Lighting Tips From Home Stagers and Ferguson, that you may find helpful for yourself
There is an important detail that goes into making a lasting first impression when it comes to the look and feel of a space – lighting. A darker room simply does not have the same welcoming feel as a well-lit room. Your home may have an abundant supply of natural light or you may need to create that effect through light fixtures and carefully selected bulbs. Good lighting is a subtle but important part of making your house feel like home.
Take inventory of your current lighting situation. Are your fixtures adding value or are they outdated and distracting (dated design and/or finish)? Are your fixtures modern but emitting a light that is not as pleasing to your eye as you would like? Do your window treatments block out natural light? If you are getting ready to sell, these are all great questions to ask before investing in listing photos and showing your home. Make sure to do this exercise in every room at various times of day and night (you never know if you’ll have an evening showing).
First, work with what you have, and then shop for what you need. Try opening your blinds and curtains all the way so that they are not blocking natural light and will not distract from the space. Trim back any trees or greenery in front of your windows. The rule of thumb is to allow for as much natural light to come in as possible. Sometimes dark furnishings, wall colors or flooring can make a room appear darker and adding lighting will be a big improvement.
Shop for light pieces that will act as design focal points rather than fixtures that may go unnoticed. Chandeliers, pendants, geometric and sculptural shapes, vibrant colors and metals can all be thoughtfully placed to transform any room. Don’t stop at ceiling and wall fixtures, also look for statement table lamps and floor lamps. Remember that layering is your friend. Mixing light fixture heights can create an illusion that the room is larger or taller than it is. If your home really needs to be remodeled and you’re on a budget, try adding reflective objects such as mirrors to bounce some light in order to add visual appeal.
It’s a balance to get that ‘warm cozy feeling’ you’re looking for. Take into account the many factors that can affect your space – natural daylight and ceiling lights, along with floor and table lamps for nighttime illumination. Adding several low lamps will create a warmer atmosphere than big, bright overhead fixtures.
Make sure you select the correct bulbs. Generally, softer bulbs are preferable to the eye as opposed to high-intensity bulbs. Choose LEDs on the Kelvin scale of 2700 – 3500 and make sure that you do not mix cool and warm tones together, as this can make it hard to take quality listing photos. Dimming is another way to create a soft ambiance and alleviate distractions. These tips can help your potential buyer visualize themselves living in the home.
A special thanks to Ferguson’s Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery for their help with this article!
Hope this helps lighten up your home!
Trudi
