Realtors and sellers do not always pay attention to light fixtures when home staging. Ordinarily, it’s an overlooked and underestimated element that really makes a huge impact to the design, feel and ultimately real estate photos. However, it’s an easy fix and relatively inexpensive upgrade, wherefore can positively impact your house’s sale price.
There are so many good options right now and you don’t have to particularly break the bank to get the modernized look. And don’t worry if you have a character house from 1800’s. You can mix traditional with modern and you’ll still be able to achieve the pulled together result.
Splurges and some affordable options
Namely, Ikea seems to be a sensible solution if you have no time and budget to invest, but looking at inspiration can lead the way to choosing right. Another option is Etsy. We suggest filtering by style – minimalist, industrial, midcentury and art deco. (links below)
1.Lee Broom Orion Tube Suspension Light 2. Jos Devriendt lamp 3. HรLJES Pendant lamp 4. L’aviva Terra Onyx Sconce 5. Michael Anastasiades for Flos via here 6. Ikea Pendant lamp shade SJUTTIOFEM 7. Suspension Flowerpot Rose by Verner Panton – And Tradition 8. NYMร NE Pendant lamp 9. Jason Miller’s Endless lamp 10. NYMร NE Wall up/downlight 11. Voiles by Celine Wright
In addition, stores also worth checking include: EQ3, CB2, Home Depot, Lowes and Rona
Difference it makes in the space
Above all, it all depends on the context. The tropical vibe ceiling fan light will look so much different in Victorian house then in a modern new build. To give you an idea I picked some examples of change the light fixtures make.
Source: Sarah Sherman Samuel Instagram account
Source: French by Design blog
Source: Bon Interior Instagram account, Photo by Maria Sahlander
Photo by Jacob Termansen. source: Pintrest
Source: Fantastic Frank
Source: Stadshem, Photo: Jonas Berg
Source: Fantastic Frank
Source: Stadshem, Photo: Jonas Berg
Source: www.flodeau.com
Source: Fredrik Karlsson Interiors Instagram account
Source: kronfoto Instagram, Photo: Adam Helbaoui
Source: synonymshop Instagram
Source: styledbyemmahos Instagram, Photo: Alen Cordic
Lighting iconic designs and replicas
One way to save on light fixtures for staging is to buy second hand. Replicas are also the less expensive versions inspired by some classic designs and to give you some tips on what to browse for, here are some key design models. If you google by name you might score some pretty good deals.
Our thrifting tip: If you’re stuck on particular model, check daily on popular listing boards or in actual thrift stores. You might just get lucky, there’s no science behind it. Being a member of Facebook groups helps too (google actually “Marketplace” group and “Mid century marketplace” group. )
Another tip: people get rid of vintage items at the closest locations, hence check thrift stores in areas close to MCM houses . In Hamilton area: central Hamilton and Aldershot.
Louise Poulsen Model PH5
Light fixture interior design rules
Proper size: add the length and width of your room to get the lamp shade diameter
Proper height: As a rule, hang the lamp 66 inches counting from the floor.
Light Fixtures Issues
I can’t install any light/I don’t have an outlet for the light in the ceiling
Our solution: Overhanging floor lamp as an example below, creates similar equally dispersed light as the ceiling lamp.
Light Fixture Trends
In brief, a big trend I’m observing for some time now is art deco. Same with furniture. But light fixtures are instantly bringing that Paris apartment look. Art deco means geometrical bulky shapes. Gold, globes and black lines.
Above all, nature is close to my heart. I love raw wood elements and paper as a material. Timeless and understated.
How to prep your light fixtures for staging?
What light bulb is best for home staging to use?
For the most part, I don’t recommend warm hues for ceiling lamp. They look nice on table lamps, but don’t come up right on photos. Cool might be too cool and look fake, so choose around 3000 Kelvin in light temperature.
Incidentally, Tom Vogel, accomplished real estate Photographer advises something even more simple:
“The first thing owners need to do before a photographer takes a shot … turn off all the lights. That may sound surprising. The reason is simple, however. Light fixtures (no matter how beautiful) will cast an artificial light that contaminates the entire room with incorrect colour. Natural daylight through windows – along with a skillfully managed flash will reveal the room in its truest colours. The human eye can tell the difference … and a room shot in its best light and with accurate colour will always please the viewer. “
To summarize, whichever lamp you choose, remember: minimalism is still strong. Therefore keep it simple and you’ll avoid eye sores during an open house and showings. You’ll be positively surprised how much difference the right lamp makes in your staging and for your rate of return. Subsequently it will make you shine on!
Image sources: Click on the images
Featured image by Tom Vogel
