You don't have to be a master electrician to leverage light for maximum impact. Our real estate agents share easy lighting upgrades that instantly add value and visual appeal to your home.

1. Create Layered Lighting
   A single light source doesn't really do justice to a three-dimensional room. Take a cue from professional lighting directors and use multiple sources to create a layered effect. Start with ambient lighting, which provides overall illumination. Next comes task lighting, such as reading lamps and under-cabinet lights, for needed focus on specific activities. Tie it all together with accent lighting, which functions much like accessories with a designer outfit.
   
   
2. Go Green
   Do you still have some old incandescent light bulbs lurking in lamps and fixtures? Save money and the environment by replacingthem with CFL or LED bulbs, which are more energy-efficient and longer-lasting. LEDs are also available in a wide range of colors and light temperatures for greater versatility.
   
   
3. Install Smart Lighting
   As the Internet of Things has given rise to digital personal assistants and programmable appliances, it's no surprise that lighting can also be "smart." With wireless hubs or Bluetooth-controlled switches, lights can be controlled by voice activation or programmed via phone apps.
   
   
4. Change Lampshades
   Lampshades perform double duty by controlling the amount of available light and adding to a room's decor. With a seemingly endless variety of colors and styles available, you can change a lamp's look to suit a season, event, or simply your mood.
   
   
5. Let the Sunshine In
   Is there any lighting more flattering and budget-friendly than sunshine? Make sure the window treatments allow for the use of natural light. Open curtains and drapes whenever possible, and adjust blinds to let in plenty of light. Decorative mirrors on walls reflect light rays, maximizing their effect in a room.
   
   
6. Start at the Bottom
   According to healthcare professionals, falls are among the more common household accidents among kids and older adults. Adding more light is an effective way to improve safety by eliminating a significant risk factor. A practical solution isLED theater-style lighting that runs along the base of hallways, staircases, and other danger spots.
   
   
7. Implement Dimmer Switches
   The need for light can vary, even within the same room. Dimmer switches offer a greater amount of control over the amount of light coming from a particular fixture. For example, a source that serves as task lighting during the day can be modulated to become ambient lighting in the evening.
   
   
8. Light Up Corners
   Corners are frequently neglected, but they can put a damper on an otherwise well-lit room. Floor lamps, lanterns, and sconces are good options to stave off the gloom and maintain a pleasing balance of light.
   
   
9. Choose Focal Points
   Scale and perspective are major factors in any decorating tasks, and the same principle holds true for lighting. Think about the size of each room and the overall purpose of the lighting. A dining room can accommodate a dramatic chandelier, more so than a living room or bedroom, which would benefit from more intimate lighting.

Want more helpful tips on quick and easy ways to boost your home's value? Contact us at The Masiello Group today.