While some plants, paints, and home decor pieces may improve your house’s chances on the market, experts have revealed that strategic task lighting is one of the best ways to add value to your home – and the trick is surprisingly easy. Here’s what you need to know.
The lighting trick that could add value to your home, fast
According to designers Niki Wright and Scarlett Hampton of Lights&Lamps (opens in new tab), the ‘positioning of lighting’ is always important – but especially when selling a home. ‘There is always a darker, north-facing side to every home, and the use of lighting is an easy solution. Sellers shouldn’t be afraid of turning on a light during the day, even in spring and summer,’ they say. The designers emphasize your home’s sellability through atmospheric lighting ideas – such as ‘task lighting.’ This is the process of using specifically-placed lights in areas of your room that benefit most from additional light (rather than opting for one large – or a collection of small lights – in the center of your room). ‘Illuminating a dull corner with a table or floor lamp or washing a dark wall with a well-placed wall light can make a huge difference to the energy and feel of a room,’ they say. Does the secret to selling come down to your lighting? Tate Kelly (opens in new tab), a Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker with Compass in NYC, suggests so. ‘I agree that when showing a home, you always want to turn the lights on before a showing. The brighter, the better for a first impression,’ Tate says. Tate explains that he is often told by designers that ‘overall lighting can create the impression of more space, [while] accent lighting can add drama’ to a home. ‘Lighting can also set the mood, which for first impressions, is very important,’ he adds.
What kind of light is best for selling?
While the experts suggest that strategically placed lighting can help sell your home faster, it is also important to know which bulb is best for the job. If you’re looking to upgrade your entryway, bedroom, or living room lighting ideas to showcase your home to buyers – the best bulb remains the same. ‘Generally speaking, cool white or even daylight bulbs are only really good for high task or workspace areas with no natural light. Layering warmer light is a more natural way to brighten your living space and help transition the day into evening,’ Niki and Scarlett explain. And Cindy Chen (opens in new tab), a Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker with Compass in NYC, agrees. ‘Many researchers have shown that brighter light can intensify people’s emotions and that blue and white light makes people more energetic in general,’ Cindy explains. ‘Overall, good lighting will create an environment that gives buyers a more positive first impression of the space.’ This lighting trick will add impact to your home instantly, and it’s worth experimenting with, whether you’re selling or not.
