Lighting is a key element that should not be overlooked when preparing a home for sale. Light can easily change how a room looks. For example, a small room can look much larger if it has large windows overlooking greenery. If lighting is not updated, it will convey the age and condition of a home. The right light will not only enhance a home’s features, but make it feel larger, more modern, and ultimately more inviting to potential buyers.

The following are some basic tips to help understand the different types of lighting that are important when showcasing a space and making a home showing memorable.

Natural Lighting: A dark room is an immediate turn-off to buyers. The easiest first step is to let the sun shine in and increase natural light as much as possible by opening curtains and blinds and cleaning windows thoroughly.

Aesthetic Lighting: This type of lighting is used most often in entryways, dining rooms, living rooms, family rooms, and bedrooms to focus attention on artwork, architectural features, and to create a mood. Floor and table lamps, wall sconces, and recessed lights are all aesthetic lighting sources that work well when layered with a main light source or alone depending on the size of the room.

Task Lighting: Certain rooms such as the kitchen, bathroom and office require more illumination for specific purposes such as preparing meals, cosmetic application or reading. For kitchens, focus on work areas such as cabinets, islands, and sinks. In bathrooms, use wall mounted fixtures above or on the sides of vanity mirrors. Offices usually require one main ceiling light source as well as recessed lighting and a desk lamp.

The following are some of the common issues that we see before staging and decorating homes:

Light fixtures are outdated.
Replacing older styles with more trendy, contemporary fixtures is an easy way to make a room feel more current. While you’re at it, be sure that the fixture is in the best location to brighten where needed most. It’s also important to replace dead bulbs with new ones so all are in working order. Make sure that the bulbs that are replaced match what is currently in place. You will be able to notice a difference between a fresh bulb and one that is on it’s last legs. While selling, make sure the bulbs are not the energy saving ones that take too much time to light up. Buyers can easily swap those in after purchasing the home.

Lamps that are too small for the room.
An easy fix is to update small lamps with larger ones that not only provide more light but make the room feel visually interesting and well balanced.

A single light is used in a large room.
The trick is to layer lighting by adding aesthetic lights such as wall sconces and recessed lights with dimmers which will add warmth and depth. Another idea is to change out older style fans that are not used often for actual light fixtures.

Looking to buy or sell in the Nevada County area? Give a Coldwell Banker agent a call today!