Not-So-Obvious Home Staging Tips

In life, you only get one opportunity to make a great first impression. When it comes to selling your home, that first impression can be the difference between a buyer falling in love with your home, or it unfortunately sitting on the market. Home staging is an important part of the selling process, making sure that your home looks its best when it comes to listing photos, open houses, and viewings. Do you know what it takes to properly stage a home? Make a great first impression with these tips- some you’ve probably considered, and a few might surprise you!

The Kitchen

Obvious:  Don’t take the basics for granted- start your staging by deep cleaning everywhere, especially in the kitchen. The stove, sinks and counter-tops should be spotless and kept clear of clutter. Also clean inside cabinets and drawers. Now is a great opportunity to empty out that “junk drawer” we all have.

Not-so-obvious: Take things to the next level by making your kitchen look organized and tidy. The contents of your cabinets and refrigerator should be facing forward and not over-stuffed. Pots, pans, and dishes should be stored in an attractive manner inside cabinets. Buyers will be subconsciously judging each space in your home, so make sure each looks its best.

The Bathrooms

Obvious: A staged bathroom should feel clean, calm, and clutter‑free — the same baseline you’d expect in any room. Stock the space with the essentials, add neatly folded fresh towels to the rack, and clear counters and drawers of anything extra. Aim for that boutique‑hotel vibe: everything a buyer might need, none of the personal items that break the illusion.

Not-so-obvious: Look closer at the details buyers notice instantly. Do your towels actually match, or are they a mix of colors and ages. Is your shower curtain fresh, modern, and in good condition — or overdue for a replacement. Keep toilet lids closed (always). And when deciding what stays out and what gets tucked away, use a simple rule of thumb: leave only what enhances the feeling of a well‑kept, spa‑like space.

Your Bedroom

Obvious: The bed is the centerpiece of your bedroom, so start by making it presentable. Keep the bed made, with fresh clean sheets and blankets that smell good. Again, minimize personal items on display in the room.

Not-so-obvious: Don’t just make your bed- accessorize it. Add a bed skirt, an attractive headboard, pillows that match, or maybe a throw blanket for the foot of the bed. Don’t forget to organize your closet- buyers will likely take a peak inside to see how much closet space there is. While you’re at it, it’s best to make sure your clothes are all put away in dressers. Even clean clothes neatly folded in a hamper can seem untidy to some people.

The Kids’ Bedrooms

Obvious: Do your best to keep the room tidy and clean, especially if you have younger children. Toy chests and cabinets are a great way to keep things organized.

Not-so-obvious: Instead of hiding everything, you can arrange stuffed animals, games and other toys like an attractive display in a toy store. It’s okay to have a toy, like a racetrack, out of the box. Just make sure it’s completely put together in a presentable fashion, and not a cluttered mess.

The Living Room

Obvious: This space sees a lot of use, so make sure it retains a functional layout. There should be available seating and usable surfaces like end and coffee tables. Keep furniture to a minimum to avoid feeling overcrowded.

Not-so-obvious: Don’t overdo it with extra throw pillows or blankets. These can make the space feel cluttered. The same applies to objects you place on shelves, tables, or a fireplace mantel. Try to keep the space open and airy. Remove personal items such as family photos, trophies, and other such items - let the buyers imagine their possessions in this space.

Outside

Obvious: If your home has a porch, deck, or patio, these spaces will need to be staged as well. Make sure your outdoor furniture is in good condition by addressing faded or chipped paint, replace tired pillows and cushions, and make sure everything has been cleaned. Fresh landscaping is always a plus. If new plants are not possible, then be sure the lawn is clear and the flower and garden beds are free of weeds and debris

Not-so-obvious: Summertime can mean unwanted company from outdoor pests like hornets and wasps. Keep your outdoor spaces safe and inviting by keeping these unwanted pests away. The same thought goes for mosquitoes.

A few extra considerations

• Avoid packing away items you may need.
• Matching furniture can help make a home feel more cohesive.
• Don’t be afraid of colors. Some spaces, like kids room, can benefit from having bright and fun colors on display.
• Maintain a mood and theme in each room. Much like decorating when you live there, staging is just another way of decorating- but with an emphasis on denationalization.

Staging your home is an opportunity to make it look its absolute best. Don’t overlook the basics while giving it a once over- and be sure to try the ideas we’ve laid out here. Every home and buyer is different, so there’s no one guaranteed approach to making the best staging changes- but these are some great ideas that can help you start from a good spot!