We love our living rooms. Whether it’s curling up on the couch in front of a crackling fire on a snowy night or spending some quality family time on Sunday morning, we know that living rooms are meant to be, well, lived in. That’s why it’s extremely important to stage your living room before selling. You want buyers to effortlessly imagine themselves in that space. Here are our top tips for getting it right:
Have a flow. Make sure there’s room to walk functionally through the living room. A good rule of thumb is that there should be at least 18 inches between furniture pieces and it should feel easy to maneuver around in.
Embrace light. If you’re lucky enough to have plentiful natural light in your living space, draw the curtains and let it in! Otherwise, use dimmers and lamps to give off a cozy vibe.
Use furniture to scale. Using couches too large will overwhelm a small space, while using small pieces will make a large space feel unbalanced. Make sure your furniture fits your space, and, if not, consider asking a staging specialist to swap some of it out.
Make use of mirrors. If you have to swap out some personal photographs or artwork—which is common during the staging process—consider replacing them with mirrors. These create the illusion of space and encourage light to bounce around.
Add warmth with a rug. A throw rug will add an extra element of cozy to a living room. It adds texture and warmth, and, in a neutral room, can be a great opportunity to play with color.
Create the illusion of tall windows. Hang your curtains high on the walls and have them just kiss the floor to make small windows appear more spacious and grander.
Have a focal point. Every living room has a focal point. This could be a window with a picturesque view, a piece of art or a cozy fireplace. Arrange your furniture around this focal point.
Use some greenery. A few plants are a great way to add some life to a living room. A few succulents on a coffee table or an elegant trailing vine on a bookshelf can be just the thing.
Dust—even in sneaky parts. Clearing surfaces and dusting is a no-brainer, especially before a showing. But don’t forget those hidden places, like ceiling corners (where cobwebs gather), light fixtures and fans.
Use closed storage. While it’s good practice to put items you’re not using in storage before selling your home, sometimes you still need to keep some things within reach. When staging your living room, keep your belongings in closed storage, such as cabinets, entertainment units or baskets with lids.
