Let there be light this autumn

The significance of the 22nd September probably escaped your notice but you may already be feeling its effects. It’s the date the Autumn Equinox fell this year and from now until the Spring Equinox, nights will be longer than days.

For those coming to market or in the early days of selling, how your home is illuminated matters more after the Autumn Equinox. Day length will rapidly decline in the coming months, with the sun setting before 4pm on the longest night.

An early sunset, combined with the grey, groggy weather the UK is renowned for, may leave your property looking rather dingy – something that won’t impress potential buyers. In fact, results of a new survey among 1,000 UK homebuyers, published in September by PropertyReporter, found a lack of natural light was ranked third in a list of property turn offs.

Sellers may need to counteract dark areas with artificial light, especially if they are hosting viewings in the late afternoon and evening, or when there’s thick cloud cover. Don’t forget, there’s a psychological element to presenting a well-lit property – visitors may wonder what’s hiding in the shadows.

Drawing on inspiration provided by professional interior designers, the aim will be to achieve an inviting level of illumination using different light levels and sources.

There are four main sources of light in the home: ambient, task, accent and decorative. Knowing what each is and where it can be used will help you brighten every room.

1. Ambient: ambient lighting is usually provided by the main ceiling-mounted fixture or in more modern settings, could be the light coming from recessed spotlights.

2. Task: task lighting refers to smaller lights that illuminate set areas, especially where people are performing tasks. Table/desk lamps, floor standing lamps and ceiling-hung pendants all fall in the task lighting category. 

3. Accent: accent lighting shines light on a particular feature, such as a picture or an architectural detail, so it becomes a focal point. Track lighting, picture lights and wall sconces are all classed as accent lighting, as are strips of LEDs.

4. Decorative: decorative lighting is more a stylist’s tool to add an extra layer of warm, subtle light. Sources generally include candles and fairy lights.

Rarely will a dim room’s appearance be corrected by using just one of the above. Instead, a seller should use a combination of light sources to address problem areas. While it’s easy to simply flick on the main overhead light, this can be harsh and actually leave corners unlit. It’s here where a small table with a lamp and floor standing lamps can be used to banish shadows. 

Uplighters, where the shade’s widest opening points to the ceiling, are a great way to lighten gloomy upper reaches. Alternatively, there are floor lamps that feature more than one light, with each being adjustable so you can choose where the beam is directed.

If you’re worried about power sources, a quick online search will reveal a whole host of chargeable and battery-operated lamps. Without trailing wires, your light source can be placed where it’s really needed – this could be on high shelves or in alcoves.

Decorative light is a great finishing touch, especially if you’re hoping to sell a cosy lifestyle. A storm lantern with a lit candle inside can look stunning as a coffee table centre piece, while a string of fairy lights draped over a mantlepiece or mirror will cast a soft glow. 

If you’d like more advice about selling your home, please contact the team.