Whether you are getting ready to sell your home or you just want to elevate your space, new lighting can be a high-impact, low-cost way to refresh your home.
Swapping out light fixtures might seem like an extensive and expensive task; however, this does not have to be the case at all. Often, changing a light fixture is a quick fix especially if a professional does it for you. There are also a variety of fixtures that range in cost, so finding quality, affordable ones is definitely within reach.
Below you will find an extensive list of lighting choices for all the areas of your home, plus tips on how to make a big impact with lighting.
PRO TIP: find a good electrician or contractor that charges by the hour, or by the fixture, so that there are no surprises along the way. I typically wait until I have a few fixtures to install, and then I send my contractor photos of the new fixture and where I want it installed and he is able to give me a cost estimate.
Lighting Tips
Mix High & Low Cost Fixtures
I don't really have a rule of thumb for where to splurge and where to save, so I just tend to look around for fixtures that I like for certain areas of my home, and if I find one that's more expensive for one space, then I tend to look for a less expensive option for the next space. The fixture to the left was super affordable and is actually from Pottery Barn Teen and is in the main foyer of my home.
PRO TIP: Pottery Barn Teen, Crate + Barrel Kids, and West Elm Kids have some of my favorite lighting options for any area of your home and tend to be less costly than their sister stores.
Make a Statement
Even if your home is generally neutral and subdued, fun light fixtures are a great way to add a bit of whimsy to your space. One of my favorite ways to do this is with a dark ceiling and a bright fixture.
To the right is my laundry room. I first found the Kitty McCall wallpaper from Milton & King and decided to pull a color from that paper for the ceiling {Sherwin Williams Naval}. Then I found this adorable flush mount fixture for such a good price on Amazon.
There are a few other places I chose fun light fixtures for my home: Stray Dog Designs and Shades of Light are two to check out.
Don't Be Afraid to Mix Finishes
Gone are the days where everything has to be "matchy-matchy." In fact, I think it elevates your design to use mix metals and finishes. So if you have a black faucet in your kitchen, for example, don't be afraid to select light fixtures with a gold finish, or vice versa. Other nice combinations are polished nickel and gold, or black and chrome.
When designing my new home, I was concerned because I chose chrome for all my door hardware, and I knew I wanted to use gold and black for many of my light fixtures. But the result turned out perfectly!
Shop My Amazon Lighting Picks
Here are some of my favorite (and affordable) Amazon items to increase the value of your home. You will find categories below with links to each product. Click on the link to purchase.
Lamps
Add these modern lamps to a desk, nightstand, or side table. Make sure your entryway, family room, and primary bedroom are all light & bright!
Chandeliers
Update your outdated or builder-grade chandeliers and make a huge difference!
I installed this fixture above a small dining table just before I listed my townhouse for sale.
Below, a classic chandelier I suggested to my clients when staging their home for sale.
Click here to see the before.
More affordable + STUNNING chandeliers. Don't be afraid to mix metals!
I personally love black & gold together.
Flush Mount/Semi-Flush Mount Fixtures
These fixtures can go anywhere: hallway, foyer, bedrooms, pantry, laundry room...literally, anywhere!
A great, inexpensive replacement for the builder's favorite "boob lights"
This one is really small, but great for a stairway landing or small walk-in closet.
Kitchen Island Lighting
Two rules: make sure it's bright, and make sure it's centered.
I installed this hanging pendant above my kitchen island just prior to selling my townhouse.
Under $100 and a 4.5 star rating!
Also under $100
Lots of finishes to chose from on this one!
Try two or three of these single pendants above your kitchen island: