Living Room Home Staging Must Haves


Everyone knows, or I hope everyone knows, the homes that sell the quickest and for the most money are staged. Home Staging is preparing your home for sale using decor and furnishings to highlight the best aspects of your home for potential buyers. The living room is typically the first room people enter, and sets the stage for the rest of the home. But what if you are living in your home? What if a full stage with furniture just isn’t in the budget? Incorporating some simple decor items will achieve that staged vibe that buyers seek out and make your photos look great with minimal time, money and effort.

Read on for simple items you can DIY to give your home a fresh, trendy look on a budget.

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Accent pillows - Have some fun with throw pillows. Bright and colorful pillows can add a pop of color to your otherwise neutral palette. Patterns look great with solids and vice versa. You can even freshen up your old pillows with new covers. Stack them in twos, punch them down at the top, add a lightweight throw blanket and your couch is ready for photos.

Area rugs - A well-placed area rug can help define a space and make it feel more welcoming. This is especially important with so many open floor plans these days. The key to area rugs is that it fits the space well. Furniture, like couches and chairs, should overlap the rug slightly to truly define the space. Choose a subtle pattern for the most interest and less noticeable dirt tracking from kids and pets.

Wall art - Hang framed art or prints to make a room feel more polished and complete, and usually the bigger the better over couches or on empty walls. Abstract or local influences, (think mountain scenes in Colorado, or beach scenes on the coast) are good choices. Avoid large personal photos, or images that may be considered offensive or controversial to some. While everyone has their own personal style, you are trying to reach the largest buyer pool and don’t want to alienate potential buyers.

Curtains - Stylish curtains can add a touch of elegance to any room. Opt for floor length neutrals or simple geometric patterns, and remember to have the curtains open during photos and showings. Natural light is so important!

Decorative vases - Fill decorative vases with simple flowers or greenery or nothing at all to add some natural beauty to a space. Use small vases to decorate shelves or coffee table. Larger vases look great on dining tables or mantels. Neutrals, bold colors, white and even glass are all great options. Avoid ornate patterns or complicated fillers.

Books - Large, beautiful books can make a coffee table feel more inviting and add a touch of sophistication. Use books to decorate shelving, but don’t overload the shelves unless you are advertising a library. This is a great opportunity to start packing. Group 3-4 books on a shelf with a small vase. Use a single book on a nightstand. Use travel, design or local history books. On a tight budget? Take covers off of old hard cover books you already own or hit up your local thrift store.

Accent chairs - Every stager uses accent chairs. People want cozy nooks, or conversation areas, and accent chairs highlight that better than any other pieces. These are great in living rooms, loft or awkward open areas, and even bedrooms, just don’t cover it with the laundry.

Plants - Plants help give color and give life to your living room. Place a small plant on the coffee table, end table or bookshelf, or a larger plant in an empty corner. If you don't have a green thumb, artificial plants are a wonderful alternative. They photograph well and there’s no chance of them dying if you forget to water them.

Home staging can make such a big impact on the sale of your home. It grabs the attention of buyers from the photos alone, and make the best impression during showings. If you have any questions on the benefits of staging or want more information on preparing your home for sale, shoot me an email monica.arnett@highlineRE.com.

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