Benford Real Estate, Silicon Valley, Santa Clara County

The right lighting makes your home comfortable and functional. A bright home also attracts buyers. Here are some tips for lighting up your home to optimize your enjoyment and its sales appeal.

Outside

Put new bulbs that are as bright as the wattage allows in outdoor fixtures. Clean light covers to maximize the light that shines through and to give your home a clean, well-kept look. Consider adding small lights along your driveway or garden to accent your yard’s best features.

Entrance and Hall

A poorly lit entrance hallway can be a disaster when you’re selling your home, as it’s the first thing a potential buyer sees. Install high-wattage bulbs and keep the fixtures clean. Spotlights or recessed lights add flair and can be angled to highlight artwork or make the hall seem bigger.

Bathroom

Bad lighting can be unflattering. In the bathroom, use fluorescent bulbs with a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of 80 or more. This will enhance skin tones and other colors. Make sure you have ample lighting in functional areas such as the tub or shower as well as over the vanity mirror.

Kitchen

Good kitchen lighting is crucial to the cook and can sell your home. Use a mix of lighting: recessed lights in the ceiling, task lighting around work areas such as the stove and counter and accent lights to bring attention to your kitchen’s best features.

Living Room

Throw open the shades and curtains to let in as much natural light as possible. When prospective buyers visit, turn on all the lights to chase away any shadows. Table lamps with 40 or 60 watt bulbs and attractive, translucent shades cast a glow that makes the living room feel just right.