5 Tips for Using Lighting When Staging

In Oregon we have had a long and very hot summer this year. While personally the heat has made me feel a bit wilted, the natural light has been stunning for are staging jobs. As we transition into a rainy fall I thought it would be a good opportunity to talk about the use of lighting in Staging, particularly during the fall and winter months.

TIP #1: Lights, Lights and More Lights

Ideally when staging you will have a minimum of three sources of light. When possible use multiple types of lights: these can be floor lamps, overhead lights, or  things like small accent lamps. When there is less reliable natural lighting, having multiple angles and sources of light will help create an inviting ambiance.

TIP #2: Lights are Part of the Staging

While functional, the light sources you use are also a part of the staging. A new light fixture, or lamp shade can draw together a room. Make choices that fit with the demographic of the buying market and the architecture of the home.

TIP #3: Choose the Right Lights for Each Room

Take into account the room when choosing your light sources. Bathrooms might not have a window and will often have only one light fixture installed, how you use this lighting is important. In a basement where there might be no natural lighting it might be wise to use full spectrum lights.

TIP #4: Natural Lighting

Even in a state like Oregon, where much of the year is overcast and rainy, it is important to let in as much natural light as possible. Pull back the curtains, stage your furniture keeping in mind where the windows are in each room.

TIP #5: Lighting Plays with Our Emotions

A study published last year in the Journal of Consumer Psychology confirms what many home stagers have been saying for years: lights affect how buyers feel about a product. Xu, who helped conduct the study said, ““If you are selling emotional expressive products such as flowers or engagement rings it would make sense to make the store as bright as possible.”

But it’s worth noting that the specific finding were that both positive and negative emotions were felt more intensely in bright light. Good lighting won’t hide flaws in the home. Make sure to invest in the maintenance and staging needed to show off your house in it’s best light.