Staging your home is the art of strategically arranging furniture, decor, and accessories to accentuate your home’s strengths and create an inviting space that will entice buyers at first sight. More than that, staging your home can also help highlight architectural features and increase the perceived value of your property. Check out these 12 helpful tips to make your home a “buyer’s dream”.

Why home staging is important

When selling a home—a major financial transaction—you want to maximize your profits and minimize your time on the market. With a relatively small investment of time and money, staging your home can be one of the most profitable strategies. Buyers aren’t just buying four walls and a roof; they’re looking for a place to live that enhances their lifestyle. Careful home staging taps into this emotional connection, making your home more appealing and ultimately more valuable to potential buyers. 

Benefits of staging your home

Staging your home enhances a property’s visual appeal and helps buyers picture themselves living in the space, making it feel more move-in ready. A well-staged home, with thoughtfully placed furniture and decor, is far more inviting than empty rooms and bare walls.

According to the 2023 Profile of Home Staging by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 58% of buyers’ agents reported that staging had a positive impact on buyers’ perception of a home. Even more impressively, 81% of buyers’ agents agreed that staging makes it easier for buyers to envision the property as their future home—potentially leading to a quicker sale. The report also highlighted the most crucial areas to stage: 39% of buyers prioritized the living room, followed by 36% for the primary bedroom and 30% for the kitchen.

12 home staging hacks

Clean up the front garden (if any)

When staging your home for sale, kerb appeal plays a crucial role in creating a strong first impression. The moment potential buyers arrive, they start forming opinions—so make sure your exterior is working in your favor.

Tidy up by removing weeds, power-washing the paving, sweeping the driveway, and keeping wheelie bins out of sight. For an extra touch, consider staging your home’s entrance with a fresh coat of paint on the front door and a stylish new house number to make it truly stand out. A welcoming exterior sets the stage for what’s inside.

Clean your house

A spotless home reassures potential buyers that the property has been well-maintained. When staging your home, aim for a deep clean—every surface, from floors to ceilings, should shine.

If your kitchen doesn’t have brand-new appliances, make sure the existing ones are sparkling clean. The same goes for the bathrooms—every detail matters, from the sink drain to the corners of the tub. A meticulously cleaned home not only looks more inviting but also gives buyers confidence in its upkeep.

Declutter the clutter

Clutter is the enemy of staging your home. Not only does it distract buyers from the property’s best features, it also makes the space feel smaller than it actually is.

Put away anything you don’t use every day—decorations, papers, seasonal clothing, and unfinished craft projects. Donate or throw away anything you no longer need, from items in your cupboards to outgrown children’s toys.

Buyers want a blank canvas to envision their own furniture, not a space filled with someone else’s stuff. The more floor and shelf space you free up, the more airy and inviting your home will be.

Depersonalize

When staging your home, the goal is to help buyers picture themselves living there—so personal items need to go. Remove family photos, keepsakes, and anything that reflects your personal life.

Keep clothing out of sight and clear bathroom counters, leaving only a simple hand soap for a clean, spa-like feel. Tuck away toys, toiletries, and any highly personal belongings. The less of “you” in the space, the easier it is for buyers to imagine their future home.

Make sure each room (or area) has a clear purpose.

When staging your home, clarity is key—buyers should immediately understand the purpose of each room. While multitasking spaces work for daily life, they can be confusing during a viewing.

If your home is listed as having three bedrooms, ensure buyers see three functional bedrooms, not a home office or storage space in disguise. Likewise, if you have an open-plan layout, define each area with furniture placement—create clear zones for dining, lounging, or working. The more intentional your staging, the easier it is for buyers to see the full potential of your home.

Focus on fresh

When it comes to home staging, small touches can make a big impact, especially when it comes to freshness and atmosphere. A few potted plants can instantly brighten up a space, but be mindful of their placement to avoid overpowering any area (unless you’re going for a jungle feel). And of course, remove any wilting plants – nothing says “neglected home” like dying greenery.

Equally important is eliminating odors. Pets, kids, last night’s dinner or a damp bathroom can all leave behind unwanted smells. Some of the easiest, most natural remedies include baking apples or cinnamon-coated cookies, lighting a vanilla scented candle or refreshing your kitchen sink by rubbing it with half a lemon before crushing it in the garbage disposal.

Choose essential oil diffusers, fresh herbs, beeswax candles or air purifiers to freshen up a room. And if you are a smoker, now is the time to get out and give your home a good cleaning to get rid of any lingering smoke odors.

Wallpaper and Paint

It’s best to play it safe with wall colors. That quirky wallpaper you love? Chances are, buyers won’t feel the same way. The best approach is to remove it completely and repaint with a neutral shade—painting over wallpaper can look sloppy and signal future maintenance headaches.

The same goes for bold paint choices. You might adore your bright orange bathroom, but buyers’ tastes vary, and strong colors can be a turnoff. While stark white walls may seem like a good “blank slate,” warm neutrals like soft beige, greige, or light taupe create a more inviting, move-in-ready feel. A fresh coat of buyer-friendly paint can make all the difference in helping your home feel polished and universally appealing. 

Flooring

Flooring is one of the top priorities when buyers evaluate your home. No buyer wants to walk into a home with dirty, stained carpet, especially if someone else has left a mess behind. And let’s be honest, linoleum can make a space look dated and cheap.

While hardwood floors are a bigger investment, they add instant elegance, increase home value, and require minimal maintenance. They’re also a top choice for allergy-conscious buyers and can easily accommodate carpeting if future owners prefer a softer feel.

If you’re upgrading, prioritize high-traffic areas like the living room, dining room, and kitchen. Bathrooms are also worth updating, as the smaller floor space helps keep costs down. In kitchens and bathrooms, ceramic or stone tiles are ideal, but if that’s out of your budget, opt for high-quality vinyl that mimics these premium materials. The right flooring can completely change the way buyers perceive your home. 

Lighting

A bright, well-lit space feels more inviting and spacious, so make the most of the natural light in your home by opening all the blinds and curtains during viewings. For darker areas, add light fixtures and turn on all the lights, even in closets—not only will this add ambiance, it will also save buyers from having to fumble for the switch.

If your light fixtures are outdated or broken, replacing them is an easy and cost-effective way to do it. Also, be sure to dust and clean them—nothing can ruin a polished look like dirty lighting.

Want to take the brightness to the next level? Strategically placing a mirror across from a window will help reflect light and make the room feel larger and more open. If you’re short on mirrors, head to a thrift store for some affordable options.

Furniture

When staging your home, furniture size and placement can make or break a room’s appeal. Oversized pieces shrink a space, while too little or too small furniture can make it feel cold and uninviting.

Strike the right balance by using appropriately sized furniture that enhances the room’s proportions. If your current pieces don’t work, consider renting stylish furniture to elevate the space without breaking the bank. Whatever you choose, make sure it looks neat, well-maintained, and inviting—throw pillows are a great way to add contrast and a pop of color.

Furniture arrangement matters, too! A well-staged home should feel spacious and easy to navigate. In the living room, for example, set up seating to create a cozy conversation area that feels both welcoming and functional. Thoughtful furniture placement helps buyers visualize themselves living in the space—exactly what you want. 

Walls and Ceilings

Don’t let cracks in the walls or ceilings put buyers off. These can be signs of underlying foundation problems, even if the structure is solid.

If your home has foundation issues, it’s best to fix them before listing or be upfront with buyers about the issue. However, if an inspector confirms the foundation is solid and the cracks are cosmetic, fix them right away to avoid unnecessary concerns. A little patching and a fresh coat of paint can help buyers focus on your home’s best features.

Add some special finishing touches

You’ve decluttered, depersonalized, deep-cleaned, and polished every corner—so what’s next? Now it’s time to add that finishing touch!

The secret to staging your home is finding the sweet spot between subtle and memorable. A carefully placed statement piece, unique display, or pop of color can make a space stand out without overwhelming it.

And the best part? You don’t have to spend a fortune. A few easy upgrades can make a big impact—spray-paint kitchen handles with a sleek metallic finish, style a coffee table display, or add a striking piece of art in the hallway to create a lasting impression. Sometimes, the smallest details make the biggest difference. 

FAQs

Is It Better to Sell a House Empty or Staged?

While an empty house gives buyers a blank slate, it can feel cold and uninviting. Staging your home helps buyers visualize the space, making it feel warmer, bigger, and more appealing. Though staging costs money, reports show staged homes sell faster and often for a higher price—making it a smart investment. 

How Expensive Is Home Staging?

Home staging costs vary, but according to the National Association of Realtors’ 2023 report, the median cost is $600 with a staging service or $400 if staged by the seller’s agent. Sellers can spend 1% to 3% of the home’s price on staging, but this investment often leads to a faster sale and higher offers, making it well worth the cost. 

Do I Need to Buy New Furniture to Stage My Home?

No! You can stage your home by simply decluttering, cleaning, and adding affordable accessories. If you want to enhance the look without buying furniture, consider renting pieces for a short period. Many companies offer stylish rental options to make staging easy. If you’re planning to buy new furniture for your next home anyway, you could purchase it early and use it for staging—just keep in mind the moving costs once your home sells. 

Even if you have a big budget, don’t overspend on staging your home. The goal is to highlight its best features without unnecessary expenses—after all, what attracts buyers isn’t always the same as what makes a home practical for them. To get the best return on investment, focus on appealing to the widest audience possible. The more buyers interested in your home, the higher the chances of multiple offers—and a better selling price!