Bright Ideas

When it comes to selling a property, dark and dreary simply won't do – few things are a bigger turn-off for buyers. Here are a handful of tips to help you lighten and brighten your home before listing it.

• First and most obviously, give your home a fresh coat of paint in a light color – dark color absorbs light. Neutral hues, like shades of white or beige are the best bet, as they're the least off-putting to the greatest number of people. Keep in mind that while a matte finish will absorb light, a glossy finish will reflect it.

• Maximize natural light. Keep doors open inside the home so light travels farther throughout the space. Make sure your windows are sparkling clean so that dirt isn't filtering out valuable sunlight. Consider swapping out dark, heavy curtains for something more gauzy; whatever kind of window coverings you have, make sure they are all wide open during showings of your home.

• Amp up the artificial light. Outfit fixtures with the brightest bulbs that can safely be used in them. Use uplighting (e.g. sconces, torches, floor lamps) to wash your walls and ceilings with light that will bounce back into the room – a great way to improve overall brightness. Add task lighting via table lamps and under-cabinet lights, for example.

• Strategically placed mirrors are an inexpensive, easy way to amplify natural and artificial light, while making rooms seem bigger. Hung opposite or perpendicular to windows, they can reflect attractive views in addition to light. Note that convex mirrors distribute light over a larger area than flat mirrors do, as they bounce light back in many different directions.

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