Back HomeHow Lighting Can Make or Break Your Home Sale
Strategic lighting upgrades offer a high-impact update without a full remodel.
THE IMPORTANCE OF LIGHTING
Lighting affects mood, depth, and the perception of wall color. Poor lighting can make even a well-staged home seem dark and unwelcoming. Bright, balanced lighting, on the other hand, energizes a space and highlights the features buyers want to see. According to the National Association of Realtors, well-lit rooms are one of the most crucial features buyers notice during a showing. That means if your lighting is off, you’re already at a disadvantage.HOW TO MAKE YOUR HOUSE SELL WITH LIGHTING
Sell your house fast and for top dollar with the right lighting. Here’s how:Start in the entryway
Your front porch sets the tone for your entire home. An outdated or dim entry fixture can make your house look neglected. Select lighting that evokes a sense of warmth and welcome while harmoniously complementing the exterior architecture. Ensure all bulbs match in temperature and wattage. Clean out the fixtures, replace burned-out bulbs, and consider updating old styles with modern, neutral options. A well-lit entry makes a statement before buyers even step inside your home.Maximize natural light
Use natural light as much as possible before changing your fixtures. Clean your windows, open your blinds and curtains, and trim any overgrown landscaping that blocks sunlight. If a room doesn’t get much natural light, compensate with artificial lighting that mimics daylight. This creates a balanced atmosphere that is neither harsh nor overly staged.The power of light layering
Buyers aren’t just looking at the house—they’re visualizing how they’ll live in it. One of the best ways to add depth and warmth is through light layering. Each room should include:- Ambient lighting: General overhead lights, like ceiling fixtures or recessed lighting
- Task lighting: Lights for specific purposes, such as reading lamps or under-cabinet lights
- Accent lighting: Decorative lights that add interest, like sconces or picture lights
All about bulbs
One of the simplest and most cost-effective upgrades you can make before listing is changing your light bulbs. LED bulbs are now the standard. Buyers expect energy efficiency and consistent brightness. Warm white tones in the 2700K to 3000K range are recommended for most standard sized rooms. This color temperature feels inviting and flatters both the space and its occupants. Avoid bulbs that are too cool, as they can give the interior a cold, clinical feel. Also, ensure the lighting temperature is consistent throughout the home. Inconsistencies can be visually jarring and may give buyers the impression that something is off, even if they can’t identify what it is.Focus on kitchens and bathrooms
These two areas often make or break a sale, and both benefit greatly from the right lighting. In the kitchen:- A proven combination for layered lighting is recessed lighting for ambient illumination, pendant lights over islands, and under-cabinet lighting to brighten prep areas.
- Vanity lights provide even lighting for the face without any shadows.
- Replace outdated or builder-grade fixtures with clean, modern options that improve the room’s functionality and appeal.
Online photos depend on good lighting
Remember, most buyers will first see your home online. Poor lighting can make a home look dull or outdated in listing photos. Before your photographer arrives, turn on all lights, replace mismatched or dim bulbs, and remove anything that creates unnecessary shadows. Lighting not only affects how your home appears in person but also directly influences its performance in the digital marketplace.
