How to Maximize Your STR’s Appeal with Renter-Friendly Lighting

Key Takeaways

• Durable, adaptable, and easy-to-install lighting can enhance a property's appeal and profitability, catering to diverse guest preferences and rental themes.
• Cost-effective lighting ideas, such as plug-in pendant lights and LED strip lights, offer flexibility and ambiance. They elevate the guest experience without requiring extensive rewiring.
• Focus on safety by managing cords, enhancing outdoor visibility with lighting, and using motion-sensor lights for security.

Lighting can take your short-term rental (STR) space–and guest reviews–from grayscale to glowing. 

Lighting choices have the potential to attract guests and improve their perception of your listing. This isn't just about style. Interior design plays a major role in improving your occupancy rate and ADR. 

With that in mind, property owners should look at ways to use renter-friendly lighting that brightens spaces and boosts rental appeal and profitability. 

Key Elements of Renter-Friendly Lighting

What makes a specific type of lighting renter-friendly? It’s all about what you prioritize. Your main goal as a property owner isn’t to end up in a home decor magazine (although bonus if you do!) You need to consider lighting as part of the long-term strategy of your business. 

Here are three key elements to consider when making lighting choices for your STR: 

Durability and Return on Investment (ROI): You save money in the long term when you choose long-lasting fixtures that don’t need frequent replacement. Investing in high-quality, durable lighting can significantly improve your property's ROI by minimizing maintenance costs.

Adaptability for Various Rental Styles: Adaptable lighting caters to diverse guest preferences and rental themes. The strategic choice of size, shape, and placement of light fixtures reinforces the desired ambiance of a space.  For example, larger, softer light sources can create a warm, inviting atmosphere that’s ideal for living areas meant for relaxation. In contrast, smaller, brighter lights can energize a kitchen or workspace. 

Ease of Installation and Scalability: Choose lighting that’s easy to install to keep costs low and make scaling easy. If you own multiple properties, creating a consistent lighting aesthetic can enhance your brand identity and attract repeat guests and referrals. Lighting that’s easy to install and/or remove also allows owners to quickly respond to evolving trends or specific guest feedback, keeping their properties up-to-date and competitive.  

For any complex lighting installation, especially when dealing with multiple overhead lights, it's wise to consult an electrician to make sure that everything is set up safely and correctly.

10 Cost-Effective and Efficient Light Fixture Ideas

1. Decorative Table Lamps: Add personality to bedside tables or living room end tables. They create a homely atmosphere, which is key in making STRs welcoming.
2. Wall Sconces with Command Strips: Provide ambient lighting without drilling holes. Wall sconces are perfect for adding a warm glow to hallways or beside beds. They're easily removable, which is great for STR owners who frequently update their interiors.
3. LED Strip Lights: Energy-efficient and versatile, these can be placed under cabinets, along staircases, or behind TVs for subtle mood lighting. Their flexibility makes them suitable for various spaces and themes in STRs.
4. Floor Lamps: These movable lights add warmth to any room. Ideal for living areas or bedrooms, they offer adjustable lighting options and can be used to create a cozy nook or reading corner.
5. Plug-in Pendant Lights: Ditch your run-of-the-mill ceiling lights for a stylish alternative. Pendant lights are hanging fixtures suspended from the ceiling, usually by a cord, chain, or metal rod. They are perfect for creating a focal point over a space, such as a dining room table. You can also quickly change pendant lights to match decor trends.
   
6. Battery-Powered Accent Lighting: This flexible light choice is ideal for highlighting artwork or architectural features without worrying about wiring.
7. Solar-Powered Outdoor Lights: Eco-friendly and cost-effective for outdoor areas, solar-powered outdoor lights provide safety and ambiance in gardens, patios, or walkways. They enhance the exterior appeal of STRs.
8. Multi-Bulb Chandeliers: Offer a statement piece without a hefty price tag. Chandeliers are suitable for large spaces like dining areas. They provide ample overhead lighting and a touch of elegance, making your STR stand out.
9. Smart Lighting Systems: With features like color-changing bulbs, remote control via apps, and compatibility with voice assistants, smart lights allow guests to personalize their lighting experience. Smart Lighting Systems can create different moods in spaces such as living rooms or bedrooms. 
10. DIY Lighting Projects: For budget-conscious STR owners, DIY lighting projects offer a cost-effective way to add unique and artistic elements. Use simple materials like repurposed glass jars for pendant lights or craft a unique lampshade to create a standout feature in a room. These projects save money and allow you to customize your lighting to fit the property's theme. 
    
    For more ideas on how to design elegant spaces, check out this episode from our AirDNA podcast with an award-winning designer, author, and short-term rental coach. 

Ways to Update Light Fixtures without Rewiring

Making your STR property more attractive can be as straightforward as updating your light fixtures, and it doesn't have to involve extensive wiring. Here are some practical ideas:

• Switch to Smart Lighting: Smart bulbs easily replace traditional ones and offer features like remote control, color change, and schedule setting. This not only modernizes your space, but also lets guests conveniently change the lighting to suit their moods and activities.
• Add a Dimmer Switch: Installing a dimmer switch to each of your existing light fixtures allows guests to adjust the lighting intensity, adding ambience to any room. It’s a simple upgrade that can have a big impact.
• Use Clip-on Shades: Clip-on lamp shades are an excellent way to revamp old fixtures. They're easy to install and come in various styles, refreshing the look of a room instantly.
• LED Panel Lights for Drop Ceilings: If your property has drop ceilings, consider replacing old tiles with LED panel lights. They're sleek, energy-efficient, and provide even light.
• Use Light Reflectors: Make your existing lights more effective by adding reflectors. This can increase the brightness of a space without adding more fixtures.

When to Call an Electrician for Your STR Lighting Needs

A short-term rental owner should consider calling an electrician for lighting installations in several scenarios:

Complex Installations: Call an electrician if the project involves complex wiring, particularly when you need to access or modify the junction box for installing multiple overhead lights.

Safety Compliance: An electrician can make sure that all modifications to the junction box and associated wiring meet local safety codes and electrical standards.

Older Properties: In older STRs, existing wiring systems may require professional assessment and potential upgrades.

Technical Advice: An electrician can guide you on energy-efficient and modern lighting solutions that can enhance the rental's appeal and functionality.

Color and Texture Guidelines for Renter-Friendly Lighting

Always balance aesthetics with functionality. For example, opt for opaque shades in bedrooms for softer light, and transparent ones in work areas for brighter illumination. 

Select lighting that harmonizes with the paint color and furniture in your STR. Neutral shades like white or cream are versatile for spaces that frequently change in style. 

For themed rooms, match fixture colors to the decor - brass or copper tones for vintage styles, and matte black for modern looks. Textured fixtures, like a woven shade, add depth and focal points in minimalist designs. 

Safety Considerations for STR Lighting 

Cord, Wire, and Outlet Safety

Managing visible cords and wires in STRs is essential for both safety and aesthetics. Use cord concealers that blend with walls or baseboards. You can also adopt decorative conduits or cable management solutions that turn a practical necessity into an aesthetic feature. 

For family-friendly rentals, ensure cords and wires are out of reach for children. Use cord shorteners and secure loose wires and any extension cords with clips to prevent tripping hazards. 

Additionally, opt for wireless or battery-operated lighting in children's areas to minimize risks. Use tamper-resistant outlet covers to give parents added peace of mind as their little ones enjoy your property. 

Visibility and Guest Safety 

Prevent accidents with outdoor lighting that helps guests navigate pathways in unfamiliar environments. Inside, consider nightlights in hallways and bathrooms. 

For staircases, install step lights or use LED strips under handrails for visibility. Make sure you have backup emergency lighting options (some battery-powered lights, flashlights, candles, etc), and tell guests where to find these items in an emergency.

Physical Security 

Motion-sensor lights around the property perimeter can scare away unwelcome visitors and provide convenience for guests arriving after dark. Consider timers for both interior and exterior lights. These timers can be programmed to turn lights on and off at specific times, creating the illusion of occupancy even when the property is empty. 

Brighten your Guest’s Day 

If you are an STR owner, lighting is a subtle yet powerful tool that can set the tone for your guest’s stay. When you focus on lighting as part of a broader strategy to improve guest satisfaction, you can expect glowing reviews and repeat bookings.