Airbnb Hosts: Use This Lighting Strategy to Secure Those 5-Star Reviews

I have worked in the lighting industry for five years, but I also follow the short-term rental market closely. If there is one thing I’ve learned, it is that guests do not just book a bed; they book a vibe.

As a host, you know the drill. You have upgraded the mattress, you bought high-thread-count sheets, and you have left a nice welcome basket. But if your listing photos look dark, dingy, or sterile, people will scroll right past them.

Lighting is the single most underrated tool in a host's arsenal. It determines whether your rental feels like a cold, generic hotel room or a warm, boutique experience. Today, I want to share a specific upgrade that solves multiple hosting headaches at once: the vintage wall sconce.

The "Instagram Moment": Why Lighting Wins Bookings

Before a guest ever steps foot in your property, they judge it based on about five to ten photos. In photography, lighting is everything.

Standard builder-grade ceiling lights cast harsh shadows that make rooms look smaller and cheaper. On the other hand, layered lighting—specifically lighting at eye level—creates depth and warmth. It tells the potential guest, "This place is cozy. You will relax here."

By installing stylish fixtures that act as focal points, you give your listing visual "anchors." A beautiful vintage-style sconce isn't just a light source; it's a piece of art that signals to the guest that you have paid attention to the details.

Further reading：Instagram Photography Guide: How to Capture the Perfect Mood Lighting

The Practical Argument: Why Sconces Beat Table Lamps

Let’s talk about the operational side of hosting. We love aesthetics, but durability and ease of cleaning are king. This is where wall sconces, like the Vintage Milk Glass Sconce Bedside Hallway Eloise Wall Sconce, completely outperform traditional table lamps.

1. The "Knock-Over" Factor

How many times have you had to replace a table lamp because a guest fumbled for their phone in the dark and knocked it off the nightstand? Or maybe a cord got tangled in a suitcase wheel?

Wall sconces are securely mounted to the wall. They cannot be knocked over. They cannot be stolen easily. They are a "set it and forget it" solution that reduces your replacement costs over time.

2. Freeing Up Real Estate

In many Airbnb bedrooms, space is at a premium. Nightstands are often small. If you place a bulky lamp base on a small table, there is no room for the guest’s phone, water glass, or book.

By moving the lighting to the wall, you keep 100% of the horizontal surface clear. Guests appreciate this functionality, even if they don't consciously realize it.

Further reading：optimizing small bedroom layouts

The Eloise Sconce: A Universal Style Fit

When designing a rental, you want a style that appeals to the widest range of guests without looking generic. You want character, but not clutter.

The Eloise Wall Sconce is a powerhouse in this regard. Here is why it works for the rental market:

• The Milk Glass Advantage: Clear glass shades show dust instantly. If your cleaner misses a spot, the guest sees it. Milk glass hides dust much better than clear glass, giving you a little grace period between deep cleans.
• Soft, Flattering Light: The cream-colored glass creates a diffused, soft light. This is flattering for skin tones (great for mirror selfies!) and creates a relaxing atmosphere that helps guests sleep better.
• Transitional Design: The mix of brass and pleated glass fits into almost any theme: Boho, Farmhouse, Mid-Century Modern, or Classic Traditional. It elevates the room regardless of your other furniture.

Installation Tips for Maximum Impact

If you are ready to upgrade your rental’s lighting, here is my expert advice on how to do it right specifically for paying guests.

Height Matters

In a rental, you have to assume guests of all heights. Mount your bedside sconces so the bottom of the shade is roughly 20 inches above the mattress height. This is the "Goldilocks" zone—high enough to not bump your head, low enough to read by.

Switch Accessibility

This is critical for the 5-star review. Make sure the switch is reachable from the bed. If you are hardwiring the sconces, ensure the wall switch is near the bed, or choose a sconce installation that allows for easy on/off control. Nothing frustrates a tired traveler more than having to get out of warm covers to turn off the lights.

Further reading：electrical planning for bedroom renovations

Bulb Color Temperature

I see this mistake in so many Airbnbs. Do not use "Daylight" (5000K) bulbs in the bedroom. It feels like a hospital.

Stick to 2700K to 3000K. This Warm White spectrum signals to the brain that it is time to wind down. Since the Eloise sconce has a cream shade, a 2700K bulb will make the whole fixture glow like a warm ember—pure coziness.

The ROI of Good Design

You might be thinking, "Is it worth calling an electrician just to change the lights?"

Consider this: You are selling a night's sleep. If your photos show a dreamy, well-lit sanctuary with high-end fixtures like the Eloise Wall Sconce, you can justify a higher nightly rate.

Furthermore, when guests feel comfortable, they leave better reviews. They mention "cozy touches" and "beautiful decor." Those reviews push you up in the search algorithm.

Recommended reading:how lighting affects mood and sleep quality

Conclusion: Light the Way to Superhost Status

Hosting is competitive. To stand out, you need to offer an experience that feels better than the guest's own home.

Don't let poor lighting sabotage your hard work. By switching to durable, beautiful wall sconces, you solve practical space issues, reduce breakage risks, and create the kind of warm, inviting atmosphere that earns you that coveted 5-star rating.

Take a look at your current bedroom setup. If the lighting isn't doing the selling for you, it might be time for an upgrade.