In the world of real estate, it’s becoming increasingly clear TikTok is having a massive impact on how we design and furnish our homes.
It’s no secret a viral TikTok video can create waves worldwide. It’s also true that even moderately popular videos and viewpoints are influencing areas such as lifestyle, design and property choices – to name just three.
A keen focus over the last few months has been on lighting. Everyone seems to be hating on overhead lights whether they’re pendants in the living room, track lighting or fluorescent tubes installed in suspended ceilings.
Gen Z outrage at these lighting sins is supported by many designers who have long favoured the use of lamps and softer lighting throughout the home.
The impact of lighting can be powerful when you’re selling your home.
While most potential buyers will visit during the day, marketing photos of a home in the dappled evening sunlight with the home illuminated can be very alluring.
If you’re feeling a little challenged by the quality of lighting in your home, or you want to lift your game ahead of a sales campaign, here are five approaches you can take:
Bright idea – Inventor Joel Spira had a bright idea in 1959: the dimmer switch. If you’re like TikTok fans and don’t love overhead lights, the dimmer switch is ideal. It quickly creates a relaxing mood in any room. Be aware, LEDs flicker when controlled by a dimmer. They’re not compatible.
Softer bulbs – You don’t need every bulb to be 60 watts (800 lumens) if you have incandescent bulbs, or 10 watts for LEDs. Consider the purpose of your lighting. Where can you create an atmosphere with softer white bulbs, and also deliver task-related lighting where required?
Eye-level rule – Mood lighting is best created when it is below or at eye-level. Even some task lighting, say for reading or sewing, is more effective with lower lighting. Glare and eyestrain is reduced by applying this rule.
Lots of lights – Designers often talk of layering lights, which means having a variety of light sources. These would include floor and table lamps, low-hanging pendants and wall sconces.
Use the tech – The availability of rechargeable LED lights now means wall lights don’t need to be hard-wired. You simply hang them on the wall.
Bright side – If you’re not a fan of too much mood lighting because the room feels a little dim, you can still avoid bright overheads by adding more table and floor lamps or even candles.
Time and place – Even mood lighting fans generally agree bright lights are needed in high-traffic areas, such as the entry of the home, and for task lighting in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry. Outside, ensure your garden path is brightly illuminated, too.