Room staging makes a major difference for some buyers. And it turns out that the most impactful room in the house is the living room. It’s often the first space potential buyers see, but it’s also the most likely room to be cluttered and chaotic if the sellers are still in residence.
So how do you make a good first impression? Here are 4 room staging tips to create a living room that wows!
Palette
In a perfect world, the decorating color palette should complement the style of the home. But unfortunately, that’s often not the case in an owner-occupied listing. A neutral palette will appeal to more buyers—or at least avoid turning them off. Clean white, grey, and beige pieces also make the space seem larger and more harmonious, since there won’t be multiple colors and patterns competing with each other for attention.
An easy way to change the color palette during room staging is to slipcover the furniture. Bring in a neutral rug and draperies to give a sense of intentional décor.
Simplify
Most people have too much furniture in their living rooms. Because the room is often a multi-use space, it can look easily become overstuffed. Although the “zones” of the room might make sense to the homeowners, potential buyers will only see a crowded, cluttered room.
Pull everything out of the room and then be very judicious about what you let back in. For living room staging, you want to create a central conversation area. Many people shove their furniture against the walls or orient everything to face the television, but that doesn’t make the room seem very inviting. Banish the extra furniture along with any personal clutter such as toys, magazines, and so on.
Anchor
The newly simplified room now needs a focal point. Make sure that when a person walks into the room, their eyes are immediately drawn to the biggest selling point. If there’s a fireplace, then showcase it! Make sure the mantel is cleared off, then add a striking piece of artwork on the wall. If the home has a great view, orient the furniture toward a large window and frame it with attractive drapery.
Pop
In addition to the central anchor, it’s a good idea to add a few accent pieces when staging a room. These will entice the senses and keep the mostly neutral palette from appearing boring. The finishing touches might include an elegant lamp, a few throw pillows, or a stack of books on the coffee table.
Think beyond color—texture, light, and even scent can play a role. Fresh flowers are a better choice than candles, which can become overwhelming. A soft throw blanket on an accent chair or a tray set out with coffee cups will help potential buyers see the home as a space that’s just waiting for them to enjoy!
