In a competitive real estate market, it’s important to make your home stand out from the rest. Aside from a fresh coat of paint and a deep cleaning, one of the easiest and least expensive ways to increase market value and your chance to sell is to have updated light fixtures.

The entrance

The entrance to the house is your first opportunity to make a lasting impression. Exterior accessories are essential for an impressive walk up to the front door and should be in proportion to the front of the house. Many times, exterior fixtures are specified too small, making them appear dwarfed by the architecture. All accessories must match, especially on the front of the house. The small accessories in the back of the house can be complementary, but with the same finish.

The entryway to the home should have a pendant or semi-flush fixture to set the tone for the home. Larger lanterns, sconces or pendants should be considered, which provide a bright and welcoming tone. If the entryway is large enough, table lamps add ambiance and a softer focus when needed. Regardless of whether the home is modern or traditional, the entrance sconce should express the personality of the home without being too risky in its style.

The kitchen

Old lighting in kitchens needs to be updated to reflect current finishing trends. Brushed nickel or bronze are extremely popular right now, replacing the old chrome and shiny brass fixtures. Simple island pendants add instant sparkle and are eye-catching. Available in numerous styles, consider an attractive glass shade with more energy-efficient bulbs. Be sure to consider accessories that aren’t too trendy, as they can quickly put off a potential buyer who has vastly different tastes.

Dining room

The dining room is also an important room that adds value to the home. A standout chandelier will catch the buyer’s eye, especially when it doesn’t have the typical homogeneous look. Textured finishes that aren’t overly ornate appeal to a wide range of buyers, ensuring you’ll get your investment back. Look for warmer tones like bronze or black for a bit of drama.

The bathrooms

Bathrooms seem to get dated quickly in terms of light fixtures, so this is another area where you can increase market value. Bathrooms should be well lit and pleasant, being one of the most important places a buyer will notice for being up to date. Again, choose accessories that work with today’s on-trend finishes without being too modern in design.

Lastly, take a walk through the house and look at the secondary ceiling fixtures in the hallways and bedrooms. They don’t have to stand out, but they should reflect the rest of the house in finish and simplicity. Ceiling mounted fixtures that have more lighting in these areas will add additional value to the appearance of any home. These accessories should provide continuity throughout the building with a similar style and finish.

Upgrading the lamps does not require you to spend an excessive amount of money. Many great smaller accessories are available for less than $100. Look for ones with a quality finish that look expensive. It’s surprising that small details like light fixtures can make such a big difference, but they will ensure an increase in your home’s curb appeal and bottom line sales price.