When it comes to selling a home, the first impression is everything. Buyers often decide whether they’re interested in a property within minutes of stepping through the door. That’s where home staging comes in—it’s a powerful tool to help sellers highlight a home’s potential, appeal to a wide audience, and ultimately, increase the chance of a quicker sale at a higher price. While many homeowners know the basics of staging (like decluttering or adding fresh flowers), there are some staging hacks that are often overlooked but can make a huge difference. These tips might just elevate your listing and impress buyers.
Embrace the Power of Lighting
One of the most overlooked elements in home staging is lighting. While it’s easy to assume that a few table lamps will do the job, lighting can make or break the mood of a space. When staging a home, lighting should be strategic, layered, and thoughtful.
Start by making sure every room is well-lit. Natural light is always a top priority, so draw back curtains and open blinds to let in as much light as possible. If your home lacks natural light, then consider adding extra lamps. A combination of overhead, task, and ambient lighting creates a more welcoming atmosphere and highlights the best features of each room.
Also, think about the color temperature of the lightbulbs you’re using. Warm white bulbs often make a home feel cozy and inviting, whereas cool white bulbs can feel harsh and sterile. Another useful trick is to place lamps in corners or near mirrors to bounce light around the room. This simple staging hack can make rooms appear brighter, larger, and more spacious.
Use Mirrors to Create Depth
Mirrors are a secret weapon in home staging, and they’re a game-changer when it comes to making a room feel more expansive. A well-placed mirror can add depth, reflect light, and make a small room seem larger than it actually is. In fact, strategic mirror placement is one of the most effective tricks used by professional stagers.
For example, in a small living room or bedroom, hang a large mirror on one wall to open up the space. Be sure to position it so it reflects something visually appealing, like a window or a beautiful piece of artwork. A mirror placed across from a window can also help amplify natural light, making the room feel brighter. When selecting mirrors, opt for ones with sleek, modern frames to maintain an updated, fresh look—nothing too ornate, as this can distract from the rest of the room’s design.
Create a Focal Point in Every Room
Every room in a home should have a focal point, a place where the eye naturally gravitates when you enter the space. If the room is lacking a standout feature, you can create one through staging. In the living room, for example, the focal point might be the fireplace or a large piece of artwork. In a bedroom, it’s often the bed, but you can enhance this by adding a statement headboard or layering decorative pillows and throws.
It’s important to highlight the focal point of a room and arrange furniture around it. For instance, in a living room, make sure the sofas and chairs are positioned to encourage conversation while facing the fireplace or a piece of art. If there isn’t a natural focal point, you can create one by strategically placing a large vase of flowers, a bold light fixture, or a statement piece of furniture, like an accent chair or coffee table. This helps buyers immediately understand the function and flow of the room, which can be a powerful tool for decision-making.
Use Rugs to Define Spaces
In an open-concept home, one of the challenges can be defining different areas within the larger space. This is where rugs come into play. A well-placed rug can demarcate a living area from a dining area, or separate a cozy reading nook from the rest of the room. Not only do rugs help create boundaries, but they also add warmth and texture to a room.
When selecting rugs, aim for sizes that work proportionally with the furniture. Too small of a rug can make the furniture feel disjointed, while an oversized rug can overwhelm the space. In living rooms, a rug that fits underneath the front legs of the couch and chairs tends to work best, helping to visually tie the space together. Additionally, rugs can introduce a pop of color or pattern, which can complement your existing decor and add a fresh touch to the room. Just be sure to choose rugs that are neutral enough to appeal to a wide range of buyers.
Don’t Forget the Entryway
The first thing buyers see when they enter your home is the entryway, and this first impression sets the tone for the rest of the tour. Staging the entryway is often a missed opportunity, but it’s one of the easiest ways to make a home feel more inviting and memorable. Start by ensuring the entry is clean, tidy, and free of clutter.
If the space is small, consider using a slim console table or a wall-mounted shelf to add a stylish yet functional touch. A simple vase with fresh flowers, a decorative bowl, or a mirror can also elevate the entryway without taking up too much space. Adding a statement rug can help create warmth and establish the tone of the home. When it comes to paint, opt for a welcoming color like soft neutrals or pastels—nothing too bold or dark that might deter potential buyers.
Highlight Outdoor Spaces
Home staging isn’t just about the interior—it’s also about showcasing the potential of your outdoor spaces. Whether it’s a cozy balcony, a spacious backyard, or a front porch, outdoor areas often get overlooked during staging, but they can be a major selling point. Especially with more buyers looking for homes that offer outdoor living spaces, making these areas inviting is crucial.
Begin by tidying up any overgrown landscaping or weeds, and consider adding potted plants or fresh flowers to bring color and vibrancy. For a backyard, consider staging a dining table with chairs or setting up a seating area with a few throw pillows. Outdoor rugs can also help define the space and make it feel more like an extension of the home. Don’t forget to ensure the outdoor space is well-lit as well, adding string lights or lanterns to create a warm, welcoming ambiance in the evenings.
Use Color to Your Advantage
When staging, color is one of the most powerful tools you have at your disposal. While neutral tones like beige, white, and gray tend to dominate staging trends, using color strategically can help make your listing stand out. Rather than a single, monotone color palette, consider incorporating accents of color through accessories like throw pillows, artwork, and decorative items.
For example, soft blues and greens are calming and can make a space feel tranquil, while warm tones like mustard yellow or burnt orange can add vibrancy and energy to a room. However, be careful not to go overboard. Bold colors should be used sparingly, ensuring they complement the overall design without overwhelming the space. The goal is to appeal to as many potential buyers as possible, so stick with a cohesive color palette that feels fresh yet neutral.
Don’t Neglect the Power of Scent
A fresh, pleasant scent can make all the difference when it comes to a successful home showing. Scents have a powerful effect on our emotions, so creating an inviting olfactory experience can help buyers feel comfortable and at ease as they tour your home. The key is to use scents that are subtle, not overpowering.
Start by ensuring your home is clean and free from any unpleasant odors. Consider using a lightly scented candle or diffuser with fragrances like lavender, vanilla, or citrus. Freshly baked cookies or a simmering pot of potpourri can also create a warm, homely atmosphere. Avoid using strong, artificial fragrances, as these can be off-putting and distract from the home itself. The goal is to create an ambiance that feels welcoming and neutral, allowing buyers to envision themselves living in the space.
Incorporate Functional Furniture Pieces
When staging a home, it’s important to think about the way each space will be used. Buyers want to be able to envision themselves living in the home, and one way to help them do that is by incorporating functional furniture pieces. This could mean adding a desk to a small bedroom to showcase its potential as an office or placing a bar cart in the dining room to highlight the entertaining possibilities of the space.
When choosing furniture for staging, always opt for pieces that are not only stylish but also functional and easy to move around. It’s important to keep the space open and uncluttered, so the furniture should complement the room’s layout while still leaving room for buyers to move freely and see the full potential of the space.
Elevate Your Home
Home staging doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By using a few creative hacks, you can elevate your home’s appeal, make it feel more inviting, and help buyers see its full potential. From lighting and mirrors to outdoor spaces and scents, there are countless ways to make your home stand out in a competitive market. The key is to pay attention to detail, create an atmosphere that feels warm and welcoming, and highlight the unique features that make your listing special. With these simple yet powerful staging strategies, you’ll be well on your way to selling your home faster and at a higher price.