a more serene ambiance.