Increase the Value of Your Home with Stylish, Affordable Lighting

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If there's one thing I've learned from showing hundreds of homes to my real estate clients over the years, it's this: generic, ugly, builder-grade lighting cheapens a space. It just does. So whether you're getting ready to sell your home or you just want to elevate your space, new lighting can be a high-impact, low-cost way to refresh your home.

First, let me say this... You do NOT need to spend a lot on lighting to elevate the look of your space. I repeat: YOU DO NOT NEED TO SPEND A LOT. You can, and trust me, there are some absolutely stunning high end light fixtures out there, but you don't have to.

HOW DOES LIGHTING INCREASE THE VALUE OF MY HOME?

Think about it this way; you are looking for a new home and on the same day you have two showings.

Both homes are relatively similar, but one has original builder grade lights throughout: you know, "boob lights" in all the hallways, the standard Home Depot special in the kitchen and baths, and the basic ceiling fan that you would expect in all the bedrooms.

While the other home, which is also newer construction, has updated lighting fixtures: a unique fixture in the foyer, stylish pendants in the kitchen, a cool chandelier in the family room, fun sconces in the baths, etc.

With all other things similar, your perceived value of the home with updated lighting is going to be higher, well, because it actually is. Those sellers chose to make cosmetic upgrades to their home to elevate the design, which as a result, increases the value of the home. Just like any other cosmetic upgrade does.

Need more proof? Here you go:

1. Aesthetic Appeal: Well-designed lighting fixtures enhance the overall look and feel of a space, making it more inviting and visually appealing to potential buyers.

2. Functional Benefits: Good lighting improves the functionality of rooms, highlighting key features and making spaces feel larger and more usable.

3. Ambiance Creation: Stylish lighting can create different moods in a home, which is attractive to buyers looking for a comfortable and customizable living environment.

4. Energy Efficiency: Modern, stylish lighting often includes energy-efficient options (like LED fixtures), appealing to environmentally-conscious buyers and promoting lower energy bills.

5. Property Presentation: Properly lit homes are easier to present and photograph, which can enhance marketing efforts and attract more interest during showings.

6. Upgrade Perception: Investing in stylish lighting can be perceived as an upgrade that adds modernity and comfort, potentially justifying a higher price point.

7. Targeting Trends: Incorporating current lighting trends can make a home more desirable to contemporary buyers, aligning with their tastes and preferences.

PRO TIP: Find a good electrician or contractor that charges by the hour, or by the fixture, so that there are no surprises along the way. I typically wait until I have a few fixtures to install, and then I send my contractor photos of the new fixture and where I want it installed and he is able to give me a cost estimate.

Lighting Tips

Mix High & Low Cost Fixtures

I don't really have a rule of thumb for where to splurge and where to save, so I just tend to look around for fixtures that I like for certain areas of my home, and if I find one that's more expensive for one space, then I tend to look for a less expensive option for the next space. The fixture to the left was super affordable and is actually from Pottery Barn Teen and is in the main foyer of my home.

PRO TIP: Pottery Barn Teen, Crate + Barrel Kids, and West Elm Kids have some of my favorite lighting options for any area of your home and tend to be less costly than their sister stores.

Make a Statement

Even if your home is generally neutral and subdued, fun light fixtures are a great way to add a bit of whimsy to your space. One of my favorite ways to do this is with a dark ceiling and a bright fixture.

To the right is my laundry room. I first found the Kitty McCall wallpaper from Milton & King and decided to pull a color from that paper for the ceiling {Sherwin Williams Naval}. Then I found this adorable flush mount fixture for such a good price on Amazon.

There are a few other places I chose fun light fixtures for my home: Stray Dog Designs (higher priced) and Shades of Light (high & low) are two to check out.

Stray Dog Designs light fixture

Don't Be Afraid to Mix Finishes

Gone are the days where everything has to be "matchy-matchy." In fact, I think it elevates your design to use mix metals and finishes. So if you have a black faucet in your kitchen, for example, don't be afraid to select light fixtures with a gold finish, or vice versa. Other nice combinations are polished nickel and gold, or black and chrome.

When designing my new home, I was concerned because I chose chrome for all my door hardware, and I knew I wanted to use gold and black for many of my light fixtures. But the result turned out perfectly!

In my kitchen, I have gold pendants, a black & gold faucet, and chrome hardware on my pantry door.

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Shop My Lighting Picks

Here are some of my favorite light fixtures to give personality to your space and to help increase the value of your home, whether you are thinking about selling now, or might sell a few years from now.

Wall Sconces

Sconces are so versatile; use them in a hallway, next to your bed, in a dining room, entryway, wherever!

Lamps for every style

Add these lamps to a desk, nightstand, or side table, and don't forget to measure!

Chandeliers

Update your outdated or builder-grade chandeliers and make a huge difference!

I own & love!

I installed this fixture above a small dining table just before I listed my townhouse for sale.

Below, a classic chandelier I suggested to my clients when staging their home for sale.

Click here to see the before.

Flush Mount/Semi-Flush Mount Fixtures

These fixtures can go anywhere: hallway, foyer, bedrooms, pantry, laundry room...literally, anywhere!

This starburst, or sputnik, light fixture is one of my all time favorites. I purchased it for this client to stage a primary bedroom, and I also had a slightly different version in one of my last houses.

Kitchen Island Lighting

Two rules: make sure it's bright, and make sure it's centered.

I installed this hanging pendant above my kitchen island just prior to selling my townhouse.

Stay tuned for more design tips, and as always, reach out with all your real estate, staging & design questions: stacy@stacywardhome.com

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